2024 April/May/June Hoosier Legionnaire

AMERICAN LEGION | DEPARTMENT OF INDIANA

April / May / June 2024

Indiana Oratorical Competition winner Knox Boyd places 2nd in National Oratorical Competition at HIllsdale College in Michigan on May 19, 2924.

2024 CLOSE OF BOOKS

THREE-DAY

COMMUNITY EVENT

This year, a Veteran Stand Down will be at Department Headquarters, Friday, June 7 to Sunday, June 9, and is a special three-day event designed to support our veterans, bring the Legion Families together, and strengthen community ties.

Day 1: Veterans Support Day – Friday, June 7, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

• Focus: Dedicated to at-risk veterans and their families.

• Highlights: Complimentary food, haircuts, dental care, Mamograms (by appointment), and care packages for at-risk veterans and their families.

• Special Services: Department service officers available to assist with claims.

• Food Service: Free meals for veterans and active-duty military from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Day 2: Family Day – Saturday, June 8, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

• Highlights: Enjoy a fun day with food trucks, a bounce house, games, and military vehicle displays.

• Special Services: Department service officers available to assist with claims.

• Food Service: Food available for purchase from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Day 3: Normal Close of Books - Sunday, June 9, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

• Description: The classic Close of Books. Collect your membership cards, mingle with district members, and enjoy a relaxed day. Bring your own food, drinks, and district tents.

• Stay Updated: For more details, visit our Department website. More information will be added as the event approaches.

3 4 5 6 12 18 24 A cornerstone of community service and patriotism Post 360 fosters community engagement with local organizations Call of the Convention District Commander Letters Department Letters Department Commission Reports Legion Family Letters

A cornerstone of community service and patriotism

Unlike typical legion posts, Broad Ripple American Legion Post 3 operates without a bar, smoking, or pull tabs, focusing on service and community engagement. Post 3, chartered in 1919 shortly after the establishment of the American Legion, has been a cornerstone of community service and patriotism. Their dedication is evident through extensive involvement in youth development and community support initiatives.

The post actively supports scouting, chartering a Cub Scout pack, a Boy Scout troop, and a Girl Scout troop. This engagement fosters leadership and character development among youth. Additionally, Post 3 is involved in Legion programs like 4th Grade Flag education, Junior Shooting Sports, Hoosier Boys State and Americanism and Government.

A notable achievement is their success in the Oratorical Contest, sponsoring the 2023 National Champion, Haley Bock, and a finalist in the 2024 Department Championship. These efforts highlight the post's commitment to nurturing informed and articulate citizens.

Post 3's collaboration with local emergency services, including sponsoring an Officer of the Month Award for the IMPD North District, where several members of their post honor an officer with a short ceremony thanking them for their service and presenting them with a $100 gift certificate.

"I have found that the officers appreciate the recognition from the community they are serving more-so than the money we are giving them," said Post 3 Finance Officer Dan Cunningham.

The post's building, which was converted from an old power substation, is a community hub, hosting scouting events, food drives, and meetings for virtual post's, such as University Post 360. The post also works with veteran nonprofits such as The Mission Continues and HVAF, enhancing support for veterans.

Broad Ripple American Legion Post 3 exemplifies dedication to service, community, and patriotism, maintaining a lasting impact through its programs and partnerships.

Post 360 fosters community engagement with local organizations

American Legion University Post 360, located at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), is a distinctive remote post that conducts hybrid meetings, combining both in-person and virtual attendance. This format increases accessibility for members who may be geographically dispersed, such as their member that currently lives in Croatia. However, this model also means they need a physical place to meet. Fortunately, several other American Legion Posts have offered them a place to meet, including Beech Grove Post 276 where they currently reside.

A key aspect of Post 360's operation is its partnership with IUPUI, which provides a supportive environment for veterans transitioning to academic and civilian life. This relationship facilitates access to university resources like career services and counseling, tailored specifically for veterans. As a result, the post is notable for having the youngest average age among Indiana's American Legion posts and is among the most diverse. This demographic shift reflects a broader, more inclusive approach to veteran community engagement.

"When I became the membership chair, I strategically started recruiting veterans from

all different backgrounds to represent what the military represents, which is everybody," said Post 360 and IUPUI staff member Clifton Morlan, "everybody that signed the dotted line deserves the respect of being a veteran."

Post 360 actively collaborates with other veteran organizations, such as The Mission Continues and HVAF to amplify their outreach and impact. Among their initiatives are helping host resource fairs and service projects such as their recent Williams Creek Cemetery cleanup, which honor fallen soldiers and foster community engagement.

"It makes me excited to see that they're making a difference in the community and that when I have time between classes that I'm able to go out and do my part as well," said Post 360 member and IUPUI student Amy Lee Schleppenbach.

In a time when membership is struggling, and the need for younger members is being highlighted, American Legion University Post 360 at IUPUI exemplifies how veteran organizations can adapt to meet these needs. They believe that emphasizing inclusivity, collaboration, and community service is what The American Legion needs to do, and they are leading by example in this endeavor.

THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2024.

REPRESENTATION

Representation at the Department Convention shall be by Post. Ea

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

CALL OF THE CONVENTION

• one (1) delegate and one (1) alternate for the first 10 members;

• one (1) delegate and one (1) alternate for the first 10 members;

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

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

Department Adjutant Chad Woodburn has issued the following call for the 105th Annual Department Convention: In compliance with the Constitution of The American Legion, Department of Indiana, and the action of the Department Executive Committee, the 105th Annual Convention of The American Legion, Department of Indiana, will be held in Indianapolis, July 12-13, 2024.

PURPOSE

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

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

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

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

number of votes equal to the number of delegates who are properly certified to the Department Adjutant. Such certification must be received in Department Headquarters by 4:30 p.m. June 10, 2024. A Post to be recognized as a Post shall have 10 members whose dues have been paid to Department Headquarters.

• one (1) delegate and one (1) alternate for each additional 100 members whose Department and National dues have been paid as shown on the books of the Department Adjutant by 2:00 p.m. June 9, 2024

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

RULES AND PERMANENT ORGANIZATION

• one (1) delegate and one (1) alternate for each additional 100 members dues have been paid as shown on the books of the Department Adjutant A delegate is a member of a Post who has been elected by the Adjutant 15 days prior to the convening of the convention. Each Post’s maximum number of votes shall be equal to the number However, the Post may cast only the number of votes equal to the number certified to the Department Adjutant. Such certification must be received p.m. June 10, 2024. A Post to be recognized as a Post shall have 1 0 members Department Headquarters.

Each Post’s maximum number of votes shall be equal to the number of delegates to which it is entitled. However, the Post may cast only the number of votes equal to the number of delegates who are properly certified to the Department Adjutant. Such certification must be received in Department Headquarters by p.m. June 10, 2024. A Post to be recognized as a Post shall have 1 0 members whose dues have been paid Department Headquarters.

The Convention is called for the purpose of:

1. Electing Department Officers for the ensuing year.

2. Amending the Department Constitution & By-Laws, if necessary.

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

Chad T Woodburn

RULES AND PERMANENT ORGANIZATION

RULES AND PERMANENT ORGANIZATION

The 105th annual Department Convention will be conducted in accordance organization approved by the Department Executive Committee in regular vote of the delegates at the convention. Complete rules and permanent www.indianalegion.org.

The 105th annual Department Convention will be conducted in accordance with the rules and permanent organization approved by the Department Executive Committee in regular session and as may be amended vote of the delegates at the convention. Complete rules and permanent organization can be found www.indianalegion.org.

NOTE: District Commanders and Delegates to the 2024 National Convention must be elected by the duly accredited State Convention Delegates at least 15 days prior to the State Convention. THIS DATE IS THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2024.

REPRESENTATION

The 105th annual Department Convention will be conducted in accordance with the rules and permanent organization approved by the Department Executive Committee in regular session and as may be amended by vote of the delegates at the convention. Complete rules and permanent organization can be found at indianalegion.org.

Bob Oeth Department Adjutant Department Commander

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

• one (1) delegate and one (1) alternate for the first 10 members;

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

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

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

• one (1) delegate and one (1) alternate for each additional 100 members whose Department and National dues have been paid as shown on the books of the Department Adjutant by 2 p.m. June 9, 2024.

