Sons of The American Legion Detachment of New York

Great Work at MidWinter

John — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600

Gentlemen: Nice work this past weekend at Midwinter Conference. The reports were outstanding. I wish to congratulate Ken Kraetzer, Bob Avery and Pete Bubba DeAngelis on their awards. Our membership goals have been met so far, a great feat of accomplishment at Midwinter. Thank you for your efforts. We have a big number coming up 75% membership due in a week, get those cards youre holding in as soon as possible. We do still have some squadrons that show zero membership which is not acceptable, vice commanders and district commanders help us get your folks to send those remittances in. Overall we had a very successful conference and your diligence to your duties certainly paid off. We have raised just under $7000 fro NEF so far during he visitations. We have about half the counties yet to go, lets try to keep that pace and well have a banner year. Thank you again for your commitment to veterans and our organization as we raise funds for the National Emergency Fund and the Child Welfare Fund. Due to the Midwinter attendees generosity we raised significant money for CWF and NEF at the meeting. We also made a $1000 donation to Heroes to Hometowns through your efforts. Thanks again gentlemen! I did take orders for about a dozen SAL CWF shirts at midwinter, they have been ordered and will be shipped out when received. Others may order anytime via the order form. Please keep June 9th Saturday open on your calendars for Docs Homecoming in Hamburg, NY. Details will be out shortly via the website. Have a great Spring, keep your activities going and the membership coming in. We will see you all again in Rochester and many of you along the way through the visitations. Doc Gibbs, Commander

Sons Member Donates To Vet Dogs

John — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600

Elmont , NY J.P. Iacaona appears to be a normal 12 year old, but this youngster, who is a member of Elmont Squadron 1033 in Elmont, NY proves that Sons of any age can make a difference. Back in May of 2011 he donated a total of $4,800 to the Vet Dogs organization at his birthday party. Instead of getting gifts, he gave one. He continues to raise money for this great cause and by the end of 2011 has raised more than $8,000. In return, he has received citations from Nassau County Executive, State Assemblyman, and the Mayor of the Town. Detachment Children & Youth committeeman Greg Falco, who is a member of Squadron 1033, has recognized this young mans efforts and is proud to know this young man and deserves all the recognition he gets. For more information on Vet Dogs you can contact Greg Falco.

Flag Education Format

John — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600

Our Americanism chairman has asked that I put this informative four page Flag Education Program up for everyone. Americanism and Flag education is everyone's job, so please download and visit your local schools.

10th District Oratorical Contestants

John — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600

It has been a long road for Oratorical Contestants Winner Caitlin Kennedy of Pius V in Melville, Suffolk County and Juliet Liu of Syosset High School representing Nassau County. The American Legions topic on which the contestants must speak about, is a phrase of the U.S. Constitution. They must emphasize citizens' governmental duties and obligations. Orations are required to be original works, and must be eight to ten minutes in length. If that isnt hard enough, the contestants must give their speech from memory, without microphones or a podium. Both Caitlin and Juliet then competed at the 10th District Level Caitlin took first place and Juliet second, which earned them both the right to represent the 10th District at the Zone 2 competition, being held at the Elmont Memorial Library, on Feb. 11 at 10am. The winner of the Zone 2 Competition goes on to the State Contest in Albany March 3rd at 10am, and will then represent the Stat of New York at the National contest level, which will be held April 13-15, 2012 in Indianapolis at 10am. The student who places first at nationals will receive a college scholarship of $18,000; second place will be awarded $16,000; and third place will receive $14,000.

New Sons of The American Legion Android App.

John — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600

A very important message from our National Commander Jim Roberts Gentlemen, I have just received word that the Sons of The American Legion now has an Android App. I have just downloaded it and it is a nicely done application with some good information. This is the first release and I am sure that more improvements will be updated and more features will be added in the future. So go and check it out and pass the word. The app is not available on for Apple as of this writing, but it has been sent to Apple for approval. The Android App can be found by doing a search in the Android Market for Sons of The American Legion or following this link https://market.android.com/details?id=com.appmakr.app413917. Please pass the word to the Detachments and lets start talking about this when we are on the road. Thanks. Jim Roberts (FL) National Commander Sons of The American Legion

Fang Wong's Official Homecoming

John — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600

Forwarded on behalf of The American Legion Committee to Elect Fang A. Wong National Commander Please see the attached housing and activities forms. American Legion Family and Friends: You and your members are cordially Invited to attend and be a part of the celebration honoring National Commander Fang A.Wong during his official "New York Homecoming to be held at the Desmond Hotel and Conference Center, 660 Albany-Shaker Road, Albany, New York 12211 Friday and Saturday may 11-12, 2012. A number of events are planned to occupy your time leading up to the main event on Saturday evening. We hope you will take part in as many of these activities as possible which highlight some of the many attractions Albany, new York has to offer. Please refer to the enclosed housing and activities forms for all events and costs. The main event will be a homecoming Testimonial Dinner on Saturday evening, May 12 at the Desmond Hotel and Conference Center. The festivities will commence at 5:30 pm with a social hour, dinner to follow at 6:30 pm. Your meal choice will be Roasted prime Rib of Beef, Chicken Normande or Herb Basted Salmon at a cost of $50.00 each. This event will be Black Tie Optional with gentlemen wearing black jacket tuxedo )if available without renting) and ladies in proper evening attire. The enclosed hotel reservation form and event registration form provides all of the information needed to have an enjoyable weekend. Please take the time to make copies of these forms and give to others that may wish to attend. You may also obtain these forms by going to the New York American Legion web page at www.ny.legion.org. In as much as all hotel rooms and and events have a limited capacity your response is requested as soon as possible, but no later than April 1,2012. Your early response is sincerely appreciated. Robert L. Morrill The American Legion 112 State Street, Albany, NY 12207 It is our sincere desire that you join us on this festive occasion which promises to be the highlight of our American Legion Year. Sincerely, Robert L. Morrill Campaign Chairman

2012 Legion College

John — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600

The latest information is now available for the 2012 Legion College. Sons are permitted to apply and will be accepted for any open seats if there is room. Legionaires get preference for open seats.

NY Legion Oratorical Contest Scholarship

John — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600

There is still time to enter. Please download the documents and forward to your local High Schools.

American Legion "Profoundly Disappointed" by Supercommittee

John — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600

National commander "profoundly disappointed" by impasse, concerned about national security consequences WASHINGTON (Nov. 22, 2011) -- American Legion National Commander Fang A. Wong says he is "profoundly disappointed" that the bipartisan Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction (the so-called "supercommittee) failed to reach an agreement to cut $1.2 trillion from the federal budget over the next decade. "They were given an important job to do, and they failed," Wong said. "What this means to the future of our military and our veterans remains to be seen, but the challenges have now intensified for those who believe in a strong national defense and want to protect the hard-earned benefits of veterans. We are profoundly disappointed in the work of this committee." The failure to reach an agreement triggers $1.2 trillion in budget cuts set to take effect in January 2013. Among the reductions is an automatic $492 billion in defense spending. In a letter to the ranking Republican member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, John McCain, R-Ariz., Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta said the automatic cuts would roll back ground forces to pre-World War II levels, leave the Navy with a fleet the size of the one in the years before World War I, and reduce the Air Force to its smallest size ever. "That may be the worst-case scenario, but it could certainly occur unless these automatic cuts are rolled back between now and 2013," Wong said. "There is still time to avoid Panetta's nightmare, but we need to use it wisely in pressuring our lawmakers to make sure the Department of Defense has adequate funding to do its vital job." The deadlock also triggers another $492 billion in federal cuts starting in 2013 from health, education, drug enforcement, national parks, agriculture programs and social programs. "Even if VA is OK, that doesn't mean all veterans' support programs are necessarily protected, because not all of them are administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs," American Legion Legislative Division Deputy Director Ian de Planque explained. In recent remarks to the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, de Planque noted the vulnerability of veterans' jobs and homeless programs within the Departments of Labor and Housing and Urban Development. "That," said Tim Tetz, director of the Legion's Legislative Division, "is another good reason to keep up strong post-supercommittee pressure on Congress. Restricting Labor and Housing and Urban Development efforts on behalf of veterans could really damage VA Secretary (Eric) Shinseki's efforts to end homelessness among veterans, and even the president's work to curtail veteran joblessness." "Because the supercommittee failed to do its job," Wong said, "it is critically important for us to do ours as advocates. It is vitally important to the future of our nation that Congress does what it must to protect the safety of our nation and the rights of our veterans." Contact: Marty Callaghan, 202-263-5758, mcallaghan@legion.org; or Craig Roberts, 202-263-2982, croberts@legion.org.

Legislative Update (Doc Gibbs and Gary Denmon)

John — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600

The following issues will be stressed this year for the legislative meetings in Albany: 1. Military service credit-buyback for retirement 2. Free hunting/fishing licenses for active duty members 3. Keep county/city veterans service agencies without undue consolidation 4. NYS-SLA 30 day billing policy 5. Preserve and protect veterans memorials 6. Veterans Posts property tax exemption 7. Enforce NYS flag and pledge laws 8. Enact mental health and chemical dependency act for veterans 9. Eliminate school tax add back to veterans 10. Repeal NYS military law Sec. 180a (limits use of armory in NYC) These are some of the things facing New York State this legislative year. More details can be found on the Department of NY American Legion website as well. We should also thank our legislators for enacting the statewide veterans protection bill, the act to amend the elder law, and the actions taken to create a buffer zone for demonstrations/funerals/and memorial services for veterans that all were passed this past legislative year. We are looking forward to an active year as we begin to plan for our legislative visitations to Albany On-the-Hill and the Washington DC days.

CSAH and Legion team up to help wounded warriors on Thanksgiving

John — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600

The Coalition to Salute Americas Heroes and The American Legion are giving $120,000 in Thanksgiving checks to 2,000 wounded veterans and servicemembers (WASHINGTON) Nov. 16, 2011 For the second year in a row, the Coalition to Salute Americas Heroes (CSAH) and The American Legion are joining forces to ensure that 2,000 military veterans and servicemembers severely wounded in Afghanistan or Iraq get to enjoy a special meal at Thanksgiving with those closest to them. During the week of Nov.14, the two non-profit organizations will be mailing out 2,000 gift checks worth $60 each to disabled veterans or servicemembers across the country, so they can use the money to celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends. The funds come from charitable contributions made to the CSAH, which has been providing emergency financial aid and other support services since 2004 to veterans injured in operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Our donors feel very strongly that these brave men and women should not only be assisted with rebuilding their lives, but also recognized for the sacrifices they have made to defend our freedoms. And what better time to do that than on Thanksgiving? said David Walker, chairman of the CSAHs board of directors. We are very grateful to The American Legion for helping us identify so many deserving recipients of these checks, and enabling us to deliver them promptly and efficiently. Peter Gaytan, executive director of The American Legion in Washington, said Once again, we are honored to join with the Coalition to Salute Americas Heroes in such a worthwhile undertaking. Thanksgiving is a time when all Americans take stock of their many blessings. One of those blessings everyone should appreciate is the dedication of our men and women in uniform who protect our countrys liberties with their lives. In addition to this years joint initiative with The American Legion, the CSAH will be providing another 1,000 checks of equal value to severely wounded veterans and servicemembers listed in the organizations own records. That will bring to nearly 8,000 the number of Thanksgiving gift checks the CSAH has distributed since 2009. The Connecticut-based organization also provides wounded servicemembers with checks of varying amounts for other holidays, such as Christmas and Easter. 30 About the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes The Coalition to Salute Americas Heroes is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to helping severely wounded troops from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The mission of the organization is to enable these servicemen and women to transition from the battlefront to the home front and to provide them and their families with the assistance needed to get their lives back on track. For more information on how the CSAH can help you or to learn how you can help, please visit the organizations website at www.saluteheroes.org. About The American Legion With a current membership of 2.4 million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation. The Legions national staff works with Congress and federal agencies for the benefit of veterans, servicemembers and military families. For more information about The American Legion and its programs, go to www.legion.org. Media contacts: Marty Callaghan at 202-263-5758 or mcallaghan@legion.org Chip Warren at (203) 645-4529 or cwarren@saluteheroes.org

