2013 October/November The Hoosier Legionnaire

The Hoosier Legionnaire www.indianalegion.org

For God and Country

October/November 2013

Nat’l Convention, p. 12-13 H Disability Explanation, p. 11 H Social Media & Younger Vets, p. 14 H Post Histories, p. 20

Honoring a Patriot, Servant, Adventurer, Author

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ome lives are worth commemorating because of the inspiration they give to future generations. Ed Whitcomb is one of those.

From his dramatic escape out of the Philippines during World War II to abandoning politics for the thrills of sailing solo around the world, Whitcomb is an explorer with an independence that makes him a truly unconventional and unique Hoosier.

In the twilight of life Ed has settled in the small Ohio River town of Rome, Indiana - population 36 where he enjoys a quiet life with his wife Evelyn and far away from the tall buildings and boardrooms that define many former governors.

“Friends of Ed Whitcomb,” through the Jennings County Community Foundation, is raising funds for a bust, monument and scholarships honoring Ed’s accomplishments as an inContinued on page 22

Service to our Fellow Veteran Crosses Generations

By Bruce Drake Communications Director

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ndianapolis -- One mark of a Legionnaire is their willingness to serve others. It’s part of our American Legion Preamble and during the 2013 Fall Conference it was shown that when the generations of veterans are assembled, multiple instances of selfless-service can be seen and used as examples for our fellow legionnaires and their communities.

Held from the fourth to the sixth of October, the Fall Conference for this year was focused on developing future progress for the Ind. Department of the American Legion and its members.

Starting with training for the Committee and Commission members for this year on the first day of the Conference, the conference at held at the Marriot Centre East Complex, continued throughout the weekend with interesting classes and motivating speakers during the General Session Saturday and closed after an informative Department Executive Committee Meeting which ratified the minutes of all the training and committee meetings that occurred that weekend.

Friday night’s highlight after the opening training sessions was the Commander’s Reception and Cornhole Tournament.

The Commander’s Reception was conducted in the spacious center hall of the hotel while the tournament was hosted by the 8th District in the Liberty Hall.

the National Vice Commander Randy Eicher of Ohio and Ind’s Ladies Auxiliary President Carol LaGard who spoke of service to the Legion within their own program and organization and how they complemented the legionnaire’s efforts within the communities.

U.S. Air Force retired Col. Steve Wayne, an Ind. legionnaire of Fairmount Post #313 and a Vietnam War veteran led the speakers off with an honest and powerful retelling of his participation in helping to save the life of two fellow airmen in the skies over Vietnam Josh Bleill, Indianapolis Colts Spokesman, Iraq War veteran and Indiana legionin 1967. naire from Carmel Post #119 addresses the Fall Conference General Session of While flying to bomb one of the Indiana Department of The American Legion on Saturday, Oct 5th. Bleill was Vietnam’s steel factories, Wayne seriously wounded by an IED in Fallujah in 2006 while serving with the United States Marine Corps. He spoke to the Legionnaires about what serving his and his pilot, Capt. Bob Pardo’s country meant to him and others of his generation and why The American Legion aircraft and their partnered F-4 will be strengthened by our continued outreach to recruit the veterans who have Phantom flown by Capt. Earl served in Iraq and Afghanistan since Sept. 11, 2001.

Aman with his back-seater 1st Lt. Robert Houghton were both hit by anti-aircraft guns. Aman’s The tourney was won by sion was then highlighted with plane took the worst damage; the team of Donnie Walters several guest speakers and two his fuel tank had been hit, and he quickly lost most of his fuel. and Chris Schulte of Evans- special guest speakers.

The General Session was led He did not have enough fuel ville Post #265. “I never played that well before,” said Walters. off with guest speakers from the “It seemed like everything just Sons of the American Legion, Continued on page 6 came together.” Walters and Schulte bested a field of 11 other teams to claim the trophy for Commander’s Column........................... Page 2 their Post.

Saturday morning began National Commander’s Letter................ Page 3 with the General Session in which the business for the day Membership Column............................. Page 5 was the passing of the message Commission Reports............................. Page 7 of service to others. Starting with an opening prayer and Veterans Affairs................................... Page 11 dialogue by Department Chaplain Norris regarding the impact 95th National Convention................... Page 12 that God and Prayer sometimes has upon a service member From the Front Lines........................... Page 15 and their life, the General Ses-

In this issue

Monument to Governor Ed Whitcomb

Officer Reports

Women Veterans – An Underdeveloped Resource

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egionnaires, welcome back to another edition of the Hoosier Legionnaire. This edition of the Hoosier Legionnaire has several good articles about our recent Fall Conference, updates from our staff and district commanders as well as the expanding use of social media amongst veterans.

I want to take this opportunity this month to talk to you about one of the most rapidly growing segments of our veteran population. That would be the female veterans from our most recent period of eligibility which started 23 years ago in the Persian Gulf and runs to the current day with our operations in Afghanistan.

At this moment, women now comprise 14 percent of the

Ed Trice DEPARTMENT COMMANDER

COMMANDER’S MESSAGE US Active–Duty armed forces and that number is even higher in the National Guard and Reserves which currently sits at 18 percent. This is in sharp contrast from just 60 years ago when women only comprised 2 percent of our total armed forces.

The women veterans of this current generation have met with an increased opportunity

for direct fire combat against our armed enemies as the nature of the wars in the Middle East have had them engaging in patrols throughout the country as well as running resupply and convoy operations in support of our troops as well. These female veterans are also being injured in similar rates as their male counterparts while deployed.

According to the Veteran’s Administration, women make up nearly 11.6 percent of our most recent veterans who have served overseas.

This number is very telling of what the future of our American Legion may entail. Currently, there are five Female Department Commanders among the 55 Departments of The American Legion. That is nearly 10%

of the American Legion’s senior leadership within the country.

Currently within our state, Noreen Komasinski is serving the Department and its Legionnaires as our 1st District Commander. Our state has been blessed with many other female Legionnaires who have served or are currently serving with distinction within their posts and communities.

According to a 2010 study by the Department of Veterans Affairs, the male population of veterans across the country is forecasted to decline from 20.2 million in 2010 to 16.7 million by 2020. This will be nearly a 25% reduction of total male veterans within the United States as our older Korean War and Vietnam Veterans age. In contrast, the fe-

male veteran population in the same time frame is expected to gain an additional 10% increase in numbers from 1.8 Million to over 2 Million.

One of the major difficulties we have in engaging with women veterans is that many choose not to self-identify themselves as veterans once their service is done according to The Department of Veterans Affairs Women Veterans Task Force’s May 2012 report on “Strategies for Serving Our Female Veterans.”

We need to ensure as Legionnaires that we let these veterans know that their time in service was worthwhile and honorable and that they should be proud to let people know what they Continued on page 23

Posts Encouraged To Honor Founding Principles The Department of Indiana has started taking a hard look at American Legion Posts around the state operating as such in name only. The nearly 400 community based posts in this state are not only the gateway to membership in the organization, but also are often the first – or only -- exposure our fellow citizens have to who we are and what we represent.

It is no longer sufficient – in fact it has never been sufficient – to hang an American Legion Emblem on a signpost and ignore the fundamental principles on which our founders built the organization. The vast majority of our posts that exist to further those principles are being hurt by the handful of

Hugh Dagley Department Adjutant

Adjutant’s Desk posts that don’t.

The resources available to post members and leaders are vast and varied. They include the Post Operations Manual, the Post Officers Guide, guides for specific officers, program brochures, department level development and revitalization programs, and -- the one most often overlooked -- experienced

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Legionnaires who have toiled in programs and leadership for decades. Those resources also include a generation of veterans not now enrolled but looking for opportunities to serve.

The responsibilities of posts are not arbitrary, nor are they obscure. Your Department Constitution outlines them, post constitutions reflect them, and the Preamble of the Constitution binds us all to them. Service to our comrades, communities, state and nation come before all else. *** Intern Sets Sail -- The Department of Indiana sent its intern, French Naval Lieutenant and Academy Cadet Victor Bouemar – off to sea late last

month, after seven weeks in which he was exposed to the activities and interests of an American veterans’ organization. One of only two French cadets authorized to participate in an internship outside France, his task was to observe the relationship between American veterans and their government, the treatment of veterans by their fellow citizens, the role of organizations like ours in national life, and discover opportunities for commemorating the FrancoAmerican alliance during World War I. To gather that information, he attended congressional testimony in Washington, DC., attended Indiana General Assembly committee hearings, spent a

week at the National Organization and its archives and library, toured the World War I Museum in Kansas City, called on the French Naval Attaché in Washington, spent a weekend with the Marine Corps Reserve in Indianapolis, visited American Legion posts in Correctional Facilities, and shadowed members of the Department Staff as they went about their business.

It may be no exaggeration to say that Lt. Bouemar knows as much about The American Legion as any of any of his countrymen. This can only bode well as we approach the 100th anniversary of World War I and the founding of The American Continued on page 23

Officer Reports

Dear Legion Family Members and Friends for a total of $758,692,429 just Even amid the shutdown, in the month of September American Legion service officers continued to work on • The Department of Colo- behalf of veterans. rado volunteers found shelter Thank you for what you do Dan for flooding victims, gathered every day on behalf of veterDellinger and dispersed supplies for ans, servicemen and women, NATIONAL COMMANDER those in need, and provided and the communities in which with grant applica- they live.

COMMANDER’S MESSAGE assistance tions for National Emergency For God and Country, Fund and Temporary Financial • American Legion volun- Assistance. teers contribute around 1 million hours each year, assisting • In communities throughDan Dellinger veterans at VA centers, nursing out the United States, LegionNational Commander homes, Fisher houses, state naires are helping veterans veterans homes and other fa- understand and obtain the cilities that care for those who benefits they are entitled to receive, driving programs such served. as Boys State, leading com• American Legion service memorations for Veterans Day officers assisted veterans in and other patriotic holidays receiving benefits from the VBA and much, much more.

The Hoosier Legionnaire HL★ www.indianalegion.org

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

Periodicals Postage Paid at Indianapolis, IN and at additional mailing offices.

USPS 010-445 ISSN 0018-4772 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to HOOSIER LEGIONNAIRE, 777 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, Indiana 46204.

Ed Trice....................................................... Department Commander Hugh Dagley..........................................................................Publisher Bruce Drake................................................................................ Editor Official publication of and owned and conducted exclusively

by The American Legion, Department of Indiana.

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

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

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

Volume AG, Number 4b October/November 2013 Circulation 100,000 Printed by the Herald-Times, Bloomington, IN

On 30 August, the Indiana Department of the American Legion was recognized by the Indianapolis Indians for our service to the community by providing game tickets to under-privileged youth and community organizations through the Pinch-Hit Program. On behalf of the 89,000 Legionnaires in Indiana, Department Commander Ed Trice accepted the team’s Recognition Plaque and threw out the ceremonial first pitch of the game.

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am sure that you were as disgusted as I was with the inability of our executive and legislative branches to complete the work of the people for over 17 days this last month. The government shutdown took a toll on veterans as regional VA offices were closed and other blockades were keeping our nation’s heroes from benefits they have earned through their service to our country.

While I was repulsed that members of our two main political parties were deadlocked for more than two weeks, I am once again encouraged by the efforts on behalf of our veterans that Legionnaires handle every day, often without recognition.

Americanism update

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rders are still being taken for Americanism/Government and Flag testing products. Testing must be completed by the end of November.

Interested students need to complete the oratorical application located on our website: http://www.indianalegion. org/page/content/programs/oratoricalscholarship-program.

The application needs to be received in the department office by December 13.

HL★

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Legion Family Reports

Greetings from the Detachment of Indiana

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N ot i c e s

ere it is October and the time seems to be flying by. My itinerary has kept me busy attending various events and meetings around the State. Recently I attended the 95th Annual National Convention for The American Legion in Houston TX. It was both intriguing and informative. The 2013 Indiana Department’s Fall Conference in Indianapolis concluded as another successful event. Guest National Sons of The American Legion Vice Commander Randy Eicher of Bloomville, OH spoke at the General Session to the assembled Legion Family members. His main emphasis was maintaining the pursuit of recruiting new members while maintaining the current members as well.