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

Each Post’s maximum number of votes shall be equal to the number of delegates to which it is entitled. However, the Post may cast only the

Chad T Woodburn Department Adjutant

Bob Oeth Department Commander

Chad T Woodburn Bob Oeth Department Adjutant Department

National Commander Seehafer lights a cannon during his visit to Elberfeld Post 351.

Department Letters

Bob Oeth Department Commander

Legion family, we started our Legion year off with a conference that turned into a convention. National Convention brought us a dues increase. Per the bylaws, dues can only be increased at a convention, so an emergency convention was called.

I was a special guest at the Governors of the State Address at the State House on January 9. At the end of January, I took some personal time in the sun to warm up a little bit. It was great.

In February, we took a trip to Springfield, Ill. to attend the annual Lincoln Pilgrimage, where we got to speak about our membership achievements. At the end of the pilgrimage, the national commander came back to Indiana with us to start our weeklong tour of our great Department of Indiana.

The first stop was my home Elberfeld Post 351, where the national commander attended our pre-civil war cannon. He loved it. The next day, we had lunch at Seymour Post 89, then went to Muscatatuck Urban Training Center for a tour of the facility. Then, the national commander, his aid Mike, and NEC Kenny Copper lined up for a haircut. It's not every day you get your hair cut in a gun shop.

After that, we went to Shelbyville Post 70 for a wonderful dinner and program. The next morning, we went to the Shelbyville Army Air Guard to hear their commanding officer speak and spend time with the air crews that keep the Black Hawks flying. When you’re around service personnel you get new Legion family members.

Lunch was waiting for us when we got to Bloomfield Post 196, where members listened to the national commander deliver his story of Be The One. Then, it was off to the department office to visit with our amazing staff. David Miller and other dedicated membership workers were there for the 30-day membership blitz, which really made an impression on the national commander. Finally, we attended the Post 492 West Lafayette evening meal and program.

The next morning, we went to the top of the hill to IVH for a tour. In Fort Wayne, we visited the Veteran’s National Memorial Shrine and Museum. This is a must see if you’re in the area. We had a great meal and program at New Haven Post 330, and made our way back to the hotel for the commander's last night in Indiana. The weather held out for us the whole week, and wouldn’t you know it, after coffee and donuts at Post 502 to send the commander off to Iowa, the snow came down!

We also went to Washington D.C. for the legislative meeting with national staff and the national commander. A highlight of my year was being able to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Oh my, what an honor! I attended a lot of meetings and gained a lot of important information to bring home to our Indiana Legion Families.

In March, the first lady and I received very good meals, great hospitality, as well as donations to the Indiana American Legion Foundation from posts throughout Indiana. We enjoyed every minute. Later in the month, the first lady and I shared a table with the national commander at the Medal of Honor Recipient dinner at the

Indiana Museum.

Of course, April brought Spring Conference and Indiana American Legion College. This year’s event brought 39 Legionnaires and SAL members to attend the 3-day course, that covers everything from the post level to the department level. I want to thank David Miller and Laurie Bowman for all their hard work in putting this year’s college together.

One thing that was a first for the national organization and the Department of Indiana, was the Be The One training though Columbia University. This training teaches people how to recognize a person that might be considering suicide. Check out indianalegion.org and talk to Wayne Zeman about why Be The One training is so important.

After graduating the Be The One training, we went to the ballroom opening of the Joint Spring Conference with the SAL and the ALA. I want to thank everyone for the great attendance and hope you learned a lot.

In closing, I will add one thing that always brings interesting replies. If we really want to be a Legion Family Organization, then we are going to have to stop smoking in our posts so the whole family can walk in the door.

Department Letters

Kenny Cooper National Executive Committee

I hope everyone is doing well and had a good Spring conference.

I’m settling into my job well. I spent Spring Conference with the leading candidate for National Commander, Jim LaCoursiere. We have had some great leaders in the past and he will be a great leader for the future.

Jim is from Connecticut, a 27year member of the American Legion, a 15-year member of the Sons of the American Legion, and he was the founding father of the American Legion Riders program in Connecticut. Jim has served as

Jerry Melton Southern Vice Commander

Greetings from the south. This year has passed by very fast and is coming to an end. Southern Vice Commander Joe Allen and I have traveled the south attending meetings and program contests. It is good to see more Legion posts participating in the many programs available through the Legion. We look forward to seeing all the program winners from all districts at Department Convention. Our membership has been dwindling for many years, but our membership officers have done a great job this year to reach our membership goals, considering we have dues increase this year. Membership is the life of all Legion posts. All posts should have a membership committee. The

chairman on numerous committees at post, district, and national levels. We wish him well as our 2024-2025 National Commander candidate.

Your legislative team, along with the Big 4, has been busy with legislative and supporting veterans issues at the state house.

HB 1021 Green alert: for missing at risk veterans. Defines “Veterans at Risk” and provides public notification regarding missing veterans at risk.

HB 1120 Property Tax: for disabled veteran property raises deduction from $200,000 to $240,000.

SB 15 Benefit Poster: Requires that the Indiana Department of labor consult with the Indiana Department of Veteran Affairs to create and distribute services posters, and requires that the

veterans benefits and service poster must contain certain information. Requires that Indiana employers with more than 50 full-time employees display the veterans benefits and service poster in a conspicuous place.

SB 49 Catastrophically Disabled Veteran Hunting: provides that catastrophically disabled veterans may hunt on the same for free hunting days as those designed for youth hunters by the director of the department of natural resources.

These are just some of the veterans bills we have supported. You can go to iga.in.gov/ legislate/2024/bills to look up different bills.

I’m looking forward to the American Legion National Conference in May.

membership officer cannot do it alone. Membership cards, buddy checks, nursing home visits, and keeping in contact with those who are shut-ins at home, is too much for one or two officers.

When you are sick at home, a kind word from your post is uplifting and shows the post cares about its members. This all matters when it's time to pay membership dues. Membership is about to come to an end for the year, but it never ends. You want to always be searching for new members wherever you may be.

Close of Books, a three-day event at Department Headquarters is June 7-9. Each day will serve a different purpose. This event is still being planned, but new information will be added to indianalegion.org when available.

Congratulations to all the Legionnaires and Sons of The American Legion who graduated

from the Indiana American Legion College Class of 2024. This is just one means for a member to achieve training. There are many educational tools to train posts and district members on legion. org. The department encourages all members to use these tools. Better educated members and officers make a better American Legion.

Thank you to all Legion Family for the warm welcome and support you have given me this year. I have enjoyed my travels around southern Indiana.

Commander Bob Oeth, thank you for the honor and privilege of allowing me to serve with you, and the rest of your great staff.

So, until Department Convention and National Convention, God bless you, God bless The U.S.A. and God bless The American Legion. I look forward to seeing you all at the conventions!

Department Letters

The current Legion year is ending and we are ready to complete a successful year. I would like to thank everyone for making it an enjoyable and awesome year for me. Being part of this organization has provided me with great opportunities.

The American Legion was built upon the four pillars in 1919, which are still our focus today: Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children & Youth.

As part of the first pillar, Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, The American Legion continues to work with Congress to get adequate funding of Veterans Administration health care, increase access to VA facilities, reduce the backlog of benefit claims and their adjudication, and economic opportunities for those who have come home changed by their military experiences. Our service officers within the Department of Indiana work diligently to assist veterans to receive the benefits and care they earned and deserve. Our members also provide countless hours to help veterans obtain their benefits and to provide care and comfort to them. Through our committees we continue this process. The VA Claims Backlog, Access to Va Health Care, Network of Service Officers, VA Vet Centers, Health-Care Funding Formula, Veterans with Special Needs, Volunteering, Final Respects, Heroes to Hometowns, Careers for Veterans, Homelessness, and GI Bill Benefits. This is what we mean when we say “Veterans helping veterans.”

National Security is our second pillar as stated in the Preamble, “to

uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America,” and “to safeguard the principles of justice, freedom, and democracy.”

There are many aspects of this. We need to have a well-funded, equipped, and trained military to defend our nation. We need to have awareness and surveillance of rogue nations, terrorist groups and global threats to U.S. security around the world. We need to support the Department of Homeland Security and urge its steadfast protection of our U.S. borders, ports, and other points of access. A multifaceted plan for disaster preparedness is required if our country will be able to still function no matter what happens. Our service members should be able to have a decent quality of life for themselves and their families, active-duty and reserve members – that includes reasonable compensation, benefits, health care, and family-support programs – and an efficient and compassionate healing and transition program for wounded and ill warriors as shown in our programs such as Operation Comfort Warriors.