Senate passes Legion-backed jobs bill for veterans

John — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600

WASHINGTON (Nov. 10, 2011) Americas one million unemployed veterans will soon get a much-needed boost in the job market with expanded education, training and transition assistance, thanks to an American Legion-backed bill passed by the Senate today. The VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 also provides tax credits to businesses that hire veterans who are out of work -- $5,600 for each veteran and $9,600 for each disabled veteran. This legislation will go a long way in helping our veterans get decent jobs, said Fang A. Wong, national commander of The American Legion. It falls in line with initiatives we supported in my testimony before Congress last September a mandatory transition assistance program, job training for older veterans, and private-sector recognition of military skills and training. Wong said that Congress has honored Americas veterans in a way that really makes a difference by passing such important legislation the day before Veterans Day. We applaud the leadership of Senator Murray and Representative Miller in creating a piece of legislation that addresses some of the factors that are stopping our veterans from getting jobs. When troops come home from Iraq and Afghanistan, Wong said, the last thing they need is to file for unemployment benefits. Theyve been working hard as medics, truck drivers, mechanics, and a variety of other jobs with civilian counterparts. The government and private sector need to step up and give them work opportunities they deserve. This is what the Legion has been fighting for, and Congress has delivered an impressive set of tools that our veterans can use to earn a living. The VOW to Hire Heroes Act, once signed into law, will boost employment opportunities for veterans. Key provisions include: Tax credit of up to $5,600 for hiring veterans who have been looking for a job for more than six months, as well as a $2,400 credit for veterans who are unemployed for more than 4 weeks, but less than 6 months. Tax credit of up to $9,600 for hiring veterans with service-connected disabilities who have been looking for a job for more than six months. Makes the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) an interagency workshop coordinated by the departments of Defense, Labor and Veterans Affairs mandatory for servicemembers moving on to civilian life to help them secure meaningful jobs through resume-writing workshops and career counseling. Expands education and training opportunities for older veterans by providing 100,000 unemployed veterans of past eras and wars with up to one year of additional Montgomery GI Bill benefits for education or training programs at community colleges and technical schools. Provides disabled veterans up to one year of additional vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits. Allows servicemembers to start looking for federal jobs before separating from active duty, in order to facilitate a truly seamless transition from the military to jobs at federal agencies. For too long, at the end of their career we patted our veterans on the back for their service and then pushed them out into the job market alone, said Murray. The VOW to Hire Heroes Act will give our veterans the job skills to get their foot in the door and incentivize employers to make sure that door is open to them. According to Tim Tetz, the Legions legislative director, provisions of the bill are fully paid for with funding from VA Home Loan programs and other savings within the department. The unemployment rate for about a quarter-million veterans who have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan stands at 12.1 percent. Of the estimated one million jobless veterans in America, two-thirds of them fall within the 35-64 age group. About one in twelve veterans cant find a job in this country. And yet the Department of Labor tells us there are more than three million job openings right now, Wong said. They say employers are having trouble finding workers with enough skills and training. Do we have to draw them a picture? They should all be hiring well-trained, disciplined individuals who work well with a team and accomplish the goals theyre given in other words, they should be hiring veterans. -30- Contact: Marty Callaghan, mcallaghan@legion.org or 202-263-5758/202-215-8644.

The National Purple Heart

John — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600

Honoring Our Veterans And Preserving Their History Celebrate Veterans Day At The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor Saturday, November 12th 2:00p.m. Celebrate and recognize our veterans with: · Musical selections (you can sing along if you wish!) · A visual tribute to our 20th and 21st century veterans · Cake and beverages Free Admission Seating is limited and reservations are strongly encouraged. Please call (845) 561-1765 Located at 374 Temple Hill Rd. New Windsor, NY

Call to Detachmment Mid Winter Conference

John — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600

OFFICIAL CALL TO THE MID-WINTER DEC MEETING Pursuant to Article 2, Section 2 of the By-Laws of the Sons of The American Legion, Detachment of New York, a meeting of the Detachment Executive Committee is hereby called by Detachment Commander Greg K. Doc Gibbs. All DEC members as authorized in the Expense Authorizations are expected to attend. Most are expected to submit a typewritten report. Refer to the DEC Manual for a full explanation of attendance, report and conduct policies. ALL MEMBERS OF THE SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION ARE INVITED TO ATTEND!

Detachment Essay Contest

John — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600

The essay contest topic is What America means to me. The contest will be open to all New York State schoolchildren in First through Fifth grades. There will be one winner from each grade level participating. Each winner will receive a One Hundred Dollar United States Savings Bond and a fifty-dollar Pizza Party for their classroom. The deadline for the contest is Saturday, January 14, 2012. This is so the winners and participants can be notified and enjoy their pizza party well before the close of the school year. Copies may be printed off our website here at www.sonsdny.org under Americanism. Please drop off copies to your local elementary schools and get the word out. We feel that this is an excellent way of encouraging students to learn about their great Nation in these days of spreading patriotic uncertainty. It is imperative that we educate and inspire todays children and involve them in patriotic themes. Thank you for your support. Sincerely, Jim Coates Detachment Americanism Chairman

A Life Changing Event

John — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500

From Legion.org Army Staff Sgt. Allen Hill, who received injuried when an IED destroyed his Humvee in Iraq, has a new home home built by volunteers on the ABC television series Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Army Staff Sgt. Allen Hill is a lucky man, regardless of traumatic and injurious events crossing his path. Hill, 43, is a National Guard and U.S. Army veteran who served nearly 20 years, including two tours in Iraq. He earned a Purple Heart for injuries sustained when an Improvised Explosive Device demolished a Humvee he was riding in. He has been in treatment for post-traumatic stress since the Nov. 1, 2007, incident and away from his wife and two children for much of that time. It was a dismal existence. But earlier this year, on a hot August night, Hill and his family stood on a street in rural Franklin County, Kan., awaiting a life-changing event. Friends, neighbors, well-wishers, military members and American Legion Riders also waited. The Hill family was about to see their new home built by volunteers on the ABC television series Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. "I have a loving wife, Gina, two great children - Makale and Dreyson - a great support network, and now a beautiful new home," Hill said days later. " I am a lucky man, yes I am." It was a long and arduous path - nearly four years - leading to the moment that Hill and his family uttered the words, "driver, move that bus!" More than 3,000 of volunteers played a part in the seven-day build, including Kansas American Legion Riders who escorted volunteers to the building site during filming of the opening scene of the television show. And the Riders later escorted the Hill family to the reveal ceremony. "The producers of the show asked us if we could assist, and of course, we agreed," said Don Behrens, department chairman of the Kansas American Legion Riders. "That's what we do. We support any effort we can to assist fellow veterans." It turned out that Legion Riders played an unexpected role beyond that of escort. Hill was reluctant to participate in the reveal ceremony unless he was assured fellow veterans and military members would be there to support him. The producers agreed. But let's rewind to the start. While on patrol in Iraq four years ago this month, Hill was in a Humvee that was upended by an IED. As a result, he suffers continued post-traumatic stress, one of the signature wounds of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. It was a challenge, but after extensive treatment at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the Warrior Transition Unit, Hill was far enough along in his recovery to be reunited with his family. But upon return to his Ottawa, Kan.,home, Hill's gains toward recovery began to unravel. It was his home - located near a rock quarry and its frequent dynamite explosions - that posed the greatest danger. A nearby train rail yard with its unrelenting loud noise and vibrations exacerbated Hill's PTS reactions. Sharp noises, vibrations and dimly-lit areas trigger a "fight or flight' condition that psychologically sends Hill back to that explosion in Iraq. It was not uncommon for Hill to bolt at any loud, sudden or unexpected sound, or for his family to find him wandering aimlessly in the street following such an incident. They feared he might be killed on the road by traffic. To assist in his recovery, Hill was sent to a non-profit facility in Napa Valley called The Pathway Home. After extensive treatment, Hill told anyone who would listen that he had "got some of his mojo back" and wanted to return home. But returning to the environment surrounding his home was not an alternative. Actress Glenn Close learned of Hill's predicament and nominated the Hill family for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Tom Weigand, president of the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce, through the Weigand family trust donated land in the Wheatland Hills housing development near Ottawa to build a new home for the Hill family. M.A.C Corporation and Canyon Creek Construction were selected for the project. The 4,000-square-foot home was completed in seven days. Construction of the house and filming the Extreme Makeover episode was not without its challenges - ¬most notably heat. Triple-digit temperatures as high as 114 degrees at the building site greeted the cast, crew, volunteers and Legion Riders during the week. "Almost 300 Legion Riders arrived at the building site the first day - expecting filming of the opening segment to take place as scheduled," Behrens said. "But delays left us waiting far too long on hot asphalt. We were getting overheated. A number of Riders became ill from the heat. At least one was taken to the hospital." Fortunately, nearby neighbors invited Riders into their air-conditioned homes to cool down and offered them iced beverages to drink. Behrens later presented Department of Kansas plaques to the neighbors in appreciation. "I don't know what might have happened had the neighbors not come to our rescue," Behrens later said. "They were welcome Samaritans." Activities leading up to the reveal seven days later were unlike any other. Gone were the festive hoops and hollers. Ty Pennington, the host of the Extreme Makeover show, lowered his voice to a whisper. Hill, while recovering, remained very sensitive to loud or sudden noise. Pennington, cast members and the Hill family stood between soldiers in their camouflage fatigues and the iconic Extreme Makeover bus. A hush enveloped the scene as a contingent of American Legion Riders approached on foot to present Hill with a welcome home flag signed by Riders participating in the event. Tears welled in Hills eyes as the bus slowly pulled away revealing his new home - a home far from the rock quarry and rail yard, a home designed to promote a quiet environment for the family and Hill's service dog, Frankie. Actress Glenn Close and Hill hugged as the silent crowd across the road waved American flags and held up signs of support. "This is more than I could ever imagine," Hill whispered, wiping away the tears rolling down his face. " I know that saying thank you is not enough, but thank you, thank you, thank you." And then Hill, Gina, Makale and Dreyson opened the door to their new home and crossed the threshold to a new life - a life filled with promise. The Hill family segment airs Friday night at 8 p.m. EST on ABC. Please register or log in to comment. http://www.legion.org/riders/159918/life-changing-event

TV Special to Celebrate Veterans, Military Families

John — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500

By Elaine Sanchez American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Nov. 2, 2011 - A Veterans Day TV special will celebrate service members and veterans and spotlight the issues they face as they leave the military and re-enter their communities and the workforce. "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition 'Rise and Honor' A Veterans Day Special" will air Nov. 11 at 8 p.m. EST on ABC. The show teamed up with the Entertainment Industry Foundation, Hollywood's leading charity, to present the one-hour special, a news release said. The reality show undertakes massive home renovations for families in need with the help of a builder and a host of volunteers. This season's premiere featured Barbara Marshall, a 15-year Navy veteran who has devoted her life to helping homeless female veterans. "In 200 episodes, we've seen thousands of armed forces volunteers to help us rebuild homes and lives," said Brady Connell, the show's executive producer. "Now we're thrilled to be able to honor all veterans with this television special." The special will feature host Ty Pennington as he revisits past episodes with some of the show's most memorable military stories. The "Extreme Makeover" crew also will visit with some of the families featured in those episodes to find out how they've been faring since their home makeover and how they're continuing to aid their fellow veterans. Throughout the show, celebrities will spotlight the issues veterans face after service, and the strengths and skills they bring to the workforce and their communities, the release said. Celebrities include Whoopi Goldberg, Jewel, George Lopez, J.R. Martinez, Rachael Ray, Sherri Shepherd, Robin Williams and Major League Baseball players Daniel Murphy of the Mets, Shane Victorino of the Phillies and Clay Buchholz of the Red Sox. Additionally, the Entertainment Industry Foundation will launch its "Rise and Honor" program during the special. The program raises funds to support reintegration services for veterans and their families, benefiting organizations such as the Fisher House Foundation, Hire Heroes USA, Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, USO, Volunteers of America and Welcome Back Veterans. These organizations offer veterans and their families services and support such as housing, job placement, health care, rehabilitation and mental health treatment. "We've highlighted the difficult struggles our veterans often face when returning home," George Verschoor, executive producer, said. "We are so proud to take this a step further with a moving tribute to our nation's heroes, while inspiring Americans to give back to those who've given our country so much." The special will culminate with an event featuring an audience of active-duty service members and veterans, along with a live musical performance by Jewel, who also will co-host the special. In the news release, Labor Secretary Hilda Solis cited the importance of efforts such as this one that shine a light on veterans' issues as they transition from military to civilian life. "All across the country, we have talented and dedicated veterans who have been unemployed for far too long," she said. "These service men and women are right here and ready to get back to work. They just need a little help from all of us to find a good job at a fair wage and successfully transition from military to civilian life. "We applaud ABC and the Entertainment Industry Foundation for broadcasting this special show to raise awareness of the needs of our returning veterans and their families," she added.

