[House Document 104-51]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
104th Congress, 1st Session - - - - - - - - - - - - House
Document 104-51
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PROCEEDINGS OF 76th NATIONAL CONVENTION of the AMERICAN LEGION
Minneapolis, Minnesota
September 6-8, 1994
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1994 : 76th NATIONAL CONVENTION OF THE AMERICAN LEGION : 1994
104th Congress, 1st Session - - - - - - - - - - - - House
Document 104-51
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_______________________________________________________________________
PROCEEDINGS OF 76th NATIONAL CONVENTION of the AMERICAN LEGION
Minneapolis, Minnesota
September 6-8, 1994
January 9, 1995.--Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and
ordered
to be printed.
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86-484
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
The American Legion,
Washington, DC, January 5, 1995.
Hon. Newt Gingrich,
The Speaker of the House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Speaker: In compliance with current public law we
herewith transmit for printing as a House document: a financial
statement and independent audit of The American Legion,
proceedings of our 76th annual National Convention held in
Minneapolis, Minnesota from September 6, 7, and 8, 1994 plus a
report on our organization's activities for the year preceding
the Convention.
Sincerely,
Steve Robertson,
Director, National Legislative Commission.
C O N T E N T S
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Page
National Conventions and Officers of The American Legion, 1919-
1994........................................................... VI
Tuesday Session--September 6, 1994
Call to Order--National Commander Bruce Thiesen.................. 1
Invocation--National Chaplain Monsignor Raymond J. Kozlowski..... 2
Reading of Convention Call--National Adjutant Robert Spanogle.... 3
Greetings:
Bernie Melvin, Commissioner, Minnesota Dept. of Veterans
Affairs.................................................... 7
Honorable Sharon Sayles Belton, Mayor of Minneapolis......... 8
Raymond L. Galazan, Department Commander, Minnesota.......... 9
Donald L. Schroedl, President, National Convention
Corporation of Minnesota................................... 10
Address--Honorable Lane Evans, U.S. House of Representatives (IL) 11
Presentation of Plaque--City of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania......... 13
Certificate of Appreciation--National Chaplain Monsignor
Kozlowski...................................................... 14
Greetings:
Mrs. Helen Holcomb, National President, American Legion
Auxiliary.................................................. 15
Presentation, Distinguished Service Award--Honorable Walter
Annenberg...................................................... 16
National Commander's Convention Report........................... 17
Report of Committee:
Credentials and Internal Affairs, Section I.................. 25
Certificate of Appreciation--Warren Hutching, Adolph Coors
Company........................................................ 27
Reports of Committees:
Legislation and Rules........................................ 28
Children and Youth........................................... 31
Awards:
Garland Murphy............................................... 36
Report of Committee--Americanism................................. 37
Awards:
Ralph T. O'Neil Education.................................... 55
Frank Belgrano, Jr........................................... 55
William Randolph Hearst Americanism Trophy................... 55
National Youth Champions..................................... 57
Addresses:
Honorable Jim Ramstad, U.S. House of Representatives (MN).... 61
Lt. Gen. Claude M. Kicklighter, Executive Director, World War
II Commemorative Committee................................. 64
George W. Bentley, Society of American Legion Founders....... 68
W.T. Russ Ward, Dominion President, Army, Navy and Air Force
Veterans in Canada......................................... 69
Joseph Kobolak, Dominion President, Royal Canadian Legion.... 70
General Chou Shin-Pin, Chairman, Vocational Assistance
Commission for Retired Servicemen--Republic of China....... 72
Award--Legion of Honor Bronze Medallion Award Chapel of Four
Chaplains...................................................... 73
Wednesday Session--September 7, 1994
Call to Order--National Commander, Bruce Thiesen................. 77
Address--Honorable Paul Wellstone, U.S. Senate (MN).............. 77
Report--John P. Comer, PNC and Member, Korean War Memorial
Advisory Board................................................. 81
Address--Honorable Jesse Brown, Secretary of Veterans Affairs.... 82
Award--Employer of The Year...................................... 85
Report of Committee:
Employment and Veterans' Preference and Other Economic
Matters.................................................... 87
Address--Honorable Preston Taylor, Assistant Secretary for
Veterans Employment............................................ 111
Report of Committee--Credentials and Internal Affairs, Section II 115
Special Committee Report--Credentials and Other Internal Affairs. 121
Presentation--Citation for Meritorious Service to Honorable
Robert C. Smith, U.S. Senate (NH).............................. 123
Addresses:
Honorable Robert C. Smith, U.S. Senate (NH).................. 124
Diane Carlson Evans, Vietnam Women's Memorial Project........ 127
Wilma L. Vaught, Brigadier General, USAF Retired, President,
Women in Military Service for American Memorial Foundation. 129
Major General Robert Ensslin, National Guard Association of
U.S........................................................ 131
Certificate of Appreciation--Frank Dosio, NYNEX.................. 134
Address--Joe Mayne, National Commander, Sons of the American
Legion......................................................... 136
Report of Committee--Credentials and Internal Affairs, Section
III............................................................ 138
Award--National Recruiter of the Year............................ 144
Reports of Committees:
Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation.......................... 145
Finance...................................................... 170
Foreign Relations............................................ 171
Constitutional Amendments.................................... 197
Thursday Session--September 8, 1994
Call to Order--National Commander, Bruce Thiesen................. 200
Presentation--George Greene, Buick Motor Division, GMC........... 201
Addresses:
Honorable Arne Carlson, Governor, State of Minnesota......... 202
Honorable Rod Grams, U.S. House of Representatives (MN)...... 204
Vice Admiral James M. Loy, U.S. Coast Guard.................. 208
Award--Fourth Estate Award....................................... 213
Certificate of Appreciation--Brain Science Foundation,
Minneapolis MN................................................. 214
Report of Committee--National Security........................... 217
Election of National Commander................................... 267
Address--National Commander, William Detweiler................... 277
Election of National Vice Commanders............................. 281
Greetings--Mrs. Linda Newsome, President, American Legion
Auxiliary...................................................... 285
Benediction--Outgoing National Chaplain, Msgr. Raymond Kozlowski. 286
Appendix
Annual Awards.................................................... 288
Financial Report................................................. 293
The American Legion 74th Annual Report
Foreword, National Adjutant Robert W. Spanogle................... 311
Excerpts from the Constitution of The American Legion............ 312
National Executive Committee..................................... 314
Reports of National Vice Commanders:
Juan Cintron, Puerto Rico.................................... 316
Douglas A. Mason, Utah....................................... 317
John Mulkern, Massachusetts.................................. 318
K.W. Ohl, Indiana............................................ 319
Curtis O. Twete, North Dakota................................ 320
Reports:
National Chaplain............................................ 321
National Historian........................................... 322
National Judge Advocate...................................... 323
Administrative Services...................................... 330
Library and Museum....................................... 332
Americanism Commission....................................... 333
Counter-Subversive Activities Committee.................. 337
Education Committee...................................... 337
Children & Youth Commission.................................. 339
American Legion Child Welfare Foundation, Inc............ 350
Convention Commission........................................ 351
Economic Commission.......................................... 352
Employment Committee..................................... 355
Veterans Preference Committee............................ 355
Finance Commission........................................... 358
Emblem Committee......................................... 358
American Legion Life Insurance Committee................. 359
Foreign Relations Commission................................. 369
Internal Affairs Commission.................................. 379
Membership and Post Activities Committee................. 383
Legislative Commission....................................... 387
National Security Commission................................. 399
Aerospace Committee...................................... 404
Defense Civil Preparedness Committee..................... 405
Law and Order Committee.................................. 406
Merchant Marine Committee................................ 407
Military Affairs Committee............................... 408
National Security Council................................ 415
Naval Affairs Committee.................................. 416
Public Relations Commission.................................. 416
American Legion Magazine Commission.......................... 417
Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission............... 418
Report of the National President of the American Legion
Auxiliary.................................................. 435
Financial Statements......................................... 442
NATIONAL CONVENTIONS AND NATIONAL OFFICERS AMERICAN LEGION, 1919 to
Date
Note: In the following list it should be noted that the terms of each
group of officers expire with that particular convention under which
they are listed.
__________
* indicates deceased.
__________
HONORARY COMMANDERS
General John J. Pershing*
Marshall Ferdinand Foch*
PARIS CAUCUS
Paris, France, March 15 to 17, 1919
Temporary Chairman: Eric Fisher Wood,* Pennsylvania. (Voted title of
Past National Commander at the 1955 National Convention.)
Permanent Chairman: Bennett C. Clark,* Missouri. (Voted title of past
National Commander at the 1926 National Convention.)
Chairman Pro Tempore: Thomas W. Miller,* Delaware. (Voted title of Past
National Commander at the 1968 National Convention.)
Secretary: Eric Fisher Wood,* Pennsylvania. (Voted title of Past
National Commander at the 1955 National Convention.) At the
Paris Caucus an Executive Committee was elected to complete
arrangements, the chairman and secretary of which were:
Chairman: Milton J. Foreman,* Illinois. (Voted title of Past National
Commander at the 1921 National Convention.)
Secretary: George A. White,* Oregon.
ST. LOUIS CAUCUS
St. Louis, Missouri, May 8 to 10, 1919
Temporary Chairman: Theodore Roosevelt, Jr.,* New York. (Voted title of
Past National Commander at the 1949 National Convention.)
Permanent Chairman: Henry D. Lindsley,* Texas.
Vice Chairmen: John J. Sullivan,* Washington; Fred Humphrey,* New
Mexico; P.C. Calhoun,* Connecticut. (Voted titles of Past
National Commanders at 1933 National Convention.)
Secretary: Eric Fisher Wood,* Pennsylvania.
Chaplain: Thomas H. Wiles,* Colorado. (Voted title of Past National
Commander at the 1921 National Convention.)
1st NATIONAL CONVENTION
Minneapolis, Minnesota, November 10 to 12, 1919
Chairman: Henry D. Lidsley,* (Voted title of Past National Commander at
the 1919 National Convention.)
Vice Chairman: Bennett C. Clark,* Missouri.
Secretary: Eric Fisher Wood,* Pennsylvania.
Treasurer: Gasper G. Bacon,* Massachusetts.
Chaplain: Thomas H. Wiles,* Colorado.
2d NATIONAL CONVENTION
Cleveland, Ohio, September 27 to 29, 1920
Commander: Franklin D'Olier,* Pennsylvania.
Vice Commanders: James O'Brien,* California; Allan Tukey,* Nebraska;
Joyce S. Lewis,* Minnesota; Alden B. Chambers, Massachusetts;
William Follett,* Oregon.
Adjutant: Lemuel Bolles,* Washington.
Treasurer: Robert H. Tyndall,* Indiana.
Historian: Eben Putnam,* Massachusetts.
Chaplain: Rev. Francis A. Kelly,* New York.
3d NATIONAL CONVENTION
Kansas City, Missouri, October 31 to November 2, 1921
Commander: Frederic W. Galbraith, Jr.,* (killed June 9), succeeded by
John G. Emery,* Michigan.
Vice Commanders: John G. Emery,* Michigan; Thomas Goldingay,* New
Jersey; Claudius G. Pendill,* Wisconsin; James G. Scrugham,*
Nevada; E. Jackson Winslett,* Alabama.
Adjutant: Lemuel Bolles,* Washington.
Treasurer: Robert H. Tyndall,* Indiana.
Chaplain: Rev. John W. Inzer,* Tennessee.
Historian: Eben Putnam,* Massachusetts.
Judge Advocate: Robert A. Adams,* Indiana.
4th NATIONAL CONVENTION
New Orleans, Louisiana, October 16 to 20, 1922
Commander: Hanford MacNider,* Iowa.
Vice Commanders: H. Nelson Jackson,* Vermont; George L. Berry,*
Tennessee; Raymond O. Brackett,* Massachusetts; Charles H.
Kendrick, California; John A. McCormack,* Colorado.
Adjutant: Lemuel Bolles,* Washington.
Treasurer: Robert H. Tyndall,* Indiana.
Chaplain: Rev. Earl A. Blackman,*
Historian: Eben Putnam,* Massachusetts.
Judge Advocate: Robert A. Adams,* Indiana.
5th NATIONAL CONVENTION
San Francisco, California, October 16 to 19, 1923
Commander: Alvin M. Owsley,* Texas.
Vice Commanders: Edward J. Barrett,* Wisconsin; Watson B. Miller,*
District of Columbia; E. Erle Cocke, Sr.,* Georgia; Robert O.
Blood,* New Hampshire; Chiles P. Plummer, Wyoming.
Adjutant: Lemuel Bolles,* Washington.
Treasurer: Robert H. Tyndall,* Indiana.
Chaplin: Rev. William F. O'Connor,* Ohio.
Historian: Eben Putnam,* Massachusetts.
Judge Advocate: Robert A. Adams,* Indiana.
6th NATIONAL CONVENTION
St. Paul, Minnesota, September 15 to 19, 1924
Commander: John R. Quinn,* California.
Vice Commanders: Lester Albert,* Idaho; Celora M. Stoddard, Arizona;
William B. Healey,* Pennsylvania; F. Ryan Duffy,* Wisconsin;
Dr. I. Thurman Mann,* North Carolina.
Adjutant: Lemuel Bolles,* Washington.
Treasurer: Robert H. Tyndall,* Indiana.
Chaplain: Rev. Ezra Clemens,* Minnesota.
Historian: Eben Putnam,* Massachusetts.
Judge Advocate: Robert A. Adams,* Indiana.
7th NATIONAL CONVENTION
Omaha, Nebraska, October 5 to 9, 1925
Commander: James A. Drain,* Washington.
Vice Commanders: Frank H. McFarland,* Kansas; Eugene P. Armstrong,*
Connecticut; A.L. Perry, Panama; Peyton H. Hoge, Jr,* Kentucky;
William Stern,* North Dakota.
Adjutant: Russell G. Creviston,* Indiana (resigned), succeeded by James
f. Barton,* Iowa.
Treasurer: Robert H. Tyndall,* Indiana.
Chaplain: Rev. Joseph M. Lonergan,* Illinois.
Historian: Eben Putnam,* Massachusetts.
Judge Advocate: Robert A. Adams,* Indiana.
8th NATIONAL CONVENTION
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, October 11 to 15, 1926
Commander: John R. McQuigg,* Ohio.
Vice Commanders: Joseph Y. Cheney,* Florida; Hughes B. Davis,*
Oklahoma; Vincent A. Carroll,* Pennsylvania; Raymond B.
Littlefield,* Rhode Island; James A. Howell,* Utah.
Adjutant: James F. Barton,* Iowa.
Treasurer: Robert H. Tyndall,* Indiana.
Chaplain: Rev. William E. Patrick,* California.
Historian: Eben Putnam,* Massachusetts.
Judge Advocate: Robert A. Adams,* Indiana.
9th NATIONAL CONVENTION
New York, New York, October 18, 1927
Paris, France, September 19 to 22, 1927
Commander: Howard P. Savage,* Illinois.
Vice Commander: C. Thomas Busha, Jr.,* Montana; Stafford King,*
Minnesota; John G. Sims, Tennessee; John E. Curtis,* Nebraska:
John G. Towne,* Maine.
Adjutant: James F. Barton,* Iowa.
Treasurer: Robert H. Tyndall,* Indiana.
Chaplain: Rev. Joseph L.N. Wolfe,* Pennsylvania.
Historian: Eben Putnam,* Massachusetts.
Judge Advocate: Robert A. Adams,* Indiana.
10th NATIONAL CONVENTION
San Antonio, Texas, October 8 to 11, 1928
Commander: Edward E. Spafford,* New York.
Vice Commanders: John T. Raftis,* Washington; Ralph T. O'Neil,* Kansas;
Paul R. Younts,* North Carolina; Dan Spurlock,* Louisiana; John
M. Henry,* Minnesota.
Adjutant: James F. Barton,* Iowa.
Chaplain: Rev. Gill Robb Wilson,* New Jersey.
Historian: Eben Putnam,* Massachusetts.
Treasurer: Bowman Elder,* Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Scott W. Lucas,* Illinois.
11th NATIONAL CONVENTION
Louisville, Kentucky, September 30 to October 2, 1929
Commander: Paul V. McNutt,* Indiana.
Vice Commanders: Lawrence E. McGann, Jr.,* Illinois; George W. Malone,*
Nevada; Edward L. White,* Connecticut; Miller C. Foster, South
Carolina; Walton D. Hood,* Texas.
Adjutant: James F. Barton,* Iowa.
Chaplain: Rabbi Lee J. Levinger,* Ohio.
Treasurer: Bowman Elder,* Indiana.
Historian: Eben Putnam,* Massachusetts.
Judge Advocate: Scott W. Lucas,* Illinois.
12th NATIONAL CONVENTION
Boston, Massachusetts, October 6 to 9, 1930
Commander: O.L. Bodenhamer,* Arkansas.
Vice Commanders: Milt D. Campbell,* Ohio; John J. Dugan,* Delaware;
Morton M. David,* Colorado; Frank Schoble, Jr.,* Pennsylvania;
Willis M. Brewer,* Michigan.
Adjutant: James F. Barton,* Iowa.
Chaplain: Rev. George K. Kettell, D.D.,* New York.
Treasurer: Bowman Elder,* Indiana.
Historian: Eben Putnam,* Massachusetts.
Judge Advocate: Scott W. Lucas,* Illinois.
13th NATIONAL CONVENTION
Detroit, Michigan, September 21 to 24, 1931
Commander: Ralph T. O'Neil,* Kansas.
Vice Commanders: Bert S. Hyland,* Vermont; Roland B. Howell,*
Louisiana; Harry B. Henderson, Jr.,* Wyoming; Dr. James A.
Duff,* West Virginia; Dr. Neal D. Williams,* Missouri.
Adjutant: James F. Barton,* Iowa.
Chaplain: Rev. Joseph N. Barnett, Wisconsin.
Treasurer: Bowman Elder,* Indiana.
Historian: Eben Putnam,* Massachusetts.
Judge Advocate: Scott W. Lucas,* Illinois.
14th NATIONAL CONVENTION
Portland, Oregon, September 12 to 15, 1932
Commander: Henry L. Stevens, Jr.,* North Carolina.
Vice Commanders: Richard F. Paul,* Massachusetts; Forrest G. Cooper,*
Mississippi; Roy L. Cook,* New Mexico; Frank N. Brooks,*
Washington; Harold L. Plummer,* Wisconsin.
Adjutant: James F. Barton,* Iowa.
Chaplain: Rev. H.A. Darche,* Illinois.
Treasurer: Bowman Elder,* Indiana.
Historian: Eben Putnam,* Massachusetts.
Judge Advocate: Remster A. Bingham,* Indiana.
15th NATIONAL CONVENTION
Chicago, Illinois, October 2 to 5, 1933
Commander: Louis A. Johnson,* West Virginia.
Vice Commanders: Russell Meadows,* Arizona; Robert D. Flory,* Nebraska;
William Easterwood, Jr.,* Texas; John J. Maloney,* Maine; Chas.
A. Mills,* Florida.
Adjutant: Frank E. Samuel,* Kansas.
Chaplain: Rev. Irvin Q. Wood,* Idaho.
Treasurer: Bowman Elder,* Indiana.
Historian: Eben Putnam,* Massachusetts (died January 22, 1933),
succeeded by Thomas M. Owen, Jr.,* Alabama.
Judge Advocate: Remster A. Bingham,* Indiana.
16th NATIONAL CONVENTION
Miami, Florida, October 22 to 25, 1934
Commander: Edward A. Hayes,* Illinois.
Vice Commanders: Charles R. Mabey,* Utah: Robert L. Gordon, Arkansas;
Miguel Munoz,* Puerto Rico; Ed W. Carruth,* Kansas; Charles L.
Woolley,* Rhode Island.
Adjutant: Frank E. Samuel,* Kansas.
Chaplain: Rev. Robert J. White,* Massachusetts.
Historian: Thomas M. Owen, Jr.,* Alabama.
Treasurer: Neal Grider,* Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Remster A. Bingham,* Indiana.
17th NATIONAL CONVENTION
St. Louis, Missouri, September 23 to 26, 1935
Commander: Frank N. Belgrano, Jr.,* California.
Vice Commanders: Daniel J. Doherty,* Massachusetts; Harold J. Warner,*
Oregon; John K. Kennelly,* North Dakota; Milo J. Warner,* Ohio;
Quimby Melton,* Georgia.
Adjutant: Frank E. Samuel,* Kansas.
Chaplain: Rev. Park W. Huntington,* Delaware.
Historian: Thomas M. Owen, Jr.,* Alabama.
Treasurer: James A. Drain,* Washington.
Judge Advocate: James A. Drain,* Washington.
18th NATIONAL CONVENTION
Cleveland, Ohio, September 21 to 24, 1936
Commander: Ray Murphy,* Iowa.
Vice Commanders; Raymond F. Gates,* Connecticut; Dr. W.E. Whitlock,*
Florida; Oscar W. Worthwine, Idaho; Dr. F. Whitney Godwin,
Virginia; Lewis R. Probst,* Wyoming.
Adjutant; Frank E. Samuel,* Kansas.
Chaplain: Rev. Thomas D. Kennedy,* Missouri.
Historian: Thomas M. Owen, Jr.,* Alabama.
Treasurer: John Ruddick,* Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Ralph B. Gregg,* Indiana.
19th NATIONAL CONVENTION
New York, New York, September 20 to 23, 1937
Commander: Harry W. Colmery,* Kansas.
Vice Commanders: Salvatore Capodice,* California; Leo A. Temmey,* South
Dakota; Leonard Sisk,* Tennessee; J. Fred Johnson, Jr.,*
Alabama; Jack Crowley,* Vermont.
Adjutant: Frank E. Samuel,* Kansas.
Chaplain: Rev. Bryan H. Keathley,* Texas.
Historian: Thomas M. Owen, Jr.,* Alabama.
Treasurer: John Ruddick,* Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Ralph B. Gregg,* Indiana.
20th NATIONAL CONVENTION
Los Angeles, California, September 19 to 22, 1938
Commander: Daniel J. Doherty,* Massachusetts.
Vice Commanders: Drury M. Phillips,* Texas; Phil Conley, West Virginia:
Harry M. Johnson,* Montana; James F. Daniel, Jr.,* South
Carolina; James R. Mahaffy,* Hawaii.
Adjutant: Frank E. Samuel,* Kansas.
Chaplain: Rev. Frank J. Lawler,* Illinois.
Historian: Thomas M. Owen, Jr.,* Alabama.
Treasurer: John Ruddick,* Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Ralph B. Gregg,* Indiana.
21st NATIONAL CONVENTION
Chicago, Illinois, September 25 to 28, 1939
Commander: Stephen F. Chadwick,* Washington.
Vice Commanders: Edward J. Quinn,* Maine; Charles W. Crush, Virginia;
Earl T. Ross,* Nevada; James T. Crawley,* Mississippi; Henry C.
Oakey,* Wisconsin.
Adjutant: Frank E. Samuel,* Kansas.
Chaplain: Rev. Frank J. Lawler,* Illinois.
Historian: Thomas M. Owen, Jr.,* Alabama.
Treasurer: John Ruddick,* Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Ralph B. Gregg,* Indiana.
22d NATIONAL CONVENTION
Boston, Massachusetts, September 23 to 26, 1940
Commander: Raymond J. Kelly,* Michigan.
Vice Commanders: Leo E. Ray,* New Hampshire; Charles Q. Kelly,*
Arkansas; Matthew J. Murphy,* Illinois; James B. Fitzgerald,*
Maryland; H. Elwyn Davis,* Colorado.
Adjutant: Frank E. Samuel,* Kansas.
Chaplain: Rev. Patrick N. McDermott,* Iowa.
Historian: Thomas M. Owen, Jr.,* Alabama.
Treasurer: John Ruddick,* Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Ralph B. Gregg,* Indiana.
23d NATIONAL CONVENTION
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, September 15 to 18, 1941
Commander: Milo J. Warner,* Ohio.
Vice Commanders: Erwin A. Froyd,* Wyoming; James L. McCrory,* Nebraska;
Harold P. Redden,* Massachusetts; Edward R. Stirling,*
Pennsylvania; Alcee S. Legendre,* Louisiana.
Adjutant: Frank E. Samuel,* Kansas.
Chaplain: Rev. Brigadier William G. Gilks, Texas.
Historian: Thomas M. Owen, Jr.,* Alabama.
Treasurer: John Ruddick,* Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Ralph B. Gregg,* Indiana.
24th NATIONAL CONVENTION
Kansas City, Missouri, September 19 to 21, 1942
Commander: Lynn U. Stambaugh,* North Dakota.
Vice Commanders: W.C. Sawyer,* Arizona; William DeLacy Allen,* Georgia;
Charles E. Booth,* West Virginia; V.M. Armstrong,* Indiana;
John F. Sullivan,* Vermont.
Adjutant: Frank E. Samuel,* Kansas.
Chaplain: Rev. Frederick J. Halloran,* New Jersey.
Historian: Thomas M. Owen, Jr.,* Alabama.
Treasurer: John Ruddick,* Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Ralph B. Gregg,* Indiana.
25th NATIONAL CONVENTION
Omaha, Nebraska, September 21 to 23, 1943
Commander: Roane Waring,* Tennessee.
Vice Commanders: John T. Batten,* Alabama; Arthur J. Connell,*
Connecticut; Fred G. Fraser,* District of Columbia; Herman H.
Lark,* Missouri; Jefferson Davis Atwood,* New Mexico.
Adjutant: Frank E. Samuel,* Kansas (died July 25), succeeded by Donald
G. Glascoff,* Michigan, Acting Adjutant.
Chaplain: Rev. Paul De Forrest Mortimore,* Idaho.
Historian: Thomas M. Owen, Jr.,* Alabama.
Treasurer: John Ruddick,* Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Ralph B. Gregg,* Indiana.
26th NATIONAL CONVENTION
Chicago, Illinois, September 18 to 20, 1944
Commander: Warren H. Atherton,* California.
Vice Commanders: Martin V. Coffey,* Ohio; E.A. Littlefield,* Utah;
Robert ``Roy'' McMillan,* North Carolina; Edward Al Mulrooney,*
Delaware; Hector G. Staples,* Maine.
Adjutant: Donald G. Glascoff,* Michigan.
Chaplain: Rev. Paul F. McManus,* Kansas.
Historian: Thomas M. Owen, Jr.,* Alabama.
Treasurer: John Ruddick,* Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Ralph B. Gregg,* Indiana.
27th NATIONAL CONVENTION
Chicago, Illinois, November 18 to 21, 1945
Commander: Edward N. Scheiberling,* New York.
Vice Commanders: Bascom F. Jones,* Tennessee; Frank E. McCuffrey,*
Rhode Island; Dan M. McDade,* Oregon; Ray S. Plerson,* Kansas;
William P. Shadoan,* Kentucky;
Adjutant: Donald G. Glascoff,* Michigan.
Chaplain: Rev. DeWitt C. Malloy,* Florida.
Historian: Thomas M. Owen, Jr.,* Alabama
Treasurer: John Ruddick,* Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Ralph B. Gregg,* Indiana.
28th NATIONAL CONVENTION
San Francisco, California, September 30 to October 4, 1946
Commander: John Stelle,* Illinois.
Vice Commanders: R. Graham Huntington,* New Jersey; Fred LaBoon,*
Oklahoma; Sam L. Latimer, Jr.,* South Carolina; H. Dudley
Swim,* Idaho; Jeremiah Twomey,* Massachusetts.
Adjutant: Donald G. Glascoff,* Michigan.
Chaplain: Rt. Rev. Msgr. Edward J. Smith,* Iowa.
Historian: Thomas M. Owen, Jr.,* Alabama.
Treasurer: John Ruddick,* Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Ralph B. Gregg,* Indiana.
29th NATIONAL CONVENTION
New York, New York, August 28-31, 1947
Commander: Paul H. Griffith,* Pennsylvania.
Vice Commanders: Joseph W. Brown,* New Hampshire; Martin B. Buckner,*
Michigan; Richard C. Cadwallader,* Louisiana; Earnest H.
Dervishian,* Virginia; Edward J. Sharkey,* California.
Adjutant: Donald G. Glascoff,* Michigan.
Chaplain: Rev. Arthur L. Rustad,* Minnesota.
Historian: Thomas M. Owen, Jr.,* Alabama.
Treasurer: John Ruddick,* Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Ralph B. Gregg,* Indiana.
30th NATIONAL CONVENTION
Miami, Florida, October 18 to 20, 1948
Commander: James F. O'Neill,* New Hampshire.
Vice Commanders: L.W. Barns,* South Dakota; Albert A. Cree,* Vermont;
Richard B. Ott,* Washington; Myron R. Renick,* West Virginia;
Edward J. Sharkey,* California.
Adjutant: Henry H. Dudley,* Nebraska.
Chaplain: Rev. Frank L. Harrington,* Montana.
Historian: Thomas M. Owen, Jr.,* Alabama.
Treasurer: John Ruddick,* Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Ralph B. Gregg,* Indiana.
31st NATIONAL CONVENTION
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, August 29 to September 1, 1949
Commander: S. Perry Brown,* Texas.
Vice Commanders: James Lane,* Alabama; Leonard W. Moody,* Arkansas;
James Annin,* Montana; Walter E. Alessandroni,* Pennsylvania;
Edward J. Kelly,* Connecticut.
Adjutant: Henry H. Dudley,* Nebraska.
Chaplain: Rev. Thomas Grice,* California.
Historian: Monte C. Sandlin,* Alabama.
Treasurer: Neal Grider,* Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Ralph B. Gregg,* Indiana.
32d NATIONAL CONVENTION
Los Angeles, California, October 9 to 12, 1950
Commander: George N. Craig,* Indiana.
Vice Commanders: Milton G. Boock,* Minnesota; David H. Fleisher,*
Missouri; Frank E. Lowe,* Maine; J.E. Martie,* Nevada; Dr. D.R.
Perry,* North Carolina.
Adjutant: Henry H. Dudley,* Nebraska.
Chaplain: Rev. Edward J. Carney,* O.S.A., Massachusetts.
Historian: Monte C. Sandlin,* Alabama.
Treasurer: Neal Grider,* Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Ralph B. Gregg,* Indiana.
33d NATIONAL CONVENTION
Miami, Florida, October 15 to 18, 1951
Commander: Earl Cocke, Jr.,* Georgia.
Vice Commanders: Joe Adams,* Florida; Herbert J. Jacobi,* District of
Columbia; Felix Pogliano,* Colorado; Lewis K. Gough,*
California; Fred C. Bramlage,* Kansas.
Adjutant: Henry H. Dudley,* Nebraska.
Chaplain: Rabbi David Lefkowitz,* Louisiana.
Historian: Monte C. Sandlin,* Alabama.
Treasurer: Neal Grider,* Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Ralph B. Gregg,* Indiana.
34th NATIONAL CONVENTION
New York, New York, August 25 to 28, 1952
Commander: Donald R. Wilson,* West Virginia.
Vice Commanders: Adolph F. Bremer,* Minnesota; Frank R. Kelley,*
Massachusetts; Thomas E. Paradine,* New York; Oscar B. Rohiff,*
Wyoming; Audley H. Ward,* South Carolina.
Adjutant: Henry H. Dudley,* Nebraska.
Chaplain: Rev. Olaf G. Birkeland,* Wisconsin.
Historian: Monte C. Sandlin,* Alabama.
Treasurer: Neal Grider,* Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Ralph B. Gregg,* Indiana.
35th NATIONAL CONVENTION
St. Louis, Missouri, August 31 to September 2, 1953
Commander: Lewis K. Gough,* California
Vice Commanders: William R. Bourdon,* Arizona; Lyon W. Brandon,*
Mississippi; Wilbur C. Daniel,* Virginia; Harry V. Groome,* New
Jersey; J. Addington Wagner, Michigan.
Adjutant: Henry H. Dudley,* Nebraska.
Chaplain: Rev. John E. Duff,* Ohio.
Historian: Monte C. Sandlin,* Alabama.
Treasurer: Neal Grider,* Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Ralph B. Gregg,* Indiana.
36th NATIONAL CONVENTION
Washington, D.C., August 30 to September 2, 1954
Commander: Arthur J. Connell,* Connecticut.
Vice Commanders: John A. High,* New Hampshire; Dr. Deward H. Reed,* New
Mexico; Truman C. Wold, North Dakota; Thomas W. Bird,* North
Carolina, Herbert M. Walker,* Pennsylvania.
Adjutant: Henry H. Dudley,* Nebraska.
Chaplain: Dr. Tom B. Clark,* Oklahoma.
Historian: Robert T. Fairey,* South Carolina.
Treasurer: Neal Grider,* Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Ralph B. Gregg,* Indiana.
37th NATIONAL CONVENTION
Miami, Florida, October 10 to 13, 1955
Commander: Seaborn P. Collins,* New Mexico.
Vice Commanders: Leonard H. Jackson,* Louisiana; Patrick H. Mangan,
Jr., Vermont; Howard C. Kingdom,* Ohio; Dr. Carl J. Rees,*
Delaware; Robert L. Shelby, Utah.
Adjutant: Henry H. Dudley,* Nebraska.
Chaplain: Rev. Albert J. Hoffman,* Iowa.
Historian: Robert T. Fairey,* South Carolina.
Treasurer: Neal Grider,* Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Ralph B. Gregg,* Indiana.
38th NATIONAL CONVENTION
Los Angeles, California, September 3 to 6, 1956
Commander: J. Addington Wagner, Michigan.
Vice Commanders: Guy Stone,* Georgia; John H. Van Horn,* Alaska; L.
Everett Page,* Texas; Gilman H. Stordock,* Wisconsin; James V.
Day,* Maine (resigned Jan. 1, 1956), succeeded by William J.
Holliman, District of Columbia.
Adjutant: Henry H. Dudley,* Nebraska (resigned), succeeded by E.A.
Blackmore,* Wyoming.
Chaplain: Rev. Joseph MacCaroll,* New Jersey.
Historian: Robert T. Fairey,* South Carolina.
Treasurer: Neal Grider,* Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Ralph B. Gregg,* Indiana.
39th NATIONAL CONVENTION
Atlantic City, New Jersey, September 16 to 19, 1957
Commander: W.C. ``Dan'' Daniel,* Virginia.
Vice Commanders: Gaylord M. Brown,* Iowa; George T. Lewis, Jr.,
Tennessee; Carl R. Moser,* Oregon; John E. Stay, Pennsylvania;
J. Edward Walter,* Maryland.
Adjutant: E.A. Blackmore,* Wyoming.
Chaplain: Rev. Joseph MacCaroll,* New Jersey.
Historian: Robert T. Fairey,* South Carolina.
Treasurer: Neal Grider,* Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Ralph B. Gregg,* Indiana.
40th NATIONAL CONVENTION
Chicago, Illinois, September 1 to 4, 1958
Commander: John S. Gleason, Jr.,* Illinois.
Vice Commanders: William A. Cottrell,* Hawaii; Ramon R. Guas,* Puerto
Rico; Harry W. Miller,* West Virginia; Leo A. Lemos,* Rhode
Island; Isador Levine,* Indiana.
Adjutant: E.A. Blackmore,* Wyoming.
Chaplain: Rev. Feltham S. James,* South Carolina.
Historian: Mrs. Charles A. (Emily) Herbert,* New Jersey.
Treasurer: Neal Grider,* Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Ralph B. Gregg,* Indiana.
41st NATIONAL CONVENTION
Minneapolis, Minnesota, August 24 to 27, 1959
Commander: Preston J. Moore, Oklahoma.
Vice Commanders: C.D. DeLoach, District of Columbia; John W. Collins,
Pennsylvania; James B. Kerrigan,* Missouri; Robert Charles
Smith,* Louisiana; James C. Bangs,* Idaho.
Adjutant: E.A. Blackmore,* Wyoming.
Chaplain: Rt. Rev. Msgr. John J. Twiss,* Massachusetts.
Historian: Mrs. Charles A. (Emily) Herbert,* New Jersey.
Treasurer: Francis Polen,* Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Ralph B. Gregg,* Indiana.
42d NATIONAL CONVENTION
Miami Beach, Florida, October 15 to 20, 1960
Commander: Martin B. McKneally,* New York.
Vice Commanders: William A. Brennan, Jr., Indiana; A. Layman Harman,*
South Carolina; Nate V. Keller,* Minnesota; Irven Frank
Gianotti,* Minnesota (appointed September 14, 1960, to fill
vacancy created July 25 by the death of Nate V. Keller);
Willard W. Brandt, North Dakota; Charles McGonegal,*
California; Corydon T. Hill,* California (appointed May 4,
1960, to fill vacancy created January 27 by the death of
Charles McGonegal).
Adjutant: E.A. Blackmore,* Wyoming.
Chaplain: Rabbi Robert I. Kahn, D.H.L., Texas.
Historian: Mrs. Charles A. (Emily) Herbert,* New Jersey.
Treasurer: Francis Polen,* Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Bertram G. Davis, New York.
43d NATIONAL CONVENTION
Denver, Colorado, September 9 to 14, 1961
Commander: William R. Burke, California.
Vice Commanders: George K. Walker, Massachusetts; James M. Wagonseller,
Ohio; Vincent J. Maxheim,* Iowa; Dr. Harry Kretzler,*
Washington; R.C. Godwin,* North Carolina.
Adjutant: E.A. Blackmore,* Wyoming.
Chaplain: Rev. William H. Moss,* Tennessee.
Historian: Glenn B. Hoover,* Iowa.
Treasurer: Francis Polen,* Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Bertram G. Davis, New York.
44th NATIONAL CONVENTION
Las Vegas, Nevada, October 5 to 11, 1962
Commander: Charles L. Bacon,* Missouri.
Vice Commanders: Walter W. Barnard,* Montana; Edward T. Hoak,*
Pennsylvania; Wilson H. Morrison, Michigan; J. Milton Patrick,
Oklahoma; Edward Wysocki, New Jersey.
Adjutant: E.A. Blackmore,* Wyoming.
Chaplain: Rev. Robert G. Keating,* Connecticut.
Historian: Earl David Young,* Colorado.
Treasurer: Francis Polen,* Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Bertram G. Davis, New York.
45th NATIONAL CONVENTION
Miami Beach, Florida, September 6 to 12, 1963
Commander: James E. Powers,* Georgia.
Vice Commanders: Harold D. Beaton, District of Columbia; James W.
Doon,* New Hampshire; Claude A. Hamilton,* South Dakota;
Paschal C. Reese,* Florida; Victor F. Whittlesea,* Nevada.
Adjutant: E.A. Blackmore,* Wyoming.
Chaplain: Rabbi Albert M. Shulman, Indiana.
Historian: H. Armand de Masi,* Italy.
Treasurer: Francis Polen,* Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Bertram G. Davis, New York.
46th NATIONAL CONVENTION
Dallas, Texas, September 22 to 24, 1964
Commander: Daniel F. Foley, Minnesota.
Vice Commanders: Earl D. Franklin, Jr., Colorado; Emilio S. Iglesias,*
Vermont; Garland D. Murphy, Jr.,* M.D., Arkansas; George Emory
Sipple,* Wisconsin; Harry Wright,* Mexico.
Adjutant: E.A. Blackmore,* Wyoming.
Chaplain: Rev. John J. Howard,* Virginia.
Historian: H. Armand de Masi,* Italy.
Treasurer: Francis Polen,* Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Bertram G. Davis, New York.
47th NATIONAL CONVENTION
Portland, Oregon, August 24 to 26, 1965
Commander: Donald E. Johnson, Iowa.
Vice Commanders: David Aronberg,* Kentucky; Herbert D. Black,* South
Carolina; Ward W. Husted,* Wyoming; Edward H. Lynch, Jr.,*
Connecticut; Joseph Paul,* Michigan.
Adjutant: E.A. Blackmore,* Wyoming.
Chaplain: Rev. Morris N. Dummet,* Louisiana.
Historian: Harold A. Shindler,* Indiana.
Treasurer: Francis Polen,* Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Bertram A. Davis, New York.
48th NATIONAL CONVENTION
Washington, D.C., August 30 to September 1, 1966
Commander: L. Eldon James, Virginia.
Vice Commanders: Dr. A.R. Choppin,* Louisiana; William E. Galbraith,
Nebraska; Robert O. Phillips,* Philippines; William J. Rogers,
Maine; Soleng Tom, Arizona.
Adjutant: E.A. Blackmore,* Wyoming.
Chaplain: Rev. Alfred C. Thompson, New York.
Historian: Harold A. Shindler,* Indiana.
Treasurer: Francis Polen,* Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Bertram G. Davis, New York.
49th NATIONAL CONVENTION
Boston, Massachusetts, August 29 to 31, 1967
Commander: John E. Davis,* North Dakota.
Vice Commanders: Robert M. Fritz,* Indiana; Lewis W. Emerich, Texas;
Harry V. Klein, Pennsylvania; Frank L. Orfanello,*
Massachusetts; James A. Tadlock,* New Mexico.
Adjutant: Earnest N. Schmit, North Dakota.
Chaplain: Rev. Anthony J. O'Driscoll,* New York.
Historian: Harold A. Shindler,* Indiana.
Treasurer: Francis Polen,* Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Bertram G. Davis, New York.
50th NATIONAL CONVENTION
New Orleans, Louisiana, September 6 to 12, 1968
Commander: William E. Galbraith, Nebraska.
Vice Commanders: Coleman Nolen, Oklahoma; Louis R.J. Malo, Rhode
Island; Roscoe D. Curtiss,* Tennessee; Dr. Edward L. Peterson,
Utah; Marvin W. Roth, Wisconsin.
Adjutant: William F. Hauck,* Indiana.
Chaplain: Rev. Edward P. Nolan,* Pennsylvania.
Historian: Harold A. Shindler,* Indiana.
Treasurer: Francis Polen,* Indiana
Judge Advocate: Bertram G. Davis, New York.
51st NATIONAL CONVENTION
Atlanta, Georgia, August 22 to 28, 1969
Commander: William C. Doyle,* New Jersey.
Vice Commanders: C. Russell Huber,* Alaska; John A. Jones,* West
Virginia; Howard E. Lohman,* Minnesota; Lewis E. McCray,
Alabama; Maurice Parisien,* Maine.
Adjutant: William F. Hauck,* Indiana.
Chaplain: Rev. C.J. Olander,* Mississippi.
Historian: Harold A. Shindler,* Indiana.
Treasurer: Francis Polen,* Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Bertram G. Davis, New York.
52d NATIONAL CONVENTION
Portland, Oregon, August 28 to September 3, 1970
Commander: J. Milton Patrick, Oklahoma.
Vice Commanders: Kent. T. Lundgren,* Michigan; Roland D. Marble,
Mississippi; Raymond F. Mudge, New Hampshire; Earl R. Norgard,
Oregon; Gilberto M. Font, Puerto Rico.
Adjutant: William F. Hauck,* Indiana.
Chaplain: Rev. William D. Curtis, Minnesota.
Historian: John A. May,* South Carolina.
Treasurer: Francis Polen,* Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Bertram G. Davis, New York.
53d NATIONAL CONVENTION
Houston, Texas, August 27 to September 2, 1971
Commander: Alfred P. Chamie,* California.
Vice Commanders: Claude Carpenter, Arkansas; Max Hanson,* Idaho;
*Robert E.L. Eaton; Maryland; Gabriel T. Olga,* Massachusetts;
John E. Gilbert, Pennsylvania.
Adjutant: William F. Hauck,* Indiana.
Chaplain: Rev. Milton B. Faust,* North Carolina.
Historian: Howard M. Swinney,* Kentucky.
Treasurer: Francis Polen,* Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Bertram G. Davis, New York.
54th NATIONAL CONVENTION
Chicago, Illinois, August 22 to 24, 1972
Commander: John H. Geiger, Illinois.
Vice Commanders: Howard W. Fann, Kentucky; Arthur M. MacCarthy,*
Florida; Roy Sweet, Vermont; Harry G. Wiles, Kansas; Wallace
C.S. Young, Hawaii.
Adjutant: William F. Hauck,* Indiana.
Chaplain: Rev. Paul J. Schwaab, Nebraska.
Historian: G. Greer McCallister,* Ohio.
Treasurer: Francis Polen,* Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Bertram G. Davis, New York.
55th NATIONAL CONVENTION
Honolulu, Hawaii, August 21 to 23, 1973
Commander: Joe L. Matthews, Texas.
Vice Commanders: Tim T. Craig,* North Carolina; Sam Gray,* California;
Donald L. Gruenbaum, Ohio; Albert J. Moeller, New Jersey;
Raymond J. Novak, South Dakota.
Adjutant: William F. Hauck,* Indiana.
Chaplain: Rev. L.P. Fitzpatrick,* Iowa.
Historian: Mrs. Loretta O. Phillips, California.
Treasurer: Francis Polen,* Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Bertram G. Davis, New York.
56th NATIONAL CONVENTION
Miami Beach, Florida, August 20 to 22, 1974
Commander: Robert E.L. Eaton,* Maryland.
Vice Commanders: John N. Roberto, Connecticut; Frank C. Brooks,
Washington; Gilbert E. Sheeks, Indiana; Merrick W. Swords Jr.,*
Louisiana; N.E. Brown,* South Carolina.
Adjutant: William F. Hauck,* Indiana.
Chaplain: Rev. Jerome D. Fortenberry, Missouri.
Historian: R. Robert Filter,* Wisconsin.
Treasurer: Francis Polen,* Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Bertram G. Davis, New York.
57th NATIONAL CONVENTION
Minneapolis, Minnesota, August 19 to 21, 1975
Commander: James M. Wagonseller, Ohio.
Vice Commanders: Boyd H. Clemens, North Dakota; Jack W. Flynt, Texas;
Jay E. Harville, Tennessee; Donald H. Jeffery, Pennsylvania;
William A. Lindsay, Montana.
Adjutant: William F. Hauck,* Indiana.
Chaplain: Rev. Harvey T. Goodling,* Oregon.
Historian: Nolie C. Deas, Sr., Florida.
Treasurer: Francis Polen,* Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Bertram G. Davis, New York.
58th NATIONAL CONVENTION
Seattle, Washington, August 24 to 26, 1976
Commander: Harry G. Wiles, Kansas.
Vice Commanders: John W. Adams, Jr., Kentucky; Fred W. Anderson, Jr.,
Nevada; Leo F. Malloy, Massachusetts; Thomas W. Miller,
Arkansas; James F. Walker, Minnesota.
Adjutant: William F. Hauck,* Indiana.
Chaplain: Rev. Claude E. Smithmier, Georgia.
Historian: Mrs. Dorothy Grimes, Colorado.
Treasurer: Francis Polen,* Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Bertram G. Davis, New York.
59th NATIONAL CONVENTION
Denver, Colorado, August 23 to 25, 1977
Commander: William J. Rogers, Maine.
Vice Commanders: Lloyd J. Berken, Wisconsin; Thomas B. Coll, District
of Columbia; Robert B. Grauberger,* Colorado; Frank A. Kelly,
Georgia; Wilbur Walker, Virginia.
Adjutant: William F. Hauck,* Indiana.
Chaplain: Rev. James C. Tuxbury, North Dakota.
Historian: Alton H. Carpenter, New York.
Treasurer: Francis Polen,* Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Bertram G. Davis, New York.
60th NATIONAL CONVENTION
New Orleans, Louisiana, August 22 to 24, 1978
Commander: Robert Charles Smith,* Louisiana.
Vice Commanders: Eugene V. Lindquist, Minnesota; Roger A. Munson, Ohio;
John J. O'Connell,* Rhode Island; Chester Phillips, West
Virginia; Irving B. Selmer,* Wyoming.
Adjutant: Frank C. Momsen,* Minnesota.
Chaplain: Rev. Walter D. Power, Maryland.
Hostorian: Arnold J. Stockstad,* North Dakota.
Treasurer: Webber LaGrange, Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Bertram G. Davis, New York.
61st NATIONAL CONVENTION
Houston, Texas, August 21 to 23, 1979
Commander: John M. Carey, Michigan.
Vice Commanders: L. Max Connoly,* Arizona; Alvin F. Grauerholz, Kansas;
Joseph F. Ward, New Jersey; John H. Wienand, Jr.,* Alabama;
Nathan M. Wolfe, South Carolina.
Adjutant: Frank C. Momsen,* Minnesota.
Chaplain: R. Drew Wolcott,* Mexico.
Historian: Harry H. Kretzler, M.D.,* Washington.
Treasurer: Webber LaGrange, Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Bertram G. Davis, New York.
62d NATIONAL CONVENTION
Boston, Massachusetts, August 19 to 21, 1980
Commander: Frank I. Hamilton, Indiana.
Vice Commanders: G.Y. Fails,* New Mexico; Keith A. Kreul, Wisconsin;
Bob Legan, Arkansas; Max E. Robinson, North Carolina; Lawrence
R. Spauldin,* New Hampshire.
Adjutant: Frank C. Momsen,* Minnesota.
Chaplain: Rev. Karl E. Kniseley, California.
Historian: Phillip Haddad, Oklahoma.
Treasurer: Webber LaGrange, Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Bertram G. Davis, New York.
63d NATIONAL CONVENTION
Honolulu, Hawaii, September 1 to 3, 1981
Commander: Michael J. Kogutek, New York.
Vice Commanders: Ralph M. Godwin,* Mississippi; Keith H. Gwilliam,
Utah; Matthew W.Jamieson,* Michigan; Robert W. Lowry, Nebraska;
Dr. Almo J. Sebastianelli, Pennsylvania.
Adjutant: Robert W. Spanogle, Michigan.
Chaplain: Rev. George S. Macres,* Minnesota.
Historian: Neal S. Sundeen, Arizona.
Treasurer: Webber LaGrange, Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Bertram G. Davis, New York.
64th NATIONAL CONVENTION
Chicago, Illinois, August 24 to 26, 1982
Commander: Jack W. Flynt, Texas.
Vice Commanders: Frank T. Markovich,* Missouri; Dan C. McDonough,*
Alaska; Percy C. Miller, Tennessee; Melvin ``Doc'' Simon,
Vermont; David A. Wade,* Maryland.
Adjutant: Robert W. Spanogle, Michigan.
Chaplain: Rev. George R.M. Rumney, Virginia.
Historian: Bernard J. Chisholm,* Minnesota.
Treasurer: Webber LaGrange, Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Bertram G. Davis, New York.
65th NATIONAL CONVENTION
Seattle, Washington, August 23 to 25, 1983
Commander: Al Keller, Jr., Illinois.
Vice Commanders: Robert C. Gabrielson, South Dakota; Margaret M.
Malone, New Jersey; H. Melvin Napier, Indiana; Jack C. Plato,*
Oregon; Leo O. Walker, Oklahoma.
Adjutant: Robert W. Spanogle, Michigan.
Chaplain: Rev. John D. Kempf,* Ohio.
Historian: James W. Conway, Massachusetts.
Treasurer: Webber LaGrange, Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Bertram G. Davis, New York.
66th NATIONAL CONVENTION
Salt Lake City, Utah, September 3 to 5, 1984
Commander: Keith Kreul, Wisconsin.
Vice Commanders: J. Leslie Brown, Jr., Kentucky; Roberto Gonzalez,
Puerto Rico; Charles R. Green,* Ohio; Robert W. Groccia,
Massachusetts, John N. Lockhart, Hawaii.
Adjutant: Robert W. Spanogle, Michigan.
Chaplain: James Clay McKee, Utah.
Historian: Herberta T. Stark,* New Hampshire.
Treasurer: Webber LaGrange, Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Philip B. Onderdonk, Jr., Maryland.
67th NATIONAL CONVENTION
New Orleans, Louisiana, August 26 to 28, 1985
Commander: Clarence M. Bacon, Maryland.
Vice Commanders: Robert S. Turner, Georgia; Harold E. Collett,* Idaho;
Ronald D. Birk, Kansas; Stewart Kunde,* Minnesota; Stephen J.
Mikosky,* Pennsylvania.
Adjutant: Robert W. Spanogle, Michigan.
Chaplain: Rev. Charles G. Rice, Jr., New York.
Historian: Roy B. Mahoney, Florida.
Treasurer: Webber LaGrange, Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Philip B. Onderdonk, Jr., Maryland
68th NATIONAL CONVENTION
Cincinnati, Ohio, September 2 to 4, 1986
Commander: Dale L. Renaud, Iowa.
Vice Commanders: Bernard Black, South Carolina; Norman Conn,*
California; Vito M. DeFilipp, Maine; Miles S. Epling, West
Virginia, H.R. Gierke, North Dakota.
Adjutant: Robert W. Spanogle, Michigan.
Chaplain: Dr. Gordon L. Patterson, Nebraska.
Historian: Ethel M. Matuschka, Wisconsin.
Treasurer: Webber LaGrange, Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Philip B. Onderdonk, Jr., Maryland.
69th NATIONAL CONVENTION
San Antonio, Texas, August 25 to 27, 1987
Commander: James P. Dean, Mississippi.
Vice Commanders: William M. Detweiler, Louisiana; Doris R. Gross,
Washington; Donald E. Neil, Delaware; Allen L. Titus, Indiana;
Ervin F. Van Dyke, Wisconsin.
Adjutant: Robert W. Spanogle, Michigan.
Chaplain: Rev. Arthur J. Jakobiak, New Mexico.
Historian: J. Ruffin Apperson, Virginia.
Treasurer: Webber LaGrange, Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Philip B. Onderdonk, Jr., Maryland.
70th NATIONAL CONVENTION
Louisville, Kentucky, September 6 to 8, 1988
Commander: John P. ``Jake'' Comer, Massachusetts.
Vice Commanders: Neale V. Cabral, Connecticut; Joe Frank, Jr.,
Missouri; W.P. ``Bill'' Peterson, Montana; Paul B. Phifer, Jr.,
Virginia; Leon Reed, Arkansas.
Adjutant: Robert W. Spanogle, Michigan.
Chaplain: Rev. Jerry Salveson, Minnesota.
Historian: Edward F. Brennan,* Illinois.
Treasurer: Webber LaGrange, Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Philip B. Onderdonk, Jr., Maryland.
71st NATIONAL CONVENTION
Baltimore, Maryland, September 5 to 7, 1989
Commander: H.F. ``Sparky'' Gierke, North Dakota.
Vice Commanders: Thomas L. Gabel, Ohio; Harvey Holcomb, Texas; Archie
Pozzi, Jr., Nevada; Ray G. Smith, Sr., North Carolina; John P.
Tipping, New York.
Adjutant: Robert W. Spanogle, Michigan.
Chaplain: Rev. F. Robert Davidson, Michigan.
Historian: Richard A. Stevens, Louisiana.
Treasurer: Webber LaGrange, Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Philip B. Onderdonk, Jr., Maryland.
72d NATIONAL CONVENTION
Indianapolis, Indiana, August 28 to 30, 1990
Commander: Miles S. Epling, West Virginia.
Vice Commanders: Vincent E. Blank, Iowa; Joseph E. Caoette, New
Hampshire; Andrew J. Cooper, Alabama; Gerald Goetzinger, South
Dakota; Vinton R. Guy, Colorado.
Adjutant: Robert W. Spanogle, Michigan.
Chaplain: Lynn S. Kearsley, Idaho.
Historian: C. Carl Pilgrim, South Carolina.
Treasurer: Webber LaGrange, Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Philip B. Onderdonk, Jr., Maryland.
73d NATIONAL CONVENTION
Phoenix, Arizona, September 3 to 5, 1991
Commander: Robert S. Turner, Georgia.
Vice Commanders: Lewis Adams, Nebraska; James T. Anderson, Wyoming;
Fred M. Ingellis, Mississippi; Harry F. McDowell, Florida;
George E. Sampson, New Jersey.
Adjutant: Robert W. Spanogle, Michigan.
Chaplain: Rev. Michas M. Ohnstad, Minnesota.
Historian: Harold Matthew Branton, Teaxas.
Treasurer: Webber LaGrange, Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Philip B. Onderdonk, Jr., Maryland.
74th NATIONAL CONVENTION
Chicago, Illinois, August 25 to 27, 1992
Commander: Dominic D. DiFrancesco, Pennsylvania.
Vice Commanders: James ``Jim'' G. Brouillette, Vermont; Thomas P.
Cadmus, Michigan; Ronald C. Murphy, Arizona; Lawrence F. Roy,
Oklahoma; Lee R. Stolful, Kansas.
Adjutant: Robert W. Spanogle, Michigan.
Chaplain: Rev. Donal M. ``Jack'' Squires, West Virginia.
Historian: Bettie M. Canon, Montana.
Treasurer: Webber LaGrange, Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Philip B. Onderdonk, Jr., Maryland.
75th NATIONAL CONVENTION
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, September 7 to 9, 1993
Commander: Roger A. Munson, Ohio.
Vice Commanders: Joseph V. Adams, Pennsylvania; Paul Andrejewski,
Minnesota; Robert E. David, South Carolina; John Wm. (Bill)
Murphy, Arizona; Louis A. (Tony) Santillanes, New Mexico.
Adjutant: Robert W. Spanogle, Michigan.
Chaplain: Rev. James R. Wagner, Mississippi.
Historian: Delfo Barabani, Massachussetts.
Treasurer: Webber LaGrange, Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Philip B. Onderdonk. Jr., Maryland
76th NATIONAL CONVENTION
Minneapolis, Minnesota, September 6 to 8, 1994
Commander: Bruce Thiesen, California.
Vice Commanders: Juan H. Cintron, Puerto Rico; Douglas A. Mason, Utah;
John J. Mulkern, Massachussetts; K.W. Ohl, Indiana; Curtis O.
Twete, North Dakota.
Adjutant: Robert W. Spanogle, Michigan.