Kirk Rewerts SAL Detachment Commander

SAL News Recently I attended an event where I was passing out S.A.L. membership brochures. An individual confronted me with a question of “Why should I become a member of that organization since I don’t drink?” Suddenly, I realized the dilemma of the haunting stereotype that hovers over the great organization of The American Legion. I advised the individual that we are not simply about drinking

Hoosier American Legion Press Association

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inutes from the last meeting: New President of HALPA for 2013-14 is Mark Gullion, the Secretary/ Treasurer is now Ralph Tolan.

There will not be a Breakfast at the Mid-Winter conference due to the Past District Commander’s Breakfast.

The next meeting for HALPA will be at the Spring Conference in April 2014.

Please bring any paper work then. HL★

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alcohol in a club room; not by a long shot.

Looking at this prospective member, I noticed he was wearing a Harley Davidson T-Shirt.

So I asked him if he had a motorcycle and he liked to ride it. He said that he did own a bike which allowed me to talk to him about the American Legion Riders and their charitable deeds and works. This got the individual interested in joining. I then asked him if he was a veteran or had a relative who was a veteran. He replied that his grandfather had served. I advised him that was what we were all about; a veteran service organization which among its many ideals helps to foster patriotism within the communities they are a part of. At this point the man asked me for a

membership application.

Sometimes that is what it takes. “Selling” the concept of belonging to The American Legion. In this case it was to provide factual information of what The Legion does to help their communities which helped dispel the myth of the Legion being only a bar and “Sell” this man on becoming a member. Not a hard “sale” because I provided him with legitimate facts about the Legion which answered many of his questions about our Legion Family.

Currently the Indiana Department of the American Legion is running commercials on Radio and Television to help bring this message to the people of Indiana as well. One of the Commercials has a Sons of

The American Legion member talking about why he wanted to join. I hope that everyone gets a chance to see these commercials throughout the year.

And this article will go to print after the S.A.L’s Detachment Commander’s Golf Scramble in Crawfordsville, In has occurred so I look forward to announcing the results of this event which is focused to assist the Ernie Pyle museum in the next edition of the Hoosier Legionnaire.

Until then, I hope everyone enjoys the fall weather and the upcoming holiday seasons as well.

If anyone has anything to bring to my attention regarding S.A.L. activities, I can be reached at 765-918-1675 or email at kirk.rewert@yahoo.com. HL★

Caring for our Veterans The year 2013 is almost over and our angels are busy caring for our veterans. Sit back and think of all the things you have done without being asked for our veterans. Then add the things that the Auxiliary has done and what a list you have completed.

Soon it will be Veterans Day. Every Veterans Day our nation salutes the million of Americans who have served in the military. Veterans represent different eras, different wars, and different experiences, but they are all bound by the common threads of dedication, sacrifice and honor.

Each time an older veteran passes away, we lose an important connection to our past and

Please remember the holidays are fast approaching.

Some of the veterans have no family to spend time with during the holidays. Invite one to Carol spend time with your family LaGard or have a party at your Post for Auxiliary President them. There is always something that you can do from the Auxiliary News heart.

Wishing everyone a very to the struggles that have made special holiday season. God Bless America. HL★ our modern lives possible.

Since I have taken office as President, I have visited different Posts, Auxiliaries and attended different functions. I have met very interesting people who have told me very heart warming stories of their service experiences and challenges. If only I could write a book.

MEMBERSHIP

District Revitalization

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ur 11th District Revitalization project conducted a few weeks ago had a really surprising outcome. We transferred over 90 members into local posts and had 12 reinstates (or new) members. This was accomplished with really limited volunteer help. More importantly, we had hundreds of other folks we left messages with who will undoubtedly will reinstate their memberships or transfer in the weeks that follow. Another bonus is the list of members / former members that 11th District has to work with (nearly 4,000 total) in the coming weeks.

We also learned a few tweaks we can use for future District Revitalizations. One of which is that we really need two or three volunteers from each post in

Mike Brady

Department Membership Chairman

Chairman’s Notes the District to work the three days this system uses to get maximum benefit. When your district is scheduled, volunteer to help – we have fun – we help veterans – and we help our local posts obtain new members.

Something I’ve have been noticing during my visits to Posts is most of our Bartenders (in Posts that have club rooms) are doing a great job requesting proof of membership before

serving a stranger. However, they often ask “are you a member?” or “can I see your membership card?” I would like to suggest that it might be better if they were trained to ask “are you a veteran or a member of the American Legion?” It might open a door for more information and may provide a recruiting opportunity. Another good idea is when a new or stranger comes into the post, someone other than the Bartender should greet them and introduce themselves before anyone else. An officer or former officer of the Post is usually present most of the time and might make a better 1st impression on a prospective member.

As of this writing, we are still members behind this time

last year. Please look at your membership rosters and start making PERSONAL contact with any that have not yet renewed their membership. Now is the time – not in February or March. One idea I saw in a post was they had posted a list of 2014 unpaid members’ names with a title of “Christmas Wish List” suggesting that a friend or family member might pick up their membership card as a Christmas gift. I thought it was a neat idea.

The Colt’s game Tailgate Booth is really having tremendous success and we are getting leads from all over the state. Granted there is a higher concentration in central Indiana but our counterparts at the Department of Illinois and Department of Kentucky have

Common Membership Questions 1. I would like to transfer to a different Post. How do I do that?

Transferring to a different Post is very easy. You simply go into the Post that you would like to transfer to, and they start the process there.

The Post may ask to see your membership card and/or discharge papers, so be prepared to show both when transferring. If you are a member of the Headquarters Post and have mailed in a “Request to Transfer”, I recommend going to the Post instead of sending that request in. Those take longer to get to the Post, if they make it there at all. The best,

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

Aubrey Yes. If a member has missed Hancock a year or years, they are able DEPARTMENt to pay for the years missed. In membership manager order to process prior years, simply submit the missed Ask Aubrey years on a separate transmitPlease send your questions to Aubrey tal and check (ie. don’t write a check for the current year c/o Department Headquarters, to ahancock@legion.org, or phone them and include the amount for the prior years on it.) You may in to (317) 630-1300. include more than one year on the transmittal, but you and quickest, course of action CAN NOT put priors on the is to go into the Post and let same transmittal with current them know that you want to year payments. The per capita transfer in. owed is the current year’s rate

(ie. if a member missed the year 2000, they would still owe $27 since that is the current year’s per capita rate.)

3. I am a Post adjutant and am unsure about how I process a credit card renewal. We do not have credit card capabilities here.

Credit card renewal is very similar to online renewal. You simply send in the renewal notice, which contains the member’s credit card information, along with their twopart card and a transmittal.

Department will credit the

expressed gratitude for our advertising efforts.

The Membership committee meeting at Mid Winter Conference is open to ANY member of the American Legion Family to attend. This one will be VERY different as we will have a couple of celebrity guests. You really don’t want to miss this.

HL★

Membership Year: 2014 100% Posts Post Name 375

Lake Village

414

Burlington

309

South Bend

608

Pendleton

123

Corydon

463

Tennyson

264

Sahara Grotto

510

The Historic Fort Benjamin Harrison

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LEGION NEWS

Columbus Post #24 Elects New Leadership!

Columbus IN – Indiana Department of The American Legion Commander Ed Trice of Fairmont IN (far right) swears in the Columbus Indiana American Legion Post #24’s new senior officers in a short ceremony after the Post members conducted an election Oct 10th at their Post building. The Legionnaires elected Columbus residents, Marshall Jost (left) as their First Vice Commander and Rob Steinbach (center) as their Post Commander. Both men will hold their offices until next summer’s annual convention meetings in Indianapolis.

Generations Continued from page 1 to make it to a tanker aircraft over Laos.

To avoid having Aman and Houghton bail out over hostile territory, Pardo decided to try pushing the airplane. Pardo first tried pushing the plane using Aman’s drag chute compartment but turbulence prevented this from occurring.

Next, Pardo tried to use Aman’s tailhook to push the plane, the Phantom having been originally designed as a naval aircraft equipped with a heavy duty tailhook for landings aboard aircraft carriers.

Aman lowered his tailhook and Pardo moved behind Aman until the tailhook was against

Pardo’s windscreen. Pardo told Aman to shut down both of his engines, as Aman was nearly out of fuel and the engines interfered with Pardo’s plan. The push worked, reducing the rate of descent considerably, but the tailhook slipped off the windscreen every 15 to 30 seconds, and Pardo would have to reposition his plane. Pardo and Wayne also struggled with a fire in one of their own engines and eventually had to shut it down.

In the remaining 10 minutes of flight time, they used the one last engine to slow the descent of both planes.

With Pardo’s plane running out of fuel after pushing Aman’s plane almost 88 miles through enemy airspace, the planes reached Laos airspace at an altitude of 6000 feet. The two pilots and their backseat-

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ers ejected into neutral territory, evading capture by enemy iregulars, and were picked up by rescue helicopters in a short period of time.

At the risk of crashing themselves, Pardo and Wayne’s use of their aircraft to push another aircraft to safety has been recognized with both being recognized with the Silver Star for Gallantry for having saved their fellow airmen’s life.

Later on after the war, when Pardo learned that Aman was suffering from a debilitating neuro-muscular disease, he and Wayne worked diligently to raise funds to assist Aman through the remaining years of his life with the purchase of specialized medical equipment and a handicap-equipped van.

In peace or war, said Wayne to the assembled legionnaires, “if one of us gets in trouble, everyone else gets together to help.”

Scheduling a break between guest speakers, Dept.

Cmdr. Trice then introduced the Chairman of the American Legion Baseball program, Owen Wells, who then took over the podium for the announcements of the winner of the annual Arlie Skelton award, which recognizes the legionnaire who best represented the commitment and contributions to the Department’s program. The legionnaire recognized this year for his efforts was Randy Dooley of Boonville Legion Post #200. “I am honored to be recognized for my time with these boys,” Dooley said afterward.

“But being with those boys is the best reward.”

Also recognized during this portion of the General Session was the State Championship Team from Princeton Legion Post #25 whose coaches came forward to be recognized along with the two individual Ameri-

can Legion Baseball Players Caleb Stayton of Bristol Post #143 and Pete Lannoo of Terre Haute Post #346 who were awarded the A.D. Phillips Sportsmanship and the Baseball Scholarships respectively.

Cmdr Trice then returned to the podium to introduce the General Session’s second guest speaker of the day. “The young man I am introducing today is representative of what many are currently calling our next “Greatest Generation,” said Trice. “I’m also honored to know him as a fellow legionnaire.”

Josh Bleill, now employed by the Indianapolis Colts football team, was a young Marine Corporal in 2006 when he deployed to Iraq with his Marine Corps Reserve unit out of Lafayette, Ind. Stationed outside the city of Fallujah, Bleill was moving through the city in an armored HMMWV (Humvee) with three other Marines when an improvised explosive device destroyed the vehicle he was in.

Waking five days later, Bleill learned that the explosion had killed two of his friends and greviously wounded another.

The harsher truth came when he learned that the explosion caused him to lose both his legs.

Recovering from these wounds took many months at Walter Reed Military Hospital in Washington D.C. as well as back home in Ind. Many days and months of rehabilitation were required to be where he now stands and during this time Bleill wrote a book about his life and his new job with the Colts.

“Go Get `Em Marine!” Cmdr Trice said as Bleill walked in a firm manner up to the stage on his titanium legs to address the assembled legionnaires who raised themselves from their seats in welcome to this fellow

legionnaire.

“Thank you, thank you so much to give me the honor of being here.” Said Bleill. “Its truly an honor to follow in the footsteps of you older legionnaires, who did so much to support us younger veterans as well as make that critical step of welcoming us into the Legion Family.”

“I know that my progress since that day in Iraq would not be as far along as it as now without the work of the American Legion in the time past, with your advancement of the GI Bill as well as your focused support of ensuring that Veterans receive the health care and benefits that they have earned through our service to our nation,” Bleill continued.

