U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE

55–346 WASHINGTON : 2010

111th Congress, 2d Session – – – – – – – – – – – – – House Document 111–93 

PROCEEDINGS OF THE 91ST NATIONAL CONVENTION 

OF THE AMERICAN LEGION 

COMMUNICATION 

FROM

THE DIRECTOR, NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE 

COMMISSION, THE AMERICAN LEGION 

TRANSMITTING

THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND INDEPENDENT AUDIT OF THE 

AMERICAN LEGION PROCEEDINGS OF THE 91ST ANNUAL NATIONAL CONVENTION OF THE AMERICAN LEGION, HELD IN 

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY FROM AUGUST 21–27, 2009, AND A REPORT ON THE ORGANIZATION’S ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR PRECEDING THE CONVENTION, PURSUANT TO 36 U.S.C. 49 

MARCH 10, 2010.—Referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and 

ordered to be printed 

6:59 Mar 25 2010 Jkt 055346 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4012 Sfmt 4012 E:\HR\OC\HD093P1 XXX HD093P1
(II)

LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL 

THE AMERICAN LEGION, Washington, DC, March 5, 2010. 

Hon. NANCY PELOSI, Speaker, House of Representatives, 

Washington, DC. 

DEAR MADAM 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 91st annual National Convention held in Louisville, 

Kentucky from August 21–27, 2009 and a report on our organization’s activities for the year preceding the convention. 

Sincerely, 

STEVE A. ROBERTSON, 

Director, National Legislative Commission. 
iii

Table of Contents

Foreword ......................................................................................................................... vii 

National Convention and Officers of The American Legion, 1919-2009......................... ix

Proceedings of the 91st National Convention

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Call to Order: National Commander Rehbein.................................................................... 1

Invocation .......................................................................................................................... 1

Pledge of Allegiance.......................................................................................................... 1

POW/MIA Empty Chair Ceremony .................................................................................. 2

Preamble to The American Legion Constitution ............................................................... 2

Michael Peterson, Entertainer............................................................................................ 2

Greetings: Katie Stam, Miss America 2009....................................................................... 4

Armed Forces Community Covenant Signing................................................................... 5

Address: Admiral Michael Mullen, USN, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff ..................... 10

Presentation: Spirit of Service Awards ............................................................................ 14

Greetings: Desireé Stoy, National President, American Legion Auxiliary...................... 17

American Legion Youth Champions ............................................................................... 18

Boys Nation President ............................................................................................. 18

Junior Shooting Sports Champion ........................................................................... 19

Eagle Scout of the Year ........................................................................................... 20

Oratorical Contest National Winner ........................................................................ 21

2008 American Legion Baseball Player of the Year................................................ 22

Presentation:

The American Legion Distinguished Service Medal ............................................... 23

Operation Comfort Warriors .................................................................................... 27

The Patriot Award ................................................................................................... 28

Address: ........................................................................................................................... 29

Hon. Chet Edwards, United States House of Representatives ................................. 29

Hon. Eric K. Shinseki, Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs ......................... 34

Greetings: Hon. John Yarmuth, United States House of Representatives........................ 41

Address: Kristina Kaufmann Turner................................................................................ 43

Presentation: Terry Woodburn, Representing The American Legion Riders................... 46

Greetings:

Hon. Jerry Abramson, Mayor of Louisville Metro, Kentucky ................................. 52

Thomas E. Cisna, Sons of The American Legion Past National Commander ......... 54

Presentation: The History of The American Legion ........................................................ 55

Greetings:

Teddy W. Austin, Department Commander of Kentucky........................................ 56

Silas Noel, President, The American Legion National Convention Corporation 

of Kentucky ......................................................................................................... 57

Gordon Marsh, Dominion President, ANAVETS.................................................... 57

Peter Climinson, National Chairman, The Royal British Legion ............................. 59

Col. (Ret) Lee, Byung Hee, Chairman, American Canadian Depts, Korean

Veterans Association ........................................................................................... 60

Thomas Irvine, Dominion Chairman, The Royal Canadian Legion......................... 61
iv

Hans Song, Overseas Liaison Director, Veterans Affairs Commission, Republic

of China ............................................................................................................... 62

National Commander’s Report to Convention................................................................. 63

Certificate of Appreciation, Lawrence L. Vollink, National Chaplain ............................ 70

Presentation: Plaque to the City of Phoenix, Arizona...................................................... 71

Call for Convention ......................................................................................................... 71

Reports:

Convention Committee on Credentials and Other Internal Matters (Section I) ....... 73

Convention Committee on Legislation and Rules.................................................... 74

Convention Committee on Finance ......................................................................... 76

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Call to Order .................................................................................................................... 81

Invocation ........................................................................................................................ 81

Address:

Hon. Bob Filner, Chairman, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs ..................... 82

Hon. Tim Walz, United States House of Representatives........................................ 85

Karen Gordon Mills, Administrator, U. S. Small Business Administration............. 89

Judge Edward F. Butler, President-General, National Society of the Sons of the

American Revolution........................................................................................... 93

MG-Craig B. Whelden, USA (Ret.), Secretary of the Army’s Representative for 

Community Covenant .......................................................................................... 94

Alan Sears, President and CEO, Alliance Defense Fund ......................................... 98

Kelly J. Shackelford, Chief Counsel, Liberty Legal Institute ................................ 102

Ms. Laurie Ott, CSRA Wounded Warrior Care Project......................................... 103

Sloan Gibson, President, United Services Organization ........................................ 108

Dr. James Jay Carafano, Senior Research Fellow, Defense and Homeland

Security, The Heritage Foundation .................................................................... 110

Report: Convention Committee on Credentials and Other Internal

Affairs (Section III) ........................................................................................... 114

Presentation:

Department Membership Awards .......................................................................... 115

National Emergency Fund Awards........................................................................ 116

National Recruiter of the Year............................................................................... 118

Report: Convention Committees on Employment and Veterans Preference and Other

Economic Matters.............................................................................................. 120

Presentation:

Employer of the Year Awards for Hiring Veterans ............................................... 131

American Legion Local Veterans Employee Representative of the Year Award .. 133

Disabled Veterans Outreach Program of the Year Award ..................................... 133

Outstanding Employer of Disabled Veterans Award ............................................. 134

Employment Service Office of the Year................................................................ 134

Homeless Veterans Outreach Award ..................................................................... 134

Address: Hon. Janet Napolitano, Secretary, Department of Homeland Security........... 135

Presentation: Employer of Older Workers Award ......................................................... 139

Report: Convention Committee on Americanism.......................................................... 140
Presentation: 

v

The Frank N. Belgrano, Jr. Trophy........................................................................ 141

The Ralph T. O’Neil Education Trophy ................................................................ 141

William Randolph Hearst Americanism Trophy ................................................... 141

2009 National Education Award............................................................................ 142

2009 National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year............................................ 143

Report: Convention Committee on Children and Youth ................................................ 144

Presentation:

Garland Murphy Award......................................................................................... 147

U.S. ‘Udie’ Grant Legacy Award .......................................................................... 147

Chapel of Four Chaplains Legion of Honor Bronze Medallion............................. 148

Report: Convention Committee on Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation....................... 149

Presentation: William F. Lenker National Service Trophy............................................ 162

Reports:

Convention Committee on Credentials and Other Internal Affairs (Section II)..... 163

Convention Committee on Constitutional Amendments ........................................ 169

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Call to Order .................................................................................................................. 173

Invocation ...................................................................................................................... 173

Presentation: The American Legion Fourth Estate Award ............................................ 173

Greetings: Lorrie Knight-Major, Rebuilding Together.................................................. 174

Reports:

Convention Committee on Foreign Relations........................................................ 177

Convention Committee on National Security ........................................................ 184

Presentation: Plaque and Colors to Outgoing National Commander ............................. 201

Special Order of Business: Election of National Officers.............................................. 203

Election of the National Commander ............................................................................ 204

Administering the Oath of Office to the National Commander ..................................... 212

Acceptance Speech: Newly Elected National Commander ........................................... 212

Election of the National Vice Commanders .................................................................. 217

Presentation: Colors to Incoming National Commander ............................................... 220

Greetings:

Mark Arneson, Newly Elected National Commander, Sons of

The American Legion ........................................................................................ 221

Navarreté, Rita, National President, American Legion Auxiliary.......................... 222

Benediction .................................................................................................................... 223

Announcement of Annual Recipients ............................................................................ 224

he American Legion 90th Annual Report

Foreword, National Adjutant Daniel S. Wheeler........................................................... 233

Excerpts from the Constitution of The American Legion .............................................. 233

Past National Commanders............................................................................................ 235

National Executive Committeemen ............................................................................... 236

Reports of National Vice Commanders:........................................................................ 238

James A. LaCoursiere............................................................................................ 238
vi

Michael J. Landkamer ........................................................................................... 239

James W. Davis ..................................................................................................... 240

Harley W. Ray ....................................................................................................... 242

Dellano T. Simmons .............................................................................................. 243

Reports: ......................................................................................................................... 244

National Chaplain.................................................................................................. 244

National Historian.................................................................................................. 246

National Judge Advocate....................................................................................... 247

Administrative Services......................................................................................... 263

Library and Museum ...................................................................................... 264

Information and Technology (IT) Division.................................................... 265

Americanism Commission ..................................................................................... 266

Counter-Subversive Activities Committee .................................................... 271

Committee on Education ............................................................................... 271

Commission on Children & Youth ........................................................................ 273

American Legion Child Welfare Foundation, Inc.......................................... 286

National Convention Commission......................................................................... 287

Economic Commission .......................................................................................... 288

Employment Committee ................................................................................ 291

Veterans Preference Committee..................................................................... 291

Finance Commission ............................................................................................. 313

Emblem Committee ....................................................................................... 313

American Legion Life Insurance Committee................................................. 314

Foreign Relations Commission .............................................................................. 315

Internal Affairs Commission ................................................................................. 321

The Sons of The American Legion ................................................................ 322

Trophies, Awards and Ceremonials Committee............................................. 323

Resolutions Assignment Committee.............................................................. 323

Constitution and By-Laws Committee........................................................... 324

Membership & Post Activities Committee .................................................... 324

National Legislative Commission .......................................................................... 325

National Security Commission .............................................................................. 349

Aerospace Committee.................................................................................... 361

Homeland Security and Civil Preparedness Committee ................................ 361

Law and Order Committee............................................................................. 361

Merchant Marine Committee......................................................................... 362

Military Affairs Committee ........................................................................... 363

National and Homeland Security Council...................................................... 363

Naval Affairs Committee ............................................................................... 363

Public Relations Commission ................................................................................ 364

American Legion Magazine Commission .............................................................. 365

Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission .................................................. 366

Report of the National President of the American Legion Auxiliary ..................... 394

Consolidated Financial Statements with Supplementary Information ................... 412
vii

FOREWORD

This booklet has been prepared for the information of members of The American Legion.

It has come to be known as the Summary of Proceedings of the National Convention for

the current year. It is a comprehensive résumé of what took place at the Ninety-First

Annual National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, August 25-27, 2009.

The final report of the National Organization for the period ending December 31, 2008,

and Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2008, and Surplus Analysis, January 1, 2008, to

December 31, 2008, are included in the Summary.

To make a quick distribution, speed has been necessary. Every precaution has been taken 

to avoid errors, but some may have occurred in the rush of Convention events and the

haste of editing and printing.

Permission is hereby given to quote from this Summary without further consent.

However, because of the nature of our resolution process, I urge that the full text of any 

resolve clause(s) be used when a quotation from a resolution is required for publication.

Daniel S. Wheeler

National Adjutant

Note: At various times, the National Vice Commanders, as follows, presided over the

Convention sessions, when called upon by presiding officer, in accordance with the 

Uniform Code of Procedure as shown in the verbatim proceedings: James A.

LaCoursiere, Jr., Connecticut; Michael J. Landkamer, NebraskaJames W. Davis, West

Virginia; Harley W. Ray Oregon; Dellano ‘Shorty’ T. Simmons, Texas.

ix

NATIONAL CONVENTIONS AND NATIONAL OFFICERS

THE 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 

and 1958 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 1949

National Convention)

Permanent Chairman: Henry D.

Lindsley*, Texas (Voted title of Past 

National Commander at the 1919 

National Convention)

Vice Chairmen: John J. Sullivan*,

Washington; Fred Humphrey*, New

Mexico; P.C. Calhoun*, Connecticut 

(Voted titles of Past National Vice

Commanders at 1933 National

Convention)

Secretary: Eric Fisher Wood*,

Pennsylvania

(Voted title of Past National

Commander at the 1955 National 

Convention)

Chaplain: Thomas H. Wiles*, Colorado 

1st NATIONAL CONVENTION

Minneapolis, Minnesota, November 10

to 12, 1919

Chairman: Henry D. Lindsley*, Texas, 

Past National Commander

Vice Chairman: Bennett C. Clark*, 

Missouri

Secretary: Eric Fisher Wood*,

Pennsylvania

Treasurer: Gasper G. Bacon*,

Massachusetts

Chaplain: Thomas H. Wiles*, Colorado

2nd NATIONAL CONVENTION

Cleveland, Ohio, September 27 to 29,

1920 

Commander: Franklin D’Olier*, 

Pennsylvania

Vice Commanders: James O'Brien*,

California; Allan A. Tukey*, 
x

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

Judge: Robert A. Adams*, Indiana

3rd NATIONAL CONVENTION

Kansas City, Missouri, October 31 to

November 2, 1921 

Commander: Frederic W. Galbraith, Jr. 

*, (died June 9); Succeeded by John G.

Emery*, Michigan

Milton Foreman*, Illinois, Past

National Commander

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*, 

Kansas

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

Chaplain: Rev. William P. 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 F. Albert*,

Idaho; Celora M. Stoddard*, Arizona; 

William B. Healey*, Pennsylvania; F. 

Ryan Duffy*, Wisconsin; 

Dr. I. Thurman Mann*, North Carolina

Adjutant: Lemuel Bolles*, Washington 

Resigned 2-1-24; Succeeded by Russell

G. Creviston*, Indiana

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
xi

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

Bennett C. Clark*, Missouri, Past

National Commander

Vice Commanders: Joseph Y.

Cheney*, Florida; Hughes B. Davis*,

Oklahoma; Vincent A. Carroll*,

Pennsylvania; Raymond B. Littlefield*, 

Rhode Island; Judge 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 Commanders: C. Thomas Busha,

Jr. *, Montana; Stafford King*, 

Minnesota; John G. Sims*, Tennessee;

John E. Curtiss*, Nebraska; Dr. 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 Indiana

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*,

Delaware

Treasurer: Bowman Elder*, Indiana 

Historian: Eben Putnam*,

Massachusetts

Judge Advocate: Scott W. Lucas*,

Illinois 
xii

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 F. 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 to 6-24-31; Succeeded by

Acting Judge Advocate: Robert A.

Adams*, Indiana

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. Harris 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 E. Easterwood, Jr.*, Texas;

John J. Maloney*, Maine; Chas. A.

Mills*, Florida

Adjutant: Frank E. Samuel*, Kansas

Chaplain: Rev. Irwin 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
xiii

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. Dr. 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; Louis R. Probst*,

Wyoming 

Adjutant: Frank E. Samuel*, Kansas

Chaplain: Rt. Rev. Msgr. Thomas D. 

Kennedy*, Missouri

Historian: Thomas M. Owen, Jr. *,

Alabama 

Treasurer: John R. 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 

A.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,

D.D.*, Texas

Historian: Thomas M. Owen, Jr. *,

Alabama 

Treasurer: John R. 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 M. Conley*, West Virginia; 

Harry M. Johnson*, Montana; James F. 

Daniel, Jr. *, South Carolina; James R.

Mahaffy*, Hawaii

Adjutant: Frank E. Samuel*, Kansas

Chaplain: Rev. Fr. Frank J. Lawler*,

Illinois 

Historian: Thomas M. Owen, Jr. *,

Alabama 

Treasurer: John R. 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. Jerome L. Fritsche*, 

Nebraska

Historian: Thomas M. Owen, Jr. *,

Alabama 

Treasurer: John R. Ruddick*, Indiana

Judge Advocate: Ralph B. Gregg*, 

Indiana
xiv

22nd 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: Rt. Rev. Msgr. Patrick N. 

McDermott*, Iowa

Historian: Thomas M. Owen, Jr. *,

Alabama 

Treasurer: John R. Ruddick*, Indiana

Judge Advocate: Ralph B. Gregg*, 

Indiana

23rd 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 R. 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 R. 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: Dr. Paul De Forrest 

Mortimore*, Idaho 

Historian: Thomas M. Owen, Jr. *,

Alabama 

Treasurer: John R. 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: Rt. Rev. Msgr. John F. 

McManus*, Kansas

Historian: Thomas M. Owen, Jr. *,

Alabama 

Treasurer: John R. Ruddick*, Indiana
xv

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. McCaffrey*,

Rhode Island; Dan M. McDade*,

Oregon; Ray S. Pierson*, Kansas;

William P. Shadoan*, Kentucky

Adjutant: Donald G. Glascoff*, 

Michigan 

Chaplain: Rev. DeWitt C. Mallory*,

Florida

Historian: Thomas M. Owen, Jr. *,

Alabama 

Treasurer: John R. 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 R. Ruddick*, Indiana,

(died 7-13-45); Succeeded by Neal

Grider*, Indiana 

Judge Advocate: Ralph B. Gregg*, 

Indiana

29th NATIONAL CONVENTION

New York, New York, August 28 to

31, 1947

Commander: Paul H. Griffith*,

Pennsylvania

Vice Commanders: Joseph W. Brown*, 

New Hampshire; Martin B. Buckner*, 

Michigan; Richard C. Cadwallader*,

Louisiana; Ernest 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: Neal Grider*, Indiana 

Judge Advocate: Ralph B. Gregg*, 

Indiana

30th NATIONAL CONVENTION

Miami Florida, October 18 to 20, 1948

Commander: James F. O'Neil*, New

Hampshire 

Vice Commanders: LeRoy William

Barns*, South Dakota; Albert A.

Cree*, Vermont; Richard B. Ott*,

Washington; Myron R. Renick*, West

Virginia; Joe W. White*, Georgia

Adjutant: Henry H. Dudley*, Nebraska

Chaplain: Rev. Fr. Frank L.

Harrington*, Montana

Historian: Thomas M. Owen, Jr. *,

Alabama 

Treasurer: Neal Grider*, Indiana 

Judge Advocate: Ralph B. Gregg*, 

Indiana

31st NATIONAL CONVENTION

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, August 29 

to September 1, 1949

Commander: S. Perry Brown*, Texas

Theodore Roosevelt, Jr.*, New York, 

Past National Commander

Vice Commanders: James Lane, 

Alabama; Leonard W. Moody*, 

Arkansas; James Annin*, Montana;

Walter E. Alessandroni*, Pennsylvania;
xvi

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

32nd 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. Fr. Edward J. Carney*,

O.S.A., Massachusetts

Historian: Monte C. Sandlin*, Alabama 

Treasurer: Neal Grider*, Indiana 

Judge Advocate: Ralph B. Gregg*, 

Indiana

33rd NATIONAL CONVENTION

Miami, Florida, October 15 to 18, 1951

Commander: Erle Cocke, Jr.*, Georgia 

Vice Commanders: Joe H. 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 3, 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. Fr. John E. Duffy*, 

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
xvii

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

Eric Fisher Wood*, Pennsylvania, Past 

National Commander

Vice Commanders: Leonard L.

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 MacCarroll*,

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: Gaylor 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. Bernard W. Gerdon, 

Indiana

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; Isadore E. Levine*, Indiana

Adjutant: E.A. Blackmore*, Wyoming 

Chaplain: Rev. Fr. 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
xviii

Adjutant: E.A. Blackmore*, Wyoming 

Chaplain: Rt. Rev. Msgr. John J. 

Twiss*, Massachusetts

Historian: Mrs. Charles A. (Emily) 

Herbert*, New Jersey

Treasurer: William Francis Polen*, 

Indiana

Judge Advocate: Ralph B. Gregg*, 

Indiana

42nd 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; (died 7-25-60); 

Succeeded by Irven Frank Gianotti*,

Minnesota (appointed 9-14-60); 

Willard W. Brandt, North Dakota; 

Charles McGonegal*, California; (died 

1-27-60); Succeeded by Corydon T.

Hill*, California (appointed 5-4-60)

Adjutant: E. A. Blackmore*, Wyoming 

Chaplain: Rabbi Robert I. Kahn*

D.H.L., Texas

Historian: Mrs. Charles A. (Emily) 

Herbert*, New Jersey

Treasurer: William Francis Polen*, 

Indiana

Judge Advocate: Bertram G. Davis*,

New York

43rd 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 H. 

Kretzler*, Washington;

R. C. Godwin*, North Carolina

Adjutant: E. A. Blackmore*, Wyoming 

Chaplain: Rev. William H. Moss*, 

Tennessee 

Historian: Glenn B. Hoover*, Iowa

Treasurer: William 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. Fr. Robert G. Keating*, 

Connecticut

Historian: Earl David Young*, 

Colorado

Treasurer: William 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: William Francis Polen*, 

Indiana

Judge Advocate: Bertram G. Davis*,

New York
xix

46th NATIONAL CONVENTION

Dallas, Texas, September 18 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. Fr. John J. Howard*,

Virginia

Historian: H. Armand de Masi*, Italy

Treasurer: William Francis Polen*, 

Indiana

Judge Advocate: Bertram G. Davis*,

New York

47th NATIONAL CONVENTION

Portland, Oregon, August 20 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. Fr. Morris N. 

Dummet*, Louisiana 

Historian: Harold A. Shindler*, Indiana

Treasurer: William Francis Polen*, 

Indiana

Judge Advocate: Bertram G. 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; Tom Soleng *,

Arizona 

Adjutant: E. A. Blackmore*, Wyoming

(died 4-21-67); Succeeded by Earnest

N. Schmit, North Dakota (Appointed 5-

4-67)

Chaplain: Rev. Alfred C. Thompson, 

New York

Historian: Harold A. Shindler*, Indiana

Treasurer: William Francis Polen*, 

Indiana

Judge Advocate: Bertram G. Davis*,

New York

49th NATIONAL CONVENTION

Boston, Massachusetts, August 25 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: William F. Hauck*, Indiana

Chaplain: Rev. Anthony J. O'Driscoll*,

New York

Historian: Harold A. Shindler*, Indiana

Treasurer: William 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

Thomas W. Miller*, Nevada, Past 

National Commander

Vice Commanders: Coleman Nolen*, 

Oklahoma; Louis R. J. Malo*, Rhode

Island; Roscoe D. Curtiss*, Tennessee;

Dr. Edwin L. Peterson*, Utah; Marvin 

W. Roth*, Wisconsin

Adjutant: William F. Hauck*, Indiana

Chaplain: Rev. Fr. Edward P. Nolan*, 

Pennsylvania

Historian: Harold A. Shindler*, Indiana
xx

Treasurer: William 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: William Francis Polen*, 

Indiana

Judge Advocate: Bertram G. Davis*,

New York

52nd 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. Fr. William D. Curtis*,

Minnesota

Historian: John A. May*, South 

Carolina

Treasurer: William Francis Polen*, 

Indiana

Judge Advocate: Bertram G. Davis*,

New York

53rd 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: William Francis Polen*, 

Indiana

Judge Advocate: Bertram G. Davis*,

New York

54th NATIONAL CONVENTION

Chicago, Illinois, August 18 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. Fr. Paul J. Schwaab*, 

Nebraska

Historian: G. Greer McCallister*, Ohio

Treasurer: William Francis Polen*, 

Indiana

Judge Advocate: Bertram G. Davis*,

New York

55th NATIONAL CONVENTION

Honolulu, Hawaii, August 17 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
xxi

Historian: Mrs. Loretta O. Phillips*,

California

Treasurer: William Francis Polen*, 

Indiana

Judge Advocate: Bertram G. Davis*,

New York

56th NATIONAL CONVENTION

Miami Beach, Florida, August 16 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: William Francis Polen*, 

Indiana

Judge Advocate: Bertram G. Davis*,

New York

57th NATIONAL CONVENTION

Minneapolis, Minnesota, August 15 to

21, 1975

Commander: James M. Wagonseller*, 

Ohio 

Maurice Stember*, New York, Past 

National Commander

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: William Francis Polen*, 

Indiana

Judge Advocate: Bertram G. Davis*,

New York

58th NATIONAL CONVENTION

Seattle, Washington, August 20 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: William Francis Polen*, 

Indiana

Judge Advocate: Bertram G. Davis*,

New York

59th NATIONAL CONVENTION

Denver, Colorado, August 19 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. Fr. James C. Tuxbury,

North Dakota

Historian: Alton H. Carpenter, New

York

Treasurer: William Francis Polen*, 

Indiana

Judge Advocate: Bertram G. Davis*,

New York

60th NATIONAL CONVENTION

New Orleans, Louisiana, August 18 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
xxii

Adjutant: Frank C. Momsen*,

Minnesota

Chaplain: Rev. Fr. Walter D. Power*, 

Maryland 

Historian: Arnold J. Stockstad*, North 

Dakota

Treasurer: Webber LaGrange, Indiana 

Judge Advocate: Bertram G. Davis*,

New York

61st NATIONAL CONVENTION

Houston, Texas, August 17 to 23, 1979

Commander: John M. Carey*, 

Michigan 

Hamilton Fish*, New York, Past 

National Commander

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

62nd NATIONAL CONVENTION

Boston, Massachusetts, August 15 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. Spaulding*, 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

63rd NATIONAL CONVENTION

Honolulu, Hawaii, August 28 to

September 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 20 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 19 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 
xxiii

Adjutant: Robert W. Spanogle, 

Michigan 

Chaplain: Rev. Fr. 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 GonzalezVazquez*, 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 23 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, August 29 to

September 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. F. 