Chaplain: Msgr. Raymond J. Kozlowski, New York.
Historian: Marjorie T. Simpson, Georgia.
Treasurer: Webber LaGrange, Indiana.
Judge Advocate: Philip B. Onderdonk, Jr., Maryland.
THE AMERICAN LEGION 76TH ANNUAL REPORT
FOREWORD
The American Legion continued to have a strong year under
the leadership of National Commander Bruce Thiesen of
Kingsburg, California. Membership was strong with more than 3
million veterans in more than 15,000 posts throughout the
Nation and overseas. We recorded another year of rewarding
service to America, her veterans, and their families.
The American Legion national headquarters is located in
Indianapolis, Indiana. In addition to the Indianapolis
facilities, offices are maintained in Washington, DC, to house
those organizational functions requiring a close working
relationship with the Congress and the appropriate agencies of
the federal government. The editorial and advertising staffs of
The American Legion Magazine are located at The American
Legion's Indianapolis headquarters.
The National Commander's report is published herein as a
part of the National Convention proceedings. Reports of the
other national officers, the national commissions, financial
statement with accompanying data, and a report of the National
President of the American Legion Auxiliary are included.
Throughout the year, the two organizations continued to
provide vital leadership to the nation and, through our
activities and programs, contributed significantly to the
preservation of the American way of life. We are proud of our
accomplishments and look forward to the challenges ahead in the
coming year.
Robert W. Spanogle,
National Adjutant.
EXCERPTS FROM CONSTITUTION OF THE AMERICAN LEGION
ARTICLE II
Nature
Section 1. The American Legion is a civilian organization;
membership therein does not affect nor increase liability for
military or police service. Rank does not exist in the Legion;
no member shall be addressed by his military or naval title in
any convention or meeting of the Legion.
Section 2. The American Legion shall be absolutely non-
political and shall not be used for the dissemination of
partisan principles nor for the promotion of the candidacy of
any person seeking public office or preferment.
ARTICLE III
Organization
Section 1. The American Legion shall be organized in
Departments and these in turn in Posts. There shall be one
Department in each state, in the District of Columbia, and
there may be one Department in each territory in insular
possessions of the United States. The National Executive
Committee may establish Posts in the territorial and insular
possessions of the United States and foreign countries, and
shall designate the Department under whose jurisdiction they
shall function, but this shall in no way affect the status of
Departments already established.
ARTICLE IV
Eligibility
Section 1. Any person shall be eligible for membership in
The American Legion who was a member of the Army, Navy, Marine
Corps, Coast Guard or Air Force of the United States and
assigned to active duty at some time during any of the
following periods: April 6, 1917, to November 11, 1918;
December 7, 1941, to December 31, 1946; June 25, 1950, to
January 31, 1955; December 22, 1961, to May 7, 1975; August 24,
1982, to July 31, 1984; December 20, 1989, to January 31, 1990;
August 2, 1990 to the date of cessation of hostilities as
determined by the Government of the United States period; all
dates inclusive, or who, being a citizen of the United States
at the time of his entry therein, served on active duty in the
armed forces of any of the governments associated with the
United States during any said periods; provided however, that
such service shall have been terminated by honorable discharge
or honorable separation, or continued honorably after any of
said periods; provided, further, that no person shall be
entitled to membership who, being in such service during any of
said periods, refused on conscientious, political or other
grounds to subject himself to military discipline or
unqualified service.
Section 2. There shall be no form of class of membership
except an active membership, and dues shall be paid annually or
for life.
Section 3. No person may be a member at any time of more
than one Post.
Section 4. No person, who has been expelled by a Post
shall be admitted to membership in another Post, without the
consent of the expelling Post except that where such consent
has been asked for and denied by such Post, he may then appeal
to the Executive Committee of the Department of the expelling
Post for permission to be admitted to membership in another
Post, and shall be ineligible for membership until such
permission is granted.
ARTICLE V
National Convention
Section 1. The legislative body of The American Legion
shall be the National Convention, except as otherwise provided
in the Constitution and By-Laws.
Section 2. The time and place of the National Conventions
shall be determined by the National Executive Committee, which
shall have authority to change such time and place for
sufficient reasons to it appearing.
Section 3. In the National Convention each Department
shall be entitled to five delegates and one additional delegate
for each one thousand members, or major fraction thereof, whose
current dues have been received by the National Treasurer 30
days prior to the meeting of said Convention and whose
registration fees, as fixed by the National Executive
Committee, for its total authorized delegate strength, have
been paid, and to one alternate for each delegate. The delegate
shall be chosen not less than 2 weeks before the National
Convention at Department Conventions or in any other manner
specified by the Department Constitution.
Section 4. Each duly registered delegate shall be entitled
to one vote. The vote of any registered delegate absent and not
represented by an alternate shall be cast by the majority of
the registered delegates present from his Department.
Alternates for registered delegates shall have all the
privileges of registered delegates except that of voting. A
registered delegate is one who has received his credentials
after his registration fee has been paid.
Section 5. A quorum shall exist at a National Convention
when sixty percent of the Departments are represented as
provided above.
ARTICLE VI
National Officers
Section 1. The National Convention shall elect a National
Commander, and five National Vice-commanders, who shall serve
without seniority. No two Vice-commanders, shall be chosen from
the same Department. No person shall be eligible for re-
election to the Office of National Commander or National Vice-
commander.
Section 2. Such officers shall serve until the adjournment
of the succeeding National Convention following their election
and thereafter until their successors are chosen. Vacancies in
these offices occurring between National Conventions shall be
filled by election by the National Executive Committee, and any
member of The American Legion, in good standing, shall be
eligible for election to such vacancy. Provided, however, that
no Past National Commander or Past National Vice-Commander
shall be elected to fill any vacancy in these respective
offices.
Section 3. The National Executive Committee at its first
meeting following the National Convention shall appoint the
National Adjutant, National Treasurer, National Judge Advocate,
National Chaplain and National Historian, such officers to hold
office at the pleasure of the appointing power. All persons
having the custody of funds shall give adequate bonds, which
shall be approved by the National Executive Committee.
Section 4. All Past National Commanders, while in good
standing in their respective Posts, shall be members for life
of the National Executive Committee, without vote, and shall
also be life delegates to all National Conventions of The
American Legion, with vote, to be exercised by them with their
respective Departments.
ARTICLE VII
National Executive Committee
Section 1. Between National Conventions, the administrative
power shall be vested in the National Executive Committee,
which shall be composed of the National Commander, the National
Vice-Commanders, and one National Executive Committeeman and
one alternate from each Department to be elected as such
Department shall determine, the alternate to vote only in the
absence of the National Executive Committeeman.
Past National Commanders
Frank I. Hamilton, Indiana E. Roy Stone, Jr., South Carolina
Michael J. Kogutek, New York Erle Cocke, Jr., Georgia
Jack W. Flynt, Texas J. Addington Wagner, Michigan
Al Keller, Jr., Illinois Preston J. Moore, Oklahoma
Keith Kreul, Wisconsin William R. Burke, California
Clarence M. Bacon, Maryland Hon. Daniel F. Foley, Minnesota
Dale L. Renaud, Iowa Donald E. Johnson, Iowa
James P. Dean, Mississippi L. Eldon James, Virginia
John P. (Jake) Comer, Massachusetts William E. Galbraith, Nebraska
Hon. H.F. (Sparky) Gierke, North Dakota Milton Patrick, Oklahoma
Miles S. Epling, West Virginia John H. Geiger, Illinois
Robert S. Turner, Georgia Joe L. Matthews, Texas
Dominic D. DiFrancesco, Pennsylvania James M. Wagonseller, Ohio
Roger A. Munson, Ohio Harry G. Wiles, Kansas
Bruce Thiesen, California William J. Rogers, Maine
John M. Cary, Michigan
National Executive Committeemen
Hugh C. (Tony) Cumming, Montana Fred Schuler, Alabama
Jack O. Gilmont, Nebraska William M. Bishop, Alaska
Archie Pozzi, Jr., Nevada Richard H. Patton, Arizona
George V. West, New Hampshire Claude B. Carpenter, Arkansas
Albert M. Robotti, New Jersey Russell R. Wood, California
Bennie Casaus, New Mexico David F. Martinez, Canada
Vincent J. Colasacco, New York Ovie H. Vernon, Colorado
(died in office) Richard W. Anderson, Connecticut
Robert J. Patton, North Carolina John R. Hughes, Sr., Delaware
Aaron (Moody) Dalke, North Dakota John D. Dowdell, District of
Gerald L. Moore, Ohio Columbia
Lawrence F. Roy, Oklahoma George L. Derrick, Florida
T. Les Galloway, Oregon Douglas C. Haggan, France
L. Dwight Haskins, Panama Canal Horace Borders, Georgia
Ronald F. Conley, Pennsylvania Robert J. Conrad, Hawaii
Eli S. Tionamba, Philippines Michael G. Schow, Idaho
Carlos Orria-Medina, Puerto Rico Roy B. Koeneman, Illinois
James J. Converse, Rhode Island Gilbert E. Sheeks, Indiana
E. Roy Stone, Jr., South Carolina Bernard E. Blink, Iowa
Donald T. Clarke, South Dakota Frank C. Bottigliero, Italy
Ralph M. Stovall, Tennessee U.S. (Udie) Grant, Kansas
Lee Guy, Texas Robert E. Steward, Kentucky
William E. Christoffersen, Utah J.O. Berthelot, Louisiana
David N. Garland, Vermont William L. Ciciotte, Maine
Roger N. Messier, Virginia Michael J. Reagan, Maryland
Richard C. Calahan, Washington Nicholas G. D'Alessandro,
Jack T. Gribben, West Virgiania Massachusetts
Lloyd A. Wagener, Wisconsin Royce J. Wheeler, Mexico
Robert P. (Pat) McCreery, Wyoming Elwin O. Kline, Michigan
Donald R. Schroedl, Minnesota
Hershel O. Ladner, Mississippi
Harrell H. Boedeker, Missouri
Alternate National Executive Committeemen
Charles W. Salter, Missouri James F. Fraughnaugh, Alabama
Ralph D. Gardner, Montana Joseph T. Craig, Alaska
Hubert A. Short, Nebraska William C. Bingham, Arizona
Dale R. Salmen, Nevada Hoy M. Haught, Arkansas
Albert J. Hunnewell, New Hampshire James E. Shank, California
Joseph F. Ward, New Jersey Raymond J. LeBrun, Canada
Robert L. Crotzer, New Mexico Thomas L. Bock, Colorado
William L. Brown, New York Eliott Hank Morris, Connecticut
Vacant, North Carolina Ronald E. Pospichal, Delaware
James O. Coats, North Dakota Dr. Louis J. Glekas, District of
Richard J. Cherry, Ohio Columbia
Charles LeRoy Brown, Oklahoma Robert J. Proctor, Florida
Robert D. Scott, Oregon Merwyn M. Beavers, France
Patrick J. O'Connell, Panama Canal Jimmy C. Hartwick, Georgia
Alfred Pirolli, Pennsylvania LeRoy P. Pulawa, Hawaii
Horosi S. Aguiling, Philippines Alan G. Lance, Idaho
Andres Rosario Bordonada, Puerto RicoEugene Corum, Illinois
Raymond W. Lynch, Sr., Rhode Island Richard R. Quattrin, Indiana
R.M. Singletary, Jr., South Carolina Wilford J. Huebner, Iowa
Donavon R. Mason, South Dakota Lionel A. Morais, Italy
John L. Jones, Tennessee Jerry L. Kitchen, Kansas
John W.J. Richter, Texas Joe E. Woods, Kentucky
Milton M. Hall, Utah Roy L. Kirkham, Louisiana
Joseph F. Murphy, Vermont Gard W. Enman, Maine
William R. Bryant, Virginia Richard J. Santos, Maryland
Robert W. Westphal, Washington Anthony J. Bicchieri, Jr.,
William W. Kile, West Virginia Massachusetts
Robert K. Zukowski, Wisconsin John E. Hayes, Mexico
Robert Nab, Wyoming James L. Lane, Michigan
Robert C. Reeve, Minnesota
Tommy Mills, Mississippi
EXCERPTS FROM BY-LAWS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION
ARTICLE I
National Executive Committee
Commission, Committee, and Employees
Section 6. The National Executive Committee, upon
nomination by the National Commander, appoints the following
standing commissions: National Americanism Commission, National
Commission on Children and Youth, National Convention
Commission, National Economic Commission, National Finance
Commission, National Foreign Relations Commission, National
Internal Affairs Commission, National Legislative Commission,
The American Legion Magazine Commission, National Public
Relations Commission, National Veterans Affairs and
Rehabilitation Commission, and National Security Commission.
The National Executive Committee shall provide for the
appointment and employment of such subordinate officers and
employees as may be needed for the administration of The
American Legion, and prescribes their duties and emoluments.
REPORT OF NATIONAL VICE COMMANDER
Juan H. Cintron
The 9th day of September 1993 I was elected one of the five
National Vice Commanders of the American Legion at the 75th National
Convention held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Under the newly elected National Commander Bruce Thiesen of
California, I was assigned the following departments:
Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, France, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana,
Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Panama, Puerto Rico, South
Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.
During the 1993-1994 year I visited eight departments. In October
1993, I attended the rap session of Region 3 where I had the
opportunity to talk to a great number of District Commanders of the
vast Southern Region. Thru the year I attended mid-winter conferences
and visited numerous Posts where I dialogued with officers and rank and
file Legionnaires.
Although the Southern Region did not cover the 100% membership
expected, I want to commend the Department Commanders for their
dedication and courage in transmitting the priorities of National
Commander Thiesen.
The Department Conventions of Florida, Tennessee and Arkansas,
which I attended, gave me the opportunity to focus and transmit to all
the delegates the priorities and points of view of National Commander
Thiesen and the determination of the National Executive Committee in
the vital issues brought to their attention. The project for the
children in Oklahoma is an example of the excellent coordination of
unselfish men and women with great sentiments to our children.
On May 30, (Memorial Day) I participated in the wreath-laying
ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, representing National
Commander Thiesen, while he was in Europe representing the Legion
during the 50th Anniversary of WW II in connection with Memorial Day
and D-Day observances.
During my official trips to the Departments of my area, I
emphasized on the concern of the Legion, since its foundation: Veterans
and their health needs and of course, the Legion's position under the
Administration's new National Health Care Reform proposal. Besides
these important matters I also clarified our position in the ``Flag
Amendment'' issue and other subjects published in our American Legion
Magazine.
The well known southern hospitality was shown in every occasion and
the desire of complying with the Legion goals is clearly manifested
through the region.
I conclude giving my heartfelt and sincere thanks to the National
Staff for their cooperation.
It has been a distinct honor to serve under the leadership of
National Commander Thiesen.
REPORT OF NATIONAL VICE COMMANDER
Douglas A. Mason
I was elected the National Vice Commander of the American Legion at
the 75th Annual National Convention in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to
serve under National Commander Bruce Thiesen. My primary responsibility
was the 13 Western States, consisting of the Departments of Alaska,
Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New
Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. I also was assigned the
two foreign Departments of Mexico and The Philippines for a total of 15
Departments.
The Western States membership has not reached our expectations this
year. In the West the Department of Idaho has led the Nation in
membership this year and the Departments of New Mexico and Utah have
achieved all-time high status.
It has been a privilege for me to serve as a National Vice
Commander in this our Diamond Jubilee 75th Anniversary year. To have
served with the caliber of elected and appointed officers and staff
that we have in our National Organization has been rewarding.
The Department Commanders elected and serving during this year are
all highly dedicated Legionnaires. Their efforts in our Legion Programs
this year are to be commended along with other elected and appointed
officials. In volunteering to serve they have had the best for the
American Legion in their uppermost thoughts and all are to be
congratulated for their efforts.
During my tenure as Vice Commander, it was my honor to visit all of
my Departments at least once except The Philippines which was not
authorized.
The following is a list of all authorized visitations and all other
meetings I attended this past year:
September 3-9, 1993, 75th Annual National Convention, Pittsburgh.
September 9, 1993, National Executive Committee Meeting.
September 11-15, 1993, Post Convention Briefings, Indianapolis.
September 18-22, 1993, Legislative Conference, Washington, DC.
October 2, 1993, District 8 Meeting Post 132 Kearns Department of Utah.
October 8-10, 1993, Region 8 Leadership Workshop, Spokane, Washington.
October 14-16, 1993, Fresno, California, National Commander's
Homecoming.
October 17-19, 1993, Commanders and Adjutants Conference, Indianapolis.
October 20-21, 1993, National Executive Committee Meeting,
Indianapolis.
October 29-31, 1993, Region 7 Leadership Workshop, Las Vegas, Nevada.
November 5-7, 1993, Twin Falls, Idaho. Visited Posts in area, District
4 and 5 Meetings, Department Commander's Homecoming.
November 11, 1993, Functions in Department of Utah, Parade, various
Posts, Utah Veteran's Memorial Cemetery and Veterans Hospital.
November 14-21, 1993, Department of New Mexico. Traveled over 1800
miles visiting Posts and attending functions.
November 28, 1993, Visited Veteran's Hospital in Salt Lake City and
helped decorate Christmas Tree.
December 3-8, 1993, Honolulu, Hawaii, Department meetings, visited
Posts in the area, placed wreath on USS Arizona on Pearl Harbor Day.
January 14-16, 1994, Gillette, Wyoming, for Department Mid-Winter
Conference.
January 26-28, 1994, Northridge, California, met with Legion Media Team
to do article on earthquake for the Dispatch and Emergency Relief Fund.
January 28-31, 1994, Carlsbad, New Mexico, Mid-Winter Conference and
Membership Drive.
February 4-6, 1994, Wenatchee, Washington, Mid-Winter Conference and
Membership Drive.
February 12-16, 1994, Washington Conference, Washington, D.C.
February 18-20, 1994, Billings, Montana, participated in Veteran's
Awareness Programs on Northern Cheyenne and Crow Indian Reservations.
March 4, 1994, Department of Utah Oratorical Contest Finals, Salt Lake
City.
March 11-13, 1994, Palmer, Alaska, Western District Convention.
March 17-20, 1994, Department of Idaho, visited Posts from Bonners
Ferry to Lewiston for Legion Birthday Celebrations. Visited new
Veteran's Home in Lewiston.
March 25-27, 1994, Monterey, California, Department of California
Executive Committee Meetings. Presented an award from National to
dedicated Legionnaire, Edward Sharkey, 97 years young.
April 2, 1994, District I Spring Convention in Brigham City, Utah, Post
10.
April 8-10, 1994, Phoenix, Arizona, attended American Legion College
and visited Posts in the area on membership.
April 11, 1994, National Regional Oratorical Contest in Salt Lake City.
April 12-14, 1994, Portland, Oregon, official visit to Department of
Oregon and attended National Sectional Oratorical Contest.
April 14-16, 1994, Colorado Springs, Colorado, official visit and
attended National Oratorical Contest finals.
April 20, 1994, District 4 Spring Convention, Provo, Utah.
April 22-24, 1994, 4-Corners Membership Meetings, Phoenix, Arizona,
with Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah Department Commanders in
attendance.
April 30-May 5, 1994, Spring meetings in Indianapolis.
May 10-15, 1994, Department of Washington Membership Drive in Southwest
portion of the state. Attended Department Commander's Homecoming.
May 27-29, 1994, Palm Springs, California, Post 519 Flag Retirement
Ceremony.
May 29-30, 1994, Graduation Ceremonies at the Air Force Academy,
Colorado Springs, Colorado. Presented American Legion Awards.
June 13-14, 1994, American Legion Utah Boys' State Program, Ogden,
Utah.
June 15-17, 1994, Department of Mexico Convention, Chapala, Mexico.
June 18-28, 1994, Department of Alaska Convention, Seward, Alaska.
Visited Posts in Anchorage area.
July 7-10, 1994, Department of Montana Convention, Missoula, Montana.
July 15-17, 1994, Department of Nevada Convention, Las Vegas, Nevada.
September 1-8, 1994, The 76th Annual National Convention, Minneapolis,
Minnesota.
Throughout this year I also attended my Post, District and Sons of
the Legion meetings in the Department of Utah.
REPORT OF NATIONAL VICE COMMANDER
John Mulkern
On September 9, 1993, I was honored by being elected National Vice
Commander in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at closing session of the 75th
Annual Convention of The American Legion to serve under the leadership
of Bruce Thiesen, our National Commander.
The Departments assigned to me were Delaware, Pennsylvania, New
Jersey, New York, Canada, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New
Hampshire, Vermont and Maine.
Spoke with all Department Commanders, Adjutants, Department Vice
Commanders, District and County Commanders and membership chairmen via
phone regarding membership.
Conducted a survey among all District Commanders within each
assigned department. The survey consisted of three topics: Membership,
Flag Amendment and Legion issues.
The following is a list of visitations made on behalf of The
American Legion:
September 13, 14, 15, 1993, Information meeting National Headquarters,
Indpls., IN.
September 17, 18, 19, 1993, National Leadership Workshop Region 1,
Portland, ME.
October 1, 2, 3, 1993, National Leadership Workshop Region 2, Hampton,
VA.
October 16-21, 1993, Fall Meeting National Executive Committee,
Indpls., IN.
October 13, 14, 1993, National Commander's Homecoming, Fresno, CA.
October 27, 1993, Dept. of Massachusetts Auxiliary Meeting.
October 28, 1993, American Legion College, Fairhaven, MA.
November 4, 1993, Membership Drive and Banquet, Rhode Island.
December 5, 1993, Pearl Harbor Day, Boston Navy Yard, MA.
January 7, 8, 9, 1994, Midwinter Conference, Trumbell, CT.
January 14, 15, 16, 1994, Midwinter Conference, Rumford, ME.
January 18, 19, 1994, Vermont State House, Flag amendment, Visit Legion
Posts.
January 21, 22, 23, 1994, Midwinter Conference, Albany, NY.
February 4, 5, 6, 1994, Midwinter Conference, Linedon, NH.
February 12-16, 1994, Washington Conference, Washington, D.C.
February 18, 19, 20, 1994, Membership Round-up, visiting Posts
throughout New Jersey.
March 5, 1994, Post 1 Diamond Jubilee, Loconia, NH.
March 6, 7, 1994, Department Commander Banquet, Post visitations, Rhode
Island.
March 13, 1994, Joint Testimonial Plymouth County, Sandwich, MA.
March 14, 15, 1994, Membership Promotions, Post visitations, Dept. of
Maine.
March 19, 1994, Department Vice Commander Banquet, Massachusetts.
March 27, 1994, Represented American Legion 200th anniversary of
founding of the American Navy. Placed the name of American Legion on
copper sheeting to be installed on water side of USS Constitution,
Boston, MA
April 7-10, 1994, National Commander's visitation, visit Posts,
attended funeral services for deceased Legionnaire, Norman Callettee,
Banquet.
April 10, 1994, POW Dedication, Cohosset, MA.
April 16, 1994, District 3 Commander's Banquet, Chicapee, MA.
April 22, 23, 24, 1994, Executive Committee Meeting and Department
Commander Banquet, Pittsburgh, PA.
April 30-May 5, 1994, Spring Meeting, National Executive Committee,
Indpls., IN.
May 7, 8, 1994, Department Commander Banquet, White River Junction, VT.
May 14, 1994, Sons of American Legion Post 106, Sharon, MA.
May 15, 1994, Department Commander Banquet, Exeter, NH.
May 17, 18, 1994, Award to outstanding student, Coast Guard Academy,
New London, CT.
May 20, 21, 1994, Department of Canada Convention, Ottawa, Ontario,
Canada.
May 26, 1994, Speaker, Seventieth Annual Transfer of Flag ceremony at
the Kennedy Middle School, Natick, MA.
May 29, 1994, Speaker, Memorial Day, Mt. Hope Cemetery, Boston, MA.
May 30, 1994, Speaker, Memorial Day, Fairview Cemetery, Boston, MA.
June 3, 1994, Department Convention, Dept. of Rhode Island, Warrick.
June 4, 5, 1994, Membership Round-up Dept. of Pennsylvania.
June 8, 9, 1994, Department Convention, Dept. of MA, Plymouth.
June 9, 10, 11, 1994, Department Convention, Dept. of NJ, Wildwood.
June 17, 18, 19, 1994, Department Convention, Dept. of NH, Lincoln.
June 19, 1994, Speaker, Memorial Dedication, deceased Marine,
Worchester, MA.
July 9, 10, 1994, Department Convention, Dept. of DE, Wilmington.
July 20-23, 1994, Department Convention, Dept. of NY, Niagara Falls.
August 3, 1994, Department of Massachusetts Baseball Banquet,
Dorchester, MA.
August 5, 1994, Department of Massachusetts Baseball Play-off, Quincy,
MA.
August 13, 1994, District Seven Installation, South Boston, MA.
August 19, 1994, Baseball Regional Tournament, Warrick, RI.
September 2-8, 1994, 76th Annual National Convention, Minneapolis, MN.
REPORT OF NATIONAL VICE COMMANDER
K.W. Ohl Department of Indiana
As a National Vice Commander, elected during the 75th Annual
National Convention of The American Legion in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
I have had the distinct privilege to serve under the leadership of
National Commander Bruce Thiesen. My responsibilities included the
Departments of Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Maryland, Michigan, Washington,
D.C., West Virginia, Wisconsin and Italy.
These Departments continued their strong support of The American
Legion's programs, as well as building upon their strong membership
foundation. During my year as a National Vice Commander, I was honored
to visit all of these Departments, with the exception of Italy and West
Virginia. My visits were always productive and filled with the fine
hospitality known throughout The American Legion.
The following is a condensed list of my activities for the twelve
month period in which I represented the National American Legion
Organization.
September 9, 1993, Elected National Vice Commander at Pittsburgh
National Convention--attended NEC meeting followed by briefing by
National Staff Directors and National Adjutant Spanogle.
September 12, Visited Children's Home, Knightstown, IN.
September 14-15, National Headquarters for briefing, Indpls., IN.
September 20, Washington, D.C. Headquarters for briefing by Washington
Staff Directors.
September 21-22, Present for National Commander Thiesen's presentation
to the Joint House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committees and visited
``The Hill'' speaking with Congressmen and Senators (Ref.: American
Legion Legislative Priorities).
October 8-10, Region 4 Leadership Conference, Little Rock, Arkansas.
October 14-16, Fresno and Kingsburg, CA; National Commander Thiesen's
Homecoming.
October 18-20, National Fall Meetings, Indpls., IN.
October 21, NEC Meeting, National Headquarters, Indpls., IN.
October 22-24, Dept. Fall Conference, Indpls., IN.
October 29-31, Region 5 Leadership Conference, Indpls., IN.
November 11, Veterans Day, Community Celebration, Lafayette, IN.
November 18-21, Little Egypt Conference, Visited Marion VA, Marion,
Illinois; Toured flooded areas and distributed food along Mississippi
River.
December 3-4, Membership Rally, St. Helen, Michigan.
December 12, Christmas Gift distribution and visitation, IVH, West
Lafayette, IN.
January 6, 1994, Visited IN. Legislature, Indpls., IN.
January 8, Membership & Post Activities Meeting, Indpls., IN.
January 14-16, Dept. Wisconsin Mid-Winter Conference, Lacrosse,
Wisconsin.
February 12-16, Washington, D.C. Legislative visits and Rehab
Conference.
February 19, Fly-In Dept. of IN, Toured 11 Districts (by air)
collecting membership cards and visiting Legionnaires.
March 12-13, Toured Posts in 3rd District (IN.) and lower Michigan
collecting membership cards and visiting Legionnaires. Birthday Dinner,
Post #50 South Bend, IN.
March 20, 2nd District Meeting & Birthday Banquet Post #11, Lafayette,
IN.
April 3-9, Dept. Ohio tour of all 14 Districts collecting membership
cards and visiting Leigonnaires.
April 15-17, Dept. Spring Conference, Indpls., IN.
April 19, 1995 Membership Strategy Meeting National Headquarters,
Indpls., IN.
May 1-5, National Spring Meeting & DEC Meeting, Indpls., IN.
May 26-27, Awards Presentation, West Point Military Academy, West
Point, NY.
June 12, American Legion Day, IVH, West Lafayette, IN.
June 14-15, Buckeye Boys State, Bowling Green, Ohio.
June 17, Indiana Boys State, Terre Haute, Indiana.
June 18-19, Post #128, Salem, Ill., 50th Year Anniversary GI Bill of
Rights.
June 26, Capital Rotunda, Indpls., IN., Fallen Heroes Ceremony.
July 6-10; Dept. IN. State Convention, Indpls. IN.
July 13-15, Dept. Maryland State Convention, Ocean City, MD.
July 21-24, Dept. Michigan State Convention, Lansing, MI.
July 29-31, National Membership & Post Activities Meeting, Indpls., IN.
August 20-21, Dept. of Ohio State Softball Tournament, West Harrison,
Ohio.
September 2-8, 76th National Convention, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
My work with National Commander Bruce Thiesen, as well as all the
other National, Department, Post Officers and members of The American
Legion, has been rewarding beyond my expectations. During my year as
National Vice Commander, my outlook for the future of our great
Organization leads me to believe that The American Legion will continue
to be the leader in veterans affairs that we have been for more than 75
years. I want to thank The American Legion for providing me this
opportunity to serve our more than three million members.
REPORT OF NATIONAL VICE COMMANDER
Curtis O. Twete
Having been elected to serve as a National Vice Commander at the
close of the 75th National Convention in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on
September 9, 1993, it has been my privilege to serve in a Championship
Season.
Serving this Diamond Jubilee year under National Commander Bruce
Thiesen has been a most rewarding year. The Departments of North
Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa and Missouri
have worked hard to carry out the programs of the American Legion. With
the Midwest floods, the dues increase, the aging veteran population,
each department has been working diligently to secure membership.
During this past year two of the three states in my area which have
yet to pass a Memorializing Resolution on flag desecration, joined the
ranks when Nebraska and Minnesota shepherded resolutions through their
Legislatures. This brings to 44 the number of Departments having passed
resolutions. Throughout the past year my schedule has been as follows:
September 14-15, 1993, Briefings at National Headquarters in
Indianapolis, Indiana.
September 17-19, 1993, Region 6 National Leadership Workshop, Fargo,
North Dakota.
September 20-22, 1993, Commander Thiesen's testimony before the Joint
Senate and House Veterans Affairs Committee.
October 16-17, 1993, National Commander Thiesen's Homecoming, Fresno,
California.
October 18-21, 1993, Fall meetings and National Executive Committee
meeting at National Headquarters, Indianapolis, Indiana.
October 30-31, 1993, Department Commander Don Herrley's Homecoming,
Mandan, North Dakota.
November 4-6, 1993, Fall Conference, St. Paul, Minnesota.
November 11, 1993, Joint Veteran's Day Observance Pekin, Tolna and
McVille Legion Posts, Pekin, North Dakota.
November 28-December 2, 1993, Membership tour of 45 Posts in five days,
Department of Iowa.
December 3-12, 1993, Membership tour of 78 Posts in ten days,
Department of Kansas.
January 7, 1994, Minnesota Department Adjutant Chuck Ferguson's
Retirement, St. Cloud, Minnesota.
January 15-16, 1994, Winter Conference, Omaha, Nebraska.
January 25, 1994, Commissioner of Veteran's Affairs Milt Kane's
Retirement, West Fargo, North Dakota.
February 3-4, 1994, Winter Conference, Pierre, South Dakota.
February 5-6, 1994, Winter Conference, Dickinson, North Dakota.
February 13-16, 1994, Washington Conference, D.C.
March 4-6, 1994, Spring Conference, Jefferson City, Missouri.
April 29-30, 1994, Aerial Round-up, Crystal, Minnesota.
May 2-5, 1994, Spring Meeting and National Executive Committee Meeting,
Indianapolis, Indiana
May 7-8, 1994, Truman Day Observance, Independence, Missouri.
May 14-15, 1994, Leadership Workshop for Incoming Officers, Watertown,
South Dakota.
May 24-25, 1994, Awards Presentation, US Naval Academy, Annapolis,
Maryland.
June 11-14, 1994, Department Convention, Huron, South Dakota.
June 18-20, 1994, Department Convention, Bismarck, North Dakota.
June 24, 1994, Memorial Speaker at AMVETS Convention, Valley City,
North Dakota.
June 25-26, 1994, Department Convention, North Platte, Nebraska.
July 15-17, 1994, Department Convention, Dubuque, Iowa.
July 22-24, 1994, Department Convention, Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
September 2-8, 1994, National Convention, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
REPORT OF THE NATIONAL CHAPLAIN
Monsignor Raymond Kozlowski, New York
The many faces of the American Legion have shown brightly this
Legion year, from the assistance to flood victims in the Midwest, to
earthquake victims in California, again when high waters hit the
Southeast. The Children and Youth Programs of Drug Prevention, Fire
Safety, Junior Shooting, Baseball to Boys State have all helped shape
the future for the leaders of tomorrow. Veterans caring for Veterans in
the volunteer hours donated to VA hospitals and Veterans' homes; the
Legion's opposition to troops going into Harm's Way under foreign
command and control; the funding and masterminding of the Citizens Flag
Alliance; the ground work for a future Constitutional Amendment
prohibiting flag desecration--the list goes on and on. I, as just one
of over three million members, am humbled for having had the
opportunity to serve this great nation and organization under the
leadership of National Commander Thiesen and the Chairman, Directors
and Staff of the American Legion. For God and Country.
In a pluralistic society, Chaplains are available for all in need.
These needs can be religious, psychosocial, or economic in nature.
Their expertise lies not only in counseling but also includes
knowledgeability for referral and follow-up. The American Legion's vast
membership offers this opportunity for the incumbent Chaplain to be of
service.
I was appointed National Chaplain by the newly elected National
Commander Bruce Thiesen at the Post Convention NEC meeting in
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. During this interim, I contrived to serve as
Post and County Chaplain. These responsibilities along with my
employment as Chief, Chaplain Service, VA Medical Center, Buffalo, NY,
offered a wide range of activity for service and visible presence for
the American Legion.
There are many events that have highlighted service to the Legion.
Among them are the National Commanders Homecoming in Kingsburg,
California, followed by the Fall NEC Conference in Indianapolis. Of
special significance was being present at the unveiling of the Viet Nam
Women's Monument in Washington, D.C. It was there that I had the
opportunity to meet many Viet Nam veterans and shared experiences with
them. To my surprise, I met several veterans that have gone through the
Buffalo VAMC's PTSD Program. It was conforting to know that many of
these programs, such as housing homeless vets, job training,
educational benefits, and placement, are available and are working.
The Annual Spring Conference in Washington, D.C., gave me the
opportunity to listen to the wife of the President, Hillary Rodham
Clinton, as she presented the National Health Care Reform Bill and how
it affected our current veteran population. The Reform Bill will be
significant in Veteran Health Care Management.
The Spring NEC Conference was historic. The American Legion's
battle plan for a Flag Amendment was unveiled. The Legion committed
itself to a grassroots campaign to insure congressional and state
protection of the United States Flag. A fitting program for the
Legion's 75th Anniversary!
There are several duties of this office which cannot be detailed in
this report. They include Boys' Nation in Washington, D.C., the
National Chaplains Conference in Indianapolis, and the 76th National
Convention in Minneapolis-St. Paul.
Another significant contribution to the Legion was the letters of
condolences to the families of the deceased National Executive
Committees and to the sick of the membership. What a gift it is to know
deeply that we are all brothers and sisters in one human family and
that, different as our cultures, languages, religions, lifestyles, or
work may be, we are all mortal beings called to surrender our lives
into the hands of a loving God. I feel gifted to feel connected with
the many who have died and to discover the joy and peace that flow from
that connectedness. As I experience that gift, I know in a new way what
it means to care for the dying. It means to connect them with the many
who are dying or have died, and to let them discover the intimate bonds
that reach far beyond the boundaries of our short lives. The Legion has
given me that gift. We belong together, whether we live now or lived
long ago, whether we live close or far away, whether we have biological
ties or not. We are brothers and sisters in communion with each other.
I would take this opportunity to thank the members of the staff of
National Headquarters. They were a guiding light for me. Thanks to the
American Diocesan Patriotic Service at the National Convention, to our
National Commander, Bruce Thiesen and to all the National Officers that
have served with distinction. Deepest regards and thanks to the
National Executive Committee and NY Department Adjutant, Richard Pedro,
for allowing me this wonderful year of service to the American Legion.
REPORT OF THE NATIONAL HISTORIAN
Marjorie T. Simpson, Georgia
Commander Bruce Thiesen appointed me as the National Historian for
the year 1994-1995 at the convention in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Being
an Arkansas veteran and then transplanted to the state of Georgia, it
was a proud moment for me to try and serve both these states as well as
all the other Departments.
My first duty was to oversee the competition of the histories and
yearbooks which had been judged best from many Departments. This was an
interesting and time consuming endeavor. Twelve judges, along with
tabulators were required to judge each of these books.
During this October session I presented my idea for a Seventy Fifth
Mini Histories, which will be presented to the National Commander in
September at the Convention in Minneapolis, This would give our
National Commander and the Archives a thumb nail sketch of our
Department Histories.
I attended the meeting in Indianapolis in October, the workshop in
Florida, the National meeting in Washington, D.C., and then back to
Indianapolis for the Spring NEC. I have also attended many Posts and
special meetings in my state of Georgia.
I was invited to attend the Department of Arizona Convention at
Yuma in June as their guest speaker. It was delightful to be received
so well. The Arizona Department Convention was truly the high light of
my year as National Historian.
At this time we are preparing for the National Historian Luncheon
being held at the Minneapolis Convention. This luncheon will honor our
Founders and our Past National Historians.
Being a part of the history of The American Legion and continuing
to make history is a lifetime honor.
REPORT OF THE NATIONAL JUDGE ADVOCATE
P.B. Onderdonk, Jr., Maryland
Contracts
The following 61 contracts have been reviewed or prepared:
(1) Articles of Agreement by and between The American Legion and
The American Legion National Convention Corporation of Oregon, Inc.
covering the convocation of the 1995 National Convention of The
American Legion in the City of Portland.
(2) Statement of Understanding by and between The American Legion
Education Program and the National College Services, Ltd., wherein the
National College Services, Ltd. agrees to participate in the
development of content to be included in American Legion publications
and a college profile directory.
(3) Renewal lease in three revisions as required by the State of
Indiana by and between The American Legion and the State of Indiana for
the National Headquarters Building at 700 North Pennsylvania Street,
Indianapolis, Indiana.
(4) Lease Agreement by and between The American Legion and
Ameritech Credit Corporation (provided by Indiana Bell) whereby
Ameritech will lease to The American Legion a Centrex Telephone System.
(5) Annual Service Agreement by and between The American Legion and
Advanced Microelectronics, Inc. whereby Advanced Microelectronics, Inc.
will service Apple Mac computers, hard drives, color monitors and Apple
Laserwriters, located at National Headquarters.
(6) Software Maintenance Support Agreement by and between The
American Legion and Broderick Data Systems whereby Broderick Data
Systems provide maintenance and support for the AS/400 B70 and B45.
(7) Service Agreement by and between The American Legion and Data
Comm whereby Data Comm will provide laser printing cartridges and
cleaning.
(8) Agreement by and between The American Legion and Burson-
Marsteller to provide professional consulting and marketing services
regarding the The American Legion's flag campaign.
(9) Agreement by and between The American Legion and Tim-Cor
Marketing and Administration Agreement to assist The American Legion in
selecting, marketing and selling annuity contracts to Legion members
and their families.
(10) Contract by and between The American Legion and Country Ladies
Band Contract to provide musical entertainment during the 1994 National
Membership Workshop.
(11) Eight (8) Baseball Regional Tournament Contracts and the
Contract for The American Legion World Series.
(12) Agreement by and between The American Legion and The Laborers'
Joint Training Fund of Indiana. and vicinity to develop a joint
training and job placement program to recruit discharged military
personnel and upon completion, accept them in the Laborers Union and
seek to place them in construction and environmental remediation jobs.
(13) Agreement by and between The American Legion and Haynes &
Pittenger Direct, Inc. to represent The American Legion in its
advertising and direct marketing flag campaign.
(14) License Agreement by and between The American Legion and Major
League Baseball Properties, Inc., as agent for the Office of the
Commissioner of Baseball to use the service mark consisting of the
words ``All-Star'' in advertising The American Legion All-Star Dream
Team drawing to be held at the 1994 National Convention in Minneapolis,
Minnesota.
(15) Maintenance Agreement by and between The American Legion of
Quality Concepts wherein Quality Concepts will maintain and clean the
raised floor in the computer room at Park 100.
(16) Service Agreement by and between The American Legion and
Standard Register to service computer machines located at Park 100.
(17) License Agreement by and between The American Legion and
Lawson Associates, Inc. to provide software, training, installation
assistance, modification, conversion and maintenance for the finance
tracking system.
(18) License Agreement by and between The American Legion and
Commercial Ware, Inc. to provide software and consulting for the emblem
sales tracking system.
(19) License Agreement by and between The American Legion and
Sigma/Micro Corporation to provide Controller computer software and all
related tapes, diskettes, manuals and documentation.
(20) Agreement by and between The American Legion and Stokely-Van
Camp, Inc. to display Gatorade logos in selected American Legion
Baseball newsletters and advertisements in each Region Tournament
program and World Series Program and national cablecast television
distribution in exchange for reasonable amounts of cups, coolers,
squeeze bottles, product and banners bearing Gatorade logos.
(21) Thirteen (13) contracts by and between The American Legion and
the following companies for services provided under The American
Legion's Family Benefit Plan: American Red Ball World Wide Movers,
Atlas Van Lines, Avis, Inc., Choice Hotels International, Days Inn, Eye
Care Plan of America, LaQuinta Inns, Mariott, National Car Rental,
North American Van Lines, Inc., Sea World of Florida and Ohio, and
Thrifty Car Rental.
(22) Four (4) List Protection Agreements by and between The
American Legion and the following companies have been executed
companies have been executed to cover the protection of magnetic tapes
used for mass-mailings to the general membership of The American
Legion:
Brick Mills Studios, Inc.
Barton-Cotton-Famous Hospitality, Inc. (Famous Artists
Studios, Inc.)
Association Group Insurance Administrators (AGIA)
Kirke Van Orsdel, Inc.
(23) Seven (7) Standard List Protection Agreements by and between
The American Legion and the following companies have been executed to
cover the protection of magnetic tapes used for mass-mailings to the
general membership of The American Legion:
Haynes & Pittenger Direct, Inc.
Promotion Management, Inc.
Benefit Consultants, Inc.
Fox Associates, Inc.
S. A. Van Dyk, Inc.
John Pearl & Associates
Tim-Cor, Inc.
(24) Ten (10) Subcontractor Standard List Protection Agreements by
and between The American Legion and the following companies have been
executed to cover the protection of magnetic tapes used for mass
mailings to the general membership of The American Legion:
Creative Response Associates
Trans National, Inc.
American Premium Fund Raising
Mailing and Printing Services, Inc.
Semarca Corporation
Brown and Bigelow
Faris Mailing
Harris Printing
Print & Mail Advertising, Inc.
The Berlin Journal
LITIGATION
Civil Action No. 90-1808 SSH
Litigation styled:
THE AMERICAN LEGION et al, Plaintiffs
vs.
EDWARD J. DERWINSKI, Secretary United States Department of Veterans
Affairs, et al; Defendants
This is the lawsuit by The American Legion to require the Federal
Government to conduct a study of the long term adverse health effects
in Vietnam veterans resulting from exposure to phenoxy herbicides,
including the herbicide known as Agent Orange, which was mandated by
Congress. The case was filed August 29th. The United States filed a
motion to dismiss on behalf of all of the named parties. The plaintiffs
have filed responses to these motions. The Government filed its
rebuttal raising additional issues which the plaintiffs responded at
the end of the 1991 summer. The Government asked for an extension of
time to November 12, 1991 to make its final rebuttal to The American
Legion's response to the additional issues in this very complex case.
Thirty-eight (38) Senators and Congressmen have filed to intervene in
the case as amicus curiae. Their position supports that of The American
Legion.
The next step involved motions for discovery before the Court. The
Government has already been forced to change its position. A hearing
was set for August 13, 1992. The Court then requested a status review
of all motions which was filed. Finally, the Court ruled against The
American Legion and all veterans in a very superficial opinion issued
prior to the release of NAS Study. A motion for reconsideration to
include the NAS Study in the record was filed. The Judge denied it and
the case has been appealed.
__________
Civil Action 4:91-CV-0141 HLM
Litigation styled:
BOYCE L. DEMPSEY
vs.
WTLK TV 14 ROME/ATLANTA and CABLE NEWS NETWORK THE AMERICAN LEGION
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS, INDIANAPOLIS et al
Civil Action 4:93 CV-0155-HLM
BOYCE L. DEMPSEY, Plaintiff
vs.
TURNER BROADCASTING SYSTEMS ET AL
A complaint was filed alleging that the plaintiff was put on
television without permission and that he was denied access to televise
his message. Plaintiff further alleges that (even though he was not a
candidate) he was twice elected Post Commander, but denied his office.
A number of other allegations was so garbled that they cannot be
understood. Plaintiff is appearing pro se. A motion to dismiss was
filed and the Court granted the motion to dismiss. The plaintiff
thereafter filed a Notice of appeal of the Court's order, but the
notice was not filed within the prescribed time period and the Court
dismissed plaintiff's appeal. Plaintiff appealed to the Supreme Court
and lost. However, plaintiff refiled the case under the second number
above. A motion to dismiss was granted because the case was frivolous.
Plaintiff did not appeal within the allowed time.
__________
Superior Court Judicial District of Hartford/New Britain at New Britain
Litigation styled:
ANDREW DAWSON and THE SIMSBURY (TOMALONIS-HALL POST #84) AMERICAN
LEGION BASEBALL TEAM, Plaintiffs
vs.
DAVID FARR, THE AMERICAN LEGION and THE AMERICAN LEGION DEPARTMENT OF
CONNECTICUT, INC., Defendants
A complaint and a temporary injunction was filed by Andrew Dawson
and the Simsbury (Tomalonis-Hall Post #84 American Legion Baseball Team
seeking to enjoin the defendants from preventing Andrew Dawson from
playing baseball with the Post #84 team. Plaintiffs also sought to
enjoin the defendants from declaring Andrew Dawson ineligible to play
for Post #84 team.
Under the rules, Andrew Dawson should play for the team nearest his
parents' residence. The Court ruled that there is no constitutional
right to play American Legion baseball, that the Legion is not a place
of public accommodation and even if it is, any prohibition against
Andrew Dawson playing in Connecticut is not prohibited discrimination
and made clear it did not find that the rules were a contract. Despite
the winning of every issue by The American Legion, the Court entered a
nationwide preliminary injunction allowing Andrew Dawson to play and
prohibiting The American Legion from ruling against Andrew Dawson on
challenges from non-party teams. The Connecticut Supreme Court refused
to hear an appeal from the preliminary injunction which in Connecticut
is considered interlocutory or not a final ruling despite the fact that
such orders usually end a case.
A counterclaim has been filed for a declaratory judgment on the
validity of the rules. The trial court ruled the entire matter moot
despite the requirements of connected law that a matter is not moot if
the time period is so short that the matter can never be heard if the
mootness doctrine is applied and if the matter can recur like it has.
We filed for reconsideration to force the Judge to write an opinion
setting forth his reasons and will appeal. Once this was done, we filed
an appeal to the Connecticut Court of Appeals. The Connecticut Supreme
Court then assumed jurisdiction. The Connecticut Supreme Court remanded
the case for trial since the case was not moot. The trial is expected
to be scheduled in the Fall of 1994.
__________
In the Common Pleas Court of Jefferson County, Ohio
Litigation styled:
TODD M. BLACKBURN, Plaintiff
vs.
BASEBALL COMMISSION, et al The American Legion of Ohio, et al
This case arose in Steubenville, Ohio when the host team for the
regional tournament (which gets to play in the regional tournament)
wanted to use an illegal player. The player had been waived by the host
team. He now wanted to come back to the host team. However, the rules
only allow one waiver for an individual's entire eligibility.
The case arose with a lawsuit against the Department of Ohio to
prevent it from enforcing the rules. The Judge granted a preliminary
injunction. The National Organization was not part of the proceeding,
although the Judge purported to make his ruling apply to National
tournaments.
When the National Organization found out about the case, it
intervened and moved for a dismissal of the case and quashing of the
order. The Court refused.
Since the order did not specifically name the National
Organization, when a protest was filed, the National Organization ruled
the player ineligible from Indianapolis. The game in which he played in
the regional tournament was declared forfeited. The player was not used
again by the host team.
After the season was over, the Judge attempted to dismiss the
entire case and our counterclaim without notice. This was protested and
our counterclaim reinstated. We are awaiting the Court's decision in an
order that will constitute a precedent.
__________
Commonwealth of Kentucky Floyd Circuit Court Civil Action No. 92-CI-
00622
Litigation styled:
TINA V. CASE, Administratrix of the Estate of Clive Case, Jr., LARRY
SPEARS and CONNIE SPEARS, Plaintiffs
vs.
THE AMERICAN LEGION; THE WAR VETERANS CLUB; ROBERT CONLEY acting on
behalf of The War Veterans Club; JOHN B. REYNOLDS POST #283, AMERICAN
LEGION DENSIL HALBERT, DELBERT ISON, WARREN WOLFORD, DEMRA TAYLOR AND
ROGER TURNER all acting on behalf of John B. Reynolds Post #283,
American Legion and The War Veterans Club; FRANK DeROSSETT; LOUISE
``LULA'' SPRADLIN and BILL SPRADLIN
This is a wrongful death and negligence suit. Tina Case's husband
allegedly was killed by defendant, Frank DeRossett. It is alleged that
Frank DeRossett entered American Legion Post 283 in Martin, Kentucky
and started shooting a gun in the direction of the band in which Clive
Case was a member. Case was shot several times and subsequently died.
Larry Spears was also shot and claims permanent injury and disablement.
At this point, the matter has been referred to our insurance company,
an appearance has been filed and a motion to dismiss has been filed.
The Floyd County Circuit Judge overruled our Motion for Summary
Judgment and will entertain a Motion to Reserve Entry of his Judgment
for Six Months until the plaintiff proves a legal theory against The
American Legion. The Court indicated that it will rule on a Motion for
a Directive Verdict if the case goes to trial. A hearing has not been
set.
__________
United States Patent and Trademark Office Before the Trademark Trial
and Appeal Board
Litigation styled:
THE AMERICAN LEGION Opposer
vs.
RICHARD G. MATTHEW Applicant
This is an action for service mark infringement of The American
Legion's common law mark and for unfair competition. The American
Legion learned that the Defendant was planning to conduct business and
to sell products, namely caps, under the name ``THE LEGIONAIRE'' or
Legionaire. A written demand was made to the defendant to discontinue
his plans to use the service mark in connection with the sale of
merchandise. A case and a motion for preliminary injunction may need to
be filed to force discontinance of marketing or distributing of
promotional materials or goods bearing the words The Legionaire or
Legionaire and to deliver all materials bearing such words to The
American Legion may become necessary. Motions have been filed for
productions of testimony and exhibits. A hearing was set by the Patent
Office in this matter. The result was a decision of lack of
jurisdiction because of an amendment to the petition at the behest of
the Patent Office. The entire case will begin again.
__________
In the United States District Court, Southern District of Ohio, Western
Division
Case No. C-1-93-247 Magistrate Judge Steinberg
Litigation styled:
WILLIAM PAUL BARRON, JR. Plaintiff
vs
THE AMERICAN LEGION Defendant
In the Third Judicial District Court of Salt Lake County State of Utah
Civil No. 940901735
WILLIAM PAUL BARRON, Jr. Plaintiff
vs
DUANE S. WILLIS, CARROLL WILLIAMS, and THE AMERICAN LEGION, Defendants
Plaintiff sued The American Legion for slander claiming a letter
purportedly bearing his signature was not from him. The letter
contained threats against VA staffers. Based on the letter the
Department of Utah Service Officer withdrew from representation as did
the National Organization.
Since there is no legal duty to represent the plaintiff and since
The American Legion did not publish the threat, the case cannot be
about slander. A motion to dismiss was filed and granted. Mr. Barron
then refiled in Utah (the second case alone). A motion for summary
judgment will be filed.
__________
In the Circuit Court of the Twentieth Judicial Circuit in and for Lee
County Florida
Litigation styled:
CHRISTOPHER NASH and AMETHYST NASH Plaintiffs
vs
ROBERT H. L. DABNEY AMERICAN LEGION POST 192 and THE AMERICAN LEGION
Case No. 93-3166CARWP
This is a personal injury case. Christopher Nash claims negligence
against Post No. 192 after an incident in the parking lot next to the
Post No. 192 building. Christopher Nash was walking to his car in
subject parking lot and was approached by three gunmen who attempted to
rob him and then shot him four times, twice in each leg. Mr. Nash
refused to identify his assailants. Allegations of a drug deal gone bad
have surfaced. An appearance has been entered, and a motion to dismiss
has been filed.
A hearing was held on August 23, 1993 to hear the Motion to
Dismiss, which was ultimately granted.
In the United States District Court for the District of Wyoming
Litigation styled:
Civil Action No. 94 CV 106B
BENJAMIN W. PHILLIPS, Plaintiff
vs
THE AMERICAN LEGION A Non-profit federal corporation and
AMERICAN LEGION BASEBALL Inc., a Wyoming non-profit corporation,
defendants
This was a baseball case in which the player was and is three days
too old to play this year. At his father's instigation, he filed an
anti-trust case claiming The American Legion monopolized American
Legion Baseball.
A motion to dismiss was filed on a number of grounds including
baseball's immunity from the anti-trust laws. The motion was granted
and the case is concluded.
__________
Superior Court of New Jersey Law Division: Camden County Docket NO. L-
5161-94
Civil Action
Litigation styled:
WILLLIAM SHERLOCK, as next friend for Brian Sherlock a minor Plaintiff
vs.
THE AMERICAN LEGION, A corporation organized under the laws of the
United States of America, and THE AMERICAN LEGION, DEPARTMENT OF NEW
JERSEY, a corporation organized under the laws of New Jersey, Defendant
This was another baseball case involving the By Pass Rule and
recruiting. Plaintiff was ineligible to play for the Brooklawn team
because inclusion of the enrollment of his school and the school
districts by-passed, would have put the Brooklawn team far over the
enrollment limit of 3,600 students.
During the investigation of the case, additional rule violations
were discovered. The Department baseball chairman had attempted to help
the team several years ago by agreeing that what was an incidental by-
pass was not a rule violation. The chairman had to admit the error. In
addition, the boy's father tried to claim the school enrollments as
stated by The American Legion were not correct. This necessitated a
second hearing.
After a full and complete review, the Court ruled in favor of the
rules.
Other Legal Matters
There are several collection matters currently pending in New York,
and a matter in New Jersey to recover monies due to The American Legion
Magazine.
There are a number of other legal proceedings in which The American
Legion has been contacted for discovery purposes which are not part of
or named in the particular cause and a number of cases are in the
beginning stages but not yet filed.
Opinions Rendered
The National Judge Advocate has rendered 1681 written opinions on
questions which have been submitted by the several Departments and/or
Posts of The American Legion, National Officers, staff members and
individual members of our organization. These opinions involved matters
legal, such as contracts, probate matters, federal tax questions,
torts, insurance matters, Articles of Incorporation, civil rights
statutes, retirement benefits under the law and other matters of a
legal nature; problems concerning the interpretation and construction
of the National Constitution and By-Laws of The American Legion, policy
matters, many of which matters required a great deal of legal research.
In each instance, when appropriate, a copy of the opinion rendered
was furnished to each of the following so that they would be acquainted
with the decision affecting their Department; National Executive
Committeeman, Department Commander, Department Adjutant, and the
Department Judge Advocate of the Department involved.
Many oral opinions were also rendered to the National Officers,
National Commission Chairmen, to Department Officers, and to staff
Directors of the national organization upon subjects involving matters
legal, financial, administrative and policy.
There were 22 written opinions rendered during the year to the
National Secretary of the American Legion Auxiliary, in response to
queries submitted to her for determination by me.
The National Judge Advocate has also rendered oral advice on
matters legal and administrative to the National Officers of the
American Legion Auxiliary on many occasions during the past year.
The American Legion Magazine
The National Judge Advocate in accordance with established policy,
has reviewed all manuscripts of articles destined for future
publication in The American Legion Magazine and The Dispatch, for the
purpose of expunging statements or material questionable in character,
contained therein which might subject The American Legion to a suit in
libel. To date 321 manuscripts have been reviewed and appropriate
comments in connection therewith were transmitted, when necessary, to
the Publisher or Editor of The American Legion Magazine.
Firing Line
At the 1955 National Convention of The American Legion it was
concluded that all statements made in each issue of the Firing Line
should be documented and that the National Judge Advocate should
approve each issue prior to publication in order to protect The
American Legion from actions in libel. In accordance therewith all
issues have been reviewed and either approved by the National Judge
Advocate prior to publication, or rejected in whole or in part, with
appropriate comments.
Bequests
During the past year the national organization of The American
Legion was the recipient of the following bequests in connection with
which the paper work was handled by the office of the National Judge
Advocate:
Last Will and Testament of Louese E. Spradley, dated May 24,
1990--bequest of $1,000 to The American Legion.