“But as a legionnaire, I know that we need to open our Posts to welcoming our returning younger veterans.” Bleill said.

“We want to step in and help our communities as much as the next veteran,” added Bleill.

“And we know we can learn from you all as well as nothing is ever completely new. So when you see a young veteran coming home from the wars, welcome him or her into the Post and let them know that it can be their Post as well.”

Closing his speech with two standing ovations from the legionnaires, Bleill walked back to his seat as the applause went on for several minutes afterward.

Closing out the General Session with progress reports from the Membership Chairman Mike Brady and the closure notes from the Department Adjutant, the General Session was gaveled to a close with an invitation to attend the evening’s Commander’s Party to enjoy some dancing and a Halloween costume contest to close out the Conference for the legionnaires. HL★

COMMISSION REPORTS

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he Americanism Commission met at 4:45 p.m. Saturday, October 5th, 2013 in Salon A of the Indianapolis Marriott East Hotel during the 2013 Fall Conference.

Chairman Rodney Strong opened the meeting in proper form.

Roll call disclosed the following members as present: Chairman Rodney Strong, Vice Chairman Peter Van Woerden, Vice Chairman Larry Macy, Baseball Chairman Owen Wells, Golf Chairman Mike Comerford, NSFA Committee Chairman Gary Steinhardt, SAL Larry Horvath, POW/MIA Chairman Larry Macy.

The following members were absent: Natl. Liaison Rep. John Hayes, and Bowling Chairman Edward Gray.

Minutes read from the Spring Conference by Chairman Rodney Strong.

Motion approved as read.

Minutes were read from this Fall Conference for each committee meeting. Changes were noted.

HBaseball Executive CommitteeH Room 300, 10:00 a.m.

There was a motion to have Doug Mathena to be suspended for one year, the 2014 season. This motion was passed unanimously.

The State tournament is to be eight teams, including seven regional teams, and the host team.

Regional will have five or six teams each.

Arley Shelton Award to be voted on in January.

There was a motion to ask for funds for background checks. There are 46 teams and 4 coaches per team. That motion was passed.

There was one motion made dealing with Department funds.

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

HBaseball CommitteeH

Rodney Strong Chairman

americanism team State Finals with 7 Regional Tournaments. The host team will play in game 4. The regional teams will not receive any money. We will now allow teams to play non-American Legion teams.

Rules committee will meet in November in Indianapolis. Don Andrews asked about using wooden bats. He was told he could do so.

John Hayes introduced coaches of three new teams – Cicero, Greene County, and Valparaiso B-Team.

Randy Dooley proposed a motion to go to an eight team State Tournament and seven regionals. This motion was seconded by Charles Gross. The motion was passed unanimously.

John Hayes complimented St. Leon on hosting the State Finals. He also reported on National, Regional, and World Series.

Chairman Owen Wells discussed problems from last year.

Joe Bumbleburg proposed a motion to request $1,300 from Department funds to pay for background checks. This motion was seconded by Bill Kocher. The motion was passed unanimously.

There was a discussion on getting umpires from out of town to work Regionals and State Finals.

There was one motion made dealing with Department funds.

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

HBowling CommitteeH

Salon C, 12:00 p.m.

Salon E, 11:00 a.m.

The bid for the 2015 Bowling TourChairman Wells read the minutes nament will be in Bloomington, Indifrom the Executive Committee meet- ana at Post 18. The tournament will ing.

Committee voted to haven an eight Continued on page 9

he Children & Youth Commission met at 4:45 p.m. Saturday, October 5, 2013 in Salon C at the Marriott East Hotel during the Fall Conference.

Chairman Larry Lowry opened the meeting in proper form. Roll call disclosed the following members present: Vice Chairman John French, Vice Chairman Al Pulido, National Liaison Representative James Delaney and Committee Chairmen: Americanism and Government Rees Morgan, American Legion Family Scholarship John Lloyd, American Legion Children’s Education and Welfare Dave Ritenour, Boy Scouts Stan Gatewood, Boys State Enrollment Jack Cook, Children and Youth David Sharber, Flag Education/Etiquette John Branson, Girl Scouts Gail Galich, Junior Shooting Sports Ida Jewell, and Oratorical Dan Buksa.

American Legion Children’s Education and Welfare Chairman Dave Ritenour was absent.

HAmerican Legion Children’s Education & Welfare CommitteeH Minutes were read and approved.

Tony Riley gave a finance report showing a beginning general fund of $116556.75, scholarship fund of $147347.02 and foundation balance of $84112.00. There was a motion to accept the finance report. 2nd Vice and 2nd District Chairman Bruce Steffen introduced Ryan Wynkoop speaking on behalf of Operation Millitary Kids. A motion was made and seconded to donate $7000.00 to Operation Military Kids. Jerry Jordon reiterated the process for applying for The American Legion Children’s Education and Welfare emergency funds.

HAmerican Legion Family Scholarship CommitteeH The minutes were read and accepted. Chairman Lloyd announced $104,203.00 is the current fund. The committee requests the department office provide a report on the amount of scholarship dollars previously awarded.

John Lloyd, Coleman Sumrall, John Beebe, and Oscar Lopez will judge the 2014 application in April 2014 at the

Larry Lowry Chairman

CHILDREN & YOUTH Spring Conference. The Committee will not need to meet in January at the Midwinter Conference.

HAmericanism & Government CommitteeH Chairman Rees Morgan read and passed a resolution to change the junior program from 5th and 6th graders to 7th and 8th graders with one objection.

Department funding in the amount of $500 for a boy and girl in each grade is still pending approval. The committee discussed filling in the gap between 4th grade flag education and junior testing with nation publications to continue civics interest. Chairmen were encouraged to contact social studies teachers or military veterans on school staff on how to conduct testing. December 7 is deadline to have tests and certifications to district chairmen. The committee will meet at the Midwinter Conference.

HBoy Scout CommitteeH Minutes were read and approved.

As the Eagle Scout program begins, chairmen can give candidates the best chance by emphasizing the need for the religious award. The best way to promote the program is to assist with judging the applications. It is important to get parents involved to present the best binder possible as well as to have them present for interviewing the student. Current application is online with the district chairmen listed on the back.

The committee would like to announce and promote the pin sale fundraising effort at $4.00 each. District Chairman Russ Chorpenning is recovering from a hip injury. A date for judging applications will be decided at the Midwinter Continued on page 9

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COMMISSION REPORTS

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he Rehabilitation Commission met at 4:15 PM Saturday, October 5, 2013, in Salon D of the Marriott Hotel during the Fall Conference.

Chairman Martin Dzieglowicz opened the meeting in proper form.

Roll call disclosed the following members present: Chairman, Martin Dzieglowicz; Vice Chairman, Phillip Hutson, Rick Hutson; Commander’s Rep, Walter Krohn; National Liaison Rep. Ronald Taylor; Employment, James Piepenbrok; General Hospital, Rex Ikemire; Homeless Veterans, Robbie Robinson; Indiana Veterans Home, Dennis Pettit; Nursing Home, Anthony Sadowski; Veterans Assistance, Robert Rettig. There were 0 guests present.

There were no members absent.

HEmployment CommitteeH All districts were present. There were no funds requested or resolutions made. The Employment Award packets were passed out and it was discussed that every member should submit at least one nomination for an award by the end of the year. There were no applications submitted today. The applications should be submitted for the Mid-Winter Training Session, with the judging to take place at that time. The committee discussed that we need to get the LVR’s and DVOP’s more involved in the process and that we need more personal contact information. It was also discussed that we should get Gary Tyler of DOL involved from the top. It was suggested that we conduct more seminars at the post. The committee will meet at the Mid-Winter Training Session.

Marty Dzieglowicz Chairman

REHABILITATION staff. The Louisville VA has added a PTSD clinic. The committee will meet at the Mid-Winter Training Session.

HHomeless Veterans CommitteeH There were 10 districts present and 1 absent. Kenneth Toll presented a check for $750.00 to the committee from the Shelbyville post after their car show.

The committee would like to know the status of the resolution they passed and forwarded to the screening committee during the Spring Conference.

The committee needs a financial report in the folder for the next conference so they can conduct business. It was discussed that the Legion and Auxiliary should work together to help our homeless veterans. The committee will meet at the Mid-Winter Training Session.

HIndiana Veterans Home CommitteeH

There were 10 districts present and 1 absent. Motion was made and passed to purchase physical aids for $7,995.

The 2nd District donated $4,488 to the home. Ron Clover, interim superintendent for the IVH thanked the American Legion for all that they do and discussed how improvements need to be made. Motion was made and approved HGeneral Hospital to purchase physical aids for a total of CommitteeH $7,995. The 2nd district donated $4,488 All districts were present. There were to the home. The committee will meet no funds requested or resolutions made. at the Mid-Winter Training Session.

The director of rehabilitation spoke about the rehab accounts and how HNursing Home CommitteeH to request reimbursement for monThere were 10 districts present and 1 ies spent. The Terre Haute Outpatient Clinic had updated and increased its Continued on page 10 Due to space constraints, these commission and committee reports have been condensed.

You can find the full text of all conference reports at HL★ www.indianalegion.org or request print copies from Department headquarters.

8 | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013 | hoosier legionnaire

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he Internal Affairs Commission met Saturday, October 5, 2013 at 4:15 p.m. in Salon E of the Marriott East Hotel during the Fall Conference.

Chairman James May opened the meeting in proper form.

Roll call disclosed the following members present: Chairman James May, Vice Chairman Mary York, Vice Chairman Terry Smith, American Legion Riders Chairman James Hamilton, Community Involvement Chairman Eric Baggett, Firefighter/Law & Order Chairman Wilfred Kocher, Legislative Chairman John “Danny” Rice, New Post Development/Revitalization Chairman Herb Hoffman, Public Relations Chairman Jerry Ward, and Religious Emphasis Chairman Norris Keirn.

Roll call disclosed the following members absent: National Liaison Rep Ralph Tolan, Convention Contests Chairman Donald Hudson, and Membership Chairman Michael Brady.

Chairman May asked for the Committee reports:

HAmerican Legion RidersH The Minutes from the Spring Conference were read and approved.

1st District Chairman Gail Galich reported that she has been a rider for 3 years. Chairman Hamilton and Commander’s Rep Tommy Small will visit her Post and help her out.

2nd and 3rd Districts had no report.

4th District Chairman Tommy Small reported on Homeless Vets and that the Legion has a transition team that works on getting the Homeless Vets set up in their own homes.

5th District had no report.

6th District Chairman Danny Price reported that they had a cook out at the Veterans’ Home, and they are planning a trip to Rolling Thunder next year.

7th District Chairman Ronnie Patton reported that he would bring up a resolution later in the meeting.

8th District Chairman David Noble reported about having trouble with participation in ALR and getting people to show up.

9th and 10th Districts had no report.

Jim May Chairman

INTERNAL AFFAIRS 11th District Chairman Robert Schnell had a great ride and supported all the Posts.

Department Commander Ed Trice reported about the commercials that were made.

Chairman Hamilton of Post 257 had resolutions pending. Department Adjutant Hugh Dagley has them. Chairman Hamilton read remarks from Robert Schnell. The letter is in the desk reference.

Old Business- Motion was made to change Chapter Bylaws. Motion carried by those present. 7th District Chairman, Ronnie Patton, presented a Resolution from one of his chapters.

It was not considered, because it was from an ALR Chapter and not an American Legion Post.

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

HCommunity InvolvementH One correction was made to the previous minutes: All scrapbooks should be turned in by June 1st and not at close of books.

Chairman Baggett requested written reports from all districts.

In disaster assistance fund, chair requested that all districts chairman raise funds throughout their districts.

Goals sought for Indiana Disaster Assistance Fund.

Chairman Baggett outlined the INDAF program for the committee members.

Chairman Baggett asked for District reports: 1st District: Supported ride to reContinued on page 10

COMMISSION REPORTS

americanism Continued from page 7 start March 7, 2015 through March 22, 2015.