The committees that we have under National Security pillar: Support for the Troops, Size of the Armed Forces, Quality of Life, Homeland Security, POW/MIAs, and Operation Comfort Warriors.

Our third pillar, Americanism, seems to be under constant attack. As an organization dedicated to God and country, with a membership of military veterans that take deep pride in the U.S. flag and all it means, The American Legion has always been a stalwart champion of patriotism, morality, and citizenship. Upon the pillar of Americanism is The American Legion’s devotion to law and order, the raising of wholesome youth, respectful observance of patriotic holidays

and remembrances, education, and law-abiding citizenship. Support for protection of the U.S. flag, Boys State and Nation, the Pledge of Allegiance, and Voter Registration are some of the most important activities we participate in. The committees that fall under the Americanism Pillar: Flag Protection, Illegal Immigration, Voter Registration and Participation, Boy Scouts of America, The Pledge of Allegiance, Establishment-Clause Lawsuits, Legacy Run, Boys Nation, and American Legion Baseball.

The fourth pillar of our organization is Children & Youth. The three main objectives of this pillar is to strengthen the family unit, to support quality organizations that provide services for children and youth, and to provide communities with well-rounded programs that meet the physical, educational, emotional and spiritual needs of young people. Grants provided through the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation provide much of this funding to different organizations through grants to support youth for one time programs. Temporary Financial Assistance is another program that helps care for the family of a veteran that has a temporary need, such as providing funds to the U.S. Coast Guard members during the government shutdown.

The different committees under the Children & Youth are Catastrophic Illness, Intellectual Disabilities, Immunization, Family Integrity, Media Violence, Drug Abuse, Child Sexual Exploitation. Family Support Network, Temporary Financial Assistance, Samsung Scholarship, and the Child Welfare Foundation.

Our duty is not only to remember these four pillars, but to act upon them and strengthen them.

Joe Allen Southern Vice Commander

Department Letters

Jack Platt Northern Vice Commander

Spring is here and it is time to make your final push for membership. We are close to 66,000. Membership is a very important part of the Legion. Ten-year memberships are available for only $350 until July 1. After July 1, the price goes up to $400.

Wayne Zeman Northern Vice Commander

We had a great Spring conference. It was great to see so many of you in person attending different committee meetings and enjoying the fellowship and comradery of the weekend.

We also had the 3rd Department of Indiana Legion College in the days leading up to the conference. I am honored to be involved as a facilitator

Mark Gullion Legislative Committee Chairman

American Legion Family,

The Commander, the Adjutant, and National Committee member, Kenny Cooper, and I as chairman of the Legislative Committee are part of Big 4. The Big 4 consists of the VFW, DAV, Indiana Guard association and the American Legion. The Big 4 i works with our legislator to pass bills that affect ALL veterans in Indiana. Currently one of our priorities is to allow Electronic pulll-tabs (also

Registration is still open for Hoosier Boys State and Indiana Youth Cadet Law Enforcement Academy. These are great programs for Hoosier youth interested in government and law enforcement, respectively.

The Indiana American Legion Riders will host their annual InState Legacy Run July 20. The ride, starting from six different locations across Indiana and converging at Post 64, will benefit the Indiana American

and instructor, and I can say that the future of the organization is bright. We had another class of great Legionnaires and Sons in class this year.

Graduates of Legion College from prior years are now serving their fellow Legionnaires as post and district officers, as department committee chairs, and some are now leading candidates for department office!

Taking a leadership role in this organization at any level is not about being in charge.

referred to as E-Tabs) to be sold to Veterans Service Organizations.

We have partnered with Arrow International, the world’s largest manufacturer of charitable gaming, and we are also working with Bose McKinney & Evans LLP.

E-tabs are digital, graphically enhanced versions of the traditional paper pull-tabs, and are played on an electronic devices like a tablet or cabinet. E-tabs in your post will cost you nothing other than electricity and internet service. In other words, its profit. You can and hopefully you will continue to sell the traditional paper pull tabs.

Legion Foundation, supporting Legion youth programs and the veteran service office.

Close-of-Books will be a three-day event taking place at Department Headquarters this year June 7-9. Each day will serve a different purpose. Friday, June 7 will be a day for at-risk veterans; Saturday, June 8 will be family day; and Sunday, June 9 will be Close of Books. More detailed information is available at indianalegion.org.

It is about being in a position of greater responsibility to our fellow Legionnaires and to the organization. Leaders in our great organization need to also be mentors and prepare others to fill the roles.

We are entering the final phase of the membership year and I have to say, you all are doing a great job. Keep on pushing, working on renewals, holding events, and working programs in your local communities to attract new members. Keep doing what it takes to make it happen.

The Big 4 is on a marketing campaign and needs help from our posts throughout Indiana. We are looking for: success stories of your posts, what you have been able to do for your communities with the money you have made with gaming, your five-year gaming profit, permission for your post to appear in a marketing campaign video.

A demonstration bus will be on site at the upcoming Close of Books, June 9, to give everyone a better understanding of E-Tabs. Please send the above information or any questions to me at legislative@indianalegion.org.

Department Letters

Steve DeFeo Department Historian

Exciting changes are ahead for history. History? Exciting?

The National American Legion History Contest is going electronic. This will make it easier for posts to submit entries for Department History Contests and then the department winner to the national contest.

What should the histories include? For detailed reference, look at the 2023 Officer’s Manual. To summarize:

• Mention of the national organization’s founding (including the Preamble to the Constitution of The American

Legion) with a tizz-in of the department and post’s history. See legion.org/history or “Capsule History of The American Legion,” listed later, as a possible beginning, and see your department historian for a capsule history of the department.

• If named for a departed comrade or comrades, include a short biographical sketch of their lives and include available photographs.

• If possible, a brief resume of your community’s history, especially the part played by that locality in furnishing men and women during wars and conflicts.

• A photograph of the building and street address, as appropriate.

John Hickey Rehabilitation Director

Interesting E-mail Responses from the Service Director

VA Dental Care and Another Option

As the director of rehabilitation and veterans’ services, I answer hundreds of emails monthly. Since many of them would benefit others, I have decided to replace my Hoosier Legionnaire column with copies of the more interesting emails. If necessary and when the occasion warrants, I may still provide a column. Until then, however, you may find copies of our emails even more interesting and informative. The following one example.

Question: I am a member of

The American Legion. I am 60% service-connected disabled. VA has a protocol that only 100% service-connected veterans can have dental care benefits at a Veterans Administration hospital. There are thousands of 10% up to 90% service-connected veterans who cannot get dental care at VA. Therefore, can these veterans get outsourced by VA to a local dental facility under the current outsource program of the Department of Veterans Affairs?

Answer: Yes, you are correct. Veterans must be rated 100% service-connected disabled or be service-connected for a dental condition before VA can offer dental care under current law. Nor will VA authorize dental care from non-VA sources unless the veteran meets the disability rating qualification.

• Acknowledgment of any assistance or contributions used in compiling the history. Electronic submissions are to be in a PDF format to retain the layout format.

As national changed their deadline to August 1, all submission for department consideration must be emailed to me by the end of the annual convention. This allows us the time to judge and forward the submission to National in a timely manner.

Let’s take advantage of these rules changes to create meaningful histories, not for acknowledgment, but as a legacy to future Legionnaires and to provide guidance to those who come after us.

VA law and regulations are often changed through the resolution process. American Legion’s legislative process originates through resolutions made at the post level. If you would like to propose a resolution for The American Legion to support a change in law for allowing veterans with less than a 100% rating to receive VA dental care, you will want to discuss doing so with your post commander. Since you don’t qualify for VA dental care, you may be able to buy dental insurance at a reduced cost through the VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP) if you are enrolled for VA health care services. You may access this information and additional dental service information online: va.gov/ health-care/about-va-healthbenefits/dental-care/

Norris Keirn Department Chaplain

Chaplain’s Corner Decades ago, my wife bought a print of the “Field Cross” from the Vietnam War and had it matted and framed for me. Below the painting are these words by L.J. Baily: “Because of the fate that our comrades met, we the survivors, must not forget”. It has been next to the exit door of the various offices that I have filled over the years and now my home office. There are strong religious ties for me with this symbolism and hauntingly deeper is the memory of those who were transported out in an OD bag. Even more so, those not recovered.