‘Sparky’ 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 21 to 27,

1987 

Commander: James P. Dean*,

Mississippi

E. Roy Stone, Jr.*, South Carolina, Past

National Commander

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. Fr. 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
xxiv

B. Phifer, Jr.*, Virginia; F. 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, Sr.*, 

Louisiana

Treasurer: Webber LaGrange, Indiana 

Judge Advocate: Philip B. Onderdonk, 

Jr., Maryland 

72nd NATIONAL CONVENTION

Indianapolis, Indiana, August 28 to 30, 

1990 

Commander: Miles S. Epling, West 

Virginia

Vice Commanders: Vincent E. Blank,

Iowa; Joseph E. Caouette, 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 

73rd 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, 

Texas

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. Stolfus, 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 3 

to 9, 1993 

Commander: Roger A. Munson*, Ohio

Vice Commanders: Joseph V. Adams,

Pennsylvania; Paul Andrejewski, 

Minnesota; Robert E. ‘Jack’ David,
xxv

South Carolina; John William 'Bill'

Murphy*, Arkansas; Louis A. ‘Tony’

Santillanes, New Mexico

Adjutant: Robert W. Spanogle, 

Michigan 

Chaplain: Rev. James R. Wagner, 

Mississippi

Historian: Delfo Barabani,

Massachusetts

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*, 

Massachusetts; 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 

77th NATIONAL CONVENTION

Indianapolis, Indiana, September 4 to

6, 1995 

Commander: William M. Detweiler, 

Louisiana

Vice Commanders: Joseph T. Craig, 

Alaska; Silas M. Noel, Kentucky; 

Calvin E. Patton*, Maryland; H. 

Gordon Burleigh*, New York; Vernon 

K. Grosenick*, Wisconsin 

Adjutant: Robert W. Spanogle, 

Michigan 

Chaplain: Rev. Roy L. Pryor*, South

Carolina

Historian: M. LaReine Maxey*, 

Nevada, (died 10-7-94); Succeeded by

Carl S. Wipperman, Washington

(appointed 10-19-94)

Treasurer: Webber LaGrange, Indiana 

Judge Advocate: Philip B. Onderdonk, 

Maryland 

78th NATIONAL CONVENTION

Salt Lake City, Utah, August 30 to

September 5, 1996

Commander: Daniel A. Ludwig, 

Minnesota

Vice Commanders: Keith Baker, Iowa; 

William L. Ciciotte, Maine; Robert D. 

Scott, Oregon; C. Darrel Haskell, South 

Dakota; Ralph J. Reel, Tennessee

Adjutant: Robert W. Spanogle, 

Michigan 

Chaplain: Joseph E. Reynolds*, Texas

Historian: R. Paul Tenney, Vermont

Treasurer: Webber LaGrange, Indiana 

Judge Advocate: Philip B. Onderdonk, 

Maryland 

79th NATIONAL CONVENTION

Orlando, Florida, August 29 to

September 4, 1997

Commander: Joseph J. Frank, Missouri

Vice Commanders: Wilson R. 

Timmons*, Florida; Orland H. Taylor*,

Hawaii; Roger L. Wild, Nebraska; 

Albert M. Robotti, New Jersey; Robert 

L. Bowen, Virginia

Adjutant: Robert W. Spanogle, 

Michigan 

Chaplain: Charles H. Richmond*,

Oklahoma 

Historian: Barbara ‘Bobbe’ Stuvengen, 

Wisconsin 

Treasurer: Webber LaGrange, Indiana 

Judge Advocate: Philip B. Onderdonk, 

Maryland 

80th NATIONAL CONVENTION

New Orleans, Louisiana, September 4

to 10, 1998

Commander: Anthony Jordan, Maine 

Vice Commanders: Erwin Gus

Williams, Connecticut; Conrad A.

Chisholm, Idaho; Norris W. Preston, 
xxvi

Missouri; Gerald L. Moore*, Ohio; 

Robert E. Vass, West Virginia

Adjutant: Robert W. Spanogle, 

Michigan 

Chaplain: Rev. Henry E. Eisenhart*,

Pennsylvania

Historian: Tommy Mills, Mississippi

Treasurer: Webber LaGrange, Indiana 

Judge Advocate: Philip B. Onderdonk, 

Maryland 

81st NATIONAL CONVENTION

Anaheim, California, September 3 to 9,

1999 

Commander: Butch L. Miller, Virginia 

Vice Commanders: Leo P. Burke, 

California; Roger L. Tingler, Georgia; 

James W. Gravenstein, Kansas; 

Fernando M. Goulart, Rhode Island;

John D. Morris, Texas

Adjutant: Robert W. Spanogle, 

Michigan 

Chaplain: Rev. Robert J. Sweeney, 

New York

Historian: Robert L. Klipstine*, Ohio

Treasurer: George A. Buskirk, Jr., 

Indiana

Judge Advocate: Philip B. Onderdonk, 

Jr., Maryland 

82nd NATIONAL CONVENTION

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, September 1 to

7, 2000

Commander: Alan G. Lance, Sr., Idaho

Vice Commanders: James F. 

Fraughnaugh*, Alabama; Milton W.

Lobstein, Michigan; Robert Skallerud, 

Minnesota; Robert F. Neville, New

York; L. Harry Easley*, Washington

Adjutant: Robert W. Spanogle, 

Michigan 

Chaplain: David R. Brown, Louisiana

Historian: Robert Mead, Nebraska

Treasurer: George A. Buskirk, Jr., 

Indiana

Judge Advocate: Philip B. Onderdonk, 

Jr., Maryland 

83rd NATIONAL CONVENTION

San Antonio, Texas, August 24-30, 

2001 

Commander: Ray G. Smith, North

Carolina

Vice Commanders: Charles C. 

Ragsdell, Arkansas; James E. Koutz,

Indiana; Henry P. Bradley, 

Massachusetts; John C. Pellegrini,

Montana; William A. Weatherly*,

South Carolina

Adjutant: Robert W. Spanogle, 

Michigan 

Chaplain: Calvin C. Turpin, California

Historian: James Buterbaugh, Kansas 

Treasurer: George A. Buskirk, Indiana

Judge Advocate: Philip B. Onderdonk, 

Jr., Maryland 

84th NATIONAL CONVENTION

Charlotte, North Carolina, August 27-

29, 2002

Commander: Richard J. Santos, 

Maryland 

Vice Commanders: Russell H. 

Hanseter, Wisconsin; Charles R. John*, 

Oklahoma; Terry D. Lewis, 

Pennsylvania; James F. Mareschal, 

Missouri; Dale R. Salmen, Nevada

Adjutant: Robert W. Spanogle, 

Michigan 

Chaplain: David F. Russell, Virginia

Historian: Walter L. Davis, Michigan

Treasurer: George A. Buskirk, Indiana

Judge Advocate: Philip B. Onderdonk, 

Jr., Maryland 

85th NATIONAL CONVENTION

St. Louis, Missouri, August 26-28, 

2003 

Commander: Ronald F. Conley, 

Pennsylvania

Vice Commanders: Jefferson ‘Jeff’

Luginbuel*, Colorado; Roy L.

Kirkham*, Louisiana; Robert M.

Johnson, Colorado; Maryland; Robert

G. Bournival, New Hampshire; 

Donavon R. Mason, South Dakota
xxvii

Adjutant: Robert W. Spanogle, 

Michigan 

Chaplain: Rev. Norris A. Keirn,

Indiana

Historian: Donald F. Simons, Texas

Treasurer: George A. Buskirk, Indiana

Judge Advocate: Philip B. Onderdonk, 

Jr., Maryland 

86th NATIONAL CONVENTION

Nashville, Tennessee, August 31, 

September 1, 2, 2004

Commander: John A. Brieden, III, 

Texas

Vice Commanders: Richard G.

Denbow, Iowa; Michael Dennis Helm, 

Kansas; Fang A. Wong, New York; 

Clinton E. Thompson, North Carolina;

Todd E. White, Wyoming 

Adjutant: Robert W. Spanogle, 

Michigan 

Chaplain: Rev. Dr. William J. P.

Doubek, III, Missouri

Historian: Fae Casper, Georgia

Treasurer: George A. Buskirk, Indiana

Judge Advocate: Philip B. Onderdonk, 

Jr., Maryland 

87th NATIONAL CONVENTION

Honolulu, Hawaii, August 23-25, 2005

Commander: Thomas P. Cadmus, 

Michigan 

Vice Commanders: Marco A.

Valenzuela, Arizona; Charles W.

Barrett, Georgia; Samuel Barney, Ohio;

Wayne B. Richey, South Carolina; 

Linda M. Thayer, Vermont

Adjutant: Robert W. Spanogle, 

Michigan 

Chaplain: Rev. James T. Akers, Kansas

Historian: W. Frazier Brinley,

Connecticut

Treasurer: George A. Buskirk, Indiana

Judge Advocate: Philip B. Onderdonk, 

Jr., Maryland 

88th NATIONAL CONVENTION

Salt Lake City, Utah, August 29-31, 

2006 

Commander: Thomas L. Bock, 

Colorado

Vice Commanders: Willard F. Coffey, 

Michigan; James H. Hall, New Jersey; 

Taurino J. Trevino, New Mexico; 

Sebastian T. Roll, North Dakota; 

Michael E. Harris, Virginia 

Adjutant: Robert W. Spanogle, 

Michigan 

Chaplain: Steven E. Wright, Utah

Historian: Johnny B. Keel, Louisiana

Treasurer: George A. Buskirk, Indiana

Judge Advocate: Philip B. Onderdonk, 

Jr., Maryland 

89th NATIONAL CONVENTION

Reno, Nevada, August 28-30, 2007

Commander: Paul A. Morin,

Massachusetts

Vice Commanders: Bryon W. White, 

Alabama; Elgin Wahlborg, Kansas; 

Lloyd H. Woods, Maine; Robert C.

Lahiere, Tennessee; Allan C.

Setterberg, Utah

Adjutant: Robert W. Spanogle, 

Michigan 

Chaplain: Stanley Gruneich, South 

Dakota

Historian: Michael J. Miskell, 

Pennsylvania

Treasurer: George A. Buskirk, Indiana

Judge Advocate: Philip B. Onderdonk, 

Jr., Maryland 

90th NATIONAL CONVENTION

Phoenix, Arizona, August 26-28, 2008

Commander: Martin F. Conatser

Vice Commanders: Peggy G. Dettori, 

Alaska; Thomas L. Burns, Jr., 

Delaware; Randall A. Fisher, 

Kentucky; Donald Hayden, Minnesota; 

David A. Korth, Wisconsin

Adjutant: Robert W. Spanogle, 

Michigan 

Chaplain: Rev. Elliott L. Foss, Jr.

Georgia
xxviii

Historian: James M. Holmes, Indiana 

Treasurer: George A. Buskirk, Indiana

Judge Advocate: Philip B. Onderdonk, 

Jr., Maryland 

91st NATIONAL CONVENTION

Louisville, Kentucky, August 25-27, 2009

Commander: David K. Rehbein, Iowa

Vice Commanders: James A. LaCoursiere,

Jr., Connecticut

Michael J. Landkamer, Nebraska

James W. Davis, West Virginia 

Harley W. Ray, Oregon

Dellan ‘Shorty’ T. Simmons, Texas

National Adjutant: Daniel S. Wheeler, 

Virginia

Chaplain: Rev. Lawrence ‘Larry’ Vollink, 

Michigan 

Historian: Charles J. Zelinsky, Illinois

Treasurer: George A. Buskirk, Indiana

Judge Advocate: Philip B. Onderdonk,

Jr., Maryland 
PROCEEDINGS

of the 

91st Annual Convention

of 

The American Legion

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

...At 8:30 a.m. the Delegates assembled for the 91st Annual National Convention, 

and the following proceedings were conducted.

Call to Order

David K. Rehbein, Iowa, National Commander

The 91st National Convention of The American Legion will come to order.

Ladies and gentlemen, please rise as the National Champion Color Guard from Post 

49, Tilton, New Hampshire, presents the Colors, and remain standing for the singing of 

the National Anthem by Miss America 2009, Katie Stam of Seymour, Indiana.

...At this time the National Champion Color Guard, Post 49, from Tilton, New 

Hampshire, presented the Colors, following which the National Anthem was sung by Ms. 

Katie Stam of Seymour, Indiana.

For the invocation, I call on National Chaplain Reverend Lawrence Vollink of 

Mount Clemens, Michigan. Legionnaires, please uncover. 

Invocation

Rev. Lawrence ‘Larry’ Vollink, Michigan, National Chaplain

Let us pray. Oh, Lord, God, we thank You for our rest and the breathing of another 

day, knowing that this day is overflowing with Your blessings of love and faith and hope, 

we know they are beyond our expectations. 

Lord, we ask for Your goodness to shine through the day’s activities of this great 

convention, for the speakers, for the gratitudes given to those deserving honor and 

appreciation, and for your wisdom given to the people who are even behind the scenes, 

the cameras and all the technology, bless them too. 

We ask that patriotism will once again be shown with enthusiasm this day. 

Lord, we would ask that you would watch over all of the members of the armed 

forces this day and always. Protect them and give them Your wisdom in all things. For 

sacrifices made in behalf of our country, we honor them with our lives and service in The 

American Legion. For this we pray. Amen.

Pledge of Allegiance

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: I call on National Sergeant-at-Arms 

Randy Freel, to lead us in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

2

...At this time the Delegation recited the Pledge of Allegiance. 

POW/MIA Empty Chair Ceremony

Michael D. Helm, Nebraska, Chairman, Foreign Relations Commission

‘Doc’ Simon, Vermont, Vice Chairman, Foreign Relations Commission

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: At this time we pause to remember those 

who are listed as prisoners of war or missing in action from wars in which we have been 

engaged.

We in The American Legion will never forget them. We will not ease the pressure 

on our government to do the right thing, and continue to work for an accounting of all of 

those missing. 

I now call on the Chairman of the Foreign Relations Commission Michael D. Helm 

of Nebraska, and Doc Simon of Vermont, Vice Chairman of the Foreign Relations 

Commission, to place the POW/MIA flag on the empty chair. 

...At this time the POW/MIA flag was placed on the Empty Chair. 

Please cover.

Preamble to The American Legion Constitution

David K. Rehbein, Iowa, National Commander

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Legionnaires please join me in 

reaffirming our commitment to the principles and the ideals on which our great American 

Legion was founded, by reciting the Preamble to the Constitution of The American 

Legion. 

...At this time, the Delegation recited the Preamble to The American Legion 

Constitution.

Please be seated.

Convention Opening

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Ladies and gentlemen, at this time I want 

to introduce a special friend of The American Legion, and a proud member of the Sons of 

The American Legion.

Over the past few years he has voluntarily committed to being the spokesman for 

The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund, and has produced an educational DVD 

about The American Legion at his own expense, donating proceeds to the Legacy 

Scholarship Fund.

Standing with us today in honor of all who serve, he is sharing music from a brand 

new CD created especially for The American Legion, and once again, is donating 50 

percent of all profits to the Legacy Scholarship Fund. 

Please welcome the USO and U.S. Army’s 2008 recipient of the Bob Hope “Spirit 

of Hope” Award for outstanding service to our nation. Million selling country music hit 

maker, Michael Peterson. (Applause)

...At this time the musical selection of “Pin Drop” was sung by Michael Peterson. 

MR. MICHAEL PETERSON: We stand and applaud those who serve today. Let’s 

give a round of applause to them and recognition. (Applause)
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

3

Well, good morning. On this historic day we gather, among other things, to sign a 

covenant, a Community Covenant. And as I was considering this morning what I might 

say, it occurred to me that the word “community,” if you break it into three parts, really 

stands for what in essence is the mission not just to The American Legion, but of our

great nation, and that is to come in unity to celebrate and embrace diversity, but to come 

in unity: One nation, under God, indivisible, coming in unity, with liberty and justice for 

all. And that is not just something, my friends that we do. It is indeed who we are. 

...At this time the music selection “It’s Who We Are” was sung by Mr. Peterson.

MR. MICHAEL PETERSON: Thank you for being the message and not just talking 

it. God bless The American Legion. (Applause) Thank you.

ANNOUNCER: It’s not just what we do, it’s who we are. In virtually every 

community across the nation you will find members of The American Legion, veterans 

all, united not only in our membership, but also in our purpose to serve. Just as we have 

a bond with our comrades and buddies before and after service in uniform, we have a 

special bond with the communities in which we live. Through our programs and 

initiatives we have be become and shall remain a critical resource in those communities. 

We have pledged, and we are bound to support and defend our flag, and the 

principles of democracy and to practice and promote patriotism. We must be the 

standard by which all citizens honor the heritage and principles that make our country 

the greatest nation on earth. We are the examples by which our children must assume the 

responsibilities of citizenship. Through participation in our programs, the leaders of 

tomorrow can better understand the principles of our government, and the basic skills 

needed to prepare them for adulthood. 

In every community in which we live, our fellow veterans who have served their 

country from World War II through today, these are our comrades who have earned and 

deserved the respect and care from their fellow citizens. It is our job to make sure that we 

do not fail our comrades and their families. 

From our presence on Capitol Hill, to the volunteers at a local VA clinic, we are on 

the front line of support for America’s veterans. And we are keenly aware of the need for 

a strong national defense to make sure that our country is defended from all enemies, 

foreign and domestic. 

As veterans, we know what it takes to defend this country, through resolve, 

commitment and vigilance, we will make sure that this great nation remains free, and we 

know without doubt that the most critical element in our national defense is the men and 

women who wear the uniforms of the United States military. These are the people who 

have assumed the mantle of responsibility for America’s freedom from those of us who 

have borne that responsibility before them. 

Throughout the history of this great organization, we have dedicated ourselves to 

serving our comrades in uniform, and our fellow veterans and their families. And we

have engaged America’s citizens at every level, from the White House in Washington, to 

the white houses on Main Street, USA. This is our calling. This is the reason for our 

being. 

Today, we will sign a covenant between the leaders of our armed forces, The 

American Legion, and our communities, reaffirming our support for our troops and their 

families. We will pledge to work within our communities to help bring America’s citizens 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

4

and soldiers together in mutual support. Most of you will agree that this is nothing new 

for us. 

We have many programs and practices in place that accomplish that objective 

already. Programs like our Heroes to Hometowns Initiative in which we work directly 

with the Department of Defense to identify and help returning service members as they 

come home from war. Our Family Support Network and Temporary Financial Assistance 

programs are designed to help the children and families of our comrades get through 

difficult times. 

Recent projects such as Operation Landstuhl and Comfort Warriors have provided 

injured troops with assistance as they recover from their injuries. The American Legion 

Legacy Scholarship and other youth programs and initiatives provide assistance for our 

children to help with their education and to become more productive and educated 

citizens. 

And in every community where you find an American Legion post, you will find a 

band of brothers and sisters ready to welcome, send off, and support our heroes. 

So the covenant we witness today doesn’t ask us to take on any new missions. It 

simply challenges us to renew our commitment and energy at every post in every 

community in America. Our country, our citizens, our flag and our comrades need us 

now more than ever. We cannot rest. We cannot let down our guard. 

Our service to America will never be finished. As we served her so well until now, 

we shall continue to do so until our final breath. 

You know, the American service member thinks about three things when they’re 

overseas deployed. They think about their mission; they think about their family and they 

think about whether or not the American public are behind them. 

Community Covenant is all about making sure that that last concern is not there. 

That we demonstrate in a very, very visible way that the American public is in fact behind 

them. And to a large degree it’s about that second one too. To make sure that they 

understand that their family members are being looked after as well. That gives them the 

ability to focus on their primary mission, which is their mission. (Applause)

Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to our stage once again, Miss America, 

2009, Katie Stam. (Applause)

Greetings: Katie Stam

Miss America 2009

Good morning and welcome. I would like to take a quick moment to say a very 

special thank you to The American Legion for their gracious invitation to be a part of this 

wonderful and memorable occasion. 

I would also like to thank our other distinguished guests who will be joining me up 

on stage in just a moment, for their presence has truly made this a very special occasion. 

For the last seven months I’ve been traveling about 20,000 miles each month on 

behalf of nonprofit organizations, corporations, hospitalized children, volunteers, the list 

could go on and on. But perhaps the greatest and most rewarding work that I have been 

able to do is working with our military, our military families, and our veterans. 

The Miss America organization has worked in collaboration with our armed forces 

since its start in 1921, just two years after The American Legion was created. And this 

year as we celebrate our 89th year, we also celebrate our former Miss America’s who 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

5

have made great strides for those who continue to serve our country with great pride, 

valor, and love. 

Jean Bartel, Miss America 1943 credited as the individual who sold the most Series 

E war bonds, nearly two and a half million dollars worth. Heather French-Henry, Miss 

America 2000, fought for the rights of veterans, establishing homeless shelters, raising 

the awareness and raising funds to support the work of VA hospitals across the country in 

honor of her father who was a Vietnam veteran. And not excluding the dozens of former 

Miss America’s who traveled with the great and legendary Bob Hope on his numerous 

USO tours overseas. Today we can honor those in the past, celebrate those of the present, 

and instill hope for those in the future with the signing of this covenant. 

As Miss America, I am proud to represent the citizens in every community across 

this wonderful country. I’ve seen firsthand the dedication and commitment made by our 

troops and their families, with numerous visits to hospitals across the country; traveling 

overseas to visit our troops, and helping rebuild the lives of our troops back at home by 

rebuilding their homes.

I’ve also seen firsthand the commitment that you in The American Legion have 

made throughout your history to those men and woman and the communities in which 

they live.

It’s such a wonderful gesture today that this Community Covenant be signed to 

reaffirm and recommit yourselves to the relationship between the communities, the 

military, and veteran citizens who live in those communities, and The American Legion 

who serves them both with honor and distinction. 

Therefore, I am deeply honored to represent the communities across America in 

signing this covenant. I invite the leaders of the Department of Defense and The 

American Legion to join with me in this important commitment. Thank you all very 

much. (Applause)

ANNOUNCER: Here to sign the armed forces Community Covenant is the 

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Michael Mullen. (Applause)

Armed Forces Community Covenant Signing

ADMIRAL MULLEN: Well, good morning. I too would like to express my 

gratitude to The American Legion for your endless support of our men and women in 

uniform, and those who have served, and their families. I’m proud and privileged today 

to represent the over two million men and women who do so with the best family support 

that I have seen in the over 40 years that I have been privileged to wear the uniform. 

And as we start this convention, and there is great anticipation and electricity in the 

air, I would ask each and every one of us to be mindful of those who are serving actively 

today around the world, and in particular those who are literally in harm’s way and 

willing to sacrifice their lives for those ideals that are so important to each and every one 

of us in our country, for without them we would not be the country that we are.

I and the other members of the Joint Chiefs recognize how critical this relationship, 

this covenant that we’re about to sign between our people and their families and the 

communities can be to morale, and in fact in our eighth year of war, clearly is to building 

the resilience that we need to continue to build in order to sustain our efforts for the 

future. 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

6

Today our armed forces are the strongest I have ever seen, and in great part that is 

because of the strength of our community support across a host of programs that many of 

you know. I would ask, however, that in this time of war, that we are able to focus on 

bridging the gaps, closing the seams between the Department of Defense, the Veterans 

Administration and communities throughout the land to focus on those who are wounded, 

their families and the families of the fallen, whose lives have changed forever, but whose 

dreams have not changed at all. They still very much want an education; they want to 

raise their children; they want to own a home, and they would like their kids to go to 

school. And the only way that I think we can achieve that vision, is through community 

based relationships. So, inside this covenant, that now is such an important part of who 

we are; who we need to be, to make sure those who sacrificed so much are taken care of 

for the rest of their lives. 

So I thank you for being an anchor in this effort that you are such a representative of 

since your founding, and you in being that anchor will be able to take care of so much of 

what we need in terms of support for our men and women who serve, and their families, 

in these types of great challenge. Thank you very much. (Applause)

ANNOUNCER: Representing the men and women deployed in support of combat 

operations around the world, is the Commander of the United States Central Command 

General David H. Petraeus. (Standing applause)

GENERAL PETRAEUS: Thank you very much. Good morning to you all, and it is 

indeed a great privilege to represent the 235,000 wonderful soldiers, sailors, airmen, 

marines, coast guardsmen deployed in the Central Command area of responsibility, some 

of them as the chairman mentioned, very much in harm’s way for our country and for our 

important endeavors in various locations. 

As all here appreciate very well, I know, nothing means more to our troopers, 

especially our deployed troopers and to our veterans than knowing that their sacrifices are 

appreciated and that their fellow citizens support them. 

So, let me take this opportunity and this occasion, this signing, to thank you all for 

all that you have done for our men and women in uniform, and their predecessors, and for 

all that you have done for their families as well. We’re all very grateful to have The 

American Legion on point through this covenant, insuring great support in the 

communities that our troopers call home. Thank you very much. (Applause)

ANNOUNCER: Representing the members of the National Guard and their families 

is the Adjutant General of the Commonwealth of Kentucky Major General Edward W. 