This committee will not meet during the Mid-Winter Conference.

There were no motions made dealing with Department funds.

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

HGolf CommitteeH Salon 1, 12:30 a.m.

There was discussion regarding a letter from Department Headquarters asking if individual plaques are to be presented to individual members of the winning teams. A motion was made

by Jim Tracey proposing individual plaques. The motion was seconded and carried.

Regarding the trophies and plaques from the 2013 tournament, the format of the placing list that was sent to the participants did not include some of the categories that had been included in previous years.

Department Commander Ed Trice spoke on the upcoming tourney sponsored by Post 313.

This committee will not meet during the Mid-Winter Conference.

There were no motions made dealing with Department funds.

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

HNSFA CommitteeH Salon C, 3:30 p.m.

All Districts were represented.

Chairman Gary Steinhardt gave a talk about the importance of having good clean water around the world.

Old business: Talked about application for military person of the year. How can we make the application easier to fill out? One way may be by contacting units for names for applications for military person of the year. – Reserve and Guard.

There was discussing regarding the interest of this group touring Mascatat-

uk in the future. There was discussion about getting a speaker on immigration and cyber security.

LT Victor Vouvmar, spoke about his service in France compared to service in the U.S. The NFSA would like to meet for one hour at the Mid-Winter Conference.

There were no requests made dealing with Department funds.

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

HPOW/MIA CommitteeH Salon E, 1:00 p.m.

Chairman Macy handed out a list of recently identified in the last 9 months.

Chairman Macy gave a report on POW/MIA meeting at National Convention. Remains found in Southeast Asia are hard to identify. Areas are hard to get access to.

There was a question regarding whether any remains were found from the last battle of Vietnam. Two have been identified. Chairman Macy explained the process. When an item is found (helmet, etc.), then the area is documented.

Boyle Bergman is listed as POW only.

John Branson questioned POW/MIA flag on flag education books.

There were no resolutions.

There were no motions made dealing with Department funds.

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

HSAL Department Advisory CommitteeH Salon A, 2:00 p.m.

There was a resolution for Richard Pfeiffer as National Executive Committeeman 2014-2015 and 2015-2016.

There was also a resolution for Ron Sexton as Detachment Commander 2014-2015.

There was a motion made by Rodney Strong that the committee approve the $39,000 requested by the SAL to be donated to the Department Commander, Continued on page 23

for the teachers to complete CHILDREN & YOUTH structions the binders. 9th District Chairman PriContinued from page 7 conference. Guest Ryan Wynkoop from Operation Military Kids spoke to the committee about how the Army Reserve provides support for youth camp dues for kids. Nick Anglin, Eagle Scout of the Year 2012, has a punctured aorta.

John Sanchez, Square Knot award winner, has had heart problems but is doing better. Funding for background checks was tabled until the next meeting. 5th District Chairman Dewayne Dunn spoke on membership recruiting through troop sponsorship. 2nd District Chairman Joe Kusiak made a motion for all Eagle Scouts to receive a National Legion Certificate. Americanism Coordinator will ask whether the national office requires Eagle Scout to have religious award to receive certificate.

HBoys State Enrollment CommitteeH Secretary Oeth read minutes from the April 6 meeting. A motion was made

by Bob Bach and seconded by Steve Bowman to accept the minutes.

The 2014 American Legion Hoosier Boys State will be June 15-21. The delegates at large program seems to be working well to avoid unfilled slots.

Director Oeth gave a report on the 2013 program, which included 483 delegates and the introduction of a Boys State choir. District chairmen were asked to report orientation dates at the Midwinter Conference. Home school students are a great source for recruiting delegates.

HChildren & Youth CommitteeH Chairman Sharber read the Hugh O’Brian award resolution from Post 210. It has been returned to the district for clarification and explanation. The committee is awaiting approval for the third category of Educator of the Year to have a $500 award associated with it. Judges at close of books rejected approximately 50% of Educator of Year applications for not following rules.

Chairmen are not providing clear in-

demore discussed how to avoid asking principals to choose an Educator of the Year. 11th District Chairman Komenda offered to bring a speaker in to discuss Riley Hospital fund raising. He spoke about possibility of all districts having some type of competition for Riley fund raising. The committee will meet at the Midwinter conference for a half hour. Post 34 in the 11th district has a candidate for Educator of the Year.

HFlag Education/ Etiquette CommitteeH The committee would like to have an hour to meet at the Midwinter Conference to judge flag education state winners. Post winners are due to district chairmen by December 6. District winners are due to department by January 1.

HGirl Scouts CommitteeH Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. Chairman Galich explained the structure of the Girl Scouts and the requirement of the religious award. She encouraged chairmen to talk to their Auxiliary units to find applicants. Applicants that do not win can apply again.

HJunior Shooting Sports CommitteeH A great training was held for coaches in September. Guests Jerry Wehner and George Lacey talked about grants available to start and expand programs.

Additional information can be found by calling Indiana Youth Shooting Sports Program 812-534-3258 or by email at gwehner@centurylink.net. The state tournament will be in November at High Smith in Greenfield. The 4-H has money available. 2nd District Chairman Yanta received a $5000.00 grant from the NRA and is taking kids to Portage ROTC to get them exposure to the sport. Post 241 and 31 in the 4th District attended the September coaches training. The 5th district is getting new equipment to shoot year round. The 8th district programs have ranges but Continued on page 10

hoosier legionnaire | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013 | 9

COMMISSION REPORTS

CHILDREN & YOUTH Continued from page 9 need equipment. The 11th district post 3 will start practicing again on Monday, October 7.

George Lacey suggested getting individual rear sights for each shooter to keep to install on their weapon. Rifles have been ordered by the Seymour post and a range is set up for four shooters. Instruction is needed to charge CO2. Chairman Jewell is assisting Morristown in starting a program. She urged the

committee to raise money and not depend on state funds. Each club should get their own bank account. Midway USA may have some fundraising opportunities. Chairmen should contact their National Guard Armory to inquire about supplies. Junior shooting position books are available through emblem sales.

Bill Jordan, Indiana Pistol and Rifle, has a pellet trap 8 foot long for $155 or $130 for 10 foot or more. Chairmen were reminded to always have two adults working with shooters. Background checks will be at coaches’ expense and completed by calling the Americanism Coordinator.

The committee will meet at the

Midwinter Conference. They would like to set up an all day demonstration and have their meeting in the same room.

HOratorical CommitteeH The following are district competition dates: District 1 January 26 Munster High School at noon, District 2 date to be determined at Kouts Post 301 2:00 p.m. local time, District 3 January 12 Post 83 LaPorte 228 E Lincoln Way at 2:00 p.m., District 4 January 5 Post 296 1:00 p.m., District 5 January 19 at 1:00 p.m. with location TBD, District 6 TBD, District 7 January 25 Post 18 1:00 p.m., District 8 January

5 Post 147 Jasper at 1:00 p.m., District 9 January 4 Post 89 10:00 a.m., District 10 January 19 1:00 p.m., and District 11 January 19 Post 3 1:00 p.m. Zone 1 contest will be held at Post 301 on February 9 at 2:00 p.m. Zone 2 contest will be hosted by the 5th district on February 16 at 1:00 p.m. Zone 3 contest’s location and date are to be determined.

Zone 4 contest will be hosted by the 9th district. A motion was made by Rick Hudson and seconded by Dean Bower to request funds to give plaques to state judges. The committee discussed changing judges and asking whether a person has judged before and when. Chair-

man Buksa reviewed the rules for certification and played a National video on how to conduct a contest. Thirteen attendees took the certification test.

The committee discussed how to approach schools.

HAdjournmentH Chairman Larry Lowry read and the commission unanimously passed a resolution to change the Junior Americanism and Government program from 5th and 6th graders to 7th and 8th graders. There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was closed in proper manner.

HL★ Find more at www.indianalegion.org

REHABILITATION

in Orleans. All goals were trict, Milton Howard, Rob Steinbach INTERNAL AFFAIRS memorial exceeded and the memorial is al- 9th District Chairman second.

Continued from page 8

Continued from page 8

district absent. There were no motions made or funds requested. The 6th district reported checking on the veterans at the Avon facility and another facility twice a week. The director of rehab discussed the procedures for requesting funds. The committee will meet at the Mid-Winter Training Session.

covery USO by hosting a lunch for the bicyclists (wounded veterans) at Post 279.

2nd District: Post 11 is conducting 3rd Annual Stand Down in November.

3rd District: Posts are providing turkeys to needing families and also helping with other needs.

4th District: Blood drives in Garrett are continuing.

5th District: Served 148 veterans at their stand down.

6th District: AL Baseball Great Lakes Regional hosted in Terre Haute Post 346, Post 72 Veterans Expo on October 17th with the Red Cross, VA and Dept. Service Officer.

7th District: Working with food pantries and gathering toys for Christmas to provide to local children.

8th District: Focusing on homeless veterans and preparing for Christmas activities.

9th District: Post 69 raised $60,000 to dedicate a new veteran’s

HVeterans Assistance CommitteeH All districts were present. The direct of rehabilitation introduced the guest speaker, James Brown from IDVA. James discussed the goals of the department for the remainder of this year and for next year. There were 3 resolutions voted on and approved by the committee. Minimum 10% compensation rating for service connected hearing loss causing the use of hearing aids, Construction of a VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic (COBC) in Dubois County, and Administrative grant of pension with aid and attendance for veterans and surviving spouses at age 80 and over. There were no motions made or funds requested. The committee will not meet at the Mid-Winter Training Session.

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

HL★ Find more at www.indianalegion.org

10 | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013 | hoosier legionnaire

most completed 1 ½ years ahead of time. Post 76, 89 and 250 are actively participating in local festivals.

10th District: Car show to raise funds for homeless veterans.

11th District: Reaching out to Boy Scout troops that have lost their sponsorship from local churches to political controversy. Veterans Spirituality Conference on October 19th from 9-3 at Roudebush VA Hospital in Indianapolis.

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

HConvention ContestH Department Membership Chairman spoke on the point system in relationship to membership.

Color Guards are self-supported.

Don Hudson wants to write a resolution to request for Department funds for winning color guard in the amount of $1000, only payable if participating at nationals.

A motion was made by 5th Dis-

A request was mad for time at Mid-Winter Conference.

Post 495 to host 2014 State Competition.

Writing resolutions must state winner or state rep – amend.

There were no comments from District Reps.

The rework on score sheets is in progress.

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

HFirefighter/ Law & OrderH Chairman Kocher distributed Department Directories. A motion was made to meet at Mid-winter Conference. Motion was seconded.

The Motion passed unanimously.

There was discussion on having a dinner for local firefighter/EMS/ law officers. The committee agreed that this would be good for public relations and possible new members. Motion was made to see this Continued on page 21

Veteran’s Affairs

Service Connected Disabilities Explained

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implifying Service Connection: VA pays monthly compensation benefits for chronic medical conditions associated with service in the armed forces. When VA decides a medical condition (disability) is service related, VA designates the disability as being “service connected.” There are volumes of recorded laws, regulations, operations manuals, VA general council decisions, and court cases governing how VA grants service connection. The American Legion Veterans Service Office works through these intricate details daily with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to make sure our clients receive all their entitled benefits.

Veterans do not need to know all the minute rules of “service connection” before filing their compensation benefit claims.

They should, however, consult with a qualified veterans service officer before filing, and at least understand the three basic elements of service connection: (1) incident or incidents in service; (2) a current medical condition, and (3) a medical link between

John Hickey Department Service Officer

Veterans Spotlight The office is open each Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Appointments are necessary for client visits.

You may contact the Department Service Office by calling our direct number 317 916 3605; calling long distance toll free number of 1 888 723 7999, extension 1; faxing us at 317 916 3406; or by using the following e-mail address: al.vbaind@va.gov.

numbers 1 & 2.

An “incident in service” means something happened during the veteran’s service causing or responsible for the current medical condition.

Many veterans believe the incident in service must have been something documented in service medical records. Although

notations in service medical records are often very helpful for proving the incident in service element of service connection, the incident in service element can be shown by other ways.