70.1% of all Marines who died in Vietnam, died in the Quang Nam province during between 1968 and 1969. 1968 was the “bloodiest” year of the two. The total deaths of all the other years of our involvement do not come close to either one of these “bloody” years. I had the privilege of serving both those years and more, attached to the Seventh Marines. I remember when flights were difficult due to action or weather. Only ammo and replacements came in and only bodies went out. So often, the “Sea-knights” only touched the rear to the ground. The field cross reminds me of the gift I was given by my comrades.

When the Department of Indiana campaigned to give me the privilege of being National Chaplain, an alignment of events took place at our department convention in Evansville that year. The Gold Star Mothers were having a national convention and I was invited to be their “keynote” speaker. One of the color guards

bore the Navy Cross, awarded for his actions during the evacuation of the embassy in Saigon in 1975. I immediately saluted him and was in awe.

I had worked for weeks on my presentation and could not pull it together. Finally, I heard the Spirit of God speak to me to trust that the words would be given to me. So, wondering how all my preparation would come together and how I might honor these ladies and their families, I approached the podium noteless. I noticed that most of the mothers gathered in white gowns were also mothers of those who died in Vietnam. I began my presentation, “It is my extreme privilege and honor to stand before you and to let you know that I am here because your sons are not…” I returned from a color guard gravesite this afternoon. We are mostly a bunch of old guys in our 70s. We all have various physical limitations and a host of surgical and pharmaceutical remedies to keep us going. However, the consistency of attendance is remarkable. I have seen a number pass through our ranks as those of us remaining have paid tribute at their gravesite. We keep going and going because we won’t

Commander Oeth, President Threte, Detachment Commander Rush, and ALR Director Everman visit Save A Warrior in Hillsboro, Ohio during the solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024.

forget.

I have been doing honors for Memorial Day for at least 65 years. I began wearing my “Cubby” uniform to place flags on all the veteran’s graves in the town where I went to school. My family has a history of serving since the Civil War. This has continued with two of my own children and a son-in-law. Honoring those who served was bred into me by my family and community.

The veteran ranks are rapidly thinning and the vast majority are like my post color guard. However, if I can muster, you’ll find me still planting flags, serving on the color guard, and performing clergy services at funerals when invited. You will find dedicated Legion Family members across our great state and beyond performing the same actions. We cannot and will not forget the sacrifices of men and women who paid the cost for freedom we so treasure!

Praise be to the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge. Psalm 144:1-2d NIV.

District Commander Letters

Greetings Legion Family,

We recently finished our spring conference. We had a joint session with the Sons of the American Legion and The American Legion Auxiliary. It was nice to see a filled seating arrangement. Thanks to all who participated and made sure the 1st District had representation at the committee meetings. When everyone brings what they want to have in the hospitality suite they can have what they want. If they bring a little bit more than they need, we can all have a fun time. The hospitality suite worked very well. Thanks to Diane Gallo for managing the suite.

May is always a busy month.

The American Legion Auxiliary had their annual First District Auxiliary Official Department Officers

Visitation at Crown Point Post 20. I helped support them with a donation and my attendance. Registration for Department Convention is open and that takes place the second weekend in July. The hotel gets booked fast.

Posts must also determine leadership, delegates and committee chairs. Their results also must be reported to the department. If results are not reported to the department, 2025 membership cards will be withheld until the reports are completed. The membership year runs July to June with a grace period that won't expire if renewed by the end of December. The best plan is to pay your dues when you receive the first notification.

Memorial Day is a very busy time. We go to our assigned cemeteries and plant flags to mark veterans’ graves. 1st District had its Memorial Day Ceremony on Sunday, May 26. Thanks

to Calumet Park Cemetery for arranging the tent and musical entertainment. The opening ceremony included color guards from American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary Units, SAL Squadrons and American Legion Riders. Wreaths were placed. Most of our communities rely on The American Legion to plan and lead their Memorial Day ceremonies. So, on that Monday, most of our posts conducted a Memorial Day ceremony.

The 1st District meeting on June 5, is at East Gary Memorial Post 100 at 7 p.m. This meeting will dispense with committee reports to have our Post Everlasting ceremony for the district. Department is having a help homeless veterans’ day on Friday, June 7, family fun day on Saturday, June 8, and close-of-books is Sunday, June 9. Then, it’s time for Fourth of July and Department Convention a week later.

Commander Bob Oeth’s homecoming on Saturday, May 4, 2024.

Mike Wooden 1st District Commander

Jill Wable 2nd District Commander

It has been an exciting second half of the 202324 membership year. I have seen such dedication from the 2nd District Green Machine. The vice commanders and membership team are doing fantastic. I am fortunate to have such a group of rock stars. They are going out and working with their posts to help them to increase their membership. The 2nd District is pushing through recruiting new members and renewing membership. We have worked hard with our membership drives and appreciate the dedication and leadership of Membership Chair David Miller. He is such an inspiration. I am so proud of the work of my 2nd District membership team. I would like to give a special shout out and thank you to Kim and Noble Pulsipher, and Kelly Murrey for helping in Indy fielding calls for the membership drive. With all

this hard work, we will continue to drive forward in 2024 and accomplish our membership goal of 7,300 and #66000 for the Department of Indiana.

I was grateful to have the opportunity to attend several events, post meetings, Legion Birthday celebrations, hockey games, and oratorical contest. 2nd District is very active within their communities. I appreciate the hospitality from Portage Post 260 as I attended their Legion Birthday Celebration. We were also visited at Lafayette Post 11 by Commander Oeth and Membership Chair David Miller for their celebration. Lafayette Post 11 and Monticello Post 91 did wonderful jobs hosting the Oratorical competition. We were excited to have our own 2nd District’s participant Knox Boyd from Post 38 in West Lafayette representing the state of Indiana in the National Competition. We are so proud to have such a stellar candidate.

I would like to congratulate all our new American Legion College

Greetings to the 3rd District.

I can't believe that it's been almost a year since I was elected to the high office of the 3rd District Commander. We have accomplished a lot in just a few months, but this year's term is not yet complete. There are so many posts that are so close to 100% that it would be a shame to give up now. Please continue

to contact your fellow members that need to renew their memberships. It's not too late to make every renewal count. After all, we owe it to every veteran to make sure that their service counts.

A special thank you to our Department Membership staff. You have worked so hard to make 86,000 a reachable goal. Long hours and countless phone calls made this possible. Our Department Headquarters’ staff is top notch. Thank you all. Let's finish this year in a big

graduates, and especially those from the 2nd district. We look forward to the knowledge you will share to grow your post and help your fellow Legion families. As an alumnus from the first college, I am proud to welcome the following new alumni from the class of 2024: Tom Potts, Scott Wheeldon, Matt Clayton, Gen Polly, and Casey Mast. Make us proud.

I was excited to have the opportunity to meet National Commander Daniel J. Seehafer and have him impart his wisdom to the 2nd District. We hosted him one evening at West Lafayette Post 492 and such a wonderful turnout from our Legion Family and those from Post 11 and Post 38. He lives the mission of The American Legion. As stories of his travels inspired us, we took away that all members of The American Legion must “change lives and save lives.” It is up to all of us to take this message out and share it with our communities to make a difference. We are the 2nd District, and we are 2nd to none!

way. Continue to recruit and promote 3rd District in a positive way. Uplift other neighborhood posts. We are all in this together. Special thanks to our Past Department Commander Jim Daube and Paul Stewart for your confidence in me. I hope, at the end of this term, I have made you proud. Until then, we all need to continue to work hard to finish strong. Commanders, please make sure every member feels welcome to your post. Let's reach out to every member and do a buddy check.

Cecil Brummet 3rd District Commander

District Commander Letters

Hello fellow Hoosier Legionnaires. I write to inform you of how things are going in the Fabulous 4th District, the northeast section of Indiana.

Boys State will begin in a couple of weeks. The weeklong experience is held at Trine University in Angola. 4th District has several boys entered the 2024 class and they will experience our country's government by becoming politicians

Judy Pearson 6th District Commander

This year went so quickly and I met so many new people and traveled to many posts within the 6th District. I enjoyed meeting new friends and hearing the history or accomplishments at each post within their community. I want to thank every friend and post for their hospitality throughout the year.