Liberty News Due October 7

John — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The members of the Public Relations Committee want to wish you a successful and a prosperous year with your programs. Our goal is to provide you a venue to achieve it. The next issue of our Detachment Newsletter The Liberty, the Fall Issue, will be mailed in October. Articles must be received by October 7, 2011! Detachment Officers Get your message out to the Districts, Counties and Squadrons. Commission Chairmen After meeting at the Fall DEC, your programs have been outlined for the coming year. Inform our members about your Commissions programs and what you expect from them this year. Provide some ideas for member participation and give our Squadrons some ideas on what they should be working on. District Commanders Report on the activities in your District. Send us news stories and photos of what your members are doing. We will be starting a new section call Squadrons in Action. This will include a series of one line stories of events, projects and programs to show off our Detachment membership. We want to know the Who What and How in a brief one or 2 line story with or without photos. Squadron members News stories and photos of your special events. (Please include your community name and district number). Dont forget.. Pictures are needed and always welcome! MEMO: DETCHMENT NEWSLETTER 8/24/2002 Please contact any member of the Public Relations Committee with your Newsletter submissions: Bruce Ruthven, Chairman; 1372 White Rd; Phelps, NY 14532 (315) 548-9639 (H); (315) 374-6157 (C); (315) 781-2939 (F) Email: jbruce457@gmail.com Timothy Van Patten, II, Committeeman; 8075 County Road; East Amherst, NY 14051 (716)741-8385 Email: tsvp2@aol.com Kenneth G. Kraetzer, Committeeman; 21 Grandview Ave; White Plains, NY 10605 (914)630-3457 (W) Email: kgk914@aol.com James Connolly, Committeeman; 895 Pond Rd; Bohemia, NY 11716 (631) 218-2648 (H); (631) 252-3582 (C) Email: jbox6901@yahoo.com Tim Casselman, Committeeman; 129 Phoenix St; Canandaigua, NY 13324; (585) 393-1927 (C); Email: sons286@yahoo.com Peter De Angelis, Committeeman; 538 Clinton St; Brooklyn, NY 11231; (718) 855-8060 (H); (347) 444-3117 (C); Email: pjdeangelis@gmail.com For the Good of the Sons of The American Legion! Help us to Help you in promoting ourselves.

Detachment Commander Homecoming Date Set!

John — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Yes it is true! Save the date of Sat., June 9, 2012. That is the date our Commander will be having his homecoming at Hamburg Post 527. More details to come.

CWF Tshirt Fundraiser

John — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500

we are raising money for CWF by selling t-shirts for NY State Sons. Shirts are NAVY blue in color (which does not show properly in picture), printing is white, no pocket, made in USA, 50/50 blend material. SAL logo on front left chest area and larger design on back.

Essay Contest 2012 Underway

John — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Ground Breaking for Jewish Monument

John — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The Ground breaking ceremony on Chaplains Hill in section 2 for the Jewish Chaplains Monument at Arlington National Cemetery was held Sept. 12, 2011. This is a Major milestone. Great Work Ken Kraetzer for getting the ball rolling and following up with this monumental project.

Call to Fall DEC Meeting

John — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500

OFFICIAL CALL TO THE FALL 2011 DEC MEETING Pursuant to Article 2, Section 2 of the By-Laws of the Sons of The American Legion, Detachment of New York, a meeting of the Detachment Executive Committee is hereby called for by Detachment Commander Greg K. Doc Gibbs. The Executive Meeting will take place on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at Hamburg A.L. Post #527, 2 Memorial Drive, Hamburg, New York 14075. All DEC members as authorized in the Expense Authorizations are expected to attend. Most are expected to submit a typewritten report. Refer to the DEC Manual for a full explanation of attendance and conduct policies. ALL MEMBERS OF THE SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND!

Dedication of Jewish Chaplains Monument

John — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500

After three years of fundraising, design development, gaining the unanimous approval of Congress, obtaining approval from the US Fine Arts Commission, we will dedicate the Jewish Chaplains Monument on Monday October 24th. The ceremony will take place at Arlington National Cemetery's Memorial Amphitheater, adjacent to the "Tomb of the Unknowns". The monument will be placed at Chaplains Hill to the right of the Catholic, Protestant and World War One Chaplains monuments. The plaque will honor by name ten US Army and four US Air Force chaplains who died during military service. Exact time and details are subject to change so check back. All are welcome. RSVPs appreciated. Prior to the dedication at Arlington, the plaque portion of the Memorial will be presented in locations in Florida and between Boston, NYC and DC in an exhibition sponsored by the Dignity Memorial Company.

Chaplains Plaque is Ordered, Exhibit Tour Forming

John — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Friends of the Jewish Chaplains Monument at Arlington National Cemetery Another quick update for you as plans are taking shape for the October 24th scheduled dedication ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Last week, Admiral Robinson sent a deposit check for the bronze plaque designed by Debora Jackson which will cost about $6,500 from the US Bronze company on Long Island. The is expected to be ready by just after Labor Day. Th granite upright will be prepared separately and delivered to Arlington in October. The plaque will be installed to the granite upright at Chaplain's Hill. We are speaking to Arlington officials about the specifications for the ceremony to be held in early afternoon at the Memorial Amphitheater adjacent to the "Tomb of the Unknowns". This is where the President speaks at Arlington. The Amphitheater seats about 1,000 so we will have plenty of seating. We are very optimistic about having national internet or cable broadcast coverage of the event. All on this distribution are of course invited. The plaque and Barry, Vermont granite will be installed on chaplains Hill the week before the dedication and unveiled as part of the ceremony. Chaplains Hill is at the base of a section that is located between the main entrance to Arlington and the Memorial Amphitheater area. From mid-September till mid-October, we are working with the Dignity Memorial Company to take the bronze plaque on a tour of cities from Boston to RI, CT, NY, NJ, PA; DE, MD, DC and Florida. Dignity Memorial is a very large national funeral organization that works frequently at Arlington and has been very active meeting the needs of veterans and Jewish families. One of their projects has been to hold full honors military services for deceased veterans who have no means to otherwise have a proper funeral. I attended one of these events at Calverton Cemetery on Long Island in January and they did an amazing job. Staff of Dignity Memorial will manage all the logistical arrangements. They will move the plaque from place to place which is expected to be weigh 200 pounds in a specially designed cart provided by David Alpert of Riverside Chapel of NYC. With the plaque will be an exhibit telling the story of the chaplains on posterboards. The thought is that in each city we will have the plaque exhibited nightly at a Dignity Memorial facility or a Jewish Community Center. An outline for a simple service will be provided. During the day it is possible to take the plaque out to a school, nursing home, or historic site. I like the idea of having the plaque photographed next to other veterans memorials. We just have to be practical and of course will not be able to go to every location we would like to. We of course have to have the plaque in DC in plenty of time for the dedication. In each area the plaque and exhibit will visit, we will need a local host committee to work with Dignity Memorial staff on promotion attracting local dignitaries, and the official services to be held in each area. Hopefully the tour will enable many thousands of people to see and touch the monument. Of course a prime reason for the tour is the educational opportunity for the public and hopefully as many school children/scouts as possible to learn about the contributions and sacrifices made by chaplains in the US Armed forces. Chris Marsh and David Alpert from Dignity Memorial are in charge of the tour so you may hear from them asking for assistance. Thank you your assistance, more later. Many thanks for your support. Ken Kenneth Kraetzer Lahey Ollinger Foundation Sons of American legion 914-450-9554 kgk914@aol.com

37th Annual Convention - Update

John — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Sgt. John Sardiello 1634 , The 37th Annual Convention of the Sons of The American Legion Detachment of New York concluded yesterday. Those of you who attended can agree that it was an enjoyable event and was both successful and glitch-free. I thank Msrs. Smallcomb, Denmon and Lee and ALL others from Broome County for their hard work and dedication. I also commend Jr. Past Detachment Commander John Rogers, all Detachment Officers and Commission/Committee members, and EVERY blue cap member in the State of New York for a very successful 2010-2011 year! I know that we will continue our accomplishments in 2011-2012 under the newly elected slate of officers: Commander Greg "Doc" Gibbs V/C 1 and 9 John Chang V/C 2 and 10 Joseph Santa Croce V/C 3 and 4 Robert Myrtle V/C 5 and 6 Vince Green V/C 7 and 8 Kurk Tyler Chaplain James Coates Historian Thomas Thibault and now in year 2 of their 2 year term: ANEC Gerald Ketchum NEC Thomas Kurk The Convention was highlighted by the visit of National Commander David Dew and a $5,000 donation to the Fang Wong campaign, which makes a total of $35,000 donated by YOUR Detachment to the first National Legion Commander from New York in over 30 years who will be elected next month at National Convention in Minnesota. As we look forward, I will soon be getting out the new Directory plus information on our Fall Meeting, along with the new Executive Manual. I need to wait until after National Convention before releasing the Detachment Manual, since that body may possibly revise one of the various forms as part of normal convention business. Now.....I need on your part to: 1. Help us reach our 2011 100% membership goal. WE ONLY NEED 505 MEMBERS! 2. SEND IN YOUR 2011-2012 O.C.F. if you have not done so already! Let us also be aware of newly elected Commander Gibbs theme for the upcoming 2011-2012 Administrative Year: Let's be BIGGER - BOLDER - BETTER! For the Good of The American Legion Family and the GREATEST Detachment of them all, Robert J. Avery, Detachment Adjutant New York

We have a dedication Date!

John — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500

A quick note, we have set the date of Monday October 24th for the dedication of the Jewish Chaplains Monument at Arlington National Cemetery. The time is TBD. The place will be thte Memorial Ampitheater adjacent to the Tomb of the Unknowns. Should be quite an event, we are hoping to have cable television coverage of the ceremony. Several members of Congress who helped us secure approval for the project will be invited to address the ceremony along with representatives of the Chaplains Corps. We are working on a keynote speaker who we hope will be a representative of the Administration. We hope to place the order for the monument in the next ten days. We plan to exhibit the plaque portion which will honor 14 Jewish chaplains who died in service by name at a number of sites between Boston, DC, and Florida in September and October. Let me know if you would like to help. Thank you for your support of this project. Ken Kraetzer kgk914@aol.com

Dedication Plans Starting for Jewish Chaplains Monument

John — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Dear Friends of the Jewish Chaplains Monument: A quick note to update you that we are moving into a new phase of our planning which is to actually order the monument and plan for the dedication. Just today I received a copy of the final approval letter signed July 7th from Thomas E. Luebke, Secretary of the US Fine Arts Commission. Rear Admiral Robinson has been doing a great job finalizing paperwork between Congress and Arlington and Army Officials, not an easy process. Here is a link to an article the American Legion wrote last week about the project and an interview with Admiral Robinson. http://www.legion.org/news/156672/monument-jewish-chaplains-horizon And an article in a New Jersey paper about Sol Moglen: http://caldwells.patch.com/articles/local-resident-instrumental-in-honoring-jewish-chaplains We are looking at dates in late October for the dedication after the Jewish Holidays and before it gets cold. The plan is to have the dedication at the Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Amphitheater which is attached to the plaza which holds the "Tomb of the Unknowns". We expect a number of leading representatives of our country to attend as well as family of the 14 chaplains to be honored by name on the plaque. And if you are on this distribution you are invited. It should be a memorable once in a life time occasion. We can certainly use assistance with many of the aspects of the dedication events especially hospitality. Another aspect of the plans we are looking at is to take the actual plaque that will be installed at Chaplains Hill on a tour of several parts of the country so it can be seen and touched by as many people as possible who might not have a chance to see to at Arlington. We are very pleased that the Dignity Memorial Company has stepped forward to donate their services in managing the logistics of this. We expect the tour to be conducted from mid-September to mid-October. The very rough plan is to support viewings of the plaque at Jewish Community Centers, Synagogues and other public places from the Boston area to NY, NJ, PA and on to DC with a possible visit to Florida. We can certainly use help with a number of aspects of the "Plaque Tour" and the dedication ceremony. Please let me know if you would like to participate on one of the committees. We only have about three months to put this together so let me know if you would like to volunteer. Many thanks for your continued interest and support. Ken Ken Kraetzer 914-450-9554 kgk914@aol.com

Christmas in July for 76 Freedom Car

John — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Photo by James V. Carroll Christmas came early Saturday for driver Jerick Johnson and The American Legion/David Law Firm 76 Freedom Car team. Johnson charged through an early heat to capture a win and later finished eighth in the 35-lap Late Model feature at the one-third-mile Columbus Ohio Speedway. The victory is the second checkered flag Johnson has collected this season as he won an earlier race in May at Newport Speedway in Tennessee. Overall, the Team Johnson Motorsports driver has 10 top-10 finishes, six top-six races and two victories in 14 starts. "I would say we had a pretty good night considering this is the first time we have raced at Columbus Speedway," Johnson said following the Late Model feature. "But it was touch and go a couple of times." Johnson had the eighth fastest qualifying lap, but as a first-time driver at the track, he was relegated to start the feature race in the fifth row. A couple of times during the race it looked as though the 76 Freedom Car would not finish because it was involved in two spins in turn three. However, Johnson still managed to climb back to another top-ten finish. "The night was billed as Christmas in July' at the track," Johnson said. "And Santa was very generous to us tonight." The weekend began with a rainout at a scheduled Motordrome race Friday night at Smithton, Pa., near Pittsburgh. Not happy that the team had traveled from Mooresville, N.C., for the Pennsylvania race, Johnson turned to the Internet. He learned that Late Models were racing Saturday at the Columbus Speedway and decided to head that way with the team. "We were all pretty much disappointed Friday, but a win whereever we race sure picks up our spirits," Johnson said. "Clouds and rain ruined our Friday in Smithton, but we found a silver lining Saturday in Columbus." The next race for the 76 Freedom Car is August 13 at Concord Speedway near Charlotte, N.C.

Our Place in The Legion Family

John — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500

By: Randall S. Lewis, Detachment Judge Advocate I am writing this article to try to provide guidance and education to new members or others who may have misunderstandings or misconceptions as to the appropriate place for the Sons of The American Legion in The Legion Family. I addressed some of these issues in my report at the Fall DEC meeting, however in the days following that meeting several issues have surfaced around the state, so at this time I will attempt to resolve some of these issues. Sons of The American Legion a Committee of The American Legion The Sons of The American Legion was formed in 1932 as a committee of The American Legion. As such, we are not a separate organization but rather an organization within The American Legion. The American Legion retains oversight administratively over The Sons of The American Legion. Even at the National level of our organization actions taken by the National Executive Committee are subject to review by the National organization of The American Legion. This carries true at each level of our organization be it Detachment, District, County or Squadron. As a committee of The American Legion it should also be pointed out that technically we do not have our own funds. At many levels of our organization our parent group, The American Legion, has given us great latitude in handling our own affairs and finances. It must be clear to all of our members that at a local level the final decisions on all issues be they financial or even our very existence lie with the Post. No Squadron may form without being sponsored by the Post and no Squadron may ever break away from their Post, since without the sponsoring Post the Squadron will cease to exist. Additionally, any Squadron only exists at the pleasure of its sponsoring Post. The Post may pull the charter of the Squadron they have sponsored at will. As a committee of The American Legion it is imperative that all Legionnaires be given the respect which they have earned by their service to our great nation. Our membership in The Legion Family is a privilege that we must not take lightly. It should be viewed as an honor that we have been afforded the right to pay respect to our forefathers by being a part of this great organization. Common Misconceptions Its our money. As stated above, while the Post, County, District or Department may allow us to and encourage us to stand on our own feet, we must remember that we are a committee of The American Legion and as such, no it is not our money. For The Legion Family to work to its fullest potential it is important for The American Legion at every level to encourage the Sons of The American Legion and many Legionnaires are aware of what a great asset the Sons of The American Legion can be to The American Legion and The Legion Family. We can make policy decisions or employment decisions at our Post home. As a Commander at any level of the Sons of The American Legion or a member we have no right to make policy or employment decisions at the Post home, unless invited to do so by the Post. Many Post homes are run by a Boards of Trustees or Boards of Directors. Generally this Board oversees the operation of any bar, restaurant or other establishment operated at the Post home. This Board is made up of Post members only. It is important to realize that the Board of Directors is not the ultimate authority, but rather the Post Commander and Post membership hold the final authority in all matters at the Post. We can discipline other members of The Legion Family. or The Post has no right to discipline our members. The Sons of The American Legion only has the authority to discipline members of the Sons of The American Legion. An individual Squadron may only discipline its Squadron members and Detachments may only discipline members within that Detachment. The Sons of The American Legion never has the right to discipline members of The Legion Family who are not a part of the Sons of The American Legion. However, the Post or Department may discipline members of the Sons of The American Legion, just as they can discipline their own members. Our Board of Directors revoked my membership or suspended my membership. As stated earlier, the Board of Directors is operating a business and as a general proposition has nothing to do with membership. While the Board of Directors does not terminate any members membership they may refer it to the Post or Squadron and often do have the authority to refuse to allow a member to enjoy the social benefits of the Post home. The American Legion has no right to review our finances. or The American Legion has no right to attend our meetings. Both of these statements are completely untrue and in fact are the inverse of what should be happening. The American Legion should be reviewing our finances and should have an advisor or other members attending our meetings and reporting our activities back to The American Legion. The Legion Family All of this being said we are a vital and thriving part of The Legion Family. In many Posts, The Sons of The American Legion are essential in keeping the Post an active and vibrant part of the community. Many Posts are aware of the value of an active Squadron and embrace our membership in The Legion Family. The Department of New York is the epitome of The Legion Family. In most of or County visitations our Department Commander, Department President and Detachment Commander travel together. The Legion Family can be seen at all levels throughout our great state. As members of the Sons of The American Legion please always show the other members of The Legion Family the respect which they so richly deserve. If you disagree with them please do not become combative with them; rather, remember we are guests in their organization and but for them the organization would not exist. Finally, please remember to tell our Legionnaires Thank You!

FIRST EVER SONS CLASS FROM LEGION COLLEGE

John — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Morrisville, NY - The graduating class of 2011 Legion College boasts six SAL members among the group of new alums. For the first time ever, Legion College was opened to the Sons members on an as-room basis. This past June 17-19 the group of 99+ assembled and seven Sons members, who were on the waiting list, became the first group of Sons to take part in the Legion College experience. The College is a three day training-educational experience where various workshops are presented on Legion issues and topics by Legion faculty members from all corners of the state, who are experts in their topic. Each participant is assigned to a group when they enter and that group is given a problem to solve and report back to the main group on the last day of the College on your plan to resolve that issue. You work with your group for two days to research, discuss, and solve your dilemma. A tremendous amount of resources are covered, handed out and discussed in classroom settings across Morrisville State College during those few days. Everything from general leadership skills to increasing membership, to Americanism, to Public Relations, to Homeland Security were explored. The photograph of the first ever Sons group is: (from left to right in the photo above) James Parks from Wayne County, Richard Zeke Martel from Washington County, Greg Doc Gibbs from Erie County, Dean of the Legion College Michael Hannan, Department Commander V. James Troiola, John Knapp from Broome County, Bob Myrtle from Albany County, and William Cimascolo from Suffolk County. Leonard Misczuk was missing from this photo. This is a tremendous opportunity to all Sons to gain vital understanding on Legion issues and thanks go out to all those who made this opportunity now open to all. Department Commander V. James Troiola, Headquarters Bob Morrill and the College Dean Mike Hannan were all instrumental in making this happen. This can only lead to greater communications and understanding on the part of the entire Legion family.

Jewish Chaplains Monument presented to the US Commission of Fine Arts in DC

John — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The Jewish Chaplains Monument proposed for Arlington National Cemetery will be presented to the US Commission of Fine Arts in DC on 6/16/2011. The meeting is open to the public starting at 10 AM, we ar on at 10:30. The location is at the National Building Museum, at 401 Fourth Street, NW. After the unanimous approval Congress gave the project last month, this is the last approval we need to order the monument.

Detachment Web Site Back up!

John — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The site is back up and going, after a hosting failure. We have since moved to a new hosting provider, since the site has proven to be a valuable asset. about 90% of the site's functionality including the online web ocf is working. If you come across a section of the site that appears to not worl, please email me the address along with as much information about what you clicked on.

Thanks.

American Legion extends Operation Comfort Warriors

John — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0500

INDIANAPOLIS (Feb. 6, 2009) The nations largest veterans organization will continue its fundraising to purchase comfort items for hospitalized troops recovering in U.S. military hospitals around the world after doubling its $50,000 goal for the holiday season. The American Legion family and its friends have raised more than $115,000 that we have used to purchase sweatsuits, DVDs, puzzles, portable electronics and other gifts for the wounded heroes recovering at Walter Reed, Bethesda and numerous other military hospitals, said American Legion National Commander David K. Rehbein. We delivered many of the items before Christmas. But even though the holiday season has long passed, the war continues. The military does a good job of taking care of its own at these facilities, but we want to do more. The need continues so therefore Operation Comfort Warriors will continue. Donors can make online contributions by visiting www.legion.org/ocw or by sending a check to Operation Comfort Warriors, PO Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206. Administrative and promotional costs for Operation Comfort Warriors are paid by The American Legion, allowing 100 percent of the donations to be spent directly on the troops. With a current membership of 2.6 million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and mentoring youth. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.

American Legion Commander Praises Obamas Change in Plan

John — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0500

The leader of the nation's largest veterans organization applauded President Obama for dropping his plan to bill private insurance companies for the treatment of military veterans who have suffered service-connected disabilities and injuries. "We are glad that President Obama listened to the strong objections raised by The American Legion and veterans everywhere about this unfair plan," said National Commander David K Rehbein of The American Legion. "We thank the administration for its proposed increase in the VA budget and we are always available to assist by providing guidanc e to ensure a veterans health care system that is worthy of the heroes that use it." Following a meeting this afternoon with The American Legion and other veterans service organizations, the White House announced that it will no longer considering billing insurance companies or veterans for their service-connected disabilities. "Although we disagreed with the proposal, additional revenue streams are needed by VA," Rehbein said. "I strongly encourage Congress and the administration to allow VA to begin billing Medicare for the treatment of Medicare-eligible nonservice-connected veterans. They paid into Medicare for their entire working careers and should be able to use it in the medical system that was built specifically for them."