Tonini. (Applause)

GENERAL TONINI: Thank you very much. The soldiers and airmen of the 

National Guard have been challenged more in recent years than in any time in our 372 

year history. These citizen warriors continue to be asked to give more, both to the citizens 

of their states in domestic emergencies, and to the nation, with its professional and 

combat seasoned veterans. We all must ask their employers and their communities to step 

up and support their efforts. 

By working with this covenant, we will all become partners in caring for and 

honoring the troops and their families before, during, and after their deployments. The 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

7

American Legion, with this covenant, is taking the lead in stabilizing the strong support 

structure that allows the National Guard to continue its historic mission: Providing to the 

states units trained and equipped to protect life and property, while providing to the 

nation units trained, equipped, and ready to defend the United States and its interests all 

over the globe, while continually adding value to America. Thank you. (Applause)

ANNOUNCER: Signing the armed forces covenant on behalf of our Reserve forces 

around the world, is Major General Paul F. Hamm, Commanding General of the 412th 

Theater Engineer Command, Vicksburg, Mississippi. (Applause)

GENERAL HAMM: Thank you very much. On behalf of Lt. General Jack Stoltz, 

the Chief of Army Reserves, it is indeed a pleasure and honor for me to be here today 

representing the Army Reserves. 

As you know, we are a skill-rich community-based organization that provides 

soldiers to the operational reserve in support of the armed forces. As noted, I am the 

Commander of the 412th Theater Engineer Command located in Vicksburg, Mississippi. 

Within my command there are about 12,000 soldiers, primarily engineer organizations 

that exist in the communities east of the Mississippi River, and stretching from Florida to 

Maine. So, we certainly have a huge representation of the communities in the eastern part 

of the United States, and we very much appreciate the support of The American Legion. 

Thanks for all that you do for the nation, and thanks for all that you do for the Army 

Reserves. Thank you. (Applause)

ANNOUNCER: Also signing our covenant today is U.S. Representative Ed Whitfield 

from Kentucky’s 1st District. (Applause)

REPRESENTATIVE WHITFIELD: Thank you very much. Fifty-seven years ago 

Adlai Stevenson in an address to an American Legion Convention in New York, stated 

that, “Patriotism is not a short, frenzied outburst of emotion, but a tranquil, steady, 

dedication of a lifetime.”

And in my view, these community covenants represent not only patriotism, but it is 

also a way for communities and supporters to embrace with love our young men and 

women in the military and their families. 

Last month I introduced in the U.S. Congress a resolution bringing to the attention 

of the Congress and the American people the importance of the Community Covenants, 

with the hope that we can get more and more people involved in this important work. 

I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to be with you today, but more 

important, I want to thank The American Legion for their continued support and 

dedication and leadership of our young men and women in the military. 

Thank you. (Applause)

ANNOUNCER: Please welcome U.S. Representative John Yarmuth from Kentucky’s

3rd Congressional District. (Applause)

REPRESENTATIVE YARMUTH: Good morning. On behalf of everyone in my 

hometown of Louisville, I welcome you to our community. We were so proud to have 

you here with us. Last September we hosted the Ryder Cup in Louisville. Of course in 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

8

May we have the Kentucky Derby, and now this great convention. So, I would say we’ve 

had a pretty good year.

Today I’m proud to join these distinguished guests in signing this Community 

Covenant, a symbol our unified support for the men and women in uniform who sacrifice 

so much everyday on our behalf. The sentiment expressed today is that we can and will 

always stand in full support of them while they’re engaged overseas, and when they 

return home. 

The American Legion is engaged in a wonderful endeavor to ensure the 

communities across the country take this step forward on behalf of those in the regular 

services, the Guard and the Reserve. And I applaud these efforts and offer my full 

support. 

As the signing place of the Community Covenant, we may not be Philadelphia and 

the Declaration of Independence, but this is a pretty good second. I pledge that our 

community will not just support these efforts, but will take a leadership role in making 

sure that we are a model for support for America’s veterans and servicemembers. 

Thank you very much for this effort, and for being here with us. (Applause)

ANNOUNCER: Ladies and gentlemen, representing The American Legion, your 

National Commander David K. Rehbein. (Applause)

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Ladies and gentlemen, delegates, guests 

to this 91st National Convention of The American Legion. 

You see before you on this stage, the leaders and representatives of America’s 

armed forces, The American Legion and the communities in which we all serve. 

I now ask that the department commander from Puerto Rico, Luis A. 

Figueroa-Ramirez, come forward to represent all of the department commanders who 

signed this covenant earlier as they arrived at this convention. 

And now, lady and gentlemen, distinguished Representatives, I would ask that you 

come forward. The covenant is on the table to our front. Please join me in signing that 

covenant. 

ANNOUNCER: The Armed Forces Community Covenant being signed today reads: 

“Together, we are committed to building strong communities through recognition and 

support of our men and women in uniform and their families. We recognize the sacrifice 

and commitment that veterans, active, National Guard and Reserve military service 

members, and their families have made and are making every day in communities across 

America, and in assignments and deployments around the world in support of our 

nation’s national security. 

We pledge by this covenant to work closely, as we have since 1919, in every 

community in which we serve; to create and encourage a strong relationship between 

those communities and the military personnel who live and serve in them; to educate all 

men, women and children in cities and town across this great country of the value and 

strength that comes from having service members, veterans and their families living in 

their communities; To assist community leaders at all levels in developing programs and 

policies in support of our nation’s veterans, military personnel and their families; and to 

support and promote and implement the nationwide efforts of the Armed Forces 

Community Covenant Program.”
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

9

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: By signing this covenant today, we have 

pledged our mutual support between our men and women in uniform, our communities 

and The American Legion. This is not something new for The American Legion, it’s 

what we do; it’s who we are, and it has been so since our founding in 1919. 

By this formal ceremony today, we reaffirm our commitment to the men and women 

serving on active duty. We make this covenant meaningful by ensuring that The 

American Legion is meaningful in every community. This is done by making your towns, 

American Legion towns, an initiative that is explained more fully in the brochures 

throughout the convention hall and in the Legiontown, USA booklets in the registration 

packets.

We cannot leave here satisfied that we have done our part by merely putting pen to 

paper. Our job has only begun. We will fulfill our commitment by working with the 

military, the service people, and the military families in our hometowns. Let us roll up 

our sleeves and work together in support of our common goals of service to America. 

I thank all of you who here on this stage for your service to America, and for your 

commitment made here today. Please take back to your various services, units and 

military and community leaders this promise from The American Legion. We shall 

continue to stand proudly at your side for as long as is necessary to assist you in your 

missions. We will support our troops and their families, and we shall do whatever we can 

to involve every citizen in every community in that mission. 

Delegates and guests of this convention, will you join me now and express your 

support for this covenant that we have signed here today? (Standing applause)

I urge all of you to visit the Community Covenant booth directly outside the 

convention hall where you can learn how to inspire such a ceremony in your own 

community. Starting tomorrow you can pick up a copy of this covenant at that booth. 

Stop by and talk with Major General, Retired, Craig Whelden.

And now, please welcome back to the stage, Michael Peterson with a tribute to our 

soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines.

...At this time Michael Peterson sang the music selection “Warrior’s Anthem.” 

MR. MICHAEL PETERSON: God bless all those who serve. 

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Michael, before you leave, sir, please 

accept my personal congratulations. We all have talents, but thank you for using your 

talent in such a great way for such a wonderful cause. Thank you. (Applause)

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Our next speaker serves as the principal 

military advisor to the President of the United States, the Secretary of Defense, the 

National Security Council and the Homeland Security Council. 

A native of Los Angeles, he graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1968. 

Ashore he has served in leadership positions at the Naval Academy, in the Navy’s Bureau 

of Personnel, in the office of the Secretary of Defense and on the Navy staff. 

As a flag officer, Admiral Mullen commanded Cruiser Destroyer Group 2, the 

George Washington Battle Group, and the Second Fleet/NATO Striking Fleet Atlantic. 

Admiral Mullen was sworn in as the 17th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on 

October 1, 2007. Please give a warm welcome to Admiral Mike Mullen. (Applause)
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

10

Address: Admiral Michael Mullen, USN

Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff

Good morning again and thank you. Thank you, David, for that kind and very brief 

introduction. It is a great pleasure for me to be here with my wife of 39 years, Deborah, 

in Louisville, which is such a supportive city of our men and women in uniform. And 

although we’ll only be here for a couple of hours, we certainly feel the spirit and the 

support. And I want to just thank you in a thousand different ways for all of that support 

and for your commitment to those who serve now, those who have served, and their 

families. There are also a great number of familiar faces here. I would like to say thank 

you to my good friend and colleague Dave Petraeus who you recognized earlier. Truly a 

terrific, terrific partner and someone whose made a huge difference in a time of war, and 

will continue to do so. 

I would also like to say thank you to the Congressional representation here, the local 

representation, the national representation from other parts of the country, which is so 

important, for without your representation our system won’t work, and we can’t move 

forward. 

This is also a great opportunity to honor some of our young leaders with the Spirit of 

Service Awards in a few minutes. The American Legion has long been committed to 

issues that are nearest and dearest to my heart: The well-being of our veterans and their 

families. And on behalf of the over two million men and women serving in our armed 

forces, I would like to thank you for your service. 

As you all know, The American Legion dates back to the end of World War I, from 

the 1919 charter. Part of your original mission was: “Assisting the personnel of the Army 

upon their return to civil life in the necessary economic adjustments.”

What this means to me in today’s terms is they sought to fill gaps, from scholarships 

to emergency relief assistance. Across several generations, The American Legion has 

connected millions of veterans and their families with the care they need. Your vision for 

a strong America starts with our youth and our veterans, and I couldn’t agree with it 

more. 

The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan over the past eight years have created a new 

generation of veterans; a new generation of leaders. This morning I’m going to talk about 

those leaders and the challenges they face, the unique and difficult challenges of irregular 

and unconventional warfare; challenges which require a special kind of leadership. 

I truly believe that anything is possible with good leadership, and the best leaders

know that listening and learning are critical to success today, as well as in future 

engagements. And we must develop and retain professionals, ready to do just that. Today 

we’ve got the most combat experienced force probably in our history. They’ve seen a lot, 

done a lot, bled a lot, and accomplished a lot. And we cannot afford to lose their 

collective wisdom. They are the future of the military, the generals and the sergeant 

majors of tomorrow. And I want to make sure we are doing everything in our power to 

keep them around, and that means not only looking after them in their career potential, 

but also the needs of their families who have been so exceptional in supporting their 

loved ones in uniform. 

Like many of you, I came into the service during the Vietnam era. As the conditions 

and lessons learned in Vietnam served as the backdrop for the leader I have been 

throughout my career, today’s young leaders are being shaped by our involvement in the 

broader Middle East. Despite all that’s been done to bring stability to that region, really 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

11

since the end of World War I, we are still learning about the various cultures that shape 

the region’s landscape. Because understanding takes time, and without consistent 

engagement, a willingness to see things from another’s perspective, there will always be 

a trust deficit. And where trust is lacking, partnerships falter. 

During World War I, T. E. Lawrence and a few others committed themselves to 

learning the customs, the languages, and the cultures of the people of the Middle East. 

They fought beside them, earned their friendship, but most importantly they won their 

trust. As much as they hoped and tried to achieve an independent Arab state, shifting 

economic empires outstripped ideals of obtaining the consent of the governed. In 

Fromkin’s book, A Peace To End All Peace, he discusses the breakup of the Ottoman 

Empire. I’ve heard it called one of the definitive books about the region. What really 

struck me about this book, especially when taken together with Lawrence’s Seven Pillars 

of Wisdom, is that the ability to view situations through other people’s eyes is essential to 

good leadership. And good leadership decisions depend upon our knowledge of the kind 

of fight we’re in. 

So how do we gain the level of understanding that today’s warfare demands? Well, 

for one, you have to be there. You have to see and hear firsthand what the issues are. You 

can’t hope to see problems through someone else’s eyes if you’re not looking into those 

eyes. As Lawrence himself said, the fight he championed was, “An Arab war waged and 

led by Arabs for an Arab aim in Arabia.” In Iraq, Prime Minister Maliki and the political 

and military leadership are working on solving their own problems. Iraqis solving Iraqi

problems. Or in Prime Minister Maliki’s own words, “Building a state on the ruins of 

dictatorship.”

I, myself, have made it clear to the Iraqi leaders, we’re leaving. Now is the time to 

establish the long-term relationships we both need to be able to continue to help foster a 

secure Iraq. But the solutions are now largely political and wholly Iraqi. 

The Pakistani’s likewise are waging their own war against extremists, for Pakistanis, 

in Pakistan. And in Afghanistan the war being waged to defeat al-Qaeda and its 

extremist allies is led by an international security force, with Afghans, for Afghans, in 

Afghanistan. We’ve got to help them. That’s why I ordered the establishment of a

Pakistan-Afghanistan coordination cell inside my own staff, to work exclusively on the 

issues of that region to stay engaged. Believe it or not, it’s easy to lose focus in the 

Pentagon, and to rotate officers in and out, not only of Afghanistan in general, but to 

specific areas within the country so that they can become familiar faces and names so 

they can build trust. 

The unique challenges of irregular warfare are highly complex. A struggle for the 

people’s confidence. So in today’s fight, as leaders we must show a sense of urgency; we 

must engage with resolve, and we must be patient to reap the benefits of our work 

together. We must do whatever we can so that today’s investment produces stability and 

security, and ultimately engenders trust. And I’m talking about more than a military 

solution. The military piece is really a small part of the equation. What the people of 

Afghanistan need is rule of law, not the law of armed conflict. We need to help them get 

to the point where they have a government that delivers at every level. 

I’ve seen a lot of discussion these days about whether this is a war of choice or a war 

of necessity. I’ve seen public opinion polls saying that a majority of Americans don’t 

support the effort at all. And I say good, let’s have that debate. Let’s have that discussion. 

Let’s take a good hard look at this fight we’re in, what we’re doing and why we’re doing 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

12

it. I would rather see us as a nation argue about the war, struggling to get it right, than 

ignore it. Because each time I go to Dover to see the return of someone’s father, brother, 

mother or sister, I want to know that collectively we’ve done all we can to make sure that 

sacrifice isn’t in vain. (Applause)

Now, I don’t set the policy in this country, no military leader should. I don’t get to 

decide whether we go to war or we don’t, and that’s not my job. The President makes 

those decisions. My job is to advise him. I tell him what I think. I give him the best 

military advice I can, and I do that in a completely apolitical fashion. 

Now let me tell you what I think. We’re coming up upon another anniversary of the 

9/11 attacks. Try to remember how you felt that day. I know I do. I was in the Pentagon 

in a meeting not very far from where the plane struck. I lost a good many fellow sailors in 

our command center that day. Well, the people behind that deadly day are still at it. They 

live and plan and train in safe havens along the Pakistan/Afghanistan border, and they’d 

like nothing better than to see either country or both, fall prey to the grip of an extremist 

ideology. To the degree we let them succeed, we let ourselves become vulnerable. 

My mission, the one currently given to me by the President, is to prevent that from 

happening. And that’s what we’re going to do. Will some of that work involve tasks that 

strengthen governance in Afghanistan? Yes, because the enemy has governing ambitions 

of their own in Afghanistan. They know if they can make the Afghan people fear us more 

than they can trust us, they have a better shot at the preeminence they seek. They know if 

they can provide the basic services that right now in many areas no one is providing, they 

will win confidence, and they will win influence. We can shoot at them all we want, but 

until we take from them the very popular support they need to breathe, we cannot defeat 

them. To some, it may look a lot like nation building. But at its core, it’s about giving the 

Afghan people alternatives, choices that steer them away from the war and violence that 

has racked their country for hundreds of years, and more toward the representative 

government, the responsive government, we hope they can live with and believe in, in 

2009. 

The war in Afghanistan is about defeating al-Qaeda and its allies, but to do that we 

have to defeat the choices those extremists are forcing on the people of Afghanistan. This 

isn’t just a war against something. It’s a war for something: The trust and confidence of 

the people who live there, who if given the chance will, I believe, choose not to allow 

themselves or their land to become a safe haven again. 

It’s about providing for our own national security. For our part, Secretary Gates and 

I have promised the President that whether through resourcing or manning, money or 

people, overcoming this struggle will not be business as usual. We will not allow 

ourselves to be bogged down by Washington peacetime bureaucracies. We cannot win 

from the Pentagon, and we cannot win with the efforts of our military alone. We need the 

best of everyone in the fight, civilian and military. That’s why General McChrystal is 

where he is. He is the very best. He knows what it takes to succeed in the 

counter-insurgency environment. He is integrating with Ambassador Eikenberry’s 

civilian team to focus on the Afghan people. And as I said, if we don’t get it right for the 

Afghan people, we get it wrong. So the most effective tools at our disposal are not 

necessarily going to be guns and bombs, though we still need them, the best instruments 

may be shovels, tractors, and teaching degrees. To quote my good friend Greg 

Mortenson, “You have to drink tea.” Co-author and hero of Three Cups of Tea, Greg’s 

been waging peace by building schools in the tribal regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

13

for over 15 years, 134 schools I might add. By caring about and understanding the 

dynamics of the good people of that region, Greg has practically moved mountains. 

He told me that in 2000, at the height of the Taliban, there were 800,000 children 

enrolled in school in Afghanistan, all boys. Now in 2009, student enrollment is over eight 

million children, 2.4 million of which are girls. 

He also reminds us that western fast food culture is not well-suited to that part of the 

world. Results are measured in decades and generations, rather than minutes and seconds. 

This important distinction demands a different approach and a different form of 

leadership in all we do, and it requires patience. It takes time to build relationships; time 

to learn cultures; time to foster sincerity and mutual respect. 

A couple of weeks ago I visited our Defense Language Institute, and met an 

extraordinary young Army sergeant who had served as a detainee interrogator in Iraq.

Although having been trained in Persian Farsi, this young man discovered that in order to 

understand what the translators were saying, he had to pick up the Iraqi dialect. So in his 

spare time he worked with the interpreters to hone his language skill. Sergeant Ben 

Randall’s initial deployment was supposed to last 60 days, but he ended up voluntarily 

extending his tour four times, for 465 days all told. The way he saw it, was that once he 

established a rapport with a detainee, it just wasn’t logical to leave, because doing so 

would have compromised the mission. 

Now, certainly I don’t expect our people over there to volunteer to extend their 

tours. Let me make sure that I have that on the record. But the point is that tour duration 

matters. And the trust that creates legitimate leadership is truly the desired end. We’ve 

got to have the right people in the right places for as long as we need them to be there, 

which means we all have to contribute. We need to apply our very best with the utmost 

urgency and with the firmest resolve, and we remain committed to this fight and to 

prevent anyone from ever carrying out terrorist attacks against innocent civilians and 

American citizens. 

So, what can the average American, the concerned statesman, community or parent 

do? You can support our veterans and their families with the same sense of urgency and 

resolve. That, I guarantee, your military is applying, and will continue to apply in today’s 

fight. As I alluded to earlier, the relationship between America and her military during 

the Vietnam era really shaped who I am today. Our young leaders are being shaped by 

their involvement in these wars. How they lead will depend upon how well we listen to 

them; on how well we institutionalize the lessons they have to teach us, and also quite 

frankly upon the care that they and their familiar received back at home. 

And the American people above all are enormously supportive of our men and 

women in uniform and their families, and you represent that. We have paid dearly for 

these lessons with lives. We need to be conscious of that. The more we equate destruction 

with legitimacy, the harder it will be to find the answers to the problems we encounter in 

this century, and the answers are ours to discover. And they involve building trust; 

retaining families, and improving communities. Your military and your American Legion 

share the same vision for a strong America. Invest in our people. We must tend to their 

wounds, the wounds that are visible and the often more long lasting wounds, those that 

are invisible, wounds like post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury. Wounds that I 

call signature wounds of these wars. Wounds that shatter families and cripple our forces. 

Just as important as preventing the next generation of violent extremists, is 

preventing the next generation of homeless veterans and broken families. There will be 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

14

few quick victories, but patiently listening and learning from those around us, making 

good on our promises as leaders, will bring us all a lasting peace we can trust. 

Thank you all again for your service and your dedication. God bless each and every 

one of you, and God bless our military and God bless our country. (Standing applause)

Presentation of the Spirit of Service Awards

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Admiral, let me simply say that as is in 

your heart, in our heart we hold the feelings for those young men and women in uniform, 

our wishes for their welfare and our promise that we will do everything we can to support 

them. (Applause)

We already know that America has the best military in the world, and it is now time 

to meet the best of that best military in the world. The awards that are about to be given 

exemplify excellence in service and in character. Our Spirit of Service Awards are given 

to our comrades on active duty for their contributions to their communities and fellow 

citizens above and beyond the call. These young men and women are selected for this 

award by their commanding officers from among all entries sent in through their 

respective services. I would ask Admiral Mullen and General Petraeus, we would be 

honored if you would join me in presenting these awards to our distinguished recipients.

ANNOUNCER: Representing the United States Army, our first recipient shares his 

archery skills with children and wounded warriors in his community surrounding Fort 

Lewis, Washington. He volunteers his spare time to coach in a Junior Olympic Program, 

is a certified “Archery in The Schools” program instructor, and he has developed a 

program using archery as rehabilitation for wounded warriors. For his many hours of 

volunteerism The American Legion Spirit of Service Award is presented to Sergeant 

Michael Allen Ros, United States Army.

SERGEANT MICHAEL ALLEN ROS: I want to thank The American Legion, 

Admiral Mullen, General Petraeus, for this wonderful award. It’s always very nice to 

when you set out to do something that you don’t look for the glory and try to stay behind 

the shadows, but to be recognized for the work that you do. It’s nice to be honored for 

something you do that you have a love and a passion for.

A special thanks has to go out to my wife, Chris, and my daughter, Alexandra. 

Without their loving support I couldn’t dedicate the time that I do for this, and they have 

always been there for me no matter what. I also want to send out a special thank you to 

The American Legion. All of you work very hard every day to make sure that the 

sacrifices of the military of the United States doesn’t go unnoticed, and also is never 

forgotten, especially for those that have given the ultimate sacrifice to be called an 

American. Thank you very much, and God bless.

ANNOUNCER: In addition to volunteering countless hours in his community as a 

mentor and role model to children and adults alike, Matthew Stroup also leads other 

volunteers in his community through his leadership of other volunteer groups and 

organizations. He is active in Junior Achievement, a local Lunch Buddies Program, 

Ronald McDonald House, Special Olympics and many others. He has twice received the 

President’s Volunteer Service Award, and is credited with mentoring six other recipients 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

15

to receive the same award. For his selfless dedication The American Legion awards the 

2009 Spirit of Service Award to Navy Petty Officer Third Class Matthew A. Stroup.

PETTY OFFICER 2nd CLASS MATTHEW A. STROUP: I’m not nearly as 

adventurous with speaking as Sergeant Ros is, so I wrote some things down. 

First and foremost I would like to say thank you to the one million plus members of 

The American Legion, and National Commander Rehbein for presenting me with the 

Spirit of Service Award.

In particular I would also like to thank Debra Murrell and Marti Wooden. Because 

of their patient service my family and I have had a wonderful time at our first American 

Legion National Convention. 

My sincerest gratitude also belongs to Admiral Mullen and General Petraeus, not 

only for their presence here today, but for providing inspiration through their examples of 

the impact that one man can make through a life dedicated to the service of others. 

I would also like to thank a loving and supporting family, headlined by the best 

woman a man could ever ask for, my wife and my best friend, military spouse 

extraordinaire, Mrs. Jenny Lynn Stroup. (Applause)

Without her I would not be here today. Many people have asked me what I did to 

earn this award and what it is that I do. How I got here is easy. Hard work, a willingness 

to try new things, wise counsel, an extremely supportive chain of command, a loving 

family, and most importantly the endless grace of a loving God. The combination of 

those things have provided me the opportunity to both chair and create organizations 

dedicated to community service. I suppose, however, that my biggest contribution comes 

not from my personal service, but my ability to inspire those around me to get involved in 

what goes on around them. 

However, the bigger question to me is not how I got here, but why. The best 

example I’ve had in my life of someone who has fully dedicated themselves to others is a 

spry little old white haired lady I love, my grandmother, Dorothy Stroup. (Applause)

Her life exemplifies to me how a life spent in service to others can bring you more 

joy than any money will ever bring you, and will provide more happiness in your life 

than any sorrows that life could bring your way. She has long gone unrecognized for her 

selfless dedication to the service of others, and I only hope that one day I can live up to 

the legacy that she has provided for me.

Another more recent reason for why I serve is my first child is on the way, Braden 

Matthew Stroup, my baby boy. He should be here December 2nd, 2009. Because of him I 

realize that my ability to positively affect the world around me is more important than 

ever before. In a country whose headlines are filled with economic insecurity, political 

unrest, and a casual attitude toward traditional American values, there can be no more 

pertinent time than now for myself and organizations like The American Legion to 

restore America to its fundamental values. Thank you. (Applause)

ANNOUNCER: Our next recipient has been awarded the Spirit of Service Award for 

her selfless efforts while stationed in Okinawa, Japan, both in the military and civilian 

communities. She organized more than 560 volunteer hours and 131 volunteers for the 

Japanese Education Center, and managed ten Toys for Tots collection sites, in addition 

to volunteering with Special Olympics and American culture sessions with Japanese 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

16

students. Please welcome Sergeant Nicolai Atkinson-Pettigrew, United States Marine 

Corps. (Applause)

SGT. NICOLAI ATKINSON-PETTIGREW: Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished 

guests, friends, my fellow recipients: It is with great honor that I stand here before you 

all. First and foremost I want to thank God for waking me up, and each and every one of 

you this morning, so I can stand here and receive this tremendous award. I want to thank 

my parents and my three loving children, who unfortunately are not able to be here with 

me today. Because of my children I was able to spend countless hours volunteering to 

serve others. On several occasions my children went with me to these volunteer events. 