The American Legion Retirement Plan for Employees of the National
Headquarters and Subordinate Groups Thereof
In accordance with the requirements of law, the National Judge
Advocate has filed all necessary returns, reports and allied documents
for the calendar year 1993 with the Internal Revenue Service in
connection with The American Legion Retirement Plan. The office of the
National Judge Advocate also prepared the Summary Annual Report for The
American Legion Retirement Plan and arranged for the distribution
thereof as required by law. A new Summary Plan Description has been
distributed.
Employees' Salary Savings (401(K)) Plan
In accordance with the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) the office of the National Judge Advocate
has filed all of the necessary Annual Return Reports and allied
documents for the calendar year 1992 with the Internal Revenue Service
in connection with The American Legion Employees' Salary Savings 40l(k)
Plan. The office of the National Judge Advocate also prepared the
Summary Annual Report for the Employees' Salary Savings Plan and
arranged for the distribution thereof as required by law. Amendments to
comply with the Tax Reform Act of l986 have been completed, filed and
accepted. A Summary Plan Description has been distributed.
Parliamentary Duties
The National Judge Advocate attended the past National Convention
of The American Legion and all meetings of the National Executive
Committee and has served both bodies in the capacity of National
Parliamentarian.
Other Duties
The National Judge Advocate functions as Secretary for newly
acquired corporations, Haynes & Pittenger Direct, Inc. and Promotion
Management, Inc. and attended all board meetings and caused the minutes
of each meeting to be prepared and distributed. The National Judge
Advocate also functions as counsel for both organizations on matters
involving to date, contracts, labor issues, real estate law, postal
regulations, corporate organizations and insurance.
Meetings of the National Retirement Committee and Salary Savings
Committee
The National Judge Advocate, as a member of The National Retirement
Committee of National Headquarters, The American Legion, and Chairman
of the Employee's Salary Savings Committee, has attended and
participated in meetings held by these committees during the past year.
I have also, in response to requests, drafted legal and other
documents for the use of National Officers of The American Legion and
Officers of the American Legion Auxiliary.
Last, during the past year I have met with and attended numerous
conferences with officials of outside corporations, for the purpose of
representation of for the rendering of advice and guidance for and on
behalf of The American Legion on matters legal and administrative.
In conclusion, the National Judge Advocate wishes to thank all
National Officers, Department Officials, and members of the National
Executive Committee for the valuable assistance and cooperation
extended to him during the past year.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
William D. Jackson (IN), Executive Director
The Executive Director, whose office is locate in the National
Headquarters, Indianapolis, has four major responsibilities:
1. He performs such duties as may be assigned to him by the
National Adjutant to assist in meeting the responsibilities of that
office, and during temporary absences of the National Adjutant from The
American Legion National Headquarters, acts for him.
2. He heads the Administrative Services Division and through it
supervises and coordinates the many administrative functions of the
Indianapolis Headquarters.
3. He serves on the Personnel Committee of the Headquarters and is
Chairman of the Management Review Board.
4. He coordinates computer operations, which has a MIS (Management
Information Services) Director reporting to the Executive Director.
Included in the Administrative Services Division of the
Indianapolis Headquarters are the following administrative functions:
Purchasing, Shipping & Receiving, General Supply & Outgoing Mail;
Library, Archives, and E. A. Blackmore Museum; Administrative
Communications; Maintenance; Cafeteria; Human Resources; Finance;
Publications; and Insurance.
The Administrative Services Division also provides all secretarial
assistance to the executive officers of The American Legion.
Management Information Services (MIS)
MIS is currently responsible for support of the following programs:
Revenue Enhancement selections for mailings, maintenance of
database and reporting system.
Updating of The American Legion Magazine, Membership, SAL,
Firing Line, Commanders and Adjutants file, Dispatch mailing
lists, and printing of labels and renewal notices.
Direct membership solicitation.
The printing of membership cards and registers, Department
accounting reports, statistical information, Consolidated Post
Reports, delinquent member lists.
The printing of Department paper mailing labels.
PUFL members updating and financial checks.
Emblem Sales invoices and reports (mini-computer in Emblem
Sales).
Audit control and circulation analysis reports for The
American Legion Magazine.
Inventory control and purchase order control of National
Headquarters.
General ledger financial reports.
Accounts receivable.
Accounts payable.
Retirement investment program.
Furniture and Fixtures inventory and depreciation reports.
National Commission and Committee list.
Post Office carrier route discount processing on all
Department labels and direct billing.
Selecting and creating disks for Department member roster for
input to the computers. Selecting and providing Department
membership on microfiche.
Printing of direct bill membership renewal notices.
Outside sales of Laser and other services.
Address standardization on all Department labels and direct
billing.
The printing of Stay Active reports and forms.
The printing of annual Commander and Adjutant notification
cards and reports.
The printing by Department of 3 x 5 cards and labels for new
DMS members.
Request for documents, labels, diskettes, etc., for
Divisions, Departments and Posts.
Statistical Tables
The following statistical tables are indicative of the volume of
work routinely performed by this Division:
Administrative Communications June 1, 1993 through May 31, 1994
Envelopes & Labels Addressed............................ 94,018
AS/400.................................................. 1,413
A/M Varityper/Processor................................. 70,682
Binding................................................. 1,200
Xerox 5090.............................................. 8,356,910
Xerox 1048.............................................. 141,144
Print Shop.............................................. 1,795,640
Mail June 1, 1993 through May 31, 1994
Incoming Letters (Distributed to various Divisions for
processing)......................................... 10,121,001
Incoming Parcels........................................ 5,911
Outgoing Letters........................................ 427,612
Outgoing Parcels (Exclusive of National Emblem Sales)... 7,491
Freight and Express June 1, 1993 through June 31, 1994
Out (cartons)........................................... 8,076
Out (pounds)............................................ 131,982
UPS (in)................................................ 5,527
UPS (out)............................................... 17,912
LIBRARY AND MUSEUM
Library
Joseph J. Hovish, Librarian
The mission of The American Legion Library is to provide an
information storage and retrieval system for The American Legion.
The microfilming project is nearing its half-way point.
Correspondence is the main category of material being filmed. In
addition to this are reports, newspapers, post charters, among other
items. As in the past, material being filmed is also indexed on our
database.
Indexing of resolutions also occurs. The figures show that over
2,000 resolutions were indexed. This allows very speedy finding of
resolutions when only little information is known about the subject. To
date we have over 11,000 resolutions indexed.
Book stock has now been finally cataloged. The next project is to
complete the pamphlet collection, re-cataloging, repairing if
necessary, and filing. Many of these publications are American Legion
produced and therefore an important and useful historical collection.
These items need to be carefully organized.
We are always grateful to those kind and generous patrons who
contribute to the resources of the Library via donations to the Verna
B. Grimm Memorial Book Collection. These many significant books not
only honor and keep alive the memory of individuals but also service
scholars in their work at The American Legion Library. Special
appreciation for their generosity is extended to: Mr. Robert H. Barnes,
Mr. and Mrs. George H. Cornelius, Jr., and the National Association of
Department Historians of The American Legion.
Among the new books added to the stock of the library are the
following:
Two copies of Wisconsin American Legion, A History, 1919-
1992, by George E. Sweet, donated by Barbara Stuvengen.
An Anti-Aircraft Battalion Unit History, donated by Ernie
Lauber.
Poems entitled ``The War Veterans Prayer'' and ``We'll Not
Forget,'' donated by Francis P. Depasquale.
A book, A Collection of 20 Army Talks, donated by John J.
Perrotta.
It Doesn't Take A Hero by General H. Norman Schwarzkopf,
donated by William D. Jackson.
The following books are among many donated by Robert Barnes:
Daddy of Them All: Story of the 17th Bombardment Group in
World War II, by Victor C. Tannehill;
49th Fighter Group, by Ernest R. McDowell;
KGB, The Inside Story of Its Foreign Operations from Lenin to
Gorbachev, by Christopher Andrew and Oleg Gordievsky.
The following three books were donated by Mr. and Mrs. George
Cornelius:
In the Eye of the Storm: The Life of General H. Norman
Schwarzkopf, by Roger Cohen and Claudio Gatti;
The Way Things Ought to Be, by Rush Limbaugh;
Four Freedoms, Images That Inspire a Nation, by Norman
Rockwell.
Statistical Summary of 12 Months Ending May 31, 1994
General Correspondence Received and Filed..................... 5,520
Subject Correspondence Received and Filed..................... 1,338
Bulletins, Reports, etc. Received and Filed................... 1,285
Periodicals Received.......................................... 5,208
Folders and Guides Made....................................... 125
Books and Pamphlets Cataloged................................. 247
Correspondence Written by National Historian.................. 174
Correspondence Written by Librarian........................... 1,872
Prominent Legionnaire Questionnaires Mailed................... 70
Prominent Legionnaire Questionnaires Returned................. 17
Prominent Legionnaire Death Memos Written..................... 55
Prominent Legionnaire Entries to Membership File.............. 1,673
Resolutions Indexed........................................... 2,020
Requests Answered via Telephone............................... 2,210
Requests Answered via Visits to Library....................... 258
Requests Answered via Inter-Office Mail....................... 417
Follow-Ups of Correspondence.................................. 851
Items Microfilmed............................................. 174,000
Requests of Membership Listing................................ 1,173
Microfiche Copied............................................. 175
Rolls of Microfilm Added to Stock............................. 60
Emil A. Blackmore Museum
Joseph J. Hovish, Curator
The Emil A. Blackmore Museum continues to be visited by individuals
and groups. Our Visitor's Book also shows most states represented as
well as the countries of Holland, Panama Canal, Costa Rica, Central
African Republic, and France.
Exhibits have been changed periodically and some of the World War
Posters have been hung in some of the Divisions at National
Headquarters and have made an attractive addition to the areas.
The Founding Fathers Exhibit continues to attract positive comments
and is very welcomed by the young students who visit the building.
Unfortunately, the tape technology which runs the two dioramas is over
30 years old and eventually the whole unit will need to be replaced.
Replacement parts are no longer available.
Donors are once again thanked for their contributions to the
collection. Significant objects added in the past year include the
following:
1993 National Convention Badge, donated by Leonard R. Parker, Sr.
World War I Victory Medal with three clasps, donated by Mr.
Clifford G. Mackinnon.
Legion Color Guard and Firing Squad team items, World War II Civil
Defense items, all from Commonwealth Edison Post in Chicago, donated by
Dean J. Tillis.
Norman Flag, donated by Rene Farrer of France.
French World War II Medals, donated by R. Nadal of France.
Papua-New Guinea Fiftieth Anniversary Flag, donated by Col. H.
``Hug'' Huggins, Ret.
Color mounted slides/transparencies of 1941 National Convention
Parade, total of 181 items, donated by Dr. Richard A. Riedel.
American Legion Band N.J. Post No. 16 Uniform Coat and Uniform
Pants circa 1930s, donated by Arlen D. Brown.
A collection of various World War II memorabilia including Ration
Book Pouch, Ration Book Numbers 1-4, Sugar Ration Stamps, OPA Blue
Point Coin, and Mailing Envelop, donated by Mrs. Stella Hovish.
World War II U.S. M-1 Helmet, M198 Haversack, and Canteen Pouch,
donated by the National Association of Department Historians of The
American Legion.
AMERICANISM COMMISSION
Ray G. Smith, North Carolina, Chairman
Marty Justis, Maryland, Director
The Americanism Commission of The American Legion was created by a
recommendation adopted by the National Convention of The American
Legion held in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1919. It read: ``We recommend
the establishment of a National Americanism Commission of The American
Legion whose duty it shall be the endeavor to realize in the United
States the basic ideal of this Legion of 100 percent Americanism
through the planning, establishment and conduct of a continuous,
constructive educational system.''
It is the objective of the Americanism Commission to translate
Americanism precepts, principles and ideals in an understanding and
practical manner to Legion Posts and other groups and individuals,
including young America.
While the Americanism program consists of a broad, objective,
general plan that features wide-range community service, better
citizenship, youth development and counter-subversive activities, the
efforts of the Americanism Commission are educational in nature and
embrace these specific objectives:
To promote understanding of the principles of democratic
governmental problems, and bringing more citizens to think
seriously of the duties of citizenship;
To give sound, practical service in our communities, working
to make these communities better and safer places in which to
live;
To emphasize religion, encouraging its continuation in the
life of every citizen;
To encourage education in every possible manner, presenting
school awards, sponsoring and conducting oratorical contests,
cooperating with education and citizenship groups, promoting
proper flag etiquette and display, and sponsoring objective
youth development programs;
To do important work for the youth of America, sponsoring
American Legion Baseball, the National High School Oratorical
Contest, Boys State, Boys Nation, Junior Shooting Sports, Boy
Scout activities and many other citizenship and objective
training activities;
To work for the assimilation of aliens through schools of
citizenship and other agencies and stand for the restriction of
immigration so that this assimilation may approach perfection;
and
To combat subversion and all un-American groups and
activities which have for their aim the downfall of democracy
in America.
In addition, the Americanism Commission has continued to be
actively involved in legislative matters affecting our way of life.
Among our legislative priorities are illegal entry of aliens into this
country, voluntary prayer in public buildings, bilingual education
alternatives and English as the official language of the United States.
The most recent legislative initiative of The American Legion is an
effort to obtain a Constitutional Amendment that would give Congress
and the States the authority to enact and enforce flag desecration
laws.
This Commission has the responsibility for supervision and
coordination of two Standing Committees: The Counter-Subversive
Activities Committee and the Committee on Education.
The Americanism Commission participates each year in The American
Legion's series of National Leadership Workshops. These conferences are
held at eight locations in different regions of the country during the
months of September and October. The Commission uses these workshops as
an opportunity to train and provide information to Americanism program
volunteers.
Following is a summary of various programs which are the
responsibility of the Americanism Commission and have been conducted
during the 1994 American Legion year.
Boys State/Boys Nation
The American Legion believes that if the United States is to
maintain its present form of government, it must have a citizenry which
has a fundamental understanding and interest in its operation. This is
what the Boys State program does for the young men of our Nation. It
teaches the fundamentals of American government through the state
level.
It was 59 years ago that Legionnaires in the State of Illinois
recognized the need for a program that would help high school boys
understand and appreciate the government they were learning about in
the classroom. It was a time in the history of this Nation when un-
American ideas seriously threatened the future of the Nation. The whole
idea of Boys States then and now, is to show young people that beyond a
doubt, our form of government is good; but its preservation depends on
intelligent, informed and loyal citizens in combination with an honest
and impartial administration of government activities.
Ten years after the inception of Boys State as a program of the
Legion, the National Organization recognized the need for a program
like Boys State at the National level and in 1946, began sponsorship of
American Legion Boys Nation. This year The American Legion will conduct
its 48th anniversary session. Both Boys State and Boys Nation are
unique programs that emphasize participation and personal experience in
a model ``state'' that is complete with its governing bodies and
elected officials.
Each year, more than 28,000 young Americans take part in Boys
State, and through 59 years, the program has graduated well over one
and a half million young men.
Every year, each Boys State selects two outstanding graduates to
represent them at American Legion Boys Nation. In 1994, the program was
held in Washington, DC, July 22-29, and it introduced delegates first-
hand to the structure and function of the federal government.
The week of government training in the Nation's Capitol combines
lectures and forums with visitations to federal agencies and
institutions, shrines and historical points in and about Washington,
DC. Actual participation in the political process is highlighted
through the week to include the organization of party conventions and
the nomination and election of a Boys Nation president and vice
president. In addition to federal legislators and representatives of
federal agencies, American Legion officials and other leaders of
national distinction participate in Boys Nation. Thomas E. Whitehead
(MS), was elected President of the 48th annual Boys Nation. He will
join the youth champion delegation as a guest of the National Commander
at the National Convention of The American Legion in Minneapolis,
Minnesota, September 2-8, 1994.
National High School Oratorical Contest
The American Legion has awarded over two million dollars in college
scholarships since 1938 to high school students participating in its
annual National High School Oratorical Contest. This program, in its
58th year, was recognized by the Federal Commission for the
Bicentennial of the United States Constitution as a program of
``exceptional merit.''
Each contestant must give a prepared oration on some phase of the
United States Constitution, giving emphasis to the attendant duties and
obligations of a citizen to his government. The prepared oration must
be the original effort of each contestant, taking not less than eight
nor more than ten minutes for delivery. Each contestant must also give
an extemporaneous discourse on a Constitutional topic (not known until
the time of the contest) taking not less than three nor more than five
minutes for delivery.
The following scholarship awards are made annually: First place
receives $18,000; second place receives $16,000; third place is $14,000
and fourth place takes home a $12,000 scholarship. Competition begins
locally and progresses through the Department (state) to the National
level of contests. Each state winner who is certified into and
participates in the Regional Contest receives a $1,000 scholarship.
Each Regional winner who is eliminated in the Sectionals receives a
$3,000 scholarship. Funds for these awards are provided by The American
Legion Life Insurance Fund.
The 57th annual National Finals Contest in 1994 was held at
Colorado Springs, Colorado. The four finalists were: First Place--Lisa
Tsai, Houston, Texas; second place--Marshall Burkes, Madison,
Wisconsin; third place--David M. Bigge, Delran, New Jersey; and fourth
place--Jason Thielman, Columbia Falls, Montana.
Boys Scouts of America
The American Legion charters approximately 2,500 Scout Units in
communities across the country involving more than 66,000 youth. Its
commitment to the principles of Scouting dates back to the Legion's
first National Convention in 1919.
The American Legion selected Matthew A. Heffelfinger of Lansford,
Pennsylvania, as its 1994 Eagle Scout of the Year. His selection was
based on his outstanding religious, school, community and scouting
achievements. He will receive an $8,000 scholarship.
Three Eagle Scouts were named runners-up for the award and each
will receive a $2,000 college scholarship. They are Corey K. Proctor of
Wilton, Iowa; James W. Lamar of Pulaski, Tennessee; and Michael J.
Freeman of Hagerstown, Maryland.
In addition, an estimated 300 certificates honoring new Eagle Scout
awards are distributed annually.
Junior Shooting Sports Program
The American Legion Junior Shooting Sports Program is a national
Americanism program administered through Post-sponsored Junior Shooting
Clubs. The purpose of the program is to provide gun safety and
marksmanship training for young people 14 through 20 years of age and
to offer a wholesome recreational activity through organized
competition.
Fourth annual National Three-Position Air Rifle Championships were
conducted in August 1994, at the Olympic Shooting Complex at the
Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The tournament
climaxed two rounds of postal matches which began shortly after the
first of the year and involved over 700 entrants.
The competition was divided into two categories: precision air
rifle and sporter air rifle. Medals and plaques were awarded in each
category, as well as in each of the three positions of prone, kneeling
and standing.
The 1994 competition was held after this report was submitted;
therefore, the 1994 winners are not listed. Past winners include:
Michael Douglass and Randall Owle in 1993; Gavin Lewis and Hillary
Snyder in 1992; and Everett Miskelly and Richard Wilson in 1991.
Eight and Forty National Lung and Respiratory Disease Nursing
Scholarship Fund
The American Legion develops, publicizes and administers the Eight
and Forty National Lung and Respiratory Disease Nursing Scholarship
Fund. This Fund, established in 1957, was created to assist Registered
Nurses in securing advanced preparation for those positions in either
supervision, administration or teaching. These prospective positions
must have a direct relationship in the areas of care and prevention as
it relates to lung and respiratory diseases. The Eight and Forty, for
the year 1994-95, awarded twenty-two $2,500 scholarships to recipients
in sixteen states for one year's study to assist in furthering their
education. This brings their accumulative total for the past 38 years
to 609 scholarships, totaling $1,094,500 to help eliminate personnel
shortages in this important area of nursing. This scholarship program
will again be offered for the 1995-96 school year.
Flag Education
The American Legion is a nationally recognized authority on the
proper display of the United States Flag. Each year, hundreds of
letters and phone calls are routinely answered giving factual
information on the display, use of and respect for the American Flag.
Additionally, over 63,000 copies of our publication ``Let's Be
Right on Flag Etiquette'' and more than 100,000 copies of the pamphlet,
``Flag of the United States--How to Display It, How to Respect It'' are
distributed annually to schools, organizations and individuals. This
information is sent at little or no cost to all who request it.
In 1988, The American Legion published ``Our Country's Flag'' for
use in elementary schools. Well over a million copies have been
distributed since the booklet was introduced.
The American Legion is involved in a campaign to protect the U.S.
Flag from physical desecration. A total of 44 state legislatures have
passed memorializing resolutions as of July 1, 1994, in support of a
Constitutional Amendment to give Congress and the States the authority
to enact and enforce flag desecration laws.
Service to God and Country
A program of basic Americanism, ``Service to God and Country,''
seeks to prevent the spiritual decay of America by charging the
citizenry with a spirit of positive Americanism, respect for law,
reverence for authority and awareness of our human rights and freedoms.
``Service to God'' emphasizes regular public worship, daily family
prayer and the religious education of children, while ``Service to
Country'' attempts to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the
community, state and Nation. These objectives are aimed at preparing
young Americans to take up tomorrow's responsibilities by teaching them
moral and spiritual values, renewed interest in our Country's history,
self-discipline, self-reliance, ideals of loyalty, honesty and physical
fitness.
Each year, a Conference for the Department Chaplains is held under
the direction of the National Chaplain. Training and program
information is provided for further dissemination to District and Post
Chaplains who coordinate the program at the local level.
American Legion Baseball
American Legion Baseball marks its 69th season in 1994. Over 82,000
players on 4,500 teams participated in this American Legion Americanism
youth activity during the past year.
More than 15 million dollars in sponsorship fees are spent on
American Legion Baseball teams by the local posts. Almost one million
dollars is appropriated by the Legion's National Organization to
conduct eight Regional Tournaments and the World Series of American
Legion Baseball.
Former American Legion Baseball player Steve Carlton was elected to
the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Thirty-four other former Legion
players have gone on to distinguish themselves in Major League Baseball
and have been honored with election to the Hall of Fame. They include
Tom Seaver, Johnny Bench, PeeWee Reese, Bob Feller, Ted Williams,
Willie Stargel, Stan Musial, Carl Yaztremski, Warren Spahn, Brooks
Robinson and Frank Robinson.
Over 62 percent of the Major League ballplayers and almost 72
percent of college players competed in American Legion Baseball as
teenagers. The lessons learned on the baseball diamond, such as
leadership, teamwork, respect for the rules, are lessons that are
learned for a lifetime.
COUNTER-SUBVERSIVE ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE
F. Rodney Loper, Pennsylvania, Chairman
The Counter-Subversive Activities Committee, since its
establishment by the National Executive Committee of The American
Legion on November 17, 1950, has scrutinized and continues to monitor
what is transpiring in the realm of subversion and terrorism. This is a
program of the Americanism Commission and detailed reports of its
activities are given to the National Executive Committee at its Spring
and Fall Meetings and at National Conventions.
The Committee is responsible for furnishing background information
on assigned resolutions that are considered by the National Americanism
Commission for recommended action to the National Executive Committee
or the National Convention.
The National Americanism Commission has long been concerned about
anti-American activities and, in 1952, developed a publication known as
``Firing Line''. This began regular dissemination of information on
certain groups and organizations participating in activities of a
subversive nature.
Every effort is made to maintain a publication which is current and
up-to-date. During the past year, ``Firing Line'' has reported on
matters concerning desecration of the U.S. Flag, illegal immigration,
espionage and terrorism.
EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Education Program
Dr. Charles L. Vawter, Jr., Arizona, Chairman
The Committee on Education, established in 1976, is the only joint
committee comprised of members of both The American Legion and the
American Legion Auxiliary.
The purposes of the Committee on Education are: (1) to inform
itself and The American Legion of developments, problems and potentials
in the field of education; (2) to recommend appropriate policies and
programs for The American Legion; and (3) to maintain contact with the
education community so that there may be an interchange of thinking
between The American Legion, educators, students and other
organizations concerned with the well-being of education throughout the
Nation.
Education was one of the first major concerns of The American
Legion. In 1921, the organization committed itself to a constructive
support of education. During the years which followed, The American
Legion developed a formal Policy on Education.
The American Legion has always supported the principle that
education is a necessary prerequisite to the successful functioning of
a democracy. While recognizing the right of private and religious
groups to maintain schools, The American Legion vigorously subscribes
to the necessity for a publicly supported education system to ensure
that every American child has the opportunity for an adequate
education. The American Legion believes that popular self-government as
set forth in the Constitution of the United States, cannot continue to
exist unless there is the bulwark of a continuing system of free public
education. Not only does proper national defense require trained
personnel, but every phase of life today demands that we have competent
citizens who are qualified, willing and able to discharge their
responsibilities.
The availability of educational opportunity for every individual to
pursue his own development is a prerequisite to the achievement of all
other social goals. Our education system must be designed to provide
every person with the means to reach his potential which will provide
our Country with the high level of responsible citizens and specialized
workers which it requires. In turn, we will have greater assurance of
economic growth, of sound decision-making, and the knowledge necessary
to promote our national security.
The American education system should produce citizens who
understand and are dedicated to principles of free enterprise; to
democratic principles and processes; and whose devotion to freedom and
human dignity goes beyond mere lip service.
The Education Program consists of four basic elements: (1)
recognition of local systems through observance of American Education
Week; (2) dissemination of scholarship and financial aid information
through the publication of Need A Lift?; (3) sponsorship of a private
education loan program called Option 4 Education Loan Program; and (4)
promotion of involvement by American Legion Posts and American Legion
Auxiliary Units in a community-wide effort to enhance the programs and
policies of the local schools through the guidelines provided in the
handbook PACT (Post, Auxiliary, Community Together).
American Education Week is an annual event co-sponsored nationally
by The American Legion. The observance was originally established by
The American Legion with the help of the National Education Association
in 1921. The major objective of this program is to focus public
attention on the needs and achievements of the Nation's schools. This
year's theme is ``Building The Future; One Student At A Time.'' The
observance will be November 13-19, 1994.
The publication Need A Lift? is revised annually and contains more
than 128 pages of scholarships, grants and loan information, work-study
cooperative programs and sources of career information for all
students. There is a section directed toward opportunities for veterans
and their dependents. Another section lists scholarships and financial
aid available from Departments of The American Legion and American
Legion Auxiliary totalling more than $600,000. Need A Lift? also
contains an electronic scholarship search application which the student
can request at a reduced cost. Each Fall, complementary copies of Need
A Lift? are sent to over 24,000 high schools across the Nation. In all,
last year over 125,000 copies of Need A Lift? were distributed.
A companion to Need A Lift? is the pamphlet ``A Guide for Parents
and Students'' which contains planning and financial aid information
for high school students and their parents. Each year, distribution of
more than 100,000 copies of each of these publications is handled
through American Legion Posts, schools, counselors and librarians, by
mail, and through distribution at national education conventions.
Copies of these publications can also be obtained by writing The
American Legion National Emblem Sales Division, P.O. Box 1050,
Indianapolis, Indiana 46206. Individual copies of Need A Lift? are
$3.00 each prepaid. ``A Guide for Parents and Students'' is available
at a cost of $12.50 per 500 or $18.75 per 1,000 copies prepaid.
In an effort to help those students who may not qualify for
scholarships or federal student aid, The American Legion sponsors the
Option 4 Education Loan program. Option 4 is provided by United Student
Aid Funds, Inc. Since the start of this program, over $1.3 million in
student loans have helped worthy students fund their college education.
The PACT Handbook is the guide for The American Legion Education
Chairmen. It contains information on the goals and objectives of the
program, ideas and suggestions for activities, coordinating concepts
and a typical calendar for a successful program. Programs covered in
the handbook include: Citizenship Education, Career Education
activities such as career nights, community resource files.
Adopt-A-School, how to promote American Education Week, and
financial aid nights.
Over 38,000 students are recipients of The American Legion School
Award Medal each year. This award is designed to recognize the student
for the qualities of Courage, Honor, Leadership, Patriotism,
Scholarship and Service. The award is presented to a boy and girl upon
graduation from elementary school, junior high/middle school or high
school.
The American Legion believes that the citizens of this Country
should be dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in the entire realm of
intellectual endeavor; that our people should recognize those persons
who have developed their intellectual abilities to the fullest extent;
that teachers should enrich their knowledge, particularly in the field
in which they teach and that scholarship assistance to deserving
students should be expanded.
Such an educational program will fulfill the dreams of the past,
the aspirations of the present and the needs of the future. The
American Legion supports such a system of education and believes that
the vitality of our democratic way of life is dependent upon such
schools.
Americanism Commission
Executive Section
Ray G. Smith, Benson, North Carolina--Chairman.
Daniel J. O'Connor, New Fairfield, Connecticut--Chairman Emeritus.
Joseph E. Caouette, Rollinsford, New Hampshire--Vice Chairman.
Harold Hall, Anaheim, California--Commander's Representative.
Earl B. Wright, Severna Park, Maryland--Consultant.
Edward R. Czaja, Jr., Glenview, Illinois--Consultant.
COMMISSION ON CHILDREN & YOUTH
Eugene V. Lindquist, Minnesota, Chairman
Marty Justis, Maryland, Director
Since our beginning, The American Legion has actively voiced
concerns related to the care, welfare, and education of our Nation's
children and youth. As early as November 1919, we were asking local
Posts to aid the widows and children of our deceased comrades.
Throughout the decades that followed, The American Legion became a
strong advocate for children's rights and remained at the forefront of
the Child Welfare Movement. Our early years were devoted to progressive
child care and protection programs. Through the efforts of The American
Legion and its affiliated organizations, many states and communities
were urged to improve their own Child Welfare provisions.
This development of new and improved public programs designed to
provide economic security for children, made it possible for our
organization to turn its attention to other problem areas affecting
young people. To date there exists no area of child welfare that has
gone untouched by the collective hand of The American Legion. The very
program of Children & Youth itself is unique from any agency, private
or governmental, in its ability to expand into every arena of concern
for child welfare and child health.
The American Legion ``has and will do everything possible to
perpetuate `A Square Deal For Every Child'.'' This remains our ultimate
goal and the definite challenge for the years ahead.
To attain this goal, The American Legion, in 1925, adopted the
``Whole Child'' plan which states: ``every child should have a home,
health, education, character and opportunity.'' Its foundation is based
on three guiding principles:
1. To strengthen the family unit against the forces of
today's complex society, recognizing that the most normal
environment for children is a home with their own parents.
2. To extend support to sound organizations and facilities
that provide services for children and youth. Always acting in
a supplementary capacity, rather than duplicating the efforts
of existing agencies.
3. To maintain a well-rounded program that meets the
physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual needs of
today's young people. Stated certainly for future endeavors,
this third principle has provided the flexibility to address
all matters of child health and child welfare.
While these principles represent the heart of the ``Whole Child''
plan, the muscle depends on our four Guidelines For Action, working
together:
1. Prevention--Finding solutions to obstacles before they
become long-lasting problems.
2. Education--Providing information to our members and the
general public on timely issues involving children and youth.
3. Legislation--Maintaining a knowledge of new and existing
laws, needed amendments, and the administration of laws which
affect young people at the national, state and local levels.
4. Material Aid--Providing direct assistance in the form of
cash, clothing, food and time.
During the past seventy-five years, The American Legion's Children
& Youth Program has contributed to significant advancements in the area
of Child Welfare. While our list of achievements is extensive, it is by
no means complete nor completed. The American Legion has, and will
continue, its deep community-centered interest in children to find new,
and perhaps presently unknown, approaches to child welfare problems. At
present, there is no way of knowing what issues will face our youth
tomorrow. But all of us know that our survival may well depend on the
quality of care, education, and training which we, as parents and
citizens, provide for all children today.
The American Legion is proud of the Legionnaires, and the members
of its affiliated organizations, and their achievements on behalf of
our nation's youth. Their efforts in the area of child welfare is a
living testament to the ability of an organization of free men and
women to adapt itself to evolving needs, while maintaining high
principles and taking on increased responsibilities under those
principles.
1993-94 Program
Each year, during the month of May, The American Legion's
Commission on Children & Youth meets to discuss what programs it wants
to emphasize for the coming program year. The National staff is then
directed to research these areas of concern and publish materials to
support our volunteers.
For the program year 1993-94, our Commission voted to focus their
efforts on the following problem areas which directly impact our young
people on the National level:
1. Family Emphasis.
2. Juvenile Delinquency Prevention.
3. Immunization.
Family Emphasis: The family is the cornerstone of American society.
But today, modern society places demands on the family that did not
exist in years past--demands that can chip away at family strength and
unity. Two-income families are becoming the norm rather than the
exception. Divorced families, step-families, and single-parent families
have reached all-time highs. More teenagers than ever hold down part-
time jobs. Children are placed in day care centers at earlier ages.
Instead of safety in their neighborhoods, adolescents face physical
danger; instead of economic security, they face uncertainty; instead of
intellectual stimulation, they face boredom; in place of respect, they
are neglected; lacking clear and consistent adult expectations for
them, they feel alienated from mainstream American society.
For many years, the Commission on Children & Youth has, by mandate,
advocated the passage of federal legislation designating the week of
Thanksgiving as National Family Week. Many organizations have joined us
in this quest. It is now our position to continue to push for
legislation, but in the meantime, to conduct our own observance of this
important event.
Many activities have been outlined to help us bring the basic unit
in America, the family, into proper perspective. As an example:
SUNDAY--Religion Day--Whatever your faith, share its importance with
our young. MONDAY--Home Day--Focus attention on the responsibility a
parent and children have to each other. TUESDAY--Education Day--Self-
discipline, the key to excellence, is essential at all levels of
education. WEDNESDAY--Community Day--Your family's role in the
community. THURSDAY--Thanksgiving Day--Celebrate this day with your
family, friends, and/or the less fortunate. FRIDAY--Nature Day--
Discipline selves to nature's laws and beauty. SATURDAY--Recreation Day
or Religious Observance Day.
Juvenile Delinquency Prevention: Over the last three decades,
violent crime has increased by more than 500 percent. America leads the
industrialized world in rates of murder, rape and violent crime. Nearly
three out of four convicted criminals are now incarcerated. Fewer than
one in ten serious crimes results in imprisonment.
According to a recent Department of Justice report on nationwide
crime, a murder occurs every 24 minutes, a forcible rape every six
minutes, a robbery every 55 seconds, an aggravated assault every 33
seconds, and a burglary every 10 seconds.
The American Legion is seriously concerned about the recent high
levels of violent crime committed by juveniles in this nation. While
juveniles account for approximately 35 percent of our population, they
account for better than 50 percent of serious crimes as reported by the
FBI Uniform Crime Reports.
During one typical day in the lives of American children, the FBI
reports indicate 2 children younger than age 5 are murdered, 248
children are arrested for drug abuse, and 427 children are arrested for
alcohol abuse or drunk driving. In 1991, one out of every four
Americans arrested was a teenager. In that year, approximately 2.7
million American youth, age 10 to 19, were arrested and a growing
number are spending time in jail. The juvenile arrest rate for murder
has doubled between 1978 and 1990. For that same period, we have seen
juvenile arrests for aggravated assault increase by two-thirds, the
juvenile arrest rate for weapons law violations increase by 60 percent,
and the juvenile arrest rate for rape increase by almost 40 percent.
Through the urging of The American Legion's Commission on Children
& Youth during the 1994 Spring meetings, Juvenile Delinquency
Prevention was unanimously approved as one of our major areas of
concern. We are currently developing support materials to include
brochures and project guides to be disseminated to communities through
our volunteer network of Legion members. In addition, we are in the
process of developing a plan for community action in combating the
problem of Juvenile Delinquency.
Immunization: Immunization levels of preschool children have been
steadily declining during the past few years. According to a national
study released in 1992, the United States ranks behind 16 other nations
in the proportion of infants immunized against polio. When the
proportion of U.S. nonwhite infants adequately immunized is compared to
other nations, the United States ranks 70th in the world.
Key reasons for the U.S. immunization decline have included
skyrocketing vaccine costs, rising child and family poverty rates,
inadequate access to health care, and under-funding of public health
programs.
Any long-term plan to correct the current situation should
address--Service Delivery (assure vaccines are available); Information
and Education (increase awareness and demand); and Assessment
(measurement of program performance).
In the Spring of 1992, the Commission on Children & Youth of The
American Legion adopted Immunization as one of their current major
areas of concern. With the assistance of the Centers for Disease
Control and the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Commission
developed the brochure, ``Don't Hesitate . . . Vaccinate!'' In
addition, a project guide, completed in 1994, provides a suggested plan
of action for all our members.
But The American Legion's immunization efforts began in 1944, when
we urged our local Posts and Units to recruit the services of their
members in the interest of early treatment of childhood diseases. In
1955, The American Legion joined with others in support of the National
Foundation for Infantile Paralysis to the end that a tremendous
breakthrough was accomplished with the development of the Salk vaccine.
Our current position on Immunization was established in 1963, when a
formal Resolution was adopted by our National Executive Committee
during the National Convention. This position has been continually
reaffirmed throughout the years.
The American Legion continues to play a major role in assisting
public health departments in effectively getting the message out. In
addition, through their leadership the Legion family is helping to
build local support for the resources needed to enhance the
immunization services in their respective communities. Nationally, The
American Legion continues to coordinate their efforts with the Centers
for Disease Control and to network with other youth-serving
organizations. We have volunteered to open up our 16,000 local Posts to
serve as vaccination centers to insure that every American child is
properly vaccinated by age two. The American Legion recognizes that
children are our greatest natural resource and as such, should
therefore be afforded every opportunity to receive the necessary
treatment and immunization to protect themselves against all vaccine-
preventable diseases.
Continuing Programs
Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA): This is the landmark program
of the Commission on Children & Youth. Begun in 1925 as a form of
direct aid, the Temporary Financial Assistance program is still unique
in the social work field today and remains a very active program. The
past few years have seen a steady increase in the amounts of assistance
required for needy veteran families. In 1993, the program aided 2,182
children with nearly $400,000 in grants. From its beginning to present,
this fund has assisted veterans' families with millions of dollars in
non-repayable grants.
The fund is used to assist families in meeting the costs of
shelter, food, utilities and health expense items when the parents are
unable to do so; thereby helping to keep the child, or children, in a
more stable home environment.
Through TFA, a Post may call upon the Americanism and Children &
Youth Division of The American Legion for cash assistance to help meet
the basic needs of veterans' children. Funds can be granted over a
temporary period to eligible children when it has been determined by
investigation that the child is in need and that no other sources are
available, or those that are available are inadequate. It is important
to note, while the veteran must have served honorably on active duty
during a designated war period, the veteran does not have to be a
member of The American Legion to receive assistance.
As sure as The American Legion is the largest veterans'
organization in the world, there are veterans' families who require
help. Possibly the rent is overdue or the children are hungry because
the father is sick or disabled, deceased, or has deserted the family.
Whatever the reason, these children become the concern of The American
Legion; and the Temporary Financial Assistance Program is the vital
tool which is used to help meet the maintenance and health needs of
veterans' children, thereby allowing the child to develop in the home.
Family Support Network Financial Assistance Program: When American
troops were called to Desert Shield, The American Legion responded
immediately to their families' needs. Over 30,000 calls poured into the
Family Support Network, and local Legionnaires made home and car
repairs, helped with yard work, and hosted or formed support groups.
The Legion also provided financial assistance, often within 48 hours of
a request, to families in need or waiting for military pay. Since its
beginning the Family Support Network has given more than $500,000 to
aid Persian Gulf veterans.
The Family Support Network (FSN) of The American Legion is a
national grassroots program, the centerpiece of which is a toll-free
telephone number that provides an emergency action line for military
families, if assistance is needed.
Using state-of-the-art technology, the confidential requests are
categorized, prioritized and referred to local Posts and Units for
appropriate action by volunteers.
The Financial Assistance Program is an outgrowth of the Family
Support Network, focusing on the needs of Persian Gulf veterans. It is
administered by the Americanism and Children & Youth Division. Its
purpose is to ``assist with meeting the social, health and welfare, and
economic needs of returned service personnel from the Persian Gulf War
and their families.'' In 1993 alone, the FSN provided almost $100,000
in direct financial assistance to Persian Gulf veterans and their
families.
Through this program, a Post of The American Legion can call upon
the Family Support Network to lend a hand in providing cash assistance
to help meet the basic needs of Persian Gulf veterans when it has been
established there are no other resources available to adequately
provide the required assistance.
Direct grants are made available to families to sustain housing,
utilities, clothing and nourishment requirements until the family has
regained the ability to provide for themselves. In addition, the fund
provides medical assistance to family members, where medical procedures
are necessary for the health and welfare of the individual and the
expense is not fully covered by current medical insurance.
Through this program, thousands of Legion and Auxiliary volunteers
have become ``good neighbors'' offering a wide range of assistance to
Desert Storm military families of regular active duty personnel and
those who had been activated in the National Guard and Reserves.
Halloween: The ``Make Halloween a Safe and Fun Night'' program is
now entering its 22nd year of National emphasis. In 1972, the
Commission on Children & Youth realized Halloween was no longer the
carefree, happy occasion it had once been for our nation's young
people. Nationwide attention was focused on our children being maimed
and drugged by ``treats'' they had gathered from neighbors on
Halloween. In response, the Commission established a community-oriented
program on Halloween Safety.
There are many activities that can be planned at the community
level to reduce the risks of children being harmed during this time of
the year. A haunted house maze, carnival activities, costume parades
with prizes awarded for the most imaginative and safest costume, or a
party for older youngsters with a Halloween theme.
The Commission on Children & Youth of The American Legion publishes
a brochure that provides safety tips to aid children and parents in
keeping this a fun and festive occasion. These brochures are available
through our state organizations and all are encouraged to use them to
help protect the well-being of our children.
In 1992, the Commission added a project guide. This guide, produced
again in 1993, provides suggestions to local Posts on how to prepare
for a safe Halloween. In addition, there are sample press releases,
mayoral proclamations, and radio and TV spot announcements. All are
designed to be used in conjunction with the brochure to help ensure
that all children ``Make Halloween a Safe and Fun Night.''
Regional Children & Youth Award Program (V.I.S.I.O.N.): This is a
recognition program for our Legion Posts and Auxiliary Units. Each
year, we encourage our Posts and Units to submit a project they have
conducted during the past year that has benefited the youth of their
community. As an incentive, beautiful plaques and lapel pins dated for
the program year are presented to the winners and awarded in the
presence of their peers at their National Leadership Workshop held each
fall.
Whether it is a Certificate of Participation, a Certificate of
Excellence, or a plaque and lapel pin, all Posts are winners. But the
true winners with such a program such as this are the children and
youth of the various communities throughout the country. They are the
ones that ultimately benefit from these efforts.
Child Safety: The American Legion has demonstrated a strong concern
for the safety of this nation's young people since the early 1920's.
Until recently, child safety had been one of our major areas of
concern, continuing on a yearly basis. In 1992, the Commission on
Children & Youth, in a unanimous decision, voted to designate the Child
Safety program as one of our Annual, or Continuing Programs. In the
Spring of 1994, the Commission placed Teenage Suicide Prevention and
Substance Abuse Prevention under Child Safety as a Continuing Program.
Child Safety is defined as any external event which may present a
significant danger to a child or young person. It includes, but is not
limited to:
1. Child Abuse and Neglect.
2. Sexual Abuse.
3. Indoor/Outdoor Safety.
4. School Safety.
5. Playground Safety.
6. Missing and Abducted Children.
7. Accidents (automobile, drownings, firearms).
8. Fire Safety.
9. Substance Abuse Prevention.
10. Teenage Suicide Prevention.
According to national estimates, the number of children who
disappear each year ranges from one million to as many as two million.
Many of these children are considered runaways, but of the
approximately 150,000 children who are abducted each year, 50,000 are
taken by strangers and 100,000 are taken by non-custodial parents of
divorces or separations. This is a problem that not only threatens the
family way of life, but the very existence of children that most often
are too young to help themselves.
To combat this growing problem, The American Legion, in a
nationwide program, is emphasizing a program of public information and
precautionary steps for parents to take to avoid the tragedy of missing
children. By utilizing resources and volunteers at the local, state and
national levels, we have been getting the word out.
Accidents are the leading cause of death and disability among our
nation's youth. Annually, nearly 25,000 children under the age of 19
will die in automobile crashes, drownings, fires, and through the
improper use of firearms. Even in somewhat environmentally controlled
homes, playgrounds and parks, the potential for serious injury is
always present.
Our Legion volunteers regularly disseminate information to
parents, children and community leaders regarding the issue of safety.
Making children safety conscious, in the home and outside, is necessary
to assure our children have an opportunity to play and grow into useful
adults and citizens.
Alcohol, Marijuana and Cocaine are considered ``gateway drugs''
for thousands of young people throughout the United States. The great
tragedy of substance abuse, which continues to infest all levels of our
society, is its prevalence in elementary school age children. Most come
in contact with drugs by age seven.
Prevention education is part of the answer, but it must begin
early. Children, of all ages, need to be taught drug awareness, and the
physical and mental dangers involved with the use of all substances, to
include the legal drugs of alcohol and tobacco. The American Legion
considers a child's future to be very important. Our brochure ``Gateway
Drugs'' is designed to let young people stop and think about what they
may be doing to themselves, and how what they do can affect others. The
key to their future is responsible decision making. Many of our
Nation's youth are assisting with this problem by forming drug
awareness clubs in schools. This generates positive peer pressure and
shows our young people they can have just as much fun by staying sober.
As concerned citizens, we must never give up in our battle against
drugs. We must strive to increase awareness, and show our children that
we care about both them and their future.
According to statistics, the suicide rate for persons under the
age of 21 has tripled since 1960. Every hour, at least one American
teenager or young adult has committed suicide and as many as 40 others
have made the attempt.
Research findings from around the country indicate that eight out
of ten people who kill themselves give some warning of their
intentions. Because of this, it is imperative for any adult who has
daily contact with young people to acquaint themselves with the warning
signs of suicide if we are to decrease the numbers in this tragic area.
The American Legion volunteers continue their work to educate parents,
schools and communities on this epidemic killer of our nation's young
people. We, as parents and concerned citizens, cannot afford to let one
of our greatest national resources go to waste.
Through the combined effort of our volunteers, and the education
of our fellow citizens, we are helping to provide for the security,
health and welfare vital for all our children to grow up safely.
National Leadership Workshops
Our Commission on Children & Youth has been very encouraged by the
attendance of our volunteers. At the 1993 set of conferences, we again
saw an increase of attendees for both Legion and Auxiliary members. At
these workshops, we share our programs and methods of implementation
with the Posts and Units. In 1993, our workshops were:
Region 1--Portland, Maine--September 17-19.
Region 2--Hampton, Virginia--October 1-3.
Region 3--Mobile, Alabama--October 1-3.
Region 4--Little Rock, Arkansas--October 8-10.
Region 5--Indianapolis, Indiana--October 29-31.
Region 6--Fargo, North Dakota--September 17-19.
Region 7--Las Vegas, Nevada--October 29-31.
Region 8--Spokane, Washington--October 8-10.
We move our Leadership Workshops each year, from city to city
within each Region. This gives Posts in each area the opportunity to
send representatives at a very minimal cost. Our major goal is to help
children, and our presence at these outreach workshops is really having
a positive impact on our annual program.
Legislative Efforts
The initiation and support of worthwhile Children & Youth
legislation is one of the means by which the Commission on Children &
Youth has attempted to accomplish its goal during the 1993-1994 program
year. At our National Convention in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, September
5-9, 1993, the following mandate was introduced for our attention
during this Congress:
Amend PL 97-359 to Provide Benefits for Amerasian Children in the
Philippines: Res. 99. The American Legion is aware of the problems that
beset children in the Philippines of Amerasian descent, the great
majority of whom are in need of parental care and support. Similarly
situated children, born in other Asian countries--Korea, Thailand,
Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia--have been given certain rights and
assistance under federal legislation, U.S. Public Law No. 97-359,
enacted in 1982.
The American Legion urges the U.S. Congress to enact, and asks the
President to support, amendatory legislation that will correct a grave
injustice to Amerasian children born in the Philippines by eliminating
the discriminatory provision against them in Public Law No. 97-359, and
recognizing their existence and entitlement to the same rights,
privileges, and benefits as the Amerasian children in other Asian
countries, including the right to make a clear choice as to domicile.
These are the highlights of our 1993 Children & Youth legislative
program. The American Legion's Commission on Children & Youth has
constantly urged its Departments to support Children & Youth
legislation as it relates to our National objectives. Local Posts are
also encouraged to support city ordinances as they deal with the
community's efforts to improve conditions for children and youth. Our
Children & Youth legislation program is a never-ending process, which
we eagerly accept for the sake of all children--everywhere.
Children & Youth Expenditures
Annually, as it has for the past 69 years, the National Commission
on Children & Youth records activities from nearly 16,000 Posts of The
American Legion; 12,000 Units of the American Legion Auxiliary; and
hundreds of Salons of the Eight and Forty. In addition, the
expenditures of Departments and of the National Organization are
obtained for the 12 month period of June 1 through May 31, and combined
with these reports.
This year, Posts and Departments of the Legion reported
expenditures of $22,863,602.00. To this amount, we proudly add
$5,138,220.00 by the Auxiliary. An additional $392,326.00 was given to
families in need through our Temporary Financial Assistance program. To
this we add other contributions to the Child Welfare Foundation in the
amount of $150,849.00. This amounts to a grand total of expenditures
and contributions to the total Children & Youth program in 1993-94 of
$28,544,997.00.
Children & Youth Literature
During the 1993-94 program year, tens of thousands of pieces of
Children & Youth literature were distributed by the Americanism and
Children & Youth Division as it attempted to further the objectives of
our total program.
As shown in Table #5, our most popular brochures are related to our
major points of emphasis--Substance Abuse Prevention, Teenage Suicide
Prevention, Missing Children, Child Safety, and Immunization. It is of
further interest to note that some 6,489 citations were distributed to
Departments in order to recognize Posts for their contributions to the
overall Children & Youth Program.
Appreciation Acknowledged
The Commission on Children & Youth and its Chairman must take this
opportunity to thank the volunteers of the Legion and the Auxiliary.
Many hours, tremendous amounts of energy and personal sacrifice cannot
be repaid. We are indeed thankful that the spirit of volunteerism is
alive and well in The American Legion. Special mention must also go to
our National Commander Bruce Thiesen; not because of his rank, but
because of his sincere dedication and verbal support for our program
during this past year. Likewise special thanks to National Adjutant
Robert Spanogle for his support and cooperation. The American Legion
does an excellent job with this program, but the record must be clear.
Without the assistance of the American Legion Auxiliary, the Eight and
Forty, and the Sons of The American Legion, our National Children &
Youth Program would have little chance for success.
COMMISSION ON CHILDREN & YOUTH
Executive Section
Eugene V. Lindquist, Clarissa, Minnesota--Chairman
Elmer Fuhrhop, Hamler, Ohio--Vice-Chairman
Margaret M. Malone, Trenton, New Jersey--National Commander's
Representative
W. Darrell Hansel, Vevay, Indiana--Consultant
Walter F. Baker, Seneca Falls, New York--Consultant
James P. Holley, Center, Texas
Cletus A. Lehne, East Moline, Illinois
Talmage C. Carawan, Rockville, Maryland
Herbert J. Petit, Kenner, Louisiana
THE AMERICAN LEGION CHILD WELFARE FOUNDATION, INC.
U.S. ``Udie'' Grant, Kansas, President
Terry L. Woodburn, Illinois, Executive Secretary
The American Legion has been concerned about the welfare of
children since it was founded. It has been a leader in youth activities
around the country for both volunteer hours and financial
contributions. In 1954 it allowed the separate incorporation of what is
called The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation which has awarded
just over four million dollars to nonprofit, youth oriented
organizations. A grant may only be obtained for one of the following
two purposes:
1. To contribute to the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual
welfare of children and youth through the dissemination of knowledge
about new and innovative organizations and/or their programs designed
to benefit youth; and
2. to contribute to the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual
welfare of children and youth through the dissemination of knowledge
already possessed by well established organizations, to the end that
such information can be more adequately used by society.
For the past 40 years the Foundation has received its primary
support from the members of The American Legion, the American Legion
Auxiliary, Eight and Forty, and Sons of The American Legion. It became
an official part of The American Legion's Children and Youth Program in
1956 with the belief that it is better to prevent physical and social
ills confronting our nation's youth than to try and correct the problem
after it has occurred.
The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation, in its 40th year, has
awarded $264,500.00 to 10 non-profit organizations. These grants were
determined during the annual meeting of the Board of Directors, held at
the Ramada Plaza in Indianapolis, on Sunday, May 1, 1994. These grants
have been awarded to support worthwhile projects and disseminate
information about them to the general public and specific target
groups. The following is a brief summary of the grants awarded this
year:
The Association of Birth Defect Children, of Orlando, Florida was
awarded $36,900.00 for their project entitled ``National Environmental
Birth Defects Registry.'' The grant will be used to produce
questionnaires, brochures and newsletters to determine any patterns of
disability in the children of Vietnam veterans and other environmental
exposures which will be reported to the National Academy of Sciences;
the VA; the House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee and to
registry participants.
Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
was awarded $16,000.00 for their project entitled ``Tapping the
Potential of College Students as Big Brothers and Big Sisters.'' The
grant will produce recruitment materials and develop a planning guide
to promote the development and expansion of college student volunteer
programs by Big Brothers/Big Sisters agencies throughout the United
States.
The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America Inc. of New York was
awarded $25,000.00 for their project entitled ``Living With IBD.'' The
grant will produce an educational book designed to help today's
teenager better understand and cope with Crohn's disease and ulcerative
colitis and be distributed nationwide.
The Friends Network of Santa Barbara, California was awarded
$12,000.00 for their project entitled ``Funletters--For Kids With
Cancer.'' This grant will produce Funletters, a therapeutic and upbeat
resource distributed nationwide for children and teens fighting cancer.
Key Club International of Indianapolis, Indiana was awarded
$55,500.00 for their project entitled ``Respond to the Need,
Education.'' This grant will supply 1,000 ``Teen and Relationships''
video kits to Key Clubs across the country and to those students who
are in need of ``training'' in the area of relationship development and
self-esteem.
The National Crime Prevention Council of Washington, District of
Columbia was awarded $16,000.00 for their project entitled ``How
Communities Can Raise Youth Free From Violence.'' This grant will
produce a booklet on ways in which youth-related violence can be
prevented. This booklet will be distributed to criminal justice policy
makers around the U.S., local elected and appointed leaders, and
community leaders (through credible national and state organizations).
The National Hemophilia Foundation of New York was awarded
$27,600.00 for their project entitled ``My Parents Have HIV/AIDS: Some
Advice From An Eight-Year Old.'' This grant will produce a book which
provides basic information about HIV/AIDS to children and disseminate
copies of the publication through HANDI, NHF chapters, AIDS
Clearinghouse, and pediatric AIDS foundations.
The National Marfan Foundation of Port Washington, New York was
awarded $19,400.00 for their project entitled ``Celebrating the
Differences.'' This grant will produce a ten minute video that can be
used in schools, support groups, and other venues to promote
understanding, respect and acceptance between children and their peers
who are perceived to be different.
The Sturge-Weber Foundation of Aurora, Colorado was awarded
$17,100.00 for their project entitled ``Face to Face With Sturge-Weber
Phase II.'' This grant will produce an informative and supportive video
to enhance the lives of children with Sturge-Weber Syndrome by
educating those adults responsible for their care.
The Treacher Collins Foundation of Norwich, Vermont was awarded
$39,000.00 for their project entitled ``RARE Should Not Mean Alone.''
This grant will produce a 15-20 minute video about Treacher Collins
Syndrome and distribute it to parents/children/families who contact the
Treacher Collins Foundation; genetics departments of all U.S. Medical
Schools; Craniofacial treatment centers throughout the U.S. and Canada;
and other interested health care providers by request.
Since its first award in 1955, The American Legion Child Welfare
Foundation has now given over four million dollars in grants to other
not for profit organizations around the country.
During the meeting, the following officers were elected: U.S.
(Udie) Grant of Kansas (President); Eugene V. Lindquist of Minnesota
(Vice President); James P. Holley of Texas (Secretary); and W. Calvitt
Bradwell of South Carolina (Treasurer). Administrative personnel that
were re-appointed by the Board of Directors were Webber LaGrange
(Assistant Treasurer) and Terry Woodburn (Executive Secretary). Under
the 1969 Tax Reform Act, the Foundation retains its tax exempt status.
Gifts, therefore, are deductible for federal income tax purposes to the
extent permitted by law, and bequests to the Foundation are deductible
for federal inheritance tax purposes to the extent permitted by the
Federal Tax Act.
CONVENTION COMMISSION
James J. Charleston, Illinois, Chairman
Robert P. Radke, Ohio, Director
The 75th Annual National Convention of The American Legion was held
in Pittsburgh, PA, September 3-9, 1993. The Convention was highly
successful and the attendees enjoyed the hospitality of the host city
and the festivities of the Convention. Highlights were the National
Contests, the Patriotic Memorial Service and the Convention Parade. On
Labor Day afternoon, the Convention Festival was held at Station
Square. Approximately 10,000 spectators enjoyed the festivities of the
day including the Volunteers--the United States Army Field Band and
musical legend--Lee Greenwood. Convention sessions were conducted by
National Commander Roger A. Munson, Ohio, on September 7 through 9.
Local Corporation officers, Committee Chairmen and members were
commended by the Convention Commission for putting on a very fine
Convention.
The following uniformed group units emerged as National Champions
at the Pittsburgh Convention Contests:
Senior Band Contest--American Legion Band of the Tonawandas, Post
264, Tonawanda, NY.
Color Guard Contest (Military--Closed)--Speedway Post 500 Honor
Guard, Speedway, IN.