The American Legion Strongly Opposed to President's Plan to Charge Wounded Heroes for Treatment

John — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0500

WASHINGTON, March 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The leader of the nation's largest veterans organization says he is "deeply disappointed and concerned" after a meeting with President Obama today to discuss a proposal to force private insurance companies to pay for the treatment of military veterans who have suffered service-connected disabilities and injuries. The Obama administration recently revealed a plan to require private insurance carriers to reimburse the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in such cases. "It became apparent during our discussion today that the President intends to move forward with this unreasonable plan," said Commander David K. Rehbein of The American Legion. "He says he is looking to generate $540-million by this method, but refused to hear arguments about the moral and government-avowed obligations that would be compromised by it." The Commander, clearly angered as he emerged from the session said, "This reimbursement plan would be inconsistent with the mandate ' to care for him who shall have borne the battle' given that the United States government sent members of the armed forces into harm's way, and not private insurance companies. I say again that The American Legion does not and will not support any plan that seeks to bill a veteran for treatment of a service connected disability at the very agency that was created to treat the unique need of America's veterans!" Commander Rehbein was among a group of senior officials from veterans service organizations joining the President, White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emmanuel, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki and Steven Kosiak, the overseer of defense spending at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The group's early afternoon conversation at The White House was precipitated by a letter of protest presented to the President earlier this month. The letter, co-signed by Commander Rehbein and the heads of ten colleague organizations, read, in part, " There is simply no logical explanation for billing a veteran's personal insurance for care that the VA has a responsibility to provide. While we understand the fiscal difficulties this country faces right now, placing the burden of those fiscal problems on the men and women who have already sacrificed a great deal for this country is unconscionable." Commander Rehbein reiterated points made last week in testimony to both House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees. It was stated then that The American Legion believes that the reimbursement plan would be inconsistent with the mandate that VA treat service-connected injuries and disabilities given that the United States government sends members of the armed forces into harm's way, and not private insurance companies. The proposed requirement for these companies to reimburse the VA would not only be unfair, says the Legion, but would have an adverse impact on service-connected disabled veterans and their families. The Legion argues that, depending on the severity of the medical conditions involved, maximum insurance coverage limits could be reached through treatment of the veteran's condition alone. That would leave the rest of the family without health care benefits. The Legion also points out that many health insurance companies require deductibles to be paid before any benefits are covered. Additionally, the Legion is concerned that private insurance premiums would be elevated to cover service-connected disabled veterans and their families, especially if the veterans are self-employed or employed in small businesses unable to negotiate more favorable across-the-board insurance policy pricing. The American Legion also believes that some employers, especially small businesses, would be reluctant to hire veterans with service-connected disabilities due to the negative impact their employment might have on obtaining and financing company health care benefits. "I got the distinct impression that the only hope of this plan not being enacted," said Commander Rehbein, "is for an alternative plan to be developed that would generate the desired $540-million in revenue. The American Legion has long advocated for Medicare reimbursement to VA for the treatment of veterans. This, we believe, would more easily meet the President's financial goal. We will present that idea in an anticipated conference call with White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emmanuel in the near future. "I only hope the administration will really listen to us then. This matter has far more serious ramifications than the President is imagining," concluded the Commander.

Legion stands by area soldiers, families as deployment looms

John — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0600

By RANDY ERICKSON West Salem Coulee News (WI)

About 70 area citizensoldiers are leaving their families and jobs behind this week to begin several weeks of training, the first step in a yearlong mobilization that will likely take them to the Middle East. The states American Legion chapters want to make sure that the loved ones the soldiers leave behind know they are not alone. Last week, the Onalaska American Legion hosted a pre-mobilization sendoff arty for members of Company A of the Wisconsin Army National Guards 32nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion. The soldiers in Company A are based at the Onalaska National Guard Armory, and most of them already have served a 2005-06 tour of duty in region Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Since Company As last deployment, the state American Legion has partnered with the Wisconsin Army National Guard to help provide support for families of soldiers deployed in the Middle East. Our role is to assist after the units been mobilized and deployed, to assist families if theres a need there, explained Onalaska Legion Commander Jim Nelson. We want to make sure they have a safety net, so if they cant get assistance through their channels they can turn to us. Military units have family readiness groups designed to help loved ones cope while their soldiers are away on duty, and Operation Homefront has been very active locally in lending a hand to soldiers families. But if families dont know where to turn, Nelson said the American Legion wants them to know they can turn to their local Legion post for help. And that goes for families of soldiers deployed with all branches of the military, not just the National Guard. The Onalaska Legion event on Jan. 2 didnt draw a huge crowd. Part of that could have been the timing, with soldiers wanting to spend some private time with their families and friends during the holidays with departure looming. Part of it also could have been that the soldiers feel secure in the support network in place with their family readiness group and Operation Homefront. Everybodys been real great to us, said Lt. Jonathan Barnett of Onalaska, Company As executive officer. I dont think (any soldiers or families) think were not getting enough thanks or support.

A 10-year veteran of the Guard, Barnett said a sendoff event for friends and family is in the works for Company A in mid-February, most likely at the Onalaska OmniCenter. A large-scale send off for the roughly 3,500 members of the 32nd Brigade is planned for Feb. 17 in Madison. While some members of Company A say they are going to Afghanistan, Barnett said thats not necessarily true. At this point, he said, Company A is assigned to Operation Iraqi Freedom. Going to Afghanistan would mean reassignment to Operation Enduring Freedom. Thats possible, he said, but far from certain. We might go but I dont have an order, he said. Its the Army, so theres always a rumor.

Operation Comfort Warriors: Meet the Challenge

John — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0600

By American Legion National Commander David K. Rehbein, American Legion Auxiliary National President Desiree´ A. Stoy, and Sons of the American Legion National Commander Tommie Cisna. We need your help. Most importantly they need you. They are our warriors, our guardians, our protectors. They are liberators, peacekeepers and nation-builders. They are our neighbors, friends and family members. They are the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. And now they are hurting. The U.S. government does a good job providing for the essential needs of the men and women recovering from war injuries in hospitals like Walter Reed, Brooke Army Medical Center and Bethesda Naval Medical Center, just to name a few. But what about the so-called nonessentials, the items that dont show up as a budget-line on a government spreadsheet? Nonessential comfort items such as loose-fitting sweat suits that can cover a soldiers healing body without adding pressure to the burns he suffered during an RPG attack in Ramadi? Or an I-Pod to help drown out the tinnitus that has plagued the medic ever since she drove too close to a roadside bomb in Afghanistan? In 2007, Past National Commander Paul Morin, Auxiliary National President JoAnn Cronin and SAL Commander Earl Ruttkofsky challenged The American Legion family to raise $50,000 to purchase comfort items for our wounded warriors at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. Legion family members and other caring Americans responded in a big way. In fact, Operation Landstuhl was so successful that we want to accomplish a similar endeavor at other military and VA medical centers. We are calling on you to once again help us meet our goal of raising $50,000 by the holidays. When the Red Cross notified The American Legion that zip-up sweatsuits were in shortly supply at Walter Reed, the Legion immediately ordered 100 sets. But its just a drop in the bucket. We have been told there is an even greater need for items at Fort Hood and Fort Bragg. Consider that there are 67 other U.S. military inpatient facilities and 1,369 VA inpatient and outpatient centers, and you can grasp the enormous need. Their size and needs, however, are dwarfed by the obligation that America has to these heroes. The American Legion family is calling this effort Operation Comfort Warriors. - Contributing is effortless. No trips to the post office or packaging of comfort items are needed. We will handle all of that. You can use your credit card to make an online donation at www.legion.org/ocw or you can mail a check to Operation Comfort Warriors, PO Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206. Administrative and promotional costs for Operation Comfort Warriors will be paid by The American Legion, so you can be sure that your entire donation will go directly to the troops. Many centers are not equipped to store large quantities of care packages, so monetary donations are needed in order to purchase items that are truly needed. Shortly after the bombing of the Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, Gen. P.X. Kelley visited a severely injured Marine in the hospital. Gen. Kelley said the young Marine had more tubes going in and out of his body than I have ever seen in one body. The injured Marine could not see his Commandant very well. Gen. Kelley recalled, He reached up and grabbed my four stars, just to make sure I was who I said I was. He held my hand with a firm grip. He was making signals, and we realized he wanted to tell me something. We put a pad of paper in his hand and he wrote Semper Fi. Semper Fi, or Semper Fidelis, is the Marine Corps motto meaning Always Faithful. Well todays wounded warriors in all service branches remain faithful. Faithful to their country, their comrades in arms and their loved ones back home. Operation Comfort Warrior will never be able to compensate these heroes for their sacrifices. But it will show them that we care.

Purple Heart Forever stamp needs support from veterans

John — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0600

"Published in the Online Update on October 9, 2008"

Earlier this year, Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., and Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., introduced a bill in Congress to create the Purple Heart Forever stamp, eliminating the need to keep reissuing such stamps with specific postage rates. As long as the U.S. Postal Service must decide whether to reissue the stamp, it may eventually be retired from circulation.

The Perpetual Purple Heart Stamp Act sought to create a stamp that would forever honor U.S. servicemembers killed or wounded in combat. The American Legion endorsed the legislation.

But the Purple Heart Forever stamp can no longer be created via legislation, since congressional committees on oversight and government reform no longer consider such bills. So King and Clinton need a groundswell of national support, directed at the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC), to convince the Postal Service to issue the forever version of the Purple Heart stamp.

I am grateful for The American Legions dedication to the creation of the stamp, King told the Online Update. Its endorsement demonstrates the wide range of support for making the Purple Heart stamp a permanent fixture. I am certain that the support from our nations veterans will resonate even stronger.

Sen. Clinton also commended The American Legion for its strong support of the Purple Heart Forever stamp. I hope that by working together, we can ensure that this tribute receives the permanence it deserves, she told the Online Update. I have urged the Postal Service to make it a permanent forever stamp. Our gratitude for the sacrifices of our heroes is eternal.

On Oct. 6, DoD announced that an estimated 17,000 deceased U.S. prisoners of war could be awarded Purple Hearts under a new policy. The medals have been denied in the past to POWs who died in captivity, if it could not be proven they had been wounded or killed by the enemy. The revised Pentagon policy, retroactive to Dec. 7, 1941, presumes that such deaths were the result of enemy action, unless compelling evidence is presented to the contrary.

King and Clinton are asking Legionnaires to help make the Purple Heart Forever stamp a reality by sending a letter of support to the CSAC. In July, King wrote to the committee and received this reply from Katherine A. Sitterle, government relations representative for the Postal Service:

Your letter of support for the issuance of the Purple Heart stamp as a forever stamp is being included in the Committees files. If it is approved for issuance in the future, the announcement will be made publicly, in keeping with our standard practice. Sitterle did not indicate whether CSAC would make a determination anytime soon, and new stamp designs are already locked in through the end of 2010.

Letters of support for the Purple Heart Forever stamp should be mailed to: Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee, c/o Stamp Development, U.S. Postal Service, Suite 5013, 1735 N. Lynn St., Arlington, VA 22209.

Mahopac Legion serves up Thanksgiving to elderly vets

John — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0600

By Barbara Livingston Nackman The Journal News November 19, 2008

With Thanksgiving a little more than a week away, nine veterans last night got a pre-holiday sampling at their home.

Promptly at 5 p.m. the Sons of the American Legion Post 1080 in Mahopac, along with veterans of the American Legion, arrived at the Sen. Vincent Leibell Veterans Retirement Home.