For example, the incident in service could have been simply serving in Vietnam if the veteran is applying for service connection of an Agent Orange related disability, being assigned to an artillery unit if claiming service connection for a hearing related disability, serving in combat in Korea if filing for service connection for residuals of a cold injury, or simply being discharged from service within a year before development of a medical condition presumed by law to have been related to service if developed to a degree of 10% or more within one year of service discharge.

The current medical condition element means, just that: the veteran must have a current chronic medical condition.

This usually means the veteran must have a currently diagnosed medical condition. Even if the veteran was diagnosed with a

medical condition in service, VA could not grant “service connection” if the veteran no longer has that medical condition. For example: if a service medical record notes a diagnosis of back strain but the veteran no longer has a back problem, service connection for the back strain is not possible.

The medical link element means the evidence must establish medically that the veteran’s current disability is related to the incident or incidents in service. The medical link can be established by continuity of medical treatment records from the date of the service incident to the date of claim, or by a medical opinion following consideration of the evidence of record. Let’s take for example a veteran having a couple of service medical record entries showing treatment for a back strain in service but not filing a claim for years following his or her active duty discharge. A back strain is not necessarily a chronic medical condition, so the veteran will need to provide evidence that he or she has ex-

perienced back problems ever since the back strains noted within service medical records.

If the evidence is non-medical, such as, letters from friends, family members, former employers, etc., VA will first decide if the evidence is credible and then ask a doctor to provide an opinion concerning if the veteran’s current back condition is a result of the back strains first noted in service medical records. A favorable doctor’s opinion could then serve as the medical link between the incident in service and the current medical condition paving the way for VA to grant “service connection.”

Understanding the basics of “service connection,” should help veterans when contacting a qualified veterans service officer for claims filing assistance. You may find qualified veterans service officers at your local County Veterans Service Office or by calling the American Legion Department of Indiana Veterans Service Office. HL★

Legionnaire Jonathon Lounds of University Legion Post #360 in Indianapolis, talks through his lines with the camera crew from WTHR-13 Television prior to filming his commercial in our Department’s 2013 Advertising Campaign.

hoosier legionnaire | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013 | 11

National Convention Highlights

Highlights of the 95th National Convention, Houston, Texas

The Indiana Delegation to the 95th Annual National Convention of The American Legion travelled to Houston, Texas this summer to meet with their fellow Legionnaires across the country and prepare themselves for another year of service to the Nation and its Legionnaire Family. Highlights of the week-long event were the closure of our National Commander James Koutz’s year in office; the Department Commander’s Evening Reception; the many conference and committee meetings and the Parade across the middle of downtown Houston! Vice President Joe Biden was the keynote speaker for the Convention and it was an honor to hear from him.

12 | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013 | hoosier legionnaire

hoosier legionnaire | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013 | 13

Communications Report

Social Media explained and why our younger veterans use it

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he American Legion and its Legionnaires need to start performing their own digital revolution. Just as Legion Posts here in Indiana have evolved from meeting in “Garages & Rented spaces” to these same Posts having established “Brick & Mortar” residences in their communities; the Indiana Legionnaires will soon be seeing “Virtual & Online Posts” serving the veterans of this state through the use of social media options such as Twitter, Facebook and interactive websites.

These new “Virtual Posts” will potentially be a hybrid of the old Posts which served as a Social Hall gathering place for

Bruce Drake Department Communications Director

Communications the veterans of previous conflicts and the printed newsletters that enable Legionnaires to share information across the Posts. The differences now are the speed of communication capability and the options for effectively having a Post Meeting every time someone logs in to the Post’s website.

Indiana Legionnaire inducted into the Army’s OCS Hall of Fame Ft. Benning, GA--Legionnaire David L. Phillips of Demotte, Ind., was inducted into the U.S. Army’s Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame at a short ceremony in front of friends and family on May 9.

Phillips was nominated off his performance as a Platoon Leader in South Vietnam in 1969 in which he was awarded 4 Bronze Stars with 3 of them designated with the “V” device for valor in the face of the enemy.

Returning to civil life after his time in Vietnam was completed, Phillips focused on his family and community while still serving in the Army Reserve with various Special Forces Groups around the country before his retirement.

During the same ceremony, Phillips was also awarded the Order of St. Maurice from the National Infantry Association in recognition of his years of dedicated service to the nation as an Infantry Soldier.

14 | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013 | hoosier legionnaire

The new Social Media encompasses methods of communication and technologies that allow its usage anytime, anywhere. Social media delivers information and allows readers to engage with the information and add to its content. Imagine, the ability of a Post to record its Post’s general membership meeting with an “I-phone” and then posting it to their Facebook or personal website later that night for Legionnaires that are unable to attend due to work schedules of family commitments. Or even “streaming” those same meetings live over the Internet with actual interaction this Post members who connect into the meeting from their homes with their computer systems or newer smart phones.

The advent of new technologies (e.g., web enabled “smart phones,” tablets/net book computers) and communications platforms such as blogging, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter allow a variety of ways to connect with one another.

Veterans, having returned from Operations Enduring Freedom or Iraqi Freedom, are generally in their mid-20s to early thirties and are technologically oriented and savvy users of online and social media. They have used these same technologies to stay in touch with family and loved ones from remote battlefields. Expect these same veterans to use these skills here in Indiana as well.

Three subgroups best define social media. The first, we shall call it Web 1.0, is considered traditional online media out-

reach such as email newsletters and other one-way communications means that convey information but do not allow the recipient to interact with the content. Many Posts operate at this level already so the progression onwards should not be considered daunting.

The second subgroup, Web 2.0, marks the beginning of a two-way interaction. It features the publishing of communications contents in a blog, wiki or other social network sites and the republishing of that information with the additions of comments or content by the readers. Facebook sites for Legion Posts and Districts are an easy method of achieving this second level of web interaction.

The third subgroup, refers to content and comment that is available via mobile Internet and is accessed through cell phones. Web 3.0 includes mobile websites, texting, tweeting, and other methods of sending information to a cellphone.

Some veterans prefer to receive information through particular channels of social media that they are comfortable with. This suggests that all three subgroups should be utilized to engage as many veterans as possible within your Posts.

Social Media, when developed correctly, builds an online community around an organization or an organization’s cause or a like-minded group’s common interest. Creating a blog or Facebook page allows an organization to disseminate information that can be

discussed by multiple recipients in an online community.

For instance, multiple veterans from different parts of America can converse about a common experience such as PTSD or finding a job within the community.

Our current generation of veterans perceive engaging in blogs and Facebook as a low-risk, low-cost way to learn more about an issue of interest or a service offered by an organization. These new veterans may feel more comfortable approaching an organization like The American Legion for membership or help with TBI or PTSD after they observe that other veterans with similar issues are involved online.

Text-messaging is extremely popular with 2.5 billion text messages sent daily within the United States. Sending information to a veteran’s cell phone may be more effective than an email. Emails may be checked infrequently and a veteran may be less likely to have a computer with an internet connection if he/she is unemployed, lacks stable housing or does not have strong social ties to family or friends.

Also by directly contacting a veteran by text message, information can bypass and be differentiated from email spam.

To maximize impact, these texting outreach campaigns should generally be limited to two times per month. Short messages carefully thought out also are a premium. Too much data over a phone screen will Continued on page 23

From the Front Lines

A night on the mountaintop 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division Public Affairs Story by Staff Sgt. Jerry Saslav Date: 09.27.2013

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ANGAHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – A squad of soldiers and their Afghan interpreter gathered in the darkness outside of a building on Forward Operating Base Torkham.

Their mission was simple: climb a nearby mountain where the FOB is operating an observation post, link up with the Afghan Security Group personnel manning the operating post, and partner with them to guard the base through the night.

“We set [up] our security [element], just to see what they see,” said the squad leader, Staff Sgt. Shelby Johnson, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, “also [to] build some rapport with the ASG as well.”

The soldiers started out at a moderate pace and the bright, nearly full, moon in the cloudless sky meant that the soldiers did not need their night vision devices.

“The climb’s not the best,” said Private 1st Class Justin Singleton, an infantryman from Deland, Fla., “but we do what we got to do.”

Singleton was not alone in his thinking.

“That walk is a beast, especially in full kit (body armor, ammo, water, etc.),” said Sgt. Michael Peterson, an infantryman, “You’ve got Singleton caring the 240 (machine gun), You’ve got Snook being his [assistant] ... he’s got [his ammo]

U.S. Army Pfc. Justin Singleton, an infantryman, 2nd squad, 3rd Platoon, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division and a native of Deland, Fla., surveys the surrounding area before heading down the mountain after spending the night on a night observation post on Forward Operating Base Torkham, Sept. 27, 2013. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jerry Saslav, 129th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)

on his back, plus whatever else he had to bring. That walk is definitely a killer.”

The men made their way up the mountain in silence. Every soldier learns in basic training that sounds carries farther at night. Every now and then the soldiers stopped for a few minutes of rest. They still had a long night ahead of them.

When the men approached the OP, the ASG personnel took notice. The Soldiers hadn’t told the ASG they were coming.

“As we were coming up, they were calling out to us,” said Johnson, a native of Alex, Okla, “our [interpreter] said ‘friendlies coming up’.”

After reaching the summit of the mountain, the soldier’s quickly and quietly took up their position. The squad’s ma-

chine gun was set up, as well as their night vision equipment.

While this was happening, Johnson, his translator and an ASG soldier talked in hush whispers, updating each other on what had been seen in the surrounding area.

“You got to maintain noise and light discipline,” said Peterson, an native of Winder, Ga., “You don’t want anybody to know that you’re up there.”

Peterson had carried some snacks for his men as well as the ASG. He passed these out.

The ASG brought out chilled water for the Soldiers.

Johnson and Peterson went to the back of the OP to fine tune the night’s mission with the new information. His machine gun set up, Singleton, with the help of the translator,

talked to one of the ASG. “Has he ever been to another country,” asked Singleton?

“He has been to Pakistan,” replied the interpreter for the ASG man.

“Are there a lot of snakes and bugs up here,” asked Singleton?

“Mo re s c o r p i o n s t h a n snakes,” answered the ASG man.

“Oh man,” said Singleton.

“Do you like scorpions?”

“No,” replied the ASG man.

“Me neither,” said Singleton.

Both men softly laughed in the darkness.

For Singleton, who is on his first deployment, this is one of the few chances he has to interact with Afghans.

“You get to talk to the guards up here. ... You get to know a little bit of their culture,” said Singleton, “[you learn] their perspective ... how they live their lives [and] take risks doing this job.”

The men split up into two groups: one group would try to sleep nearby while the other kept watch. Sometime during the night the groups would switch places, ensuring that a fresh set of eyes were always scanning the area. The Afghan interpreter stayed with the Soldiers on duty. The ASG men kept watch with those on duty.

As Singleton manned his machine gun, Spc. Hoang Ngyun, an infantryman, scanned the surrounding mountain ridges and valleys and Peterson sat nearby, using an earpiece to monitor the radio.

“You look around,” said Ngyun, a native of Westminster, Calif., “if you see anything suspicious you use [the enhanced night vision optical telescope].”

For hours the soldiers sat in the darkness and scanned the area. Talking was kept to the bare minimum. The silence was broken by dogs from some nearby dwellings who would occasionally bark. Every time this happened the Soldiers would use their night vision devices to scan the area where the noise came from.

Eventually it was time to change groups. Johnson was awakened and briefed by Peterson, then, fellow infantrymen Spc. Robert Snook, a native of Owosso, Mich., and Spc. Dali Carrillo, a native of Winston Salem, N.C., the rest of Johnson’s team, were awakened.

Peterson, Ngyun and Singleton, went to try and grab a few hours of sleep on the ground nearby.

For a while the routine remained the same; then everything changed as the sun began to rise and people began to move about the surrounding area. If the soldiers or their ASG counterparts stood up they could be seen by people travelling on nearby roads or mountains.