Color Guard Contest (Military--Open)--Pure Heaven Color Guard
Auxiliary Unit 37, Ames, IA.
Color Guard Contest (Open Class)--Conn-Weissenberger Glass City
Guardsmen, Post 587, Toledo, OH.
Commission Meetings
The Convention Commission held three meetings during the past year.
The first was held during the 75th Annual Convention at Pittsburgh on
September 4, 1993. The second meeting was held at National Headquarters
in Indianapolis, IN on October 18-19, 1993. Routine business was
conducted at these meetings. The final meeting was held at National
Headquarters on May 4-5, 1994. The following recommendations were made
and later accepted and approved by the National Executive Committee:
1. Approval for the National Commander to sign the contract
with the National Convention Corporation of Oregon for the 1995
Convention at Portland, OR;
2. That San Antonio, TX be withdrawn as the site of the 1996
Convention and be replaced by Salt Lake City, UT;
3. That Detroit, MI be withdrawn as the site of the 1997
Convention and be replaced by the city of Orlando, FL;
4. That the city of Anaheim, CA be given the tentative award
for the 1999 Convention.
The Convention Commission considered the problem of holding
Conventions in cities where outlying hotels must be used, resulting in
shuttle service to transport attendees to and from hotels to Convention
activity locations. It was generally decided that we must more often
utilize cities which do not require shuttles, thereby, not subjecting
attendees to the inconvenience of shuttling and also eliminating the
high cost of the shuttle systems.
Future Conventions
1995--Portland, OR--September 1-7, 1995.
1996--Salt Lake City, UT--August 30-September 5, 1996 (T).
1997--Orlando, FL--August 29-September 4, 1997 (T).
1998--New Orleans, LA--September 4-10, 1998 (T).
1999--Anaheim, CA--September 3-9, 1999 (T).
76th National Convention--Minneapolis, MN
The 76th National Convention of The American Legion will be held
September 2-8, 1994, in Minneapolis, MN. Plans are progressing on
schedule for the Convention and the completion of the celebration of
the 75th Anniversary of The American Legion. A large turnout of
delegates and guests are expected to attend this Convention.
DISTINGUISHED GUEST COMMITTEE
Jeffrey L. Olson, Minnesota, Chairman
The Distinguished Guest Committee operates under the umbrella of
the Convention Commission and is directed to assume the responsibility
of coordinating the activities of those persons invited to attend the
National Convention as Distinguished Guests. The committee arranges
transportation requirements upon arrival and departure at the
Convention city and also provides such services to the various events
which the guest wishes to attend. In the past few years, many of the
functions of this committee have been programmed into a computer,
helping to make the operation more efficient and successful. Proper
credentials, agendas, itineraries and other necessary details are all
part of this operation. The committee normally operates from the
Legion's headquarters hotel. The facility is the nerve center for all
the committee's operations and is also maintained as a convenience and
central locator for all of the distinguished guests.
ECONOMIC COMMISSION
Allen L. Titus, Indiana, Chairman
James B. Hubbard, Michigan, Director
This report covers the programs, activities and accomplishments of
the National Economic Commission, its two standing committees
(Employment and Veterans Preference), and the staff from July 1, 1993,
through June 30, 1994. Since the commission and the committees always
meet concurrently, all future reference to the commission in this
report will automatically indicate the inclusion of the committees.
1993-1994 Meetings
During the period this report covers, the commission met for four
regularly scheduled executive sessions. A list of those meetings
follows:
(1) Members and guests of the National Economic Commission met on
Saturday, September 4, 1993, in the Lawrence Convention Center in
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in conjunction with the Seventy-fifth Annual
National Convention. A report on that meeting was made to the National
Executive Committee on Monday, Sept. 6, 1993. The complete text of that
report appears in the Proceedings of the National Executive Committee's
Pre- and Post-Convention Meetings.
(2) An executive session of the National Economic Commission was
held in the Hilton Hotel in Indianapolis, Indiana, on October 18-19,
1993. A complete report on that meeting appears in the Digest of
Proceedings of the National Executive Committee, October 20-21, 1993.
(3) The National Economic Commission met in conjunction with the
Thirty-fourth Annual Washington Conference on Monday, Feb. 14, and
Wednesday, Feb. 16, 1994. Those sessions were held in the Sheraton
Washington Hotel in Washington, DC. A report on the topics covered
during those two sessions is contained in the commission's Advance
Report to the NEC.
(4) Members of the commission met on May 2-3, 1994, in the Hilton
Hotel in Indianapolis, Indiana. A complete report on that meeting
appears in the Digest of Proceedings of the National Executive
Committee, May 4-5, 1994.
Legislative Appearances
A very important part of the work of the National Economic
Commission is the preparation and presentation of congressional
testimony on issues affecting the economic well-being of America's
veterans. During the period covered by this report, the commission
testified on five separate occasions. A list of those hearings follows:
February 23, 1994; Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee; Homeless
Veterans' Programs
March 17, 1994; House Appropriations Committee; Veterans'
Employment and Training Service Budget
May 25, 1994; House Veterans' Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on
Education, Training, and Employment; Transition Assistance Program
(TAP) and Service Members' Occupational Conversion and Training Act
(SMOCTA)
June 15, 1994; House Veterans' Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on
Education, Training, and Employment; Reemployment Act of 1994
June 30, 1994; House Veterans' Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on
Housing and Memorial Affairs; Department of Veterans' Affairs Home Loan
Program
The economics staff prepared the commission's portion of the
testimony that was presented in September 1993 by the National
Commander at a joint session of the House and Senate Committees on
Veterans' Affairs regarding The American Legion's goals and concerns,
as well as the Legion's February 1994 appearance before the same
committees concerning the administration's proposed FY 1995 budget for
the VA and veterans' programs.
Administrative Activities
The commission's staff of three manage all of its activities and
programs on a daily basis.
The staff's major responsibility is to promote employment and
training opportunities for veterans at the national level. This is
accomplished through the commission's ongoing work with Congress and
the following federal agencies: the Department of Labor, Office of
Personnel Management, Small Business Administration, and the Department
of Veterans Affairs. The director and assistant director also represent
The American Legion on the following boards and committees: Executive
Committee of the President's Committee on Employment of People with
Disabilities, and its Committee on Disabled Veterans; the Secretary of
Labor's Committee on Veterans' Employment; the Veterans' Committee of
the Interstate Conference of Employment Security Agencies; and the
veterans' advisory committees of the Small Business Administration and
the Office of Personnel Management. They also act as advisors to the
Legion's Veterans Planning and Coordinating Committee.
Another staff responsibility is answering the large volume of mail
that is received annually from veterans seeking information or
assistance on issues which come under the commission's jurisdiction.
While the staff can neither place individual veterans in jobs nor
represent them in labor disputes, the staff does provide information,
guidance and, when appropriate, referral. Besides correspondence from
individuals, the staff also receives and answers frequent requests and
inquiries from government agencies, members of Congress, congressional
committees, private organizations, and other groups regarding veterans'
economic issues.
One of the commission's major programs is its employer awards
program, which is administered by the staff. Through this program The
American Legion pays tribute to those employers across the country who
have established outstanding records in the employment and retention of
veterans, workers with disabilities and older workers.
This year the commission added a whole new category of awards, to
recognize outstanding veteran-dedicated Employment Service staff
personnel and local offices.
Publications
As discussed elsewhere in this report, the commission does not
place veterans in jobs, but rather, relies on a network of employment
chairmen to assist individual veterans in finding employment.
In order to assist the employment chairmen to be as effective as
possible, the staff provides them with pertinent information and
guidance through the Legion's biweekly newspaper, The Dispatch. They
also provide articles on a routine basis to The American Legion
Magazine.
With the Commission on Children and Youth, the Economic Commission
prepared a pamphlet on writing a resume, directed mainly at first-time
job seekers. This pamphlet was printed and distributed nationally
during 1993.
Demand continues strong for the National Economic Commission's
resource pamphlet for homeless veterans. Over 30,000 copies have been
distributed to date.
Employer of the Year Awards
Each year since 1969, the Legion's National Economic Commission has
sponsored an Employer of the Year Awards Program. This program seeks to
honor those employers across the country that have established an
outstanding record in the employment and retention of veterans.
Nominations for these awards are submitted by Posts to their
Departments for review. Each Department must then select what it feels
is the most worthy nominee in the large employer category (those
companies with more than 200 employees), one in the medium-size
employer category (51-200 employees), and one in the small employer
category (50 or fewer employees). These three nominations are then
forwarded to the National Economic Commission prior to December 15 for
final approval and the issuance of plaques. After the plaques are
prepared, they are sent to the Departments for presentation.
Prior to this year's Washington Conference, the chairman of the
National Economic Commission, Allen L. Titus (IN), appointed a five-
person subcommittee to review all of the nominations that had been
received during 1993 in the Employer of the Year Awards Program. The
purpose of this subcommittee was to select a national winner and a
runner-up in each of the employer categories. Those serving on the
subcommittee were James A. McMahon (ME), Chairman; William E.
Christoffersen (UT); Henry J. Field (SC); E. C. Toppin (NC), Leonard E.
Shaw (IA), and Benedict A. Lee (NJ).
The members of the Employer of the Year Subcommittee met on
February 14 and 15, 1994, to consider 41 employer nominations from 17
Departments. Of these nominations, 16 were for small, 11 were for
medium, and 14 were for large employers. Six of these nominations (two
large, one medium, and three small) were, for one reason or another,
ineligible for the national awards.
Prior to the meeting, the staff liaison to the subcommittee mailed
copies of all nominations and supporting data to each subcommittee
member. After a thorough review of this material, the Employer of the
Year Subcommittee selected the following winners:
Large Employer: Schneider National, Inc., Eastover, South
Carolina.
Medium Size Employer: Morton International, Inc., Seabrook,
New Hampshire.
Small Employer: American Classic Charter and Tours Inc.,
Selma, North Carolina.
The subcommittee also selected three runners-up in the event that
one of the winners is unable to accept the award, or is disqualified
because of any labor relations or OSHA violations that might be pending
against them. The three runners-up are as follows:
Large Employer: Conrail, Altoona, Pennsylvania
Medium Size Employer: SEAIR Transport Services, Inc.,
Lakehurst, New Jersey.
Small Employer: Lithography by Turner, Inc., Deer Park, New
York.
Officials of the three winning companies have agreed to come to the
76th Annual National Convention in Minneapolis to accept the national
awards. Upon their arrival in the convention city, each company will
receive a small stipend to help defray the travel costs of their
representatives.
LVER and DVOP Awards
Beginning in 1993, three new awards have been presented, to the
Local Veterans Employment Representative of the Year, the Disabled
Veterans Outreach Program Specialist of the Year, and the Employment
Service Office of the Year. These awards are given in cooperation with
local Job Service offices across the country, to recognize truly
outstanding veteran-dedicated staff members.
Department winners were selected and submitted to the national
commission in the same manner as employer award winners. Entries were
considered by the employer awards subcommittee on Feb. 14-15, 1994.
Winners are to receive their plaques at their respective Department
Conventions. National winners are the following:
LVER of the Year: Gary Bjorkquist, Escanaba, Michigan.
DVOP of the Year: Heywood Bell, El Centro, California.
ES Office of the Year: DuBois Jobs Center, DuBois,
Pennsylvania.
EMPLOYMENT COMMITTEE
James A. McMahon, Maine, Chairman
James B. Hubbard, Michigan, Director
The mission of the committee is to promote employment and training
opportunities for veterans. To accomplish this, the committee works at
the national level with Congress and various federal agencies. The
committee does not place veterans in jobs, but rather, relies on its
network of employment chairmen to assist individual veterans in finding
employment. These employment chairmen are appointed by their Posts and
Departments. Occasionally, Departments also appoint them at the county
and District levels.
Cooperative Job Training and Placement Project
The American Legion has undertaken a new job training and placement
program with the Laborers' International Union of North America. In
late March of 1993 American Legion and Laborers' Union officials
interviewed 24 young men recruited from the Maryland Department of
Economic and Employment Development and the District of Columbia
National Guard. These people either had been out of the military for
less than six months or were current members of the National Guard
seeking full time employment. All who were interviewed were offered 80
hours of training in basic construction skills and employment following
the training. This program is not a job training program, it is, in the
words of National Commander Roger Munson, "a job training and placement
program."
Seventeen of these people completed the training and are now
working at construction sites in the Washington, DC, area. Top pay is
$13.00 per hour. The lowest pay starts at $9.00 per hour.
The program operated in Washington was a pilot program. One more
pilot was operated in the Philadelphia area later that summer. On June
30, 1993, the Veterans' Employment and Training Service awarded a grant
worth over $166,000 to The American Legion to expand the program to
Almond, Wisconsin, Des Moines, Iowa, and Lawrenceburg, Kentucky.
On June 30, 1994, the grant was extended for two years in the
amount of $387,000. The project will be going to seven additional
sites.
VETERANS PREFERENCE COMMITTEE
Henry J. Field, South Carolina, Chairman
James B. Hubbard, Michigan, Director
This committee is charged with the responsibility of promoting
veterans' employment opportunities in federal government and for
ensuring that agencies continue to observe all veterans' preference
laws.
Federal Veterans' Economic Programs
The following is a brief overview of the activities of those
federal agencies, and their veterans' programs, with which the
commission works regularly.
Department of Labor: Unemployment and underemployment among
veterans and non-veterans has continued to decrease over the past year.
However, there are still some major problems.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, veterans constitute
13-14% of the nation's labor force. However, over 26% of all dislocated
workers are veterans. Many of these veterans lost their jobs because of
automation, robotics or because the employer went out of business for
one reason or another.
Unfortunately, it is generally very difficult for the dislocated
worker to find new employment that is suitable. This is because most of
these individuals do not have the financial resources necessary either
to obtain job training or to relocate to an area where employment might
be available. The problems of these men and women are further
exacerbated by many employers' view of them as older workers.
The commission is also concerned about the employment of severely
disabled veterans. According to data supplied by the Department of
Labor's Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training, over
two-thirds of all veterans who are 60% or more compensably disabled
have completely dropped out of the labor market. This has occurred
because many employers in both the public and private sectors have
refused to make the necessary accommodations for their employment.
Another major concern of the commission and the Department of Labor
is homeless veterans. While there seems to be a vast disparity in the
estimates of the number of homeless persons in this country, one thing
the experts do agree on is that a large percentage are veterans. They
also believe that many of the homeless veterans served during the
Vietnam era. As mentioned earlier, the commission has prepared a
pamphlet entitled A Resource Guide for the Homeless Veteran. This
publication is intended to help homeless veterans locate resources and
benefits that may be available to them because of their military
service.
The American Legion will continue to work with the Department of
Labor and other federal agencies that have the resources necessary to
help homeless veterans to get off the streets and onto payrolls. In the
weeks and months ahead, the commission will continue to work with the
Labor Department to find solutions to these and other problems that
affect veterans economically.
Department of the Treasury: The Economic Commission continues its
active support of U.S. Savings Bonds, which have recently gained a new
popularity because of an added education benefit. Savings bonds can be
completely tax free when used for higher education tuition.
Because of federal budget cuts, the U.S. Treasury Department can no
longer afford to send each Legion post promotional material on savings
bonds. The Economic Commission, however, continues to provide
Legionnaires with information on the value of these bonds through
articles and public service advertisements in Legion publications.
Department of Veterans Affairs: The loan guaranty program operated
by the Department of Veterans Affairs has guaranteed over 14.2 million
loans to veterans since its inception in 1944. A high percentage of
these loans were made with no down payment, enabling veterans and their
families to attain home ownership without accumulating the financial
resources required by conventional loans.
During the 1980s the program endured a difficult period. A severe
recession in midwest-Great Lakes region impacting on the steel,
automobile, glass, tire, and farming industries caused foreclosures of
guaranteed loans to increase dramatically. This was followed by the
recession in the energy belt (Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado),
which also saw sharply higher foreclosures. VA paid more claims to
lenders and acquired more properties, which led to higher costs.
Consequently appropriations to support the program increased
substantially.
Currently the program's status is much improved. Foreclosures have
decreased every fiscal year since FY 1988. The 29,000 claims paid to
lenders in FY 1993 was 44 percent below the 52,059 paid in FY 1988. In
March of 1988 VA had title to 25,172 properties. By the end of FY 1993
the inventory of properties had decreased 55 percent to 11,283. Sharply
lower interest rates have given veterans better opportunities to
purchase homes and thousands of veterans are refinancing their existing
GI loans at lower interest rates. In FY 1992 VA guaranteed 66,190
refinancing loans. This increased to 161,728 loans in FY 1993 and
through June 1994 VA has guaranteed 228,125 refinancing loans. Lower
monthly payments on these mortgage loans should contribute to reduced
foreclosures in the future. Total loans guaranteed through June of 1994
amount to 406,201.
Office of Personnel Management: The federal government is the
largest employer in the country as well as the largest employer of
veterans. The responsibility for ensuring that veterans receive the
preference they have been granted by law is vested in the Office of
Personnel Management.
The following statistical summary appeared in OPM's annual report
to Congress on veterans' employment in federal government. This summary
covers veteran hiring and promotion activities for FY '93.
Veterans hired totaled 41,976;
18,714 of those were Vietnam era veterans;
7,424 were disabled; and
2,984 of those were 30% or more disabled.
Veterans promoted totaled 62,276;
disabled veterans promoted numbered 10,729; and
3,640 of those were 30% or more disabled.
14,008 Veterans Readjustment Appointments were made.
2,984 appointments of 30% or more disabled veterans were
made;
1,670 of those were made through the special
noncompetitive hiring authority.
Trends in veterans' employment in the federal service indicate an
increase of Vietnam era veterans from 1983 to 1993, but a decline in
veterans from other eras. This decline is due primarily to the
retirements of older veterans (approximately 60 percent of all
retirements over the last seven years were veterans). In spite of the
overall decline in veterans in the federal work force, the 28.7 percent
veterans' representation in the non-Postal federal service continues to
be more than double the 14.5 percent in the civilian labor force.
Veterans with 30 percent or more disability have increased since 1984
while those with less than 30 percent have declined.
The Veterans Preference Committee will continue to monitor these
trends in the future. It will also continue to work with OPM to promote
employment opportunities for veterans.
Postal Service: In its Disabled Veterans Affirmative Action Plan
report for FY '92, the U.S. Postal Service reported that as of
September 18, 1992, it had a total of 691,780 career employees. Of that
number, 248,200 (35.9%) were veterans, 74,511 (10.8%) were disabled
veterans, and 16,960 (2.5%) were 30% or more disabled.
The Veterans Preference Committee will continue to promote
employment opportunities for veterans within the Postal Service.
During the past year the committee participated in two award
ceremonies whose purpose was to recognize the efforts and
accomplishments of the outstanding disabled employees of both the
federal government and the Postal Service. On both occasions the
committee presented each nominee with an American flag that had been
flown over the Capitol.
Small Business Administration: During fiscal year 1993, about 42%
of all of the Small Business Administration's direct loans were made to
veterans. This translates into 260 loans for a total of $21.9 million.
During the same period, 13% of the loans guaranteed by SBA were made to
veterans, who received 3,874 loans totalling $826 million. Vietnam era
veterans received $529 million, a 12% increase over the guaranteed loan
dollars made to veterans over the last year.
The average size of SBA loans to veterans during FY 1993 was
$213,240 for guaranty loans, and $84,584 for direct loans. Loans to
Vietnam era veterans averaged $84,216 for direct loans and $202,122 for
guaranty loans.
Vietnam era veterans received $19.5 million in direct loans or 96%
of all SBA direct lending to veterans. Veterans received 25% of all
agency direct lending.
Through SBA's 8(a) program, 842 contracts were awarded to veteran-
owned firms for a total of $957.7 million, which represents 49% of the
dollars and 15% of the contracts awarded in that program.
Many small business contractors are unable to obtain work because
of the unavailability of bonding. During FY 1993, utilizing SBA's
surety bond program, veteran-owned firms obtained contracts totalling
more than $196 million, or 26% of the total dollar amount awarded.
During FY 1993, 57,786 veterans received SBA-sponsored business
training and 130,202 received SBA-sponsored counseling. To serve our
nation's veteran businesses better during fiscal years 1994 and 1995,
SBA Administrator Erskine Bowles has entered into contracts with the
agency's 68 District Directors agreeing on specific statewide goals for
veteran lending during FY 1994.
Conclusion
The National Economic Commission is fully aware that it would be
impossible to carry out its mandates without the active involvement of
Posts, Districts, Counties, Departments and individual Legionnaires. We
deeply appreciate their continued support and involvement. Chairman
Titus also thanks the National Commander, the National Adjutant, the
National Executive Committee, and the staff of both the Washington and
Indianapolis offices for the outstanding support and cooperation they
have provided during the past year.
FINANCE COMMISSION
George W. Boucek, Illinois, Chairman
Webber LaGrange, Indiana, National Treasurer
Paul M. Allen, Minnesota, Director
The primary obligation of the Finance Commission is to prepare a
yearly budget for submission to the National Executive Committee,
handle funds under that budget, and exercise reasonable oversight to
see that the various divisions and departments of the National
Organization operate within their approved appropriations. The Finance
Commission is composed of seven members, with the National Adjutant as
ex-officio secretary, and the National Commander and National Treasurer
are ex-officio members. Also attending these meetings are the Executive
Directors of the Washington and Indianapolis offices and the Finance
Director, as well as our Liaison observers from the National Executive
Committee.
The National Organization had an operating deficit of $1,613,864
for the year 1993. In 1993, we received $5.50 dues per member, which is
allocated as follows: $3.00 to the General Fund; and $2.50 to The
American Legion Magazine. In September 1993, at the 75th National
Convention in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Resolution No. 1 was adopted
which stated effective January 10, 1994 the national per capita will be
$9.00.
The income of the National Organization is derived from annual
membership dues, interest on investments, magazine advertisements,
Emblem Sales, contributions, and other approved activities.
A full financial statement is incorporated in the Auditor's Report,
and in addition, your attention is directed to the Reports of
Committees and Trusts which come under the jurisdiction of this
Commission and can be found elsewhere in this publication. These
reports include the:
American Legion Child Welfare Foundation, Inc.
American Legion Endowment Fund Corporation.
American Legion Life Insurance and Trust Committee.
American Legion Emblem Committee.
American Legion Overseas Graves Decoration Trust.
EMBLEM COMMITTEE
Keith Gwilliam, Utah, Chairman
Alfred L. Lankenau, Indiana, General Manager
Meetings
The Emblem Committee has met twice since our last report. The
meeting of the Committee in September, 1993, in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, was to consider bids, award contracts for the 1994
requirements and to carefully study operating policy. The second
meeting, in May of 1994, studied general operations and promotional
plans.
Catalog
The 1994 National Emblem catalog combined American Legion, American
Legion Auxiliary and Sons of The American Legion merchandise in seventy
two (72) pages. The catalog, with order blanks bound into the book, was
shipped using a pre-printed indicia on the back cover and a simple
mailing strip. The catalog was mailed to all Departments, Posts and
Units (approximately 65,000 copies) as soon as it was received from the
printer. An additional quantity of approximately 30,000 was distributed
to individual members in response to their requests and at department
conventions where we have had Emblem Sales displays.
Advertising
Advertising in The American Legion Magazine since the last report
promoted the 1994 catalog and rings. A four-color flyer promoting 75th
Anniversary and 50th Anniversary of World War II merchandise has just
been published.
We have continued the mailings to Post Commanders and Post
Adjutants centered on Memorial and Veterans Day merchandise. Returns on
this inexpensive vehicle continue to justify its use. In addition, it
provides an inexpensive method of testing new and timely items.
The Emblem Committee continues to regularly review the advertising
program.
Department Convention Exhibits and Display
The exhibit and display of the official emblem merchandise at 12
department conventions was conducted during the year of 1993. These
exhibits were at the invitation of department officials for the purpose
of goodwill and service to individual Legionnaires. We have exhibited
at 9 conventions in 1994, also by invitation.
Each purchaser benefits by the division's economical direct sales
program and quantity purchasing power. The net profit derived from
sales is paid into the general fund, which is expended under the direct
supervision of the Finance Commission to promote the aims and programs
of the organization, thereby further benefiting the individual member.
Sales Data
The gross sales, net earnings, etc., for the entire year of 1993
and for the first six months of 1994, for the Emblem Sales Division are
as follows:
January 1, 1993-December 31, 1993 (Twelve Months)
Gross Sales............................................. $6,266,800
Cost of goods sold...................................... 3,505,170
Overhead................................................ 1,949,212
Operating profit including discounts taken.............. 812,418
The number of individual orders processed during the twelve month
period was 63,594.
January 1, 1994-June 30, 1994 (Six Months)
Gross Sales............................................. $3,544,247
Cost of goods sold...................................... 1,931,999
Overhead................................................ 1,051,221
Operating profit including discounts taken.............. 561,026
THE AMERICAN LEGION LIFE INSURANCE COMMITTEE
Jerome P. Dobel, Jr., Missouri, Chairman
G. Paul Dunn, Oklahoma, Assistant Director, Membership Services
The American Legion Life Insurance Committee provides oversight for
the several life insurance plans currently offered by The American
Legion and is assigned to the National Finance Commission.
The American Legion Life Insurance Program supports several
National programs which are among the most prominent and visible
activities of The American Legion. The programs are listed below with
the corresponding funding for 1994.
American Legion Baseball $660,385, National Oratorical Contest
$277,050, Junior Uniformed Musical Groups, $20,000, for participation
at the National Convention, Boy's Nation, $144,833, Boy Scout of the
Year Scholarship Award, $14,000. An award of $2,000 per year up to four
years, not to exceed $8,000, for pursuit of a course of study beyond
high school. Three second-place awards in the amount of $2,000 each are
also granted.
These requests for grants are approved by The American Legion Life
Insurance Committee, the National Finance Commission and National
Executive Committee.
New Product Development
The Life Insurance Committee is pleased to announce that Kirke-Van
Orsdel, Inc., and Union Fidelity will be working together to expand the
Life Insurance Program in 1994.
Several new products will be reviewed to give members a more
flexible choice of life insurance benefits. Tax deferred savings,
underwritten whole life and extended guaranteed term periods are a few
of the features that will be studied to be included in future product
offerings.
The Committee and insurance providers are seeking to fill the gaps
in present coverages with an entire spectrum of life insurance
products. A ``return-of-premium'' term product previously offered may
again be available by late fall. Supplemental and conversion coverage
for active duty and recently discharged members is also under study.
Claims
The primary feature of The American Legion Life Insurance Plan is
the benefits paid to beneficiaries of deceased insured Legionnaires. In
36 years, claims have been paid amounting to more than $89 million in
benefits. These benefits were paid at no cost to the National
Organization of The American Legion and no expenses to the general
membership, other than certificate-policyholders. The insurance plan
has proven to be a self-sustaining program. By the end of 1994, the
total benefits paid will be well over $92 million dollars.
THE PLANS
The American Legion is now offering a Level Term Life Plan to
members, their spouses and dependents. This includes Sons of The
American Legion members and spouses. The Legion-approved Level Term
Life Plan is underwritten by Hartford Life Insurance Company. The ITT
Hartford lends additional stability to the Legion-approved Life Plan
because of that company's sound operating performance and consistent
high ratings from A.M. Best. The Administrator for the plans is Kirke-
Van Orsdel, Inc., located in West Des Moines, Iowa.
In addition to level term, the AdvanceLife Plan from The American
Legion is one of the most unusual and important benefits Legion members
and spouses will ever have the opportunity to acquire.
With AdvanceLife, members and spouses get not only life insurance
protection, but also Nursing Home Benefits and Last Illness Benefits.
The Nursing Home and Last Illness Benefits are automatically built into
the Plan.
AdvanceLife provides more peace of mind and financial security than
members ever had before.
The AdvanceLife Plan will pay 100% of the selected Life Benefit (up
to a total of $100,000). Members are eligible to receive Last Illness
Benefits if they are certified by a doctor to be terminally ill with a
prognosis of 12 months or less to live
. . . and notify the administrator that they want to accept Last
Illness Benefits.
The monthly AdvanceLife Nursing Home Benefit is equal to 2% of the
Life Insurance Benefit. This benefit can be used to help pay the
extremely high cost of nursing home care, or for whatever is desired.
The benefit can begin after living in a qualified nursing home for
three consecutive months . . . and will continue for up to 25 months.
Another plan available to members and spouses is Birthday Life
underwritten by Union Fidelity located in Trevose, Pennsylvania. This
plan is a guaranteed-issue combined level whole life and accidental
death benefit insurance plan with premiums at entry age which do not
increase as the insured grows older. No medical exam is required.
Guaranteed renewable for life, Legionnaires and spouses age 45
through age 80 are eligible to enroll for this plan which builds cash
values and offers a loan provision. The age limit in Washington and New
Jersey is lower than age 80. Contact Union Fidelity for details.
The plan provides a limited death benefit for the first two years
for natural causes and provides full benefits during that period for
accidental deaths. Full benefits in any event are payable after two
years.
Requests for information on the insurance plans should be directed
to:
The American Legion National Headquarters
Attn: Mr. G. Paul Dunn
P.O. Box 1055
Indianapolis, IN 46206
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Requests for information concerning the status of applications, non
receipt of insurance renewal, filing of death claims, status of death
claims, amount of premium, inquiries as to whether or not a member is
insured, or specific questions pertaining to the terms of coverage
should be directed to:
Decreasing Term
AdvanceLife
Level Term
Kirke-Van Orsdel, Inc.
1776 West Lakes Parkway
Des Moines, IA 50398
1-800-542-5547
Birthday Life
Union Fidelity Life Ins. Co.
4850 Street Road
Trevose, PA 19049
1-800-523-5758
FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMISSION
Joseph J. Frank, Missouri, Chairman
G. Michael Schlee, Maryland, Director
The following annual report covers the activities of the Foreign
Relations Commission and Council of The American Legion for the 1993-
1994 program year ending June 30, 1994.
Overview
The collective thrust of the foreign relations resolutions of The
American Legion is to urge the development of a consistent, viable U.S.
foreign policy based upon worldwide U.S. political, economic, and
security interests.
Resolution 217, ``America's Future,'' adopted at the 74th National
Convention, will guide The American Legion's Foreign Relation's Program
as the world moves forward into a new era. The major international
goals long sought by The American Legion--democracy and deterrence of
general war--are closer to realization than ever before. Far-reaching
worldwide changes now occurring are altering American's perception of
the threats to their security and making it imperative for the United
States to adjust its grand strategy in light of new realities and
future challenges as we prepare for the new millennium. Ideas of
democracy and market economics are gaining increasing acceptance around
the world, thereby creating new hopes of peace and prosperity for
mankind. Nuclear and regional threats still confront the Free World and
transnational issues such as terrorism and drugs still confront
civilization. The collapse of the Soviet Bloc, demands for democracy in
Eastern Europe, expansion of Japanese economic power, movement toward
European unity, and growing international interdependence jointly
create a new political situation in the world. The United States faces
serious economic challenges through the relative decline of American
economic influence in the world, trade and budget deficits which
threaten to limit future prosperity, and worldwide economic
competition. As Americans search for a new definition of America's
world role, they must forge a bipartisan consensus providing focus,
continuity, and wise use of limited national resources for national
security-foreign policy.
Resolution 217 resolves that:
We, as a grassroots organization reaching throughout the
land, recognize the unprecedented changes sweeping the world
and urge the U.S. Government to adopt a bipartisan national
security-foreign policy of ``Democratic Activism'' promoting
democratic values, maintaining adequate military strength to
deter aggression, cooperating with allies, encouraging free and
fair trade, and assisting developing nations.
Over several decades, the adopted foreign relations resolutions
generally have reflected these basic principles, which Resolution 201,
``United States Foreign Policy,'' adopted at the 75th National
Convention promulgates:
1. Recognition of U.S. responsibilities as leader of the Free
World and of our heritage and traditions.
2. Dedication to achievement of world peace with freedom,
secured by a peace through strength posture.
3. Active promotion of democracy.
4. Participation in essential collective security alliances,
provided our allies contribute their fair share.
5. Use of national resources in critical world regions to
achieve U.S. national interests.
6. Negotiation of equitable, verifiable arms control
agreements which improve U.S. national security.
7. Opposition to the spread of nuclear, chemical or
biological weapons or long-range ballistic missiles to
terrorist, communist or aggressor nations.
8. Determined opposition to international terrorism and drug
trafficking.
9. Support for responsible international organizations that
are consistent with U.S. sovereignty and serve U.S. national
interests.
10. Participation in an increasingly interdependent Free
World trading system based on fair and equitable trading
practices.
11. Recognition that the world basically operates on a
national basis; consequently, U.S. sovereignty must not be
abridged unless required by important U.S. national security
interests.
12. Recognition that the President must be the chief
architect of U.S. foreign policy as envisioned in the U.S.
Constitution, while Congress performs important functions of
advice and oversight.
General Foreign Policy
Resolution 11--``POW/MIA National Recognition Day''--We support the
designation by the U.S. Government of April 9 as POW/MIA National
Recognition Day. (74th National Convention)
Resolution 15--``National Commission on Prisoner of War Policy''--
We urge legislation calling for the President and the Congress to
establish a Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Commission, comprised of
individuals to include members of the nation's major veterans
organizations, for the purpose of ascertaining during any peace
negotiations between the United States and any belligerent powers that
American POW/MIAs are all accounted for, treated properly, and released
from captivity at the earliest possible moment. It is also our strong
view that no deals should be negotiated to the detriment of POW/MIAs
which will leave even one individual behind in captivity longer than
absolutely necessary to arrange for emergency medical care and
transportation out of hostile territory. We believe this Commission
should be a standing entity to allow familiarity and interaction with
other members of any future peace negotiation delegation to include
Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint
Chiefs of Staff. We urge the U.S. Government to seek appropriate
changes to international laws and regulations relating to prisoners of
war and missing in action. (75th National Convention)
Resolution 23--``Contraband Drugs''--We urge maximum efforts to be
made to prevent illegal entry into the United States of any foreign
commodity listed as ``contraband'' with special attention given to
contraband drugs. Further, we urge the U.S. Government to efficiently
apply U.S. laws which provide that foreign nations must reasonably
cooperate with U.S. drug control programs if they are to receive U.S.
foreign aid. (Fall NEC Meeting 1989)
Resolution 23--Veterans Employment Preference with the United
States Government Overseas--We urge Congress to enact legislation
requiring the Department of State and the Department of Defense to
ensure the protection of veterans' employment benefits in all future
treaty negotiations, renegotiations, amendments or adjustments of any
nature with foreign nations. (Spring NEC Meeting 1994)
Resolution 50--``Information Activities''--We urge the U.S.
Government to provide adequate funds to conduct an effective
international program to provide other nations with objective news,
information about the blessings of democracy and the free enterprise
system, and accurate reporting about suppression of freedom and
international aggression. (74th National Convention)
Resolution 57--``Control of Military Technology''--We urge the
Defense, Commerce, and State Departments jointly to develop a
coordinated program to stop the illegal flow of military useful
technology to any foreign country. (74th National Convention)
Resolution 60--``World War II, Cold War, and Korean War POW/
MIAs''--We urge the U.S. Government to make a maximum effort to resolve
the fate of unaccounted Americans from World War II, the Cold War and
the Korean War by obtaining the return of any live prisoners, the
repatriation of remains, and the fullest possible accounting for the
missing and call on the U.S. Government not to provide normalization or
any type of aid to North Korea until it fully cooperates on POW/MIA
matters. (74th National Convention)
Resolution 61--``Missing Service Personnel''--We urge Congress to
enact legislation that would disallow passage of time as the sole basis
of a death declaration for missing service personnel and would provide
adequate opportunities for comments from family members. (74th National
Convention)
Resolution 121--``Priority POW/MIA Actions''--We believe the
following priority actions should be taken by the U.S. Government:
Centralize POW/MIA responsibilities in a powerful office
reporting directly to the Secretary of Defense, remove the
Defense Intelligence Agency from all POW/MIA responsibilities
and make each military service responsible for its own POW/
MIAs.
Provide necessary resources so field operations can be
conducted at a maximum rate of activity with more timely
follow-up of live sighting reports.
Declassify all POW/MIA information (except that revealing
intelligence sources or methods) in a form readily available to
public review.
Reassign responsibilities for identification of remains from
the U.S. Army Central Identification Laboratory, Hawaii to the
Smithsonian Institution.
Cancel the ``Road Map.''
Provide adequate personnel and resources so that
investigative efforts of World War II, Cold War, and Korean War
POW/MIA situations can be broadened and accelerated.
Initiate or strengthen joint commissions with Russia, the
People's Republic of China, and North Korea to increase POW/MIA
recovery efforts.
Establish a centralized office responsible to keep POW/MIA
families informed on their loved ones.
Establish a joint standing congressional committee on POW/MIA
affairs to ensure continued action by the executive branch in
addressing the POW/MIA issue. Absent such a joint committee,
establish a presidential POW/MIA commission comprised of non-
governmental officials.
Take favorable actions toward Vietnam only after Hanoi
provides the fullest possible accounting for POW/MIAs in
Vietnam or in areas of Laos and Cambodia it controlled during
the Vietnam War, however, maintain a degree of flexibility with
respect to a continued U.S. presence in Vietnam and the
provision of humanitarian assistance if such actions are
helpful in finally resolving this issue;
Take favorable actions toward Laos or Cambodia only after
those nations provide the fullest possible accounting for POW/
MIAs.
``Fullest possible accounting'' is defined as turning over
live prisoners, repatriating remains of those who were killed
in action or died in captivity, or providing a valid,
conclusive report why neither is possible.
Resolution 122--``The American Legion Policy on Activities Relating
to Southeast Asia POWs and MIAs''--We will assist POW/MIA families and
all others by ensuring that the Federal Government gives expeditious
and sincere consideration to any evidence, reports, photographs, or
other information relating to their loved ones. We will provide
assistance to POW/MIA families and all others by assuring that the
Federal Government provides all information it possesses on their POW/
MIAs. When it is deemed appropriate, The American Legion will authorize
officials to travel to Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, Laos and
Cambodia, for the purpose of gathering information relative to the
ongoing POW/MIA investigations and the manner in which they are being
conducted. (75th National Convention)
Resolution 126--``U.S. Employment Overseas''--We urge the U.S.
Government to return to its policy prior to World War II of hiring U.S.
citizens and American corporations for all support requirements for all
civilian and military overseas operations. (75th National Convention)
Resolution 138--``International Lending Agencies and POW/MIA
Cooperation''--We believe future congressional appropriations to
international lending agencies should be contingent on such agencies'
compliance with strict standards which would prohibit assistance to
nations which give aid and comfort to hostile groups or which are
demonstrably hostile to the United States, including communist and
communist-dominated countries and countries which do not cooperate in
our search for POW/MIAs of past wars. (74th National Convention)
Resolution 139--``OPEC Cartel Practices''--The U.S. Government
should denounce the current practices of the OPEC Cartel as being
detrimental to the well-being and national security of this nation. The
President and the Congress should enact incentives and encourage
further development of our oil-producing areas and continue seeking
alternate sources of energy. (71st National Convention)
Resolution 143--``Curtailing U.S. Government Subsidization of
Foreign Competition''--We will monitor activities of the World Bank,
the International Monetary Fund, the Department of State, other federal
agencies, and Congress to ensure and encourage policies and practices
by the U.S. Government to eliminate unfair government-subsidized
foreign competition. We urge Congress to hold hearings to determine the
extent of the impact of unfair government subsidized foreign
competition on our national economy and labor force and to enact
legislation curtailing such practices. (74th National Convention)
Resolution 148--``Overseas Employment for Military Retirees''--We
urge the Administration and Congress to take appropriate action to
reopen the discussion with host nations to change or modify the NATO
Status of Forces Agreement and other pertinent treaties to permit
employment of retirees with the U.S. armed forces overseas on an equal
employment opportunity basis. (74th National Convention)
Resolution 201--We believe that the objectives of U.S. foreign
policy must be to maintain peace with freedom while preserving and
promoting democracy. We also believe that U.S. foreign policy should
embody the following principles:
1. Recognition of U.S. responsibilities as leader of the Free
World and of our heritage and traditions.
2. Dedication to achievement of world peace with freedom,
secured by a peace through strength posture.
3. Active promotion of democracy.
4. Participation in essential collective security alliances,
provided our allies contribute their fair share.
5. Use of national resources in critical world regions to
achieve U.S. national interests.
6. Negotiation of equitable, verifiable arms control
agreements which improve U.S. national security.
7. Opposition to the spread of nuclear, chemical or
biological weapons or long-range ballistic missiles to
terrorist, communist or aggressor nations.
8. Determined opposition to international terrorism and drug
trafficking.
9. Support for responsible international organizations that
are consistent with U.S. sovereignty and serve U.S. national
interests.
10. Participation in an increasingly interdependent Free
World trading system based on fair and equitable trading
practice.
11. Recognition that the world basically operates on a
national basis; consequently, U.S. sovereignty must not be
abridged unless required by important U.S. national security
interests.
12. Recognition that the President must be the chief
architect of U.S. foreign policy as envisioned in the U.S.
Constitution, while Congress performs important functions of
advice and oversight. (75th National Convention)
Resolution 214--``Nuclear Proliferation''--We urge the U.S.
government to take all reasonable steps to halt nuclear proliferation.
(74th National Convention)
Resolution 215--``Freedom of the Seas''--We believe the U.S.
Government should exercise U.S. rights to unhindered navigation in
international waters whenever necessary to protect U.S. national
interests and U.S. international commercial interests as a great
maritime and trading nation. We also believe that in conducting such
operations the U.S. Government should use an adequate and effective
force fully capable of self-defense; obtain allied cooperation as
appropriate; take retaliatory action against foreign interference; and
treat any members of the armed forces killed or injured in such duty
(and their survivors) with the utmost honor, support, and compassion.
(74th National Convention)
Resolution 217--``America's Future''--The American Legion as a
grassroots organization reaching throughout the land, recognizes the
unprecedented changes sweeping the world and urges the U.S. Government
to adopt a bipartisan national security-foreign policy of ``Democratic
Activism'' promoting democratic values, maintaining adequate military
strength to deter aggression, cooperating with allies, encouraging free
and fair trade, and assisting developing nations. (75th National
Convention)
Resolution 221--``Regulation of Lobbying''--We believe there should
be acts requiring (1) complete and accurate disclosure requirements for
all foreign and U.S. lobbyists; (2) reasonable post-employment
restrictions for former members of the executive and legislative
branches; (3) restrictions on floor privileges in Congress of former
members who become U.S. or foreign lobbyists; (4) measures to help
ensure that U.S. lobbyists in other countries receive equal access; (5)
favorable considerations for foreign governments that grant reciprocal
privileges to American lobbyists; and (6) a federal government office
to administer and enforce the acts. (74th National Convention)
Resolution 222--``United Nations''--We urge the Administration to
continue seeking effective, equitable, efficient UN operations
consistent with the UN Charter's stated purposes. (75th National
Convention)
Resolution 288--``Support `Empty Chair' Program (POW/MIA)''--We
urge the National Commander to encourage posts, units, districts and
departments to implement the Empty Chair Program at all official
meetings as a continual physical symbol of the POW/MIAs and that at
each chair a POW/MIA flag be displayed. (67th National Convention)
Resolution 385--``Care of Hostages''--We urge Congress to enact
legislation that would make individual civilians and/or their employers
responsible for all expenses incurred to extricate such individuals
from a hostage situation if they remained in harm's way after due
warning by the U.S. Government. We believe no veterans' military
facility should be used to treat or house any such civilian hostage or
their families at the expense of the taxpayer. (74th National
Convention)
Resolution 532--``Presidential Military Initiatives to Protect U.S.
National Interests''--We support prompt military action by the
President to protect U.S. national interests and recommend that the
President expeditiously report such activity to the Congress and the
American people. (68th National Convention)
Resolution 552--``Department POW/MIA Committees''--We urge all
Departments to appoint POW/MIA Committees. (74th National Convention)
European Affairs
Resolution 53--``Canada''--We believe the U.S. Government should
pursue policies toward Canada which will provide for free trade,
continued military cooperation, and cooperation in all endeavors which
benefit both nations. (74th National Convention)
Resolution 55--``North Atlantic Treaty Organization''--We urge the
U.S. Government to maintain the forward deployment of adequate U.S.
troops in NATO and to encourage our NATO allies to take these actions
necessary to meet any threats to the security and stability of Europe
and areas of common interest outside the North Atlantic Treaty area.
(74th National Convention)
Resolution 56--``Eastern Europe''--We support democracy and free
enterprise in Eastern Europe and call upon the U.S. Government to
provide aid, technical assistance, and moral leadership to encourage
development of this important. (74th National Convention)
Resolution 66--``Testing of Anti-Ballistic Missile Components''--We
affirm that testing of anti-ballistic missile components does not
violate the terms of the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty. (69th
National Convention)
Resolution 211--``Turkey''--We support aid for the modernization of
Turkish armed forces in conformance with the Defense and Economic
Cooperation Agreement, without attachment of restrictions unrelated to
Turkey's membership in NATO, and urge that this important member of
NATO be properly and adequately supported as a lasting friend of the
United States.
Resolution 213--``Strategic Nuclear Policy''--We support:
1. A United States nuclear deterrent force TRIAD at least
equivalent to opposing nuclear forces in all respects and
capable of credibly deterring nuclear attack, or if deterrence
fails, achieving successful conflict resolution.
2. Continuation of United States underground nuclear testing
as necessary to modernize nuclear offensive and defensive
forces and to ensure the reliability of existing nuclear
weapons.
3. Verifiable implementation of the Strategic Arms Reduction
Treaty and Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty.
4. Significant, mutual, verifiable reductions of strategic
nuclear forces by opposing forces and the United States to
equal levels, resulting in stable nuclear deterrence at lower
levels of armaments and with a lessened likelihood of nuclear
war.
5. Maximum emphasis on the equality and verifiability of any
nuclear arms control measures, including effective, unalterable
verification procedures going beyond national technical means
to include on-site inspection by all sides.
6. Full integration of nuclear arms control into national
security planning by the United States and its allies to ensure
strategic stability and credible deterrence. (74th National
Convention)
Resolution 221--``Relations with the Former Soviet Union''--We urge
the U.S. Government to welcome substantive changes that help bring
democracy, market economics, and peaceful foreign policies to the
former Soviet Union and to extend economic aid and technical assistance
to encourage and assist them. We call upon the U.S. Government to urge
the former Soviet Union to increase its cooperation on the POW/MIA
issue. (75th National Convention)
Far Eastern Affairs
Resolution 64--``People's Republic of China Trade status''--We call
upon the Congress of the United States to reject a ``most-favored-
nation trade status'' for the People's Republic of China unless it
ceases human rights violations against its own people, provides an
acceptable accounting of American POW/MIAs from the Korean War and the
Vietnam War, engages in fair trading practices, and cooperates in
limiting proliferation of nuclear weapons. (74th National Convention)
Resolution 64--``Japanese Compensation to American POWs''--We
believe the Japanese government should render an official apology for
the pain, suffering and death inflicted on American POWs in World War
II. We also believe the Japanese government should pay the surviving
POWs and the families of the non-surviving POWs an appropriate sum of
monetary compensation arrived at by appointed members of the United
States and Japanese governments. (75th National Convention)
Resolution 65--``Military Sales to Communist China''--We urge the
United States Government to refrain from the transfer of military and
dual-use equipment and technology to the Chinese communists. (74th
National Convention)
Resolution 120--``Trade with Japan''--We believe the U.S.
Government should make a determined effort to encourage Japan to follow
equitable trading practices between itself and the United States. We
urge Congress to cut Japan's car exporting to the U.S. by 20% each year
until Japan has only 16% of the U.S. auto market, unless Japan
eliminates its huge and continuing annual trade surplus with the United
States. (75th National Convention)
Resolution 126--``U.S. Relations with the Republic of China on
Taiwan''--We support the initiation of negotiations between the United
States and the Republic of China for the use of military facilities on
Taiwan by the United States armed forces. We urge the United States
Government to immediately approve the sale of front-line combat
aircraft (such as F-15, F16C, and F-18) to the Republic of China. We
fully support the establishment of full diplomatic relations between
the Republic of China on Taiwan and the United States of America. (74th
National Convention)
Resolution 168--``Support of Republic of Korea''--We believe the
United States should increase its military aid and assistance to the
Republic of Korea by providing modern state-of-the-art weapons and
technology to safeguard her freedom, sustain her development, and
promote Pacific and Asian regions. We also believe the United States
should provide a strong flexible military force in the Republic of
Korea to vigorously respond to any military and/or political aggression
by North Korea. We also believe the United States, in concert with its
allies, should bring pressure to bear on North Korea to immediately
cease its efforts to develop nuclear weapons and comply with the
safeguard accord of the International Atomic Energy Agency. (75th
National Convention)
Resolution 169--``Reunification of China''--We support the peaceful
reunification of China under The Three Principles of the People and
restoration of the government of the Republic of China, as the sole
legal government of all China. We also support return of the government
of the Republic of China to its rightful position in the United Nations
and other international organizations. (75th National Convention)
Resolution 171--``Exporting Alaskan Oil to the Orient''--We
encourage Congress and the Administration to adopt legislation to allow
export of oil and oil products directly to Oriental destinations. (75th
National Convention)
Resolution 255--``Support for Viet-Nam Assistance for the
Handicapped''--We support the operation of the Viet-Nam Assistance for
the Handicapped, so as to help in providing functional prosthetic
appliances to our former ARVN allies who had limbs amputated during the
Vietnam War. (75th National Convention)
Inter-American Affairs
Resolution 20--``North American Free Trade Agreement''--We support
the North American Free Trade Agreement among Canada, Mexico, and the
United States. (Fall NEC Meeting 1992)
Resolution 58--``Cuban Drug''--We believe that the Congress and the
President should condemn the role of Cuba in international drug
trafficking in all appropriate international fora. (74th National
Convention)
Resolution 63--``Caribbean Basin''--We believe that the Caribbean
Basin Initiative should be fully implemented and expanded to permit
duty free access to the U.S. market for all Caribbean Basin products
for a 12-year period, thus encouraging productive activity to promote
economic growth. We urge the United States to provide economic and
security assistance as needed to help develop prosperous, democratic
societies in the region. We support increased educational exchanges
between the United States and the Caribbean Basin nations at the
college and high school levels and increased support for primary
education to promote literacy. (74th National Convention)
Resolution 71--``Reexamination of Panama Canal Treaties''--We
request the President of the United States to call upon the U.S. Senate
to promptly undertake intensive hearings, with full debate, for the
purpose of reexamining the 1977 Treaties with Panama and our rights and
commitments thereunder, with an eye to recommending renegotiating or
renouncing them after having resolved once and for all the
contradictions presently encumbering said treaties. (74th National
Convention)
Resolution 202--``Panama Canal''--We believe:
1. The United States should take any necessary actions to
ensure Panama will be able to operate the Panama Canal
efficiently after Panama assumes control in the year 2000.
2. The United States should take any necessary actions to
ensure that the Panama Canal is operated efficiently and in a
manner consistent with U.S. national security interests.
3. Construction of a new canal or major improvements in the
existing Panama Canal should be consistent with U.S. national
security interests.
4. The United States should seek agreement with Panama to
continue stationing U.S. forces in Panama after 2000 to protect
the Panama Canal as well as evolving democratic nations in the
region.
5. The United States should encourage democratic evolution in
Panama to help provide stability and a better, freer life for
Panamanians. (75th National Convention)
Resolution 287--``War on Drugs in Latin America''--We urge the U.S.
Government Executive Branch to cooperate fully with Latin American
nations to destroy the international traffic in illegal drugs and to
provide appropriate economic assistance to aid in this vital endeavor.
We urge the U.S. Congress to provide adequate funds to support this
program. (74th National Convention)
Resolution 288--``Enterprise for the Americas Initiative''--We
support participation by the United States in the Enterprise for The
Americas Initiative seeking to enhance growth and cooperation
throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. (74th National Convention)
Resolution 393--``Referendum for Puerto Rico''--We believe the
Congress of the United States should promptly complete legislation to
conduct a referendum in Puerto Rico concerning the future status of the
island. The Referendum is to provide the following options: (1)
complete independence, (2) statehood, or (3) continued commonwealth
status. We urge the U.S. Government to act promptly to carry out the
will of the Puerto Rican people that will have been expressed in the
referendum. (74th National Convention)
Resolution 396--``Mexico''--We urge the U.S. Government to increase
its emphasis on Mexican-U.S. cooperative endeavors both politically and
economically to enhance the prosperity and security of both nations as
well as that of the Western Hemisphere. We believe the U.S. Government
should provide a greatly expanded number of scholarships to Mexicans,
particularly those lacking funds to attend undergraduate and
appropriate vocational-technical programs, provided said students
promise to return to Mexico after completing their education. We also
believe a student exchange program between Mexico and the United States
be conducted to acquaint the future leaders of both countries with
their neighbors. (74th National Convention)
Resolution 397--``Cuba''--We urge the U.S. Government to continue
and intensify economic sanctions against Cuba, maintain control of
Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, continue intelligence overflights over Cuba,
remain firm in opposition to export of revolution by Cuba, continue
broadcasting true news and information to the Cuban people and
encourage the development of democracy and a free market economy in
Cuba. (74th National Convention)
Resolution 398--``Central America''--We urge the U.S. Government to
continue economic aid to friendly, democratic Central American nations
which are seeking to develop democratic societies with market
economies. We recommend the U.S. Government provide only minimal
amounts of military aid while urging nations in the Central American
region to adopt the model of Costa Rica and Panama, disbanding military
forces and relying solely on police forces for internal security, thus
freeing funds for development and contributing to peaceful relations in
the region. (74th National Convention)
Resolution 399--``Haiti''--We urge the U.S. Government to continue
applying all legitimate means in conjunction with the Organization of
American States to restore democracy to Haiti. (74th National
Convention)
Middle Eastern and African Affairs
Resolution 68--``South Africa''--We urge the U.S. Government to:
1. Adopt a policy toward South Africa of supporting moderates
who seek equality and representative democracy.
2. Respect the sovereignty of the Government of South Africa
by recognizing that the problem of South Africa in dismantling
apartheid is primarily one that must be solved by the South
Africans themselves.
3. Not use economic sanctions against South Africa because
they are counterproductive in promoting democratic changes.
4. Encourage South Africa to adopt a political system that
will meet the needs of all the people of South Africa. (74th
National Convention)
Resolution 118--``Iran''--We urge the U.S. Government to pursue
policies preventing aggression or terrorists actions by Iran in the
Persian Gulf region or elsewhere. We also urge the U.S. Government to
apply pressure on Iran to stop violations of human rights and
interference with neighboring countries. (75th National Convention)
Resolution 164--``Removal of Saddam Hussein''--We believe Saddam
Hussein should be removed from power by any legal means possible. (73rd
National Convention)
Resolution 208--``Middle East''--We urge the U.S. Government to
adopt a comprehensive policy for the Middle East to achieve the
following objectives:
1. A secure Israel living within recognized borders
determined by negotiations between Israel and the Arab states.
2. Prevention of regional domination of the Middle East or
Persian Gulf by any power.
3. A free and uninterrupted flow of petroleum from the
Persian Gulf States to Europe, Japan, and the United States.
4. Restoration of full Lebanese sovereignty and withdrawal of
all foreign troops from Lebanon. (74th National Convention)
Resolution 210--``Iraqi War Crimes''--We urge the President of the
United States, in conjunction with the coalition of United Nations
member states, to apprehend and commit to custody individual members of
Iraq's Revolutionary Council, including Saddam Hussein. We believe such
member states should convene a Judicial War Crimes Tribunal for the
purpose of adjudicating allegations of crimes against humanity, crimes
against the peace, and the waging of offensive warfare, made against
individual members of Iraq's Revolutionary Council, including Saddam
Hussein. We also believe, if such allegations are proven, such tribunal
should authorize appropriate punishment of the individuals so
convicted. (74th National Convention)
POW/MIA Activities
The American Legion continued to implement a very dynamic POW/MIA
program seeking to obtain the fullest possible accounting for American
POW/MIAs from World War II, the Cold War, the Korean War, and the
Vietnam War.
In the fall of 1991, implementing a newly adopted resolution, the
National Commander appointed a special POW/MIA Committee. It consists
of a chairman, four members and one ex-officio member, the chairman of
the Foreign Relations Commission. The POW/MIA Committee has the mission
of thoroughly reviewing all available information relating to the issue
and investigating all possible avenues of obtaining a full accounting
for those who are held prisoner of war or are missing. The POW/MIA
Committee typically meets twice a year and recommends appropriate
actions to strengthen The American Legion's POW/MIA Program. The
Executive Director of the Washington Office serves as staff liaison for
the POW/MIA Committee.
A variety of methods are used to implement POW/MIA resolutions. For
many years, most Departments have appointed POW/MIA chairmen to devise
and implement POW/MIA activities at the local level. Mailings of POW/
MIA information are sent approximately monthly to Department POW/MIA
chairmen to provide them the data they need to conduct effective
programs of public awareness and bring the Legion's POW/MIA to the
attention of the President and Congress. When immediate action at the
``grass roots'' level is necessary, the Washington Office staff makes
telephone calls and sends fax messages to Department Adjutants so that
they can mobilize the members of their Departments. To influence
Presidential and congressional actions, the National Commander writes
letters to the President, key officials in the Executive Branch and
influential members of Congress. He also frequently meets with them and
makes the Legion's case in person.