You all applaud me as if I’ve done something outstanding, but I’m just a regular 

individual who wanted to make a difference. The true heroes are you veterans that have 

served your country in uniform and decide the moment I take it off it’s not going to stop. 

You are my heroes. (Applause)

Thank you. I stand here today also as a new member of The American Legion 

society. Thank you very much. (Applause and cheers)

I have my head held high not because I am proud, but more so because I am humble 

and I am grateful, grateful for the opportunity to be here as a recipient of this award. 

Before I close I want to say what I am proud for. I am proud to be a United States 

Marine, and foremost I am proud to be an American. Thank you. (Applause)

ANNOUNCER: Petty Officer Stephen Diggs serves as a full-time volunteer youth 

pastor, and leads a group of other volunteers as tutors for over 100 children in his 

community. He has assisted numerous families to find work by helping with resume 

preparation, training them on interviewing skills, and volunteering as a driver, racking 

up over 6,000 miles to assist over 200 people in meeting appointments and running 

errands. In addition to time, he also donates money to assist local families get through 

hard times. For his selfless dedication The American Legion awards the Spirit of Service 

Award to Boatswain’s Mate Second Class Stephen Diggs, United States Coast Guard.

BOATSWAIN’S MATE 2ND CLASS, STEPHEN DIGGS: It’s a great honor to be 

here. To follow those three, they set the bar pretty high. First and foremost I want to 

thank Jesus Christ for giving me the ability and the passion to do what I do. Like they all 

have said, I don’t do it for any recognition, I do it for the love to help other people in 

need. I just want to thank my loving wife for supporting me, and my three kids.

Everything I do, she’s there with me by my side, and I like to think of her as my 

anchor. She keeps me grounded. And I’m the type of person that likes to kind of go by 

the seat of my pants and not really think about it, and she like kind of keeps me grounded. 

I want to thank her for that.

I want to thank you guys, everyone in The American Legion. I want to thank you 

guys so much. You guys have paved the way for all of us to be up here today. You’ve 

made it better for us, and you guys are the real heroes. You guys should deserve this 

award, each and every one of you guys. In my heart, man, you guys—for lack of better 

words to say, you guys are awesome. You guys treated my wife and I like family, and it’s 

amazing to be here to see you guys together like a family. It’s awesome. I just want to 

thank you guys so much for this award, and for being here. And again I just want to thank 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

17

you for all the service you did, and for the wives to put up with you guys as well. Thank 

you guys so much. (Applause)

ANNOUNCER: Staff Sergeant Tony Jacobsmeier has racked up hundreds of 

volunteer hours while stationed at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. He’s a regular 

supporter and organizer of local blood drives, and is a mentor and volunteer counselor 

for various organizations in his community. He organizes and donates to many causes, 

including the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, to support a TBI Center in Fort Bragg, North 

Carolina, the local River of Life Homeless Mission, and numerous others. He 

participates in veterans’ funerals, and routinely helps the families with deployed service 

members in his community. He’s been recognized by Tripler Army Medical Center for his 

support to deployed families, and has been recognized as the Volunteer of the Year for 

the15th Air Wing. And now he is the recipient of the 2009 American Legion Spirit of 

Service Award. Representing the United States Air Force, Staff Sergeant Tony 

Jacobsmeier. (Applause)

STAFF SGT. TONY JACOBSMEIER: Thank you, president and distinguished 

guests. Thank you so much for all this—my command, Lieutenant Colonel Thomas, 

Chief Master Sergeant Larry Bloom.

Thank you for the command that actually put us in this position to get where we are 

today. I thank each and every one of you. I’m humbled and honored to be serving at this 

time in our country where we are fighting the good war on global terrorism, and we will 

win. So thank you so much, and we’ll keep doing what we’ve got to do. God bless 

America. Amen. (Applause)

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Please join me in thanking these five 

outstanding young people, and five Legionnaires. (Applause) 

At this time it is my privilege to introduce to you a very special friend. It has been a 

true pleasure for me to serve side-by-side over the past year with our next guest. Elected 

as the National President of The American Legion Auxiliary at the Phoenix National 

Convention, she has been an active member since she was a young girl in the Juniors 

program. 

She is eligible for The American Legion Auxiliary through the service of her late 

stepfather, Mr. Jack R. Miller, a U. S. Army veteran of the Korean War. Madam 

President is an honorary life member of Irvin Hiskey Unit 535 in her hometown of 

Bellville, Ohio. 

Ladies and gentlemen, would you please welcome to the podium the leader of the 

nation’s largest patriotic women’s organization, and my very good friend, Desireé Stoy.

Greetings: Desireé Stoy, Ohio, National President

American Legion Auxiliary

Good morning and thank you. Mr. Commander, thank you so much for this 

opportunity. And he warned me that the podium was going to be set for the national

commander, and the rest of us would have to live with it. So I had visions that most of 

you would only be seeing from here on up, and it looks like I’m pretty right on that one.

It’s certainly an honor and a privilege to address the mighty American Legion, so I 

thank the commander for this opportunity. This is a big deal for this national president. I 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

18

thought I would take just a just a few moments to talk to you about the Auxiliary’s pride 

and purpose. You see, all across America I saw it. I saw it in unit after unit, in department 

after department, Auxiliary members united in purpose to support America’s heroes. For 

that has been our purpose this year, to honor our promises every day. 

I’m proud to say that we increased our volunteer hours in VA hospitals all across 

America by 76 percent. (Applause)

Thank you. Our members volunteered over 538,000 hours. Yesterday we launched 

The American Legion Auxiliary Call to Service Corps, our official start to reach out to 

military families and veterans facing poverty. You’re right, commander, it’s all about 

pride and purpose. I’m proud to be a 42 year member from the Fighting Fifth District in 

North Central, Ohio. (Applause and cheers)

I’m proud that I served as national president alongside my friend, David K. Rehbein,

national commander of The American Legion, one of America’s heroes. Yes, I consider 

you a hero. A professor once said to me heroes are not born, they are everyday folks, 

good people who rise to the occasion. Your commander rose to the occasion this year as 

he represented you and defended America’s heroes. (Applause)

He’s a tall fella with a good heart, a great family, the best aide ever, and I am 

fortunate to call him friend. Thank you, commander, for a wonderful year. It is my 

sincere wish that you and all you serve and lead have a great convention. Thank you for 

the opportunity to address you, thank you to all of you for the courtesies extended to this 

national president. It was my honor to serve. Thank you. (Applause)

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: And I’m going to ad lib for just a 

moment, because accompanying Desi here this morning is her husband, Tim. And Tim 

has been a joy to be around to travel with, and to be part of this team this year, and I 

thank you very much for having Tim along with us. (Applause)

The American Legion Youth Champions

ANNOUNCER: Please welcome to the stage now our 2008 and 2009 youth 

champions. They represent the thousands of young men and women that you support 

throughout the year through our many programs. Our first youth champion was elected 

by his peers to be the 2009 American Legion Boys Nation President on July 22nd. He is 

an incoming senior at Green River High School in Green River, Wyoming. He plans to 

attend Michigan State to study science and education. Please welcome the 2009 Boys 

Nation President Christopher Andrews.

2009 Boys Nation President

Christopher Andrews, Green River, Wyoming

I was watching the monitors back here, and after the recognition of our Spirit of 

Service Award recipients and with the presence of so many important people and so 

many great people it’s kind of difficult to remember, but I was watching and I saw two of 

my peers that I met at Boys Nation this year, a guy named Cody Donaugh from Montana, 

and Graham Wyatt from Minnesota, and they were privileged to lay a wreath at the Tomb 

of the Unknown when we visited Arlington Cemetery. And seeing that up there today 

made me realize the importance of youth programs and how great a role they play in 

ensuring America’s success and ensuring America’s freedom in the future. These 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

19

programs would have been impossible were it not for The American Legion, so I first and 

foremost have to thank the Legion. I can’t thank you enough. It takes a special kind of 

person to go overseas and to combat enemies foreign and domestic of the United States, 

and once you take the uniform off continue to want to serve and to give to the 

community. And it takes a special kind of person, and I’m forever in your debt. So thank 

you very much to all of you as veterans and as Legionnaires. I truly thank you. 

Of course it’s impossible to go to Boys Nation unless you go to Boys State first, and 

I’m proud to say that I went to the wonderful Wyoming Boys State, which in my humble 

opinion was the best Boys State this year. Let ’er Buck. (Cheers)

I have to thank The American Legion members who helped put on Wyoming Boys 

State, particularly Mr. Nels Lofgren, Mr. Ron Wood, and Ms. Julie Rust for helping with 

communications. Thank you very, very much for running such a wonderful program.

Lastly I have to thank those who continue to serve in the Armed Forces today. And 

as representatives of those people fighting for our freedom, the Spirit of Service Award 

winners, thank you very much and congratulations on your awards. It would be 

impossible to be standing here and celebrating not only my success, not only the Youth 

Champion success, but the success of The American Legion, were it not for the continued 

tradition of those who actively serve in the military. So although they can’t hear me right 

now, we obviously have to thank them. For it’s not what they do that makes them great 

people; it truly is who they are. So thank you to the veterans, thank you to the Boys State 

and Boys Nation Staffs, and thank you to The American Legion. (Applause)

ANNOUNCER: In competition in Colorado Springs just a few weeks ago, Emily 

Quiner of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, captured the 2009 Junior Shooting Sports 

Precision Championship with a score of 2467.5 out of 2509. She is sponsored by Post 

102 in Anoka, Minnesota. Emily could not be with us today.

The 2009 Junior Shooting Sports Sporter Champion is Deckard Day from 

Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is sponsored by Albuquerque Post 49. Deckard shot a 

score of 2308.9 out of 2509. Please welcome your American Legion Junior Shooting 

Sports Sporter Champion, Deckard Day.

2009 Junior Shooting Sports Champion

Deckard Day, New Mexico

It’s truly an honor to be here today. I have been shooting competitive air rifle for 

about one year now for the Marine Corps JROTC program at my school. First of all, I 

would like to thank my teachers and my principal for allowing me to miss the first three 

days of school to be here with you all. (Laughter and applause)

In college I would like to study either electrical engineering or virology, the study of 

viruses. I would like to thank my parents for putting up with me when I really doubt 

anyone else could. (Laughter)

I would like to thank The American Legion, the Sons of The American Legion, and 

my local Post 49 for not only supporting myself, but my teammates and everyone else 

who has participated in activities supported by the Legion. Thank you. (Applause)

ANNOUNCER: The 2009 American Legion Eagle Scout of the Year is Brad Jencks 

from South Jordan, Utah. The award recognizes his practical citizenship at school, 

Scouting, and his passion and commitment to community service. He has been recognized 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

20

with the Utah Top High School Volunteer Prudential Spirit of Community Award, the 

Save Our History National Honors Award from the History Channel, Roots Television 

Documentary Award, four Presidential Volunteer Gold Service Awards, the U. S. 

Presidential Volunteer Lifetime Service Award, and four National Youth Leadership 

Outstanding Service Awards from the Boy Scouts of America. Please welcome the 2009 

American Legion Eagle Scout of the Year, Brad Jencks. 

2009 Eagle Scout of the Year

Brad Jencks, Utah

Thank you very much. In these challenging and changing times The American 

Legion remains one of the most important sponsors of Scouting, whose influence extends 

far beyond those boys privileged to serve, and troops under its direct sponsorship. 

With humility and gratitude I thank each of you who risked life and limb for our 

country. I would like to express my gratitude to all those who risked everything they had 

for a cause greater than themselves. May we never forget your sacrifices while serving in 

the military of the United States of America. I honor all of you for your service to this, 

our great country. My great uncle, William Noel Copenhaver, served in The American 

Legion for 32 years, and encouraged my interests after my grandfather died young. Noel 

and his American Legion Post 132 of Kearns, Utah, taught me to cherish the memories of 

men and women who risked their lives in defense of our nation’s freedom.

At age 12 I visited a badly neglected mining ghost town cemetery inherited by my 

school district. I set a simple goal, to clean up the cemetery and map its burials using 

GPS technology, a 100 hour Eagle Scout project that surpassed 2,790 man hours by the 

time I earned the Eagle Ring. There were graves of ore miners and military veterans from 

38 states who came to labor in the world’s largest open pit copper mine. Others came 

from 30 nations to build their life, and in turn helped build America. Disease, disaster and 

war took many lives. 

Beyond my Eagle Scout project I organized an army of more than 2000 volunteers 

of every race, creed and economic status. During the past five years we restored and 

replaced grave markers, proved 1100 unknown burials in many languages, installed a 

wall of honor and a granite military monument honoring veterans of six different wars.

I authored a 1,500 page historical cemetery book, and a military war hero book. I also 

donated my research to libraries and free web sites. I produced DVDs for the History 

Channel and Roots Television, and started a project called Connecting Families Across 

the Globe. I lead an international research team, helping families locate living relatives 

who share the same ancestry. My motto: It takes a community, not just a boy. 

I thank my family for their love and support; also the Boy Scouts of America and 

several troops, Order of the Arrow, Silver Moccasin, National Boy Scout Jamboree, and 

National Youth Leadership Training Programs. 

I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the United Veterans Council, the U. S. 

Veteran’s Administration, The American Legion and all its commissions, the Sons of The 

American Legion, and the Utah American Legion, especially Post 132 of Kearns, Utah.

This generous scholarship will enable me to become an oral surgeon, to devote a 

major portion of each year to humanitarian service, fixing problems associated with 

abuse, lack of education, and medical and dental care. This is my life’s goal. 

For the privilege of being named The American Legion National Eagle Scout of the 

Year I thank you most sincerely. (Applause)
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

21

ANNOUNCER: The first place winner in the 2009 National Oratorical Contest is 

Andrew Dykstal, from Lafayette, Indiana. Andrew’s oration was titled “A More Perfect 

Union.” He plans to attend Hillsdale College to study law, with the help of the $18,000 

scholarship awarded by The American Legion. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome 

your 2009 Oratorical Champion, Andrew Dykstal. 

2009 1st Place Winner, National Oratorical Contest

Andrew Dykstal, Indiana

I’ve had the honor of attending many American Legion functions over the last few 

years. And in many of them, including this one, the day begins with the recitation of The 

American Legion preamble. And I’m struck every time I hear it by the first part of this 

interesting little piece of literature. “For God and country we associate ourselves together 

for the following purposes. To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of 

America.” And I’m struck in particular by how closely this resembles the oath of office 

that is taken by our senators, our representatives, and even our president.

They swear also to uphold and protect the Constitution, usually, traditionally 

followed by, “So help me God.” It is an oath that unfortunately many our elected 

representatives seem to have a bit of difficulty keeping. But we must bear in mind that 

because we live in a democracy or a republic, our government simply mirrors the people 

that ultimately comprise it. And it is because so many Americans struggle to hold our 

government to this document that the pledge of The American Legion becomes so very, 

very important. And I believe the oratorical contest is an excellent tool that The 

American Legion has used brilliantly in the past, and will continue to use in the future to 

uphold and protect the Constitution of the United States.

I had the honor of competing alongside and against dozens and dozens of young 

women and men from every state and a few other countries. And we all have two things 

in common. 

Firstly, we knew a lot more about the Constitution leaving the program than we did 

entering it. This is the best program I’ve ever encountered for teaching about American 

government and the history of this government. 

And, secondly, we all owe a lot to many people back in our home states. I owe a lot 

to Post 38 of West Lafayette, particularly Mr. Steinhart and Mr. Brooks and Mr. 

Springer. And also to Mr. Fred Langley, who has been the Oratorical Chairman of 

Indiana for the last 14 or 15 years. And of course to Mr. Buss and the other personnel at 

the national level. I thank you all for your sacrifice and your continued service in support 

of the American values that The American Legion pursues and upholds so well. Thank 

you. (Applause)

ANNOUNCER: Patrick Singletary is the 2008 George W. Rulon American Legion 

Baseball Player of the year. He was also selected as the North Carolina player of the 

year. He played for the Henderson, North Carolina, American Legion Post 77 team. He 

was honored last month at the Baseball Hall of Fame ceremonies in Cooperstown, New 

York. Please welcome the 2008 American Legion Baseball Player of the Year, Patrick 

Singletary. 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

22

2008 American Legion Baseball Player of the Year

Patrick Singletary, North Carolina

Thank you so much for inviting me to be here this weekend. It’s a great honor to be 

in attendance with you today. I would also like to wish congratulations to our other youth 

champions, and also our Spirit of Service Award winners. A more appropriate thank you 

would be to thank you all for your military service to this great nation. It is because of 

you that I am able to be here and be honored today. It is because of you that I’m able to 

play the great sport of baseball. We often take these things for granted and overlook the 

service that you have given our nation.

I would like to share a story with you today. In my high school history class I had an 

assignment to interview a World War II veteran. This was one of the most rewarding 

experiences and assignments I have ever had to do for school. My great Uncle Don 

served in the Air Force and fought in World War II. He was part of the 726th Squadron 

of the 451st Bomb Group in Italy, and he was a tail gunner on a B-29. One of the 

questions I had to ask was, “What was your most memorable moment while you were 

overseas fighting?” Don told me they had completed their mission in Munich, Germany, 

by releasing their last Blockbuster—which I had learned was a bomb. He was flying from 

France back to Italy and their plane was having engine trouble and losing altitude. It was 

obvious they were not going to make it over the Alps. Don and the crew had two options. 

They could make an emergency landing in Switzerland, or they could drop their guns and 

their supplies to lighten the load and attempt to make it over the Alps. They chose the 

latter, and they made their plane lighter. They were successful and made it over the 

mountains and back to Italy safely. I cannot imagine myself in a situation like this, 

making a split second decision that may determine life or death.

There are many of you here today that have similar stories to this one, and I must tell 

you that I sincerely thank you and have the utmost respect for you and your service to our 

country. There are many things that we as Americans would not be able to do without 

this service. So thank you for fighting for our great American freedoms. Thank you for 

your service to The American Legion. Thank you for The American Legion baseball 

program. Words really can’t describe this tribute, and thank you is really not enough. So I 

want to earnestly thank you for this wonderful award.

I want to thank George Rulon for his 25 years of service as the Legion’s baseball 

coordinator. I want to thank Jim Quinlan for his service to American Legion baseball and 

for accompanying me in Cooperstown. Thank you to Vice Commander Jim LaCoursiere 

for being with me in Cooperstown as well. Thank you to Mike Buss for being with the 

youth champions here in Louisville. 

I would like to thank the North Carolina Legion and Post 77 for everything they do, 

and for naming me the North Carolina Player of the Year. Thank you to coaches Matt 

Mabe and Ray Gill for nominating me for this wonderful scholarship. I want to say thank 

you to my wonderful parents for supporting me 100 percent. (Applause)

I also would like to express my gratitude to the Legion for the opportunity you have 

given me by naming me the Player of the Year. Thank you for this wonderful experience 

at the convention in Louisville. I greatly appreciate the financial help you have given me. 

The scholarship money has helped me pay for some of my education at the University of 

Georgia. (Cheers) Go Dogs. Thank you for the chance to go to Cooperstown, New York, 

to visit the Baseball Hall of Fame. It truly was the opportunity of a lifetime, and a dream 

come true. I will have some great stories to tell my children someday. I’m so blessed to 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

23

get to do something like that, and for that I must thank you for the amazing trip you have 

provided me with. Thank you very much for everything. I have enjoyed my time here. 

This has been a truly humbling experience. Thank you. (Applause)

ANNOUNCER: Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008/2009 American Legion Youth 

Champions. (Applause)

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: In each generation a few individuals step 

forward and rise to the top and provide the leadership we need. It is my privilege this 

morning to ask you to recognize one of those individuals. “The war is lost,” said one U.S. 

Senator. The surge will never work, some skeptics declared.

Yet, General David Petraeus, the chief advocate of the military troop surge and the 

Commander of the Multi-National Forces Iraq, refused to share in this pessimism. He 

never lost faith in America’s fighting men and women. He would be the first to tell you 

that the credit for the success in Iraq belongs to those who served and those who are still 

serving there.

A graduate of the United States Military Academy, our next speaker, our awardee, 

earned his MPA and Ph.D degrees at Princeton. His awards and decorations include the 

Defense Distinguished Service Medal, two awards of the Defense Superior Service 

Medal, four awards of the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star for valor, the State 

Department Distinguished Service Award, the NATO Meritorious Service Medal, the 

French Legion of Honor, and the Gold Award of the Iraqi Order of the Date Palm. He is a 

Master Parachutist and is Air Assault and Ranger qualified. He assumed the post of 

Commander, United States Central Command, on October 31st, 2008.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is my great honor and my privilege to present The 

American Legion’s Distinguished Service Medal to General David H. Petraeus, United 

States Army. (Applause)

Presentation: The American Legion Distinguished Service Medal

General David H. Petraeus, United States Army

Well, good morning to you all. Thank you, Commander Rehbein, thank you Dave 

for that very kind introduction. And, much more importantly, thank you for your lifetime 

of service to our country in uniform and out. You have provided superb leadership for 

this tremendous organization, and I know that everyone here this morning is very grateful 

to you for it. Thank you very much. (Applause)

And although he had to leave and get back to keeping the plates spinning, as we say, 

I also want to publicly thank the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Admiral Mullen, who 

spoke here earlier, for his courageous leadership and character. We have a tough period 

ahead, and our country is very fortunate to have him as our nation’s senior military 

leader. I must say, though, that your introduction, the very warm welcome and this 

recognition, could tempt a man to feel a bit important. But were that temptation to strike I 

would recall a story that one of Admiral Mullen’s predecessors, the great General Jack 

Vessey, used to tell. Remembering it has always helped me keep my ego in check 

regardless of the circumstances.

The time was 1982, and General Vessey had only recently become the Chairman of 

the Joint Chiefs of Staff, culminating some four decades in uniform that began with 

service as a young First Sergeant in Italy in World War II, and including earning the 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

24

Distinguished Service Cross for Heroism in Vietnam when his battalion’s fire base was 

nearly overrun. So here he was, serving as the senior officer of the greatest military in the 

world, and he and his wife had been invited to attend the much anticipated performance 

at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, where they sat in the Presidential Box and 

were treated royally by one and all.

By the end of the evening General Vessey was understandably I think feeling pretty 

good about his station in life, perhaps even a tiny bit important as he and his wife left the 

Center and stood waiting for their car. Before the car arrived, however, General Vessey 

saw retired General J. Lawton Collins, a legendary former Army Chief of Staff who had 

earned the nickname ‘Lightning Joe’ as a highly decorated, hard charging, no-nonsense 

corps commander in World War II. On seeing General Collins walk by General Vessey 

touched him on the shoulder, held out his hand and said, “Good evening, General Collins. 

I’m General Jack Vessey, the new Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. It’s good to see 

you, sir.” General Collins stopped, turned, took General Vessey’s hand, shook it briskly, 

looked Vessey up and down, and said to him, “Vessey, get me a cab.” (Laughter)

When I heard General Vessey tell that story some years back, someone in the 

audience of course immediately asked, “What did you do, sir?” “Well,” Vessey 

responded, “I got him a cab.” And I want to assure all of you here this morning that if 

anyone needs a cab later I’ll be out front doing my duty. (Laughter)

Well, it is great to be with you all today. This is a very significant gathering, and it is 

an honor to be here. And needless to say, it was a privilege to sign the Community 

Covenant together with such a distinguished group of leaders and public servants earlier 

this morning. Indeed, the fact that so many distinguished leaders are participating in this 

convention is a tribute to the remarkable people and tremendous work of The American 

Legion. You have certainly displayed, as Admiral Mullen stated, resolve and urgency in 

caring for our veterans. And as I expressed during the Community Covenant signing, our 

troopers and our veterans value more than anything else the appreciation and support of 

their fellow citizens. So thank you again for all that you have done and will do for our 

men and women in uniform, for our veterans, and for their families as well.

In light of the enormous respect we all have for The American Legion, it’s a 

particular honor and more than humbling to receive the Legion’s Distinguished Service 

Medal. I hasten to add, however, that it is an award that I can accept only insomuch as I 

do so on behalf of the 235,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen 

deployed in the Central Command area of responsibility. Day after day on the ground, in 

the air and at sea these courageous, committed troopers perform difficult missions against 

tough enemies under the most challenging conditions for our country, and as those in this 

room know very well, for each other. This morning, in fact, I thought I might take a few 

minutes to quickly give you a brief update on some of the missions our troopers are 

performing in a few of the 20 countries of the Central Command region, in the skies 

above them, and in the seas around them.