“What type of vehicle is it,” asked Johnson, when a vehicle travelling towards them on the road below began to slow down.

“Some type of van,” replied Snook as he looked through a Continued on page 22

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re e t i n g s f r o m the 1st District and lovely Lake County!

It has been a fast quarter of the year since the state convention in July, with many of our Noreen Legionnaires continuing Komasinski their efforts to recruit- C ommander ing new members into the Legion. Don’t let up on the progress we are seeing as we will work very diligently this year to meet our goals to retain our current membership while expanding our efforts into the younger generation of veterans. The more 3-star recruiters we build within our district, the stronger we will become!

Congratulations to Post 66 for opening a new Chapter of the American Legion Riders this month.

They will be joining a thriving new program of the Legion which is dedicated to doing charitable works and assisting our communities.

I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention the fact that our Department Commander Ed Trice was able to do the Veterans Talk Radio Program on AM1230 WJOB in Hammond for an hour on the 18th of October talking about Veteran employment opportunities and how The American Legion is working to ensure veterans retain the benefits they have earned through their service to the nation. Cmdr. Trice also spoke about the Department’s current marketing and advertising campaign which is highlighting our community based operations.

With that, I say to all Legion members, go outside your Posts and back into the communities with your programs. Get back into our schools with our Americanism programs. Sponsor an oratorical contest and start looking for candidates for Boys and Girls State for next summer for your Post to sponsor!

And in closing, I say to you all, may the upcoming holidays be joyous and your families enjoy them all safely and with love for one another. HL★

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he membership team and I have been working hard on membership.

We need everyone’s help in the 2nd District membership. We have a few 3 Star members. Each member that recruits 3 Jack Platt new or reinstated mem- C ommander bers will receive a Star to be worn on their Legion Cover. Each member that recruits 5 new or reinstated will receive 2nd star. If a member recruits 8 new or reinstated members they will receive a 3rd star. We need more 3 star members, any questions please contact the Vice Commander or Membership Chairman or myself for any answers to questions you have.

At the fall conference we need to be at 62% and in November we need to be at 71%. We are on target so far to date.

Don’t forget about Flag and A&G testing in November.

Veteran’s Day is coming up soon. Remember all our Veterans and Military serving all around the world.

Oratorical Contest is coming up in January.

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Jack Platt 2nd District Commander

HL★

On Sept 15th, American Legion Post #499 in Allen County hosted a “Homeless Veterans Golf Benefit which raised over $6,000 for the local homeless shelters. Department Commander Ed Trice (right center) and his team of former Marines made up of (left to right) Dale Naugle, Mike Kumfer, Dick Hornsby helped lead the charge in this worthwhile charity event.

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reetings from the Third District and Commander Ken Heckathorn, his officers and all of the Posts in the Mighty Third! The Third District has some old and new announcements for Ken this edition of the HooHeckathorn sier Legionnaire. First C ommander of all, 3rd District held its first District meeting at Michigan City (prison) Post 130. There were approximately 60 outside guests who attended the meeting. A few of the guests were Midwest National Vice Commander Bob Newman, The Indiana Dept.

Commander Ed Twice and Membership Chairman Michael Brady.

One thing about Michigan City Post 130’s activities that others can learn from is all that they do for the local community in donating to help out . They average $10,000 a year in donations to help their fellow Hoosiers. So I urge all the other Posts in the District to try & match that.

And for follow-up on our activities around Memorial Day this year, Post 297 reports the following events to commemorate that important holiday. Just a week before Memorial Day, Commander Mike Plencner, and Post members Bob Greathouse, Phil Shea, Dan Shepherd, Greg Smith along with Auxiliary member Tina Marie Shepherd decorated the graves of some 720 veterans at the cemeteries located in and around New Carlisle. A rainy Memorial Day in New Carlisle did not keep the town’s annual parade and ceremony in the City cemetery. The town’s observance ended with the placement of memorial wreaths at the Solder‘s Monument by town officials and veterans.

Mishawaka Post 161 in conjunction with the Veterans of Foreign Wars conducted the 64th Annual Memorial Day Parade in their town as well. Although the weather kept a few of the spectators and participants away, the parade went off to honor those who gave their lives in the defense of our freedoms we enjoy today.

This summer, July 6, 2013 was the perfect morning for the dedication ceremony to honor all New Carlisle Veterans at Memorial Park. Approximately 45 to 50 community members were in attendance.

The impressive new rock memorial is the Senior Legacy project of five New Prairie High School’s recent graduates––Tim Bolakowski, Kameron Coffinger, Keirk Eisenhardt, Brittany Fisher, and Josh Harris– –with the assistance of Town Councilman Ken Carter and “Lookin’ Good Construction” company owner

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hanks to all the posts on keeping the 4th District at the top of the State in membership. In 2nd place at turn-in for fall Conference. There is a couple of post not getting the cards turned in every Robert Miller month and we are track- C ommander ing these post. The Dept.

Membership Chairman was in our District right before the Fall Conference and will be back again soon. He will want to meet with these Membership Chairman from those Posts to see what we can do to get cards turned in every month. We are doing a lot of Membership drives for new members and starting Veterans Assistance going too. Will be doing more Officers Visits the end of Oct. and the rest of the Year. Christmas Raffle will be Dec. 14th at 8 PM. All Post should have the tickets for sale.

The Colts game on Dec. 15th was a sellout with 270 Legion Family Members ordering tickets to hold the American Flag at the start of the Game. Thanks to all the 4th District members going that day. Everyone sees how important Membership is now that with the shutdown of our Government, our Disabled Veterans stand to not receive their disability income checks come Nov. 1st. With the coming of our Holiday season, please keep everyone in your Prayers that are in need and sickness. May they get thru this season with very little problems. Happy Thanksgiving to all.

For God and Country Bob Miller 4th District Commander HL★

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DISTRICT 3 Continued from page 17 Gary Lawson. The American Legion Post 297 Color Guard was on hand to participate in the special ceremony that began with opening remarks by Councilman Ken Carter. Tim Bolakowski followed with a heartfelt dedication address, remembering and thanking our Veterans. Post 297 Chaplain Bob Greathouse closed the memorial with a prayer. The wording on the honor plaque was written by the NPHS Senior

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reetings from the 6th district: As always the main topic is membership. It is needed to keep the legion alive and plus this helps find members to help promote our programs for the local post Cliff Stephens the district, and state.

C ommander These members are the future of the American Legion. So membership is not about numbers but the future of the American Legion. We need members that willing to do what our Preamble states what we are, our individual obligation to the community, state, and nation. So step up to the plate and be activity in this wonderful American Legion family. Some people think that all we are is a local bar, but we are far from that. So let’s step up to the plate and take action. Also the same for the Ladies and the Sons, and the Riders. All of these are important to our survival as a Legion family. Go to your Post and District meetings and get involved.

Don’t sit in the canteen and complain, go to the meeting and take care of the problem. Also Post 104 Auxiliary unit had a welcome home day for all veteran’s at the post home, on September 21,2013 from 2:00 P.M. till 8:00 P.M. at their post in Terre Haute that was warmly received and well attended.

Congratulations to all that were involved in that operation. HL★

Legacy group and reads as follows: In Honor Of Our Country; And The Duty They Performed; For Those Who Died; Our Country Sadly Mourns. There Were Many Who Fell; And Gave Their Lives; Leaving Behind Children, Mothers, Fathers and Wives. In Loving Memory Of All Our Veterans.

The Sons of the American Legion Squadron 154 has been very busy in Nappanee.

Through their efforts, a total of $15,000.00 was donated to the Homes for Wounded Warriors Program, a nonprofit organization that provides homes for post-9/11 veterans who are se-

DISTRICT 6

verely wounded.

The goal was to raise $10,000 between January 1st and Memorial Day.” After five months of fundraising, the group was surprised to find it had exceeded its $10,000 goal. When all was said and done, the amount of $15,000.00 was presented to the founder of Home for Wounded Warriors Program Captain Markus Trouerbach at The American Legion Post 154 home. Good job SAL Squadron 154!

Nappanee American Legion Riders have been active in their fund raising. They have just made another donations

Kansas City, KS – National World War I Museum archivist Jonathon Casey discusses the events of Post-war Veterans Issues with French Naval Lieutenant and Academy Cadet Victor Bouemar when he toured the museum on 8 Oct as part of his internship with the Indiana Department of The American Legion. Bouemar was a temporary working member of the Department Staff for 6 weeks while he studied the formation of The American Legion and its current role in United States’ society as a Veterans Service Organization. France does not have a comparable organization for its veterans and his case study will be reported back as part of his graduation from the French Navy’s Academy.

to Millers Homeless Veteran’s Shelter in South Bend, IN. Also they have made one to Post 154.

This is what the Legion Riders are about helping all they can.

The Third District along with members of the Tenth District passed out fruit and then had a rousing bingo event for the residents at The Indiana Veterans Home on October 13th.

Those in attendance from the Third District were Jim and Lois Daube from Walkerton Post and Unit 189, Dick Fuchs from Lakeville Post 363, Thomas Klempay from South Bend Post 357 and Dan Lee and Patti Newton from Osceola Post 308.

A fun time was had by all.

It’s been a busy couple of months for me as 3rd District Commander getting out and visiting the Posts across our District. So far we have meet the Department’s goal on membership so I Thank YOU For that! One thing I will continue to urge all our Posts in the District is to create an active membership team. Remember the more members we have, the stronger the voice of Legion Family becomes.

Thanks for serving our Country Ken Heckathorn 3rd District Commander HL★

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reeting from the fighting 7th, we are on our way for another great year both in programs and membership. I want to thank you for entrusting your faith in me to serve as your District ComKevin Hinton mander for a second C ommander straight year. Membership we started out in the right direction, but we are a little behind from where we were last year. I have confidence by time we leave the fall conference we will make it, which I am looking forward to seeing everyone. I want to thank the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility, PLUS program in Carlisle, Indiana, for donating a quilt that we raffled off at the Department Convention.

This quilt raised $420.00, which was donated to The American Legion Operation Comfort Warrior. If you didn’t win this one you will have chances to buy tickets on in the future , because they have donated a couple more to the District.

I started my Post visits in August, and had the pleasure of presenting Princeton Post 25 their 100% membership award from last year. Congratulation to Princeton Post 25 American Legion Baseball State Champions. I want to thank the folks at Haubstadt Post 194, Bloomington Post 18, and Jasonville 172 for the hospitality. Also I want to thank Mooresville Post 103 for inviting me to ride in their parade again this year.

September lead me to visit with Clay City Post 225, where me and my unnamed Vice Commander enjoy cake that Commander Shepler provided for us after the meeting. Had a great visit with Vincennes Post 73 and Oden Post 293. I finally was able to attend a meeting in Brazil at Clay County Post 2 new building, where as soon as I got there I was told to grab a shovel and start working. They are still in the process on renovating the building and they have received their entire license back to do business again, Post 2 good job. In closing I want to thank all the well-wishers for your heartfelt concern for my wife Brenda, her broken leg is recovering fine, and she is back to work. I want to wish all my fellow Veterans happy Veterans Day and challenge you to go out to the schools and participate in as many Veterans Day program as you can, because our youth need to be taught about patriotism and what scarifies we made for their freedom. Also Brenda and I would like to wish everyone a Happy and Joyous Holidays! HL★

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reetings from the Great 8th.

As we move into the fall and the start of another school year, we have another opportunity to promote the American Legion with our programs for our youth.

Ron Byrley Flag education is by far C ommander the easiest and maybe one of the most rewarding programs we do. The mind of a fourth Grader is amazing when given a topic like our Flag. Americanism & Government at both the Middle school and the High school levels is another program to show our communities what we do. Reward your winners, take pictures and promote your Post. It’s all about visibility, pat yourselves on the back let the community know who we are! These are great recruiting tools.

Remembering the American Legion is bi-partisan, we still have to be aware of how the climate in Washington effects our Active Duty and our Veteran’s . This is an opportunity to show what we can do to help.