Under Corporate Strategic Goal 3, ``Resolve POW/MIA Issue,'' The
American Legion is in the process of organizing a POW/MIA Ad Hoc
Working Group. It will bring together in a cooperative manner veterans
service organizations, family organizations, researchers and activists.
They will prepare a national POW/MIA Action Plan, incorporating all of
the many necessary organizational and operational changes desperately
needed, and seek to have it adopted and implemented by the President.
On a continuing basis, the Washington staff provides a great deal
of assistance to POW/MIA families seeking information about their loved
ones or concerned about the identification of remains. Similar
coordination is effected on almost a daily basis with various POW/MIA
researchers and activists. The Executive Director of the Washington
Office visits Vietnam approximately annually as part of a presidential
delegation, congressional delegation or on a Legion trip. During each
National Convention and Washington Conference, the POW/MIA Committee
conducts a POW/MIA Update, usually lasting half a day and featuring
three speakers. The POW/MIA Committee, recommended a nonpartisan
statement for inclusion in state and national political party platforms
be prepared and forwarded to Department level in order to have it
brought to the attention of state political party organizations.
Reform of Lobbying Disclosure
As it has done for the past several years, The American Legion
continued to support congressional efforts to strengthen lobbying
disclosure requirements. While seeking to preserve First Amendment
freedoms which provide the constitutional basis for lobbying, we have
long sought to require meaningful lobbying disclosure reports, extend
post-employment restrictions for high government officials, remove
congressional floor privileges for former members of Congress who
become lobbyists, and encourage reciprocal free access to lobbying for
Americans in foreign countries. The American Legion was very pleased,
therefore, when the Senate passed the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1993
which is a good start to meeting our objectives for reform. The Legion
also was pleased to note passage of similar legislation in the House.
We were particularly pleased that the legislation received bipartisan
support and full backing from the Administration.
Support by National Commander
The Foreign Relations Commission deeply appreciates the outstanding
leadership in the field of foreign relations exercised by National
Commander Bruce Thiesen. He worked extensively to develop bipartisan
support for a strong U.S. foreign policy. He made the Legion's strong
POW/MIA positions known through press releases, public speeches, and
letters to the President. He placed emphasis on foreign relations in
his monthly Commander's Message in The American Legion Magazine,
speeches, press conferences, and press releases. He took advantage of
his trips to the Far East, Mexico and Europe to study key issues of
U.S. foreign policy. The National Commander explained the Legion's
positions on foreign affairs in meetings with Department of State
officials and numerous members of Congress.
Commission Meetings
74th National Convention: On September 4, 1993, during a joint
meeting of the National Security and Foreign Relations Commissions,
Rear Admiral Irve C. LeMoyne, Deputy Commander in Chief and Chief of
Staff, United States Special Operations Command, highlighted the fact
that with the collapse of communism in the former Soviet Union, the
likelihood of increased and continued regional conflicts heightened the
role and missions of Special Operations Forces. Assistant Secretary of
Defense (Personnel and Readiness) Edwin Dorn emphasized that, despite
the downsizing of the military, the President and Secretary of Defense
are strongly committed to maintaining the readiness posture of Active,
National Guard and Reserve Forces at high levels. Special Assistant to
the Ambassador-at-Large and Special Advisor to the Secretary of State
William C. Danvers analyzed the future of U.S.-Russian relations.
Despite extreme difficulties in transition to market economics and
democracy, a great deal of progress has been made in Russia. On
September 6, 1994, the Foreign Relations Commission attended a POW/MIA
Update presented by the Special POW/MIA Committee. Dr. Stephen Morris,
noted researcher from Harvard University, described how he found the
Soviet 1205 document in Soviet archives and explained why he thinks it
is a valid document proving that American POWs were left behind in
Vietnam after Operation Homecoming in 1973. Colonel Joseph Schlatter,
Defense POW/MIA Office, explained the U.S. Government's POW/MIA
program. Major General Bernard Loeffke, USA (Ret.), former Director,
Task Force Russia, recounted the extremely useful research conducted in
Russia on American POW/MIAs prior to the disbandment of the Task Force.
Fall National Executive Committee Meeting: On October 18-19, 1993,
the Foreign Relations Commission met at National Headquarters. In the
initial meeting, the Commission considered one resolution and
recommended it be rejected. The Commission also conducted tentative
planning for the Washington Conference and received a briefing on the
status of implementation of Resolution 221, ``Regulation of Lobbying.''
The Commission also discussed developments in Russia, to include an
analysis of possible scenarios of future evolution in that troubled
nation. Discussion of the situation in Somalia and Bosnia focused on
identification of American national interests, command of American
military forces, the role of the United Nations, and protection of
Americans taken captive in peacekeeping or humanitarian operations.
Discussion of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) provided
an update of the current status of Congressional consideration of this
issue. The final discussion concerned an update on the current status
of the POW/MIA issue, from World War II through the present. At the
final meeting, the Commission attended a joint session with the
National Security Commission to view three very interesting video
tapes. The first tape, ``I'm Glad to See the Army's in Your Hands,'' by
the U.S. Army, briefly explained the Army's role in protecting our
national security since colonial times. The second tape, ``From the
Sea,'' by the U.S. Navy, covered naval principles and programs for
maintaining control of the high seas in the future. The final tape,
``Searching for Vietnam POW/MIAs,'' by the 20/20 television program,
covered the visit last July to Vietnam by Senator Robert Smith,
accompanied by former Representative Billy Hendon and Mr. Robert
Garwood to check live sighting reports of American POWs.
Washington Conference: The Foreign Relations Commission and
National Security Commissions met in joint session on February 14, 1994
in Washington, DC. Dr. Ellen L. Frost, Counselor in the Office of the
U.S. Trade Representative spoke on ``International Economics and
National Security.'' Two themes are critically important: trade is good
for America, despite the incorrect perception it losses jobs to
foreigners, and open trade and investment policies are not a one-way
street--other countries must do their share.
Mr. Larry Napper, Director, Office of Independent States and
Commonwealth Affairs, Department of State, discussed ``Developments in
the Former Soviet Union.'' If the United States remains engaged and
persistent in negotiations, we can accomplish great steps toward a
safer world. The revolution that swept aside the Soviet Union brought
real benefits to the United States by ending the Cold War
confrontation, saving funds through military reductions and expanding
nuclear non-proliferation agreements. The United States seeks a
strategic alliance with successor states for reforms leading to
democracy, market economics and moderate foreign policies. Although the
December 1992 elections were a setback to reform parties, they were
positive since they were fairly conducted and brought into being a new
constitution with strong executive powers.
The National Security and Foreign Relations Commissions met in
joint session on the afternoon of February 14, 1994 to attend the POW/
MIA Update presented by the Special POW/MIA Committee.
Mr. Al Santoli, journalist and author, spoke on ``Honor Before
Trade: What Needs to be Done.'' Lifting the economic embargo against
Vietnam has removed all excuses for the Administration not getting the
fullest possible cooperation. Current investigations in Vietnam by
Joint Task Force Full Accounting have many problems and are being
conducted by unqualified personnel. The U.S. Government should permit
the American public to have access to the resolution of each POW/MIA
case and the reason for closure, declassify all relevant National
Security Agency files, establish an oversight commission of non-biased
experts to review all POW/MIA case files, put an end to
``stonewalling'' families and activists, hold U.S. officials personally
liable for keeping faith with POW/MIAs and enact a law providing POW/
MIA families the right to file court appeals to status determinations
on the cases of their loved ones. The American Legion should support
such legislation, support establishment of the oversight commission,
continue submitting Freedom of Information Act requests and work with
intelligence experts to refine them and support a congressional probe
of what happened to Senator Smith's criminal allegations against some
U.S. Government officials.
Mr. Kent Wiedemann, Special Assistant to the President and Senior
Director for Asian Affairs, National Security Council, discussed ``The
U.S. Government POW/MIA Program.'' We agree with much of what The
American Legion has to say on the POW/MIA issue, but there is some
disagreement. All Americans need the truth. The argument is over how to
find the truth. The President is committed to achieving the truth. He
campaigned on that, has worked on that and it is a sacred trust.
Lifting the embargo is a step along the way to the fullest possible
accounting. Without the help of Vietnam, we will get nothing done.
Therefore, when they provide help we can feel, touch or count, we must
reward them. We did not lift the embargo to make bucks. Secretary of
Commerce Brown was not present at any meetings about the embargo; it
was not an economic issue. We lifted the embargo to be sure that we
could continue to get access in Vietnam.
Dr. George A. Carver, Jr., Senior Fellow, Center for Strategic and
International Studies, addressed the topic ``Did All American POWs
Return During Operation Homecoming?'' Through defectors and other
means, in 1973 we knew Vietnam kept back about 300 POWs during
Operation Homecoming. But, in the anti-war atmosphere of 1973 in
Congress and the media, it was impossible to use military force to go
after the POW/MIAs. After Operation Homecoming, the government line
became ``They have all come home. Let's close the door and put it
behind us.'' Other sources showing Americans were left behind include
the Soviet 1205 and 735 reports, which are consistent with two major
defectors and communications intercepts. U.S. searches now in Vietnam
are focused on returning remains. Instead, they should work on the last
known alive cases. Regarding the argument that Vietnam will only
cooperate if we lift the embargo, remember they followed the same
tactics during the war of demanding much and giving little.
Essentially, Hanoi believes ``Why pay a price for something you can get
for free?'' We gave them what they want for what they did not do. We
are witnessing an unseemly rush for illusory profits. We must remember
Vietnam and North Korea are the only Stalinist states left in the
world. Now that we have lifted the embargo, Vietnam has no further
incentive to cooperate. Until we learn the fate of the approximately
300 POWs we left in Vietnam, we cannot put the war behind us.
Spring National Executive Committee Meeting: On May 2-3, 1994, the
Foreign Relations Commission met at National Headquarters. In the
initial meeting, the Commission considered one resolution and
recommended it be held for further study. During the Washington
Conference, the Commission had considered one resolution and
recommended it be approved. The Commission discussed plans for the 76th
National Convention, including potential speakers. The Commission
received an update report on implementation of Resolution 221,
``Regulation of Lobbying.'' The preparatory work for the Foreign
Relations Commission's study entitled ``U.S. Participation in the
United Nations'' was reviewed in detail. Concerning the POW/MIA issue,
note was taken of the National Commander's recent letters to the
President and Congress recommending the creation of a National POW/MIA
Commission and changing international laws to provide full prisoner of
war protections under the Geneva Conventions for Americans captured
during peacekeeping or humanitarian operations, conducted by the United
Nations or otherwise. At the final meeting, the Commission attended a
joint session with the National Security Commission to view three video
tapes. The first tape, ``Army-Count on Us,'' by the U.S. Army
emphasized the important national defense role of the U.S. Army. The
second tape, ``National Security Forum-Indianapolis,'' contained
excerpts of the meeting to discuss key issues of military strategy,
budgeting and force structure held earlier in which The American Legion
participated. The final tape, ``United Nations,'' by the Foreign Policy
Association featured a discussion with the U.S. Permanent
Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Madeline Albright on
the Clinton Administration's outlook on the role of the United Nations.
Foreign Relations Commission Staff Activities
The Washington Staff operates in Washington, DC as a combined
division serving both the Foreign Relations and National Security
Commission, under the overall direction of the Director for National
Security-Foreign Relations. Ms. Cheryl L. Henson provided excellent
administrative support.
The Foreign Relations Washington Staff during the past year
performed the following functions for the commission, the National
Commander and the Legion's 58 Departments and approximately 16,000
Posts:
1. Preparation of policy papers supportive of the Legion's
foreign relations mandates.
2. Preparation of background papers and speeches on foreign
policy matters for the National Commander, Foreign Relations
commission, and individual Legionnaires.
3. Liaison with U.S. agencies in the executive branch, such
as the Departments of State and Defense, and other Federal
agencies involved with international relations.
4. Preparation of congressional testimony on international
affairs.
5. Staff assistance for major activities, including the
National Convention, National Executive Committee Meetings, and
the Washington Conference.
6. Liaison with foreign diplomatic personnel as appropriate
in the support of Legion mandates.
7. Preparation of speeches, articles and interviews as
required.
INTERNAL AFFAIRS COMMISSION
Herman G. Harrington (New York), Chairman
Hubert R. Dagley II (Indiana), Director
The Internal Affairs Commission was established as a constitutional
commission with a purpose to formulate and recommend policies and to
oversee the implementation of adopted policies relating to activities
conducted for organizational purposes, including but not limited to
such as do not properly come within the scope of any other national
commission; further review and give guidance to the necessary
administrative operations of the National Headquarters.
The Internal Affairs Commission is responsible for policies
relating to the internal structure and operation of The American Legion
at all levels.
There are four national standing committees that are assigned to
the commission for supervision and coordination . . . they are:
Trophies, Awards & Ceremonials, Resolutions Assignment, Constitution &
By-Laws; and Membership and Post Activities.
The Internal Affairs Commission is also the supervisory body for
the Sons of The American Legion program.
Other areas of responsibility include the National Emergency Fund,
the Paid-Up-For-Life program, and a special committee to commemorate
World War II.
Direct Renewal
One of the measures The American Legion uses to judge the success
of the various programs is through the continuing strength of its
membership. Instrumental to the retention of members in the
organization is the Direct Renewal Program, which is the use of a
direct-mail method that invites members to renew. This organized,
uniform, and simple method has been a very successful and effective
approach and is funded at NO COST to the Departments or Posts. Members
of participating Posts receive a first renewal letter about July 1, or
August 1, depending on the Department. Subsequent renewal notices are
mailed to unpaid members about October 1, or November 1, December 15,
or January 11, March 13, and May 1.
Direct Membership Solicitation
Research studies have shown that many veterans would consider
joining The American Legion, but they have never been asked. In an
attempt to reach as many of these veterans as possible and to further
support our membership efforts, we solicit new members through various
direct marketing media. This innovative membership program is called
Direct Membership Solicitation (DMS).
DMS has proven successful, having acquired over 1,500,000 new
members for The American Legion since its inception. Fifty-two (52)
Departments participate in the DMS program.
DMS will continue to support The American Legion's on-going
membership efforts.
National Leadership Workshops
Members of every Post, Squadron, or Unit are encouraged to attend
one of the annual National Leadership Workshops. Each workshop provides
professional instruction on Flag Education, American Legion Baseball,
National High School Oratorical Program, Junior Shooting Sports,
Missing Children, Teen Suicide, Membership (attracting new ones and
training current members), Disability Compensation & Pension, Burial
Benefits, Public Relations . . . dealing with the news media, and much,
much more.
One of the very best ways to build and maintain a strong and active
American Legion is to have a membership that is well-informed on
issues, goals, and programs important to the organization . . . the
future of the Legion depends on this.
Attending each workshop are new officers, as well as members of
long-standing experience in leadership roles, other members that are
aspiring to be elected or appointed to an office or committee position,
and finally those members that are just plain interested in maintaining
the strength of this country's largest veterans organization . . .
there are enough topics to satisfy everyone's interest about the
Legion, the SAL, and the Auxiliary.
Concurrent workshop programs to be covered are Americanism,
Auxiliary, Children & Youth, Membership, Public Relations, and Veterans
Affairs and Rehabilitation.
Member Benefits
The Member Benefits Program was developed to respond to the call
for value-added membership.
An important part of using these benefits is to call the toll-free
numbers listed for information on the benefit and how to use it. Also,
make advance reservations if applicable, such as rental cars and hotel/
motel discounts.
We are seeking to expand our benefit offers and one area in
particular is a Discount Prescription Program currently being tested in
the Department of Indiana only. The Program provides both mail order
and walk-in retail service as well as significant savings on brand name
and generic drugs. Plans are to present the Program to the National
Executive Committee for approval of a nationwide rollout. Access to
this benefit will require only an American Legion or Sons of The
American membership card.
We are also seeking to clarify SAL member eligibility for our
existing benefits. This will require a review of all contracts and
contact with all benefit providers. We do not foresee any problems but
clarification will take time. When finalized, an announcement will be
sent to Departments and materials will be updated at next printing.
Finally, a benefit package concept is under study, that would allow
the purchase of additional benefits in connection with Paid-Up-For-
Life, Insurance and other programs. The benefits include auto purchase
and maintenance discounts, travel service, medical emergency data card,
and discount shopping to name a few.
Paid-Up-For-Life Membership Program
Paid-Up-For-Life started with the 1976 membership year as a
convenience for Legionnaires, offering them a method to purchase a
membership for life, through a one-time payment.
Since the program's beginning, nearly 150,000 Legionnaires have
taken advantage of the opportunity, and enrolled in the program.
During the next twelve months, it's anticipated that an additional
20-25,000 American Legionnaires will apply for membership into the
program . . . you can be in this prestigious group.
The average age of a Paid-Up-For-Life member is the mid-60's, and
the average fee paid to enroll is $155-160, which goes into a very
carefully controlled trust fund.
From the trust, annual per capita monies are rebated to the Posts,
the Departments, and to National for each Paid-Up-For-Life member's
dues.
The primary promotional strategies are (1) renewal inserts, (2)
periodic Magazine ads, (3) brochure/flyer materials shipped to
Departments for Post distribution, and (4) word-of-mouth support at
local, state, and national meetings.
From experience and observations, it is evident that, as the level
of awareness increases, through the education of the membership about
the program's availability, the number of new applications increases
very dramatically.
Also, as more Legionnaires become sensitized about the program, the
average age of applicants is dropping, which is a clear indication that
the ``younger'' member is seeing the program as a good investment
opportunity.
There is no reason to expect that the effect of expanded
promotional efforts will produce anything less than positive results
for the Paid-Up-For-Life program. It is well within reach of The
American Legion to have 300-400,000 Legionnaires enrolled in the
program by the end of this decade.
Fifty-three Departments participate in the National Paid-Up-For-
Life membership program.
Five Departments . . . Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Ohio, and
Pennsylvania, operate their own separate life membership plans for
members in their respective states, and do NOT participate in
National's program.
National Emergency Fund
Since inception in October 1989, the National Emergency Fund has
provided financial assistance to members of the Legion family. This
fund serves as a resource from which a member may receive temporary
financial assistance after a natural disaster has happened.
These violent acts of nature have plagued mankind since the
beginning of time and The American Legion National Emergency Fund is
but one small area in which our level of readiness must be maintained.
This fund guarantees that our membership has a place to turn for help;
in most cases, long before other relief agencies arrive and with less
red tape. The National Emergency Fund was not designed to replace
insurance or other disaster relief services, but a source from which
our members can receive financial help to offset initial expenses, such
as food, housing, clothing, etc.
Our long-term goal is to have a minimum of one million dollars
available in this fund. At the present time, the National Emergency
Fund has $679,564.06 available to disburse for future disasters.
Fundraising activities are on-going. Articles are published in The
American Legion Magazine, The Dispatch newspaper, and periodic special
mailings are sent out to departments and posts. The purpose is to
heighten awareness and solicit contributions to support the fund.
The National Emergency Fund is provided assistance to Georgia,
Alabama, and Florida after the flooding in July 1994. The flood
conditions in Georgia have made a black mark in the history books of
the National Emergency Fund. A Legion family member's life was lost in
flash flooding, marking the first time a member has been taken from our
family during a disaster.
To date, the National Emergency Fund has had contributions in the
amount of $1,537,892.47. A total of 1,205 grants have been disbursed to
members and posts accounting for $834,028.00 in direct financial
assistance to our family.
Consolidated Post Reports
The Consolidated Post Report--one of The American Legion's most
valuable internal documents--is our report card to Congress. It
outlines a summary of the collective aid and assistance provided to the
communities, states, and nation.
For the 1993-94 year, approximately 60 percent of the posts of the
organization filed an annual report, covering activities that include
(1) athletic teams sponsored, (2) volunteer hours performing community
service, (3) pints of blood donated, (4) Boy Scout troops sponsored,
(5) scholarships awarded, (6) jobs found for veterans, (7)
contributions, cash and goods, given to programs helping children and
veterans, plus many other areas and projects of involved Legionnaires.
CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS COMMITTEE
Francis L. Giordano, New York, Chairman
The National Constitution and By-Laws of The American Legion can
only be amended by the duly elected delegates at a National Convention.
However, the Constitution and By-Laws Committee, established by the
authority of the National Executive Committee in 1939, authorizes this
committee to study and make proper recommendations concerning all of
the matters that pertain to the Constitution and By-Laws, as well as
matters that relate to the Uniform Code of Procedure, which provides
rules and regulations for the Revocation, Cancellation, or Suspension
of Department and Post Charters of The American Legion.
RESOLUTIONS ASSIGNMENT COMMITTEE
Everett L. McConnell, Colorado, Chairman
This committee meets only at the annual National Convention, and at
least three days before it convenes. The committee has the
responsibility to receive, consider, and transmit all resolutions (with
or without recommendation) to the appropriate convention committee for
a report to the convention. During an average year, 3-400 resolutions
will be assigned; though, as many as 750 have been received for review
at a past convention.
TROPHIES, AWARDS AND CEREMONIALS COMMITTEE
Earl D. Franklin, Jr., Colorado, Chairman
This committee supervises all of the official national awards, and
recommends to the National Executive Committee recipients for the
Distinguished Service Medal; over the years, some of the people awarded
the Legion's highest honor are: General John J. Pershing, Ignace Jon
Paderewski of Poland, Henry Ford, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Ernie Pyle,
General Dwight David Eisenhower, Bob Hope, Harry Truman, Babe Ruth, Dr.
Jonas E. Salk, Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, John F. Kennedy, the Dead &
Missing of the Vietnam War, Astronauts John Young and Robert Crippen,
plus many other citizens of renown, who have made lasting and
significant contributions during the 20th century.
This committee also makes recommendations on the International
Amity Award, the Canadian Friendship Award, and presents a report to
the NEC on miscellaneous awards that have been made during each year.
They also supervise the contents of the Manual of Ceremonies of The
American Legion.
MEMBERSHIP AND POST ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE
Bettylou Evans, Delaware, Chairperson
Lee A. Hardy, Minnesota, Director
The 1994 membership year has been one of continued innovation
within the organization. It is quite evident, with our membership, we
are the largest veterans organization in the Nation.
Membership Statistics
Final 1992 membership................................... 3,115,340
Final 1993 membership................................... 3,104,973
1994 membership as of August 11, 1994................... 3,047,418
Education and Training
31st Annual National Membership Workshop
More than 400 Legionnaires, representing 52 Departments, gathered
in Indianapolis July 29-31, to acquire the information and tools
necessary for a successful membership year in 1995. The theme for the
1995 year, introduced at the Workshop, put everyone on the ``1995
Membership Trail'' leading to the National Convention in Portland,
Oregon. As we travel the road to Oregon, we need to recall the
traditional ways to recruit new members to our organization through
face-to-face and neighbor-to-neighbor personal contact. And, as was
typical in the days of the pioneers, members of the wagon train broke
off and formed new settlements along the way, just as we need to do in
forming new posts. We currently are losing three posts for each one we
charter and, for the first time since World War II, the organization
has on record just under 15,000 posts world-wide.
Membership Campaign Promotion
The National Membership Awards Program distributes between 65,000-
70,000 various awards annually to recognize membership accomplishments
at all levels of the organization. The promotion plan for the National
Membership Campaign is formulated during the annual planning session of
the M&PA Committee held in Indianapolis in January.
Unofficial Membership Awards
Contained within this extensive program are a wide variety of
prizes ranging from simple certificates and ribbons to valuable gifts
and travel. The awards are designed to reward the membership success of
dedicated Legionnaires at all levels of the organization and encourage
continued growth.
Early Bird Awards--August 17, 1993
Forty-five Departments qualified for the 30% awards.
Autumn Festival--September 21, 1993
Fifty-three Departments qualified for the 40% awards with 52 of
them qualifying for the 45% bonus awards. Each winner earned a choice
of several gifts.
Octoberfest--October 19, 1993
Fifty-three Departments qualified for the 40% awards with 52 of
them qualifying for the 55% bonus awards. Appropriate gifts were
awarded for their continuing membership efforts.
Pearl Harbor--December 14, 1993
Fifty Departments qualified for the 70% awards with 40 of them
qualifying for the 70% bonus. Excellence in membership earned
additional gifts and rewards.
Big Twelve Competition--February 23, 1994
Thirty-three Departments qualified for the 90% awards with 8 of
them qualifying for the 95% bonus award.
``Big Twelve'' Competition Winners
Category I--Ohio.
Category II--No Department qualified.
Category III--Kansas.
Category IV--No Department qualified.
Category V--Idaho.
Category VI--Delaware.
The membership efforts of the winning Departments, earned them a
$2,000 credit with National Emblem Sales of The American Legion.
The American Legion birthday--April 12, 1994
Twenty-five Departments qualified for the 95% awards with 2 of them
qualifying for the 100% bonus award. The value of the gifts earned
ranged from $25-$150. The bonus awards ranged in value from $15-$75.
Department commander of the year
Any Department Commander who met or exceeds his/her 100% goal for
1994 by May 4, 1993, received a plaque recognizing his/her achievement.
The plaque was presented at the National Convention in Minneapolis.
May Day--May 3, 1994
By achieving 100% of the Department's 94 membership goal, winning
Department Commanders and Membership Chairmen had a choice of several
gifts available, based on the number of targets/bonuses made during the
year.
Gold Brigade recruiter award
A Legionnaire who recruits 50 or more NEW members by District
Competition target date, May 4, 1994, qualified for enrollment in the
elite GOLD BRIGADE of the American Legion.
Gold Brigade drawing
All certified members of the Gold Brigade were automatically
entered in a drawing with the five winners announced at the 1994
National Convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The five winners of the
drawing receive a $1,000.00 Award Certificate.
Diamond recruiter award
A Legionnaire who recruits 75 or more NEW members into The American
Legion by Target Date VII, May 3, 1994 qualified for a 75th Anniversary
Diamond Lapel Pin and Recruiter Cap.
Delegate strength--August 8, 1994
Delegate Strength is determined by membership in the hands of the
National Treasurer 30 days prior to the National Convention. Total
number of delegates for each Department is based on five delegates at
large, one delegate for each 1,000 members or major fraction thereof,
and the members of the National Executive Committee.
Post honor ribbons
Post Honor Ribbons were shipped to 2,616 Posts whose 1994
membership as of December 31, 1993 exceeds the final 1993 membership.
Certificate of meritorious service
These certificates were awarded for 405 Posts for attaining a new
All-Time-High membership for 1994 by December 31, 1993.
Five consecutive years all-time high
These citations were awarded to Posts with five or more consecutive
years all-time high membership.
District Commanders ``Race To The Top"
District Commanders are the lynch pin of The American Legion's
chain of command, serving as the vital link between the National and
Department organizations and all Posts. The local Post is where the
``rubber meets the road'' and if it doesn't happen at the Post level--
it doesn't happen at all. District Commanders are the people charged
with insuring that all Posts in their District maintain their vitality.
Consequently, this unique award was created to provide a meaningful
incentive for the District Commanders and reward their successful
membership efforts. The winning District Commander and guest receive:
Reserved tickets to the Indianapolis 500, ``the greatest
spectacle in racing''.
First-class hotel accommodations for four nights at the
Ramada Plaza Hotel.
Reserved seating for the Indianapolis 500 parade.
Dinner reservations Friday and Saturday evening at two of
Indianapolis' finest restaurants.
Tour of the National Headquarters of The American Legion.
Previous winners have reported how much they enjoyed their
opportunity to participate in this world-renowned racing event and that
they have fond memories that will last a lifetime. 1994 Race To The Top
Competition Rules are as follows:
Competition is divided into five categories based on the membership
of the District without regard to geographic locations. District
Commanders compete in each of the following categories based on the
final 1993 totals, and a top District Commander for the National award
is selected from each of the five categories. Second and Third place
awards are also to be presented in each category.
Category I--Districts of 15 to 1,499 members.
Category II--Districts of 1,500 to 2,999 members.
Category III--Districts of 3,000 to 4,999 members.
Category IV--Districts of 5,000 to 7,499 members.
Category V--Districts of 7,500 and above members.
The 500 Trip is to be presented to the Top District Commander in
each category whose District membership for 1994 on March 31, 1994
represents the greatest percentage over the final 1993 membership of
the District. Cannot be less than 100% to qualify. The First Place
Award entitles winners to attend the 1994 Indianapolis 500 Race, and
first-class hotel accommodations.
Second Place awards are presented to the District Commander in each
category whose District membership for 1994 on March 31, 1994
represents the second highest percentage over the final 1993 membership
of that District. Cannot be less than 100% to qualify. Winners receive
their choice of several gifts valued at $500.
Third Place awards are presented to the District Commander in each
category whose District membership for 1994 on March 31, 1994
represents the third highest percentage over the final 1993 membership
of that District. Cannot be less than 100% to qualify. Winners receive
their choice of several gifts valued at $375.
1994 First Place Winners: Trip to the Indianapolis 500 Race
Category I
Paul Smith, New Mexico, 111.43 percent, Dist 10.
Category II
John B. Dunlap, Oklahoma, 109.62 percent, Dist 1.
Category III
Carl Platner, Delaware, 104.81 percent, Dist 4.
Category IV
Paul Martel, Florida, 102.38 percent, Dist 15.
Category V
Edward J. Dionne, Florida, 103.90 percent, Dist 8.
1993 Second Place Winners: Choice of Several Gifts Valued at $500
Category I
Ken Noack, Idaho, 110.17 percent, Dist 8.
Category II
James Gilmore, Oklahoma, 107.63 percent, Dist 6.
Category III
Robert Schmidt, Florida, 102.62 percent, Dist 3.
Category IV
James Papin, New York, 102.28 percent, Dist 28.
Category V
Herbert G. Hoying, Ohio, 102.56 percent, Dist 2.
1994 Third Place Winners: Choice of Several Gifts Valued at $375
Category I
Charles Tonnacliff, North Carolina, 110.08 percent, Dist 6.
Category II
Joseph R. McConomy, New Jersey, 106.18 percent, Dist 8.
Category III
Blanche E. Smith, Wisconsin, 100.24 percent, Dist 2.
Category IV
William H. Johnson, Nebraska, 100.37 percent, Dist 8.
Category V
William C. Willis, Ohio, 101.09 percent, Dist 3.
District Commander New Post Achievement Award
District Commanders who achieve the goal of creating new American
Legion Posts in their respective District and have the new Post's
Temporary Charter Application on file in National Headquarters by the
7th Target Date ``May Day'' May 3, 1994, qualify for a special
recognition plaque and a 75th Anniversary Diamond Lapel Tack.
Department Recruiter Of The Year
Each American Legion Post has the opportunity to submit the name of
the ``Top Recruiter'' for that Post who has signed up the highest
number of new members for the 1994 membership year by May 4, 1994.
Department Adjutants determine the Top New Member Recruiter for their
respective Department and certify their ``Department Recruiter'' to
National Headquarters on or before May 18, 1994.
The ``Department Recruiter'' properly certified from each
Department, is awarded a State Outline Plaque with his/her
accomplishment inscribed thereon.
National Recruiter Of The Year
The individual certified with the highest number of new members
recruited from among all the Departments is declared ``National
Recruiter of the Year''. The winner of this award receives an expense
paid trip to the 1994 National Convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
1993 Houghton award winners
The Arthur D. Houghton Sons of The American Legion is presented
annually to the Detachment of the Sons of The American Legion which on
December 31 of each year has attained the greatest percentage of
increase over the previous year's total membership. There are three (3)
categories and three (3) awards. The winners are:
CATEGORY I--New Mexico 131.9 percent
CATEGORY II--Colorado 129.7 percent
CATEGORY III--Pennsylvania 114.6 percent
The Sons Of The American Legion
Membership in the Sons of The American Legion for 1993 was 161,376.
As of August 10, 1994, the Sons of The American Legion membership has
grown to 168,776 members and is expected to grow to 170,000 by December
31, 1994.
The Sons of The American Legion's main emphasis focuses on two
major areas (1) VA & R Volunteer Support (VAVS) Rehabilitation to
Veterans in VA homes and hospitals and (2) raising funds in support of
The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation.
In the area of VA & R, the Sons of The American Legion provided
over 45,000 volunteer hours in VA homes and hospitals and donated over
$71,000 in cash and goods for our nation's Veterans.
The Sons provided three grants through The American Legion Child
Welfare Foundation to (1) Friends Network (2) The Caring Program for
Children and (3) National Marfan Foundation. At the end of the
Foundation's reporting year (May 31, 1994) the Sons of The American
Legion donated $78,362.80.
The Sons of The American Legion remains a healthy and vibrant
program experiencing continued growth and support to Posts throughout
The American Legion.
LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION
Charles Pesso, New York, Chairman
Steve Robertson, Louisiana, Director
This report covers the activities of the Legislative Commission
from August 1, 1993 through August 10, 1994. During this period, the
Commission met five times to review the legislative program and to make
recommendations to the National Executive Committee. Reports of these
meetings are contained in the published proceedings of the National
Executive Committee.
Purpose, Personnel and Organization
The Legislative Commission represents The American Legion before
the Congress of the United States on all legislative matters in which
the Legion is officially interested, and it assists the National
Executive Committee in formulating an appropriate legislative program
for each session of Congress. The Commission consists of thirty-two
members and five National Executive Committee liaisons.
To further assist the Commission in its work with Congress, the
National Executive Committee in 1975 created the National Legislative
Council, composed of Legionnaires whose judgment and advice are
respected by their elected representatives. The Council is headed by a
National Chairman, who is assisted by a Vice Chairman in 50 Legion
Departments. The Chairman, Vice Chairmen and general membership of the
Council are appointed by the National Commander upon recommendation by
the Departments.
The professional staff of the Commission (the Legislative Division)
concentrates on implementing the legislative mandates of The American
Legion which are expressed in resolutions adopted at its annual
National Convention and by the National Executive Committee at each of
its regularly scheduled meetings. The Legislative Division is located
in Washington, DC and consists of the director, two assistant
directors, two secretaries, a research analyst and a librarian. The
director and assistant directors are registered lobbyists and submit
quarterly reports to Congress. Because the Legion is a federally
chartered organization, an annual report is prepared and submitted to
Congress.
103d Congress, First Session
The following section provides a review of significant legislative
activity during the last five months of 1993 which impacted on the
Legion's legislative program. These highlights are organized by subject
area.
Americanism/Children & Youth
Flag Protection.--The Legion's continuing campaign to protect the
American flag from physical desecration earned additional victories as
1993 came to a close. At the Fall NEC meetings in October, National
Commander Bruce Thiesen challenged the 17 remaining states to increase
their efforts in obtaining a memorial resolution through their state
legislatures. By the end of the First Session, only 15 states had not
achieved this goal. The American Legion will continue its campaign to
have all 50 states send memorializing resolutions for a flag protection
amendment to Congress.
Resettlement of Iraqi POWs Examined.--Only 2 years after the end of
the Persian Gulf War, the Clinton administration came under fire for
allowing former Iraqi nationals being resettled in this country. During
FY 1993, nearly 4500 Iraqi refugees were settled in the U.S. They were
chosen from nearly 39,000 Iraqis in Saudi Arabia who could not return
to Iraq after the conflict because of political circumstances. About
4000 were former soldiers who deserted between the invasion of Kuwait
or were captured by coalition forces at the beginning of the U.S.
offensive against Iraq. Nearly 10,000 were members of ethnic or
religious minorities opposed to Saddam Hussein. Finally, some
participated in the failed coup against Hussein in March, 1991 and
feared reprisals.
Members of Congress have raised objections to this refugee
resettlement program, and legislation has even been introduced to halt
the program's implementation. In FY 1993 INS approved 2153 Iraqi
refugees from Saudi Arabia for settlement in the U.S. Of these, 533
were former soldiers. The quota for FY 1994 is 3229, of which 549 were
former soldiers. Quotas for FY 1995 could be as high as 6000. Refugees
go through a screening process by federal agencies before they are
cleared for resettlement. The vast majority are sponsored by benevolent
organizations, who assist in resettlement and employment efforts. The
U.S. and 15 other nations are resettling these refugees. The American
Legion will continue to monitor this situation carefully.
OJJDP Funding.--On October 27, President Clinton enacted Public Law
103-121, the FY 1994 Departments of Commerce, Justice, State and the
Judiciary funding measure. The most important item of concern to the
Legion contained in the bill is the Office of Juvenile Justice and
Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). Under the provisions of the
legislation, OJJDP received $107 million for the current fiscal year, a
substantial increase over FY 1993's $77 million.
INS Funding.--Another area of importance to the Legion in PL 103-
121 is funding for the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).
The law contains $1.05 billion for INS programs, including hiring of
new Border Patrol agents, purchasing new equipment for the Border
Patrol and updating the State Department's overseas visa processing
requirements. A portion of this money will be funded through increases
in various immigration user fees.
National Family Week.--In mid-November President Clinton enacted PL
103-153, which recognized the week of November 21, 1993 and November
20, 1994 (which include Thanksgiving Day) as ``National Family Week.''
The American Legion has taken the lead over the past two decades in
promoting this commemorative week, recognized as a meaningful time to
stress the importance of family values.
Childhood Immunization Programs Funded--As contained in PL 103-112,
the FY 1994 Departments of Labor, HHS and Education funding bill, a
program to protect this nation's children against vaccine-preventable
diseases by their second birthday received $528 million.
The authorizing legislation for this childhood immunization
program, originally contained in S. 732, was amended onto a similar
bill (H.R. 2659) which passed the House on October 5 and then the
Senate on March 24. The American Legion's Americanism/Children & Youth
Division is working with HHS and the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention in Atlanta to work out a cooperation agreement involving the
Legion's resources and volunteer assistance.
Economics
TJTC Reauthorized, Temporarily.--On August 10, President Clinton
signed PL 103-66, the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 (OBRA
93). Included in the law was another temporary, thirty month
reauthorization for the targeted jobs tax credit (TJTC). This new
reauthorization was made retroactive to June 30, 1992 when TJTC
expired. This means that before the end of the 103rd Congress, the
Legion and other groups who support TJTC must return to Congress and
ask for yet another extension. In addition, the administration has
expressed its desire to eliminate TJTC altogether. The American Legion
will continue to seek the permanent reauthorization of TJTC.
ASVET Funding.--President Clinton on October 21 enacted PL 103-112,
the Departments of Labor, HHS and Education appropriations bill for FY
1994. The measure contained a total of $186.6 million for programs
under the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment and
Training (ASVET). The Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) was
funded at $84.2 million for the current year, an increase of $2.2
million over FY 1993. The Local Veterans Employment Representative
(LVER) program received $78.2 million, $2.1 million more than FY 1993.
Finally, the National Veterans Training Institute (NVTI) received $2.9
million, an increase of $100,000 over the previous year.
VA Home Loan Increase.--On September 21, the House by a voice vote
passed H.R. 949, a measure which would increase the amount that
veterans could borrow under VA's home loan program. According to this
legislation, veterans could borrow up to $203,000 (the current limit is
set at $184,000). The bill would also extend bridge loans of up to
$10,000 to veterans who are facing foreclosure on their home mortgages
because of job loss or underemployment.
Soldiers and Sailors Civil Relief Act.--The Senate on November 8
passed H.R. 995, a measure to simplify the Soldiers and Sailors Civil
Relief Act, by substituting language of S. 843 (its own version of the
legislation) for the House-passed version. Following the Persian Gulf
War, many employers and veterans were unsure of their obligations and
rights under the act. H.R. 995 would reaffirm the obligation of all
employers to rehire a veteran who returns from service within five
years of leaving his job. The returning veteran is also entitled to the
same or a similar job as well as any promotions that would have accrued
had he not served in the military. The legislation would also add new
provisions requiring servicemembers called to active duty to give
reasonable notice to employers before leaving. Also added was a
provision which would guarantee that any pension benefits continue to
accrue during the veteran's time of service. The bill now goes back to
the House for further action.
Foreign Relations
Foreign Aid Appropriations.--On September 30 PL 103-87, the FY 1994
foreign aid bill, was enacted. It contained just under $13 billion in
foreign operations funding, $1.4 billion less than was requested by the
Clinton administration. Most of the initial disagreements between the
House and Senate were over the Senate's insistence on certain spending
mandates for specific aid accounts, as opposed to the House's desire to
allow the White House wider latitude in allocating foreign aid.
NAFTA Approval.--The President on December 8 enacted P.L. 103-182,
which would implement the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
On November 17, by a 234-200 recorded vote, the House passed the
legislation after long and often heated debate. NAFTA would create the
largest free trade area in the world, to include the U.S., Canada and
Mexico. This agreement is intended to break down most trade, tariff and
employment barriers between the three countries, encompassing 358
million consumers and a total market of $6.5 trillion.
Post-Cold War Military Matters Examined.--Since the end of the Cold
War and the emergence of the U.S. as the last major superpower, The
American Legion has been concerned with two important factors. First,
as the number of peacekeeping, peacemaking or humanitarian missions
occur, that American forces have been placed under foreign command. In
a letter dated October 5, the Legion informed Congress of its
opposition to such actions.
In the same letter, the Legion also addressed the possibility that
American servicemembers could be taken prisoner by hostile
nongovernmental forces in the course of post-Cold War military actions.
This situation became a hot issue late in 1993 as American forces
became more involved in peacekeeping activities in Somalia, and a U.S.
Army helicopter pilot was captured by irregular forces loyal to a
Somali warlord. The Legion urged Congress to examine the current U.S.
POW/MIA policy, and to set up mechanisms to insure that American
citizens are treated fairly and that our government will do everything
possible to secure their release, even the use of force.
Lobbying Restrictions.--The American Legion is officially on record
in support of legislation to regulate the activities of individuals who
lobby government agencies on behalf of corporations or foreign
governments or interests. In particular, the Legion believes that
former high-ranking administration officials and former members of
Congress should be prohibited from lobbying their former colleagues on
behalf of foreign government or interests. Legislation to streamline
the lobbyist reporting process (S. 349) passed the Senate on May 6,
1993 by a 95-2 recorded vote.
Internal Affairs
Revenue Forgone and Nonprofit Rate Reform.--On October 28 P.L. 103-
123, the FY 1994 Treasury-Postal Service funding measure, was signed
into law. The revenue forgone account received $91.4 million in funding
for the current fiscal year. (In the previous two fiscal years,
nonprofit postal subsidies shrank from $470 million in FY 1992, to $121
million in FY 1993, to the current year's total.) A four percent rate
increase on third class nonprofit rates and a two percent increase on
second class nonprofit mailings will go into effect soon, with similar
increases taking effect in each of the next five years thereafter.
Also, a 4 cents per piece surcharge on third class flat pieces will
continue. The American Legion will continue to seek true reform of the
nonprofit mailing rates.
World War II Memorial.--In 1992, P.L. 102-414 was enacted, allowing
the Treasury Department to mint a coin to commemorate the 50th
anniversary of U.S. participation in World War II. Funds from sales of
the coin would be used to build a World War II memorial in Washington
DC. Unfortunately, legislation to authorize the actual construction of
the memorial expired when the 102nd Congress adjourned. To correct this
oversight, a bill to authorize construction of the World War II
memorial was introduced at the outset of the 103rd Congress, quickly
passed and on May 25 President Clinton enacted P.L. 103-32.
Memorial Coins Bill Enacted.--On December 14, the President enacted
P.L. 103-186, a bill which authorizes the U.S. Treasury to mint several
commemorative coins. They include: a Prisoner-of-War Commemorative
Coin, to memorialize the experiences of Americans who have been POWs; a
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Commemorative Coin, to honor the 10th
anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial; and, the Women in
Military Service for America Memorial Commemorative Coin, to honor the
service of women in U.S. armed forces. Funds from the sales of these
coins will be used, respectively, to build a Prisoner-of-War Museum in
Andersonville GA, repair and maintain the Vietnam Veterans Memorial,
and build and maintain the Women in Military Service for America
Memorial.
Vietnam Women's Memorial Coin.--On November 24, the Senate by a
voice vote passed S. 469. If this measure is enacted, it will authorize
the U.S. Treasury to mint a commemorative coin to support construction
and perpetual care of the Vietnam Women's Memorial, which was dedicated
on November 11, 1993 in Washington, DC.
National Security
DoD Budget, Appropriations.--The President on November 11 signed
P.L. 103-139, the Department of Defense (DoD) funding bill for FY 1994.
It funded DoD at a level of $240.5 billion, $12.6 billion less than was
appropriated for FY 1993. Total U.S. active-duty forces under P.L. 103-
139 will be 1.62 million, a projected reduction of 103,000 personnel.
Some specific highlights of the bill include: $2.64 billion for
anti-missile programs (formerly SDI); $2.64 billion to build three
additional Aegis anti-missile destroyers; $2.09 billion to continue
development of the F-22 as a successor to the F-15; $1.94 billion for
six more C-17 wide-body cargo jets; and, $1.47 billion to continue
development of enlarged models of the Navy's F/A-18. In addition, P.L.
103-139 includes $2.49 billion for defense conversion projects intended
to cushion defense contractors, their employees and their communities
against the steady decline in Pentagon spending.
In addition to the active-duty personnel reduction stated above,
other reductions recommended in the DoD authorization measure (P.L.
103-160) include: 60,000 fewer reserve personnel; 2 less Army
divisions; 397 naval combat ships (28 less than currently available);
12 aircraft carriers (a reduction of one carrier); 2 less tactical
fighter wings (2 less than presently on active-duty); 191 long-range
bombers (cutting out 10); and, 667 intercontinental ballistic missiles
(ICBMs), reducing the total by 120.
These reductions reflect a new perspective on U.S. defense policy
away from a Cold War posture to an emphasis on regional security,
reduction of weapons of mass destruction, and a strengthening of U.S.
economic security. Pentagon officials claim that the DoD budget is
adequate to meet the new post-Cold War challenges. Despite certain cuts
already announced, House Armed Services Chairman Ron Dellums claims
that more can be cut from the DoD budget and still maintain American
military strength. His Senate counterpart, Sam Nunn, has expressed an
unwillingness to cut any further.
The American Legion continues to be concerned with efforts to
reduce the U.S. military. Despite assurances that American armed forces
will be able to maintain up-to-the-minute readiness, the Legion is
still anxious over the 9.4 percent cut in defense spending contained in
PL 103-139.
Military Pay Raise Approved.--Also included in PL 103-139 was a 2.2
percent pay raise for armed services personnel in FY 1994. White House
budget plans call for tight controls on pay raises, hoping to limit pay
raises to one percent under inflation during FY 1994-1997. However,
House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee chairman John Murtha (D-PA)
insisted on the modest raise in order to keep trained servicemembers
and to keep the services on an up-to-the-minute readiness. Both
chambers of Congress agreed with Murtha.
U.S. Coast Guard.--The President on December 20, enacted P.L. 103-
206, the FY 1994 Coast Guard authorization measure. The law authorizes
$3.6 billion for the Coast Guard, including $2.6 billion for operations
and $418 million to buy vessels, aircraft and other equipment. It also
includes provisions aimed at improving Coast Guard resources to respond
to oil spills and to increase the number of active-duty commissioned
officers from 6,000 to 6,200. On October 27 the President signed PL
103-122, the FY 1994 Transportation Department funding bill. The Coast
Guard received $3.6 billion in funding to continue its various
missions, which include air-sea rescues, drug interdiction, pollution
control and illegal alien interception.
Base Closures.--On July 1 the Defense Base Closure and Realignment
Commission sent its final list of base closing recommendations to
President Clinton. The list included 35 major and 95 minor military
installations targeted for closure and 27 major bases and 18 minor
facilities scheduled for cutbacks of some kind. The President approved
the list within 24 hours and sent the list to Congress. On September 20
the Senate voted 83-12 to allow the closures and realignments to
proceed. According to law, either chamber of Congress could overturn
the entire list but not remove individual facilities from the list.
Selective Service Saved.--During early consideration of the FY 1994
VA, HUD and Independent Agencies funding measure (P.L. 103-124), the
House made a deep cut in money for the Selective Service System,
effectively restricting the agency to maintenance of a computer program
that contains the registry dates of all individuals entered thus far
into the system. Funded at $28.6 million in FY 1993, Selective Service
would have received only $5 million.
However, the Senate disagreed and appropriated $25 million for the
agency in FY 1994. On October 29 the House voted 236-194 to agree to
the Senate amount. The American Legion regards Selective Service as a
necessary hedge against the possibility of large-scale international
emergencies, and will continue to support this agency.
Military Families Recognized.--On November 8 PL 103-137 was
enacted, which recognized November 22, 1993 as ``National Military
Families Recognition Day.'' This commemorative day is designed to
acknowledge the sacrifices of military families and the hardships they
often endure, and to recognize ``their patriotism through their
steadfast support and commitment to the nation.''
Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation
FY 1994 VA Spending.--On October 28 President Clinton enacted P.L.
103-124, the FY 1994 VA, HUD and Independent Agencies appropriations
bill. The measure funded VA at $35.9 billion, an increase of $813
million over the previous year's figures. The medical care account
received a funding increase of nearly $1 billion, while the medical and
prosthetic research account was raised by $20 million. An extra $133
million was appropriated for readjustment benefits, while funding for
major and minor construction projects actually went down by $120
million from FY 1993 to the current year. The American Legion will
continue to lobby Congress for adequate funding for VA, especially much
needed health-care reform.
Veterans Provisions in OBRA 93.--PL 103-66 contained provisions
which affected veterans. VA was given authority to continue billing
nonservice-connected veterans for health care until the end of FY 1998.
Next, the law allows VA to continue a program to require private
insurers to reimburse VA for treatment of veterans for nonservice-
connected disabilities. Other veterans will also continue to pay
copayments for medication received on an outpatient basis.
Other OBRA 93 provisions affecting veterans include: an increase in
the VA home-loan user fee from 1.25 percent to 2 percent; elimination
of an FY 1994 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Montgomery GI Bill
participants, and a 50 percent reduction in a similar COLA for FY 1995;
and, FY 1994 COLAs for dependency and indemnity compensation payments
would be tied to increases in Social Security payments, would halve
those COLAs and have them rounded down to the nearest dollar amount.
As The American Legion has said in the past, our nation's veterans
did not create the current deficit and it is unfair for the federal
government to balance the budget on their backs. The Legion will
continue to oppose these ``savings'' as unfair and shortsighted.
Future Planning of VA Construction.--P.L. 103-79, signed by the
President on August 13, requires VA to engage in detailed planning
before deciding on future hospital construction projects. The law
directs VA to review the mission of each facility within a year of the
law's enactment. It further requires VA to make long-term care and
ambulatory care the major priorities when building new hospitals or
expanding existing facilities. This provision reflects the fact that VA
will need to stress this type of care in the future in order to cope
with a veteran population that is getting older.
National Service Program Become Law.--On September 21, President
Clinton enacted P.L. 103-82, which codifies his National Service
Program. Under the plan, selected individuals would receive educational
grants, government-funded health care and child care, a monthly stipend
and other generous benefits in exchange for up to 1,700 hours of
community service or volunteer work. Funding for the new program was
included in P.L. 103-124, the FY 1994 VA, HUD and Independent Agencies
spending bill. The Legion and its supporters attempted to have this
program included under the Labor, HHS and Education appropriations
measure, but was unsuccessful. The program was funded in FY 1994 at
$370 million.
The American Legion does not oppose the concept of national or
community service and volunteerism. However, our organization feels
that this program will be in direct competition with the armed forces
to recruit young people. The program also offers benefits which, taken
as a whole, are superior to those offered by the current Montgomery GI
Bill (MGIB). Congress has limited the educational grants of the
National Service Program not to exceed 90% of educational benefits of
the MGIB. The Legion will use National Service Program criteria to urge
Congress to either improve MGIB benefits or institute a new GI Bill for
Persian Gulf veterans.
Veterans, Survivors Comp COLAs.--On November 11, President Clinton
signed P.L. 103-140, which set the FY 1994 COLA for veterans'
disability compensation and survivors' benefits at a percentage equal
to the COLA for Social Security recipients. That COLA was set at 2.6
percent after inflation figures (as measured by the Consumer Price
Index) were released earlier.
Medal of Honor Pensions Increased.--The President on November 30,
signed PL 103-161, legislation which increased the pension paid by the
federal government to living Congressional Medal of Honor recipients.
Under this law, the pension was raised from $200 a month to $400 per
month.
VA Health Care for Desert Storm Veterans.--On December 20,
President Clinton enacted PL 103-210, a bill which authorizes VA to
provide health care for veterans of the Persian Gulf War. This law goes
into effect as thousands of Desert Storm veterans, both active-duty and
Reserve personnel, are experiencing a variety of symptoms and ailments
which have thus far defied explanation. The American Legion continues
to press Congress to mandate a thorough epidemiological study of
Persian Gulf veterans.
Selected VA Care Expanded.--On November 16, the House gave voice
vote approval to H.R. 3313, a measure aimed at making several changes
in VA health care. The bill combines the texts of four measures
originally passed by the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on
Hospitals and Health Care on October 6. H.R. 3313 aims to enhance
treatment for veterans suffering from exposure to Agent Orange and
ionizing radiation. It would also authorize VA to treat Vietnam
veterans for those conditions the National Academy of Sciences has
found or will subsequently find to be related to Agent Orange.
Another provision of the bill would mandate outpatient treatment
for conditions caused by Agent Orange or radiation exposure. The bill
would expand existing VA medical treatment offered to women veterans.
In addition, H.R. 3313 would authorize VA to establish nonprofit
corporations at its health-care facilities to provide therapeutic work
for chronically mentally ill patients. Finally, the measure would
authorize VA to furnish preventive and other medical care at community-
based Vet Centers.
103rd Congress, Second Session
The Second Session of the 103rd Congress convened on January 25,
1994. On February 7 President Clinton unveiled his Fiscal Year 1995
budget proposal of $1.51 trillion. The House of Representatives on
March 11 passed House Concurrent Resolution 218, which generally agreed
with the President's budget request, by a 223-175 vote. On March 25 the
Senate passed an amended version of H. Con. Res. 218 by a 57-40 vote.
The President on February 12 enacted PL 103-211, the first
supplemental appropriations measure of FY 1994. The majority of the
bill provides $10 billion in emergency aid to victims of the January 17
California earthquake. Some of this emergency aid, $66.6 million, was
allocated specifically for repairs to the VA medical center at
Sepulveda which was closed due to heavy quake damage. The money, which
remains available until spent, includes $45.6 million for repairs and
$21 million to treat the VAMC's patients at other veterans hospitals.
The measure also contains $698 million for increased disability
payments and pension benefits, as well as $103.2 million for higher
readjustment benefits. Finally, the law transfers $2.5 million from VA
medical care to medical administration, most of which will be used to
avoid layoffs at the Veterans Health Administration headquarters in
Washington, DC. The money will cover the cost of a $500,000 contract
awarded to help VA plan for health-care reform.
In April, The American Legion expressed concern with the membership
of the Bipartisan Entitlement Task Force, a group formed to examine
ways to reduce federal government entitlements and thereby reduce the
deficit. The Legion was most concerned that none of the task force
members, mainly drawn from congressional and private business leaders,
directly represented the veterans' community. This oversight could have
a tremendous effect on veterans appropriations over the next several
years, and The American Legion requested that this oversight be
remedied.
This year is also an election year, and there will be major changes
in both the House and Senate. Nine senators have announced their
retirements from Congress, while 49 representatives have either
retired, resigned, are running for another office, or already lost
primary elections. The retirement of Senate Majority Leader George
Mitchell (ME), has set off a leadership scramble in the Senate as well
as in the state of Maine. Both current House members which represent
Maine have declared their candidacy for Mitchell's seat, which now
opens both House seats. Further, Senators Tom Daschle (D-SD) and Jim
Sasser (D-TN) have begun lining up votes for the leadership slot.
The death of Representative William Natcher of Kentucky (who
chaired the House Appropriations Committee), besides opening a seat in
the House, resulted in the selection of Representative David Obey (WI)
to become the new panel chairman. In announcing their retirements, some
senior House members of both parties will be setting off major
committee realignments of chairmanships and ranking minority members.
The House Veterans Affairs Committee will lose seven members, three of
whom currently serve as subcommittee chairmen.
Americanism/Children & Youth
The American Legion is continuing its campaign to have state
legislatures pass memorializing resolutions urging Congress to adopt a
proposed constitutional amendment. In February, Michigan joined the
ranks of flag protectors, followed by New Mexico, Nebraska, Maryland,
New York, Arizona, Minnesota, Oklahoma and North Carolina to bring the
total number of states passing memorializing resolutions to 44. The
Legion will continue its campaign to have all 50 states send
memorializing resolutions for a flag protection amendment to Congress.
The American Legion has joined forces with the Citizens Flag
Alliance, a broad-based, national organization formed to persuade
Congress to pass a constitutional amendment to protect the flag. The
Citizens Flag Alliance has targeted the First Session of the 104th
Congress for passage of a narrowly drawn constitutional flag protection
amendment.
The Senate on March 24 passed H.R. 2659, a bill which contains
authorizing legislation for a childhood immunization program which has
been a major objective of the White House. The immunization provisions
would help insure that all children in this country are protected
against vaccine-preventable diseases by their second birthday. It would
also establish a national immunization tracking system and ensure
continued operation of the National Vaccine Injury Compensation
Program. Both congressional chambers approved nearly identical funding
amounts for the program, the House appropriating $463 million and the
Senate providing $464 million. Since the bill is different from the
version originally passed by the House, a conference committee will be
necessary to reconcile disagreements.