In Iraq our troopers are working to help our Iraqi partners solidify and build on the 

hard earned progress of the last two years in the surge. During that time, as you know, 

Iraqi and coalition forces dealt the extremists in Iraq significant blows, reducing their 

capability substantially. Those sensational attacks, like the tragic bombings in Bagdad 

last week, remain a serious concern. Overall levels of violence are dramatically reduced 

from the height of the sectarian violence in the summer of 2007. As some here will recall, 

in fact in June 2007 there were 160 attacks per day. In the past eight months or so that 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

25

number has generally been below 20. Still a concern to be sure, but obviously a 

significant improvement.

There have been a number of other encouraging developments as well, including the 

conduct earlier this year of provincial elections deemed free and fair by the United 

Nations, and the subsequent seating of new provincial councils and governors. 

Significant improvement in the production of electricity, continued revival of markets 

and commercial enterprises, opening of major new hospitals and so on. And in the bulk 

of the country Iraqi security forces have proven capable in the performance of the 

security tasks they have taken over from our troopers. Though again, the sensational 

attacks seen recently in Bagdad and some other areas are cause for concern.

All in all, though, it does appear that we will be able to continue execution of the 

U.S.-Iraq Security Agreement, and the plan to reduce our forces from the current 130,000 

to 50,000 over the next year in accordance with our plan. Again, to be sure, innumerable 

challenges remain. Resilient Sunni and Shia extremists, malign external influences, the 

upcoming conduct of national elections, lingering ethno-sectarian mistrust, budget 

pressures, improving but still inadequate levels of basic services, the release of thousands 

of detainees, the ongoing return of hundreds of thousands of Iraqis displaced by sectarian 

violence, and unresolved internal boundary disputes. Iraq has a tough row ahead. But 

again, the progress over the past two years has been significant. And needless to say, our 

troopers will continue to work hard to support our Iraqi partners as they confront their 

country’s many challenges.

In Afghanistan we are engaged in a very tough fight. The security trend there in 

recent years has been a downward spiral in many areas of the country, with levels of 

violence at record highs in recent weeks in particular. The Taliban and other elements of 

the so-called extremist syndicate have without question expanded their strength and 

influence. But our fundamental object in Afghanistan remains very clear. It is to ensure 

that transnational extremists like al-Qaeda are not able to reestablish the sanctuaries they 

enjoyed in Afghanistan prior to the 9/11 attacks. Given this mission, our troopers and our 

NATO and Afghan partners are engaged in a war that is, as President Obama observed 

last week, fundamental to the defense of our people.

Accomplishing our mission in Afghanistan, though, requires more than just killing 

or capturing terrorists and extremists. It requires a robust comprehensive 

counter-insurgency campaign, and that is exactly what our troopers, along with their 

Afghan, NATO, and other international partners, are intent on executing.

They are working to improve security by securing and serving Afghan communities, 

and by holding areas that have been cleared. They are endeavoring to help develop the 

Afghan security forces, to support reintegration of reconcilable elements of the 

insurgency, and to reduce the illegal narcotics industry that undermines efforts to 

establish the rule of law and finances the insurgency. And they are working with our 

civilian partners in helping foster the growth of Afghan governance so that it can achieve 

legitimacy in the eyes of its own people.

Our troopers’ hard work has, despite the increase in violence, paid dividends in a

number of areas. In the important area of education, for example, as Chairman Mullen 

noted earlier, there has been significant progress. Since the fall of the Taliban in 2001 

enrollment in Afghan schools has grown by nearly 600 percent. The number of trained 

teachers has increased seven-fold, and 4,000 schools have been constructed. There have 

been significant achievements in other areas as well; in road construction, expansion of 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

26

medical services and the spread of telecommunications. And last Thursday of course, 

despite widespread Taliban threats and numerous attacks, millions of Afghan citizens 

stepped forward to vote for their next president and for provincial councils.

Despite the important achievements in various areas, given the deterioration in the 

security situation, an enormous amount of hard work and tough fighting lies ahead in 

Afghanistan, and reversing the downward trend in security in particular will require 

sustained substantial commitment from all involved. Of course the situation in 

Afghanistan is closely related to that in Pakistan. 

And a number of developments in Pakistan over the past four and a half months 

have been heartening. The Pakistani government, clerics, and people increasingly have 

united in support of military operations against the extremists operating inside Pakistan’s 

borders. Indeed, Pakistan’s leaders and people have come to see the Pakistani Taliban as 

a threat to their country’s very existence, and this is significant. Robust Pakistani military 

operations in Swat Valley and in other districts of the Northwest Frontier Province have 

cleared militants from those areas. And operations in the federally administered tribal 

areas in recent months have resulted in the death of militant leader Baitullah Mehsud and 

a number of other important extremist group leaders. These encouraging developments 

notwithstanding, however, the enemy in Pakistan is far from defeated, and many 

extremist elements have yet to be engaged, particularly those that typically operate 

outside Pakistan’s borders. But even here one can sense the beginning of a realization 

among Pakistan’s leaders and people that extremists operating from their soil and 

neighboring countries challenge the so-called writ of Pakistani governance, and 

inevitably will turn on their own country’s security forces and citizens. And it goes 

without saying that we will continue to support the Pakistani military and government as 

they grapple with the security challenges of such enormous importance to them and to 

our country and the rest of the world.

Well, I wish I could say that by discussing these missions I have discussed all of the 

missions in the CENTCOM region. In truth I have just given you an overview of our 

most significant operations. Beyond these our troopers are always heavily engaged in 

many other important undertakings that don’t always turn up on the front page of the 

paper. They are also, for example, helping host nations confront extremist networks and 

deterring aggression elsewhere in the region. They are protecting maritime trade routes 

and countering piracy on the high seas. And they are preventing proliferation and 

interdicting arms smuggling. Even as they carry out these and other operations, they are 

also helping to build partnerships in the region and working to increase the capabilities of 

host nation security forces to address the challenges they face. This is in short a very busy 

time in the Central Command area of responsibility, and I can assure you that you can be 

very proud of the soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, and civilians who 

are deployed in that region of the world. (Applause)

As I know you all recognize very clearly, these missions in Iraq, in Afghanistan, and 

elsewhere across the CENTCOM region demand a tremendous amount of our troopers. 

Indeed we have asked a great deal of our military men and women and their families in 

recent years. Many of them have endured lengthy separations during repeated tours in 

combat. And again I know that the members of this great organization, one that does so 

much to support our courageous troopers and their families, know this very well. And, as 

you also know, our men and women in uniform have performed magnificently in all of 

these missions. It is in fact truly awe inspiring to witness their initiative, courage, skill 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

27

and determination as they operate in crushing summer heat and harsh winter cold, in 

mountains and in deserts, dealing admirably with the challenges and frustrations of 

working in cultures vastly different than our own. They have also demonstrated 

characteristic American versatility, proving when required to be statesmen as well as 

soldiers, diplomats as well as warriors, as they conduct full spectrum complex 

counterinsurgency operations.

Beyond that of course they have demonstrated extraordinary courage in harm’s way 

for our country, for innocent civilians, and above all of course for their comrades on their 

left and right. 

Indeed, they more than deserve the description Tom Brokaw gave them after seeing 

them in action in Iraq, when he termed them ‘America’s New Greatest Generation.’ They 

are, in short, young men and women who represent the very best of what our nation has 

to offer, and it has, needless to say, been the greatest of privileges for me to serve with 

these great young Americans in various positions in the Central Command Region for 

nearly five of the last six and a half years.

I know that some of you here this morning are veterans and members of the original 

Greatest Generation, while others represent every generation since then that has served 

and defended our nation, and so this morning I would like to conclude by thanking you. 

For the troopers of the New Greatest Generation are the proud inheritors of an American 

heritage of commitment and valor that you sustained and passed on to them. As has 

always been the case, today’s men and women in uniform stand on the shoulders of those

who came before them. And because of your accomplishments and your record of service 

and sacrifice, they stand very tall indeed.

And so this morning on behalf of those who serve our country today, especially 

those in the CENTCOM region whom you honored with the medal that I accept on their 

behalf, I want to thank you for all that you have done in serving our country and 

preserving the freedoms we cherish, and celebrating the values that have made our 

country great, and above all in supporting our veterans and those who wear the uniform 

today and their families. Thank you very much. (Standing applause)

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Ladies and gentlemen, please continue to 

stand and congratulate with me the 2009 recipient of The American Legion’s 

Distinguished Service Medal, General David Petraeus. General, Thank you. (Applause)

Presentation: Operation Comfort Warriors

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Ladies and gentlemen, more than 35,000 

of our men and women in U. S. military uniform have been injured since the global war 

on terrorism began. Two years ago Past National Commander Morin asked you for help, 

financial help, to buy comfort items for the troops recovering at Landstuhl Regional 

Medical Center in Germany. The American Legion family responded, and responded big

time. More than $335,000 was raised.

We are now doing that again. This time it has been extended to assist troops in 

military hospitals and warrior transition units across the United States and overseas. It’s 

called Operation Comfort Warriors. The purpose is to purchase DVDs, CDs, iPods, 

phone cards, sweat suits, anything that the troops could use that would not normally be 

funded through government channels. All administrative costs are covered through The 

American Legion national budget, so not a penny of donated money goes to marketing. 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

28

Every penny goes to the troops. In early December I set a goal to raise $50,000 by the 

end of the holiday season. By January 1st more than $100,000 had been raised. Even in a 

tough economy The American Legion family responded. (Applause)

But more is required. The need is still there. You have an opportunity today to make 

your contribution. Please visit our Operation Comfort Warriors booth located in the lobby 

outside this hall. If you donate $10 or more you will receive an Operation Comfort 

Warriors pin. We will also be accepting contributions from the departments immediately 

following the National Security Report on Thursday morning. And now, ladies and 

gentlemen, please turn your attention to the video screens as part of our next presentation.

...The Convention delegates viewed a movie clip from the film “Taking Chance.”

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Ladies and gentlemen, if you have seen 

the film Taking Chance, you will know why we are honoring our next guest with our 

prestigious Patriot Award. Retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel Michael Strobl, portrayed 

so well by actor Kevin Bacon, not only escorted Private First Class Chance Phelps on his 

final journey home, but also eloquently told his story to the world. The essay that he

wrote was widely circulated on the Internet and became the screenplay for the film.

The Sundance Film Festival says this on its website, “Taking Chance is about 

respect, about death and sadness, about honor and the military fraternity, and about the 

American community during a time of tragedy. It is an extraordinary film from any 

perspective.” Apparently there are many others who agree, because Taking Chance has 

been nominated for ten Emmy Awards.

Ladies and gentlemen, please give a warm welcome to the 2009 American Legion 

Patriot Award winner, Lieutenant Colonel USMC Retired, Michael Strobl. (Applause)

ANNOUNCER: The award reads, “For your unswerving devotion to a fallen 

comrade. While accompanying Private First Class Chance Phelps home to his final 

resting place in Dubois, Wyoming, your professional and solemn interaction with your 

fellow Americans and PFC Phelps’ family exemplified the hallmark of an outstanding 

and compassionate U. S. military officer. As immortalized in the film “Taking Chance,” 

the remains of our fallen heroes are treated with the utmost respect from the moment they 

leave this life to their repatriation at Dover Air Force Base, until the final honors are 

completed at their funerals. Moreover, your eloquent essay, which was converted into the 

screenplay for the film, promoted the honorable nature of military service before a large 

audience. On behalf of the 2.5 million wartime veterans of The American Legion, thank 

you for your service to this nation and your outstanding performance of escort duty while 

bringing home a fallen warrior. Presented this 25th day of August, 2009, at the 91st 

National Convention.” (Applause)

Special Presentation: The Patriot Award

Lieutenant Colonel Michael Strobl, USMC (Ret.)

Thank you very much. I can’t tell you what an honor it is to accept this award from 

The American Legion. If I could, I would like to take just a couple of minutes and tell 

you a little bit of the rest of the story. Whether or not you have seen the movie—this I’m 

about to tell you isn’t in the movie, but you may find it interesting. Chance Phelps was 18 

years old, had just graduated from high school in western Colorado, and he joined the 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

29

Marine Corps because he felt it was time for him to do his part. And nine months later he 

was deployed in the Anbar province of Iraq with the First Marine Division. April 4th, 

2004, was supposed to be a day off for Chance, a day for him to rest and relax. But his 

platoon had a patrol to conduct, and he refused to let them go out while he remained in 

the rear. So he took his usual spot in the turret of a Humvee, manning a 240 Golf machine 

gun, and they took off.

He was in the rear vehicle. The lead vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive 

device, which not only disabled the vehicle and injured the driver, but it also triggered an 

intense ambush from the flank of the convoy. Chance, in the rear vehicle, he could see 

what was happening, and I think against all basic instincts, he and his vehicle, they drove 

right into the teeth of the ambush and positioned themselves between the enemy and the 

pinned down Marines. And from that position he returned accurate and withering fire on 

the enemy until eventually he drew all of their fire towards him, and was ultimately 

fatally wounded.

It’s also interesting I think that in the back of that Humvee there was another Private 

First Class, and as soon as Chance slumped over, killed instantly, they pulled him out of 

the turret and the other Marine jumped right up and got the gun back in action. And kind 

of to echo General Petraeus’ words, I am astonished at what these young men and women 

are doing for us, and I wonder sometimes, are they afraid of anything. And I think I have 

figured out in the last couple of years since Taking Chance has become widely circulated, 

that there is one thing our current service members might be afraid of, and that is of 

letting down the legacy of veterans like you that have done so much for this country and 

have handed them not only their freedom, but have handed them a legacy that they just 

refuse to let down. So in many ways I think you who have served before are continuing to 

serve through the legacy and the example that you provide for our current service 

members. So I thank you very much for this award, but more than that I thank you for 

what you have done and what you continue to do. Thank you. (Applause)

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Our next speaker is a champion for 

America’s veterans, for their troops and their families. He represents North Texas, 

Central Texas, and the Brazos Valley in Congress. 

Since becoming Chairman of the Military Construction and Veterans Appropriations 

Subcommittee in 2007, he has authored an historic 17.7 billion dollar increase in funding 

for veterans health care and benefits, the largest increase in the history of the VA. He also 

played a key role in enacting the new Post-9/11 GI Bill. 

He is the 2008 recipient of The American Legion Distinguished Public Service 

Award, please welcome Representative Chet Edwards. (Applause)

Address: The Honorable Chet Edwards

United States House of Representatives

Commander, thank you for your very generous kind remarks, and most importantly 

for your leadership for our country in uniform and now as the national commander of The 

American Legion. 

I am so honored to be with each of you today, knowing who you are and what you 

have done for our country. I come here to say thank you for that as a father of two young 

sons. And to Colonel Strobl, thank you for reminding all of us in this country what giving 

ones last full measure of devotion to country is truly all about, and that the sacrifice to the 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

30

country does not end with one’s life, reminding us of the loved ones who continue to 

sacrifice everyday for the rest of their lives because of others, their loved ones service to 

our nation. 

It’s such a privilege for me to be in the same room with so many who have given so 

much on behalf of our great country in time of war and peace, in uniform and out. 

I want to begin by thanking you for giving me your Distinguished Public Service 

Award last year. Knowing what you have done for our country, continue to do for our 

country, it will be one of the greatest honors of my life. And I would like to say now what 

I said then, that I know who the real heroes are, and I’m looking at them. Thank you for 

that. (Applause)

As a son of a World War II naval aviator who was born one year before The 

American Legion’s first National Convention, I know that Legionnaires have been 

fighting for our country and standing up for those who have fought for all of us, long 

before I was born. That’s why it’s such a personal privilege for me to work with you 

closely for the last two and a half years that I he been able to chair the House 

Appropriations Committee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. 

While we are always looking toward the future, I think it is important to take a few 

moments from time to time to reflect on what you and the Congress together have 

accomplished. It is a reminder that your work as leaders of The American Legion and the 

American Legion Auxiliary truly is making a difference for veterans all across this great 

land of ours. Let me mention 10 accomplishments that we’ve accomplished together in 

the last two and a half years. 

First, we’ve increased VA discretionary spending by 60 percent. With 90 percent of 

that going to health care, that is a $23 billion increase in the VA discretionary baseline 

budget. And it does represent the largest increase in the nearly 80 year history of the 

Veterans Administration. And in my book, you, our veterans, have earned every dime of 

that funding. (Applause)

Second, together, we have passed a new GI Education Bill, $64 billion over 10 

years. That new law matches, and in some ways exceeded the original GI Bill which I 

consider one of the most important pieces of legislation the U.S. Congress or any 

Congress has ever passed. Now our troops and vets, because of your leadership, our 

troops and vets who have fought to protect the American dreams for our nation’s families 

will have a better chance to bring that dream to reality for their families. 

Third, together we have funded over 3,384 new physicians, and 14,426 new nurses 

in the VA. That means better care, more medical services, and shorter waiting times for 

doctors’ appointments. 

Fourth, together, we have funded the opening of 145 new VA community clinics, 

and 92 new vet centers. 

Fifth, we have funded the hiring of 8,300 new VA claims processors to try to start 

reducing the unconscionable backlog in veterans’ claims. As I see it, I would be willing 

to bet you didn’t wait six months when Uncle Sam sent you into harm’s way, and no 

veterans should have to wait six months to receive his or her earned benefits. (Applause)

Six, together with The American Legion, we have increased the mileage 

reimbursement rates for veterans having to drive many miles, sometimes hundreds of 

miles each way to get the VA care they’ve earned and deserved. We have increased it for 

the first time since 1979, from 11 cents a mile to 41 and a half cents a mile. Some of us 

maybe old enough in this room to remember 1979. Remember what gas prices were then 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

31

back then? 95 cents a gallon. You know that extra 30 cents per mile reimbursement for 

our vets needing medical care, may not mean a whole lot to some people, but I know you 

and I know veterans for whom that is the difference between their even being able to 

afford to drive to get the care they’ve earned and deserve, or not being able to do so. 

Seventh, together we have been able to dramatically increase funding for VA mental 

health care services. We have nearly doubled that in just two years. And in our fiscal year 

2010 budget, which just passed the House last month, we will provide $4.6 billion for 

mental services for VA care. And thank God, that as a country we’ve finally matured to 

the point of understanding that sometimes the mental wounds of war can be just as 

debilitating, just as painful, and sometimes more long lasting than the physical wounds of 

combat. 

Number eight. With your leadership we have doubled the funding for the Homeless 

Per Diem Program in the VA. And I will tell you, as one person, I will not sleep well 

until there is not one homeless veteran on one street in one community here in the land of 

the free and the home of the brave. (Applause)

With the leadership as a partner, since 2003 we had faced a limit, a cap on increased 

income eligibility for nonservice connected veterans to receive VA care. With your 

leadership, last year we passed and this year the VA is implementing, the first time again 

in six years, a 10 percent increase in that income threshold. That will mean for thousands 

of middle class veterans who are struggling to find affordable health care today that for 

the first time in their lives the doors of our VA hospitals and clinics will be open to them. 

And tenth, we have heard your call for timely passage of VA appropriation bills. 

That is why last year we passed the fiscal year 2009 VA appropriations bill on time 

before the new fiscal year began, and it was the first time that had been done since 1996. 

Even better, my fiscal year 2010 VA appropriations bill which passed the House a few 

weeks ago, has for the first time ever, thanks largely to your tremendous focus in making 

this a high priority, we’ve included for the first time ever in a VA appropriations bill, 

advanced appropriations so our veterans can get their funding and their care efficiently 

and effectively. In that VA bill, discretionary funding is increased by over 10 percent. All

VA funding for fiscal year 2010 represents a 15 percent increase. And the fact is that the 

president asked for the largest increase in VA discretionary funding that any president 

has requested in the last 30 years. 

And by the way, next year’s funding, the advanced funding will be an 8.3 percent 

increase over the historic level of fiscal year 2010, and I wanted to say to you just a word 

about your next speaker. Many of you have known him well. I have known him for 

nearly 20 years. General Eric Shinseki. I knew him when he headed up, commanded the 

1st Cav Division at Fort Hood. I knew him as Chief of Staff of the Army. In the Army he 

was a soldier’s soldier, and I believe as Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, 

Secretary Shinseki will be a veteran’s veteran. I won’t tell you all the details of his 

behind the scenes work already on behalf of veterans, but I’ll tell you these budgets 

wouldn’t be for 2010 and 2011 what they are, had it not been for Secretary Shinseki. 

With The American Legion as our partner, Congress has not only passed historic 

increases in VA funding in the past two and a half years, we’ve now done it on time, and 

now with advanced appropriations, and with the New GI Education Bill. Even as 

Congress faces tough budget decisions in the years ahead, given our huge national 

deficits, I believe our having increased together the VA discretionary budget baseline by 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

32

over 60 percent in less than three years, has set the bar higher for veterans funding for 

health care and benefits for decades to come. 

These vital accomplishments would not have been possible had it not been for the 

leadership of The American Legion, and I come here today to thank you for that. Your 

work in Congress in ensuring that veterans will no longer be honored on Veterans Day 

with speeches and dishonored in Congress every other day with inadequate budgets. You 

have made a difference, and I thank you for that. (Applause)

For those of you from California, if I can do a little lobbying here, I hope you’ll say 

thank you tomorrow to Chairman Bob Filner, Chairman of the House VA Committee. 

He’s been a strong voice for veterans, particularly the leader in the House on the 

advanced appropriations measures. If you’re from South Carolina, please thank budget 

chairman John Spratt. And if you’re from Wisconsin, please thank my friend, he can be a 

little crusty at times, but I tell you what, Appropriations Chairman, Dave Obey from 

Wisconsin, has been there these last two and a half years playing a key role in these 

historic funding increases, and we would not have the advanced VA appropriations 

funding in my bill for 2010 and 11, had it not been for Congressman Dave Obey. So we 

got the Wisconsin delegation back there. 

And let me say, this might surprise some of you, it’s a long way from San Francisco 

to my district in rural central Texas, but I have to say to you when it has come to fighting 

for veterans health care and benefits, and it has come to leading the effort in the House 

for a new GI education bill and advanced appropriations for the VA, Speaker Pelosi has 

done more on these veterans issues than any Speaker, democrat or republican I have 

observed in my eighteen and a half years in the U.S. Congress despite all The American 

Legion and the Congress have done together for veterans since 2007. 

And I want to thank Steve Robertson, your legislative director, for the tremendous 

work he has put in and the difference he’s made. But despite all of our progress, you and 

I know there is still so much work left to be done. I need your help to pass our fiscal year 

2010 and 11 budget, including advanced appropriations on time before October 1. So, 

talk to your U.S. Senators. And whether it’s meeting the needs of those facing PTSD, or a 

waiting list for VA benefits, or providing jobs for veterans or many our other issues, our 

work is not yet done. You know that better than I. We need your continued vital role in 

ensuring that the VA is using its historic funding increases wisely, efficiently, and 

effectively. 

I want to finish with a story. It’s a true story. John David Fry was a young man of 

eighteen, living in Lorena, Texas, just next to my hometown of Waco, when, as a senior 

in high school he decided that he wanted to serve his country, and signed up to serve in 

the United States Marines. In 2005, Gunnery Sergeant Fry was sent to Iraq where he 

volunteered to be an Ordinance Disposal Technician, basically defusing IEDs. This great 

Marine and American through a 12 month period defused dozens and dozens of bombs, 

probably saving hundreds of lives. Only God knows how many lives that this great 

soldier, this great Marine saved. 

On one occasion he went into the home of an Iraqi family where a young retarded 

Iraqi boy had been chained to the wall of his living room with a bomb strapped around 

his chest. And this father who had his own wife and own three children back home in the 

United States, risked his life that day to save the life of that young Iraqi boy, and to save 

that family grief for the rest of their lifetimes. 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

33

On another occasion he was wounded and was sent to Germany and told he would 

receive a Bronze Star and a trip back home. Not out of disrespect, but out of loyalty to his 

country and his duty, he said, “No, I want to go back to Iraq. That is my duty to try to 

save the lives of my fellow Marines.” So, he didn’t come home. He went back to Iraq. 

Seven days, seven days before John David Fry was to come home to his loving 

family then at Camp Lejeune, he had his bags packed, he had finished anything the 

Marines would have asked him to do on that tour of duty, and yet a call came in from 

al-Anbar Province there had been found three IEDs in a major road there. And John 

David Fry, this father of three young children, volunteered to go out on that mission. He 

didn’t have to do it, but he wanted to do it for his comrades and for his country. 

He defused the first bomb safely, and then the second bomb. But what he didn’t 

know is the third bomb, the last of so many he would have ever been asked to defuse in 

his service there, he didn’t know that under the third bomb was a fourth bomb planted 

there by the terrorist. And on that day in 2006 in March, this great American who had 

saved so many lives, of Iraqis and Americans, gave his life to his country. 

Just a few weeks ago I had the privilege to call his widow, Malia Fry, whom I had 

met several times, to let her know that a bill that I had offered had been signed into law, 

the John David Fry Scholarship Program to try to honor her family and so many others 

like them, by ensuring that every child who’s lost a mother or father in military service 

since September 11, 2001, would receive a full GI scholarship. (Applause)

In talking to Malia Fry that day was the most humbling and moving moment of my 

18 years in Congress. It was humbling because I knew even as we spoke, no matter what 

I ever tried to do in Congress, I could never begin to fully repay the debt of gratitude I 

owed her and her three little children, Gideon, Kathryn, and C.L. for the sacrifice they 

had made in order to protect the better future for my two little boys and for our family. 