We have over 200 boys for Boys State and over 58 of the boys are from our district. Thank you to all the posts who sponsored a boy or two. The boys who go to this weeklong program build important realworld skills and leadership qualities by creating a functional state

themselves. The history of Boys State has several fantastic mentors for these boys to follow: Presidents, astronauts, politicians, major company owners and CEOs.

In June, we'll also have another week-long class of Youth Cadet Law Enforcement program. The 4th District is proud to have influenced several children of all ages to join in this program. These kids are our future; knowing the laws of our country and our political ways will make our country proud.

The last thing I want to mention is our membership drive. With only a couple weeks left in this year's drive,

government based on Indiana’s political process. Exceptional young men who are in their junior-year of high school will actively collaborate to establish platforms for two made-up parties, participate in elections, propose laws, negotiate bills and enforce the established legislation from the local level up to the state level.

The 6th District held the second Children & Youth awards luncheon in March. We gave awards to Americanism and Government, 4th Grade Flag Education, and Boy Scout of the Year. The cub scouts held an excellent flag folding ceremony for attendees while Lebanon Post 113 put on a great luncheon. Department Commander Bob Oeth helped with our awards ceremony. Thank you for attending

the 4th District has moved into 3rd place out of the 11 districts. We started the year in 10th place. This is a competition between districts, but the 4th continues to see it as helping our brothers and sisters, and bringing them the knowledge of rights and benefits owed to them along the way. The American Legion has helped veterans and their families to help each other. We have a few weeks to go, and we'll continue to fight to increase our Legion membership.

Thank you for letting me inform you of what is happening in our 4th District.

and participating in the ceremony. I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank Commander Bob Oeth, Debby Oeth, and Southern Vice Commander Joe Allen for attending a number of our meetings, and for their partnership and friendship throughout the year. I thank all of my officers for their dedication to our veterans. As we close out the year, please remember that it takes a team to educate our communities about The American Legion and a team to pass the torch on to the next generation to serve our veterans and society. Let’s keep the torch going between our posts, districts, departments and national to create an even better American Legion for future veterans.

God Bless our veterans and thank you!

Daniel Richardson 4th District Commander

District Commander Letters

Great

day

fighting 7th!

If you didn’t make it, we had a great Spring conference. I hope all will try to attend Department Convention, July 10-14. Even with the membership increase in dues for the year 2025, we are doing well. Don’t give up! There is still time to sign up for a 10-year membership for only $350. I am asking all posts to do buddy checks and make phone calls to members. It will be harder to keep membership with the rising cost of

everyday living expenses. Let’s all pitch in and do what we can. Next year a 10-year membership will cost $400.

We have had several IVETS requesting help with bills. This is a program of Department that helps a veteran’s with bills. Next quarter, we may have more. Each post is to have the paperwork to help a veteran and in return the Department will give money back to the post. On the IVETS program a veteran can get up to $500. That is why we are the fighting 7th. We will support our family.

It has been a great two years serving the 7th district. The new commander, Jess Brown from

Greetings everyone from the Great 8th!

For all those who attended Spring Conference in Indianapolis, thank you for a great turn out. Please invite fellow Legionnaires from your post to attend in the future, they will not be disappointed. I want to reemphasize to all posts to contact each member that has not renewed their 2024 membership dues and to do so as soon as possible. We are nearing 300 new members to our district and need to keep our foot on the gas. For there to be growth in our organization, we should never wait until next year to get them signed up. There are many events that are taking place with the weather warming up; now is the time to get membership booths set up and

recruit new members.

Hoosier Boys State will take place June 16-22 at Trine University with 33 campers from the 8th District attending. Great job by all posts getting involved at our schools. We are still accepting applications for Indiana Youth Cadet Law Enforcement which is available for boys and girls in grades 9-12. This is an exceptional program for any youth that is looking a career in the law enforcement field. Education on our programs is one of the best recruitment tools we have.

Close of Books will be held at Department Headquarters June 7-9. Visit the department website for the schedule of events. Please be sure your post has all their annual forms submitted to Department as soon as possible so there is no issue picking up your 2025 membership cards. All forms are available on the department website. Click on “Forms & Files”

Greenwood Post 252, will do a great job serving. So lets all support him and the district. Don’t forget your forms are due to Department for next year.

I hope you are all doing well as summer draws near. It is time to get out and do some gardening, cut your grass, go fishing, camping, or have a cookout with family and friends.

Again, it’s been great serving you and the 7th District. I hope to see you at Department Convention. Thank you all for your service to God and country! God bless you and America.

at the top of the screen and select “Annual Forms.” There you will find all the forms required to receive your cards at Close of Books. It is a quick, easy, and reliable method of submitting your mandatory forms, and I highly suggest it. Great job to our Department staff for putting that together.

Thank you to all our posts for your hospitality during my visits to your membership meetings and events throughout my year as 8th District Commander. I've met so many wonderful people during my term and will stay in contact for anything you need. It has been an honor and privilege to serve in this position and I will continue to do all I can to increase our membership, educate members on our programs, and promote the Four Pillars. I look forward to seeing you at Department Convention, July 10-14. Finally, let's keep our foot on the gas for membership!

Dale McDonald 7th District Commander

Brian Barnett 8th District Commander

District Commander Letters

Greetings from the 9th District and our American Legion Family. As I near the end of my tenure as your District Commander, my goal is to leave this office in a good place and transition responsibilities into the capable hands of my successor. With post and district elections of officers coming, I encourage each one of you to attend these vital post and district meetings to make yourself aware of the decisions that will affect you in the coming year. Also, show support for those that will be leading your individual posts and district in the coming year. Show up and vote, it is as easy as that.

As I routinely do in each article I write, I would like to highlight the clever work that our district posts are doing in their communities. Major Samuel Woodfill Post 9 in Madison, was recently voted as the “Best Associations and Organizations for 2024” by the Madison Area Chamber of Commerce. It’s not simply what we do within the walls of our post –even though that is extremely important –it’s what we do outside

of the post that draws most attention to our great organization. Whether it is organizing a local ALR ride for charity, or involvement in the local fairs and festivals, that may bring just one more veteran to our post and provide them with the needed services that they have earned. Welcome them in and direct them to the resources that we have at our disposal. You don’t know what they need until you ask the question.

I would also like to recognize the continued efforts of St. Joseph Post 464 in St. Leon for the important donations to HVAF in Indianapolis. They regularly organize food and clothing donations and deliver those greatly needed items to the shelter monthly. By networking with our local food pantries and individual donors, they have been fortunate to deliver goods measured in tons and not just pounds. I would encourage each of our posts to inquire about their local pantries and charities to see if there is an opportunity in your community to share assets with our veteran homeless through HVAF. We also hosted the Director of HVAF at our April district meeting to get a first-hand account of what a veteran might expect when visiting HVAF, and how the donations that

are accepted there on a weekly basis are delivered to those in the greatest need. They don’t consider it a handout but rather a hand up. End of year reports are due soon, and we need to have 100% participation from each post. Kevin Thomasson has already sent reminders via email, but we all need to do our part to get these documents completed and turned into Department. We need to be 100% by Close-of-Books. All documents should be submitted electronically, if possible. This provides you with a receipt for your submittal. If you do send them to Department via regular mail, please retain a copy for your records. If for some reason they do not arrive at Department, you will still have a record of what you sent.

In closing, we are doing well on membership this year, but we are still behind at several districts. The membership year is closing fast, and we all need to do our part to continue the great work that we all do. I am constantly reminded by one of our longtime members in the 9th District, “The American Legion is the best kept secret in U.S.” Let’s not keep that secret. Let’s spread the word far and wide. Thank you for all you do for your American Legion Family.

A Selma resident donates lost and found items to Selma Post 437 Commander Tommy Goul in the wake of a tornado.

Lonny Barnett 9th District Commander

Scott Meyer 10th District Commander

Hello 10th District and fellow Legionnaires. We are past another successful Spring Conference with a tremendous amount of positive energy flowing.

We, as a district, have had great recruiting success. As of early April, we have recruited over 300 new members and sit at 93.2% renewal. Great work by the entire team and a special thanks to our District Membership Chair, Laurie Bowman for her hard work, not just for our district, but for her help with many other district renewals.