On July 22 the Senate by a voice vote passed H.R. 4603, the FY 1995
Departments of Commerce, Justice, State and the Judiciary funding
measure. The Senate's version of the measure would provide about $600
million more than the House bill.
The Justice Department would receive a 26.5 percent increase in
funding over FY 1994 for a total of $12.1 billion. Some of that money
will go towards the hiring of a projected 100,000 new police officers.
The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) will get $1.3 billion,
$301 million over current year totals. Much of that funding will be
used to hire 700 new Border Patrol agents.
In addition, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency
Prevention (OJJDP) would receive $146.5 million from the House and $144
million from the Senate. If signed into law, this would be the second
year in a row in which OJJDP would receive substantial funding
increases. Spending in FY 1993 totalled $77 million, and FY 1994
programs were funded at $107 million. The American Legion has supported
the goals of OJJDP since it inception and will continue to support its
various programs aimed at keeping this country's children and youth
crime-free.
Economics
On July 20 the Senate Appropriations Committee approved its version
of H.R. 4606, the FY 1995 Departments of Labor, Health and Human
Services, and Education spending measure, sending the bill to the full
Senate for further action. The House on June 29 had passed the measure
by a 339-89 recorded vote.
The bill contains funding for the Office of the Assistant Secretary
of Labor for Veterans Employment and Training (ASVET). A total of
$185.3 million would be given to this office under the House version of
H.R. 4606, which is $1.4 million less than was appropriated in the
current year. The Senate would appropriate $188 million, an increase of
$1.3 million. The Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) would
receive $83.6 million, nearly $600,000 less than FY 1994 funding. Under
the Senate's version DVOP would be funded at $85 million, $800,000 more
than current year totals. In addition, the Local Veterans Employment
Representative (LVER) program would receive $77.6 million, another
$600,000 reduction over current year amounts. The Senate would provide
LVER with $78.8 million, an increase of nearly $700,000 over FY 1994
amounts. The National Veterans Training Institute (NVTI) would receive
$2.9 million from both chambers, the same amount appropriated for FY
1994. Finally, both chambers would fund Title IV-C of the Job Training
Partnership Act at $8.9 million.
On June 27, the Veterans Employment Training Service (VETS) held a
ceremony to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the enactment of the
Veterans Preference Act. During the ceremony, Labor Secretary Robert
Reich stated the Clinton Administration's commitment to preserving
veterans preference and VETS.
The American Legion and other veterans' service organizations put
those comments to the test late in July. In early June the Merit
Systems Protection Board (MSPB) ruled that a controversial 1992
restructuring of the U.S. Postal Service was a reduction in force, or
RIF. Under RIF law, seniority and veterans preference determines who
can claim remaining jobs and who gets laid off during federal
downsizing. The Clinton Administration appealed that ruling on July 27,
exactly one month after the veterans preference anniversary ceremony.
Almost immediately, the Legion scored the White House for this
hypocritical decision. On August 3, however, the Clinton Administration
had reconsidered its position and announced it would drop the appeal.
The House on August 1 passed by voice vote two measures to several
measures which will benefit veterans. (These measures passed the House
Veterans Affairs Committee on July 21 by voice votes.) One bill, H.R.
4776, would require businesses with federal contracts worth $10,000 or
more to give preference in hiring and promotion to combat veterans.
Federal contractors would also have to inform veterans of job openings
before announcing them to the public through local employment agencies.
The measure also requires that Vietnam veterans and women veterans be
included in the Bureau of Labor Statistics' biennial survey of
unemployment among veterans.
Further, H.R. 4724 would expand eligibility for VA guaranteed home
loans. The bill would waive a requirement that reservists discharged
for service-connected injuries have served at least six years to
qualify for a VA loan. Spouses of reservists killed on active duty
would also qualify for loans.
There are over 600,000 homeless persons in America each night,
approximately 250,000 of these are veterans. In May, the White House
initiated a new program entitled Priority: Home! This new program will
direct the Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor and Veterans
Affairs to work together to provide relief to the homeless problem. The
program will also dramatically increase funding for the McKinney Act to
allow state and local governments and nonprofit groups increased
funding to provide housing. On June 17, VA announced a Notice of Funds
Availability (NOFA) for its new Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem
Program. Under NOFA, $5.5 million will be available through the
remainder of FY 1994.
Legislation introduced in this session, S. 2111, would promote
increased competition throughout the communications industry, as well
as an estimated 500,000 jobs within the next two years. As part of a
public relations campaign to foster support for S 2111, National
Commander Bruce Thiesen lent his support and that of The American
Legion to S. 2111.
FOREIGN RELATIONS
On February 2 President Clinton announced his intention to lift the
19-year economic embargo against Vietnam. The American Legion and other
veterans' organizations had met with the President in the days prior to
his action, stating their opposition to his proposal. As there are
still over 2,200 MIAs from the Vietnam War unaccounted for, the
President was advised not to lift the embargo against Vietnam or to
normalize relations with Vietnam until Hanoi provides the fullest
possible accounting of American POW/MIAs.
There are still many POWs and MIAs from World War II, the Korean
War and the Vietnam War that are unaccounted for that need to be
investigated and resolved. Until these long-overdue answers are found,
The American Legion believes the issue requires the continuing national
visibility that can only be provided by a presidential commission or a
congressional oversight committee. Legislation has been introduced in
the House to create another select committee on POW/MIA affairs.
On August 4 the House by a 341-85 vote passed H.R. 4426, the FY
1995 foreign aid funding measure. Final action by the Senate is
expected. The bill would provide $13.8 billion in overseas aid to a
variety of programs benefitting many nations. That figure represents a
$250 million reduction from the administration's request and almost
$510 million less than was funded in FY 1994. The measure as passed by
the conferees was relatively free of earmarks, specific spending
mandates intended to funnel money to individual nations.
Some specific funding areas include: $220 million in debt relief
for Jordan, which late in July ended its 46-year state of war with
Israel; $850 million in aid to the nations of the former Soviet Union;
$365 million in loans to Turkey; $255 million in loans to Greece; $3
billion in aid for Israel; and, $2.1 billion for Egypt.
On March 24 the House by a vote of 315-110 passed S 349,
legislation aimed at streamlining the lobbying reporting process. The
measure would create a new independent agency to monitor lobbyists,
require them to report to this agency every six months, direct persons
who lobby executive branch agencies to register, and prohibit most
gifts in excess of $20. Many House members, particularly freshman
legislators, complained that there were still too many loopholes in
gift-giving for S 349 to work effectively. There are many differences
in the two versions of the bill, so a conference committee will be
required to craft a version acceptable to both chambers.
Internal Affairs
After initial Senate passage in the First Session, S 469 has become
stalled in the House of Representatives. The bill would authorize a
commemorative coin to support construction and maintenance of the
Vietnam Women's Memorial. Despite the fact that a companion measure, HR
2467, has 222 cosponsors, that legislation is currently stalled in the
House Banking Subcommittee on Consumer Credit and Insurance, chaired by
Representative Joseph Kennedy (D-MA). It is likely that final action on
this measure will occur in the 104th Congress.
The Senate on June 22 passed by a 72-27 vote HR 4539, the FY 1995
Treasury-Postal Service funding measure. The House passed its version
of the bill on June 15 by a 276-139 tally. The House version of the
bill contained $85.7 million for revenue forgone postal subsidies,
while the Senate-passed version funded the account at $102.3 million.
While this amount is a modest increase over the House version and
current year amounts (FY 1994 revenue forgone funding totalled $91.4
million), it is still a far cry from the $470 million set aside for
this account a mere two years ago.
Earlier this year, the U.S. Postal Service published new
regulations to govern third-class rates for nonprofit mailers. Though
PL 103-123 contained guidelines (the so-called ``Clay compromise'') for
USPS to follow in formulating these rules, the published regulations
generally ignored congressional intent as contained in the law. The
Legion will continue to seek major nonprofit postal rate reform.
National Security
On July 29 the Senate Appropriations Committee completed action on
HR 4650, the FY 1995 Department of Defense (DoD) funding bill, with
spending totalling $243.8 billion. The House passed its version of the
measure on June 29 by a 330-91 recorded vote. The House version
contains a total of $243.6 billion for programs related to this
nation's military, approximately $3 billion more than was funded in the
current fiscal year.
The major provisions of the measure include: an FY 1995 active-duty
force of 1.53 million personnel; $389 million to buy 60 additional
Blackhawk troop-carrying helicopters; $217 million for the Marine Corps
to buy 18 Cobra attack helicopters; $934 million for 24 additional F/A-
18 fighters; $2.44 billion for continued development of the F-22 for
the Air Force; $2.45 billion for an additional nuclear-powered aircraft
carrier; $2.61 billion for three Aegis missile destroyers; $497 million
to continue development of the V-22 Osprey aircraft for the Marines;
$2.3 billion for continued production and testing of the C-17 wide-body
cargo jets; $2.75 billion for anti-missile defenses; and, $3.49 billion
for economic conversion programs.
Last year, the House attempted to cut the majority of funding
proposed for the Selective Service System, but was thwarted by the
Senate. On March 3, a report was released by the Pentagon that stated
that peacetime registration could be suspended ``without irreparable
damage to national security.'' The report stopped short, however, of a
recommendation to abolish the system, and President Clinton said in an
accompanying letter that registration should continue pending further
review by the National Security Council. Funding for the Selective
Service is included in H.R. 4624, the FY 1995 VA, HUD and Independent
Agencies funding measure, totalling $23 million.
The House by a 363-49 vote on June 16 and the Senate on July 21 by
a 91-9 tally passed H.R. 4556, the Department of Transportation funding
measure for FY 1995. This bill contains money for the U.S. Coast Guard,
which would receive $3.7 billion for its various tasks including air-
sea rescue, pollution fighting, drug interdiction and illegal alien
interception. One of its missions can be clearly seen in the Coast
Guard's participation in operations to intercept Haitian refugees. Each
chamber gave slightly varying amounts to Coast Guard functions.
On June 15 the Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee approved
for Senate action H.R. 6, a bill to authorize for six years a number of
elementary and secondary education programs. The measure was approved
by the full House on March 24 by a recorded vote of 289-112. One of the
components of H.R. 6 involves impact aid. This is funding which would
compensate localities for costs associated with educating children from
families connected to large federal endeavors, such as military bases.
In many cases the demands on civilian facilities and teaching staffs
met by communities are overwhelming because of the added workload
created by the dependent children of our nation's service personnel.
After considerable debate in June and into July, both the House and
Senate approved legislation which would shift receipt of military and
federal civilian retirement COLAs to April, 1995. In a unique display
of unity, federal civilian retirees and military retirees worked
together to avoid providing COLAs to one group of retirees at the
expenses of the other. The bill will also add an additional $367
million to the FY 1995 DoD funding measure for the COLAs. The COLAs
will be funded out of non-readiness accounts. Receipt of COLAs in 1996
and later years are yet to be decided.
Efforts by the Legion have been consistent in both sessions of
Congress to support changes in legislation to allow military retirees
to receive both retirement pay and disability pay. Senator John McCain
(R-AZ) introduced an initiative in the First Session to allow
concurrent receipt for 100 percent disabled veterans. Its
implementation was predicated upon the ability of DoD to fund and
support the requirement. Those monies and DoD staff support failed to
materialize.
Late in the current session, Senator McCain reintroduced his
legislation with the additional caveat that only 100 percent service-
connected, 20-year military retirees be allowed to receive concurrent
receipt. An estimated 3500 individuals would be affected, costing an
estimated $55 million. A similar effort has been on-going in the House
since early 1993 contained in H.R. 65. This bill, however, proposes
concurrent receipt for all retirees. At the time of this writing, the
McCain initiative is pending debate in the Senate.
Budget cutting and deficit reduction activities continued to serve
as the catalyst for consideration of certain programs for cancellation.
One of those was the Uniformed Services University of the Health
Services (USUHS). This program, which furnishes about 160 military
doctors to the military services each year, costs an estimated $185
million each year. Initial efforts to close the facility began in mid-
1993 with the issuance of Vice President Gore's National Performance
Review. Since that time, several House and Senate measures, budget
debates and cost cutting initiatives have been introduced to close
USUHS. Thus far, compelling and unique international humanitarian
catastrophes have supported retention of the facility.
Concern for budgetary expenditures also carried over into the world
of science and exploration as conducted by NASA. In late February the
House Science, Space and Technology Subcommittee on Space heard
testimony in support of a strong national space program. The Legion
spoke in favor of the nation's investment in exploration, education,
youth indoctrination programs and a dynamic aerospace program that
furthers U.S. national defense and economic security goals, as well as
space science. The Legion noted that if a ``made in space'' label could
make a difference in the U.S. economy, our organization would support
it.
VETERANS AFFAIRS & REHABILITATION
The House on June 29 by a recorded vote of 344-84 passed H.R. 4624,
the VA, HUD and Independent Agencies spending bill for FY 1995. The
Senate passed the measure on August 4 by a vote of 86-9. Funding for VA
was set at $37.3 billion by the House, at $37.4 billion by the Senate.
Some of the funding levels in major accounts:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
H.R. 4624 H.R. 4624
Account Fiscal year (House (Senate
1994 proposed) proposed)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Compensation & pension (billions) $17.53 $17.63 $17.63
Medical care (billions).......... 15.62 16.23 16.23
Readjustment benefits (billions). 1.05 1.29 1.29
General operating expenses
(millions)...................... 827 888 893
Major/minor construction
(millions)...................... 567 255 362
Prosthetic research (millions)... 252 252 252
National Cemetery System
(millions)...................... 71 73 73
------------------------------------------------------------------------
On May 4 President Clinton enacted P.L. 103-240, legislation which
extends to National Guard and Reserve retirees who served 20 or more
years the right to be buried in national cemeteries. This right also
includes dependents of those personnel. It is estimated that some 800-
1000 new interments a year will result from the enactment of this bill.
The President on July 1 enacted P.L. 103-271, which seeks to make
the Board of Veterans Appeals more efficient. One of VA's continuing
problems is a huge backlog of pending claims which have increased from
377,000 in 1992 to a current level of about 550,000. Many veterans
going through the appeals process must sometimes wait years for a
decision. The law seeks to change BVA procedures by reducing from three
to one the number of members needed to adjudicate a claim.
One of the provisions of H.R. 949 (see Economics section of First
Session review above), which was approved by the House on September 21,
1993 and currently awaits Senate action, would help states pay for
establishing, expanding or improving veterans' cemeteries by increasing
the federal matching share in VA grants from 50 percent to 65 percent
per plot. Under current regulations, these grants are only available to
wartime veterans. Further, VA would pay each state $150 for each
veteran interred in a state veterans' cemetery who would also have been
eligible for burial in a national cemetery.
During the First Session, the House passed a bill, H.R. 3313, which
would expand VA health care to veterans suffering from exposure to
Agent Orange and ionizing radiation. It would also expand existing VA
medical care for women veterans. On June 8 of this year, the Senate
passed its version of the bill by substituting language of a similar
measure (S. 1626) for the House legislation. The bill now goes back to
the House for either its approval or to a conference committee.
The Senate and the House, on March 1 and 17 respectively, defeated
proposed legislation that would have required the federal government to
have a balanced budget by the year 2001. In the Senate, the vote was
63-37 in favor of Senate Joint Resolution 41; the House tally was 271-
153 in favor of House Joint Resolution 103. However, as a two-thirds
majority in each chamber was needed to pass the bills (67 in the Senate
and 283 in the House), the measures were defeated.
Passage of the amendment would have required the federal government
to make deep, across-the-board cuts in all federal programs, including
VA. These cuts would be in addition to personnel cuts proposed in the
Clinton administration's FY 1995 budget. According to VA Secretary
Jesse Brown, VA would have to make do with approximately $4.2 billion
less in the upcoming fiscal year. This would have translated into the
loss of nearly 4,000 health care workers and 622 benefits claims
personnel, losses which VA cannot afford to absorb. It is ironic that
President Clinton's health-care reform proposal includes VA in the mix,
but that his Office of Management and Budget would take away the funds
which would allow VA to be competitive in attracting patients to the VA
system.
On March 24 the Senate approved, by a voice vote, two measures to
make changes to veterans' benefits. The first, S. 1226, would expand
the current mandate for VA's Vet Centers program, which provides
counseling and other services to veterans of the Vietnam War and post-
Vietnam conflicts. Under this bill, these Centers would be directed to
serve all combat veterans, including those of World War II and Korea.
It would also authorize a two-year pilot program to provide limited
health-care services, such as blood pressure screening and other
medical tests, at Vet Centers. An amendment was added to S. 1226 to
allow family members of former POWs to receive counseling at Vet
Centers.
A second measure, S. 1512, would establish a VA pilot program for
research into and treatment of mental health disorders of veterans. It
would also establish five centers for mental health research in
appropriate areas throughout the country. The bill would authorize $3.1
million in FY 1994 for the program, and $6.3 million each year between
FY 1995 through 1997.
On April 14 the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee approved several
pieces of legislation for further action by the full Senate. Among
those bills were:
S. 1908, which would ease the rules governing lawsuits by
veterans who claim to be suffering from radiation exposure
contracted during military service. It would also authorize the
Administrative Conference of the U.S. to conduct a study on the
effectiveness of VA's adjudication and appeals system.
S. 1626, which would allow a veteran to apply for a second VA
guaranteed home loan before disposing of a home purchased with
a first VA loan. This is intended to help veterans who, through
divorce or job transfer, must buy a new home before selling
their existing residence.
On April 28 by a vote of 282-118, the House approved H.R. 4013, a
bill to exempt VA from personnel reductions planned by the Clinton
administration. The administration wants to trim 252,000 full-time
positions from the federal work force. Under that plan, VA would have
to reduce its staff at the Veterans Health Administration by 25,000
over the next five years, with almost 4000 positions slated for
elimination in FY 1995.
However, the President's plan to overhaul America's health-care
system requires VA to compete with private medical providers for
patients. The American Legion has argued that the personnel reductions
directly conflict with VA's new health-care mission of offering a wider
and better range of services to attract patients.
The bill would also authorize VA to establish pilot programs that
will enable the department to work with up to five states that are
revising their health-care systems. These programs would allow VA to
restructure its local medical system to fit within a state's new
health-care structure. Another provision of the bill would require each
VA facility participating in the pilot program to form a committee made
up of veterans and others to advise managers on the changes being made.
The Senate on June 8 approved an amended version of H.R. 4013
(substituting S. 1974 for the original House language) which excludes
the VA personnel exemption. The bill must now be reconciled in a
conference committee before it can become law.
The House on August 8 passed by unanimous consent H.R. 4088, a bill
which would provide veterans' disability compensation and survivors'
benefits recipients with a cost-of-living adjustment equal to Social
Security recipients. The Congressional Budget Office has projected this
amount will be 3 percent. The Senate on May 4 passed by unanimous
consent a similar bill, S. 1927.
On May 23 the House by a voice vote passed H.R. 4425. This bill
would authorize major medical construction projects for VA in FY 1995.
The measure would authorize $343.8 million for construction and repair
of VA medical facilities, with nine projects receiving specific funding
levels. The authorization level contained in this bill is nearly three
times as much as was requested by President Clinton in his budget.
Further, the bill would require VA to establish specific missions for
each health-care facility in order to allow for better use of future
resources.
The House passed by a voice vote on June 13 H.R. 3013, a bill to
establish a Center for Women Veterans in VA. The center's director
would report directly to the VA Secretary and be responsible for the
adoption and implementation of policies and programs for women
veterans, as well as conducting outreach activities.
On August 8 the House approved by unanimous consent the bill, H.R.
4386. Introduced by panel chairman ``Sonny'' Montgomery (D-MS), the
measure would authorize VA compensation for Desert Storm veterans
suffering from disabilities resulting from service in the Middle East
during the war.
This measure was a compromise version of Montgomery's bill and H.R.
4540, a bill introduced by Representative Lane Evans (D-IL), which
would have given compensation to Gulf War veterans even if the causes
for their ills were never discovered. A Senate companion, S. 2178, was
introduced in that chamber by Senator Tom Daschle (D-SD). A competing
measure, S 2330, was introduced by Senate Veterans Affairs Committee
Chairman Jay Rockefeller (D-WV).
This compensation would be provided in spite of the fact that VA is
still unsure about the exact causes of these veterans' ailments. These
compensation payments would be available to Gulf War veterans for up to
three years after the measure becomes law. If after three years a cause
is not discovered, the compensation payments would be extended for
another three years. It would also authorize funds for a study of the
causes of ``Gulf War Syndrome.''
Also on July 21 the House Veterans Affairs Committee completed
final action on its portion of H.R. 3600, the health care reform
package. The bill provides the necessary framework to allow VA to
participate under national health care reform.
Under the measure, all veterans would have access to the system by
electing to enroll in a VA health plan. Service-connected and low-
income veterans who choose VA plans would be provided cost-free health
care through a guaranteed funding mechanism. (This provision goes a
step beyond the administration's version, which does not give these two
veteran categories an entitlement to health care.)
In addition, the bill would require the VA Secretary to offer a
family plan option for the dependents of veterans who enroll in VA
health plans. The measure also calls for a substantial investment fund
of more than $4 billion over the next three years to meet existing
infrastructure needs and enable VA to better compete against private
insurers in the changing health care environment.
Prior to the committee markup, Chairman Montgomery had introduced
separate legislation, H.R. 3808, which would have given the VA
secretary authority to make changes in VA's health-care delivery system
to better serve this country's veterans and their families. The
majority of the provisions of H.R. 3808 were included in the portions
of the administration's bill which impacted upon VA.
After the committee markup, Chairman Montgomery said, ``This has
been the only House committee to report health care reform legislation
in a bipartisan manner. We've succeeded because we kept sight of our
primary objective--doing right by our Nation's veterans.''
On August 1 the House gave voice approval to several measures to
benefit veterans. These measures were passed by the House Veterans
Affairs Committee on July 21 by a voice vote. One of these bills, H.R.
4768 would make minor changes to veterans' education programs. One of
those changes would allow veterans to receive education aid for courses
taken from an institution outside the U.S., if the courses are approved
by the VA secretary.
NATIONAL SECURITY COMMISSION
Anthony G. Jordan, Maine, Chairman
G. Michael Schlee, Maryland, Director
As has been its custom since its inception, the National Security
Commission has attempted to remain informed, and to keep the membership
of The American Legion informed on the range of issues related to the
defense of the United States in order to recommend responsible national
security policies to the governing bodies of The American Legion. To
accomplish this task, the Commission conducts regular meetings designed
to provide members with current information from responsible government
officials on timely issues concerning national security. One of these
meetings takes place in conjunction with the National Convention, two
in conjunction with meetings of the National Executive Committee, and
the fourth is held during the Washington Conference of The American
Legion.
Mr. William O. Moore, Jr., (Kentucky) was Chairman of the National
Security Commission until October 1993. Mr. Anthony G. Jordan (Maine)
was selected as Commission Chairman at the Fall meetings of the
National Executive Committee.
Pre-Convention Meetings
On Saturday, September 4, 1993, the National Security and Foreign
Relations Commissions convened a joint session to hear the scheduled
Speaker's Program. Rear Admiral Irve C. Lemoyne, United States Navy,
the Deputy Commander-in-Chief and Chief of Staff of the United States
Special Operations Command, spoke on Special Operations Forces. He
highlighted the fact that with the collapse of communism in the former
Soviet Union, the likelihood of increased and continued regional
conflicts heightened the role and missions of Special Operations
Forces. His presentation was complete with videotapes and slide
presentations.
The two Commissions then heard the Honorable Edwin Dorn, Assistant
Secretary of Defense (Personnel and Readiness) who emphasized that
despite the deep downsizing of the military, the President and the
Secretary of Defense were strongly committed to maintaining the
readiness posture of Active, National Guard and Reserve Forces at high
levels. The Bottom-Up-Review was nearly completed and was to be made
public.
Such presentations and other actions are part of The Commission's
Plan referred to as Defense 2010. During the coming year, the
Commission plans to participate in a series of panel forums to address
manpower issues and other issues related to the Total Force Policy.
These forums will be conducted in conjunction with the Association of
the United States Army and the National Guard Association of the United
States at different sites throughout the country. The National Security
Forums will be conducted in light of the continued downsizing of the
Armed Forces and to further implement American Legion mandates which
historically have supported a strong national defense.
Mr. William Danvers, the Special Assistant to the Ambassador-at-
Large and Special Advisor to the Secretary of State for the newly
Independent States spoke on the future of U.S.-Russian relations.
That afternoon, the National Security Commission and its Standing
Committees conducted a comprehensive review of all resolutions assigned
to the Convention Committee on Security.
On September 5, 1993, many members of the National Security
Commission attended the POW/MIA Update session and listened to
excellent speakers address this compelling issue.
National Executive Committee, October 20-21, 1993
An Executive Session of the National Security Commission met in the
Circle Center Room (Lower Level) of the Hilton Hotel on October 18,
1993 to consider resolutions properly before it and to conduct other
business. A total of 47 Commission members and guests were in
attendance.
Nine resolutions were considered and five were recommended for
adoption. Two resolutions recommended for adoption, ``The Retention of
the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences,'' and
``Retention of Full Federal Funding for the United States Merchant
Marine Academy,'' address issues which are contained in the
Government's Report of the National Performance Review, commonly
referred to as ``Reinventing the Government.'' On October 18, 1993 the
National Security Commission met in joint session to view several
videotapes to include ``From the Sea'' and ``Searching for Vietnam POW/
MIAs.''
The Department of Defense publication entitled ``The Bottom-Up
Review: Forces For A New Era,'' made available to the National
Executive Committee, represents the assessment of the strategy, force
structures and funding levels required by the end of the decade to
enable the United States to fight and win two nearly simultaneous major
regional conflicts on the order of the Korean and Persian Gulf Wars.
Chairman William O. Moore, Jr.'s remarks to the National Executive
Committee follow:
``Congress is nearing completion on the Fiscal Year 1994 Defense
Budget, and the House and Senate versions fall somewhat short of the
Administration's proposed budget of $263 billion. Several noteworthy
features include military manpower, which will be further reduced by
108,000; and, for the first time, the ban on women serving on Navy
warships will be lifted. The Congress also voted a 2.2 percent military
pay raise which the Administration had proposed to freeze. After much
Congressional debate, military retirees will receive a full but delayed
COLA.
After the Administration had proposed to lift the DOD ban on
homosexuals serving in the Armed Forces, The American Legion vigorously
supported the retention of the ban and urged that it be codified into
law. Although the Administration reached a compromise position, the
Congress wrote more restrictive language into law to include the
provision that the Secretary of Defense could reinstate questioning of
recruits as to their sexual orientation if deemed necessary. It appears
that the issue will eventually be decided by the Supreme Court.
As part of the Defense Budget process, the DOD completed its five-
year defense blueprint, known as ``The Bottom-Up Review.'' The selected
strategy calls for the military to fight and win two major regional
conflicts on the order of the Korean and Persian Gulf Wars nearly
simultaneously. The National Security Commission has real concerns with
this strategy and whether the recommended force levels and funding will
enable the United States to achieve these objectives with reduced
forces and increased missions to include peacekeeping and humanitarian
assistance.
Resolution 170, ``Foreign Command of U.S. Forces,'' was adopted at
the 75th National Convention which stated that American lives could be
placed in jeopardy unnecessarily if the United Nations, or foreign
commanders, pursued policies contrary to our national interests. With
the recent American casualties sustained in Somalia, including one U.S.
soldier detained, National Commander Thiesen, in a letter addressed to
the President, the Congress, and the Departments of Defense and State,
expressed the Legion's view that immediate action must be taken on two
vital issues: curtailing foreign command of U.S. military forces unless
the Congress grants specific approval, and providing protection for
Americans captured by hostile, non-governmental forces in undeclared
wars. The letter concluded that the DOD has not gotten the message on
protecting American POW/MIAs.
Our service men and women who are captured by hostile forces need
to know that our Government will take whatever measures are necessary
to secure their immediate release, including the use of force.
Washington Conference
The National Security Commission met in general session during the
Washington Conference on Monday, February 14 and Wednesday, February
16, 1994. The Commission was chaired by Mr. Anthony G. Jordan who had
been appointed Chairman in October 1993. Subjects covered during each
session follow.
Morning Session, February 14
The National Security Commission and Foreign Relations Commission
met in joint session. Dr. Ellen L. Frost, Counselor in the Office of
the U.S. Trade Representative, spoke on ``International Economics and
National Security.'' Two themes are critically important: trade is good
for America, despite the incorrect perception that it loses jobs to
foreigners, and open trade and investment policies are not a one-way
street--other countries must do their share. Half of America's economic
growth comes from increasing exports, and seven million Americans work
in export industries. Completion of the Uruguay Round agreements to
enhance the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade will provide a 37%
reduction in tariffs, expand trade rules to agriculture and services,
strengthen protections for intellectual property and retain rights for
unilateral U.S. action wherever necessary. Our trade deficit with Japan
indicates structural problems and cultural barriers. The United States
will try to accelerate opening Japanese markets. Future trade
negotiations will involve environmental, labor and anti-trust
standards.
The Honorable Deborah R. Lee, Assistant Secretary of Defense
(Reserve Affairs) spoke on ``The Future of the Total Force Policy.''
Despite the ending of the Cold War, the United States now faces a
myriad of new threats which are far more perplexing, complex and
difficult to deal with than that posed by the former Soviet Union.
Under the Administration's current military assessment, referred to as
the Bottom-Up Review, the roles of the National Guard in their federal
and state roles would be considerably expanded. Under a restructuring
agreement, the Army National Guard and Army Reserves would be reduced
by over 100,000 in the years ahead. The Army National Guard would be
composed of about 37 combat brigades, of which 15 would be at enhanced
readiness levels to supplement active forces in the event the United
States had to fight a nearly simultaneous second major regional
conflict. The Army Reserves would be comprised mainly of combat support
and combat service support units. This would entail transferring some
Reserve combat units to the National Guard. Additionally, the Air Force
Reserves would be receiving the B-1 and B-52 bombers, the Navy Reserves
would be manning an aircraft carrier, and the Marine Reserves would
have a major reinforcement mission. The Reserve components need to
attract recruits of the highest caliber. The Department of Defense is
reviewing the adequacy of the current call-up authority, looking at
ways to compensate Reservists who volunteered for peacekeeping missions
in Somalia and Bosnia, examining possible tax incentives for
Reservists, and providing more adequate medical care for Reservists who
became injured during the first 30 days of activated service.
Mr. Larry Napper, Director, Office of Independent States and
Commonwealth Affairs, Department of State, discussed ``Developments in
the Former Soviet Union.'' If the United States remains engaged and
persistent in negotiations, we can accomplish great steps toward a
safer world. The revolution that swept aside the Soviet Union brought
real benefits to the United States by ending the Cold War
confrontation, saving funds through military reductions and expanding
nuclear non-proliferation agreements. The United States seeks a
strategic alliance with successor states for reforms leading to
democracy, market economics and moderate foreign policies. Although the
December 1992 elections were a setback to reform parties, they were
positive since they were fairly conducted and brought into being a new
constitution with strong executive powers. Economic reform has made
considerable progress and 90% of all goods are free of government
controls, 45% of all property has been privatized and 33% of all
workers are in the private sector. The Clinton-Yeltsin summit was
positive in that it included signing an agreement exchanging Russian
recognition of Ukraine for dismantlement of Ukraine's nuclear weapons.
However, President Clinton informed President Yeltsin that Russia's
integration into the world community depends on respecting the rights
of neighboring states and that the United States does not recognize any
special Russian rights in them. Positive results have been achieved by
the joint POW/MIA commission and further progress is expected.
Afternoon Session, February 14
The National Security and Foreign Relations Commissions met in
joint session to attend the POW/MIA Update presented by the POW/MIA
Committee and presided over by Chairman Robert S. Turner of that body.
Mr. Al Santoli, journalist and author, spoke on ``Honor Before
Trade: What Needs to be Done.'' Lifting the economic embargo against
Vietnam has removed all excuses for the Administration not getting the
fullest possible cooperation. Current investigations in Vietnam by
Joint Task Force Full Accounting have many problems and are being
conducted by unqualified personnel. The U.S. Government should permit
the American public to have access to the resolution of each POW/MIA
case and the reason for closure, declassify all relevant National
Security Agency files, establish an oversight commission of non-biased
experts to review all POW/MIA case files, put an end to
``stonewalling'' families and activists, hold U.S. officials personally
liable for keeping faith with POW/MIAs and enact a law providing POW/
MIA families the right to file court appeals to status determinations
on the cases of their loved ones. The American Legion should support
such legislation, support establishment of the oversight commission,
continue submitting Freedom of Information Act requests and work with
intelligence experts to refine them and support a congressional probe
of what happened to Senator Smith's criminal allegations against some
U.S. Government officials.
Mr. Kent Wiedemann, Special Assistant to the President and Senior
Director for Asian Affairs, National Security Council, discussed ``The
U.S. Government POW/MIA Program.'' We agree with much of what The
American Legion has to say on the POW/MIA issue, but there is some
disagreement. All Americans need the truth. The argument is over how to
find the truth. The President is committed to achieving the truth. He
campaigned on that, has worked on that and it is a sacred trust.
Lifting the embargo is a step along the way to the fullest possible
accounting. Without the help of Vietnam, we will get nothing done.
Therefore, when they provide help we can feel, touch or count, we must
reward them. We did not lift the embargo to make bucks. Secretary of
Commerce Brown was not present at any meetings about the embargo; it
was not an economic issue. We lifted the embargo to be sure that we
could continue to get access in Vietnam.
Dr. George A. Carver, Jr., Senior Fellow, Center for Strategic and
International Studies, addressed the topic ``Did All American POWs
Return During Operation Homecoming?'' Through defectors and other
means, in 1973 we knew Vietnam kept back about 300 POWs during
Operation Homecoming. But, in the anti-war atmosphere of 1973 in
Congress and the media, it was impossible to use military force to go
after the POW/MIAs. After Operation Homecoming, the government line
became ``They have all come home. Let's close the door and put it
behind us.'' Other sources showing Americans were left behind include
the Soviet 1205 and 735 reports, which are consistent with two major
defectors and communications intercepts. U.S. searches now in Vietnam
are focused on returning remains. Instead, they should work on the last
known alive cases. Regarding the argument that Vietnam will only
cooperate if we lift the embargo, remember they followed the same
tactics during the war of demanding much and giving little.
Essentially, Hanoi believes ``Why pay a price for something you can get
for free?'' We gave them what they want for what they did not do. We
are witnessing an unseemly rush for illusory profits. We must remember
Vietnam and North Korea are the only Stalinist states left in the
world. Now that we have lifted the embargo, Vietnam has no further
incentive to cooperate. Until we learn the fate of the approximately
300 POWs we left in Vietnam, we cannot put the war behind us.
Mr. Bill Bell, former U.S. Government POW/MIA investigator, spoke
on ``U.S. Government POW/MIA Investigations.'' Vietnam continually
deals in duplicity and manipulation on the POW/MIA issue. Vietnam has
most of the answers we need, even in Laos where over 90% of our losses
were in Vietnamese-controlled areas. At this date, there are only 21
live sighting reports that remain open and under investigation. Twelve
of them pertain to captive-like settings. About 120 formerly active
reports were closed out in 1992-1993, mostly by an individual who was
teaching Arabic at the U.S. Air Force Academy and then was transferred
to Vietnam to head the Hanoi Office of Joint Task Force Full
Accounting. In terms of remains, we know with certainty Hanoi has more
remains. The mortician who defected in 1978 with personal knowledge of
400 warehoused remains was telling the truth, as verified by several
follow-up investigations. Regarding documents, of those received only
one percent pertain to American POWs. Furthermore, the photos obtained
recently actually had already been obtained at a cost of $1 in 1981 by
German journalists. Vietnam still has plenty of documents we need. Live
sighting report investigations are ineffective. We must apply far in
advance for permission to proceed. When we arrive on site, the records
for the periods of interest to us are always missing. Investigations
are done hastily without access to uncorrelated reports that are
necessary if a good job is to be done. All pilot distress signals have
been debunked as being natural phenomena, being manmade or being too
irregular. Actually, pilots are trained to make them irregular so the
enemy cannot read them from the ground. Most investigations and
closures of discrepancy cases are poorly done. So far, 123 have been
removed from the list, mostly in a ``pending'' status, i.e., awaiting
further information.
Morning Session, February 16
The National Security Commission conducted its business meeting,
including consideration of two resolutions which were recommended for
adoption at the Spring meeting of the National Security Commission. The
Law and Order Chairman proposed that his Committee develop a strong
resolution on combating crime in the United States and Commission
members expressed their concurrence. The Commission Chairman mentioned
that the staff was making progress in preparation of an American Legion
``Blue Book'' on National Security and that plans were being finalized
for the conduct of a National Security Forum to be held in
Indianapolis, Indiana on March 4, 1994 in conjunction with the
Association of the United States and the National Guard Association of
the United States. This was to be the first of several Forums planned
in 1994, and its purpose was to inform the American public on national
security issues as contained in the Bottom-Up Review.
National Executive Committee May 4-5, 1994
An Executive Session of the National Security Commission met on May
2, 1994 in the lower level of the Ramada Plaza Hotel to consider
resolutions properly before it and to discuss other business. On May 3,
1994, the Commission met in joint session with the Foreign Relations
Commission to review the following videotapes: ``Army--Count on Us;'' a
30-minute excerpt of the ``National Security Forum--Indianapolis''
videotape; and an excerpt on the ``United Nations,'' produced by the
Foreign Policy Association.
Eight resolutions were considered by the National Security
Commission. Four resolutions were recommended for adoption, including
the capstone resolution entitled, ``National Security for the Future."
The Commission heard from Law and Order Chairman Dudley Robbins who
discussed his proposed resolution on combating crime in America which
would be considered at the National Convention. Chairman Robbins also
reported on the program status of the Junior Law Cadet program and
other Law and Order Committee items. Commission Chairman Jordan led
discussions dealing with future National Security Forums; the status of
the National Security ``Blue Book;'' Pre-convention trip planning; and
reviewed a Congressional Committee proposal for The American Legion to
consider supporting the Army's funding of the School of the Americas.
Chairman Anthony G. Jordan's remarks follow:
``The American Legion appeared before the House Appropriations
Subcommittee on Defense on April 14, 1994 to express its concerns about
Fiscal Year 1995 Defense appropriations. The Fiscal Year 1995 Defense
Budget represents the first installment of this Administration's five-
year assessment known as the Bottom-Up Review. In response to the
current unpredictability of the world situation, The American Legion
strongly recommended that the military drawdown be placed on hold until
the Bottom-Up Review had been thoroughly analyzed and America's true
defense needs were more realistically assessed.
The American Legion, in conjunction with the Association of the
United States Army and the National Guard Association of the United
States, held its first National Security Forum in Indianapolis on March
4, 1994. The Forum, entitled ``National Defense in an Uncertain
World,'' featured a panel of retired senior military officers and heard
from Mr. David Ochmank, who defended the Bottom-Up Review as a reasoned
response to an unstable world, as well as Congressman Steve Buyer from
Indiana and others. The consensus of the Forum was that the United
States' national military assessment does not adequately match its
proposed strategy for our military to fight and win two nearly
simultaneous major regional conflicts with its resources, and the
result could be counted in American lives lost unnecessarily in future
conflicts.
General John W. Foss, USA (Retired), stated that ``there are too
many assumptions in the Bottom-Up Review and we feel many of these
assumptions are flawed.'' He added that ``the good news is that the
United States Army is still the best Army in the world; the bad news is
that it is only the eighth largest in the world."
The American Legion's Policy Coordination and Action Group (PCAG)
met on April 12-13, 1994 in Washington, D.C. During that conference,
American Legion Corporate Strategic Goal No. 8, which contains the plan
to implement a comprehensive program to support a strong National
Defense, was briefed and discussed. As a result of that conference,
your National Security Commission developed the resolution, ``National
Security for the Future,'' which you will consider. This resolution
incorporates our recommended proposals and principles which we in the
Commission believe should be incorporated into the Government's
emerging National Military Strategy. I strongly urge its adoption.''
National Security-Foreign Relations Division
Responsibility for the daily conduct of the extensive work of The
American Legion in defense and foreign policy is assigned to the
National Security-Foreign Relations Division located in the Washington,
D.C. office. The staff of the Division consists of: G. Michael Schlee,
Director; Harry E.B. Sullivan, Deputy Director; Dennis M. Duggan,
Assistant Director; Denise R. Wilkins, Executive Secretary to the
Director; and Cheryl L. Henson, Secretary.
During the year, the combined Division has endeavored to not only
fulfill its responsibility to implement the mandates and policies of
The American Legion relating to national defense and foreign affairs,
but to constantly expand and improve the ways and means of projecting
our interest in these two important areas. The duties have consisted of
answering correspondence and telephone inquiries; maintaining liaison
with the Departments of Defense, Energy, State, Army, Navy, Air Force,
Marine Corps, and Transportation (Coast Guard); the Selective Service
System, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Federal Emergency
Management Agency, and the American Red Cross. These contacts related
to a variety of matters, some of which involved members of the armed
forces.
Liaison also is maintained with a host of military and quasi-
military organizations with whom common goals are shared. Among these
are: Reserve Officers Association; Air Force Association; The Retired
Officers Association, Association of the U.S. Army; and the National
Guard Association of the United States. Most importantly, the National
Security-Foreign Relations Division provides a steady flow of
information on defense matters to members of both commissions and the
leadership at all levels of our organization. Writing and delivering
speeches, preparing reports and testimony, is also a duty of the staff.
Additionally, promotional material is prepared and distributed to
support the five national programs in the national security field.
Continual use is made of all American Legion national publications,
such as ``The Dispatch'', ``The American Legion Magazine'' and the
``American Legion News Service'', the principal means for distribution
of factual information and program support in the fields of national
defense and foreign affairs.
Committee Reports
The following reports, received with grateful appreciation, were
prepared under the leadership and guidance of the following Committee
and Council Chairmen: Robert C. Gabrielson--Aerospace; Frank J.
D'Amico--Defense Civil Preparedness; W. Dudley Robbins--Law and Order;
Charles F. Moreland--Merchant Marine; Norbert G. Harmeyer--Military
Affairs; Wilson R. Timmons--National Security Council; and John J.
Wrenn--Naval Affairs.
AEROSPACE COMMITTEE
Robert C. Gabrielson, South Dakota, Chairman
During the past year, the Aerospace Committee continued its efforts
to ensure that the United States does not become a second-rate power in
modern air power or advanced aerospace technology. The authority for
the Committee's efforts are the resolutions adopted at the 74th and
75th National Conventions. The effort to implement these positions
required both administrative and legislative activities.
Legislative Activities.--Implementation of these policies
necessitates correspondence and testimony to the Armed Services and
Appropriations Committees of both the Senate and House in coordination
with our Legislative Division. In addition to correspondence, principal
presentations were before the House and Senate Defense Appropriations
Subcommittees. Testimony and resolutions on aerospace were presented to
the Subcommittee in their consideration of Fiscal Year 1995 defense
appropriations bills. Of particular emphasis was support of the
National Space program and adequate provision for Operations and
Maintenance funding, the military health care system, research and
development, strategic airlift, and the new F-22 tactical fighter.
Civil Air Patrol.--Pursuant to Resolution 14, adopted by the Denver
National Convention, appropriate certificates have been prepared for
Departments to recognize the outstanding CAP squadrons in their States.
All Department Adjutants have been notified of the availability of the
certificates and many requests have been received during this reporting
period.
Aerospace Developments.--The Persian Gulf War provided the dramatic
illustration that stealth technology, namely, the F-117 works and works
well, which reinforces our need for continued production of the B-2
stealth bomber. Although the airlift fleet of C-41, C-5 and CRAF
aircraft performed admirably, the air deployment of troops and cargo
could have been enhanced with the employment of C-17 aircraft. The
American Legion is highly supportive of continued production of the B-2
bomber, C-17 transport aircraft and development of the F-22 fighter.
DEFENSE CIVIL PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE
Frank J. D'Amico, New York, Chairman
The American Legion continues to advocate adequate staffing,
adequate budgeting and adequate technical and research support for the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). In an era when Russian
civil defense efforts are far greater than those of the United States,
it becomes imperative that planning for emergencies to include a
nuclear exchange be enhanced.
Disaster Relief Assistance.--At the Fall 1989 meeting of the
National Executive Committee, Resolution 37 was adopted which called
for improvements on the part of FEMA with regard to the Hurricane Hugo
and California Earthquake disasters. Both the Commission and Committee
Chairmen presented oral reports and an interim written report to the
NEC at the Spring 1990 meeting. Based on these reports, recommendations
for improvements in FEMA's responsiveness to major natural disasters
were consolidated into Resolution 18 which was adopted by the NEC at
its October 1990 meetings.
The following recommendations were discussed with FEMA authorities
and improvements appear to be progressing:
The entire FEMA mission and its capability to coordinate and
execute its disaster relief assistance roles should be reviewed by the
Executive Branch and appropriate subcommittees of Congress in order to
assure prompt, effective disaster relief. Particular attention should
be given to determining whether FEMA's major priority should be civil
defense or natural disaster relief.
Full manning of FEMA, from its top leadership positions to its
field staff should be a high government priority. Statutes and
regulatory requirements should be assessed so as not to preclude or
reduce the availability of trained and experienced personnel such as
military retirees to assist in disaster relief.
FEMA should consider expanding the role of the military in disaster
relief with an eye toward its greater participation in on-site
assessments, victim registration, and other areas.
The National Emergency Training Facility should be fully
operational and its emergency management curriculum and attendance
quotas expanded so as to include greater emphasis on natural disaster
assistance
FEMA should streamline its registration and application procedures
so as to expedite assistance to disaster victims. FEMA should also
enhance its planning and coordination with state, local and military
officials for disaster relief assistance and conduct realistic,
effective disaster relief exercises.
Finally, it was recommended that in coordination with its
Departments, The American Legion National Organization should review
the capabilities of its Posts to render assistance in disaster relief
as prescribed in its Disaster Relief Understanding Between The American
Legion, The American Legion Auxiliary and The American Red Cross; and
the Study Group strongly urges the participation in, and continuation
of, The American Legion National Emergency Fund. Finally, the Defense
Civil Preparedness Committee, under direction of the National Security
Commission should continue to review and monitor the progress and
After-Action Reports of FEMA as well as legislation affecting disaster
relief assistance. In 1992-1993, 1,474 Posts were working with the
American Red Cross in disaster relief programs, up from 1,309 in 1990-
91.
Family Protection Program.--At its 73rd National Convention, The
American Legion adopted Resolution 288, which encourages Departments,
Posts and Auxiliary Units to incorporate FEMA's Family Protection Plans
at the family, neighborhood and community levels. The Family Protection
Program is based on the understanding that Americans share
responsibility for their own protection, and that no government or
private-sector capability can replace the need for an informed and
prepared citizenry.
Energy.--War in the Persian Gulf has refocused the attention of The
American Legion on America's continued reliance on foreign sources of
energy. Unquestionably, Iraq's seizure of Kuwait and the imminent
threat to Saudi Arabia endangered our national security interests and
economic well-being.
Energy and conservation issues had been at various times assigned
to the Economics or Internal Affairs Commissions of The American
Legion. The energy crisis in 1973 prompted a series of energy-oriented
resolutions in the mid-1980s which addressed, primarily, energy
recovery and conservation. At its Fall meetings in 1989, the National
Executive Committee mandated that the Chairman of the National Security
Commission annually appoint a Subcommittee on the Conservation of
Natural Resources, which included energy issues. Over 900 American
Legion posts have appointed Energy Chairmen.
The American Legion at its 73rd National Convention adopted a
comprehensive National Energy Strategy resolution which collectively
addressed energy conservation and efficiency, energy recovery and
development, and alternative sources of energy and included proposed
incentives such as individual and corporate tax credits for energy
recovery, conversion, etc. Many of these recommendations were
incorporated in the National Energy Act. The American Legion has also
been supportive of opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge area for
oil exploration, while remaining sensitive to environmental concerns.
Blood Donor Activities.--The American Legion and the American
Legion Auxiliary continue to be principal sources of supply for blood.
Through our vast network of Posts and Units organized into Department
programs, Legionnaires and Auxiliary members through a variety of
programs continue to supply the blood needs of their own members,
hospitalized veterans and through cooperative agreements, to patients
in civilian hospitals. In this past year, the program has continued to
grow. During 1992-93, a total of 108,076 pints of blood were donated by
54,539 American Legion donors.
National Commander Awards.--To stimulate activities on the part of
Departments and Posts, annual awards are made by the National
Commander. During the period from July 1, 1993 through June 15, 1994,
many Departments of The American Legion actively participated in the
Blood Donor program. The criteria for the National Commander's Awards
for Post and individual participation was based on Resolution 14,
adopted at the Spring meeting, May 1-9, 1985 of the National Executive
Committee. The resolution provides that Departments be placed in
categories based on the size of the Department, using criteria
established by the Membership and Post Activities Committee. The
winners for the 1993-94 Blood Donor Program are:
Category I--(more than 100,000 members)--Post and Individual
Participation: Illinois.
Category II--(70,000 to 99,999 members)--Post and Individual
participation: Wisconsin.
Category III--(40,000 to 69,999 members)--Post and Individual
participation: Nebraska.
Category IV--(25,000 to 39,999 members)--Post and Individual
participation: Tennessee.
Category V--(10,000 to 24,999 members)--Post and Individual
participation: Rhode Island.
Category VI--(less than 10,000 members)--Post and Individual
participation: Delaware.
Each winning Department will receive a certificate of recognition
signed by National Commander Bruce Thiesen and National Adjutant Robert
W. Spanogle.
Holiday Blood Drive.--During the 1994 Holiday Season, American
Legionnaires and members of the Auxiliary will be urged to give a gift
of life--blood. For the past several Christmas seasons, demands for
blood were exceptionally high while supplies were so critical that only
emergency operations could be performed. Numerous Departments and Posts
have actively publicized the ``Holiday Blood Drive,'' noting that this
was opportunity to establish closer ties with the community.
Plans are in place to conduct a blood drive at the 76th National
Convention of The American Legion in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The American Blood Commission. During this past year, The American
Legion has continued its participation as a member of the Board of
Directors of the American Blood Commission. Established in 1975, the
American Blood Commission is comprised of national organizations whose
goal is the implementation of the National Blood Policy.
The American Blood Commission has been particularly valuable in
disseminating information on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
(AIDS). This disease and its effect on the blood supply will be
carefully monitored.
LAW AND ORDER COMMITTEE
W. Dudley Robbins, North Carolina, Chairman
The Law and Order Committee continued this year to emphasize crime
prevention by promoting the distribution of the Crime Prevention
booklet across the nation. Liaison was maintained with the National
Crime Prevention Coalition in order to keep the committee up-to-date on
the latest developments in the field of crime prevention.
American Legion Departments, Posts and individual citizens have
been overwhelmingly responsive to the Legion's Crime Prevention
program. Requests for our booklet have come from state and local law
enforcement officials; from senior citizen groups; from libraries; and
from school children. This program is viable, ongoing and important to
our National interest. The Law and Order Committee will continue to
promote our goals in this area. Over 1,323 Posts had crime resistance
programs in 1992-93.
Fire Protection/Prevention.--The National Executive Committee
authorized the beginning of an American Legion Fire Protection and
Prevention program. An information booklet on this subject was
published in the Spring of 1986, and was the basis of a slide show
production. Over 1,404 Posts had Fire Prevention programs in 1992-93.
Junior Law Cadet Program. The American Legion, in its efforts to
better educate our young people in regard to laws which govern our
society, and the agencies which enforce those laws, has developed
several programs which feature law enforcement training. Fourteen
Departments, in cooperation with state law enforcement agencies,
sponsored youth programs designed to acquaint the participants with
methods of basic law enforcement. These high school students actually
spend time with state troopers, at the various police academies,
learning about such diverse subjects as traffic law, police ethics,
traffic control, unlawful drugs, court procedures and the
responsibility of citizenship.
Our coloring poster, ``Your Friend--the Policeman,'' continues to
be a successful program. Well over 40,000 copies have been distributed
to elementary school teachers and members of the American Legion
Auxiliary.
MERCHANT MARINE COMMITTEE
Charles F. Moreland, Florida, Chairman
Since its founding, The American Legion has realized the importance
of a strong American merchant marine and the indispensable role of this
``fourth arm of defense.'' Today, the ever increasing dependence of the
U.S. economy on raw materials from Third World countries and overseas
areas demand renewed efforts to build up our merchant fleet.
The privately owned, deep-draft fleet of the U.S. merchant marine
totaled 444 vessels with a carrying capacity of about 20 million
deadweight tons (dwt) according to the U.S. Department of
Transportation's Maritime Administration. The total comprised 367
ocean-going ships and 77 Great Lakes vessels.
Compared with December 1, 1992 totals, the number of ships in the
U.S. ocean-going fleet decreased by 8 vessels and the fleet's carrying
capacity decreased by approximately 1,528,600 deadweight tons.
As of December 1, 1993, there was one new large commercial ship
under construction.
Retaining American merchant marine independence in supplying our
economy and the added demands of military sealift, spurred this
Committee's support for expanding our fourth arm of defense during the
past year. Our effort to inform our membership, the general public and
the Congress of our views were guided by resolutions which were
unanimously adopted by the 74th National Convention.
Maritime Power.--Throughout our history, maritime power has been a
key element in the growth and strength of America. Moreover, the new
sealift demands of the United States make the fourth arm of defense
even more imperative in our strategic planning. We must rebuild our
merchant marine if we are to maintain free use of the seas in the face
of potential challenges presented by regional conflicts.
The changes in National Maritime Policy which were implemented by
the Reagan Administration have been noted. The Merchant Marine
Committee intends to monitor these policy changes as they are
implemented to ensure that the United States Merchant Marine is once
again pre-eminent on the seas.
In order to satisfy sealift requirements during the Persian Gulf
War, the Military Sealift Command had to employ considerable foreign-
flagged ships and activated some 45 older ships from the Ready Reserve
Fleet. The American Legion strongly advocates the immediate development
of both sealift ships and amphibious shipping so as to enhance the
rapid deployment and sustainment of U.S. forces when committed abroad.
MILITARY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Norbert G. Harmeyer, Iowa, Chairman
During the year, your Military Affairs Committee has directed its
major efforts toward maintaining a strong and modern United States
armed forces, second to none in the world. We believe the times deserve
no less. Our activities have been guided by the resolutions adopted by
the 74th & 75th National Convention and subsequent National Executive
Committee action. Wide dissemination was given those resolutions to
Congressional, government, military and industry leaders to inform them
of our mandates for supporting a strong and modern military forces to
include the Reserve Components. Bound volumes of the resolutions were
presented to the President, Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of
the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Maintaining a strong national defense was
designated as a legislative priority by the National Commander.
Press Conference/Legislative Activities.--The staff has kept up-to-
date by attending press conferences on various subjects of interest,
including the press conferences sponsored by the Department of Defense,
Department of Transportation (Coast Guard) and several Congressional
press conferences.
Through the Legislative Division, correspondence with Members of
Congress and Congressional staff was initiated and followed through in
other areas as follows: Homosexuals in the Armed Forces; commissaries
and military health care; military pay and allowances; and military
quality of life incentives, including career stability and transitional
benefits. Additionally, testimony was presented before the House and
Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Defense in support of needed
weapons systems and continued modernization of the Armed Forces.
Emphasis was placed on maintaining the force structures of the Armed
Forces in the face of proposed Congressional reductions.
Based on the drastic reduction of military manpower and our Defense
industrial base, The American Legion adopted resolutions which urge the
retention of viable military manpower levels and the preservation of
our Defense industrial base so as to assure our rapid response
capabilities to national emergencies.
Defense Appropriations Testimony, April 14, 1994
Mr. Chairman, The American Legion is pleased to appear before this
Subcommittee to express its concerns about FY 1995 defense
appropriations. We as a nation are undergoing the largest military
downsizing since World War II and, frankly, it may take years for a
clear picture of the new world to emerge. In the short run and into the
21st Century, we in The American Legion, the nation's largest
organization of wartime veterans, know only too well what can happen
when diplomacy and deterrence fail. We strongly urge the President and
the Congress to uphold their constitutional responsibilities to provide
for the ``common defense'' of the American people in a highly uncertain
world. As our elected representatives, it is you who must ultimately
decide just how adequate our national defense should be.
The universal threat posed by communism and the Soviet Union no
longer exists. Instead, the United States is faced with a myriad of
threats and challenges which are far more perplexing, complex and
difficult to deal with than was the more predictable and unified threat
posed by the former Soviet Union. Serious regional threats loom on the
Far Eastern and Eurasian horizons to include that of North Korea and
the People's Republic of China with their large standing Armies
equipped with missiles and nuclear capabilities. A resurgent nuclear
Russia is moving toward a more aggressive foreign policy; a defiant
Iraq and Iran, both of which are within close proximity to vital oil
reserves in the Persian Gulf will continue to be potential threats
which require monitoring. Additionally, the United States faces the
non-traditional threats of continuing nuclear proliferation,
development of chemical and biological warfare weapons, and the
challenges posed by international terrorism, fundamentalist religious
and ethnic movements and drug cartels, none of which operate within the
basic rules of international law.
The American Legion has always adhered to the principle that our
nation's armed forces must be well-manned and equipped, not to pursue
war, but to preserve and protect the hard-earned peace. The American
Legion strongly believes that the current military downsizing is based
more on budget targets and budget deficit reduction than on current and
foreseeable threats to the national security well-being of the American
people and America's vital interests. To echo your own sentiments, Mr.