They carried in a freshly roasted turkey and all the fixings - mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes and mixed vegetables. And apple and pumpkin pies, chocolate strawberry cake and cookies.

"I love turkey," said Thomas Vito, who waited patiently for the Legionnaires to serve the dinner. He was in the Army during the Korean War and followed that with 27 years on the Mamaroneck town police force.

The Legion group had invited the veterans to its annual July "pig roast," a barbeque and family day.

"They had such a great time we decided to extend a holiday to them," said Sons of the American Legion Commander John Hyla. "It is a good thing to do. We're community oriented."

Cooking credit goes to Joel Goutremount of Mahopac, a carpenter whose father served in World War II. He is known for serving up hardy breakfasts and dinners at the Legion's post. Last night, he easily juggled food for nine veterans, making sure there would be plenty of leftovers.

He had slow-cooked a 21-pound turkey at 325 degrees for 5 1/2 hours, which made it golden brown. He also remembered the cranberry sauce, traditional bread stuffing, brown gravy and even sparkling cider.

The guest veterans are residents of the home off Drewville Road, which county officials have said is the only independent living facility for retired and disabled veterans in New York. The two-story house opened in 2001 in a refurbished rooming house that the county acquired in 1993. The men do their own cooking, cleaning and laundry. Each has his own room and they share common areas, like the kitchen and TV room. The house is named after Leibell in recognition of his support and the funds he secured in the state Senate for renovations. County Executive Robert Bondi proposed the home in 1997.

Ray Maguire, Leibell's director of district operations, came in his stead as his boss was in Albany for a legislative session. He brought an apple pie.

George Gisondi, 80, a combat medic who served in the Navy during World War II and the Korean War, was particularly pleased with the dinner.

"These are wonderful people," he said of Legion members in the veterans' communal kitchen who were fussing over them and arranging platters.

"It is the thought that matters. People think of other people," he said. "And the food is good."

Others have offered celebrations and good cheer, but this seemed special.

"We've never had a big spread like this," said Vernon Nix, who served in the Air Force in North Africa, and has lived in the home for six months.

This was the Legion's first Thanksgiving for the veterans and it might do the same next year.

"They are an inspiration. If it wasn't for them guys, we wouldn't be here doing this. Thank God for what they sacrificed," said David Cariddo of Mahopac, a member of the American Legion who severed in the Army.

"Hey, anybody want seconds?" he asked.

There were a few takers and then came coffee and dessert. Most of the men said they planned to visit relatives on Thanksgiving Day.

Wanted: a few good veterans

John — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0600

"The Times of Trenton (NJ)" It's not your dad's military anymore. Today's veterans who are returning from war zones in Iraq and Afghanistan seem to be reluctant to join veterans' organizations such as the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. That's certainly the observation of the aging handful of World War II and Korean War veterans who run American Legion Post 339 on Van Dyke Road in Hopewell Township. "Today's vets don't come out," lamented Jim Hall, 82, a World War II veteran who fought in Europe and a longtime member of Post 339. In its heyday in the '60s and '70s, Post 339 was up to 425 members strong. Today, the membership is half that and only about a dozen members regularly come to meetings. The post building is now up for sale. Without new blood coming in, Post 339 will see its graying membership die away. That's a shame, but it's a reflection of a different set of circumstances with which today's veterans are faced. For one thing, many veterans returning from combat zones are members of National Guard and Reserve units that have been activated for one or more deployments. These veterans tend to be older, many married with families. Unlike the young conscripted veterans of previous wars, today's volunteer service members come home to hectic lifestyles of longer work hours and raising children. They are too busy to be hanging out at a Legion post, swapping war stories with retired warriors. Another problem is that older organizations are not al ways ready to bend to the needs of a younger generation. This was evident when some established veterans groups gave a cold shoulder to return ing Vietnam veterans, who were looked down upon. That gave rise to the Vietnam Veterans of America, an organization that was more attuned to such is sues as homeless vets, the ravages of exposure to Agent Orange and efforts to find the re mains of comrades missing in action. The American Legion, which was founded after World War I, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, which dates back to the Spanish-American War, realize that if they are to survive they must recruit younger veterans to replenish the thinning ranks of older vets. Unlike the Vietnam era, veterans organizations now actively seek out and welcome younger veterans. There's hope yet that Post 339 and other struggling chapters can re bound. As the newer corps of veterans age, it's likely that they will need the services offered by large veterans groups that can effectively lobby for health, housing, education and retirement benefits. Although today's veterans may have different interests and concerns from their older comrades in arms, one thing has not changed: their commit ment to serve their country. For that, all of us should be eternally grateful and never for get the service and sacrifices they have made and continue to make.

Rehbein: Legislative success due to Legions members

John — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

By ERIC SWANSON DODGE CITY DAILY GLOBE FORT DODGE The American Legion's success in convincing Congress to pass an appropriations bill for the Veterans Administration was due to the strength of the Legion's members, the organization's national commander said Tuesday. "You made a difference in the appropriations bill for the VA because in two weeks, it went from 'It's not going to happen, no way,' to 'It's a done deal,'" David K. Rehbein said during a visit to Fort Dodge. "And I think as we talked about Capitol Hill, we had something to do with that. But myself and the legislative director, all by ourselves, we wouldn't have gotten anything done. It's only because of the strength out here." Rehbein was apparently referring to a bill that called for boosting spending on VA health programs by $3.1 billion over current levels. President Bush signed the bill into law on Sept. 30. Rehbein came to Fort Dodge as part of a statewide tour, which began Sunday in Kansas City, Kan., and will wrap up at the end of the week. The tour was designed to address issues affecting veterans and inspire American Legion members. During his visit, he posed for photos with Kansas American Legion officials and chatted with members of the American Legion Post 107 and the American Legion Auxiliary Post 107 at Fort Dodge. As the national commander of the American Legion, Rehbein represents about 2.6 million members across the United States. The American Legion family includes the auxiliary, which boasts about 1 million members, and the Sons of the American Legion. About 300,000 people belong to the Sons of the American Legion, making the total membership of the three organizations about 4 million. Rehbein, who is from Ames, Iowa, said that the Kansas Soldiers' Home compared favorably with a similar facility in his home state. "You have people that enjoy living here, and the people that work here care about the people that live here," he said. "And that's important." American Legion Auxiliary 107 President Dorothy Beemer said afterwards that she had enjoyed Rehbein's remarks, particularly concerning the VA appropriations bill. "He had spoken for us veterans to get something done up there for our veterans that have been in the hospitals and all," she said. "It didn't look too rosy for them for a long time."

Wheeler Named National Adjutant of The American Legion

John — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

INDIANAPOLIS (Oct. 16, 2008) An executive director of The American Legions National Headquarters has been named national adjutant (chief operating officer) of the nations largest veterans service organization today. Daniel S. Wheeler, a Navy veteran, replaces Robert W. Spanogle, who served as national adjutant for more than 27 years. Spanogle, an Army veteran of the Vietnam War, was designated as an honorary past national commander of the American Legion, by the organizations National Executive Committee. The native of Lansing, Michigan, is retiring from The American Legion after 36 years of service with the national headquarters. Wheeler has been executive director of The American Legions national headquarters since 1995. He has worked for The American Legion since 1979, when he was hired as=2 0an assistant editor for The American Legion Magazine. He was promoted to publisher and editor-in-chief in 1985. He also served as president of the Citizens Flag Alliance since 1994. Wheeler lives in Indianapolis with his wife, Kathy. He is a member of American Legion Post 137 in Richmond,Va. He has also served as president of the Veterans Day Council of Indianapolis and is a member of the Rotary Club and Mensa International. With a current membership of 2.7-million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and patriotic youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.

Pilot Missing in Action from the Vietnam War is Identified

John — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors. He is Col. David H. Zook, Jr., U.S. Air Force, of West Liberty, Ohio. He will be buried Oct. 4 in West Liberty. On Oct. 4, 1967, Zook was on a psychological warfare operation over Song Be Province, South Vietnam, when his U-10B Super Courier aircraft collided in mid-air with a C-7A Caribou. The C-7 pilot said he saw the other aircraft hit the ground and explode. Several search and rescue attempts failed to locate Zooks remains. In 1992, a joint U.S./Socialist Republic of Vietnam (S.R.V.) team, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), investigated the incident in Song Be Province. The team interviewed Vietnamese citizens who witnessed the crash and saw remains amid the wreckage. The team surveyed the site and found evidence consistent with Zooks crash. While later examining the evidence recovered from the site, a small fragment of bone was found. In 1993, another joint team excavated the crash site and recovered a bone fragment and non-biological material including small pieces of military clothing. In March 2008, a final excavation was conducted and more human remains were recovered. Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and also used dental comparisons in the identification of Zooks remains

Veterans vent anger over medical center shift

John — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

By Jessie Burchette Dozens of local veterans delivered a loud and clear message to the director of the Hefner VA Medical Center Tuesday night. Don't close the emergency room. Keep the inpatient care. Veterans said they feel like they are being thrown to the curb after spending years serving their country. Carolyn Adams, director of the medical center, withstood more than two hours of questions and withering criticism of the plans to make major changes. Veterans said they were ambushed with the announcement on Sept. 19 that the hospital will be making a transition away from inpatient, emergency and surgical services to a long-term and mental-health facility for veterans. Adams listened and tried to explain the decision, while telling veterans she was there to listen and take their suggestions back to VA officials. U.S. Rep. Mel Watt had a list of his own questions about the proposed changes and the timing, coming near the end of the Bush administration. Watt said he has has made an official inquiry to James Peake, secretary of Veterans Affairs, but suggested that he may not get a reply. "They're playing rope-a-dope until the end of the administration." Watt said he wants an explanation about the changes and if this is part of some national effort to privatize medical care for veterans. If there isn't a rational basis for the changes, Watt said the plan can be scrapped. He called the timing "very, very suspect," and went on to assure veterans and VA Medical Center employees that he will get answers. Watt praised Adams for having a lot of courage to come to the meeting and defend the decision. Watt also debunked a notice that had been distributed at the Medical Center that he was to be at the J.C. Price American Legion Post at 9 a.m. Tuesday. Dozens of veterans showed up, but Watt wasn't there. Watt said he had no idea who passed out the notices. Others blamed the VA for the misinformation. Adams tried repeatedly to assure veterans that walk-in clinics will be provided seven days a week and at night to help with prescriptions and non-emergency care. She also repeated several times that of the 21,000 visits last year to the hospital's emergency room, only 2,000 were actual emergencies. Adams said the VA will contract with area hospitals to provide emergency and inpatient care. That touched off a firestorm of criticism of local hospitals, primarily Rowan Regional Medical Center. Several veterans shared stories of waiting for hours in the emergency room. Don Webb, commander of the Rowan Veterans Council, said he sat in the emergency room at Rowan Regional for four hours. His wife got an ambulance to take him to the VA emergency room, where he was diagnosed with a heart attack. "I wouldn't be here today, if it hadn't been for the VA emergency room," Webb told Adams. "Closing our emergency room is the No. 1 problem," Webb told Adams. "We want you to know where we stand." Harvey McCorkle, wearing a portable oxygen supply, echoed many of the veterans, saying, "A lot of veterans will die if we're dumped in hospital emergency rooms." "You're letting us down," Zane Robertson of Salisbury told Adams. Robertson and other veterans said they had served their country and now they should get the care they deserve from the local VA Medical Center. "We had the bridge to nowhere, the road to nowhere, now we've got the hospital to nowhere," Abe Daniels said to a roar of applause. Daniels and others questioned why the VA spent millions upgrading the emergency and surgical areas, only to close them. Ty Cobb, a veteran and Republican candidate for the 12th district U.S. Congressional seat, questioned the plan to contract with hospitals. Adams said the contracts will be for one-year and will be canceled if the veterans aren't satisfied with the care. "We want you to be happy," she said. Cobb said veterans are satisfied with the care at the VA. Medical Center employees said they don't think area hospitals are equipped to deal with veterans suffering from Agent Orange and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Daniels and other veterans questioned whether the VA will pay the full costs of treatment at the other hospitals. None appeared to like the answers, although they were assured that the VA will have case managers at the hospitals to help them through the process. Associated Press