Post 70 in Shelbyville hosted a dinner to welcome National Commander Daniel J. Seehafer in February. They provided an awesome dinner and pulled out all the stops to represent their post and our district in a truly

Robert Rowley 11th District Commander

Hello from 11th District. We hope everyone had a fantastic Spring Conference. It was a very informative conference. There was a lot of changes this year, but things are working out and

professional manner. We wouldn’t have expected anything less from such great people.

Post 70 also hosted our February district meeting just a week after the national commander's visit. We also had the privilege of hosting Department Commander Bob Oeth. We asked him to participate in recognizing Post 70 member Jack DeMartino.

Mr. DeMartino is a Silver Star Recipient from Vietnam. The details of the Silver Star Award were read to those in attendance, and it was quite the impressive story. Mr. DeMartino was very humble in his speech and exclaimed that he couldn’t help it that they brought guns to a grenade fight, to which everyone got a good chuckle. He was presented with one of Commander Oeth’s coins as a token of appreciation for his heroic actions on that day almost 50 years ago.

Post 150 in Rushville has

for the best for The American Legion. The 11th District has many things coming up in the next couple months. Please follow us on Facebook and on our website. To our posts in the 11th District, please post all your events online.

Close of Books will be a three-day event at Department Headquarters this year on

been consistently adding new events and growing their brandnew post, so please visit their Facebook page and support them when you can.

Post 182 in New Palestine hosted training for suicide awareness and prevention over the last couple of months.

Our friends and families in Selma, Winchester and Union City were heavily impacted by tornado activity. Several posts, as well as Department of Indiana leadership, reached out to offer their support. I know that money, clothes and other essential items were delivered to those areas in support of their recovery.

Our very own 10th District Vice Commander Roger Clark has been on the campaign trail garnering support to be a 2024-2025 Southern Vice Commander for the Department of Indiana, and the support has been outstanding. Thank you to all that supported Roger during his visits.

June 7-9. Each day will serve a different purpose. Friday, June 7 will be a day for at-risk veterans; Saturday, June 8 will be family day; and Sunday, June 9 will be the Close of Books. More detailed information is available at indianalegion.org. Looking forward to everyone coming to the July convention it’ll be a great way to close out the year.

Department Commission

AMERICANISM COMMISSION

The Americanism Commission met at 4 p.m. on April 6, in Salon E of the Indianapolis Mariott East Hotel during Spring Conference. Chairman Roger Hilligoss opened the meeting in proper form. Roll call revealed eight members present and two members absent.

GOLF COMMITTEE

The Golf Committee met at 11 a.m. on April 6, in Salon 6. Meeting was presided over by Chairman Gary Stiles. Roll call was conducted. 13 members were present, and one member was absent. All districts were represented.

Discussion on the location for the 2025 Tournament was tabled until the next meeting.

No resolutions or additional requests for funding.

BASEBALL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The Baseball Executive Committee met at noon on April 6, in Salon 7. Meeting was opened in proper form by Chairman Owen Wells. Roll call was conducted. Six members were present, and two members were absent.

A bid from Kokomo to host the B-team tournament was accepted. Tournament dates and locations were reviewed.

No resolutions or additional requests for funding.

BASEBALL COMMITTEE

The Baseball Committee met at 1 p.m. on April 6, in Salon D. Meeting was opened by Chairman Owen Wells. Roll call was conducted. 15 members were present, five

members absent, 11 guests. The 2nd District and 10th District was not represented. Previous minutes were accepted.

The following tournament dates were announced:

• Senior State Regionals July 19-21

• Senior State Finals – Terre Haute

July 26-30

• Junior State Regionals July 11-14

• Junior State Finals July 18-21

• National Regionals Aug 7-11

• World Series Aug 15-20

No resolutions or requests for additional funding.

BOWLING COMMITTEE

The Bowling Committee met at noon on April 6, in Salon 7. The meeting was opened by Chairman David Hurtt. Roll call was conducted. 13 members were present, three members were absent. All districts were represented.

Awards and prizes for the 2024 Tournament were distributed. Discussed future tournament sites and requirements.

No resolutions or requests for additional funding.

JROTC COMMITTEE

The JROTC Committee met at 1 p.m. on April 6, in Salon E. Meeting was opened by Chairman Greg Peete. Roll call was conducted. 13 members were present, 10 guests were present. All districts were represented. Minutes from the previous meeting were accepted.

A motion was made and passed to require district commander signatures on the scholarship applications and to clarify that each district will only have one candidate.

A motion was made and passed to continue funding the JROTC program at $1,500 per year.

No resolutions or requests for additional funding.

POW/MIA COMMITTEE

The POW/MIA Committee met at 3 p.m. on April 6, in Salon 6. Meeting was opened by PDC Marty Dziecwiez. Roll call was conducted. 10 members were present, two members were absent. The 7th District and 11th District were not represented.

No resolutions or requests for additional funding.

SAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The SAL Advisory Committee met at 3 p.m. on April 6, in Salon E. Meeting was opened by Chairman Larry Horvath. Roll call was conducted. 11 members were present, six members were absent and one guest was present. Districts not represented were the 2nd, 8th, and 10th Districts.

Three resolutions were received as a matter of record.

Dave Parker 4th District Commander 2024–2025

It was noted that the Detachment Golf Tournament has been changed to September 14, 2024, in Cambridge City. There were no requests for additional funding.

NATIONAL SECURITY / FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

The National Security / Foreign Affairs Committee met at noon on April 6, in Salon A. Meeting was opened by Chairperson Karen Clark. Roll call was conducted. 16 members were present, one member was absent, seven guests were present. All districts were represented.

Discussion was held concerning Military Person of the Year awards. Deadline for submission is May 15. Will Hamilton volunteered to assist with judging of the applications as an active-duty member.

There were no resolution or requests for additional funding.

Roger Hilligoss Americanism Commission Chairman

Ron Hoaks Children & Youth Commission Chairman

CHILDREN & YOUTH COMMISSION

Children and Youth Commission

The commission met at 4 p.m., April 6, in Salon B of the Marriott East Hotel during Spring Conference. Chairman Ron Hoaks opened the meeting in proper form. Roll call was conducted, all were present. The following reports were given by the respective committee chairpersons.

AMERICAN LEGION FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP

Meeting was opened by Chairperson Wayne Zeman at 10 a.m., April 6, in Salon B. previous minutes were read and accepted. Selection Committee was present and a selection of 10 scholarship winners was conducted.

Winners will receive their scholarships at Department Convention in July.

Committee would like to meet at Fall conference for one hour.

There were no resolutions or additional requests for funds.

AMERICANISM AND GOVERNMENT

Meeting was opened by Chairperson Buckey Honaker at 1 p.m., April 6, in Salon A. Roll call was conducted, 10 members present, four absent and one guest. Previous minutes were read and accepted.

There was lengthy discussion on the minimum amount of sentences for essays. Discussion ended to leave as is.

There was also discussion on the junior level for 7th and 8th grade version of the test which was last

revised on 8/2022. They plan to update the test.

A committee was formed to figure out a pool of questions that would rotate every year so the test is not always the same.

The Committee would like to meet for one hour at Fall Conference.

No resolutions or additional requests for funds.

BOY SCOUTS

Meeting was opened by Chairperson Anna Murphy at 10 a.m., April 6, in Salon C. Roll call was conducted, nine members present, three absent and two guests. There were no meeting minutes for Mid-Winter Conference, as meeting was done via email with information on judging for ESOY in March 2024. Eagle Scout of-the-Year winner is Peter Joseph Schwemleir out of the 1st District. Winner was chosen at Department HQ on March 16th, beginning at 11 p.m. There were nine packets and two were disqualified, leaving seven packets to be judged. Of those, the 1st District winner had to be decided via tie breaker, where he won by only two points.

There was a discussion on looking at producing a pin to be worn on the uniforms of the Eagle Scouts, dictating if the Eagle Scout is an American Legion winner or a supporter (a.k.a. non-Department winner for the American Legion.

The 11th District presented Peter Holtz for the Square Knot Award which will be presented at Department Convention in July.

Committee would like to meet at Fall conference for one hour.

No resolutions or additional requests for funding.

HOOSIER BOYS STATE ENROLLMENT

Meeting was opened by Chairperson Chuck Mason at 11 a.m., April 6, in Salon C. Roll call was conducted, all members were present. Previous minutes were read and accepted.

Director Rich Brown gave a report on the HBS store is now live on the website. He encouraged that we should continue building relationships with schools and keep working on enrollment.