Chairman, we are convinced that the United States is rapidly returning
to the days of the ``hollow forces.'' As wartime veterans, we know that
once Army divisions, Naval carrier battle groups, and Air Force fighter
wings are cut from the force structure, they cannot be rapidly
reconstituted without the costly expenditures of time, money, and human
lives. We have paid the price of being wrong before in our past. It is
far cheaper in the long run, and far safer, to pay the price that
readiness requires. If we err, it is far better to err on the side of
preserving robust forces to protect America's interests.
The Fiscal Year 1995 Defense Budget request represents the first
installment of this Administration's five-year Defense assessment known
as the Bottom-Up Review. The Bottom-Up Review calls for the armed
forces to be able to fight and win two major regional conflicts on the
order of the Persian Gulf War, nearly simultaneously. However, it
advocates accomplishing this strategy with significantly reduced
manpower levels of 1.4 million and an active force structure of 10 Army
divisions, 11 active aircraft carriers and one Reserve carrier, and 13
Air Force fighter wings. The proposed budgeting levels to support this
strategy and force structure are seriously underfunded. The American
Legion believes that this strategy is based on a number of flawed
assumptions, including the availability of improved technology and
enhanced military airlift and sealift capabilities which will not enter
the inventory until after the year 2000.
The proposed strategy does not match its increased military
missions, including operations other than combat, such as peacekeeping
and humanitarian operations and others, with the required resources and
the ultimate result may be counted in American lives lost unnecessarily
in future conflicts. We believe that the Bottom-Up Review provides
neither the forces, lift capabilities, nor budgets to fight two nearly
simultaneous major regional conflicts and win.
In response to the unpredictability of the world situation, The
American Legion strongly recommends that the military drawdown be
placed on hold until the Bottom-Up Review has been thoroughly analyzed
and America's true national defense needs are more realistically
assessed. In order to maintain the credibility of the United States and
the challenges it faces, the military must maintain the requisite
capabilities to fight and win two major regional conflicts which, to
our way of thinking, represents a reasonable objective. The two-war
strategy reflects the concern that if America were to be drawn into a
war with one regional aggressor, another could be tempted to attack its
neighbor--especially if it were convinced that the United States and
its allies were distracted, lacked the will to fight conflicts on two
fronts, or did not possess the military power to deal with more than
one major conflict at a time. Sizing U.S. forces for more than one
major conflict provides a hedge against the possibility that a future
adversary might mount a larger than expected threat. It also allows for
a credible overseas presence which is essential in dealing with
potential regional dangers and pursuing new opportunities to advance
stability and peace. Such a strategy requires more robust force
structures and increased budgeting than that provided in the Bottom-Up
Review.
In order to more adequately achieve the ``win-win'' strategy, The
American Legion recommends that active military end strengths should be
maintained at the level of 1.6 million for FY 1995 and the foreseeable
future, and current military force structures should be retained at FY
1994 force levels, namely, 12 active Army divisions, 12 active Navy
aircraft carriers and 13 or more Air Force fighter wings as the
baseline for reconstitution and surge growth in the event of future
hostilities or simultaneous operations involving operations other than
war.
We believe that the United States should hold the line on further
military manpower, force structure and budget cuts until our defense
needs have been more adequately assessed. This is particularly true
with regard to the Army which has borne the brunt of downsizing and is
expected to accomplish most of the numerous missions which it will be
assigned. To quote General John Foss, USA (Retired), ``The good news is
that the United States Army is still the best Army in the world; the
bad news is that it is the eighth largest in the world,'' and it is
ranked in size behind such communist powers as Red China, Russia, North
Korea and Vietnam.
The United States can, and must, afford a stronger national
defense. The gap between proposed defense budgets and maintaining these
minimally essential forces must be closed if we are to avoid another
``hollow Army.'' Peacekeeping and humanitarian operations further
detract from our declining combat power. We believe that funding for
peacekeeping and humanitarian operations should be congressionally
approved on a case-by-case basis and separately appropriated by the
Congress, rather than funded by the Services from operations and
maintenance accounts.
The American people, we believe, expect its civilian and military
leadership to develop a reasonable and common sense national military
strategy. The American people also expect that when U.S. forces are
committed, under this policy, that they will be committed only when
America's vital interests are threatened, and only as a last resort
after all other reasonable alternatives have been explored and tried.
We also expect that once the decision to commit U.S. forces has been
made, our forces--having been trained, equipped and organized to win--
will be sent into combat only to win.
To achieve this objective, our nation needs a common-sense and
consistent national military strategy. With the competing challenges of
domestic imperatives and a desire to reduce our budget deficit, we, the
people, must engage in a serious, thoughtful and wide-ranging debate on
how to more adequately provide for the ``common defense.''
The price of maintaining a strong defense is expensive in terms of
tax dollars and human lives. Our national security framework provides
the umbrella that allows Americans to work and prosper without fear. A
strong national defense does not inhibit a strong economy, it
complements it. The Congress and the military establishment must spend
tax dollars prudently and effectively, and not lavishly. The Defense
Department must ensure that all aspects of its procurement and manning
levels are responsible and disciplined. Undoubtedly, in order to
achieve a stronger national defense such as The American Legion has
proposed will require tradeoffs. We believe that our recommended
manpower levels and force structures are not lavish but provide the
minimum levels for our national defense.
The advent of smaller active duty forces reinforces the need for
fully combat-ready National Guard and Reserve Forces which are
completely integrated into the Total Force. Under the Bottom-Up Review,
the Administration has proposed that there be 15 enhanced Army National
Guard combat brigades that are to be trained, manned, equipped and
ready to supplement active forces, and deployable within 90 days. We
are all familiar with the National Guard brigades which were unprepared
to deploy in the Persian Gulf War even with a six-month lead-time. The
readiness of National Guard combat units to deploy to a second major
regional conflict will also cost in terms of human lives unless we are
completely willing to pay the price for their readiness.
Maintaining smaller active duty and Reserve component forces with
increased operational missions also accentuates the need to retain the
Selective Service System and its Registration Program. This cost-
effective and highly successful system ensures that we have an
identified manpower tool that could more rapidly augment our military
manpower needs in the event of mobilization or extended warfare.
Registration for the Selective Service also places the concept of
service to the nation in its proper perspective with the direct
involvement of all Americans. The national defense needs of our country
is the business of all Americans, and $23 million to maintain the
Selective Service System is a small price to pay for an insurance
policy that protects all Americans.
Just as military manpower levels, force structures and defense
budgets need to be stabilized, so must quality of life features for our
service members and their families. This includes enhancements to
compensations and incentives, to preclude seriously degrading the All-
Volunteer Force. The implementation of such personnel management
initiatives to drawdown the active force to include voluntary and
involuntary separations, reductions-in-force, and 15-year retirements
should gradually be phased out and the 20 year plus military career
should be reinstitutionalized as the norm. This would stabilize our
fighting capabilities, experience levels, and promised careers. Annual
military pay raises and military retirement cost of living allowances
(COLAs) should more closely match actual inflationary levels. Military
retirement COLAs should be paid on the same schedule as federal
civilian retirement COLAs and military retirees should not be unfairly
penalized by having their COLAs delayed by 39 months while delaying
federal retiree COLAs by only 9 months over the next five years. The
American Legion strongly supported transitional assistance benefits for
the active component, and it supports transition benefits for departing
members of the Guard and Reserve. The budget includes $140 million for
these programs which are parallel to the ones offered active duty
military members. These funds will provide for the use of active duty
voluntary incentives for full-time duty Reservists to include temporary
early retirement authority, voluntary separation incentives and special
separation benefits. Transition programs for part-time members would
include:
Special separation pay for Reservists with 20 or more years
of service.
Early qualification for retired pay at age 60 with 15 to 20
years of service.
Separation pay for Reservists with six to 15 years of
service.
Commissary and exchange privileges for post-separation use
for two years.
Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance for currently
eligible members who are involuntarily separated during the
drawdown period.
Priority affiliation for other Guard and Reserve units for
those members involuntarily separated short of a full career.
The level of our defense strength is directly proportional to the
quality of life and financial well-being of service members and their
families. A strong defense depends on strong people. Although the
Administration appears committed to maintaining a strong defense and
readiness posture, the actions of the Administration and the Congress
in dealing with military people issues in 1993 fell far short of
considering people to be the most important part of the defense
equation. For instance, both present, former, and retired service
members were faced with threats to pay increases and the uncertainties
of voluntary and involuntary separations, commissary closings and
increased commissary surcharges for military retirees, and a reformed
military health care program which held the promise of making retirees
and their dependents pay more for their health care needs.
If this nation is truly committed to a strong defense, then it also
must be committed to meeting every obligation that accompanies it.
Commitments and promises made to veterans and military retirees must be
kept when their military service is over. This is the price of doing
business in the defense market. We are reminded, for example, that
according to the Defense Commissary Agency (DECA), military members and
their families accounted for over $27 million in food stamps and over
$15 million in women's, infants' and children's (WIC) redemptions in
1993. This fact is a shameful testimony and proves that all is not well
in military communities.
To The American Legion, the effects of the downsizing appear to be
taking a heavy toll. Military life is portrayed as a series of
bewildering changes and broken promises. Service members appear to be
straining to manage new missions while facing the prospects of multiple
overseas deployments and experiencing the likelihood of serving under
foreign or United Nations commanders at tactical and strategic levels.
Combat pilots and Naval aviators are adjusting to living and working
with women in combat units for the first time. Military commanders who
once thought they had the know-how and legal authority to deal with
homosexuals in their units continue to receive conflicting orders from
the Pentagon and the federal courts. It is little wonder that the
quantity and quality of recruits are beginning to show signs of
decline. Lest we forget, there is absolutely no guarantee that the All-
Volunteer Force will continue to be as successful in the future as it
has proven to be in the past.
As a vital incentive to encourage bright young Americans to enter
military service, The American Legion believes that the Montgomery GI
Bill for education needs to be overhauled to make service life more
attractive. Many young adults are now questioning whether eight years
of their life, the rigors of military life, their $1200 contribution,
and the likelihood of recurring deployments to hostile environments are
worth the benefits they will likely never use. The Department of
Defense's most recent survey that samples attitudes of young adults,
ages 16-21, confirmed a worrisome downward trend in their propensity to
enlist. The American Legion reluctantly concedes that financial
contributions by participants must continue; however, the compensation
levels must be expanded to make that contribution adequate to meet
educational costs. The American Legion, therefore, proposes the
following measures to enhance the GI Bill for education:
A participant's contribution and monthly benefit should be
non-taxable.
The opportunity to make an annual contribution of $1200 for a
minimum of one year and a maximum of four years. Annual
contributions would be made in monthly payments of $100.
The current dollar benefit ratio for a full-time student is
1:12; a three-quarter time student is 1:9; and a half-time
student is 1:6. These ratios are acceptable; however, these
ratios would be adjusted annually concurrent with changes in
the average tuition rates.
Benefits would be received over the same amount of time that
the member contributed.
A member would have ten years to use educational benefits.
After ten years, the veteran may request that the actual amount
of unused contribution be refunded without interest through an
IRS tax credit.
Members can contribute at anytime during their military
career, but benefits will not begin until three years after
their enrollment.
Benefits may be used to pay existing educational loans.
Members can receive health and child care benefits while
enrolled in educational programs.
A participant's contribution will not be refunded nor
benefits paid to anyone receiving a less than honorable
discharge.
All members of the armed forces would be entitled to
participate. Reservist and National Guard personnel would be
required to make the same annual contributions in order to
receive full benefits.
National Guardsmen and Reservists should also be extended
National Service benefits in exchange for service during
statewide disasters, riot control or catastrophes. The American
Legion believes educational assistance for veterans has
consistently proven to be a winning concept. People who are
trained and educated make better salaries, pay more in taxes
and spend more. This proposed GI Bill would be a wise
investment in America's future.
Today, there are approximately 9.5 million beneficiaries in the
military health care program; and military retirees and their
dependents make up more than 50 percent of that number. Access to
affordable health care, regardless of age or health care status,
represents the number one concern among military retirees. The sense of
the congressional resolution in the FY 1993 National Defense
Authorization Act reaffirms the basis of health care promised in law
and tradition dating back more than 100 years. Military retirees were
always led to believe that they were entitled to free lifetime health
care as a major promise made in exchange for meager pay received and
after having served 20 or more years in the most demanding and
dangerous of professions. They are seeing this promise, and others,
being broken which is not only a demoralizing factor, but one which can
and will impact on recruiting and retaining a quality force.
Military retirees are the only group of federal ``employees'' who
lose their health care benefits when they become 65 and are no longer
eligible for CHAMPUS but become MEDICARE-eligible. MEDICARE covers much
less than CHAMPUS, and like CHAMPUS, must be supplemented by expensive
health care insurance which many of our military retirees cannot
afford. The American Legion has always supported full-funding of the
CHAMPUS program, and has believed that MEDICARE-eligible military
retirees and their dependents should continue to have access to
military treatment facilities on a space-available basis; that MEDICARE
should reimburse DOD for health care received in military treatment
facilities; and that all military retirees and their dependents should
continue to receive free prescriptions form military medical centers.
Unquestionably, a reformed military health care system that serves
to improve access, quality of care, and comprehensive care is required.
The American Legion has a number of concerns, however, with the
proposed DOD TRICARE Health Care System as it affects military
retirees, namely, that military retirees and their dependents would be
required to pay annual ``registration fees'' whether they used their
plan or not; and questions remain concerning out-of-pocket expenses and
the viability of MEDICARE reimbursement for treatment in DOD
facilities. The American Legion believes that, as a minimum, the
following guidelines should be incorporated or retained as part of the
TRICARE package or any reform of military health care for military
retirees, their dependents and military survivors:
Timely access to uniform, comprehensive and equitable health
care benefits covering the full array of services ranging from
preventive health care and dental treatment plans to
prescription services for all military retirees, their
dependents, and military survivors.
Preservation of the space-available system in military
treatment centers depending on facility capabilities.
DOD military treatment facilities should be reimbursed by the
Health Care Financing Administration for care provided to
Medicare-eligible military beneficiaries.
There should be no registration fees or penalties for
Medicare-eligible military beneficiaries who enroll in TRICARE
health plans.
Pharmacy networks and mail-order pharmacy programs should be
extended beyond the 40-mile radius of closing military bases
and they should operate on a flat-fee basis rather than one
based on percentages of costs.
CHAMPUS-equivalent entitlements as supplemental coverage to
Medicare for 100 percent disabled military beneficiaries under
age 65 should continue.
TRICARE health care plans should be extended to military
beneficiaries residing in overseas areas.
The value of military commissaries in the quality of life equation
for junior enlisted families and military retirees and others is
indisputable. Military commissary usage ranks second only to medical
health care in the non-pay compensation package according to surveys
conducted among active duty and retired beneficiaries, as commissaries
save patrons on the order of 17-25 percent in food costs. The $1
billion in subsidized congressional appropriations permits commissaries
to sell items virtually at cost, and the removal of any portion of this
funding could drastically raise food costs which could cause some
commissaries to close. Contrary to popular belief, military
commissaries are not competitive with civilian grocery chain stores as
commissary sales represent only 1.7 percent of total U.S. grocery
sales.
With the continued downsizing of the military and the on-going
assault on military benefits, any effort to reduce or dismantle the
integrity of the military commissary system would be seen as a serious
breach of faith with a benefit system that serves as a mainstay for the
active and Reserve components, military retirees, military personnel
involuntarily discharged or released from active duty, 100 percent
service-connected disabled veterans, and others.
The American Legion urges the Congress to preserve full federal
funding of the military commissary system and to retain this vital non-
pay compensation benefit which is essential to the morale and readiness
of the dedicated men and women who have served, and continue to serve,
the national security interests of the United States. The American
Legion also opposes any efforts to raise commissary surcharges above
the five percent level for military retirees or other authorized
commissary patrons.
The American Legion continues to support legislation to correct the
inequity that prevents the concurrent receipt of military retired pay
and veterans disability compensation. Unlike military retirees, civil
service retirees receiving veterans disability compensation are not
subject to this restriction. The American Legion recommends full
payment of both military retirement pay and veterans disability
compensation for disabled military retirees.
In creating involuntary separation pay, Voluntary Separation
Incentives (VSI), and Special Separation Bonuses (SSB), Congress
included provisions in the law requiring a forfeiture of these payments
in an amount equal to any veterans disability compensation received
after discharge. This is a carry-over of the unfair law which has
historically prohibited the concurrent receipt of both pays. VSI, SSB
and involuntary separation, or severance pay, are entirely different in
scope and purpose than military retirement pay. They were designed to
compensate service members for lost military career opportunities and
to facilitate readjustment to civilian live. They are totally unrelated
to any disability a service member may have incurred during his
service. Those who were disabled in military service will face special
challenges in readjustment during these difficult times. The American
Legion urges the Congress not to add to these challenges by requiring
disabled veterans to continue to fund their own disability compensation
by an offset from their separation or military retirement pay. We also
believe that the practice of recouping separation pays before the
payment of veterans disability compensation should cease as the
continuation of this practice will serve as a deterrent for service-
connected veterans to even apply for disability compensation.
The American Legion supports amending Public Law 99-145 to
eliminate the provision that calls for the automatic offset at age 62
of the military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) with Social Security
benefits. Military retirees pay into both SBP and Social Security, and
their survivors pay income taxes on both. Military survivors should be
rightfully entitled to receive both forms of benefit without any
offset. The American Legion believes that military survivors should
also be entitled to receipt of full Social Security benefits which they
may have earned in their own right. It is also strongly recommended
that, in the future, any SBP premium increases be assessed on the
effective date, or subsequent to increases in cost of living
adjustments and certainly not before the increase as was done this
year.
Mr. Chairman, the report of the National Performance Review,
referred to as ``Reinventing the Government,'' has recommended that the
Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences (USUHS) be closed as
it provided less than 10 percent of the Services' physicians at higher
costs than the Health Professionals Scholarship Program (HPSP). Since
the first USUHS graduation in 1980, over 1,800 physicians continue to
pursue careers as physicians in the Army, Navy, Air Force and the U.S.
Public Health Service. The USUHS educational process emphasizes primary
care medicine and also provides special training in military medicine,
combat casualty care, trauma, tropical medicine and combat stress,
courses not found in civilian medical school curricula. USUHS graduates
have also proven themselves willing to accept operational overseas
assignments often viewed as less than desirable by civilian medical
school graduates.
In the Department of Defense Program Analysis and Evaluation study
which became the source of cost data contained in the National
Performance Review Report, the majority of excess costs per year of
service for USUHS-trained physicians was largely attributable to their
projected longer service, higher salaries, and retirement benefits. The
American Legion is convinced that the USUHS is an economical source of
career medical leaders who serve our nation during peace, mobilization
and war and provide military health care consistency and stability when
compared to other sources of military physicians. The American Legion
urges the Congress to retain the Uniformed Services University of
Health Sciences as a continued source of career military physicians for
the Army, Navy, Air Force and United States Public Health Service.
Mr. Chairman, America's winning technology in the Persian Gulf War,
like its victorious All-Volunteer Force, did not develop overnight, but
had its genesis in the decade of the 1980's. The modernization of the
Armed Forces must be a continuing process and should not be delayed nor
curtailed. Once a conflict develops, it is too late to decide whether
America's defense industry has the capability to mass produce advanced
technologies. The American fighting man, put in harm's way, must be
equipped and armed with state-of-the-art technology. A vibrant defense
industrial base will ensure that military production can surge when
required.
The American Legion supports the Army's RAH-66 COMANCHE helicopter
production, the retention of an absolute minimum of 12-carrier Navy
battle groups, full funding of the CVN-76 aircraft carrier and DDG-51
Arleigh Burke guided missile destroyers, and production of the V-22
OSPREY aircraft for the Marine Corps. The Persian Gulf War highlighted
the dire need for the Navy to immediately augment its sealift and that
our Merchant Marine be rebuilt as second to none, and we applaud the
planned building of more fast sealift ships. We support the Air Force's
modernization program for production of the F-22 fighter, continued and
accelerated production of C-17 aircraft, and production of a new
military space-launch system compatible with those of the private
sector. The American Legion also recommends maintaining the current
inventory of intercontinental ballistic missiles and sufficient
warheads as a hedge against unforseeable threats.
Despite the rapid downsizing of the active forces and increased
reliance on the Guard and Reserves, the Reserve components continue to
require a greater degree of modernization to improve their combat
readiness postures and enhance their interoperability with active
forces. We support, therefore, the upgrading of Air Defense systems of
the National Guard and Reserves; upgrading all Air National Guard F-15
and F-16 aircraft to equivalent United States Air Force standards;
upgrading KC-135 aircraft with warning and countermeasures equipment so
as to increase wartime survivability; converting all KC-135 air wings
from the KC-135E to the KC-135R so as to be fully compatible with the
United States Air Force; and acceleration of essential National Guard
and Reserve military construction programs. These items represent only
a few of the required modernization programs for the Guard and
Reserves.
The American Legion also urges the Congress to preserve America's
defense industrial base by continuing to fund research, development and
acquisition budgets so as to retain our technological edge in the 21st
Century and to assure our military production can surge whenever U.S.
military power is committed. Some of these capabilities such as tank
production and shipbuilding will be retained in this budget, but far
more needs to be done. Key industrial capabilities which preserve more
of our defense base need to be identified. We applaud the ``dual-use''
partnerships proposed in the FY 1995 budget.
The American Legion opposes further termination of essential
service modernization programs, diminution of defense industrial
capabilities, and rejects the transfers of critical defense
technologies abroad.
The American Legion firmly believes that with the continuing threat
of nuclear proliferation, that America should retain its edge in
nuclear capabilities as represented by the TRIAD system, and that our
highest priority should be the national missile defense of the United
States. Although the development and deployment of advanced theater
missile defenses to protect U.S. forward-deployed forces is imperative,
any dismantling of acquisition programs to defend the American people
is imprudent. We believe that the United States should focus on
developing and deploying an anti-ballistic missile detection and
interception system that is capable of providing a highly effective
defense of the United States against limited attacks of ballistic
missiles. The Brilliant Eyes and Brilliant Pebbles technology for
national defense should continue as acquisition programs, not only as
part of the Theater High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, but as
an inherent and essential part of the anti-ballistic missile defense of
the United States.
Finally, as we face continuing action for the foreseeable future on
base closures and declining defense budgets, we urge your continued
support for defense conversion programs which we believe should be
funded from non-defense appropriations; use of closing installations
for National Guard and Reserve units for readiness purposes; and for
continued DOD support of civilian marksmanship programs to inform and
train American youth.
In conclusion, the true measure of whether a defense policy
adequately protects our national security interests is not necessarily
how much is spent on defense, but rather whether the armed forces will
have the means to fight and win when conflict arises. Our national
security well-being cannot be separated from our overall national well-
being. The American people cannot view themselves from a position of
relative weakness in the world. To lead at home, we must lead in the
world arena. If we shun this role, our own future will be shaped by
others. As Sir John Slessor, Marshall of the Royal Air Force, once
wrote during World War II: ``It is customary in democratic countries to
deploy expenditures as armaments as conflicting with the requirements
of the social services. There is a tendency to forget that the most
important social service that a government can do for its people is to
keep them alive and free.''
Mr. Chairman, this concludes The American Legion statement.
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
Wilson R. Timmons, Florida, Chairman
The American Legion over the past year has continued to support the
Selective Service System by applying the following principles:
1. Maintenance of the Selective Service Registration Program
as a viable preparedness measure;
2. The continuation of the Selective Service System in
compliance with existing law, including Presidential induction
authority;
3. Retention of the System supported by active state
Selective Service headquarters with a state director who is
responsible for the maintenance of military mobilization plans
and operations for the state;
4. Local boards in communities to serve as decision-making
bodies with respect to determining availability for service
should Congress enact induction authority.
5. Training of Reserve and National Guard personnel in
Selective Service Manpower Mobilization procedures with the
capability to rapidly expand forms by resuming inductions
should world conditions require Congress to return to the
draft.
6. The President and Congress provide the necessary
directions and budgetary support to the Selective Service
System so the mandates of the Military Selective Service Act
are enforced and the Selective Service System is able to meet
the manpower requirements of the Department of Defense when
called upon; and
7. Legislation be enacted requiring proof of selective
service registration by any non-veteran male who applies for
federal employment.
Reserve Officers Training Corps Program. The historic support for a
strong and viable Reserve Officer's Training Corps (ROTC) was
reaffirmed by Resolution 367-76, adopted at our 59th National
Convention, Resolution 474 adopted by the 64th National Convention, and
Resolutions 382 and 383 adopted at the 72nd National Convention. We
resolved to staunchly support both collegiate Reserve Officers Training
Corps and high school Junior ROTC programs as exemplifying strong links
in the traditional role of the citizens-soldier in this country and as
one of the most outstanding programs for producing military officers
and future leaders of our nation. We also strongly recommend that all
college and university students take advantage of the tremendous
opportunity for training, leadership and achievement which the ROTC
represents.
Departments having ROTC units supported ROTC programs by either
awarding or encouraging Posts under their jurisdiction to award and
participate in The American Legion's ROTC Medal program. Response to
this program has been outstanding. During the period from July 1, 1993
to June 30, 1994, nearly 10,000 medals were awarded to deserving Senior
and Junior level ROTC candidates. Presentations of medals were made to
ROTC units in all 50 States, the District of Columbia, as well as the
Departments of Puerto Rico and France.
Paul H. Griffith ROTC Trophy.--The National Executive Committee at
their October 1975 meeting approved Resolution 21, which established
the Paul H. Griffith Trophy for the ROTC program in their States during
the year. The trophy honors the memory of Past National Commander Paul
H. Griffith, who served as an Assistant Secretary of Defense, and
throughout his lifetime maintained an active interest and participation
in our nation's defense.
Criterion for judging the winner of the trophy is based on the
Department giving the greatest degree to support to the ROTC programs
to include the number of medals presented and Legion participation in
award day ceremonies this year. This year's winners of the Paul H.
Griffith Trophy are the Departments of Alaska, Delaware, District of
Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico,
Tennessee, and Vermont.
NAVAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
John J. Wrenn, Massachusetts, Chairman
Guided by resolutions adopted at the 74th and 75th National
Conventions, the Naval Affairs Committee has worked to strengthen the
U.S. Navy during the past year. We begin with the premise that sea
lanes are the life lines of America, both in peacetime and war. The
United States is no longer hesitant about sending powerful signals to
aggressors that we will not stand idly by and watch while they conduct
violent takeovers of legitimate governments, particularly when those
takeovers are contrary to the national interests of the United States.
This new diplomacy requires a more mobile, more flexible and more
capable armed forces; in particular, a viable and deployable United
States Navy. The United States Navy and Coast Guard performed admirably
during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm.
The Secretary of Defense is faced with the decision on how best to
maintain the strength of the Navy. The American Legion currently
advocates the retention of 12-aircraft carrier groups as the absolute
minimum required as well as the need for continued modernization of
Naval Aviation and the development of the Seawolf submarine.
The United States Coast Guard has faced the same decreasing budget
trends as the other services. The problem of funding has become so
crucial in the Coast Guard that this service is barely able to perform
its statutory missions and in some cases, has had to reduce some of its
enforcement activities to stay within the funding limitations imposed
by Congress. At the 74th National Convention, the delegates adopted a
resolution calling for adequate funding support for the Coast Guard.
Adequate funding must be provided to the Navy for the continued
development of its forces on and under the sea, and in the air, so that
strong, modern, effective sea power can be effectively deployed with
the forces of other services. The Naval Affairs Committee will continue
to direct its efforts toward this goal.
PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMISSION
Thomas C. Kouyeas, District of Columbia, Chairman
Lew Wood, Indiana, Director
The Public Relations Commission of The American Legion is
responsible for positioning The American Legion before the media and
the public. As a service element of the National Organization
everything the Public Relations Commission undertakes is ultimately
designed to focus media attention on the local level and provide
increased awareness of organizational concerns and dedication.
During the program year this focus realized additional benefit from
two efforts: the 75th Anniversary ``Diamond Jubilee'' promotion of The
American Legion and the World War II Data Bank.
Diamond Jubilee
A special ``Diamond Jubilee'' media package was prepared and
distributed. The package included suggested news releases,
proclamations, radio public service announcements, speeches and a six-
page clip sheet with camera-ready photos and stories highlighting The
American Legion's 75 years of service to God and country. The result
was countless local stories focusing on the Legion's impact in
hometowns large and small.
A radio public service announcement package of 30 second and 60
second announcements about the accomplishments of the organization
throughout the past 75 years was sent to more than 1,400 radio stations
for use through September 1994.
World War II Data Bank
The World War II Data Bank reached the peak of media interest to
date in advance of the 50th anniversary of D-Day. National and local
media turned to The American Legion to help them find special veterans
of that historic invasion. The Data Bank of Legion members with stories
to tell often helped fill the need. The extensive effort placed stories
in USA Today, the Washington Post and Times, on CNN, C-SPAN and
countless other news outlets.
Additional Media Focus
Also receiving heightened media attention during the program year
were The American Legion positions on the health of Desert Storm
veterans and their education needs; the protection of the Flag of the
United States of America from physical desecration; the role of women
in combat; military involvement in Somalia, Bosnia and Haiti; and flood
relief efforts for the Midwest including media relations assistance to
the Department of Virginia for a special toy collection campaign.
Awards
The 1994 National Commander's Public Relations Award was presented
to Bill Mauldin, the cartoonist who made ``Willie and Joe'' World War
II heroes.
The 1994 Fourth Estate Award was presented to television station
KSNW-TV of Wichita, Kansas for a special feature program which followed
a former Vietnam nurse from her Kansas hometown to Washington, D.C. and
the multitude of events surrounding the dedication of the Vietnam
Women's Memorial on Veterans Day.
The 1993 Department Media Awards were selected by the Commission
for sustained coverage of Legion-interest news and events resulting
from an active public relations role on the local level. Awards went
to: KZEE-AM, Weatherford, Texas, Radio Station of the Year; WJW-TV,
Cleveland, Ohio, Television Station of the Year; Ellwood City Ledger,
Ellwood, Pennsylvania, Daily Newspaper of the Year; and Free Press-
Courier, Westfield, Pennsylvania, Weekly Newspaper of the Year.
THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE COMMISSION
Milford A. Forrester, South Carolina, Chairman
Daniel S. Wheeler, Virginia, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
Editorial excellence equaled national influence and increasing
advertising dollars in 1993.
With this formula, The American Legion Magazine brought in a
record-breaking $7.53 million in advertising revenue during the 1993
operational year. With eight years of consecutive growth in advertising
dollars, the magazine has outperformed nearly all of its competitors.
While many in the publishing industry succumbed to the tough
economic climate of the 1990s, the magazine kept attracting multi-
million dollar advertisers such as Buick, Merck Co., and Abbott
Laboratories. The magazine also continued its leadership as the
nation's largest direct mail market for shop-at-home items.
Buick, The American Legion and The American Legion Magazine joined
in a special program that included: a multipage advertising schedule in
the magazine; the raffling of a Buick motorcar at the National
Convention in Pittsburgh, which contributed over $20,000 to the
Legion's National Emergency Fund; a discount sales promotion for
Legionnaires toward the purchase of a new Buick; a matching Buick
contribution to local American Legion youth programs. More than 6,000
cars were sold in 75 days and Buick contributed $620,000 to these
programs.
New advertising accounts, such as the U.S. Postal Service, the U.S.
Mint and Nordic Track, were developed in 1993 as a direct result of
market research. This research showed that over 77 percent of
Legionnaires read every issue of the magazine, the highest figure among
250 leading national magazines. Legionnaires also spent an average of
55 minutes reading each issue, also one of the highest figures in the
industry.
The magazine has been able to offset some of the postal-rate hikes
through sound management decisions that have saved $1 million in
production costs. While postal costs for the magazine have risen from
$200,000 in 1976 to $5 million in 1994, the magazine has operated in
the black since 1981.
Selling this magazine to advertisers was facilitated by the
continually improving quality of its articles and graphic design. Most
notable was the March 1993 article, ``POW/MIAs: The Next War,'' by
Managing Editor Miles Z. Epstein. It received the 1993 George
Washington Honor Medal for Excellence in Public Communications from the
Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge. Said the Freedoms Foundation: ``No
other article has ever addressed U.S. policy on POW/MIAs looking at how
it can be specifically improved in future wars. America can do a better
job of protecting the men and women who are sent into battle. And the
recommendations that appear in this article may actually save lives in
our next war.''
The American Legion Magazine also was used as a source for Cable
News Network for its stories on Desert Storm's mystery illnesses. The
Legion, through its magazine, provided leadership and exclusive
coverage of maladies that included extreme fatigue, bleeding gums, hair
loss and immunity problems. Some 20,000 Gulf War servicemen and women
have reported such symptoms.
Because of the magazine's coverage--and the work of the Legion's
Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission--Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA) hospitals were able to admit these veterans for treatment.
While no cure or diagnosis has been found, Legionnaires can be proud of
their magazine's role in bringing the Gulf War sickness to the
attention of the VA and the American public.
Also during 1993, The American Legion Magazine provided continuing
coverage of the 50th Anniversary of World War II with a special, multi-
article section on 1943 in the December issue. In addition, numerous
World War II battles were highlighted in Battle Reports published
throughout the year. Most of the July issue was devoted to a special,
multi-article report on the Korean War to coincide with the 40th
anniversary of the armistice. A similar series of articles on the 25th
anniversary of the Tet Offensive of the Vietnam War appeared in the
February issue.
The magazine also published articles on the threats of ``tribal''
warfare around the world; neo-fascism in Europe; the meaning and impact
of the U.S. military's downsizing; the spread of nuclear weapons
technology; the growth of homeschooling in America; and the dangers of
divisive multiculturalism.
The task of informing veterans about their benefits was aided by
the magazine's exclusive interview in September with Sen. John D.
``Jay'' Rockefeller, chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee;
Rep. G.V. ``Sonny'' Montgomery, chairman of the House Veterans Affairs
Committee; and VA Secretary Jesse Brown. In addition, the monthly
Veterans Update column and other investigative reports ensured that
Legionnaires were informed of the news that affects VA and the veterans
who depend on its services.
As the only publication that goes to all 3-million Legionnaires,
The American Legion Magazine must continue to keep itself financially
sound and journalistically excellent. All aspects of the magazine's
operation are continually scrutinized to ensure its continued success
and growth.
VETERANS AFFAIRS AND REHABILITATION COMMISSION
Chester F. Stellar, Ohio, Chairman
Carroll Williams, Maryland, Director
The seventy-fifth Annual National Convention in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania and the Fall and Spring meetings of the National Executive
Committee approved programs expressed in resolutions submitted to those
bodies through the Convention Committee on Veterans Affairs and
Rehabilitation and the National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation
Commission.
The following report covers the activities of the National Veterans
Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission and its staff during the year
ending June 30, 1994. The first section of the report describes the
action taken on all resolutions assigned to the Commission for
consideration, and the status shown as of June 30, 1994, the date of
this report.
Beginning with the 1993 National Convention, the Commission
received a total of 67 resolutions for appropriate action and
consideration. There follows a breakdown of these resolutions by source
and type:
58 from the 1993 National Convention.
16 Approved or Approved as Amended.
15 Consolidated with Resolutions Approved.
9 Referred to Resolutions Standing Commission.
5 Rejected.
13 Received and Recorded.
9 from the National Executive Committee.
3 from the National Adjutant at the meeting of October 20-21,
1993 (``register resolutions'')
6 from the National Adjutant at the meeting of May 5-6, 1994
(``register resolutions'')
The status of these resolutions upon which action has been taken as
of the end of the reporting period is set forth below, beginning with
those covering the 1993 National Convention, followed by those
presented and referred by the National Executive Committee.
1993 NATIONAL CONVENTION APPROVED RESOLUTIONS POLICY
Resolution No. 2 (ND)--Urge the Administration and Congress to
adopt the recommendations of The American Legion Health Care Proposal
as a measure to improve and expand the services of the Veterans Health
Administration. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs was informed by the
Director on September 24, 1993, of The American Legion official policy
on this resolution. The National Commander testified in support of this
resolution on September 21, 1993, before a joint hearing of the Senate
and House Veterans Affairs Committees.
Resolution No. 3 (ND)--Urge the Congress to ensure there is a joint
DoD program to provide information regarding health issues to all
Persian Gulf War veterans and to provide service connection for any
condition found to have been incurred in or aggravated as a result of
Persian Gulf War service. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs was
informed by the Director on September 24, 1993, of The American Legion
official policy on this resolution. The National Commander testified in
support of this resolution on September 21, 1993, before a joint
hearing of the Senate and House Veterans Affairs Committees.
Resolution No. 5 (ND)--Urge the President and the Congress to
reinstate all benefits eliminated by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation
Act of 1990. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs was informed by the
Director on September 24, 1993, of The American Legion official policy
on this resolution. The National Commander testified in support of this
resolution on September 21, 1993, before a joint hearing of the Senate
and House Veterans Affairs Committees.
Resolution No. 41 (UT)--Support legislation which extends National
Service Plan Benefits to all veterans and serving members of the Armed
Forces Reserves and National Guard. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs
was informed by the Director on September 21, 1993 of The American
Legion official policy on this resolution. The National Commander
testified in support of this resolution on September 21, 1993, before a
joint hearing of the Senate and House Veterans Affairs Committees.
Resolution No. 43 (UT)--Urge The American Legion oppose any action
by the Congress to require third party payment by service-connected
veterans for any condition. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs was
informed by the Director on September 24, 1993, of The American Legion
official policy on this resolution. The National Commander testified in
support of this resolution on September 21, 1993, before a joint
hearing of the Senate and House Veterans Affairs Committees.
Resolution No. 137 (SD)--Oppose any legislative proposal that would
tax service-connected compensation benefits. The Secretary of Veterans
Affairs was informed by the Director on September 24, 1993, of The
American Legion policy on this resolution. The National Commander
testified in support of this resolution on September 21, 1993, before a
joint hearing of the Senate and House Veterans Affairs Committees.
Resolution No. 210 (VA)--Reaffirmation of The American Legion Agent
Orange Resolution Nos. 227 and 228 emanating from the 1992 National
Convention. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs was informed by the
Director on September 24, 1993, of The American Legion official policy
on this resolution. The National Commander testified in support of this
resolution on September 21, 1993, before a joint hearing of the Senate
and House Veterans Affairs Committees.
Resolution No. 216 (VA)--Seek legislation to pay each World War I
veteran who meets the requirements a special pension. The Secretary of
Veterans Affairs was informed by the Director on September 24, 1993, of
The American Legion official policy on this resolution. The National
Commander testified in support of this resolution on September 21,
1993, before a joint hearing of the Senate and House Veterans Affairs
Committees.
National Cemeteries
Resolution No. 95 (IL)--Requests site location for national
cemetery in Illinois. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs was informed by
the Director on September 24, 1993, of The American Legion official
policy on this resolution. The National Commander testified in support
of this resolution on September 21, 1993, before a joint hearing of the
Senate and House Veterans Affairs Committees.
Claims and Ratings
Resolution No. 4 (ND)--Urge the Congress to increase the maximum
monthly educational benefits for Persian Gulf veterans and eliminate
the contribution requirement of the current program. The Secretary of
Veterans Affairs was informed by the Director on September 24, 1993, of
The American Legion official policy on this resolution. The National
Commander testified in support of this resolution on September 21,
1993, before a joint hearing of the Senate and House and Veterans
Affairs Committees.
Resolution No. 9 (MA)--Urge the Department of Veterans Affairs to
decide all service-connected claims on sound scientific and medical
procedures. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs was informed by the
Director on September 24, 1993, of The American Legion official policy
on this resolution. The National Commander testified in support of this
resolution on September 21, 1993, before a joint hearing of the Senate
and House Veterans Affairs Committees.
Resolution No. 13 (MA)--Restore special consideration of age in
pension claims by reducing disability requirement to 60 percent at age
55 and 50 percent at age 60. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs was
informed by the Director on September 24, 1993, of The American Legion
official policy on this resolution. The National Commander testified in
support of this resolution on September 21, 1993, before a joint
hearing of the Senate and House Veterans Affairs Committees.
Resolution No. 14 (MA)--Seek amendment to VA Rating Schedule to
include ototoxicity from medicine known to cause tinnitus. The
Secretary of Veterans Affairs was informed by the Director on September
24, 1993, of The American Legion official policy on this resolution.
Resolution No. 217 (VA)--Support legislation to improve the
disability and death pension program. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs
was informed by the Director on September 24, 1993, of The American
Legion official policy on this resolution. The National Commander
testified in support of this resolution on September 21, 1993, before a
joint hearing of the Senate and Veterans Affairs Committees.
Resolution No. 218 (VA)--Support legislation to increase the
monthly rates for disability compensation recipients. The Secretary of
Veterans Affairs was informed by the Director on September 24, 1993, of
The American Legion official policy on this resolution. The National
Commander testified in support of this resolution on September 21,
1993, before a joint hearing of the Senate and Veterans Affairs
Committees.
1993 National Convention Referred Resolutions
Resolution No. 7 (CANADA)--Request The American Legion provide
necessary funding for Department of Canada Service Officers to attend
annual training seminars for Department Service Officers.
Resolution No. 128 (TX)--Provide legislation to change Korean War
dates and Vietnam Era dates for veterans benefit purposes.
Resolution No. 136 (SD)--Urge the abolishment of the DVA from
requiring financial information from service-connected veterans.
Resolution No. 146 (NY)--Urge the Congress to change the date of
the beginning of the Vietnam Era to December 22, 1961 for benefits
purposes.
Resolution No. 147 (NY)--Sponsor and support legislation to exempt
veterans and the widows of veterans from additional tax on Social
Security.
Resolution No. 149 (NY)--Urge the approval of a cemetery site in
Richmond County, New York.
Resolution No. 182 (KS)--Urge the termination of the expenditure of
funds for Highway 54 at the Wichita VAMC.
Resolution No. 214 (PR)--Authorize the DVA to pay the Medicare
deductible for hospitalization outside of the DVA medical facility.
Resolution No. 241 (FL)--Oppose legislation on any action that
would alter current regulations regarding eligibility for treatment at
VAMCs.
Rejected Resolutions
Resolution No. 25 (CO)--Oppose any taxation of pensions or Social
Security until the government comes up with the proper spending cuts to
reduce the national debt.
Resolution No. 47 (ME)--Urge that Congress enact H.R. 394, to amend
title 38, USC, section 101(29), changing the dates for benefits.
Resolution No. 130 (TX)--Seek a Federal Veterans War Bonus for all
veterans.
Resolution No. 175 (AK)--Seek from the Congress and upgrade the
cost provisions made available to veterans equal to the Federal per
diem rate for Federal employees while in travel status.
Resolution No. 220 (MX)--Seeks benefits of Medicare Program be made
available to the citizens of the US living abroad.
Received and Recorded Resolutions
Resolution No. 10 (MA)--PTSD family therapy and counseling at
VAMCs.
Resolution No. 11 (MA)--Amend title 38, USC to allow housebound
benefits for parents receiving DIC.
Resolution No. 12 (MA)--Restore and increase burial and plot
allowance.
Resolution No. 66 (AZ)--Plot allowance for all veterans.
Resolution No. 68 (AZ)--Death benefits for all veterans.
Resolution No. 78 (OH)--Telephone systems in VAMCs.
Resolution No. 93(IL)--American Legion Policy on Philippine
veterans benefits.
Resolution No. 96 (PI)--Equalization of Retired Pay for Philippine
Army Scouts.
Resolution No. 97 (PI)--Amend title 38, USC to provide VA benefits
for Commonwealth Veterans and Philippine Scouts.
Resolution No. 129 (TX)--Ensure health care and benefits for
Granada, Lebanon and Panama veterans.
Resolution No. 178 (WV)--DVA smoking and policy at VAMCs.
Resolution No. 243 (OH)--Increase medical research budget.
Resolution No. 245 (AL)--Support legislation for VA benefits under
Immigration Act of 1990.
National Executive Committee Meeting October 20-21, 1993
The National Executive Committee approved the following
resolutions:
Resolution No. 10 (FL)--Suppports the provision of humanitarian
care and treatment of non-U.S. citizens in VAMCs only on a reimbursable
basis and that no veteran of U.S. Armed Forces be denied care or have
care delayed because of treatment of a non-U.S. citizen.
Resolution No. 11 (KS)--Calls for the payment to VAMC Wichita by
the State of Kansas of fair market value for any property relinquished
by the VAMC Wichita for the purpose of expanding U.S. Highway 54, and
that construction of a new patient care facility be financed by the
State of Kansas.
Resolution No. 12 (VA&R) Commission)--Expresses Legion's
willingness to join in an Amicus Curiae brief in the case of IVY v.
Diamond Shamrock as the case is prepared for the United States Supreme
Court, that all communication concerning this resolution be signed by
the National Commander, attested by the National Adjutant and signed
inter alia by the National Judge Advocate. Also that this activity
shall not create any extra or outside legal fees.
The National Executive Committee approved the following action as
indicated:
Resolution No. 7 (CANADA)--Provide funds for inclusion of Canadian
Service Officers at DSO Schools--dispose of administratively (with
sponsoring Department).
Resolution No. 128 (TX)--Expand Korean and Vietnam War Era dates
for benefit purposes--dispose of administratively (with sponsoring
Department).
Resolution No. 146 (NY)--Expand Vietnam War Era dates for benefit
purposes--dispose of administratively (with sponsoring Department).
Resolution No. 149 (NY)--Locate national cemetery in Richmond
County, New York--dispose of administratively (with sponsoring
Department).
Resolution No. 214 (PR)--VA payment of Medicare deductible to non-
veteran facilities--dispose of administratively (with sponsoring
Department).
Rejected Resolutions
Resolution No. 48 (MT)--Open a Falconry Program.
Resolution No. 147 (NY)--Exempt veterans and widows of veterans
from additional Social Security.
National Executive Committee Meeting May 5-6, 1994
The National Executive Committee approved the following
resolutions:
Resolution No. 2 (VA&R Commission)--American Legion proposal to
improve the Veterans Affairs claims and appeals process.
Resolution No. 3 (VA&R Commission)--Department of Veterans Affairs
Blue Ribbon Panel on Claims Processing.
Resolution No. 4 (VA&R Commission)--the American Legion Policy on
Exposure to Ionizing Radiation.
The American Legion Executive Committee approved the following
action as indicated:
Resolution No. 136 (SD)--Disclosure of financial information by
service-connected veterans--dispose of administratively (with
sponsoring Department).
VETERANS AFFAIRS AND REHABILITATION COMMISSION MEETINGS
Members of the National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation
Commission held three meetings during the period September 7, 1993
through May 5, 1994, as follows:
The VA&R Commission met on September 7, 1993, in Room 6, Level 3,
Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A report was
subsequently made to the National Executive Committee relative to the
Commission's meeting.
A 15 member Subcommittee of the Executive Section of the VA&R
Commission met at National Headquarters October 18-19, 1993, for the
purpose of considering those matters of a current nature which had
previously been referred for study, and to discuss a broad range of
other matters of a current nature. A report of that meeting was
presented to the National Executive Committee on October 20, 1993.
The Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission met for the 71st
consecutive year in Washington, DC, on February 16, 1994, in
conjunction with the 34th Annual Washington Conference. The actions
taken by the Commission during this meeting were contained in the
Commission's Advance Report to the National Executive Committee, May 4-
5, 1994, and also appear in the proceedings of that meeting.
A five member Subcommittee of the Executive Section of the National
Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission met on May 2-3, 1994, at
National Headquarters. Chairman Chester F. Stellar (OH), chaired the
Subcommittee meeting. National Commander Bruce Thiesen visited with the
Subcommittee and encouraged those present to continue their efforts on
behalf of the Nation's veterans. A report of this meeting was presented
to the National Executive Committee on May 4, 1994.
NATIONAL LEADERSHIP WORKSHOPS
THE AMERICAN LEGION AND AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY
For the fifteenth consecutive year, eight National Leadership
Workshops were conducted throughout the months of September and October
1993. The meetings were held in the following cities:
Region 1--Portland, ME, September 17-19, Hotel: Holiday Inn
By the Bay.
Region 2--Hampton, VA, October 1-3, Hotel: Holiday Inn,
Hampton-Coliseum.
Region 3--Mobile, AL, October 1-3, Hotel: Stouffer Riverview
Plaza Hotel.
Region 4--Little Rock, AR, October 8-10, Hotel: Camelot
Hotel.
Region 5--Indianapolis, IN, October 29-31, Hotel: Holiday Inn
North.
Region 6--Fargo, ND, September 17-19, Hotel: Radisson Hotel
Fargo.
Region 7--Las Vegas, NV, October 29-31, Hotel: Las Vegas
Hilton.
Region 8--Spokane, WA, October 8-10, Hotel: Sheraton-Spokane
Hotel.
The American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary met jointly at
each Saturday morning session to discuss mutual interests. The Chairman
and Vice Chairman of the Commission attended the Conference in their
respective regions. The Regional Chairmen were in attendance at all
Conferences.
Staff members of the VA&R Commission were present at each
Conference providing those present with overviews of various topics
relative to the VA&R program. Significant changes in VA benefits and
services including VA's program for homeless veterans, as well as
recent legislative mandates adopted at the 1993 National Convention and
other issues, were also discussed.
Representatives of VA medical centers attended the Conferences for
the purpose of discussing the impact of funding shortfalls on veterans'
access to medical care. A significant number of questions were posed
concerning veterans' access to VA medical care and eligibility reform.
Noteworthy at all Conferences was the high percentage of first time
attendees and larger number of Post Service Officers.
ANNUAL VETERANS AFFAIRS AND REHABILITATION CONFERENCE
The 71st National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Conference
was held February 14-16, 1994 at the Sheraton Washington Hotel,
Washington, DC. Participants included members of the Veterans Affairs
and Rehabilitation Commission, Department Service Officers and
Rehabilitation Directors, County and Post Service Officers, members of
the American Legion Auxiliary, and various National, Department and
Post officials.
Mr. Chester F. Stellar (OH), Chairman of the National Veterans
Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission and Vollie McCollum (TN), Vice
Chairman, presided at the sessions of the Conference. Addressing the
Conference were National Commander Bruce Thiesen, Mrs. Helen Holcomb,
President, American Legion Auxiliary, and The Honorable Jesse Brown,
Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
In addition, presentations were made by The Honorable Hershel
Gober, Deputy Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs; The Honorable
Charles L. Cragin, Chairman, Board of Veterans Appeals; and John Vogel,
Under Secretary for Benefits, Department of Veterans Affairs.
During the Conference panel discussions were conducted that dealt
with topics of vital concern to those in attendance. Questions relating
to the operations of the veterans' benefits programs, medical care,
memorial affairs, and other pertinent subjects were entertained.
Prior to the Conference, for the thirteenth year, the Chairman and
members of the National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation staff met
with Department Service Officers for the Annual Department Service
Officers Seminar. Topics covering the field of veterans affairs and
staff operations were discussed.
CONFERENCE RECOMMENDATIONS
The members of the Recommendations Committee met February 14, 1994,
in the Sheraton Washington Hotel to consider three (2) recommendations
received during the Washington Conference.
Recommendation No. 1
It is recommended that VA make research on Persian Gulf illnesses a
top priority and ensure the 12 survey questions regarding health
problems affecting some Persian Gulf veterans developed by the
Department of Alabama be included in any studies or research projects
conducted by VA or any other Federal agency. The Committee recommended
approval of this recommendation.
Recommendation No. 2
It is recommended that information concerning the annual Washington
Conference be sent out to all Departments well in advance and that it
indicate whether Congress will be in session or not. The Committee
recommended approval of this recommendation.
VETERANS AFFAIRS AND REHABILITATION LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES
Over the past year, the staff of the Veterans Affairs and
Rehabilitation Commission has been actively involved with legislative
issues affecting veterans' benefits and programs administered by the
Department of Veterans Affairs. Such activities have included the
preparation and presentation of testimony at hearings scheduled before
Congressional Committees, as well as drafting legislation pursuant to
the mandates adopted by the National Convention and the National
Executive Committee. In addition, there has been continued liaison with
the staff of the Legislative Commission, officials of the Department of
Veterans Affairs, staffs of the Congressional Committees, and various
members of Congress.
The following is a brief summary of the Congressional hearings held
since July 1, 1993, relative to the deliberation of Congress on matters
pertaining to the Legion's Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation
Commission programs.
(1) On July 21, 1993, the Deputy Director for Policy, testified
before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, Committee on
Veterans Affairs, U.S. House of Representatives, regarding veterans'
access to VA outpatient care.
(2) On August 3, 1993, the Assistant Director for Resource
Development, testified before the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee
regarding VA mental health programs and the Readjustment Counseling
Service.
(3) On August 4, 1993, the Director testified before the Senate
Veterans Affairs Committee on the Institute of Medicine's report on the
effects of herbicides on Vietnam veterans.
(4) On September 17, 1993, the Assistant Director for Resource
Development, testified before the Congressional Black Caucus, Veterans'
Brain Trust Committee, on health care services provided to African
American veterans by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(5) On September 21, 1993, the National Commander presented the
Legion's recommendations and concerns on veterans' related issues to a
joint hearing of the Senate and House Congressional Veterans Affairs
Committees.
(6) On September 22, 1993, the Assistant Director for Resource
Development, testified before the Subcommittee on Hospitals and Health
Care, Committee on Veterans Affairs, U.S. House of Representatives, on
legislation to improve VA health care services provided to women
veterans and Agent Orange and ionizing radiation matters.
(7) On September 23, 1993, the Chief of Insurance Activities,
testified on programs for providing life insurance protection and
benefits for veterans and active duty members of the United States
military services and their beneficiaries.
(8) On October 13, 1993, the Assistant Director for Information
Management, testified before the Subcommittee on Compensation, Pension
and Insurance, Committee on Veterans Affairs, U.S. House of
Representatives, on legislation to provide increased compensation
benefits for service-connected disabled veterans and their survivors,
to improve and clarify certain VA appellate procedures, and to increase
the special pension payable to recipients of the Congressional Medal of
Honor.
(9) On October 27, 1993, the Deputy Director for Policy, testified
before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, Committee on
Veterans Affairs, U.S. House of Representatives, concerning ambulatory
care services in the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(10) On November 2, 1993, the Deputy Director for Research and
Technology Assessment, testified before the Senate Veterans Affairs
Committee on regulations regarding presumptive service connection based
on herbicide exposure and to respond to the National Academy of
Sciences Report--Veterans and Agent Orange, Health Effects of
Herbicides used in Vietnam.
(11) On November 17, 1993, the Assistant Director for Information
Management, testified before the Subcommittee on Compensation, Pension
and Insurance, Committee on Veterans Affairs, U.S. House of
Representatives, on legislation to provide certain improvements in the
adjudication of veterans' claims.
(12) On November 18, 1993, the Deputy Director for Policy, appeared
before the Subcommittee on Hospitals and Health Care, Committee on
Veterans Affairs, U.S. House of Representatives, to express the
Legion's views on veterans' health care reform proposals under Title
VIII, Subtitle B of H.R. 3600--the Administration's Health Security
Act.
(13) On February 10, 1994, the Director testified before the
Committee on Veterans Affairs, U.S. House of Representatives, on the
Administration's proposed budget for programs and operations of the
Department of Veterans Affairs for Fiscal Year 1995.
(14) On February 23, 1994, the Assistant Director for Operations,
appeared before the Subcommittee on Compensation, Pension and
Insurance, Committee on Veterans Affairs, U.S. House of
Representatives, regarding the proposed VA budget for FY 1995 and
related Regional Office and Board of Veterans Appeals operations.
(15) On February 23, 1994, the Director of the Economic Division
presented VA&R testimony before the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee
on programs for homeless veterans operated by the Federal Government.
(16) On March 8, 1994, the Deputy Director for Policy, presented
testimony before the Subcommittee on Hospitals and Health Care,
Committee on Veterans Affairs, U.S. House of Representatives, on
legislation to preserve VA medical work force needs and on various
state health care reform initiatives.
(17) On March 9, 1994, the Assistant Director for Resource
Development, testified before the Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations, Committee on Veterans Affairs, U.S. House of
Representatives, on the delivery of women veterans health care within
the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(18) On March 23, 1994, the Assistant Director for Resource
Development, testified before the Subcommittee on Hospitals and Health
Care, Committee on Veterans Affairs, U.S. House of Representatives,
concerning the present and future direction of VA construction
planning, as it relates to national health care reform.
(19) On March 24, 1994, the Assistant Director for Operations,
appeared before the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee to testify on
legislation affecting the Court of Veterans Appeals and the claims
adjudication process.
(20) On April 20, 1994, the Assistant Director for Resource
Development, testified before the Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations, Committee on Veterans Affairs, U.S. House of
Representatives, on veterans' perception of the VA medical care system.
(21) On April 28, 1994, the Director presented testimony before the
Subcommittee on Compensation, Pension and Insurance, Committee on
Veterans Affairs, U.S. House of Representatives, regarding legislative
proposals affecting certain veterans' disability and death benefits and
the status of members of the Board of Veterans Appeals.
(22) On May 4, 1994, the Assistant Director for Information
Management, appeared before the Subcommittee on VA, HUD and Independent
Agencies, Committee on Appropriations, U.S. House of Representatives,
to present VA&R Fiscal Year 1995 budget recommendations for programs
and operations of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(23) On May 19, 1994, the Deputy Director for Policy, testified
before the Subcommittee on VA, HUD and Independent Agencies, Committee
on Appropriations, United States Senate, to present VA&R Fiscal Year
1995 budget recommendations for programs and operations of the
Department of Veterans Affairs.