I feel that same sense of gratitude and humility today as I come and meet with you, 

leaders of our country, leaders of the largest veterans organization in the United States. I 

come here to say thank you and God bless you for what you and your families have done 

to make a better life for the American family and the greatest country in the world. 

Thank you so very much. (Applause)

NATIONAL VICE COMMANDER DAVIS: Representative Edwards, we wish to 

thank you for your dedication to the veterans of this nation. Congratulations on the fine 

work you are doing. Ladies and gentlemen, let’s give the Representative another round of 

applause. (Applause)

Announcements

NATIONAL VICE COMMANDER DAVIS: Before introducing our next speaker, I 

have an important announcement for the National Security Convention Committee. All 

members of the National Security Convention Committee who met on Sunday morning, 

are to reconvene at the Convention Theater on Level 1 at 11:50 a.m. The committee has a 

very important matter of unfinished business that must be conducted. Again, all members 

of the National Security Convention Committee from Sunday morning are to reconvene 

at the Convention Theater on Level 1 at 11:50 a.m. 

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: My next introduction gives me a great 

deal of pleasure. This is a man that I came to know early this year as we met in his office 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

34

to discuss issues, issues of concern to veterans; issues of concern to The American 

Legion; issues of concern to the agency that he is now leading. 

He is a 1965 graduate of West Point. Secretary Shinseki completed 38 years of 

uniformed service in the U.S. Army, including two combat tours in the Republic of 

Vietnam and service as the Army’s Chief of Staff from 1999 to 2003. 

He became the seventh Secretary of Veterans Affairs on January 21st, 2009. We 

have had several conversations, good conversations, cooperative work together. He has 

become a friend, and it is my honor to introduce to you the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 

Eric K. Shinseki. (Standing applause)

Address: The Honorable Eric K. Shinseki

Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs

Thank you all very much. Thank you. Very kind of you. Such a warm welcome. 

Commander Rehbein, thank you for that kind introduction, and thank you for this 

invitation to join The American Legion here in Louisville. 

Now let me acknowledge, I know they are known to you and have already been 

introduced, but let me acknowledge some of your special guests and your leadership who 

are here this morning. I believe Secretary Solis from Labor may still be here, but I would 

like to thank her publicly for the terrific working relationship we have with labor, 

specifically on veterans’ issues, especially homelessness and jobs for veterans. 

I would like to thank Chairman Edwards, House Mil Con Veterans Affairs 

Appropriations Subcommittee. Mr. Chairman, thanks for your devotion many years to 

young men and women who served in uniform and their families. I know that firsthand 

from our work together, but I now know that in our work about your devotion to veterans, 

and thanks for your great support. 

Congressman Yarmuth and Congressman Whitfield, good to be back here in your 

districts, back here in Louisville again. American Legion directors, executive directors, 

John Sommer who I know quite well from his days in Washington; Peter Gaytan, Marty 

Justis and Jeff Brown; Dan Wheeler, your national adjutant; Tommy Cisna, national 

commander, Sons of The American Legion; Legionnaires; fellow veterans, distinguished 

guests, ladies and gentlemen. Good morning. I’m most honored to be joining you at this 

91st Annual Convention.

Two hundred years ago this past February, Abraham Lincoln was born here in 

Kentucky. We know him primarily as the man from Illinois, the man from Springfield, 

but he was born here in Kentucky. In his second inaugural address delivered as the Civil 

War was drawing to a close, President Lincoln called on our nation “to care for him who 

shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and his orphan.” I cite those words, 

because these are the words that are on the outside of the building, the main entrance at 

810 Vermont in Washington, D.C. where I go to work every day. That’s Lincoln’s words 

that remind us what our mission is. 

That charge is as compelling today as it was in 1865, when he delivered it at his 

second inaugural. It underscores the uniqueness and the vitality of our advocacy on 

behalf of the veterans. Now, neither memories nor words can ever repay the debt our 

nation owes our veterans. Standing at Gettysburg, this same president, Abraham Lincoln, 

bore added testimony when he said in that famous address, “The world will little note nor 

long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.” 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

35

Now, Legionnaires in your day you earned similar accolades and testimony for your 

service in Europe; over the skies in Japan, and Korea, Vietnam and Kuwait and Somalia. 

On these bloody battlefields the seeds of American heroism were planted. They are being 

sown again today in places called Iraq and Afghanistan. It is not just what you did in 

uniform that is remarkable, it is what you did also when you came home that lifted the 

U.S. from emergent power after World War II, to global superpower by the end of the 

century, and it was about leadership. It was about your leadership. 

Earlier this month we celebrated implementation of the new Post 9/11 GI Bill.

Chairman Edwards and the congressmen present were a part of delivering this legislation 

that provides opportunity for our youngest veterans. Now, just as you were responsible 

for passage of the original GI Bill of 1944, and I’m going to talk about that in a minute, 

your commitment here again was instrumental in getting this new 9/11 GI Bill passed 

through the Congress. 

Returning World War II veterans leveraged the educational opportunity they had 

under the original GI Bill, and it sustained economic growth for the nation, catapulting 

the U.S. into the world’s largest economy and in time, the leadership of the free world, 

and victory in the Cold War without a shot being fired. 

Let me just remind us what the original GI Bill provided to our country. In the 12 

years between 1944 and 1956 when that bill was available to veterans, our country 

became richer by 450,000 trained engineers; 240,000 accountants; 238,000 teachers; 

91,000 scientists; 66,000 doctors; 22,000 dentists, and a million other college educated 

veterans who went on to lead our great country in the second half of the 20th century. 

This Post-9/11 new GI Bill has the potential to impact the country in the same way, 

thanks to your leadership and the leadership in Congress. 

Additionally, you have strengthened our communities through such benchmark 

initiatives as Boys Nation; Boys State; the Boy Scout program; American Legion 

Baseball; the National High School Oratorical Contest and The Heroes to Hometowns 

program. Your Operation Comfort Warriors Program has raised over $200,000 to buy 

comfort items and other goods for our wounded service members recovering in VA and 

military facilities worldwide. 

You have been our eyes and our ears identifying the needs of our service members 

and veterans, and our conscience for doing what’s right. Your military Family Forum 

Initiatives gives the families of service members a chance to voice their concerns, 

enabling all of us to solve their problems. Thank you for your continuing service to 

America. For over 90 years we have been side by side, and we look forward to continuing 

this important partnership. 

Now, over the past seven months I visited VA facilities large and small, urban and 

rural, complex and simple all across the country. I’ve had the opportunity to speak with 

VA leaders, members of their staffs and veterans. I also invited each of our 21 VISN 

directors to share with me their requirements; their priorities; their measurements for 

performance and quality and safety, and their need for resources, resources in terms of 

people, money and time. I took the final four hour VISN presentation two weeks ago. 

This was time well invested, a valuable learning experience for me, seven months into 

this assignment. 

Every day, 288,000 people come to work at VA to serve veterans. We have only one 

mission: To care for our nation’s veterans wherever they live, by providing them the 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

36

highest quality benefits and services possible, and I would add, we must do this faster, 

better and more equitably. 

The veterans I’ve met in my travels have been uplifting. Many struggle with 

conditions inevitable with old age; others live with uncertain consequences from 

exposures to environmental threats and chemicals; still others have recently returned 

from Afghanistan and Iraq baring fresh wounds of war, visible and invisible. Out of my 

encounters with veterans three concerns keep coming through. They talk about access; 

they talk about the backlog, and they talk about homeless veterans. And let me touch on 

each of those for a few minutes. 

Access. Of the 23.4 million veterans in this country, roughly eight million are 

enrolled with us. Five and a half million have used our medical services at least once. 

Three and a half million visit our medical facilities regularly, in some cases, weekly. 

Why have over 15 million veterans never enrolled with us? That’s the question I’ve 

asked, and I intend to answer it. But whatever their reason today, VA must and will 

continue reaching out to them to explain our benefits, our services, and the quality of our 

health care system. (Applause)

Now, a major initiative which will expand access is the President’s decision to 

welcome back some 500,000 Priority Group 8 veterans who lost entitlements in 2003. 

We began registering them in July, and we expect 266,000 of them to enroll with us this 

first year through 2010. 

Another initiative to expand and improve access, is the evolution of our health care 

delivery system. You all are familiar with aspects of it. VA has 153 medical centers 

which are the flagships of our nationwide integrated health care enterprise. 

Now, about a decade ago, VA, brilliantly in my opinion, brilliantly decided to move 

away from the concept that was existing then, which is: Here are our flagships, come visit 

us, to a different concept, one that endeavors to delivery health care to wherever veterans 

live. To do that we have created a system of 768 community based outpatient clinics; 232 

vet centers; outreach clinics; mobile clinics on wheels that go out to the most rural areas 

to find veterans who have no access to us, and then when necessary have even contracted 

specialized health care locally. We will be up over 830 community based outpatient 

clinics at the end of 2010. 

Our next major leap in health care delivery will be to routinely connect those 

flagship medical centers to distant community based outpatient clinics. And there are 

even more distant mobile clinics that travel the rural and highly rural areas of our country 

via an IT backbone that places specialized health care professionals in those medical 

centers, in contact with patients via telehealth and telemedicine hookups. But here’s what 

this means: Today we’re even piloting connectivity from those medical centers right into 

the homes of chronically ill veterans, to provide better monitoring for them, and the 

prevention of avoidable acute episodes. This means that veterans will drive less to receive 

routine health care, but they will have better access day to day; it will be higher quality 

and more convenient, especially for veterans challenged by long distance travel, and 

prevention, that’s a key word here, prevention will mean healthier lives. 

The backlog. Even though as I indicated less than 50 percent of the veteran 

population in this country receives care or benefits from VA, we have a backlog in 

disability claims. The total number of claims in our inventory today is about 400,000, and 

I know there’s various numbers floating out there, but the total number of claims being 

handled today is about 400,000. And of that number, backlogged claims that have been in 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

37

our system for longer than 125 days, total roughly 145,000 cases. In July we closed out 

85,000 claims. In July we received 89,000 new claims. So you get the picture on the 

numbers. Regardless of how we parse the numbers, I will tell you we have a backlog 

that’s too big, and veterans are waiting too long for their paychecks, and I am going to do 

something about that. (Applause)

In April, President Obama charged both Secretary of Defense Gates and me to build 

a fully interoperable electronic records system that will provide each member of our 

armed forces a virtual lifetime electronic record that will track them from the day they 

put on the uniform the first time and take the oath of allegiance, through their time as 

veterans until the day they were laid to rest. 

VA is already a leader in the development and use of electronic health records, so is 

the Department of Defense. Between us, DoD and VA have an opportunity to drive the 

improvement of health care through a fully interoperable electronic health record. And 

our achievements here may go beyond just veterans and service members, and could help 

the nation as a whole. So we’re working with the president’s chief performance, chief 

technology and chief information officers to harness the powers of innovation and 

technology. For VA, just this step alone, the electronic records that transfer all that data 

from the Department of Defense automatically to us will mean faster processing, higher 

quality decisions, no lost records, and fewer errors. I’m personally committed to reducing 

the processing times of disability claims. That’s something I look at every week. We have 

work to do here, but we have moved up. (Applause)

Homelessness. Veterans lead the nation in homelessness, depression, substance 

abuse, suicide, and we rank right up there in joblessness as well. Here again, this is an 

accumulation of neglect. We estimate that 131,000 veterans live on the streets of our 

cities every night, the cities of this wealthiest and most powerful nation in the world. 

They are men and women, young and old, fully functioning and disabled from every war 

generation including the current operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and today they also 

come with children. Some of them will sleep on the streets here in Louisville tonight. 

Now, six years ago that number was 195,000, so today at 131,000 we think we’re 

moving in the right direction, and that tells us that we probably have the right partners out 

there on the ground, the right plans and the right programs in place, and now we need to 

provide the resources that keep this thing going in the right direction. As I say, we’re 

moving in the right direction to remove this blot from all of our consciences. President 

Obama and I are committed to ending homelessness among veterans. We’re going to take 

those 131,000 homeless veterans off the streets in the next five years. (Applause)

No one, no one who has served this nation as we have, should ever find themselves 

living without care and without hope. Now I know, just because I’ve been around the 

loop once or twice, I know that there are no absolutes in life. So when I tell you we’re 

going to take 131,000 veterans off the streets in the next five years, I know what a tall 

order that is. But I also know if we don’t put a big target out there we wouldn’t be giving 

this our very best efforts. And so that’s what I have put as our goal, we’re going to take 

131,000 homeless veterans off of our streets in the next five years. 

But to do this well, we’ll have to attack the entire downward spiral that ends in 

homelessness. Homelessness is just the last rung, you know, and the loss of hope. We 

must offer education; we must offer jobs; we must treat depression; we must fight 

substance abuse; we must offer safe housing. We have to do it all. No missed 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

38

opportunities here in going from 131,000 to zero and keeping it there. Education, jobs, 

mental health, substance abuse, housing. 

Education. I talked about the original GI Bill. The President and Senators Jim Webb 

and John Warner, because the rollout for the new GI Bill was held in Virginia, Jim Webb, 

Senator Webb was the primary author and sponsor of bill. And so the rollout was held in 

the state of Virginia at George Mason University. And the president, Senators Webb and 

John Warner were present, and the program was kicked off on 3 August. We expect 

roughly 150,000, upwards of 150,000 veterans to take part in this fully funded degree 

producing program at a state college or university or their choice this year. An additional 

1,100 private institutions have also elected to participate in a special arrangement of the 

GI Bill called The Yellow Ribbon Program. 

This investment in America’s future will go on for decades to come. And I told you 

what happened the first time we did this: Thousands of trained engineers; scientists; 

doctors; dentists; accountants; teachers. Lightning is about to strike twice here. Lightning 

is about to strike twice, and those who have answered our nation’s call are going to be 

benefited into being leaders for our country in the 21st century through this program.

Jobs. I recently addressed over 1,700 veteran small business owners of the 5th 

Annual Small Business Symposium on 21 July. I reminded them that—it’s an old phrase 

I’ve heard over the years and it’s true every time I look at it—veterans hire veterans 

because they know what they’re getting. Customers and partners value veterans’ skills, 

knowledge and attributes, and are eager to work with them. Just last fall in a survey 

conducted by the Human Resource Management Society, over 90 percent of employers 

said they valued veterans’ skills, in particular their strong sense of responsibility and 

teamwork.

VA puts veterans first in our contracting awards, because we recognize the on-time, 

on-budget, quality solutions they bring to our contracting needs. In fiscal year 2008 our 

unique Veterans First Buying Program resulted in VA spending more than $2 billion on 

veteran owned small businesses. Now that represented 15 percent of our procurement 

dollars which is up five percent from the previous year. During that time we also doubled 

our support to service disabled veteran owned businesses. That means 12 percent of our 

procurement dollars, 1.6 billion, was invested here in service disabled small business 

owners who are veterans. 

At VA our experience is that veteran owned small businesses have high likelihood 

for creating new jobs. Again, veterans hire veterans; high likelihood for developing new 

products and services and for building prosperity. And in this time of economic 

downturn, more than ever we have to be sensitive to the challenges veteran owned small 

businesses have, and we have put a spotlight on it, and we intend to increase our numbers 

inside the VA on contracting with veteran owned small businesses during this next year. 

Homeless health care. We will spend $3.2 billion next to prevent and reduce 

homelessness among veterans. 2.7 billion of that amount will be on medical services. The 

remaining 500 million on specific homeless programs. With 85 percent of our homeless 

funding going to health care, it tells you that homelessness is primarily a health care 

issue, heavily burdened with depression and substance abuse. The psychological 

consequences of combat and all of you in the audience who have been through it 

understand this, the psychological consequences of combat affect every generation of 

veterans. VA now employs 18,000 mental health professionals to address our mental 

health needs. We know that if we diagnose and treat, people get better. And if we don’t, 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

39

they don’t, and sometimes their problems become debilitating. We understand the stigma 

issue. It’s there in the military, it’s there in professions, I think it’s there in the country. 

We understand the stigma issue, but we’re not going to be dissuaded. We’re not giving 

up on any of our veterans with mental health challenges, and definitely not on our 

homeless veterans. (Applause)

Homeless housing. As I indicated, we have about 500 partners in nearly every major 

town and city all across the country helping us get homeless veterans off the streets. You 

know them, Swords to Plowshares, Catholic Charities, a variety of partners, five hundred 

of them. With 20,000 HUD-VASH vouchers from the Department of Housing and Urban 

Development, and our $500 million to invest in 2010 to cover safe housing and 

rehabilitation of veterans, we have been able to coax off the streets, we are going to 

reduce the number of homeless veterans next year and each year thereafter for the next 

five. 

So, education, jobs, health care and housing. We have to do it all, and we’re going to 

go after it. We have work to do here. We think we have momentum, and we know where 

we’re headed. And next time, this time next year I hope to have a better report for you. 

Now, President Obama has charged me with transforming VA for the long-term into 

a 21st century organization. It will be different from the one that exists today. Five years 

from now we intend to be the provider of choice for more of that large population of 23.4 

million veterans. The 15 million veterans who aren’t enrolled with us today. We would 

like to be the provider of choice in insurance and healthcare and education and home 

loans and counseling and in employment. Now, to achieve this kind of status with 

veterans, we have work to do ourselves. We must make it easier for them to understand 

their entitlements, and then we must make it simpler for them to access their benefits and 

healthcare services, and we intend to do that. 

Beyond the five years, we’re looking for new ways of thinking and acting. We’re 

asking why, 40 years after Agent Orange was last used in Vietnam in 1970, this secretary 

is still adjudicating claims for service-connected disabilities related to its toxicity. And 

why 20 years after Desert Storm we’re still debating the debilitating effects of whatever 

causes Gulf War illness. Left to our present processes, and that’s what it is, a process 

called the scientific method where you gather data; you compare it over time; you write 

papers; you collaborate, this is the process. Twenty or 40 years from now some future 

secretary could be adjudicating service-connected disabilities from our currently ongoing 

conflicts. It makes no sense to me. We’re going to do better, we must do better, and we 

will. Now, if you haven’t already heard, the Institute of Medicine recently released a new 

study on the possible link between Agent Orange and heart disease and Parkinson’s. We 

have the study under review now, and I assure you we’re going to get this right. 

Any organization our size is bound to have what I call the occasional 

disappointment, and we haven’t been spared them in recent months. Whether they’re 

endoscopies or brachytherapy, many of these issues occurred in the past, but I take 

responsibility for fixing them. Some of these disappointments resulted from someone 

cutting corners, others were failures in leadership behavior and professional ethics, and 

still others were part of our system and need to be addressed. These issues will be 

resolved. Only resolved when a sense of responsibility, accountability, and discipline is 

established throughout the VA. I told you 288,000 people come to work every day. They 

are good people. But establishing responsibility, accountability, and discipline is my job. 

It’s a responsibility of leadership and it must extend from my office to the furthest 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

40

reaches in our footprint. We are your advocates, and we have begun to retrain the 

workforce. 

My remarks this morning comprise a seven month progress report in the state of 

your department, the Department of Veterans Affairs. I intend to do this again next year. 

Much more remains to be done. I intend to have much more to report next year. We need 

your continued support and assistance if we are to become that provider of choice. My 

mission is to serve veterans by increasing their access to our benefits and services; to 

provide them the highest quality of health care available, and to do what I can to control 

costs. Doing so will make VA a model of good governance; doing so will also keep faith 

with President Lincoln’s charge to care for those who have borne the battle, and grant 

them the dignity and respect they deserve until they are laid to rest, and even thereafter. 

That is my mission. 

We look for your advice and support in all of these endeavors. Thanks to you we 

now have a new Post 9/11 GI Bill. Thanks to you we also have an agreement with 

Congress on advanced appropriations, and the members present were part of that. Both 

the House and the Senate appropriations committees have recommended advance 

appropriations for VA medical care in 2011. I know this has been a priority of The 

American Legion for some time, and I would like to thank you in the partnership of 

veterans health care budget reform, for your leadership in getting us this far. 

Now as I’ve said, much more remains to be done. This is a seven month report. 

Some days it seems like seven years, but it’s been seven months. Your support and your 

advice continue to be very important to me. And I thank Commander Rehbein and your 

national leadership for being there when I’ve needed it, and they have indeed partners. 

And so for all that you do, you have my deepest respect and thanks. 

God bless the men and women who tonight and every other night of the year 

perform their lonely and demanding missions in faraway places like Iraq and 

Afghanistan. God bless all of you have and all of our veterans who have served our 

nation, and God bless this great country of ours. Thank you very much. (Applause)

Now before I leave the stage here, I would like to do one last piece of business. 

Before I leave, I have a personal thanks to deliver to one of your national leaders. For 38 

years, John Sommer has served our nation’s veterans at The American Legion, but at 

VACO, at the headquarters of VA, we know him very well. And as he prepares to retire, I 

would like to take this opportunity to thank him for the incredible contributions he has 

made on behalf of men and women who have worn the uniforms of our country. 

Starting at the Department of Ohio, his home state, he came to Washington; served 

on the Board of Veterans Appeals; at the Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Division, 

and as executive director of the Legion’s Washington office. For nearly 20 years, from 

academia to VA’s Advisory Committees to the Halls of Congress, he has been there, and 

he’s been your tireless advocate. 

I admire John because everything he does is for veterans. He keeps nothing in 

reserve. We would be hard pressed to find a more dedicated, selfless, and principled 

advocate for veterans. I’m going to present him a medallion this morning from the VA. 

It’s a very, very modest way of saying thanks, and I wish we could do more. But I would 

like you to join me in thanking this steadfast patriot for his selfless service to America, to 

all of you, and to all the men and women who have defended her. On behalf of our 

nation’s veterans, and everyone at VA, I’m proud to present this medallion to John 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

41

Sommer for his lifetime of dedicated service to veterans. So John, if you would please 

come forward. Thank you all. (Applause)

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: In one of those original meetings with the 

secretary, one of the things we discussed was the challenge that he faced in getting his 

arms around some of these problems, and I think from the report that you just heard, 

Secretary Shinseki has met that challenge well; has his arms around some of these 

problems, and we can really now see that department take some steps to solving some of 

those problems. It’s great to see. 

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Our next guest, U.S. Representative John 

Yarmuth was elected to represent Kentucky’s Third Congressional District in 2006. He 

was appointed to the Committee on Budget, and the Committee on Ways and Means, 

which is the oldest, and considered by many to be the most powerful committee in the

Congress. 

Congressman Yarmuth was born and raised here in Louisville and served as 

president of his freshman class in Congress, and is senior whip for the majority party. He 

was named 2007 Legislator of the Year by the Kentucky Reading Association, and 

“Outstanding New Member of Congress” by the Committee for Education Funding. 

Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Congressman John Yarmuth. (Applause)

Greetings: The Honorable John Yarmuth

United States House of Representatives

Well good afternoon. It’s great to be back here after this morning. I get to welcome 

you again to my wonderful hometown. It is a great honor to have the 2009 American 

Legion Convention here in Kentucky’s Third Congressional District. As I said this 

morning, we’ve had a pretty good year with major events. First, the Ryder Cup last 

September; then the Derby and now this incredible event which brings so many dedicated 

Americans to our great city. 

So, I’m very appreciative that you’re here, and join all of my fellow Louisvillians in 

welcoming you and thanking you for choosing our city. Now I hope that even though you 

have a very busy schedule during your few days here, that you’ll take some time to 

experience so many of the things that make Louisville a great place to be, a great place to 

live and visit. 

One thing though that you won’t be able to visit, and it really isn’t in our Chamber 

of Commerce brochures, but which really make Louisville the place it is, is our incredibly 

committed veteran community. We have over 70,000 veterans here in Louisville, and 

they contribute on a daily basis to the vitality, the innovation, and the spirit that again 

makes this such a wonderful place. For decades and decades tens of thousands of our 

veterans have made countless contributions to our community, and I know they will 

continue to. I’m here because of a military situation. My father came to Fort Knox from 

New York to go through basic training, to go to World War II. Met my mother here at a 

USO event and the rest is history. Here I am. So I feel very much connected to the 

military presence in our region and to Fort Knox particularly. 

One of the things I want to do this afternoon is to talk about one of those very, very 

special veterans who contributed so much to our community. We lost him this spring. His 

name was Robley Rex, and he died a week before his 108th birthday. He was one of the 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

42

last surviving World War I era veterans, and he spent his entire long, long life working 

for his fellow veterans. He was a most familiar face in our VA hospital here. He gave 

14,000 hours of volunteer service at the Veterans Administration hospital. Almost all of 

those were after his 85th birthday. The week before he died, he was there at the VA 

helping to make life a little better for his fellow veterans, and he will be sorely missed. I 

know it’s a little presumptuous of me to do this, but I’m going to welcome you here for 

him, because I know he would have been so proud to have been here with you to show 

off his city for so many of the people he cared so deeply about. 

I’ve introduced legislation in the House, and Senator McConnell has introduced 

identical legislation in the Senate, to name our new Veterans Administration hospital, 

which is online to be built and opened in 2013, we’ve introduced legislation to name that 

hospital for Robley Rex because of what he’s meant to his fellow veterans for so long. 

And I expect that to pass, and that will be a great tribute to him. But his spirit is no 

different than the spirit that pervades this room that lives in every one of you, and it 

serves as such a great example to all of us in public service who try to find, as my 

introduction said, the ways and means to support not just our men and women who are 

serving actively, but also to those who have served. We know, as Secretary Shinseki said, 

that we have very, very serious challenges facing us in caring for our veteran population 

in the future. We also know that we have an unwavering commitment to doing that. 