The TFA and Child Education and Welfare programs as well as having a well versed Post Service Officer are ways we can help in these times of cut backs and Government shutdowns. In the 8th some of our Posts are helping Veteran Service Offices at Local Universities with donations, many have lost their grants through sequestration. Be visible and volunteer at your local VA clinics, homeless shelters and in your communities in general. So many of these places have lost funding, they need us.

In the 8th we have put together a binder for each Post, with a copy of all the Programs and the name of the Post Chairman for each, this is to be kept in our Clubrooms, to aid our Bartenders when someone calls about a particular program.

November brings us a time to remember and celebrate. For some of us two days in a row Nov. 10th The Marine Corps Birthday ( Oorah )and Nov 11th Veterans Day, a day to celebrate and remember all Veterans past and present. Don’t forget to invite local Officials from your community to your Veterans Day Celebration, its good Public Relations.

Membership; In the 8th we are working very hard!

We’re having membership drives, sending out mail and knocking on doors, all the things that it takes this time of year. I’m blessed with hard working Officers at both the District and Post levels, we are a Team.

The American Legion is a great organization that we must build or lose. (Recruit and Retain) is our motto, to finish first is our goal. But more importantly if we do all of this and finish last at 100%, with 10 other

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Continued on page 19 18 | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013 | hoosier legionnaire

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ello 9th District; Well it’s the start of another year and I’m proud to say the 9th is off to a great start. I’ve visited a number of Posts already this year. Everyone is struggling with getting William Parks new members. The same C ommander question throughout the Posts are how to get new members. One thing we need to do is not concentrate on selling our Posts but to sell the American Legion Family. We need to let people know about our children and youth programs, our TFA programs to help our Veterans in need and support our local communities.

We do this by getting involved with our posts and district. A lot of the post do not have any one participating in the Oratorical program or even Flag Education for our local grade schools. We don’t have anyone nominating our local firefighters, EMTs, Educators or active Military Personnel for the awards that the Department has. Get your local people nominated and get some of these awards from our District. When we do this and the names of the local heroes are in the newspaper the community sees that the local post has recognized these citizens and they will want to know more about your post and not just for when you have a dance or bingo.

The best way to find out how this can be accomplished is to attend your Post’s monthly meeting.

See what the officers you elected are doing, see what you can do to help get the word out about what the American Legion Family is all about. Your posts are always looking for fresh ideas. Get on a committee to get these projects started. Our older Veterans depend on us and the children and families of our Veterans that have paid the price for our freedom depend on us. We are only effective in numbers and we have to give our younger Veterans a reason to join our ranks.

Attend a District meeting and see why these men and women give up a Saturday a month to be involved. We always have a good time and we also eat good and meet fellow Veterans from other posts.

It’s a good time and it’s a productive time. Below is the list of our District meetings for this year. Try to attend one and bring a couple of your fellow Veterans from your post.

Thanks again for your hard work and continued dedication to the American Legion Family.

District Meetings for the 9th District: Sept.14th #24 Columbus

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re e t i n g s f r o m the Terrific 10th District. As I am writing this article, I have only been Commander for 2 months, being a new commander is like trying to jump on a freight train going down the tracks; Ron Ordelheide the Legion Business C ommander does not slow down so you can jump on board.

It has been busy between National Convention, Post, District, and Department meetings. I would like to thank all the 10th District Legionaries for allowing me to be their representative at the Department of Indiana 2013-2014, this is an Honor.

I have one simplistic challenging goal for the District this year, that is to have every Post represented at every Monthly District Meeting. Involvement by the Post at the District is very important in developing District programs, membership, communication between the Posts and Department, and networking with other Posts in the District. The District meetings are open to all American Legion Members next three meeting are: Nov. 2, 2013, 137 Post, 419, New York Ave., New Castle-7:00 p.m.

Dec. 7, 2013, 65 Post, 109 N. 6th St., Richmond2:00 p.m.

Jan. 4, 2014, 19 Post, 418 N. Walnut Street, Muncie2:00 p.m.

Programs and Membership is the life line of the American Legion, every Post in the District received the New 2013-14 Membership Manual with their Membership Cards last July. There are significant changes in the Membership Manual for 2013-14 on how points are accrued. District Posts that are participating in American Legion Programs, now can receive extra points towards membership please review the Membership Manual for 2013-14, every District has an opportunity to be 100% at the close of books.

A fellow legionnaire told me the other day what makes a good Post “The Commander and Bartender”, it might be true however I believe it is the community.

What the community thinks of the American Legion is just as basic as what the Legion post thinks of itself.

The American Legion exists only with the approval of our society, or at least a large segment of it. This is true whether it’s the national organization or a post.

Each post is judged by the community. Its success or failure reflects this judgment. A good post will encourage active participation by its members with other civic-minded committees and organizations

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reetings from the 11th District!

As this is my first opportunity to address you all in the Hoosier Legionnaire I want to say to you all my greetings as your 11th District Commander, I know that Ed Harris, Jr. we will endeavor to re- C ommander inforce and rebuild our District into the centerpiece of the Department this year.

We are seeing a large number of younger veterans coming into the Posts within the District looking for more information on joining the Legion You need to welcome them in and start to train them in the history and the traditions of the Legion as well as start to integrate them into your program and Post operations.

Our Posts across the District have all been very busy working on our membership drives and it is starting to see results with the recent District Revitalization program that was administered with the assistance of our National Headquarters and Department Staff of 11-Oct. 13 which saw the our Posts gain 97 transfers into the District with 27 new members recruited into our Legion family.

The Department’s current advertising and marketing campaign is succeeding in informing our communities that The American Legion is still active in Ind. Now it is our job to go out and show them what Legionnaires can do to aid the community with our charitable works and programs.

It is now the time for us to go back outside our Posts and back into the communities. Get back into our schools with our Americanism programs.

Take the Flag Education Program into your nearby schools and start looking for candidates for Boys and Girls State for next summer for your Post to sponsor!

If your Post is interested, contact the local Boy Scout Council on the opportunities in sponsoring a Troop within the community. Many young men would benefit from this exposure to a Scouting program in addition to our other Legion-based programs.

And finally as the holiday season commences, take time to remember our veterans in the Veterans Affairs Hospitals around the state as well as our brothers in arms at the Indiana Veterans Home. Take some time to go out and visit them and let them know they aren’t alone this holiday season. HL★

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district 9 Continued from page 18 Oct. 19th Nov. 9th Dec. Jan. 18th Feb. 8th Mar. April 12th May 10th June 7th

#250 Mitchell #76 French Lick No Meeting #464 St. Leon #250 Mitchell No Meeting Legion B’day Month #33 Bedford #337 Sunman #89 Seymour

Sincerely; Bill Parks 9th District Commander

HL★

DISTRICT 8 Continued from page 18 district higher, then The Department of Indiana, The American Legion and all of us win!

I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving, a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah and a safe and Happy New Year.

Ron Byrley 8th District Commander

HL★

Kirk Crawford, S.A.L. member and State Director of Indiana’s American Legion Riders from Fremont Post #257 goes through his lines during filming the Riders Commercial for the 2013 Advertising Campaign. The filming of the commercials were shot and edited in September by production personnel from the WTHR-13 TV station in Indianapolis, IN. The commercials are available for American Legion Posts to air in their local media by calling the Department Headquarters at 1-888-723-7999 for a free DVD copy for their use.

Continued on page 22 hoosier legionnaire | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013 | 19

Officer Reports

Tell the People about your Post!

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y last column was an invitation to all Legionnaires to consider the history of their posts and to take steps to record its history.

Whether your Legion post was chartered in 1919 or just last year, it has a story that should be told. Behind every name in its history, there was a person who made a significant contribution to the post and its local community. Men and women representing your Legion have helped others, occasionally when personal or community emergencies have struck. The recording of such involvements should not be lost to future generations. Share your histories so that the efforts of the past can be appreciated by those in the future. This is especially important as The American Legion approaches the 100th anniversary of its founding.

To encourage the preservation of our histories, the National Historian conducts a

Joe Hovish Department Historian

post and department history contest. Unfortunately, there have been only a few histories sent to National Headquarters from the Department of Indiana since 1945. In that year that concluded the fighting in World War II, Gary Memorial Post 17 received Honorable Mention in the National Historian’s History Contest. Since then, the most competitive action was seen in 2010 when four posts— Vincennes Post 73, Sullivan Post 139, Hammond Victory Post 168, and Cedar Lake Post 261—competed at the Department level, with Post 139 representing the

Department of Indiana at the National level.

Legionnaires in the Department should understand that each year there is also a Department scrapbook contest known as the Gaylord N. Sheline Post of Distinction Award. The requirements for that contest are based on the activity of its members in that a post during the year, such as sponsoring a baseball team, donating blood, visiting hospitals and participating in fund drives. A post is awarded points for participation in a number of such categories. Unfortunately, out of over 400 posts in the Department of Indiana, only a handful of scrapbooks are submitted during any one year. (It should be noted that videos are also welcomed.) The winner of the award receives a plaque at the Department Convention.

It appears to me that the Gaylord Sheline Award could easily be adapted to be used as a vehicle for the National Historian’s Contest. There are slight differences between the two contests, though. The person submitting the scrapbook for the Department award must

complete the Sheline Award entry form and must contain news clippings, photos, and the like supporting the events listed on the form. The scrapbook must be completed and received at Department Headquarters by June 1.

The National Historian’s Contest entry must follow a detailed listing of technical requirements and should cover the Post Commander’s year, from election to last day in office. It also has strict guidelines about the size of the book, location of various pieces of information, how to number the pages, providing an index as well as other details.

The Department Historian must send the 1st place Department entry to National Headquarters

by September 15. A full outline of the rules can be found in the website www.legion.org within the pages of the Post Officer’s Guide and Manual of Ceremonies. By following these guidelines, not only does the history take on the appearance of a well-drafted document, but it also qualifies to be considered as an entry to the National Historian’s History Contest.

Since only one history can be submitted to National Headquarters from each Department, there will have to be a contest at the Department Convention in July to determine which book will be selected. Although each Post Historian will think it is great to be awarded the ‘best’ history from the Department of Indiana, the most important consideration is not the award itself, but for the history of the post’s past 12 months of activity.

There is plenty of time for a historian or other member of the Legion post family to being to compile a good, historical document that will be part of the Centennial Celebration as The American Legion approaches its 100th anniversary. I will suggest in the next issue of The Hoosier Legionnaire the types of material and resources that could be used in the development of a post’s history book. It is not too late to begin recording the ‘biography’ of your post for those who will someday want to learn why your post was a valuable member of your community.

HL★

The movie “Sons of the Legion” is released

by Paramount movie studios of Hollywood, CA.

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The 2013 Fall Conference Cornhole Tournament Winners were Chris Schulte (center left) and Donnie Walters (center right) of Evansville Post #265. 8th District Commander Ron Byrley (far left) and Department Commander Ed Trice (far right) presented the winning team who defeated a field of 11 teams from across the state.

20 | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013 | hoosier legionnaire

imed for release at the same time as the 20th National Convention in Los Angeles, CA., the movie details the role of the Legion to help shape the young men of the communities they are a part of.

The drama starred Lynne Overman and Evelyn Keyes and host of younger child stars such as Donald O’Conner (later star of the Francis the Talking Mule series of movies) and went for 60 minutes.

Now owned by Paramount Studios and considered a forgotten classic, the film can be watch on Youtube in 6 components at this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5Tdo7Loj8c HL★

75 years ago

COMMISSION REPORTS

INTERNAL AFFAIRS Continued from page 10 through. Motion was seconded.

Motion carried. Discussion on books being due by June 1, 2014.

A vote was taken for meeting at Mid-winter Conference. No money was spent. The Committee requested more than 30 minutes at Mid-winter.

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

HLegislativeH Chairman Rice reported the recent trip to Washington DC. He reported that we met with 8 out of 9 Representatives and Congressmen. Chairman Rice advised the committee of how rudely they were treated by Representative Carson’s office. He spoke of legislative priorities that were presented by The Department. He spoke about The Legion’s stand on Syria, which is to proceed with caution.