(24) On May 24, 1994, the Assistant Director for Resource
Development, testified before the Subcommittee on Housing and Memorial
Affairs, Committee on Veterans Affairs, U.S. House of Representatives,
on the operations of the National Cemetery System and the State Grants
Cemetery Program.
(25) On June 9, 1994, the Assistant Director for Information
Management, testified before the Subcommittee on Compensation, Pension
and Insurance, Committee on Veterans Affairs, U.S. House of
Representatives, on the ``Veterans' Persian Gulf War Benefits Act'',
H.R. 4386.
(26) On June 20, 1994, the Assistant Director for Resource
Development, submitted testimony to the Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations, Committee on Veterans Affairs, U.S. House of
Representatives, concerning the impact of national health care reform
on the competitiveness and effectiveness of the VA medical care system.
INFORMATIONAL SERVICES
During the year, through its informational services, the National
Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation staff endeavors to keep Legion
officials and other parties informed of our program activities and
functions. Preparation and distribution of various publications
consumes considerable time and effort. Publications based on various
topics are disseminated routinely.
Publications are sent to Department Service Officers, members of
the Commission, and others interested in the Legion's rehabilitation
program. For the Calendar Year 1993 a total of 53 Bulletins were
issued. During the same time frame a total of 20 Memorandum letters
were drafted and distributed. To date, 22 Bulletins and 14 Memorandum
letters have been distributed for 1994.
Our booklet entitled ``An American Legion Proposal to Improve
Veterans Health Care'' has been revised and is still widely
distributed. It was sent to the President's Task Force on Health Care
Reform and distributed to members of Congress and Legionnaires across
the nation. This year, ``An American Legion Proposal to Improve the
Department of Veterans Affairs Claims and Appeals Process'' was
developed and will be distributed nationwide. The publication contains
recommendations for improving the claims and appeals process at the
service officer level, at the regional office, at the Board of Veterans
Appeals and at the Court of Veterans Appeals. The publication ``We Want
You To Know . . . And Receive'' was updated and is one of our most
popular and informative requests throughout the Departments. Each week
we also receive individual requests for this publication. Supplies of
these and other VA&R pamphlets are maintained for distribution upon
request. Our ``Welcome Home! The Storm Has Passed'' pamphlet providing
information on VA and Department of Labor benefits and services for
Persian Gulf veterans is also available upon request.
On an annual basis the staff revises The American Legion Post
Service Officers Guide to reflect legislative and program changes. This
publication has wide distribution. Sufficient copies are mailed to all
Department Headquarters to provide one copy for each Post within the
Department. The PSO Guide is an indispensable research tool for Post
Service Officers in providing services to veterans and their
dependents.
Additional responsibilities cover the required revision of other
publications and include: The American Legion Voluntary Service
Handbook and the National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation
Commission Program.
The National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission and its
staff endeavor to provide as much information as possible concerning
our program to the various Divisions of the National Organization,
Departments and individual Legionnaires and the general public.
REPORT ON THE NATIONAL CEMETERY SYSTEM
The National Cemetery System's strategic plan through the year
2000, recommends the construction of five new national cemeteries.
These are: Chicago, IL; Seattle, WA; Cleveland, OH; Albany, NY; and
Dallas, TX. The Fiscal Year (FY) 1995 budget proposal for VA includes
funding to begin construction of a new national cemetery in the
Seattle/Tacoma area. The FY 1995 budget proposal includes funds to
purchase land for the construction of the remaining four priority
sites. Beyond the year 2000, the next four sites recommended by VA for
new national cemetery expansion include: Pittsburgh, PA; Oklahoma City,
OK; Detroit, MI; and Miami, FL.
The National Cemetery System's proposed FY 1995 budget includes a
much needed increase of $2.2 million and 25 full-time employees. The FY
1995 budget request of $72.5 million for cemetery operations falls
short of the $78 million recommended by The American Legion. The
National Cemetery System continues to incur an equipment deficit of
roughly $6 million annually.
Annual interments in national cemeteries are projected to reach
70,000 during the current fiscal year, and are expected to rise over
the next several years, peaking to 100,500 in the year 2010. As the
demand for service increases, additional resources and burial space
will be required. In addition to the utilization of national cemeteries
for veteran and dependent burials, officials of the National Cemetery
System are emphasizing the use of the State Grants Cemetery Program.
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation to increase
the Federal portion of construction funding for state cemeteries from
the current 50 percent share to a 65/35 percent allocation. The Senate
Veterans Affairs Committee is expected to consider this legislation
during the current legislative session.
Passage of H.R. 949, authorizing the increase in the Federal share
of state cemetery construction is essential to meeting the growing need
for veteran burials. Overall, of the 48 state cemeteries, 29 have been
established through Federal grants in 18 states and Guam. Five states
have grants pending for new cemeteries: New Hampshire, Wisconsin and
Minnesota are in the early planning stages for grants/state cemeteries.
The states of North Carolina and Virginia have approved funding for
veterans cemeteries and area in the process of submitting the
appropriate forms to the National Cemetery System.
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE MEDICAL CONSULTANT
There were no significant changes in the duties and activities of
the Medical Consultant in the past year. Dr. Nikita Tregubov is the
Senior Medical Consultant. The position of the additional Medical
Consultant has not been filled as of this time.
The primary duty assigned to the Medical Consultant is to act as a
source of medical/technical knowledge to the appeals and claims
representatives of The American Legion at the Board of Veterans
Appeals. The case workers refer the case folders to the Medical
Consultant for evaluation and advice as to the appropriate course to
pursue in presenting the case. They may take place in the form of
guidance, but more frequently it will involve a written memorandum to
the appeals representative who refers the case. Certain cases are
medically and technically difficult for a non-physician the present and
such cases are presented directly to the Board of Veterans Appeals by
the Medical Consultant.
In some cases the Medical Consultant is directly contacted by
American Legion Service Officers in the field asking specific
questions. Department Service Officers are encouraged to refer
difficult cases to the Washington office and to call or discuss them
with the Medical Consultant. This year, again, there was an increase in
requests for consultations from the field. It is felt that having more
contact with the representatives in the field, will benefit the
veterans as well as the representatives in the field. The requests were
answered within days, usually requesting additional information and
records. In some cases a formal request for a disability rating was
subsequently initiated.
The Director of the Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission
uses the Medical Consultant in an advisory capacity for the work
conducted by his office. This can be in the form of policy with regard
to the operations of the Department of Veterans Affairs' medical care
system, or it might be in an advisory capacity on legislative proposals
and testimony before Congressional Committees. Each consultation is
usually on an informal basis and is discussed among several key members
of the VA&R division. Occasionally, perceived administrative problems
within VA have been drawn to the attention of the director who calls
upon the Medical Consultant for a solution to these problems. This year
more requests from the various sections of VA&R have been received.
Some of the requests dealt with the issue of individual and some were
of a general nature. Several of those requests required additional
information not available at the time of the request. Fortunately, the
availability of multiple medical libraries in the area facilitates the
gathering of required information and presenting it to the requester.
These requests are welcome and provide the opportunity to have input in
the decision-making process of the various Departments of The American
Legion.
The Medical Consultant represents the Director at the monthly
meetings with the Chief Medical Director, along with other Veterans
Service Organization Representatives, to gain information concerning
the recent operation and direction of the Veterans Health
Administration. These meetings are to express concern over the changes
in the course of treatment being offered by the Veterans Health
Administration.
During the past year the medical consultant has screened/evaluated
399 cases referred by staff.
GOVERNMENT LIFE INSURANCE ACTIVITIES
The United States Government, acting through the Department of
Veterans Affairs (DVA), directly administers four life insurance
programs for veterans of the World War I, World War II and Korean War
periods, as well as two special on-going program for veterans in
certain service-connected disabled categories. These programs are
administered under the title of United States Government Life Insurance
(USGLI) for World War I era veterans, National Service Life Insurance
(NSLI) for World War II era, Korean War era and Service-Disabled
veterans, and Veterans Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI) for totally
disabled veterans who are approved grants for specially adapted housing
purposes by the DVA. The USGLI and NSLI programs currently have over
2.94 million policies in force as of the end of May 1994, with a
combined life insurance coverage of some $26 billion dollars. Dividend
distributions for participating policies in these programs amount to
approximately $850-$900 million dollars annually. The VMLI program
insurers some 4,300 veterans with over $223 million dollars of coverage
in force.
In addition to the life insurance programs directly operated by the
DVA, the Department also has supervisory authority and responsibility
over two other major government life insurance program issues. These
are the Servicemen's Group Life Insurance (SGLI) and Veteran's Group
Life Insurance (VGLI) programs. These programs have provided
protection, since 1965 and 1970 respectively, to active duty and
reserve military personnel (SGLI), and to separated veterans (VGLI).
The SGLI and VGLI programs are administered by the Prudential Insurance
Company at a center in Newark, NJ, with all administration and other
program expenses being paid by the policyholders from a portion of
their premiums, save for the extra hazard mortality experience of
wartime periods, when general tax revenues take over. On March 31, 1994
SGLI provided over 2.95 million active duty and reserve personnel with
more than $461 billion dollars in life insurance coverage, while VGLI
covered some 343,000 veterans with insurance in excess of $24 billion
dollars. No new major program changes have occurred in the SGLI/VGLI
programs since the December 1992 addition of an optional $100,000 of
coverage to the basic SGLI coverage limit of $100,000 (thereby allowing
a possible total of $200,000 in life insurance per policyholder), and
the conversion of VGLI coverage to one of a renewable nature, instead
of the single five year period previously in effect.
In the NSLI program thousands of disabled veterans are taking
advantage of the new supplemental Service-Disabled insurance also
provided for in the legislative changes (P.L. 102-568) of late 1992,
whereby up to an additional $20,000 of coverage may be purchased by
those having a basic NSLI Service-Disabled policy and who become
totally disabled before age 65. In addition, special dividends for
those with Total Disability Income Provisions on their NSLI policies as
separate riders will continue to be paid in 1994 as has been the case
for several years.
The Department of Veterans Affairs, Insurance Centers continue an
on-going effort to provide better service to their veteran
policyholders in the USGLI/NSLI programs in the face of continuing
personnel budget constraints by the installation of new computer
processing systems utilizing Microsoft Windows programs with new in-
house communications networks. Continuing in this direction, 1994 has
seen the groundbreaking for a new modernized Insurance Center and
Regional Office at the Philadelphia, PA site which should become
available for occupancy in late 1995-early 1996. USGLI/NSLI
policyholders will also soon be receiving annual statements on their
policy account for the first time on or about the anniversary date of
their policy, starting with the late Summer-early Fall 1994 period.
VA INSURANCE CENTERS--PHILADELPHIA, PA AND ST. PAUL, MN
The American Legion Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission
staff at Philadelphia consists of a Chief of Insurance Activities, one
Insurance Representative and one Secretary/Transcriber. An associated
office at the St. Paul Insurance Center has one Supervisor/Insurance
Representative and one Secretary/Transcriber.
The Chief of Insurance Activities and the Insurance Representatives
must have a thorough knowledge of government life insurance laws,
regulations and transaction and adjudication procedures, and be able to
analyze and apply them correctly in order to properly represent insured
veterans and their beneficiaries. The Veterans Affairs and
Rehabilitation Director and other interested personnel are kept
informed on policy matters, changes in DVA administrative procedures
and all related areas to include new legislative initiatives. Staff
analysis was provided on American Legion resolutions involving NSLI re-
open periods for service-disabled and nonservice-disabled veterans with
increased face value coverages, which continue to be an American Legion
legislative mandate.
Daily operations involve a full range of insurance services to
include the representation of insured veterans and their beneficiaries,
the review of insurance case files and supporting evidence and claims
files as required, the furnishing of status reports and account
assistance to insureds, beneficiaries, accredited field representatives
and DVA adjudicative and accounts personnel. We maintain a close
liaison with Department Service Officers and other field personnel to
ensure prompt and complete service, and the input to, review of, and
where necessary the correction of DVA actions and records both on cases
involving disability and death claims and on those involving any of a
wide variety of insurance accounting and financial transactions that
occur on both active and matured accounts. General insurance
information and guidance is provided to field service officers across
the United States, along with assistance in the preparation of
insurance appeals and claims submittals. Coordination with DVA
executive and program management personnel is conducted on both
individual cases and broad policy/administrative matters.
For the period July 1, 1993 to June 30, 1994 the following
activities of The American Legion's Philadelphia and St. Paul offices
were reported:
Letters Received.............................................. 4,428
Letters Written............................................... 5,845
Disability Insurance Claims................................... 850
Death Insurance Claims........................................ 3,065
Insurance Folders Reviewed.................................... 6,346
In-Force Policy Accounts Reviewed............................. 6,155
Telephone Contacts............................................ 3,592
Personal Contacts............................................. 3,543
Submittal Memorandums and Reports............................. 2,789
DVA Case Responses Mailed..................................... 3,375
Live Claims, Evidence and Other Submittals Presented*......... 8,827
*Excludes death claims and includes policy transactions such as
dividend, loan and premium actions, plan conversions, cash surrenders,
refunds, beneficiary changes, disability claims with related medical and
legal evidence, Wills, estate documents, check tracers, master record
data changes, disability questionnaires processing and general
inquiries.
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CLAIMS SERVICE
The National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission
provides assistance and representation, through a staff of 9 appeals
representatives who are all Vietnam Era veterans, to veterans, their
dependents, and survivors in appeals, discharge upgrade, and correction
of military/naval records. An appeals representative is presenting
detailed to a consortium of Veterans Service Organizations whose
primary function is to assist the U.S. Court of Veterans Appeals (the
Court) in a broad-based effort to review appeals to the Court and to
recruit lawyers to provide representation on a pro bono basis to the
many pro se appellants seeking relief through the Court.
Within the Table of Organization, the Assistant Director for
Operations is responsible for the overall operation of the two units. A
supervisor, six appeals representatives, two secretaries and a Senior
Medical consultant are assigned to the Board of Veterans Appeals to
provide representation in cases on appeal; and two representatives
serve as counsel in cases coming before the Discharge Review Boards and
the Boards for Correction of Military/Naval Records.
Since the D.C. Office of Veterans Affairs discontinued their
operations by order of the Mayor in late December 1993, staff continues
to provide assistance and limited services to those veterans and
dependents residing in the jurisdiction served by the Washington, DC VA
Regional Office, by advising and referring those claimants to the
perspective State Veterans Service Organizations accredited to handle
and prosecute American Legion claims. In addition, an appeals
representative continues to monitor overseas claims that are currently
active and still pending proper resolution by the Washington, DC VA
Regional Office.
BOARD OF VETERANS APPEALS
This report reflects the activities of The American Legion Board of
Appeals Unit for the period July 1, 1993, through June 30, 1994. During
these twelve months, the Appeals staff reviewed a total of 6,382 cases
for presentation before the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA or Board).
Of these, 166 were scheduled personal hearings and 60 were Court of
Veterans Appeals (CVA or Court) remands.
Assisting in the review and presentation of complex medical cases
is Dr. Nikita Tregubov, Senior Medical Consultant. A total of 452 cases
were referred to Dr. Tregubov for advisory opinions.
During this reporting period, the Board rendered a total of 3,563
decisions. These decisions consisted of 601 approvals (16.9%), 1,524
remands (42.8%), 1,262 denials (35.4%), and 176 others (4.9%). The last
category includes administrative withdrawals, vacated cases and
dismissals. The dismissal rate is beginning to increase based on Court
decisions defining what constitutes well-grounded claims.
The Special Claims Service of the Unit reviewed and disposed of 67
cases involving requests by Department Service Officers of The American
Legion for advisory opinions of assistance in obtaining Administrative
Review by VA's Central Office, Compensation and Pension Service.
ARMED SERVICES REVIEW AND CORRECTION BOARDS
Statutory authority for existence and operation of Discharge Review
and the Boards for Correction of Military and Naval Records is set
forth in sections 1552, 1553 and 1554 of title 10, USC.
During the period beginning July 1, 1993 through June 30, 1994,
staff representatives of this Commission, assigned to duties before the
Department of Defense Boards, afforded service and representation in
applications in the following types of claims: disability retirement,
reserve retirement pay, discharge upgrades and other corrections of
Military, Naval and Air Force service records. Of this number 298
formal hearings were scheduled.
The following is a breakdown of the actions taken by the separate
Service Department Boards:
BOARDS FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY AND NAVAL RECORDS
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pending
Presented decisions Allowed
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department of the Air Force...... 38 4 10
Department of the Army........... 187 36 55
Department of the Navy and U.S.
Coast Guard..................... 100 10 109
--------------------------------------
Total...................... 325 50 174
------------------------------------------------------------------------
MILITARY AND NAVAL DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARDS
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pending
Presented decisions Allowed
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department of the Air Force...... 68 36 20
Department of the Army........... 93 23 21
Department of the Navy and U.S.
Coast Guard..................... 227 22 161
Total...................... 388 81 202
--------------------------------------
Combined Grand Totals...... 713 131 376
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STAFF WORKLOAD
Part of the overall activity of the various offices of the National
Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission is reflected in the
annual volume of correspondence. During this period, approximately
11,720 pieces of original correspondence were received, not including
copies of correspondence from VA and Department of Defense to
claimants, applicants and petitioners in cases represented by the
Washington, DC Office and its field offices. Correspondence received by
the Insurance Offices in Philadelphia, PA and at St. Paul, MN was in
excess of 5,688. In response, the outgoing correspondence to VA,
claimants, service officers and others, exceeded 5,845.
The following combined workload reported by the offices of the
Appeals Unit, DoD, and Insurance Services, exceeded 18,303, which
includes cases reviewed and presented to the Board of Veterans Appeals
and the Department of Defense Boards.
DEPARTMENT SERVICE OFFICERS SCHOOL
The National Commander continued to authorize the Veterans Affairs
and Rehabilitation Commission to conduct two separate three and one-
half day training programs for Department Service Officers and other
accredited representatives of The American Legion.
The purpose of the Department Service Officers School is to provide
current technical information on a variety of issues relative to the
proper development and presentation of claims to the Department of
Veterans Affairs. The program of instruction includes subjects such as
the range of veterans benefits, claims processing, disability
evaluation, rating procedures, development of appeals and advocacy
skills. Instructional material is extracted from all of VA's technical
literature, manuals and program guides.
The goal of this formal training is to improve proficiency of
American Legion Service Officers in counseling and representing
veterans, their dependents and survivors in application for veterans
benefits. Additionally, one sub-goal is to provide attendees the
ability to provide training to other Service Officers in their
respective Departments.
The Department Service Officers School represents a major effort by
The American Legion to develop the necessary number of trained Service
Officers to carry on the VA&R program. The cooperation and
participation of the Departments is highly visible and well received.
The benefits of this effort will be experienced by all those veterans
the Legion is pledged to assist.
Each student who successfully completes this course receives a
Certificate from The American Legion. All attendees, and staff agree
that this effort is extremely helpful and successful, and will benefit
all attendees and their constituencies for years to come.
A thirteenth session of the Department Service Officer School was
held in Indianapolis, July 28-July 30, 1993. The classroom sessions
were conducted at the Hilton on the Circle Hotel. This was the seventh
session in Indianapolis and was well attended and well received. One
hundred twenty attendees participated in the program. The school format
remained the same and the basic information was updated and new areas
of interest introduced. This format allows for continuing education of
the more experienced Department Service Officers and allows the new
Service Officers the opportunity to gain immediate benefits from the
school.
The fourteenth session of the Department Service Officers School
conducted in Rosslyn, Virginia, during the period February 9-12, 1994
was followed by the Annual Department Service Officers Seminar and the
National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Conference, held in
Washington, DC.
Attendees included 116 participants from various Legion Departments
and members of the Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Division Claims
staff. Formal instruction was again provided by Mr. Ron Abrams of the
National Veterans Legal Service Project, Inc., and the staff of the
VA&R Division.
FIELD SERVICE
Field Service activities are reported for the period of July 1,
1993 through June 30, 1994.
National Field Representatives are responsible to the Deputy
Director for Operations, VA&R with day to day activities directed by
the Senior Field Representative. There are four assigned Field
Representative positions, two of which are currently vacant, and a
secretary. Assigning representatives to specific regions, corresponding
to the four VA Veterans Health Administration (VHA) regions, has proven
successful in promoting a more consistent working relationship with
both the Legion's Departments and VHA.
Site visits, the Field Service's primary mission, include visits to
VA medical centers, associated satellite outpatient clinics,
independent outpatient clinics, and Veterans Outreach centers. For the
reporting period, the following number of VA medical centers were
visited in each region:
Region 1--Eastern--18.
Region 2--Central--2.
Region 3--Southern--11.
Region 4--Western--11.
Total 42.
These visits continue to review the adequacy of each station's
resources including their budget, staffing, construction and equipment
needs. Particular attention is paid to the patient environment, patient
satisfaction and the timeliness of services.
Health care reform continues to be a crucial issue. VAMCs are
making a concerted transition towards more primary/managed care and
more outpatient treatment. This involves changing the structure of the
delivery of care and shifting resources into new approaches. This is
being accomplished with varying degrees of success.
Site visit reports containing observations and findings are
submitted to VA's Office of the Under Secretary for Health for action
or comment. In general, satisfactory attention has been paid to the
issues that have been raised. Several specific issues will continue to
be monitored over the next several months. The foremost involves VA's
efforts and needs within national health care reform.
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS VOLUNTARY SERVICES
The 47th National Advisory Committee Meeting of the Department of
Veterans Affairs Voluntary Services was held in San Diego, California,
October 13-16, 1993.
One of the highlights of the program was the presentation of the
James H. Parke Memorial Youth Scholarship Award, during a luncheon for
that purpose. The recipient of the $10,000 scholarship was Corey Reece,
whose volunteer efforts were carried out at the American Lake VAMC,
Tacoma, Washington.
The American Legion representative on the National Advisory
Committee is the Director of the National Veterans Affairs and
Rehabilitation Commission who served as national VAVS Representative.
He was represented by Harry Kelly, Assistant Director for Program
Management. At the National Advisory Committee Meeting he is Vice
Chairman of the Resolutions Subcommittee and James H. Parke Memorial
Youth Scholarship Board.
Special workshops were held for those present. The special
workshops provided valuable information about professionalism in
volunteering, new and innovative volunteer assignments, youth and
disabled volunteers and National VAVS and how it relates locally.
A presentation was made by Ms. Alline Norman, Associate Chief
Medical Director for Administration. She indicates that due to
budgetary restraints, the need for VA hospital volunteers is increasing
daily to insure that the quality of care is maintained for hospitalized
veterans.
The Honorable Jesse Brown, Secretary of Veterans Affairs spoke at
the closing session on the dedication of veterans to their country and
the need for volunteers to aid them now.
The National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission
Chairman, Chester F. Stellar, continues to view The American Legion
Volunteer Program as a priority issue.
The American Legion, for the ninth consecutive year, has
demonstrated substantial growth in both numbers of volunteers and hours
contributed.
A donation of $1,000 was made to the James H. Parke Memorial Youth
Scholarship Fund.
ACCREDITED REPRESENTATIVES
In completing VA Form 21-22, Power of Attorney, the claimant
appoints The American Legion as their Accredited Representative in a
claim for benefits administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
It is the duty of the organization to provide assistance, advice, and
counsel to veterans, survivors and dependents so as to ensure their
rights are protected and they receive all benefits to which they may be
entitled under the law. The American Legion, as a Congressionally
chartered organization, conducts this service program through the
National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission. Formal
representation in claims is provided by Accredited Representatives of
The American Legion. These representatives have been recommended for
accreditation by their respective Departments because of their
knowledge, experience, and expertise in the field of Federal benefits
programs, especially those provided through the Department of Veterans
Affairs.
To become an Accredited Representative of The American Legion, a
formal application (VA Form 2-21) must be submitted to the Director of
the National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission, 1608 K
Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006, with an accompanying endorsement
signed by the Department Commander or Department Adjutant. The
Director, as the National Certifying Officer, or the Assistant Director
for Information Management, as Assistant National Certifying Officer,
review the form and will forward the request to the General Counsel of
the Department of Veterans Affairs for action. This form is never sent
directly to the General Counsel, as accreditation will not be granted
unless the request has been certified by the organization. Upon
approval of the application, the individual is recognized by VA as an
Accredited Representative of The American Legion and will receive
official notification of this action from the Department of Veterans
Affairs. The accreditation will remain in effect until such time as the
Director of the National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission
receives a written request from the Department Commander or Department
Adjutant to cancel the individual's accreditation due to death,
retirement, or resignation. The Director will then notify the General
Counsel that the accreditation should be canceled.
New accreditations and cancellations are reported monthly on the VA
General Counsel's List of Accredited Representatives--VA Information
Bulletin IB 2-51. During the reporting period 109 requests for
accreditation and 82 requests for cancellation were received from the
Departments and submitted to VA for necessary action. As of June 30,
1994, there were 1,152 Accredited Representatives of The American
Legion. Any questions concerning the proper procedures or regulations
pertaining to accreditation of individuals or their activities should
be submitted to the Director of the National Veterans Affairs and
Rehabilitation Commission in the Washington Office.
DISTRIBUTION OF VA RELEASES
To ensure employees and service officers of the National Veterans
Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission are kept advised and informed of
changes in the laws, regulations, and policies pertaining to VA
programs, the Administrative section of the Director's office receives
and distributes copies of new and revised VA regulations, manual
changes, and other informational publications to all VA&R staff.
Special requests from the field for a particular VA publication can be
submitted to the Director's office and an effort will be made to obtain
the material from VA. It is, therefore, important that an initial
request be made through the Publication Officer at the local VA
facility. If copies of such material are completely unavailable,
consideration will be given to attempting to reprint a specific VA
item. However, size and number of pages will, of course, determine
whether or not any such reproduction may be accomplished.
Distribution of important VA releases, circulars, and memoranda, as
well as information concerning changes in VA law or policy, or other
pertinent issues, are regularly transmitted to Department Service
Officers and Directors of Rehabilitation, members of the National
Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission, and other interested
parties, through VR&R Bulletins and Memoranda.
PERSONNEL AND ORGANIZATION
The following changes occurred in the Veterans Affairs and
Rehabilitation Division at the Washington Office from July 1, 1993
through June 30, 1994.
John Hanson left the position of Director. He was replaced by Mr.
Carroll Williams former Assistant Director for Operations. Mr. Williams
was replaced by Carol Rutherford. In addition, Mr. Philip Wilkerson was
promoted to the newly created position of Deputy Director for
Operations. Mr. Wilkerson will oversee the staff at the Board of
Veterans Appeals, the Discharge Review and Correction of Military
Records Section and the Hospital Field Staff. Mr. John Naveau left his
position as Field Representative.
Monica Moore and Venson came to the Legion as Secretaries to
replace Melvina Metzger and Eva Bowden. Ms. Bowden retired after 22
years with the Legion. Carol Rames joined the staff as Secretary to
Richard Christian.
Mr. Leonce Wilson was promoted to Supervisor at the Board of
Veterans Appeals Office. Mr. Tom Holland replaced Mr. Wilson as a case
screener at the Court of Veterans Appeals.
The table of organization of the Veterans Affairs and
Rehabilitation Commission is as follows as of June 30, 1994:
Director...................................................... 1
Administrative Assistant.................................. 1
Deputy Director............................................... 1
Secretary................................................. 1
Deputy Director for Research and Technology................... 1
Nation Coordinator (VVFAP)................................ 1
State Coordinators (VVFAP)................................ 14
Secretary................................................. 1
Deputy Director for Operations................................ 1
Field Representatives..................................... 2
Secretary................................................. 2
Assistant Director for Program Management..................... 1
Secretary................................................. 1
Assistant Director for Information Management................. 1
Secretary................................................. 1
Assistant Director for Resource Development................... 1
Supervisor, Veterans and Dependents Claims Unit and Review and
Correction Boards......................................... 1
Review Board Representatives.............................. 1
Supervisor, Board of Veterans Appeals Unit.................... 1
Appeals Representatives................................... 5
Case Screener, Court of Veterans Appeals.................. 1
Secretary................................................. 1
Stenographer.............................................. 1
Medical Consultant............................................ 1
Total Personnel--Washington Office............................ 43
Insurance Field Offices:
Philadelphia, PA:
Chief of Insurance Activities................................. 1
Insurance Representative.................................. 1
Secretary................................................. 1
St. Paul, MN:
Supervisor of Insurance Activities............................ 1
Secretary................................................. 1
Total personnel:
Field Offices..................................... 5
Washington Office................................. 43
VA&R Total........................................ 48
STAFF FIELD ASSIGNMENTS
The VA&R Administrative staff including the director, deputy
directors and assistant director attended various Legion functions
around the nation such as the National Convention, Department
Conventions, Department Seminars and Service Officer's Schools,
Conferences and fact-finding trips. Departments visited included:
Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Montana, Nevada, Pennsylvania,
Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia. These staff members
also participated in eight National Leadership Workshops.
The Field Service Unit staff performed hospital surveys at
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers in Arizona, California,
Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia,
Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New
Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee,
Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
The entire Washington staff attended the Mid-Winter Conference in
Washington, DC.
CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION
Under authority of May 1958 NEC Resolution, we have continued the
program of awarding a Certificate of Appreciation to officials of the
Department of Veterans Affairs, upon their retirement or resignation,
``for services rendered and cooperation extended in connection with the
American Legion's rehabilitation program.'' Under criteria established
in line with the enabling resolution, nominations for the award are
submitted by Department or National officials of The American Legion
twice a year. The nominations are considered by a committee of the
National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission at meetings
preceding the National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Conference,
and the National Convention. The Committee recommends to the Commission
the names of those considered deserving of the Certificate.
Ten Certificates of Appreciation have been awarded during the
period July 1, 1993 through June 30, 1994, for an overall total of
1,051 since the program was initiated.
CITATIONS FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE
This Citation, authorized by the National Executive Committee in
May 1956, seeks to recognize the long and faithful service of Post
Service Officers and others. Nominations for the Citation are submitted
by Department officials to the Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation
Director at any time; the Director, acting for the Chairman and members
of the Commission, issues the award.
One hundred and forty-nine Citations ``for meritorious service and
loyal cooperation in The American Legion's Veterans Affairs and
Rehabilitation Program'' have been presented during the period July 1,
1993-June 30, 1994. Since this type of recognition and appreciation
began, 3,751 Citations for Meritorious Service have been presented.
VIETNAM VETERANS FAMILY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The American Legion's Vietnam Veterans Family Assistance Program
(VVFAP) is now in its fifth year of operation. The program was
initiated July 1, 1989, to develop a pilot outreach and referral
network for assisting families that need family counseling for genetic
and other disabling conditions and other forms of medical assistance.
Since 1989, the program has expanded from 4 states to 14 states. The
Departments are Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky,
Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma,
Oregon, Pennsylvania, and South Dakota.
There has been a gradual shift in program objectives since 1989.
Initially, the VVFAP focused on outreach, information, and referral
services for genetic and family counseling, and services for children
with developmental disabilities. After 2 years, it became apparent that
the needs of veterans and families extended beyond the narrow bounds of
counseling. The VVFAP is now confronted with families that have
financial problems, chronic health problems, and drug and alcohol abuse
problems. The solution for these problems are long term and require
more than information and referral. Most often, veterans have already
been referred to services only to find that services are not responsive
to their needs, primarily because state and community service agencies
are not accustomed to dealing with veterans as a group.
To be responsive to the needs of veterans and families, state
coordinators began seeking the cooperation of state health agencies
that offer case management services, to ensure that problems are being
dealt with in a comprehensive manner. The emphasis on case management
has improved the level of services offered by the VVFAP and has caused
the service agencies to be more willing to work with the program in
helping veterans.
Traditionally, community service agencies did not focus their
services to veterans because it assumed that veterans already had
federal and state benefits appropriate to their needs. With the
emphasis on case management, many state agencies began recognizing that
veterans often have needs that are not being met by the federal and
state programs. These programs are beginning to offer their services
and accept responsibility for ensuring that veterans have access to the
services they need. Linkages are beginning to develop between the VVFAP
and the service agencies to provide additional benefits and assistance
to veterans and their families needing medical and social services,
especially those not available through the regular veteran benefit
programs.
The VVFAP information and referral program has included the
following elements for every individual or family referred to the
program since its inception.
Outreach to identify and encourage veterans and members of
their families to request help when needed.
Objective needs assessments are conducted via telephone,
mail, or office/in person visits.
Prioritize needs by importance and available resources with a
written plan of the organizations referred to and some general
information about the problem referred for services.
Follow-up contact to monitor the usefulness and effectiveness
of the information and the referrals provided.
All referrals require the coordinators to perform case management
at some level to ensure that even minimum levels of service are
actually provided or delivered to the family member. The quality and
effectiveness of the assistance the VVFAP provided is directly related
to the program's ability to assess an individual's needs in the context
of the applicable family's situation and to follow the individual and
family long enough to ensure that they receive the services needed and/
or requested.
Since the inception of the program, the coordinators have reported
a large number of cases seeking services other than health services.
These cases have ranged from financial assistance to children's
problems within the public school system. Other cases have involved
requests for legal assistance, food, clothing, shelter, and rent
assistance. Most of these referrals have been made to nontraditional
veteran service programs. Many have been made to nonprofit community
assistance and local and state agencies.
There have been more than 61,179 referrals since the inception of
the program. More than 12,525 referrals were made during the last year.
For all states, veterans account for approximately 51 percent of all
referrals, while children account for 31 percent and spouses account
for 18 percent. The percentage of children served has gradually
increased since the program began, primarily because of the emphasis
being placed on services to children and the family.
The sixth year of the program will begin October 1, 1994. Again,
there will be no expansion of the VVFAP to additional Departments this
year, because of the limited amount of funds available from the AOCAP.
Some states are exploring the possibility of private funding to
continue the program after the sixth year. The VVFAP has touched the
lives of many veterans' families with services that otherwise may not
have been available to them and has provided an effective avenue for
the Legion's efforts as an advocate for the welfare of veterans and
their families.
VETERANS AFFAIRS AND REHABILITATION REPORT
AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY
Mrs. Syble D. Deshotel, Louisiana, Chairman
The Plan of Work began instructions by stating that ``Volunteers
are the key to success in the VA&R Program this year.'' While the
actual number of volunteers in every category has not increased in
large numbers, the old and new volunteers consistently and untiringly
continued the goals for this program. Who benefited? The veterans did.
Our volunteers have worked in couples, shared rides to VA medical
centers and other facilities, made arrangements for community programs
to function and sought out those areas where service could be
furnished. We, of the VA&R Committee, take our hats off to you. You
made it happen.
48 Department Chairman sent in reports which were coordinated from
the Unit reports they received. It would be wonderful if we could let
you read all of them, however since we cannot, here are some
interesting items from our organization: Maine Units donated hundreds
of lap robes this year. Some are so small it takes four sewed together
to make one big enough for a bed. One volunteer accumulated 900 hours
in putting those lap robes together for the veterans. The Sharing and
Caring Holiday Meal Program provides a meal for the veteran's loved
ones on a holiday if they are at the hospital to visit. Utah--There was
participation at the VAMC of nine Junior Groups making cookies, tray
favors, lap robes and ditty bags for wheel chairs. Minnesota Auxiliary
Units, Legion Posts and SAL provided the monies for the gifts at VA
facilities at Christmas. A total of 1,866 veterans received a total of
4,001 gifts. 3,013 gifts were given to relatives and 988 veterans took
a gift for themselves as they had no one to give a gift to. South
Dakota Home Service had 804 volunteers donate 9,123 hours to sewing,
cooking, shopping and making Christmas and other holiday treats,
costing the volunteers $10,050. 646 pairs of gloves and 1,383 hygiene
kits were donated to the homeless or taken to shelters for the
homeless. Texas--Though Auxiliary volunteers, there were 56,571
veterans in the VAMC entertained with 1,340 social events in the
hosptials for every holiday including July 4th, Labor Day, Veterans
Day, Christmas, New Year's Eve, Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week,
Valetine's Day, Easter, Halloween and Memorial Day. Virginia--This
Department has experienced an extremely cold winter, creating hardship
for some of their veterans. One Unit in the western part of the state
provided fuel, groceries and transportation to some of their needy
veterans. This same Unit also reported providing one veteran with a car
and another with the down payment for a car. Vermont--This Department
made time to think about other states when they honored their veterans
at the gift shops--they sent donations from their own gift shop to the
flood victims in Iowa.
Of great interest is the fact that although there was a decrease in
the number of volunteers in Home Service, as well as the expenditures
for Home Service, the number of service hours increased dramatically to
70,501.
An important fact we must all remember is that in VA&R, we work for
the veteran 365 days per year.
The American Legion Auxiliary Units responded well to the plea of
our National President Helen Holcomb to include volunteers in all the
activities. This segment of our program can be increased with just a
little more effort.
One lesson we learned during the past year was: continue to inform
our members of the need for volunteers. Let the members know about the
types of volunteering available for everyone. Friends and acquaintances
may wish to be non-affiliated volunteers. Never forget the juniors and
other high school and college students who can serve as volunteers
also. Provide orientation courses when needed, but make them
interesting, informative, motivational and not too long. Recognize and
reward your volunteers, but above all, be willing to let new people in,
to ``learn the ropes'' in order to take over when the need arises.
Read the Dispatch and the National News in order to keep informed
on legislative issues concerning our hospitalized and ailing veterans.
Attend the Leadership Workshops in the Fall, share your successes and
failures with those attending and have a positive attitude about our
veterans and our service to them. With everyone working together as a
team, we did make a difference.
FIELD SERVICE
Mrs. Grace Talbot, Louisiana, Director
``Cheer baskets,'' ``Joy Shops,'' ``Fun Days,'' and ``Sing-a-
longs'' were some of the 15,332 activities carried out by 30,249
volunteers serving 1,106,785 hours to accommodate 249,499 veterans with
expenditures of $939,645.
The Valentine Program was a huge success in all Field Service
facilities. The veterans in South Carolina were so impressed that they
kept them on their doors all year. Miss America assisted the volunteers
at a soup kitchen for the homeless. Needless to say, this brought much
publicity for the American Legion Auxiliary.
Work at national and state veterans cemeteries continues to grow.
Volunteers in Ohio, Indiana, Mississippi and Minneapolis served as
guides, served refreshments, maintained the graves and raised and
lowered flags for holidays.
Volunteers in 43 Departments worked at ``stand-downs,'' a three day
weekend of helping homeless veterans. California, with five such
programs, provided eye glasses for all in need. Other Departments
furnished food, clothing, toilet articles and blankets.
``Nifty Fifties'' parties were held by the Idaho volunteers with
dress of that period, cheeseburgers, cherry cokes, and ice cream
sundaes from an old fashioned soda fountain.
Filling the food pantry for the homeless, Juniors adopting
grandparents at the nursing homes, and the Sing-a-long group touring
the State of Massachusetts kept the volunteers involved.
In Hawaii, the volunteers provide home cooked meals and visits to
the shut-ins with gifts of fruit, clothing, and toilet articles. They
also do home and car repairs, household chores, run errands, write
letters, and pay bills.
The ``Far From Home'' project was started in Indiana to
rehabilitate 10-12 homeless veterans at a time to return them to
society as useful citizens. Two more homes are to open in the near
future. Auxiliary volunteers furnish care packages to each veteran as
he enters the program.
In Texas the veterans reminiscence, as tapes, old slides, and home
movies are shared with each other. They enjoy stories of their past
experiences. The volunteers supply crafts, needed supplies, hospital
equipment and have recreation and refreshments.
The Wranglers and Gamblers (volunteers) of Maine have round-ups
(programs) with cook-outs and ``bean and doggies'' suppers. The Trail
Master (activity director) holds hoe-downs, singing, and line dancing
while the General Store (Gift Shop) opens for Christmas shopping with
saddle bags full and many happy smiles.
New York maintains a clothing bank where volunteers collect, wash,
and mend clothing for the State Veterans' Home. They have purchased
three wheelchairs and a dining room table for the Field Service
facility. The residents are taken to ballgames, plays, concerts, boat
rides and the Ice Capades.
The women veterans are not forgotten in Oregon. The volunteers hold
an annual luncheon, adopt-a-vet, assist with gas for job hunting and
provide necessity items. During National Volunteer Week, all community
volunteers are recognized as well as the Legion family.
Fun Days are held in the Fall and Spring for the veterans of
Florida with booths, fortune-telling, visits and bingo. The Legion
volunteers furnished materials and built ramps for the disabled
veterans at several facilities. Each day the Sunshine ladies call all
veterans who live alone.
In Virginia, the volunteers are recognized at the annual VA&R Field
Service Volunteers breakfast at the Department Convention in
appreciation for their untiring work.
Volunteers--Busy! Veterans--Lucky! In all Departments, the veterans
in nursing and state veterans' homes, hospice, homeless shelters and
their own homes were fed, clothed, and loved. The greatest gift from
the Field Service volunteers were their time and interest to show they
cared and remembered what veteran stood for all these years.
HOSPITAL VOLUNTEERS
Mrs. Beverly Huston, Texas, Director
This year 39,761 volunteers, both regularly scheduled and
occasional gave 1,198,933 hours at the 181 medical centers, nursing
homes and day care centers. Veterans received comfort items of shampoo,
razors, shaving cream, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and deodorant. Women
veterans also received cologne, perfume, soap and bath powder. Patients
were given writing paper, stamps, envelopes, and bus tokens.
Volunteers helped in escort service, filing, information desks, the
library, Chapel decorating, and writing letters and being available
wherever needed.
One hospital received 17 TVs for the wards. Another now has closed
circuit TV for Chapel services to the wards. A 100-gallon aquarium is
located in the Recreation Room at one hospital. Several Departments
have a ``Warm Hands--Warm Heart Program.'' They collect and give brown
cotton gloves to the patients leaving the hospital. Units participated
in many outings with the patients. They went to parades, on fishing
trips, barbecues, ballgames, and concerts. In the hospital volunteers
gave bingo parties, Valentine, birthday, ice cream and cookie parties.
At Christmas the wards were decorated and an estimated 115,000 plus
volunteers gave many hours to help the patients at the Gift Shops. Over
$2,000,000 was donated for the 71,000 plus veterans shopping for their
families. All veterans received bags of fruit or cookies, socks, combs,
canteen books during their ward parties. In most hospitals, all
birthdays were remembered with decorations and treats.
As always, recruitment of new volunteers is an important part of
the VA&R programs. This year special emphasis was placed on the
recruitment of volunteens. 322 regularly scheduled new volunteens gave
11,458 hours and 22,831 hours were given by new occasional volunteens.
One California VAMC instituted a new volunteen program--a nursery
staffed with volunteens. They take care of the children who are too
young to visit the patients. In New Mexico, a program has been started
that work with ``at risk'' youths having them volunteer at least 2
hours per week. Through this program they have encouraged young people
to stay in school.
1,018 new regularly scheduled senior volunteers gave 5,750 hours,
and 1,855 new occasional volunteers gave 15,802 hours to the
hospitalized veterans.
Every Unit in one way or another, either with hours, donations of
money or goods are involved in the VA&R program.
To all of you--thank you and to the hospital volunteers--God Bless
You! You are special!
NATIONAL VAVS REPRESENTATIVE
Mrs. Marjorie Shank, California, Vice Chairman
There's good news in the VAVS world! All goals announced in the
``Plan of Work'' have been met, or will be by the time you read this
report to the membership.
Quarterly Minutes have been received by this representative from
all except 7 of the 172 facilities where we have representation on
their VAVS local committees. We are meeting the 50% attendance
requirement at 158 of these facilities and none are in danger of our
organization being dropped due to default on attendance. About 260
representatives and deputies will achieve 100% attendance awards, even
though the weather in many parts of our country must have made this
achievement most difficult.
Annual Joint Reviews were received from all but sixteen of the 172
facilities. Last year, more than 50 were missing. This representative
has every hope that 100% will be achieved on reviews and quarterly
minutes by the time you read this report in Minneapolis.
A certification audit between the Departments, the National office
and the VAVS records has been completed, and virtually all
discrepancies have been cleared. A big thank you to the cooperation
given by Department Secretaries and Lisa Bibler of the National office.
Our new certification form has been a great help, and we still ask that
you discard all the old forms.
Volunteers once again were highlighted with Corey Reese, a 16-year-
old who has volunteered since he was 9 at American Lake VAMC in
Washington State, receiving the James H. Parke Scholarship in the
amount of $10,000. This representative again on behalf of the American
Legion Auxiliary donated our $1,000 to this worthy scholarship. Please
enter our volunteers in this contest and fulfill my dream that one of
our own will soon win this award. Brochures about this scholarship were
sent to each hospital representative along with their Annual Joint
Review response from me.
This representative will serve as Chairman of the Executive
Committee of the National Advisory Council's Annual Meeting in Fort
Lauderdale, Florida. The new membership requirements for Donor Members
and Service Members will go into effect at this the 48th Annual
Meeting. Your attendance is encouraged if you are interested in the
VAVS program..
The Department of Veterans Affairs latest recap (3/94) shows we
volunteer at 184 VA facilities, and have 6,324 regularly scheduled
volunteers who served over 337,000 hours in the previous six months. To
the giving of canteen books and holding bingos, we have added
appreciation picnics, fishing trips, beauty salon services, movie
rentals, unholiday activities, pizza parties and cookies that seem to
come from a bottomless pit! Thank you, all of you, for caring!
FOCUSING ON YOUTH
National President Helen Holcomb
No community in America is immune from problems with drugs,
shootings, gangs, thefts and violence in the schools, on the streets
and in the home. This is why I chose ``Investing in Youth, Ensuring the
Future'' as my theme for the 1993-1994 administrative year.
With this theme in mind, the Auxiliary targeted the nation's youth
for its 74th year of service. I challenged Auxiliary members to help
their communities to create an alternative to the over-burdened system
of justice which exists for young offenders. I introduced ``Teen
Court'' as my special project, which offers a viable alternative to the
formal judicial process. Since that introduction, seventeen Teen Courts
were installed around the United States. In addition, sixty-one Teen
Court's are currently in the early stages of development. Teen Court's
low recidivism rate, linked with its unique approach in solving
juvenile crime, has resulted in nation-wide attention. Media coverage
even reached the British Broadcasting Corporation.
Americanism
The objectives of the Americanism program, to promote allegiance to
the ideals and traditions of the U.S., and to educate citizens about
the principles and practices essential to the American way of life,
were realized ``with flying colors'' this year. The ``Girl Scout
Achievement Award'' was introduced, awarding a $1,000 scholarship to an
outstanding Girl Scout. Americanism was promoted in the school systems
by distributing more than 100,000 flags. Other community programs
included dedications of veterans memorials, get-out-and-vote campaigns,
Americanism workshops and parade participation.
Children and Youth
The American Legion Auxiliary, working with The American Legion,
actively voiced concern for the care, welfare and education of our
nation's children and youth through a number of programs. Specific
initiatives addressed include immunization, missing children, teenage
suicide prevention, child safety education and drug abuse prevention.
In all, more than $4 million and 950,000 hours were donated through the
Children and Youth program.
Community Service
Integrating ``Investing in Youth, Ensuring the Future'' into
Community Service programs was not a difficult task. Community Service
volunteers continued doing what they do best--assisting needy areas.
The wide range of programs addressed include the following: aid to
homeless shelters, earthquake and fire relief assistance, toys for
children, adult literacy, Habitat for Humanity and Hurricane Andrew
reconstruction. As always, Auxiliary members responded generously,
donating more than $2 million and 2 million service hours through
community service aid.
Education
The Education program focused on youth by awarding more than two-
thousand scholarships totaling $746,000. In addition, ten ``National
President's Scholarships,'' five ``Spirit of Youth'' scholarships, and
a $1,000 Savings Bond for the ``VolunTeen of the Year'' were awarded.
``Better Schools Shape Better Tomorrows'' was used as the American
Education Week theme. Several thousand Units participated by visiting
schools and providing special recognition to school administrators.
Units also took advantage of educational pamphlets such as ``Need A
Lift?,'' and distributed materials to schools and libraries around the
country.
Girls State/Girls Nation
As always, the rich heritage of Girls State left a positive taste
of government in the mouths of 25,000 young women. From all across the
country, the girls came together to learn the operations of government.
Culminating the year was the gathering of 96 Girls Nation Senators on
the campus of Marymount University. Strong media coverage added to the
exhilarating experience. From debates on Federal Legislation, to a
private meeting with The President of the United States . . . each
moment of Girls Nation fulfilled the Auxiliary's purpose of ensuring
the future.
Poppy
Educate, promote and publicize were the three facets of the 1993-94
Poppy program. Contributions received from poppy distribution are the
sole income for veterans assistance efforts. Total income reached $1.6
million. Poppy orders from Departments totaled over 8 million, an
increase of 216,230 over last year.
Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation
Old and new volunteers consistently and untiringly continued the
goals of the VA&R program. Who benefited? The veterans did. Volunteers
shared rides to VA medical centers and other facilities, made
arrangements for community programs to function and sought out those
areas where service could be furnished.
Reports from Department Chairmen listed some interesting programs
from various areas of the nation. In Maine, Units donated hundreds of
lap robes. The Sharing and Caring Holiday Meal Program provides a meal
for friends and family members visiting veterans at the hospital.
In Utah, nine Junior groups made cookies, tray favors, lap robes
and ditty bags for wheelchairs.
In Minnesota, Units, Legion Posts and SAL groups provided Christmas
gifts at the VA facilities. A total of 1,866 veterans received 4,001
gifts; 3,013 gifts were given to relatives and 988 veterans were given
a gift for themselves.
In South Dakota, 804 Home Service volunteers donated 9,123 hours
sewing, cooking, shopping and making Christmas and other holiday
treats, at a cost of $10,050. The homeless were given 646 pairs of
gloves and 1,383 hygiene kits.
In Texas, volunteers entertained 56,571 veterans with 1,340 social
events in VA medical centers for every holiday including July 4th,
Labor Day, Veterans Day, Christmas, New Years Eve, Salute to
Hospitalized Veterans Week, Valentines Day, Easter, Halloween and
Memorial Day.
Vermont thought of other states when they honored their veterans at
the gift shops and sent donations from their own gift shop to the flood
victims in Iowa.
Although there was a decrease in the number of volunteers and
expenditures in Home Service, the number of service hours, 70,501,
increased dramatically. In VA&R, Auxiliary volunteers worked for the
veteran 365 days a year.
During the past year, the Auxiliary informed its members of the
need for volunteers and of the types of volunteer work needed. Friends
and acquaintances became non-affiliated volunteers. Juniors, along with
other high school and college students, also served as volunteers.
Orientation courses were offered and volunteers were rewarded.
The Dispatch and the National News informed our members on
legislative issues concerning our hospitalized and ailing veterans.
Members attended the Leadership Workshops in the fall, and shared their
successes and failures with those attending.
VA&R--Hospital Volunteers
This year, 39,761 volunteers, both regularly scheduled and
occasional, served 1,198,933 hours at 181 VA medical centers, nursing
homes, and day care centers. Veterans received shampoo, razors, shaving
cream, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and deodorant. Women veterans also
received cologne, perfumes, soap and bath powder. Patients were given
writing paper, stamps, envelopes, and bus tokens.
One hospital received 17 televisions for the wards, and another has
closed-circuit TV for chapel services. A 100-gallon aquarium was
donated to the recreation room at one hospital. Several Departments
have ``Warm Hands, Warm Heart'' programs. They collect and give brown
cotton gloves to the patients leaving the hospital. Units participated
in parades, fishing trips, barbecues, ball games, and concerts. In the
hospital, volunteers hosted bingo parties, Valentine, Birthday, and ice
cream and cookie parties. At Christmas, wards were decorated and an
estimated 115,000 volunteers worked over 2,000,000 hours to help 71,000
veterans shop for their families at the Gift Shops. Veterans received
bags of fruit or cookies, socks, combs, and canteen books during ward
parties. In most hospitals, birthdays are remembered with decorations
and treats.
Recruitment of new hospital volunteers is an important part of the
VA&R program. This year, recruitment of VolunTeens was emphasized. A
total of 32 regularly scheduled VolunTeens gave 11,458 hours and 22,831
hours were given by occasional VolunTeens. One California VA instituted
a new VolunTeen Program, a nursery staffed with VolunTeens. They care
for children who are too young to visit the patients. In New Mexico, a
program began for ``at risk'' youths, allowing them to volunteer at
least two hours per week. Through this program, young people are
encouraged to stay in school.
1,016 regularly scheduled Senior volunteers worked 5,750 hours, and
1,855 occasional volunteers worked 16,802 hours for hospitalized
veterans. All Units are involved in the VA&R program.
VA&R--Field Service
Cheer baskets, ``joy'' shops, fun days, and sing-a-longs were some
of the 15,332 activities carried out by 30,249 Field Service volunteers
serving 1,106,785 hours to assist 249,499 veterans at a cost of
$939,645.
The Valentine program was a huge success in all VA medical centers.
The veterans in South Carolina was so impressed that they kept their
valentines on their doors all year. Miss America assisted the
volunteers at a soup kitchen operated by the American Legion Auxiliary
for the homeless. Needless to say, this brought much positive publicly
for the kitchen and for our organization.
Work at national and state veterans cemeteries continues to grow.
Volunteers in Ohio, Indiana, Mississippi and Minnesota acted as guides,
served refreshments, maintained graves and raised and lowered flags on
holidays.
Volunteers in 43 Departments worked at ``stand downs,'' a three-day
weekend gathering to help homeless veterans, where volunteers furnished
food, clothing, toiletries and blankets. In California, where there are
five such programs, eye glasses and other needed items were provided.
Massachusetts volunteers filled food pantries at homeless shelters.
Junior volunteers toured nursing homes as a sing-a-long group, and
others ``adopted'' patients at nursing homes.
In Hawaii, volunteers provided home cooked meals and visited shut-
ins, bringing them fruit baskets, clothing and toiletries. They also
did home and car repairs and other household chores, ran errands, wrote
letters, and paid bills.
The Far From Home project got underway in Indiana. A group home was
established to house 10-12 veterans and help them become useful
citizens. Auxiliary members furnished care packages to each veterans
who joined the program.
New York maintained a clothing bank where volunteers collected,
washed and mended clothing for the state veterans home. They purchased
three wheelchairs and a dining room table for the VA medical center.
The residents were taken to ball games, plays, concerts, boat rides and
the Ice Capades.
Women veterans are not forgotten by Auxiliary volunteers. They host
an annual luncheon, adopt-a-vet, assist with job hunting and help in
other significant ways.
During National Volunteer Week, all community volunteers and
volunteers within the Legion ``family'' were recognized for their
dedicated service.
``Fun Days'' were conducted the fall and spring for Florida
veterans where volunteers manned fortune-telling booths, conducted
bingo games and made individual visits. Legion volunteers furnished
materials and built wheelchair ramps at several facilities. Each day,
the ``Sunshine ladies'' telephoned veterans who live alone.
In all Departments, veterans in nursing homes, state veterans
facilities, hospices, homeless shelters and their own homes were fed,
clothed and loved. The greatest gift Field Service volunteers gave was
their time and interest and the knowledge that Auxiliary volunteers did
not forget the veterans and their sacrifice.
National VAVS Representative
There's good news in the VAVS world! All goals announced in the
Plan of Work were met, or will be by the time of the National
Convention.
Quarterly minutes were received from all but seven of the 172
facilities where we have representation on their VAVS local committees.
We are meeting the 50% attendance requirement at 158 of these
facilities and our organization will not be dropped from any due to
default on attendance. Despite severe weather conditions in many parts
of the country, about 260 representatives and deputies will achieve
100% attendance awards.
Annual Joint Reviews were received from all but 16 of the 172
facilities. Last year, more than 50 were missing. It is expected that
100% will be achieved on reviews and quarterly minutes by the time of
National convention in Minneapolis.
A certification audit of records of the Departments, the National
office and the VAVS was completed; and virtually all discrepancies were
cleared. A big thank you for cooperation given by Department
Secretaries and Lisa Bibler of the National office! Our new
certification form was a great help and we again remind you to discard
all the old forms.
VolunTeens once again were spotlighted. Corey Reese, 16, has
volunteered since he was nine years old at American Lake VA Medical
Center in Washington State. He was awarded the $10,000 James H. Parke
Scholarship. On behalf of the American Legion Auxiliary, $1,000 was
donated to this scholarship fund. I urge all members to enter our
VolunTeens in this contest and fulfill my dream that one of our own
will next year win this award. Brochures about this scholarship were
sent to each hospital representative along with their Annual Joint
Review response.
I will serve as Chairman of the Executive Committee of the National
Advisory Council's Annual Meeting in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., at Pier 66,
October 19-23, 1994. The new membership requirements for donor members
and service members will go into effect at the 48th Annual Meeting.
Your attendance is encouraged if you are interested in the VAVS
program.
The Department of Veterans Affairs' latest recap as of March, 1994,
shows that we volunteered at 184 VA facilities, had 6,324 regularly
scheduled volunteers who served more than 337,000 hours in the six
months preceding the report. In addition to providing canteen books and
holding bingo games, we added appreciation picnics, fishing trips,
beauty salon services, movie rentals, pizza parties and dozens of
cookies. Thank you, volunteers, for this outpouring of caring for our
veterans.