I had the great pleasure of serving with two champions, one of who was here this 

morning, Chet Edwards; one of whom will be here tomorrow, Bob Filner, who every day 

when they wake up in the morning they think what are we going to do today to make sure 

that we meet our obligations to pay the respect and the support to our veterans who have 

given so much for our country. And that’s a great honor. And I think we’ve made great 

strides in our efforts to support our veterans. We will continue to do that. 

And I must once again thank this organization for the incredibly moving ceremony 

this morning, the Community Covenant. Our community’s commitment to our veterans

as I said is unwavering. When I took office two and a half years ago, one of the first 

things I did was to form a veterans advisory committee. We meet several times a year. 

The American Legion has a seat at that table because we want to know on a regular basis 

what we can do to realize and to meet our obligations to our veterans. It’s been extremely 

helpful to me. We also have a women’s veterans advisory group, because women 

veterans do face some specific problems that we aren’t always as cognizant of. And

again, they have been very, very helpful to me in guiding my work in Congress. 

So, we look to you. We in Congress look to you for guidance. We need to know how 

we can help, and we will promise you—I promise you again as I did this morning, this 

community will be a model in fulfilling the obligations of the commitment of the 

Community Covenant, and I look forward to working with The American Legion and 

veterans throughout the country to make sure that this country always honors the people 

who sacrificed so much for us. 

Thank you again for coming to Louisville. It’s a great honor to have you here. And I 

know you’ll come back in just a few years and then we can all tour the beautiful VA 

facility named after Robley Rex, and he will be looking down from heaven and saying, 

“Hey, you all, welcome to Louisville.” Thanks very much. (Applause)
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

43

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Before I introduce our next speaker, 

please let me ask that the Legion Riders that will be presenting checks, if you would 

gather behind the stage at this point in order to expedite that presentation. 

Several months ago the Washington Post published an op-ed by our next guest, the 

wife of an Army soldier. She wrote, “I know that many of us feel embittered, powerless, 

and disconnected from the Army in which we and our husbands serve.” Within days her 

email inbox was full of messages from soldiers, from their families, and even from the 

White House.

Kristina Kaufmann Turner has done all military families a great service by 

reminding Washington that it is not only soldiers who serve, but also their families as 

well. Please give a warm welcome to our National Convention to Kristina Kaufmann 

Turner, a very brave lady. (Applause)

Address: Kristina Kaufmann Turner

Thank you, Commander, for the kind introduction and the opportunity to speak on 

behalf of today’s military families who serve right beside their soldiers. I am an unlikely 

Army wife. I graduated from the University of California Berkeley, possibly the most 

liberal school in the country, and my husband went to West Point.

People often ask how we met. Vegas. We met in Las Vegas, the only way that could 

possibly happen. Apparently, though, what happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay there, 

because I ended up in the Army. Fort Sill, Oklahoma, to be exact, the home of the field 

artillery. Huah!

We were married in June of 2001, so pretty much the only Army I have ever known 

has been an Army at war. As you all know, military spouses have a longstanding and 

proud tradition of volunteerism. We take care of our soldiers and we take care of each 

other. I stand in awe of the care, compassion, and resiliency our military families 

continue to show under extremely difficult circumstances.

But we are tired. As we approach eight years of war, too many military families are 

quietly coming apart at the seams. My husband did his command at Fort Bragg from 

2006 to 2008, airborne. Our unit was deployed in some capacity the entire two years, and 

in my role as the battalion’s family readiness group leader, supporting over 600 soldiers 

and their families, I saw firsthand the impact deployments have not only on the soldiers, 

but their families as well. To quote one Army wife, “Life is unbelievable when he’s 

deployed. The long nights without sleep, the days without knowing your husband is alive 

from the last patrol they went on, the pit in your stomach every time you round a bend to 

your house praying there is not a chaplain’s sedan in front of your house. Then when you 

should be happy because they’ve made it home, the nightmare, as hard as it is to imagine, 

gets worse.” 

While our command experience was incredibly rewarding, and we were both 

honored to be serving, it was also stressful, difficult, and extremely frustrating. Bottom 

line, there were not nearly enough resources available. And although I did everything in 

my power to help, I felt like I left a trail of broken and damaged families in our wake. 

The old saying is, “If the Army had wanted you to have a family they would have issued 

you one.” Although DoD has made a concerted effort in the past couple of years to 

address some of the challenges we face, they are way behind the power curve when it 

comes to assessing and dealing with the impact on families, particularly when it comes to 

mental health. There are well meaning initiatives trying to address various facets of the 

problem. However, the fact is they’re not working very well. Why? Well, for one thing, 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

44

the military has been measuring success based on effort expended, the amount of money 

spent and programs created, as opposed to how effective these programs have actually 

been on the ground. This has led to a significant disconnect between military leadership 

and those of us in the trenches, so to speak. Too many soldiers and their families perceive 

these efforts to be little more than lip service. To quote another Army wife, “I hear all the 

time how the military is doing so much for the family, but I’m constantly in the dark. I 

hate canned responses of I don’t know, or I can’t answer that but I can refer you to 

someone that can, only to have that person have me stuck in voicemail purgatory for all 

of eternity.”

I believe our top military leaders are sincere in their desire to support military 

families; but good intentions, covenants, and proclamations are not enough. We need to 

fully fund and professionalize the family readiness groups, place qualified social workers 

and/or mental health professionals at the unit level, incorporate family support training 

into the educational curriculum at all levels of command, and hold NCOs and officers 

accountable by including an assessment on how well they do on family support in their 

evaluation reports. I’m thrilled that The American Legion has proposed a resolution 

incorporating these recommendations to modernize the family readiness groups.

No soldier returns from a deployment unchanged, even those with no physical or 

psychological wounds, and that means no family is ever the same. Reunions are 

wonderful, but it’s not easy putting a family back together after a long deployment. And 

just when you feel like you’ve hit your stride, your soldier is back in the field and training 

for his next deployment.

We military families are a practical and self-sufficient group of people. We don’t 

spend a lot of time talking about what ifs. We do what we have to do to cope with what

has become our new normal. When civilian friends ask how we do it we say, “What 

choice do we have?” This ‘can do’ attitude of the military actually means ‘can do 

without.’ It’s a badge of honor soldiers and their families have been proud to bear. But 

after eight years of war this badge is wearing very thin.

Legionnaires, I know I am preaching to the choir when I say we as a nation have a 

solemn obligation to care for those who fight and defend our way of life. When a soldier 

takes the oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all 

enemies foreign and domestic, the fact is his or her family, spouse, children, parent, 

brother and sister, willingly or not take this oath too. Behind every soldier in uniform 

today is a family struggling with the stresses of war.

But this is not just a moral imperative, this is about national security, a fact that The 

American Legion’s outstanding leadership is fully aware. If you have a broken family 

you will have a broken soldier, and then you are not going to have an Army. And since 

one percent of the population is fighting these wars, this poses a very real problem. If we 

don’t take action now to recover and sustain our military families we will lose a 

generation of them. Volunteer wives cannot handle the serious issues facing military 

families alone. Suicide, battery, divorce, depression of spouses and children, PTSD, death 

and economic peril—we are truly at the end of our ropes. And what is happening with 

some of the children of these soldiers serving multiple tours is truly heartbreaking.

So what is the good news? Well, the good news is we don’t have to do it ourselves. 

We have people like you and organizations like The American Legion who are ready, 

willing, and able to help. The problem is the majority of soldiers and their families know 

very little about the Legion and other veterans and military service organizations. If I had 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

45

known the Legion could help our soldiers and their families, I would have asked for help. 

Those of us living on installations often feel very isolated from the rest of the country, 

and our National Guard and Reserve families have it even tougher, feeling isolated both 

in the civilian community in which they live, and the active duty community.

After meeting with Commander Rehbein and the Legion’s national leadership, I am 

convinced they have a solid plan to improve their outreach to today’s military members 

and their families. In fact, some Legion outposts are already functioning as de facto 

soldier and family assistance centers for our Reserve and Guard families living far from 

military installations. DoD, for its part, must do a better job of allowing VSOs and other 

nonprofit organizations to connect with us. Because to be perfectly honest, we don’t care 

where the help comes from, we just need the help.

So what can you do? Well, here is one little old Army wife’s call to action. When 

you go back home to your states, tell your fellow Legionnaires what I shared with you 

today. Reach out to us; let us know you are there and that you want to help. Sometimes 

just having someone volunteer to help with the lawn or fix a leaky faucet, or invite us to a 

barbeque when we’re ten months into a 15 month deployment, is enough to keep us going 

for a while. Adopt a single soldier when he or she returns from a deployment. So instead 

of spending the first two weeks before leave in the barracks, which is usually just a few 

blocks from the class six, the soldier is spending time with you, a fellow veteran, a person 

who understands without having to ask. The challenges we face are complex and 

difficult, and the solutions will not be easy or free. But we must begin a campaign to truly 

support our military families not just in word, but in deed. We must harness and focus the 

energy and resources of the military, military service organizations, the administration, 

our legislatures and the American people to deliver real results.

We are proud to serve. I’m a proud Army wife. We don’t expect or want people to 

feel sorry for us, but we do want you to know that we are here and we were hurting. And 

because most soldiers and some families cannot or will not ask for help, I’m asking on 

their behalf. 

Finally, I want to thank the commander, Phil, Joe, Alex, and the rest of the Legion’s 

national leadership, and to all of you in this room, thank you for your service. We truly 

do stand on the shoulders of those who have served before us. Thank you. 

Huah! (Applause)

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: I just thank Kristina, because among the 

other things that she’s done, she’s opened my eyes to some of the problems, and brought 

some ways that we can really provide some help. And I know we will provide that help.

I mentioned the Riders that were gathering for their presentations. If there are 

departments or individuals that will be making a contribution to the Legacy Fund, we 

would like to have them also up behind stage. 

And let me read a letter to you, greetings from the senior Senator of the 

Commonwealth of Kentucky, Mr. Mitch McConnell. 

“To the veterans, families and friends of The American Legion. I am sorry that my 

schedule prevented me from being in attendance today. But let me say that it is an honor 

to have a group as distinguished as yours in my home state. I hope you all feel welcome 

here in Louisville. It is a privilege for the Commonwealth to be the site of your 2009 

National Convention. There is no group that inspires me more than our nation’s veterans.
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

46

America remains a beacon of freedom throughout the world today because of the 

commitments and sacrifices made by the men and women of our armed forces. Veterans 

such as my father, who served in Europe during World War II, have bravely answered the 

call of duty in the face of oppression and tyranny around the globe, to ensure that we 

would remain safe and free here at home. Their legacy lives on as our troops 

courageously defend the United States from dangerous enemies. As an American I am 

forever indebted to those of you here today who have sacrificed your safety to protect our 

freedoms and our way of life. I would ask that each of us keeps those currently in harm’s 

way in our prayers, and that we remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for 

the cause of freedom. Thank you for your service to our nation, and for your inspiring 

patriotism. I wish you all the best during the Legion’s 91st National Convention.

Welcome to the bluegrass. Sincerely, Mitch McConnell, U. S. Senator, Kentucky.” 

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: We were privileged as we led up to this 

convention—and when I say “we” I am referring to Ann and I—to spend four days with 

an outstanding group of individuals. A group of individuals who make what they do part 

of who we are, as you heard Michael Peterson sing earlier.

For four days the American Legion Riders were on their Legacy Run this year to 

raise funds for the Legacy Scholarship Fund. They left out of Indianapolis with the 

largest group we have ever had on that opening morning, a group of 200 motorcycles as 

they rolled out of Indianapolis across Ohio, into Wheeling, West Virginia for the first 

night. The second day to Shanksville, Pennsylvania, for the Flight 93 Memorial, and then 

on into Front Royal, Virginia, that night. We had to leave them there to come to 

Louisville to begin to prepare for National Convention. Each day, each stop, donations 

were received. They continued on to Charleston, and from Charleston into Louisville on 

Friday. We met them there out at Post 201, and again there were donations received. At 

the close of that run, as they got here to Louisville, they had raised and received a total of 

$248,000 for The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund. (Applause)

In the ensuing few days that total—because of donations received here since then -- 

that total now stands at $353,000. I can’t think of another group right now, another group 

of us, who is doing a better job of living who we are and doing what we believe in, and 

upholding one of those four pillars, that one that is so important about our children.

Our Riders are on stage. I hope you will join me in welcoming them to our National 

Convention. I believe they are being represented by one of their own, Mr. Terry 

Woodburn. 

Presentation: Terry Woodburn, Illinois, Department Adjutant 

Representing The American Legion Riders

Thank you, Commander. This presentation will be brief, but it will come in 

segments. I’m going to give a few remarks, after which there will be a short video, and 

then we will get to the contributions, and then I have a presentation after that to the 

commander. 

A precipitous purveyor of provocative proverbs once potentially prophesied. You 

have no idea how long I rehearsed those P’s. (Laughter) Anyway, this precipitous 

purveyor once prophesied that only a biker would understand why a dog hangs its head 

out the window of a moving vehicle. And educationally speaking, taking a yellow jacket 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

47

bumblebee down the back of your shirt at 70 miles an hour will in fact increase your 

vocabulary instantly by double. (Laughter)

I stand before you an example of both of those proverbs. What a ride we had. And 

by the way, before I get too far into this I want to suggest that not only did the 

commander and first lady come with us on this ride, during the course of the ride—I

believe it was Wednesday—the commander and the first lady celebrated their 37th 

wedding anniversary. (Applause)

We also had a gentleman in my group that was celebrating his 75th birthday on this 

ride. 75 years old and still riding hard. We left Indianapolis almost 200 strong. We picked 

up and dropped off along the way. About 1,300 miles later we pulled into Louisville with 

a tremendous police escort getting into Post 201.

The first day is always exciting, but I’ll guarantee you the last 50 to 70 miles is a 

little difficult. At the end of that first day you’re kind of skooching in your seat, trying to 

find a spot on a cheek that hasn’t been sore yet. And you’re kind of dragging that last 50 

to 70 miles wondering how you’re going to make it to the end of that, and then you go by 

overpasses from Zanesville, Ohio, all the way into Wheeling, West Virginia. There were 

only two overpasses that didn’t have somebody on it. One overpass, as soon as we 

approached it they threw back a tarp and just tons of red, white and blue balloons hit the 

sky. At other overpasses they had fire engines with hook and ladders, the ladders 

extended with flags flying. On one overpass there was one sole individual, a local police 

officer, who was standing and saluting the bikes as they went under. And when you see 

that, that last 50 to 70 miles is no longer that tough to take. Your back is a little straighter, 

your shoulders get a little wider, and your eyes get a little more focused because you 

remember why you’re doing what you’re doing.

Does that make us real special? No. But what it does do is make us committed to 

what we’re doing, and what we’re doing is in fact very special, as you’ve just heard some 

of the numbers. And I have no doubt that by the time these brothers and sisters up here 

continue to make their contributions, we will I’m sure be well between $400,000 and 

$500,000, if not more so.

I want to thank a couple of people by name, that being Executive Director Marty 

Justice; Director of Membership, Billy Johnson, and Assistant Director of Membership, 

Bill Sloan. And there is a mess of other staff I won’t try to name that were involved with 

this. But those three individuals really coordinated this run and made it happen. And 

when you’ve got 250 bikes on the interstate stretched out over two miles, you can’t 

imagine the logistics that it takes to make that successful. The Riders don’t ride if the 

logistics aren’t there.

We had one fuel stop where you marshal, you then start the bikes fueling, and then 

you relocate to get ready to go out again in the same order you pulled in. We fueled at 

one stop almost 200 bikes in 27 minutes. That’s organization. (Applause)

So my thanks to all the logistics folks, the people behind the scenes who get no 

credit, but the Run is not smooth without what they do in taking the time of months of 

work to make sure that it happens correctly. At this time I would ask you to sit back and 

enjoy a short video.

...At this time a Legacy Run video was shown to the Convention delegates. 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

48

DEPARTMENT ADJUTANT WOODBURN (IL): I’ve got to tell you it was just an 

absolute ton of fun to be with that many Riders doing what we do. And the forecast every 

morning all the way around our entire route of 1,300 miles was gloom and doom, rain, 

rain, rain, rain, rain, and we didn’t get rained on until we left Charleston, about 15 

minutes worth, and that was about it. We were either ahead of it or behind it. We’d pull 

into gas stops and people would say, boy, you should have been here 40 minutes ago 

you’d have got wet, really wet. No, we were in just the right spot then. 

At this time, Mr. Commander, if I might to start the presentations I would like to call 

on the Department Commander of Illinois, Mr. Bill Flanagan.

DELEGATION CHAIRMAN FLANAGAN (IL): Commander Rehbein, I have a 

check here for $5,000 that you can add to our total that was given to you out of Post 201, 

and as soon as I can find the finance officer I’ll get you another $400 from our drawing 

last night.

UNIDENTIFIED DELEGATE (AZ): We’re from the great State of Arizona, and 

we’re going to donate $8,700 as a group of Riders to contribute to this great cause. Thank 

you, Commander.

UNIDENTIFIED DELEGATE (IL): Commander, from Post 615, Tinley Park, 

Illinois, I have a check for $3,000.

DELEGATION CHAIRMAN HOLLAND (SC): Mr. Commander, my name is 

James Holland. I’m the Past Department Commander of South Carolina. Mr. 

Commander, on behalf of the Department of South Carolina, from the great State of 

South Carolina—as you know, I walked across the state advocating for the Legion.

DELEGATION CHAIRMAN HOLLAND (SC): Talking about the contributions of 

veterans to the community and the Legacy Scholarship Fund. When I finished my walk I 

came in with $8,000. But along the way people made pledges and promises to me, and I 

have here $11,204.77.

UNIDENTIFIED DELEGATE (NC): Commander, from the Riders from North 

Carolina we present you a check for $7,883.66.

UNIDENTIFIED DELEGATE (ME): Commander, the snow has finally left the 

roads of Maine, and we managed to get one of our Riders out of there in time to deliver 

the check from the Department of Maine, The American Legion Riders, a check for 

$14,967.

UNIDENTIFIED DELEGATE (ND): Commander, on behalf of the Department of 

North Dakota, the North Dakota American Legion Riders, which consists of five 

chapters, total membership of approximately 100, we would like to present you a check 

for $10,488. 

UNIDENTIFIED DELEGATE (KY): From The American Legion family of Post 6 

in Madisonville, Kentucky, $1,700.

UNIDENTIFIED DELEGATE (WI): Commander, from the 11 ALR members of 

Wisconsin, we want to say what a privilege it was having you and the first lady on the 

run with us. And from the ALR members of Wisconsin we have numerous checks for 

$15,526.97.

UNIDENTIFIED DELEGATE (VA): Commander, I told you back in Front Royal, 

Virginia, that the Department of Virginia was not finished, that we would see you on this 

stage today. We would like to present you with a check for $3,300, which makes a total 

donation of the Department of Virginia at $28,800.
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

49

UNIDENTIFIED DELEGATE (NJ): From the first chapter of New Jersey, some 11 

years old now, Post 391, I would like to present you with $2,500.

UNIDENTIFIED DELEGATE (NJ): Commander, on behalf of the Department of 

New Jersey we would like to give you a check for $500 to add to that.

UNIDENTIFIED DELEGATE (NH): Commander, last year New Hampshire gave 

you a check for $5,000 for the Legacy Fund. This year, to give credit where credit is due, 

we have a Past Department Commander Chuck Lewis, who is a liaison from the Legion 

to the Riders, and he asked our Riders to step up to the plate. He also has a bad sense of 

timing. He stepped out for lunch as I’m here. But on behalf of the Department of New 

Hampshire, we would like to give you a check for $14,400.

DELEGATION CHAIRMAN McBRIDE (DE): On behalf of my post actually, 

American Legion Post 6 of Seaford, Delaware, I present you with a check for $1,000 for 

Legacy Run. You will get another one. Rick’s got one and he’s not here.

UNIDENTIFIED DELEGATE (AL): Mr. Commander, on behalf of the Department 

of Alabama and The American Legion Riders I wish to present you with a check for 

$7,481.

DELEGATE WATSON (MS): Commander, on behalf of the Riders of the great 

State of Mississippi, I’m Tommy Watson, Commander of Post 6, with Mel Gibson, Rider 

Director of Post 44, we worried the Riders all during the trip selling pins, and so we have 

cash in the amount of $1,388 to present.

DELEGATE SHORT (IN): Commander, one of our Post Commanders gave this to 

me from our Indiana 7th District, Post 103. He was ill this morning and asked me to bring 

this up and present it to you, for $300.

UNIDENTIFIED DELEGATE (NM): Commander, on behalf of American Legion 

Post 69 in Alameda, New Mexico, we have a check for $5,000. 

UNIDENTIFIED DELEGATE (AZ): Commander, on behalf of Post 29, Glendale, 

Arizona, and ALR Chapter 29, Glendale, Arizona, I have a check for $2,500.

UNIDENTIFIED DELEGATE: Commander, on behalf of Chapter 83, and 17 riders 

at our post, a check for $1,000.

UNIDENTIFIED DELEGATE (OH): Commander, on behalf of the Department of 

Ohio, here is a check for $10,000.

UNIDENTIFIED DELEGATE (GA): Mr. Commander, I would like to present to 

you our Department Commander, Mr. Butch Adams, for the purpose of a donation.

DELEGATION CHAIRMAN ADAMS (GA): Commander, the Department of 

Georgia Legion Riders had ten Riders ride the whole trip with one honorary vet, and they 

are commonly affectionately known as The Dogs, Department of Georgia. We have one 

person who has been on every single ride since the Legacy Ride started, which we have 

with us today, Bob Bryant. We represent all the Legion family with this. And we kind of 

built it up a little bit. Our highest up to this year has been around $15,000, $16,000, but 

we’re proud to present today $20,000.

DELEGATE SANDELL (PA): Commander, the outgoing Department Commander, 

Department of Pennsylvania. A little over a week ago you and I had the pleasure of 

presenting a wreath at the Shanksville Memorial. And I pledged to you at that time that 

Pennsylvania would have $7,000 for the Legacy Scholarship Fund. That grew a little bit. 

I would like to present a check for $8,000. I have the big one, my commander has got the 

little one.
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

50

DELEGATE MARY ANNE OTTE (NE): Mary Ann Otte, Assistant Director on 

behalf of Chapter Post 84, Columbus, Nebraska. $1,098.

DELEGATE ROLLAND OTTE (NE): Post 340, Morse Bluff, Nebraska, is proud to 

present our national commander with a check for $100. Oh, yeah, I suppose you don’t 

think that’s much, but you haven’t seen Post 340. Yeah, we’re proud to do it.

DELEGATE LANDKAMER (NE): I’m Jerry Landkamer, from Norfolk Post 16, 

Norfolk, Nebraska, and The American Legion Riders Chapter 16 has a check, 

Commander, for $5,306.03.

DELEGATE CROSIER (NE): Commander, I am the commander of the Department 

of Nebraska. We’re a very proud state. We understand why each one of these chapters 

wanted to present their own. Norfolk, $5,306.03; Papillion, $850 even; Lincoln Post 3, 

$2,430.37; Omaha Post 1, $5,677.34; Columbus, which was presented, $1,098; and 

Morse Bluff, $400, for our grand total of $15,461 from Nebraska. 

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Outstanding, sir. Thank you, commander.

And the Morse Bluff Post is the one that sponsored the Legion baseball team I played on 

a long time ago.

DELEGATE FARMER (VT): Commander, the Department of Vermont, the 

commander’s project, proudly gives to you $3,700 for the Scholarship.

UNIDENTIFIED DELEGATE (TX): Commander, I know you know where 

Converse, Texas is. Our Riders, Terry and Velma Smith, presented you with a check in 

Indianapolis, and I took a nap along the way and never did catch up with them again, but 

I picked up a few cash donations on the way, so I would like to present you with this $25, 

to make our total donation $32,025.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Outstanding. TJ is a big part of why this 

ride is what it is today. He couldn’t be with us a lot this year, but we owe him a whole lot.

DELEGATE BARBOUR (MA): Commander, Bill Barbour, Department of 

Massachusetts commander. And on behalf of the Department of Massachusetts and all of 

our delegation and members back home, we’re pledging $5,000, and the check is in the 

mail, sir.

UNIDENTIFIED DELEGATE: China Post Number 1, operating in exile, with 

representatives in over 90 countries and 30 operating divisions. We presented you with 

$5,000 at last year’s convention, sent another $1,500 in December, and principally our 

divisions in Jubail and Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, have had a casino night and raised another 

$7,300 from China Post Number 1.

DELEGATE MARSHALL (FR): Bill Marshall, NEC, Department of France, joined 

by my department commander. I have two or three checks here I want to present, and I 

want to present them individually so I can recognize those people that donated to us. 

Commander, the first check is from Department of France for $500. And this check, it’s 

not too much, but it was $62.74, raised by the 1982 Post in Germany, a small post. And 

on behalf of my wife, Helga, and myself, there is a check for $100. And on behalf of 

Robert and Dorothy Hunan, a check for $150. And my chaplain promised me a check for 

$100, and I can’t find him. So I’m going to put his $100 in, because chaplains don’t lie I 

don’t think. For a total of $912.74, Department of France.