There was some discussion regarding the IRS auditing veteran service organizations across the Country. The issue was discussed with Senator Morgan from Kansas met with the IRS acting Commissioner regarding the matter.

He gave an advisement on an Action Alert VA benefits are in peril in the government shutdown. He expressed concern they veterans may not receive VA payments in October due to the budget not being passed.

Chairman Rice discussed the 2014 legislative goals for veteran benefits in Indiana. The military CDL skills waiver program was discussed. There may be

a problem with the Go Day requirement on the application.

Chairman Rice is checking into this and will report back.

In the House, there are 6 house bills and 3 senate bills to be addressed at this time.

Resolution number 2013F20, Legislative Priorities for The Department of Indiana, to be presented at the first regular session was read by Chairman Rice. Motion was made and seconded. Executive Section Darrell Hansel asked that the Resolution be screened before going forward to make sure that all bills are current.

Request was made that all bills and Resolutions be mailed to the Committee before Committee meetings. Updated email list was completed.

A question was asked if the Department Adjutant has sent the letter regarding D Day that was passed during the Department Convention. This Committee was unable to advise.

The Auxiliary Rep spoke, advising that she was glad to be here and to help.

There were no requests for Department funds.

There being no further business to be brought before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned in proper form.

HMembershipH Chairman Brady introduced Department Communications Director, Bruce Drake. Drake presented the new commercials and marketing strategy to the committee. Marketing documents presented for reference.

Questions about special events (ie. December 15 game) and radio commercial areas were posed.

Chairman Brady gave his membership report of 1,915 cards achieved 62% target date.

To date, only 5 percent separate the second place district from

the last place district. 3 star recruiters are making a difference.

8th District is still in 1st place.

Next target date is November 3 at Department Headquarters at 10:00am. The target is 71%.

Chairman Brady talked about his visits to local Posts and about the Just Ask CD, which trains people about how to be an effective recruiter. The Districts were, then, called upon to give a report from their District.

8th District commented that they are working hard and that communication is key and very good throughout the 8th.

4th District reported that they contact their Posts weekly and have had several membership drives.

10th District had questions about the Colts listing that have been given to the Districts for potential membership recruitment. Kenny Coons thanked the Districts that helped at the Mount Comfort airport membership drive. 3 Legionnaires, 1 Auxiliary and 1 ALR member were signed up.

2nd District reported that they were conducting Post visits and were scheduling a drive around. Joe Kusiak reported on the progress with the university posts.

5th District reported that they were visiting Posts weekly and had conducted several membership drives. A new post is being generated out of Pendleton prison.

1st District reported that they are working with an Illinois university to gain younger members.

7th District reported an October 19 drive-around and that they will rise to the top.

6th District: No report 9th District reported that they were doing drive around on west side. Vice Commanders were helping a lot.

3rd District personally

thanked Chairman Brady for visiting his Post and offering sound advice.

11th District reported that they were last now, but that they would come back.

Chairman Brady let the committee know that District 11 will be buying breakfast since they were in last place. Uniform should be Class A uniform.

Chairman Brady recognized Aubrey Hancock and gave her 2 tickets to this weeks Colts game.

Aubrey talked about new 777 members and how they were being distributed to the districts headquarters posts. She was asked about signing up new members on the spot, if they could sign them up through the district headquarters post.

Answer was yes.

Wager with Pat Zock from Auxiliary was discussed. If Brady wins Zock has to dress in peasant blouse and stockings to Convention. If Auxiliary wins, Brady has to dress, head to toe, in pink.

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

HNew Post Development/ RevitalizationH Per minutes from spring, procedure now in place.

Resolution from the 8th District regarding Post 187, it was properly signed and approved.

2 side letters Re: revoking Post 187 checklist properly filled out.

Per Ron- Good move, members are not active.

Motion made and passed to send resolution, 1st District: 168-Bldg for sale2 Bidders 1- credit problems other bidder default-still up for

sale, post closed.

278-paper post- all members have been transferred-paperwork finished by winter.

4th District: Post 47 elections, new officer-board of directors, make decisions- Bldg still for sale-2 member board of directors want to sell on their own. Post 82 – no home post but hanging on, still working programs, Kendallville – get riverboat revenues.

7th District: Dugger – should bounce back, less than 100 members.

8th District: University of Southern Indiana- been working since last year almost ready, 360 offered help.

One question was asked about honor guard weapons?

It was stated the checklist from Department addresses this question.

Post 360 would like a copy of the checklist.

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

HPublic RelationsH Membership Chairman Michael Brady discussed the Point System on membership and more newsletters to judge.

Mid-winter meeting was discussed. 7th District Chairman Dave Rook made the motion to not have a meeting at Mid-winter. The motion was seconded by 8th District Chairman David Sharber. The Committee agreed to meet for 30 minutes at the Spring Conference.

Chairman Ward asked for District reports.

1st District reported: Department Commander Ed Trice will be on WJOB radio and at oratorical. Post 168 is putting up a tribContinued on page 23

hoosier legionnaire | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013 | 21

LEGION NEWS

DISTRICT 10 Continued from page 19 within the community. It will seek to participate whether or not the activity is initiated by the American Legion. A good post will know the needs of the community. It will know them by the simple process of planned contacts by representative post members with other city officials, educators, welfare workers, community leaders and other civic and fraternal groups.

A legionnaire who does a good job for the community deserves recognition and thanks from the

post, whether it was a post sponsored activity or not. Veterans’ activities alone will not establish the American Legion as an asset in the eyes of the community.

We have many great volunteers, but we could always use more to give a little relief to our present volunteers. We have the reputation of being the friendliest organization. This is due to the fact that our members make everyone feel welcome when they walk through our doors of the Posts.

There is some exciting news happening in the Department of Indiana this year that will benefit the 10th District Posts directly

and will need to be ready for it.

The Department has started a Radio and Television Media Campaign with Colts Radio and WTHR-TV Channel 13 to share the American Legion Story with the public; this will benefit all Posts in our District in sharing with the public what we are about and benefits of belonging to the American Legion Family.

For more information visit Web page: http://www.indianalegion.org/.

Still Serving with the American Legion Ron Ordelheide 10th District Commander HL★

mountaintop Continued from page 15 pair of binoculars.

Snook kept watching the vehicle, making sure that its occupants were looking at the road and not looking up in their direction. The vehicle had slowed because there was a deep dip in the road. As soon as it was past the dip, it accelerated and continued on its way.

This was how the Soldiers spent their last hour-and-ahalf on the mountain top. As they packed up their equipment and began to move back down the mountain one of the ASG men called Johnson over.

On a nearby mountain ridge there was a lone figure slowly moving in their direction.

For approximately one-half hour, Johnson and the ASG man looked through their binoculars at the figure; they were trying to determine if he had a weapon, maybe a pair of binoculars and was trying to gather intelligence on their position for a future attack or maybe he had climbed that mountain top to see the sunrise, Johnson’s position was between the figure and the sun.

Eventually other assets were able to observe the figure and it was determined that he was a not a threat to the outpost or its men.

Johnson was pleased, not

Monument

only because the ASG had notified him of the figure on the nearby mountain top, but also that he and his men may have been seen.

“Hopefully, identifying that guy possibly stopped something that could have happened,” said Johnson. “It also lets them [anyone who may be watching the outpost] know that ... we’re not just relying on the ASG for security. We can pop up anywhere at anytime.”

There was one thing left to do before Johnson and his men could grab a few hours of sleep before they had to head out on another mission, they had to walk down the mountain.

“It’s just as bad as going up,” said Johnson.

HL★

encouraged but not mandaAt the bottom of your check tory and can be done by mail, please write: Friends of Ed Whitor online at http://www.friend- comb Continued from page 1 sofedwhitcomb.com/how-toSEND YOUR CHECK TO: donate/ Jennings County Community All donations are tax deduct- Foundation spiration for all of our young ible. Checks should be made out 111 North State St. people to follow.

North Vernon, IN 47265 Donations from American to Jennings County Community Legion Posts and Districts are Foundation.

HL★ 22 | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013 | hoosier legionnaire

LEGION NEWS

ASK AUBREY

INTERNAL AFFAIRS

Continued from page 5

Veterans’ Highway”.

10th District reported: New Post in the district.

IA Commission Chairman James May reported that Posts need to get their Post activities into the local newspapers and radios to support our programs.

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

Post its portion of the dues.

Continued from page 21

4. I renewed online, but have not yet received my card.

What should I do?

Posts get a listing of their members that have renewed online about once a month. Only after receiving the listing are they notified of your payment. The posts have been instructed to mail your membership card upon receipt of these listings. You may, however, mail the post the “receipt” that you should have printed off after your payment was confirmed. ★

ute on a bike trail for Operation Enduring Freedom.

6th District reported: Annual teaching at schools for flag retirement.

8th District reported: Post 5 has power point presentation on Post TV for activities, awards, etc.

9th District reported: Veter- HReligious EmphasisH ans’ memorial will be dedicated Chairman Keirn discussed on 11/10/13. Still working on Chaplain’s “How To” manual naming a highway “Vietnam changes.

HL

Americanism

11th District Rep. Ed Harris asked about funeral services.

The discussion involved the differences between a service and a ceremony.

Guest D. Taylor announced that there would be a spirituality or veteran’s conference on October 19 at the VA Roudebush from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Flyer is attached.

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

HAdjournmentH Committee was adjourned.

HL★ Find more at www.indianalegion.org

Continued from page 9 Ed Trice for his project as follows: Restricted fund for Knightstown $20,000 Restricted fund for IVA 10,000 Fund for SAL charities 5,000 Candidate fund SAL 2,000 Candidate fund Legion 2,000 The motion was seconded by Danny Rice, and the motion was carried.

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

HL★ Find more at www.indianalegion.org

COMMANDER’S MESSAGE Continued from page 2 have done for their country. Female veterans deserve to be recognized just the same as Male veterans for their service. I know many of you already are reaching out to these veterans in our midst. I want to commend you and charge you to continue this honorable task of letting these female veterans know that we recognize their service to the nation as well.

BY ensuring that we are committed to outreach to this growing element of veterans within our communities, our Legion Posts will benefit from their increased participation within the organizations.

I would not be surprised that, within my lifetime, this Department will be led by its first female Department Commander. I also will be the first to tell you I wrote about it in this paper. HL★

Adjutant’s Desk Continued from page 2 Legion.

All Hoosier Legionnaires should be very proud of the contribution made to the development and education of this young officer. I am sure we will hear more from him in the future. *** Responsibility for Resolutions -- The Department of Indiana has made great progress over the past few years in the resolution process. Posts

Social Media Continued from page 14 cause the recipient to tune out the message.

Additionally, all material an organization publishes on a social media website must

have become more involved and have improved their skills in preparing resolutions, the Department Executive Committee has amended its rules to permit resolutions to originate in permanent committees, and the staff continues to improve its handling, recording and reporting on these important documents.

The staff also has taken on the added task of sometimes preparing drafts of resolutions to originate in those committees. It is a task we welcome, but when we do so, we are preparing a first draft of what we think is appropriate as to content and form. The authority and

responsibility for resolutions, however, remain those of the committee and its members.

Committee members are appointed because of their interest and expertise, and because of that, they are the best authorities to assure a resolution’s accuracy and relevance.

During your committee deliberations, please do not be content to sit quietly as a resolution you know to be flawed or inaccurate goes forward without your comments. It is not in the best interest of the Department to pass bad resolutions, and the committees remain the strongest defense against that.

We are relying on you. HL★

be carefully reviewed to avoid displaying inappropriate or confidential information.

It has been noted that in the first few months after returning from multiple combat tours to Iraq and Afghanistan that the typical young veteran is not ready to settle down, recognize issues or settle down. However,

our outreach as Legionnaires needs to start immediately to let them know that The American Legion shall be an organization that they can depend on now and into the future.

The sooner they know, by face to face contact, newsletters, emails, websites or text messages the better! HL★

hoosier legionnaire | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013 | 23

The Hoosier Legionnaire • October/November 2013