All districts gave a report and were encouraged to keep recruiting.

Enrollment is currently 208 students with the goal of 300. Committee would like to meet at Fall conference for one hour. There were no resolutions or additional requests for funding.

CHILDREN & YOUTH

Meeting was opened by Chairperson Darrell Bowman at 2 p.m., April 6, in Salon A. Roll call was conducted, 14 members were present, one guest. Previous minutes were read and accepted.

There were several lengthy discussions on the financing for this commission.

Discussion on the districts being responsible for their district winner’s room and plaques if they are not the department winner.

Packets are being judged at Department HQ on May 18. Packets must be at Department by May 17 There was discussion on the possibility of getting independent judges.

A motion was made and passed to not have luncheon for award winners.

Committee is requesting to keep their budget of $2,250 for the nine scholarships they award.

continued on page 18 Department Commission Reports

Department Commission Reports

continued from page 17

Committee would like to meet for one hour at Fall Conference. There were no other resolutions or additional requests for funding. Meeting was adjourned.

CEWF / IVETS

Meeting was opened by Chairperson Dale McDonald at noon on April 6, in Salon C. Roll call was conducted, 10 members were present, and one absent and five guests. Previous minutes were read and accepted.

A finance report was given. Committee is requesting that each district get a backup contact person in the case the primary person is on vacation.

There was a question and discussion about funding by the Homeless Veteran Committee. It was explained that CEWF/IVETS funds are not for funding the Homeless program. They discussed that there should possibly be a joint meeting with Homeless Committee to discuss this issue.

Committee would like to meet for one hour at Fall Conference.

There were no resolutions or additional requests for funding.

FLAG EDUCATION

The committee did not meet at Mid-Winter.

The Committee would like to meet for one hour at Fall Conference.

JUNIOR SHOOTING SPORTS

Meeting was opened by Chairperson Steve Scoggins at 10 a.m., April 6, in Salon D. Roll call was conducted, eight members present, six absent. Previous minutes were not available.

State Match was held at Hancock County Fairgrounds on February 24. Match was briefly discussed.

3rd District reported a new team out of Middlebury has formed.

The committee would like to meet at Fall Conference for one hour. There were no resolutions or additional requests for funds.

ORATORICAL

Meeting was opened by Chairperson James Grauvogl at 3 p.m., April 6, in Salon D. Roll call was conducted, 12 members present and two absent. Previous minutes were read and accepted.

State contest was recently held at National HQ with Knox Boyd form Post 38 out of the Green Machine 2nd District. He will be moving on to the National Competition.

2024 National Oratorical Contest is going to be at Hillsdale College in Michigan in May 3.

Department had a total of 14 contestants participate state wide.

The committee would like to meet for one hour at Fall conference.

There were no resolutions or additional requests for funding.

GIRL SCOUTS

Meeting was opened by Chairperson Jennifer Manning at 3 p.m., April 6, in Salon A. Roll call was conducted, eight members were present, five absent. No minutes were available.

Discussions on Girl Scout of the Year were had explaining how each district needs to turn in their nominations.

The committee would like to meet at Fall Conference for 30 minutes. There were no resolutions or additional requests for funds.

Kevin Urbanczyk Internal Affairs Commission Chairman

The Internal Affairs Commission met on Saturday, April 6, in Salon D of the Marriott East Hotel during Spring Conference. Chairman Kevin Urbanczyk opened the meeting in proper form. Roll call was conducted, and all were present. The following reports were delivered by the Committee Chairperson.

AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS

The meeting was opened in by Lonnie Boyce at 10:30 a.m. in Freedom Hall B, April 6. Roll call was conducted with 11 members present, three absent, and two guests present. Previous minutes were read and passed.

There were no resolutions or additional requests for funding.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

The meeting was opened by Mike Wooden at 3 p.m. in Salon B, April 6.Roll call was conducted with 14 members present, two absent, and one guest present.

There were no resolutions or additional requests for funding.

CONVENTION CONTESTS

No meeting, no report.

MEMBERSHIP

The meeting was opened by David Miller at 3 p.m. in Salon 4 and 5, April 6. Roll call was conducted with 21 members present, one absent, and 21 guests present. Previous minutes were read and passed. There were no resolutions or additional requests for funding.

RELIGIOUS EMPHASIS

The meeting was opened in by Norris Kern at noon in Salon E on April 6. Roll call showed 13 members present, one absent, and two guests

present.

There were no resolutions or additional requests for funding.

PUBLIC RELATIONS

The meeting was opened by Bridget Hayes at 1 p.m. in Salon 7, April 6,. Roll call showed 12 members present, three absent, and two guests present.

The committee had four motions total. Three motions passed and one motion failed. The motions passed are as follows:

• To remove criteria for prisonbased submissions of newsletter.

• To accept a rubric for 2023-2024 Talbert Award.

• To establish a committee to develop one rubric for all social media platforms and review resolution to change the award. The motion that failed was to approve a rubric for social media award submissions.

There were no resolutions or additional requests for funding.

LEGISLATIVE

The meeting was opened by Mark Gullion at 1 p.m. in Salon 6, April 6. Roll call was conducted with the roll call showed 11 members present, two absent, six guests.

The committee had one motion pass, which was for Voter Voice to be maintained by the American Legion. The DAV also wanted control. The Motion was made, and seconded, for the American Legion to maintain Voter Voice.

There were no resolutions or additional requests for funding.

YOUTH CADET LAW ENFORCEMENT ACADEMY

The meeting was opened by Laurie Bowman at 11 a.m. in Salon B, April 6. Roll call was conducted with 10 members present, three absent, and five guests present. Previous minutes read and passed.

There were no resolutions or

additional requests for funding.

POST EDUCATION

The meeting was opened by Rocky Blaze Sr. at 2 p.m. in Salon E, April 6.Roll call was conducted with 13 members present, one absent, and five guests present. Previous minutes read and passed.

There were no additional requests for funding.

FIRE FIGHTER/ LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS/ EMS AWARDS

The meeting was opened in by Scott Smithier at 1 p.m. in Salon 7, April 6. Roll call was conducted 12 members present, one absent, and one guest present.

The committee had four motions total. Three motions passed and one failed. The motions passed are as follows:

•For the Fallen Hero’s Award to receive a plaque, not a room.

• To remove the deceased from the award qualifications for the year.

•For the Fallen Hero’s Award to be awarded at Mid-Winter Conference for those who died the previous year.

The motion that failed was to do away with the Fallen Hero’s Award luncheon.

There were no resolutions or additional requests for funding.

IMVHOF

No meeting, no report.

DEPARTMENT LEGION COLLEGE

The meeting was opened by David Miller at noon in Salon 6, April 6. Roll call was conducted with 12 members present, three absent, and five guests present. Previous minutes read and passed.

The committee had one motion pass. The motion was to request $10,000 in funds to operate Legion College in Spring 2025.

There were no additional resolutions.

Ron Patterson Rehabilitation Commission Chairman

The Rehabilitation Commission

meeting was opened in due form by Commission Chair Ron Patterson at the Department Spring Conference April 6, at the Marriott East Hotel. Chairman Patterson asked for the respective Committee chairs to provide their reports. There were no resolutions made resolutions made. The meeting was adjourned in due form.

VETERANS ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

The meeting was held on April 6, in Salon A.

The meeting was opened in proper form by Vice Chair Larry Burkhart.

The 9th District was not represented. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as read. Guest speaker William Bethea, regional director from the VA reported that processing of claims improved from 160 days to 120 days from the previous year. He also stated that many jobs can be found by going to va.gov/ employee. Mr. Bethea stated that in some cases spouses are eligible for benefits associated with PACT Act.

The meeting was adjourned in proper form by Vice Chair Larry Burkhart.

NURSING HOME COMMITTEE MEETING

The meeting was held on April 6, in Salon 8.

The meeting was opened in proper form by Vice Chair Jack Garwood.

The 7th and 11th Districts were not represented. The minutes from the previous meeting were corrected to say 9th District 200 VES & 575 bags. The 1st District committee member stated that they had visited Hines and other nursing home in the area. 2nd District reported that they had utilized their allocated funds for the year. The 4th District has been visiting local nursing homes and working on a drive to collect backpacks for veterans. The 5th District has been visiting local homes and have a tax -exempt credit card. The 8th District stated that they are working on a list of items for veterans and would be checking with the local Dollar Tree store to get discounted items. The 9th District hosted a cookout for the local nursing home. The 10th District has been gathering money and socks to give out to veterans. There were no resolutions, and no funds were requested.