PAST NATIONAL COMMANDERS OF VETERANS' SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS ENDORSE JOHN MCCAIN

John — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

ARLINGTON, VA -- McCain-Palin 2008 today announced that twenty-one past National Commanders of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) have endorsed John McCain for President. The individuals endorsing John McCain hail from 18 different states, including Colorado, Ohio, Missouri, North Carolina, Wisconsin, New Hampshire and Illinois. Also included on the list is New Jersey native George Lisicki, who just last month stepped down as VFW Commander-in-Chief. John McCain stated, "I am honored and humbled to receive the support of individuals who have served their county with distinction in the military and as leaders of two of America's largest and most esteemed veterans' organizations. It has been my great privilege to serve America's veterans, and today I renew my pledge never to forget the sacrifices of veterans and their families, or to do my utmost to provide veterans with the care and benefits they deserve." Those Endorsing John McCain: Edward S. Banas, Sr., Past Commander-in-Chief, VFW, Connecticut Tom Bock, Past National Commander, American Legion, Colorado John Brieden, Past National Commander, American Legion, Texas Billy Ray Cameron, Past Commander-in-Chief, VFW, North Carolina John "Jake" Comer, Past National Commander, American Legion, Massachusetts George R. Cramer, Past Commander-in-Chief, VFW, Illinois James R. Currieo, Past Commander-in-Chief, VFW, Arizona Miles Epling, Past National Commander, American Legion, West Virginia John F. Gwizdak, Past Commander-in-Chief, VFW, Georgia Walter G. Hogan, Past Commander-in-Chief, VFW, Wisconsin Tony Jordan, Past National Commander, American Legion, Maine Gary Kurpius, Past Commander-in-Chief, VFW, Alaska George J. Lisicki, Past Commander-in-Chief, VFW, New Jersey James R. Mueller, Past Commander-in-Chief, VFW, Missouri Clifford G. Olson, Jr., Past Commander-in-Chief, VFW, Massachusetts John W. Smart, Past Commander-in-Chief, VFW, New Hampshire R.D. "Bulldog" Smith, Past Commander-in-Chief, VFW, Georgia Paul A. Spera, Past Commander-in-Chief, VFW, Massachusetts Norman G. Staab, Past Commander-in-Chief, VFW, Kansas John S. Staum, Past Commander-in-Chief, VFW, Minnesota John Wasylik, Past Commander-in-Chief, VFW, Ohio ###

Pelham NY Post 50 SAL 50 Will Honor 65th Anniversary of Loss of WWII Submarine USS Wahoo

John — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0500

On Saturday October 11th, Pelham Post 50 of the American Legion and Sons of the American Legion Squadron 50 plan a ceremony to honor the memory of the most famous submarine of WWII, the USS Wahoo (SS 238) and its crew, on the 65th anniversary of its loss in battle off of the coast of Japan. Doug Morton, the son of USS Wahoo CDR Dudley Morton is expected to attend the event. The ceremony is planned for 11 AM at the Pelham New York Veterans Memorial Park located just north of New York City. Retired Pelham Memorial High School science instructor Jerry Mele, a WWII veteran of the USS Blackfin, related to Post 50 SAL 50 members the story of the Pelham connection to the famed WWII submarine USS Wahoo and its legendary commander Dudley "Mush" Morton. The Wahoo was famed in early 1943 for feats such as sinking an entire convoy of enemy ships in the Pacific War and returning to Pearl Harbor with a broom attached to its mast. This well publicized incident, portrayed on a mural at the US Navy Memorial in Washington DC, provided a lift to the nation during the dark early years of WWII. Sadly the Wahoo was lost off the coast of Japan on Oct. 11th 1943. After the war, CDR Morton's widow remarried and the family moved to Pelham where his two children attended Pelham schools. The 65th anniversary ceremony will be held at Pelham's Veterans Memorial Park or the nearby Daronco Town Center in case of inclement weather. Pelham is located just north of New York City in Westchester County and is easily reached by I95, the Hutchinson River Parkway, or Metro North Train. The US Navy plans to support the event with a speaker and color guard. Doug Morton, a 1957 graduate of PMHS, is traveling from Denver to participate. All interested veterans are invited to attend. Reservations are appreciated. Please email Ken Kraetzer at kgk914@aol.com or call 914-630-3457. Updates about the event will be available on www.legionpost50ny.com. An excellent description of the Wahoo and the 2007 ceremony held in honor of its crew at Pearl Harbor, HA can be found on BlogSpot and Cmdr. Dudley's Bio The American Legion, with 2.7 million members, is the world's largest veteran's association. The Department of New York is one of The American Legion's largest state organizations with 1,003 local "Posts" and membership of more than 170,000 Legionnaires. Post 50 Pelham, N.Y., commanded in 2008-2009 by Frank Barbieri organizes Pelham's Memorial Day parade and has served as a New York City Fleet Week host the past six years. Throughout the year, Post 50 conducts a variety of other projects to support veterans and the local community. In 2005, Post 50 initiated ceremonies commemorating the 60th anniversary of the end of the Italian Campaign of World War II at the American Battle Monument Commission maintained military cemeteries at Florence and Nettuno, Italy. In 2009 the Post and its SAL Squadron are planning a trip to Normandy France for the 65th Anniversary of D-Day. More information is available at www.legionpost50ny.com.

Soldier Missing From The Vietnam War Is Identified

John — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing from the Vietnam War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors. He is Sgt. Timothy J. Jacobsen, U.S. Army, of Oakland, Calif. He will be buried on Oct. 4 in Ferndale, Calif. Representatives from the Army met with Jacobsens next-of-kin to explain the recovery and identification process, and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the Secretary of the Army. On May 16, 1971, Jacobsen was one of four U.S. soldiers and an unknown number of Republic of Vietnam (R.V.N.) Marines who were aboard a UH-1H Iroquois helicopter. The crew was on a combat assault mission near Hue, South Vietnam when they came under heavy enemy ground fire as their aircraft touched down at the landing zone. The pilot tried to lift off, but the damaged aircraft struck a tree line and exploded. A few days later, a search and rescue team recovered the remains of some of the Vietnamese Marines, but there were remains still trapped under the helicopter wreckage. No remains for the U.S. soldiers were recovered. In 1994, a joint U.S./Socialist Republic of Vietnam (S.R.V.) team, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), investigated the incident. The team surveyed the crash site and found wreckage consistent with a UH-1. The next year, another joint team excavated the site and recovered human remains, but they were not those of the U.S. soldiers. In 2002, a joint team traveled to Hue and interviewed two Vietnamese citizens who showed the team two re-burial sites associated with this incident. In 2006, another team excavated the two sites and recovered human remains from one of them. Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC also used dental comparisons in the identification of Jacobsens remains, which were recovered in 2006. The other U.S. soldiers associated with this incident are still unaccounted-for.

New VA policy gives more help to troops with TBIs

John — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0500

By Jeff Schogol, Stars and Stripes Mideast edition, Wednesday, September 24, 2008 ARLINGTON, Va. Veterans can be evaluated as 100 percent disabled for traumatic brain injury if they meet certain criteria, said Tom Pamperin, of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Since October 2001, about 1.64 million U.S. servicemembers have deployed to support operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, of which about 320,000 have reported suffering a traumatic brain injury while downrange, according to an April study from the RAND Corp. Until now, veterans with TBI could receive a 100 percent disability rating only if they also suffered from other wounds, said Pamperin, deputy director of compensation and pension service. But a new VA policy allows veterans with TBI to be rated as totally disabled based solely the severity of the disorder, he said. The policy establishes eight criteria used to determine if a veteran suffering from TBI are totally disabled: - Memory, attention and concentration - Judgment - Orientation in time and space - Motor activity - Visual spatial function - Speech and language disorders - Consciousness - Neurobehavioral effects Veterans with TBI who are rated as totally disabled can also receive extra money for "aid and attendance," Pamperin said. Under the change, monthly benefits for a single veteran would increase from $2,527 to $3,145. The policy also establishes two other criteria used to determine the severity of PTSD: social interaction, which has a disability rating of up to 70 percent; and subjective symptoms, which has a rating of up to 40 percent, officials said. Subjective symptoms, which are difficult for a clinician to assess, include memory loss, dizziness, irritability, and hypersensitivity to light and noise, Pamperin said. They are typical of mild cases of TBI. Previously, veterans showing subjective symptoms could receive a disability rating of up to 10 percent, or about $117 in monthly benefits for single veterans, Pamperin said. The new policy allows veterans exhibiting such symptoms to receive up to $512 in monthly benefits. The policy was expected to be published in the Federal Register on Tuesday and slated to take effect 30 days later, Pamperin said. The new policy is not retroactive, but veterans can be re-evaluated for a higher disability rating by going to a local VA clinic, he said.