INDIANA VETERANS HOME

The meeting was held on April 6, in Salon 6. Committee Chair Platt opened the meeting in due form. All districts were represented and there were 10 guests present. Chair Jack Platt stated that from now on when guests come up to the home for lunches that they will be held in the Mitchell dining room. There have been conflicts with timing in the past due to church services being held in the other facility. IVH stated that there had been a request for putting in a fishing shed to store items. Jack Platt said that there will be more details to follow. Additionally, he stated that the DAV had purchased a new van for the home and were working

to replace the transportation for the residents to get to the pond. Mary York from the 10th District presented Chair Platt with a $150 donation for the IVH. The 11th District stated that the SAL had BINGO scheduled for the 21st.

There are currently 117 residents at the IVH and that they are continuously trying to improve their outreach to serve more veterans. The IVH hosted a solar eclipse event for the residents. Residents were provided approved glasses so that they could watch the eclipse safely. The Memorial Day Ceremony will be held May 5, at 10 a.m. in the Mitchell courtyard. The keynote speaker will be Gabrielle Owens, Chief Counsel for the IDVA. The IVH is providing free clinical nursing associate training to try and hire more staff directly, instead of utilizing staffing companies.

There were no resolutions or requests for funds.

HOMELESS VETERANS COMMITTEE MEETING

The Homeless Veterans Committee Meeting was held on April 6, in Salon 8. The meeting was opened in due form by Chair Ben Olsen. The 1st & 2nd District were not represented. Chairmen Olsen reminded the committee that during MidWinter Conference that the daily allowance for overnight housing had been increased to $75 per night with a two-night maximum. The maximum that any facility can file for reimbursement is $750 in any given year. This goes into effect July 1. Chair Olsen handed out flyers with information about resources for veteran facilities.

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There were no resolutions or requests for funds.

GENERAL HOSPITAL COMMITTEE MEETING

The General Hospital Committee Meeting was held on April 6th, 2024, in Salon 8 of the Indianapolis Marriott East Hotel. The meeting was opened in proper form by Chairman Rex Ikemire. Districts 4 and 7 were

not represented. Chairman Ikemire provided information to committee members identifying the respective hospital reps. The committee reports are as follows; 1st District handed out three hundred and twenty comfort packs. They requested that the packs contain shaving cream and a razor. 3rd District is now providing coffee certain days of the week, along with snacks and water. The 5th District stated that

they had spent their allocated funds for this year. 8th District still needing to spend the last $400, 10th District stated that they are working to appoint a new committee chair. Lastly, Chairman Ikemire reminded the committee that all funds must be used by July 31, and new requests for funds must be in by July 1. There were no requests for funds and no resolutions made.

Legion Family Letters

I am very proud to announce, at Spring Conference, the Riders membership voted to make a commitment that all proceeds from our In-State Legacy Runs will be donated to the Indiana American Legion Foundation for the next five years. This means that everything we raise will stay in Indiana to help fund the Department's programs. This year's in-state Legacy Run is planned for July 20. We hope that we can count on all the Legion Family entities for support as we had last year.

The American Legion Riders are

Greetings from the Detachment of Indiana.

First off, I would like to thank National SAL Commander J.R. for attending Spring Conference. It was a pleasure and honor having him.

I had the privilage to attend the Lincoln Pilgramige and place a wreath at the tomb. That was pretty cool. Then went to

excited to be a part of this year’s Close of Books, a three-day event at Department Headquarters in Indianapolis June 7-9. The Riders State Rally will be going on at the same time at Danville Post 118 and I will personally lead a ride from Danville to Department Headquarters each of those days. We will have a sign-up and information table on site and plan to have games as well. Also, for the first time ever, chapters in good standing will be able to pick up their 2025 Rider’s cards on June 9. We are continuing our Riders College classes to help your Riders Chapters be more successful. The next class is November 3, at LaPorte Post 83. We encourage all Legion Family leadership to attend and learn more about

Washington D.C. and placed a wreath at the WWII Memorial in honor of my Dad. We were able to speak to our senators while we were in town. After conference, Commander Bob, Auxiliary President Cherril, State Director Jeff and myself went to meet with Save A Warrior. We learned a lot of what they do, which is similar to the mission of Be The One. A week later, I went to Maryland and attended Commander J.R.’s Homecoming.

The goal is to raise $65,000 for Children’s Organ Transplant

the Legion Riders program. Preregistration is required, and the cost is $15 per person. Everyone that attends will receive a Riders College patch, a USB flash drive with useful information, and lunch. Go to indianalegion.org/riders to register.

At Department Convention in July, the Riders will hold elections at the same time as all the other Legion Family entities. This will make things so much easier moving forward that the ALR State Officers terms of office will match the rest of the Department of Indiana.

As always, your Department of Indiana Legion Riders will continue to “Ride for God and Country, The American Legion Family, and allied veterans everywhere” under my watch.

Association (COTA). We still need $25,000. For $20, you can receive a yellow COTA hat. All proceeds go to COTA. I bet the Department of Florida, Detachment of New Jersey and New York that Indiana will raise more money than them. If we lose, Indiana provides tenderloins, Florida will provide oranges and grapefuit, New Jersey provides pizza and New York did not put anything on the table. Right now, we are behind Florda and I have not heard from the other two.

“Every Veteran Counts, Call a Veteran.”

Jeff Everman American Legion Riders State Director

Paul Rush Sons of The American Legion Detachment

Legion Family Letters

Cherril Threte Auxiliary President

"What I feel I can’t say, but my love is there for you any time of day. But if it’s not love that you need, then I’ll try my best to make everything succeed."

-George Harrison, “What is Life.”

The American Legion Auxiliary continuously works to support the American Legion and honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing lives of our veterans, military, and families.

Happy 105th Birthday, American Legion. In March I attended American Legion Birthday celebrations in Bloomington, Mitchell, and St. Leon. May there be many more years with growth in membership and making a positive impact on the lives of our veterans, families and communities.

While at these celebrations, it was great to see new members of the American Legion who are also dual Auxiliary members.

Welcome to the American Legion family. It never gets jaded for the Auxiliary to thank you with honor and gratitude for your service and giving the Auxiliary its eligibility.

On April 8, I traveled to Hillsboro,

Ohio with Commander Oeth, SAL Detachment Commander Rush and ALR Director Everman to tour Save A Warrior Village during the historic and auspicious solar eclipse event. We witnessed the eclipse at 98% totality.

We learned more about Save A Warrior with our superb hosts Engagement Director Suzette Heller and Founder Jake Clark, as well as other board members. Save A Warrior is dedicated to the prevention of veteran suicide and the preservation of lifesaveawarrior.org

At Department visitations I reminded Auxiliary members of our mission to Be The One. Ask, Listen, reach out, 988 option 1. The hospitality and generosity of my remaining Department visits to 5th, 6th, 10th, 3rd, 1st and 8th have been wonderful.

As my term ends as your Department President for 20232024, I thank you for your support and generous donations to my President’s Projects HVAF (Helping Veterans and Families), USO of Indiana, Indiana Veterans Home as well as other programs such as ALA Hoosier Girls State which included a grant from the Indiana American Legion Foundation for a new color guard flag set.

I look forward to visiting Hoosier

Boys State and ALA Hoosier Girls State in June. The support of these programs is integral in providing an environment for self-governing citizens by informing them of the duties, privileges, rights and responsibilities of American citizenship.

I hope all enjoyed the joint Spring Conference and gained knowledge and enjoyed fellowship with our Legion family. The Paddle Auction for the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival Hospitality Room (2025) lead by our own Past National President Vickie Koutz raised over $13,000. Applause to you all for making it a success. Indiana is excited about hosting the 2025 National Veterans Creative Arts Festival. See you at the Department Convention in July. Our incoming ALA Department President Roxanna “Roxy” Stoner 2024-2025 will be installed Sunday, July 14, and she will do an outstanding job. Much success and all best for all incoming officers of the American Legion family.

“And in the end the love you take is equal to the love you make.” -Paul McCartney, “The End.”

Always in my heart Lights, Camera, Action: Starring Veterans. God bless you and God bless America.