2008 Children and Youth Conference

John — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0500

I had the opportunity to attend the 2nd annual C & Y National Conference held in Indianapolis and want to share an overview of the topics covered. I also wish to provide some supporting documentation to help everyone further their efforts towards assisting the youth of our country to overcome hardships, illness and to help them become better Americans. An overview of the topics follows: Legislative Training Steve Robertson, a registered lobbyist gave us an overview on how the lobbying process works and how to establish a relationship with our local congressman/woman to help us gain access to the decision makers in Washington. He stressed developing a relationship on the local level, get them involved. Invite them to speak at your local functions or to participate in a program. If they have sponsored or influenced legislation designed to benefit children and youth programs in your community, hold a press conference to recognize them. Work to develop a relationship with their local staffers, thus paving the way towards much improved cooperation and communication. http://www.legion.org/documents/legion/ppt/legislative_08.ppt When Parents Deploy Assistant Director for Americanism and C&Y Division at National Headquarters, Jason Kees presented as pinch hitter for The Sesame Network representative. The Sesame Network has produced a DVD titled Talk, Listen, Connect. In their own child focused style, TSN has produced a video that helps both children and parents address the myriad of issues that arrive when a parent(s) deploys or returns home from a lengthy deployment. The video also helps to address when a parent or family member or close family friend returns from deployment wounded, whether emotionally for physically. These DVDs are available at no cost for use in conjunction with a family centered program. For more information, http://www.legion.org/documents/legion/ppt/talklisten_08.ppt Military Child Education Coalition MCEC (m-sek), for short, is a program that helps educate educators to the possible special needs of children of active duty personnel or reservists who have been deployed. Joan Patterman Barrett, an Auxiliary member, wife of a career military husband, is the Director of Research and Evaluation for the Military Child Education Coalition. It is a program that stresses the exceptional needs and problems that these children face and how the educators can recognize these situations and be proactive in working together with the student to keep them moving forward in their education while their parents are serving our country. Further information, http://legion.org/documents/legion/ppt/mcec_08.ppt Video Conferencing - Bill Pease, Deputy Director of Americanism and Children & Youth gave us a live demonstration on the latest tool available through the American Legion website. This is very similar to what our own webmaster, John Walpole has been working on for the benefit of our own Detachment. There is a link on the National Legion site that allows you to access the software needed for the conferencing. You will have to have a webcam and headset (to reduce echo) but, these small investments may allow our committees to meet remotely thus saving far more than the initial investment and enabling us to be even more productive. Childrens Miracle Network We all know the value of this program and the prominent position it holds in the hearts of our members. Brad Lake, Director of Sponsor Relations spent some time first thanking all if the Legion Family members for all they have done over the years in support of CMN. Brad also discussed some very important changes to the IRS regulations regarding reporting of donations to CMN from the Legion. These changes involve the tightening of the regulations that will limit what types of donations can now be considered for reporting by both CMN and the American Legion. If you have an opportunity to speak with Brad for whatever reason, please ask him about his thinking cap. For more information, http://www.legion.org/documents/legion/ppt/cmn_08.ppt Boys and Girls State The numbers are going down, and we ALL need to do more to help change that trend. Jill Druskis, Deputy Director, Americanism and C&Y Division discussed the need for more communication with the local high schools in an effort to increase recruiting and participation in this vital program. More info, http://www.legion.org/documents/legion/ppt/bgstate_08.ppt Communications Today The Legion Auxiliary has brought in Moriah Merkel to help them identify which modes of communication can be used to best reach our younger members and prospective members. Social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook were examples of tools being used to help get the word out. More info, http://www.legion.org/documents/legion/ppt/communication_08.ppt Child Welfare Foundation Bill Pease reiterated the value of the foundation. He reviewed the history, from inception to current day, discussing the amount of money granted and the importance of sustaining the funding to ensure being able to meet as many worthy grant requests as possible. More info, http://www.legion.org/documents/legion/ppt/cwf_08.ppt American Legion Auxiliary Children and Youth Programs National Children & Youth Chair for the American Legion Auxiliary, Kris Nelson gave us an overview of the many C & Y programs sponsored and supported by the Auxiliary. More info, http://www.legion.org/documents/legion/ppt/auxprograms_08.ppt Special Olympics Tracy DeVries, Sr. Manager of Development and Communications shared the depth and scope of the Special Olympics program, 2.5 million athletes in 180 countries participate in the Special Olympics. She covered the need for volunteer hours as well as the financial needs and thanked the Legion family for their assistance. She had one of her national ambassadors address the meeting and share his experience (including his national Bronze, Silver and Gold medals)!! More info, http://www.legion.org/documents/legion/ppt/specialolympics_08.ppt CAT Program The Children Action Team program is one of the rapidly growing programs within the Legion family. EVERY member of the Legion family is eligible to become a member of the CAT, with one member designated as the state contact. Please contact me to learn how to become a CAT member. There are CAT posters and canisters available to help fundraise within your post and community. I urge all of the members, squadrons, counties and districts in NY State to make it a MUST DO to host a fund raising event with the proceeds earmarked for one of the valuable C & Y programs as well as an annual line item in their budgets be added as well. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. Bill Lutz C&Y Chairman, C & Y Commission Detachment of New York CAT delegate wgl3333@twcny.rr.com '

Detachment Mets Outing

John — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0500

September 7, 2008 Mets Color Guard Ceremony The American Legion Family of Organizations Proudly presented colors joined by the "Fighting 69th" Regiment and the "Washington Grays" 258th Field Artillery of the New York National Guard and sailors from the US Navy Submarine Base at Groton, CT.

Mets Outing Postponed

John — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Attention all! WFAN announced at 11:30am that the game has been postponed until tomorrow at 2:15pm as part of a double header. Todays tickets will be honored at tomorrow's 2:15pm game only. I don't know about the color guard or any of the other activities that we had scheduled for today. I am sure Ken Kraetzer will be updating us on that shortly.

Albany Squadron Presents Check To Wounded Warrior Project

John — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Albany- July 17,2008, North Albany American Legion Post 1610 S.A.L. Squadron presented a check for $12,100 to Wounded Warrior Project Ambassador Paul Hastings during the NYS Convention 3rd DistrictReport. The check was the total proceeds plus a donation from the Squadron from their second Thanksgiving Fundraiser to Benefit the Wounded Warrior Project on the Thursday, November 15, 2007. Squadron Commander and Co-chair Mike Conners was joined by Co-chair Tim Lane, Adjutant Jack Kane, committee member Vice Commander Ed Ryan and Post 1610 Commander Mike Swazey, 3rd District Commander Bob Myrtle and Detachment Vice Commander Dave Bishop. The $12,100 donation bring the total raised by the Squadron to over $23,000 in two years. Lane, whose brother, Captain ? Lane who was severely wounded by an IED in fallujah? Iraq, spoke about his brothers spirits being raised dramatically by the backpack he received upon awaking in Walter Reed Hospital. Especially appreciated where the phone cards and CD player. North Albany American Legion Post 1610 Commander Mike Swezey(sp?), NYS National Guard Brigadier General and ?helicopter unit commander in Iraq, shared his experiences with the importance of the Wounded Warrior Project to his troopers and of the effort and support provided by the Sons of the American Legion. Wounded Warrior Project Ambassador Paul Hastings briefly described the Projects programs supporting the severely wounded service members return to civilian life and the importance of our reminding the warrior that we will never forget their sacrifices or service. He congratulated the 1610 Squadron on their efforts and support of the Wounded Warrior Project. Squadron Commander Mike Conners invited the NYS Detachment to contact his Squadron to learn how easily his moribund unit became super charged with enthusiasm due to the contact with the Wounded Warrior Program and the tremendous success of the effort. Our Squadrons membership and retention improved, our efforts on behalf of Children increased dramatically, our VA&R efforts jumped significantly and the support we provided our Post grew exponentially because of the energy generated by our involvement with the Wounded Warrior Project. We would love to share this success with your Squadron and look forward to meeting with those who are interested in how this involvement made us a better Squadron, Conners told the assemblage. Pictures Courtesy of Sue Kane YouTube presentation by Marine Captain Ed Slavin at the Thanksgiving Fundraiser to Benefit the Wounded Warrior Project 15, November 2007: Please learn more about this great new organization at: http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ More information about the North Albany American Legion Post 1610 and the Sons Squadron can be found at: http://www.northalbanypost1610.org/

Legion Car Race Results

John — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500

We were running our ASA car for these races. It is black in color and looks very sharp. Concord, NC - Finished 14th American Legion car was involved in a wreck early but was able to finish the 100 lap race in reasonable fashion. Rockford, IL - Finished 24th The Freedom Car's evening ended early with Driver, Jerick Johnson luckily escaping injury in the red flag accident. With only 20 laps into the race, cars were coming out of corner 4 at the Rockford Speedway three wide....so drivers were checking up as they approached the congestion in this narrow turn. Car number #31 Brevak, did not check up. Brevak hit one car and then went airborne and landed on top of The American Legion #76 Freedom Car. Johnson had to exit through his passenger side as the driver's side was smashed in. Fire and wrecking crew worked to untangle the cars.

Walk-a-thon a Success!

John — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Every Member of the Detachment of New York Sons Of The American Legion who participated in this year's Walk-A-Thon should feel proud of what we have accomplished. Even if you did not walk you donations were most welcomed and appreciated. We raised over $25,000.00 and every cent is going to our Veterans and their families. I would be in remiss if I did not mention all the hard work the Department of New York American Legion Auxiliary did to help make this event a success. Many thanks to Department Vice President and Department Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Nancy Kurk who motivated the Seniors and the Juniors of the American Legion Auxiliary here in New York State to get out there on a cold rainy day in April and walk for a cause that only reflects our privilege to be a part of our Great American Legion Family. This Walk-A-thon will continue next year and hopefully for many years to come. It is you the members who strove to make this an endeavor to help our hospitalized veterans and their families live a more comfortable life in their time of need to receive the best health care and recreational therapy that they deserve. I thank every one of the 26,000 members of the Detachment of New York Sons of The American Legion, the 60,000 plus members of the Department of New York American Legion Auxiliary and our staff at Headquarters for helping with the administrative work for their time to remember that Our Veterans Are Our Greatest Resource. Thomas Kurk Sons of The American Legion Detachment of New York VA&R Chairman

American Legion Racing

John — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Jerick Johnson and Team Johnson Motorsports will be racing on July 12th in an ASA Race in Concord, NC and July 26, 2008 at Rockford Speedway in Loves Park, IL and will be televised on EPSN 7:30 EST. Remember this is our car! It gives us great media exposure and the more it races the more it is seen. The American Legion, the world's largest Read More...

Veterans Benefits Seminars

John — Tue, 20 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500

In July 2007, we issued VA&R Bulletin 22-07 clarifying The American Legions policy on attorney referrals in the event such a referral is requested by a veteran or an attorney. That bulletin provided policy that must be adhered to by accredited American Legion representatives. Read More...

Canines for Combat Veterans

John — Sat, 10 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Christopher Strickland was wounded in iraq by an IED and has an amputated arm, shattered legs and sight loss in one eye. He applied for a Service Dog for "help in his daily life." Ruthie, a yellow lab trained by inmates at the JJ Moran Correctional Facility is just the Service Dog to help him. With impeccable retrieving skills she acts as Chris extra hand. After a long day of walking, Chris relies on Ruthie for balance. He also uses Ruthie to help him get up from a sitting position. Chris lives in Connecticut with his wife Amanda and their child Bradley.

New County Organizations Formed

John — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0600

It is my pleasure to announce that the Richmond County organization (Staten Island)was formed this last Friday, AND the Kings County organization (Brooklyn) was formed today. District 2 is now fully formed with all of it's counties. Many thanks to EVERYONE involved starting with PDC Deichler last year, to Vice Commander Paul Peach and 2nd District Commander John Rogers. Congratulations to every member of The American Legion Family who helped to make this happen!

District 2 Organized

John — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0600

District 2 comprising Brooklyn and Staten Island a.k.a. Kings and Richmond Counties) is now organized! Many thanks to all who assisted in this effort. The new District 2 Commander is: John Rogers

Department of NY Auxiliary Needs HELP

John — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0500

The Department Auxiliary needs Veterans to help make Poppies. Until now, the soul source for the Legion Poppy was Hospitalized Veterans. Now for one reason or another, there are few who can or wish to sit and make Poppies. If you are retired and feel you want to contribute your time, the Department is willing to pay a certified Veteran (by DD214) 10cents per Poppy. Contact: The Auxiliary Department Poppy Chairman Heletha Rov 135 Northern Avenue Alexandra Bay, NY 13607 Phone: (315)482-9330 Fax: (315)482-6315

National Cmdr. Fan Wong's NY Homecoming

John — Tue, 23 Jan 2001 00:00:00 -0600

American Legion Family and Friends: You and your members are cordially Invited to attend and be a part of the celebration honoring National Commander Fang A.Wong during his official "New York Homecoming to be held at the Desmond Hotel and Conference Center, 660 Albany-Shaker Road, Albany, New York 12211 Friday and Saturday may 11-12, 2012. A number of events are planned to occupy your time leading up to the main event on Saturday evening. We hope you will take part in as many of these activities as possible which highlight some of the many attractions Albany, new York has to offer. Please refer to the enclosed housing and activities forms for all events and costs. The main event will be a homecoming Testimonial Dinner on Saturday evening, May 12 at the Desmond Hotel and Conference Center. The festivities will commence at 5:30 pm with a social hour, dinner to follow at 6:30 pm. Your meal choice will be Roasted prime Rib of Beef, Chicken Normande or Herb Basted Salmon at a cost of $50.00 each. This event will be Black Tie Optional with gentlemen wearing black jacket tuxedo )if available without renting) and ladies in proper evening attire. The enclosed hotel reservation form and event registration form provides all of the information needed to have an enjoyable weekend. Please take the time to make copies of these forms and give to others that may wish to attend. You may also obtain these forms by going to the New York American Legion web page at www.ny.legion.org. In as much as all hotel rooms and and events have a limited capacity your response is requested as soon as possible, but no later than April 1,2012. Your early response is sincerely appreciated. Robert L. Morrill The American Legion 112 State Street, Albany, NY 12207 It is our sincere desire that you join us on this festive occasion which promises to be the highlight of our American Legion Year. Sincerely, Robert L. Morrill Campaign Chairman

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