UNIDENTIFIED DELEGATE : Commander, first of all, Billy just handed me these 

two checks. These two folks didn’t want to come up on stage. First of all, Howard and 

Patricia Waddles, they’re from Wheatland, Wyoming, there is a check for $100. And then 

from American Legion Post Number 4 in Mount Clemens, Michigan, there is a check for 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

51

$1,020. Then on behalf of the Department of New York we have a check for the Legacy 

Fund in the amount of $20,000.

UNIDENTIFIED DELEGATE (MO): Got a little money here for you. Mr. 

Commander, on behalf of the 400 plus Legion Riders in the Department of Missouri I 

wish to present you with a check and cash of $13,030.

DELEGATE MOSS (NV): I’m Vic Moss, from Paradise Post 149 in Las Vegas, 

Nevada. And about six days ago—well, more than that, about seven days ago, a small 

group of us took off from Nevada on the ride, and did about 2,200 miles coming in, and 

picked up people along the way. And we picked up some money as we did it as well, and 

we want to give you a total of what we have done. All right. The unofficial western leg.

We picked up money in Durango, Kansas. Let’s see. Lubbock, Texas, came up and met 

us up in Dodge City. They brought us money. Post 149, Nevada. Everything we picked 

up along the way, and our post, $4,309.83.

UNIDENTIFIED DELEGATE (MN): Commander, on behalf of the great State of 

Minnesota, where you were privileged to see one of our white snowfalls that we had. In 

addition to what our American Legion Riders brought, from Department of Minnesota we 

want to give you another $8,300.

UNIDENTIFIED DELEGATE (KS): Commander, on behalf of Lysle Rishel Post 

68, Hutchinson, Kansas, our Riders group put on a breakfast, lunch, and dinner all in one 

day. They had a poker run as well. And I have a check here for $1,659.71.

UNIDENTIFIED DELEGATE (MT): I know it’s unusual for American Legion 

members to be gamblers, but we had a couple of gamblers in the Department of Montana 

who won some money last night. We would like to give $100.

UNIDENTIFIED DELEGATE (MX): From the Department of Mexico we would 

like to donate $1,100.

DEPARTMENT ADJUTANT WOODBURN (IL): Thank you, Commander. We 

have one more presentation. It’s not money, but we think it’s special. If you would ask 

your lovely lady to please join us here? As was indicated, they celebrated their 37th 

wedding anniversary, and they did both in fact ride a good portion of the way. So what 

we would like to do in our own way would be to make a presentation. We understand you 

were going to use your helmet because you may be purchasing your own machine at 

some point down the road?

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Maybe.

DEPARTMENT ADJUTANT WOODBURN (IL): We don’t think you are. So what 

we did was have your helmet signed. And I don’t know that there are 250 signatures on 

there, but it probably won’t miss it by much.

MRS. REHBEIN: All right. I had a great time on the ride. This is what an old biker 

chick looks like. (Laughter and applause)In addition to the donation I made the other 

night, an additional $605, it’s around $1,600 and some dollars.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: $1,661.02 was her total. $605 here in this 

envelope.

UNIDENTIFIED DELEGATE (KS): Commander, this is from the great state of 

Kansas. And there are two things that I would like to give. The Department of Kansas 

and the Department of Missouri has teamed up with the Kansas City Royals, and they 

will give a portion of their ticket sales in two games. One of them was in June, the next 

one will be September the 26th. But this evening we would like to give to you the Legacy 

Fund checks for $4,753.
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

52

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Outstanding, Tom. Thank you.

There are a couple of guys over here that are just about done. As soon as the other 

one gets his shoes off they’ll get it finished. You know, when you ride with those folks—

you saw the donations that come in here. But on top of that in order to do that they pay 

their own expenses on that Run. And many of them will ride for two or three days to get 

there to start, and then ride for four days. And then ride two or three days home. That 

kind of dedication, I don’t know where else you can go to find it. But on that trike at the 

back of that run, you get up in those mountains and you’re coming to the top of a hill and 

you can look all the way down the hill and across the valley and up the other side, and 

you can’t see the beginning. It’s an amazing sight. They talk about the overpasses. You 

watch that Run go by sometime. If that doesn’t fire you up, nothing ever will. They are 

great people. They are doing a great thing, and we need to thank them. Do we have a 

total, sir?

UNIDENTIFIED DELEGATE: Here is $255,000.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Today, right here, $255,000. The goal 

this year was $400,000. The total donations since the start of the run, including what was 

received here $609,131. Outstanding. Huah! And what makes it special? It’s for those 

kids. Those kids that have lost a parent. A lot of them will receive a college education 

because of what you did. So when you see one of the Riders, take them by the hand and 

tell them thank you, because I don’t know how to say thank you well enough. We all 

need to, every one of us. Thank you. (Applause)

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Our next guest served as the mayor of the 

city of Louisville from 1986 through 1998. In 2002 he was elected to the newly created 

post of Mayor of Louisville Metro with 74 percent of the vote. A former president of the 

U.S. Conference of Mayors, he was voted the city’s best civic leader five times in 

Kentucky Monthly. He has won plaudits for his efforts to revitalize the city’s urban core 

and for improvements to the periphery through new infrastructure.

Would you please help me welcome Louisville Metro Mayor Jerry Abramson. 

Greetings: The Honorable Jerry Abramson

Mayor of Louisville Metro, Kentucky

Well, welcome everyone back to Louisville. You can say it right, Louisville, right? 

In 1988 we practiced this, I’ve been here a long time, 1988 we practiced it, and I figured 

enough of you got it right so that we could bring you back again and you could teach the 

other group. 

Welcome to Louisville, Kentucky, the 16th largest city in the United States. How 

many people here from Boston? It’s a smaller city. How many people here from Atlanta? 

It’s a smaller city. Sixteenth largest city in the United States. I bring you welcome from 

all 700,000 of our citizens. I also bring you welcome as a life member of the Highland 

Post 201 right here in our hometown. 

You know, I served during the Vietnam era, but my mother and my father were both 

in the military in World War II. My father—actually my mother outranked my father in 

World War II. My mother pretty much outranked my father throughout their lives. 

But the great story I love to tell for those of you who are of my era, you remember 

that when you went to middle school or junior high school, about that time it was very in 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

53

to wear an Army jacket to school. Well, my Army jacket is the only one in my junior 

high school that fit, because I wore my mother’s. (Laughter)

We hope you have a wonderful time while you’re here in this community. We are 

strong believers in what you stand for and what you do, and if anyone questions what The 

American Legion is about, the last 20 minutes certainly should put their mind at ease that 

you have committed yourself to these youngsters, those who have had parents that have 

given their all to ensure that those kids on to college, that is unbelievable, outstanding, 

and we applaud you for all that you do for those young people and their familiar. 

Congratulations in that regard. (Applause)

Now we know you’re going to be here through Thursday, and I suspect a few of you 

all have found a watering hole here or there or a restaurant here and there. I hope if you 

have a chance when the convention gives you a little time or if you’re able to stay beyond 

Thursday, that you go down to the Frazier Arms Museum and look at that, take a tour 

through that facility; go through the opportunity to see the Louisville Slugger Baseball 

Bat Museum, take a tour. When they give you the little bat, remember you cannot take it 

on an airplane. We pick them up from you. When you go out to the airport you’ll see the 

little container that we take them from you because they won’t let you take them on the 

plane. Put them in your satchel, in your suitcase. 

I hope you have a chance to be able to enjoy our waterfront; go out to see the 

Kentucky Derby Museum, and have a feel for what Louisville, Kentucky is about, 

because we love what you’re about, we love what you do. Maybe it’s because Fort Knox 

is right up the road and so many folks in that wonderful facility that continues to grow 

now as the HR center of the world for the United States Army, continue to interact with 

our hometown here. So, we appreciate those who have served. We appreciate those who 

are serving today throughout the world on behalf of all of us, and we say welcome to 

Louisville, Kentucky. Have a wonderful time while you’re here. Come back. We’re here 

each and every day. Don’t wait so long to return the convention. We’ll see you soon in 

the future. Thanks for being a part of Louisville. (Applause)

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: I need to thank the mayor publicly for his 

patience as we finished the Legacy Run donations. We appreciate that very much. And I 

know some of you are looking at your agendas and wondering about the Secretary of 

Labor. We were notified this morning that due to unavoidable circumstances, she will not 

be able to address our Convention. So that will not happen, and we regret that. 

I also regret having had to interrupt this introduction earlier when our national vice 

commander was beginning it. There is a man here that has provided leadership in The 

American Legion family; has been a good friend as we’ve travelled together as much as 

we could this year, because like President Desi, our schedules did not intersect that much. 

He has been a member of the Sons of The American Legion for 25 years. A member 

of Squadron 88 in Mattoon, Illinois, he has served the Detachment of Illinois in almost 

every office from the squadron level up to detachment commander, during which time the 

Detachment of Illinois reached an all-time high in membership. 

He has taught flag etiquette to grade schools and Boy Scouts; distributed poppies 

and volunteered at the Illiana Veterans Hospital. He’s eligible for membership in the 

Sons of The American Legion through his father, I. Edward Cisna, who served in the Air 

Force during the Korean War. Would you please join me in welcoming the immediate 

Past National Commander of the Sons of The American Legion Tommie Cisna. 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

54

Greetings: Sons of The American Legion

Thomas E. Cisna, Illinois, Past National Commander

Thank you. Right up here in front is another past national commander from Illinois, 

Mr. J. R. Stillwell. I wish to introduce to you a friend of mine that has travelled some 

with me this year and truly made this year very special, my wife, Kathy. (Applause)

I bring you a warm welcome and greetings from your program, the national Sons of 

The American Legion, an almost 102 membership program. This year the Sons, number 

one in donations to the Child Welfare Foundation, with a yearly donation coming in at 

almost $344,000, there’s also another goal made this year, the Sons now stand at over $4 

million to date donated to the Child Welfare Foundation. (Applause) 

Now there was a challenge made at the beginning of the year by the president of the 

foundation, Mr. Dennis Boland, that if, and I said when, the Sons make their goal of this 

$4 million, that Dennis would take Kathy and I out to dinner of our choice. Well, I started 

off by saying that it would be nice to go to the Kula Golf Course in Hawaii, and that led 

to some discussion of Kathy and Dennis on a plane and me in a boat with no oars. So I 

know I’ll have to come hungry to this dinner because I’ll be eating for over 330,000 

members that made this happen. And I hear that it is decided on St. Elmo’s in Indy in 

October. 

As always, the Sons have concerned ourselves with veterans care and help, and this 

year is no exception. The reports and some of the totals are in this year, and donations by 

the Sons under VA&R, over 250,000 hours volunteered, almost $1.3 million reported for 

VA&R. Almost $71,000 donated to Fisher House. And over $3 million donated under the 

Americanism totals. 

Another area the Sons have turned their attention to this year was CMN, the 

Childrens Miracle Network. Josh and Friends, this area was a huge success to the Sons. 

Almost 1200 Josh Dogs donated. Now you have to remember an average before the Sons 

turned their attention there this year, forty to fifty a month, and Dr. Lang is very 

appreciative that it has turned into over a hundred dogs a month and still climbing, there 

are still reports coming in, CMN money this year donated by the Sons, almost $100,000. 

The Sons, your Sons, are making sure that kids that need a smile, get one. 

Now I would like to personally thank all of the dual members here. Your 

membership is also helping us make this goal. I would like to congratulate the Legion 

Riders on their program status and on the fine job that they do for the Legacy Fund, 

because they are making a difference also.

And to the veterans in this room right here, I want to personally thank you, not only 

for your membership in the world’s largest veterans organization, but for your service to 

our country. For you are the reason that I was able to grow up a free man in a free 

country and we are able to gather here today. Thank you. (Applause)

Also I want to thank you for electing David to be national commander. Now, not 

only did you elect a man that can hold his ground with congressional committees, with 

the President of the United States and his cabinet, but he can also grill up brats and 

burgers in his backyard and does a fine job. Now these are some fine qualities to have. 

I would also like to, personally like to thank David for all his support to the Sons in 

the past many years, and especially this year. David and Ann have been friends of ours 

for many years. And for his Legion career to bring him to this office this year and for me 

to be able to serve with a friend is truly special. Well, it’s just the best year ever. 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

55

I’m very proud of my father’s service in the Air Force out of which came my 

eligibility, and just look in this room how many have earned their Sons eligibility also. 

I am very proud to be a Son, and I have had purpose this year. But remember, Sons, 

S-O-N-S, Serving Our Nation’s Soldiers. Thank you very much. (Applause)

And I have also brought presents. Commander, if you would. You can start with the 

big one if you would like. 

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: You know you talked about barbecuing in 

my backyard, our backyard. I think he must think that my skills need a little bit more 

development. (Laughter) Thank you, Tommie. 

PAST SAL NATIONAL COMMANDER CISNA: There’s more to it. 

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: This is a plaque that contains the words 

that President Lincoln gave at Gettysburg on November 19th, 1863 in the Gettysburg 

Address. Used the beginning of those words at the Flight 93 Memorial three or four days 

ago. They are both special places. These are special words. Thank you, Tommie. 

PAST SAL NATIONAL COMMANDER CISNA: Thank you Commander. Thank 

you very much. (Applause) With your permission, would Milt please join me at the 

podium. Sons of The American Legion National Commander’s Special Award presented 

to Milt Heffner, for taking care of my friend, David Rehbein. Signed Tommie Cisna, 

National Commander 2008-2009. Thank you Milt. Thank you very, very much for your 

service. Very good. 

MR. HEFFNER: I will just say what a pleasure it’s been to be serving with Tommie, 

and to have his friendship and his dedication to the Sons of The American Legion. Thank 

you. (Applause)

DVD Presentation: The History of The American Legion

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Next on our agenda is a project that I’m 

very excited about and very much looking forward to the results. The California Film 

Production Company is making a documentary about the history of The American 

Legion. Thirty percent of the proceeds from the sales of the DVD will go directly to 

American Legion programs, so it is important for us to support this DVD. They will be 

available early next year so be sure to check the Magazine and the Dispatch and the web 

site for more information about it. But for the moment, this is a clip from the DVD. 

Watch and enjoy.

...At this time the delegation viewed a video presentation The History of The 

American Legion. (Applause)

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: And please join me in welcoming to the 

podium from Blackhorse Productions, the folks that are making that DVD, Mr. Stephen 

Grudenic and Jason Heit. 

MR. STEPHEN GRUDENIC: Blackhorse Productions has maintained a consistent 

goal since we started almost 10 years ago. The goal is to preserve history. We have 

worked with military and veterans organizations in preserving military footage, war 

stories, anonymous battles, heroes, and memorializing those who gave the ultimate 

sacrifice. 

Our documentary, The History of The American Legion, will include the amazing 

accomplishments of this great organization since its founding in 1919. We hope this 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

56

historical video will be used as a learning tool so that everyone will have the opportunity 

to learn about the accomplishments and the mission of The American Legion. 

We fund the production of this documentary, and we share the proceeds from each 

DVD sale and television broadcast with The American Legion. The DVD will be 

available for purchase through The American Legion in early 2010. Your support is 

greatly appreciated. 

MR. JASON HEIT: First of all I want to say that it’s been an honor and a privilege 

to tell your story. The hardest part of making this film has been what to leave out. You 

can imagine the difficulty of trying to pack this organization’s great history into a one 

hour documentary film. You have done so many great things for veterans, soldiers, and 

civilians. For that, we give you our gratitude. Thank you for the opportunity to tell The 

American Legion story. Thank you for your support of this film, and thank you for your 

continued service to your country. (Applause)

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Our next guest, or maybe I should say a 

member of our organization, one of the people that’s responsible for us being here, 

enlisted in the Air Force in 1964, and then retired as a Senior Master Sergeant in 1988. A 

42 year member of The American Legion, he served as a post commander for seven 

terms; district commander; department area vice commander; department senior vice 

commander, and then in 2008 was elected department commander of the Department of 

Kentucky. Would you please join me in welcoming one of our hosts, Past Department 

Commander, Department of Kentucky, Ted Austin. (Applause)

Greetings: Teddy W. Austin

2008-2009 Department Commander of Kentucky

Commander Rehbein, Adjutant Wheeler, distinguished guests from the international 

American Legion family. We here in Kentucky welcome you. Now I wrote that about a 

month ago. I didn’t realize it would be almost through before I got to say it. He also told 

me whoever gives the shortest speech today gets the prize, so I’m going to try to get that. 

It’s certainly an honor for us folks to host it here, and what a great opportunity we 

have to meet old friends and make new ones. And this time I only had to drive 20 miles 

to get here. 

We’re proud of the work that we do here in Kentucky, just as we’re proud of the 

work that you do every day across this great country of ours. And while our main focus is 

on the work of The American Legion here, we certainly hope you’ve had time to see 

some of the hospitality around our American Legion posts. And if you get a chance, there 

were two items here in Kentucky that we’re extremely proud of. Not far from here in 

Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, our American Legion Auxiliary did all the background work 

and hosted, it’s their project, to build a healing field where we pay tribute to all of the 

military from Kentucky that have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. We’re also 

extremely proud of the unique Vietnam memorial that sits in Frankfort. It’s the only one 

like it in the nation. And if you get a chance to see those two, please do so. 

I hope that you’re enjoying your stay here. If you can’t find an answer to something, 

we can help you grab somebody that’s got one of these white Kentucky shirts on, we’d be 

glad to help you in any way we can, and I certainly thank you and welcome to the 

Bluegrass State. Thank you. (Applause)
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

57

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: And another of our hosts serving as the 

president of the National Convention Corporation, a man that served in the United States 

Marine Corps during the Korean War. Kentucky Department Commander 1984 and 

1985; Alternate NEC 1985-1989; NEC 1989-1993. A life member since 1973 and a 

Legionnaire since 1963. He currently serves on The American Legion Magazine

Commission. As I said, the president of the National Convention Corporation of 

Kentucky, Mr. Silas Noel. (Applause)

Greetings: Silas Noel, President

The American Legion National Convention Corporation of Kentucky

Mr. Commander, national officers, Legionnaires and guests. See I wrote this for a 

good morning speech, but I guess it’s a good afternoon on behalf of The American 

Legion of Kentucky. I welcome you to the 91st American Legion Convention to the 

Commonwealth of Kentucky, the Bluegrass State, internationally known for its horses, 

tourism, bourbon, and beautiful women. 

Kentucky has hosted the National Convention three times. We haven’t finished this 

one, but in 1929 we had a National Convention here, but I doubt if there’s anybody in 

this hall that was there. I was born but I wasn’t here. And also in 1988, I imagine there 

were lots of you that were here in 1988. We had a great convention. You know what they 

say, the third time is a charm, and this is the third time and we’re charmed. Look at the 

parade we had the other day. (Applause)

I also would like to thank Dick Holmes, Bridget Williams and staff for all the work 

they’ve done. They’ve gone more than 110 percent out, and if I ever had to take part in 

another National Parade or Convention, I certainly would want them on my team. I want 

you to enjoy the Convention. Thank you, welcome and come back you all soon. 

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: The Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans 

in Canada Association, or ANAVETS, is Canada’s oldest veterans and community 

service organization with more than 27,000 members and 74 units throughout Canada. 

There is one unit in the USA referred to as ANAVICUS. Today we are fortunate to have 

with us a gentleman who has indicated his life to Canada’s veterans and their families. 

Having served in the Royal Canadian Navy from 1957 until 1972. Legionnaires, would

you please join me in welcoming Mr. Gordon Marsh, the dominion president of the 

Army, Navy and Air Force veterans in Canada. (Applause)

Greetings: Gordon Marsh, Dominion President

Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans in Canada

Thank you, commander. Commander Rehbein and ANAVICUS President Comer, 

honored guests, comrades. It’s an honor for me to have been invited to address you today 

at your 91st Convention. On behalf of the executives and all members of the Army, Navy 

and Air Force veterans in Canada, it gives me great pleasure to bring you greetings and to 

be able to express our appreciation for the friendship that exists between our two 

associations. 

The men and women of the armed forces of our country established this friendship 

and brotherhood as comrades in arms in past wars. This bond, forged in combat, makes 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

58

our relationship unique and enduring. Today our mutual concern for our troops and our 

veterans continues to join us together. 

Comrades, our young men and women are again fighting shoulder to shoulder in 

Afghanistan where they are facing new challenges dealing with an unconventional enemy 

who uses innocent civilians as shields; plants indiscriminate roadside bombs, and coerces 

its followers to strap bombs onto themselves. In many respects, this is a war of terror, a 

psychological war designed to weaken our moral resolve and inflict psychosomatic 

injuries on our troops. 

As a result, not only are we seeing the physical injuries and deaths associated with 

combat, we more than ever before have to deal with psychological injuries. This has led 

to the battle that we as veterans organizations are now fighting. Fighting with our own 

government to improve the health care associated with post-traumatic stress. 

At the same time that our new veterans require support for their injuries both 

physical and psychological, our older World War II and Korean War veterans require 

more care as they grow older. This is all happening at a time when the government is 

trying to stimulate the economy by spending money it doesn’t have. 

As a veterans organization, our role today is to ensure that our government does not 

forget its veterans. It must not be allowed to renege on the promises made to those who it 

has sent off to fight our country’s war. We will continue our fight to ensure the 

government remembers and honors our veterans for what they have sacrificed for our 

country. Our politicians must be reminded that they have a sacred obligation to provide 

for those veterans in need, and that they live with dignity and receive the care that is due. 

Our present focus to our Minister of Veterans Affairs is that not only is the money 

spent on veterans proper and ethical, it will stimulate the economy in a meaningful way. 

Comrades, ANAVETS motto is “Shoulder to Shoulder.” Thank you for allowing me to 

stand shoulder to shoulder with you today, and let me reaffirm the ANAVETS solemn 

pledge to stand behind their troops and our veterans. Thank you very much. (Applause)

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: And as so often happens, we missed one 

donation to the Legacy Fund, and we’re not going to miss any donations to the Legacy 

Fund. Mr. Carl Williams from Colorado. 

MR. WILLIAMS (CO): Thank you, commander. 

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: This is on behalf of The American Legion 

Riders, District 11 in Colorado in memory of Van Carlson, and the gentleman that passed 

away December 8th of this year. This is given in his memory $1,200 by his wife. It’s 

from the memorials for the gentleman. We thank you very much Carl, and thank the 

family for us. 

MR. WILLIAMS (CO): Thank you. (Applause)

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: The Royal British Legion safeguards the 

welfare, the interests and the memory of those who have served or are serving in the 

British Armed Forces. It is one of the United Kingdom’s largest membership 

organizations. Today we are fortunate to have with us a veteran of the Royal Air Force, 

and the national chairman of the Royal British Legion. Please help me welcome Peter 

Cleminson to the podium. (Applause)
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

59

Greetings: Peter Climinson, National Chairman

The Royal British Legion

Commander David, honored guests, and delegates. It’s very good to be with you at 

your 91st Annual Convention, so thank you for your kind invitation and for the excellent 

arrangements that has made our visit so smooth. In particular, my thanks to our hosts 

Daniel and Mary Ludwig who welcomed us at 3:00 a.m. on the day we arrived. 

My first memory of America was meeting your servicemen in my hometown of 

Liverpool as a school boy in the run up to D-Day. You were as generous then as you are 

today, and my shouted requests to the marching column, “Have you got any gum, chum,” 

was met with a shower of Wrigley’s and it was a great treat for us in war torn Liverpool 

with strict rationing in force. You stood with us then, as we stand with you today in the 

troubled Middle East. It is good to know that we face the threat of terrorism together. 

There is much to do, but do it we will. Together we will defeat the forces of darkness. 

Not to do so would be unthinkable. (Applause)

I was in Basra last October and was able to meet many of your boys and girls and 

see it firsthand how well our forces work together. Long may that continue. 

Like you, the Royal British Legion is a campaigning charity and we have had major 

successes in the last year with our Honor the Covenant and Return to Rationing 

campaigns. This has increased compensation for injury, and improved support for our 

troops, and lifting some of our veterans out of poverty. Hence, the reference to rationing. 

Our welfare work increases, particularly in the current recession where it is most, 

most necessary, we distributed over a $120 million last year in grants and services. Of 

particular note is our debt counseling service which is making a real difference to those 

who get in difficulty. We have, like you, enormous influence with government ensuring 

that the voice of the military is heard. And your victory over the billing of disabled 

veterans for care I believe is of very particular note. 

Our Director General, Chris Simkins, helped to write the recent command paper 

reviewing conditions for our armed forces. A demonstration of getting your retaliation in 

first. I’m particularly proud of the Royal British Legion’s remembrance tours, taking 

veterans and their families worldwide to visit battlefields and war cemeteries. Very often, 

a widow visiting her husband’s grave for the first time, a profound experience that brings 

peace and closure to her great loss; memories of Private Ryan at your cemetery in 

Normandy in that wonderful film. There is much more I could tell you of our work in the 

U.K., but time is getting it on, so perhaps we can talk in the margins of this Convention 

and that would give you and I much pleasure. 

And this reminds me of talking in the margins, of my visit with Una to Canada last 

year, and some of you here know that you that Una outranks and out medals me by a 

mile. She served 20 years in the Territorial Field Army Hospital Unit. At that Canadian 

Convention I spoke in front of some 2,000 Canadians. After I had spoken, one of the 

delegates said to Una, “In your wildest dreams did you ever think Peter would speak to 

2,000 Canadians and do reasonably well for a Limey?” Wait, there is more. Una looked 

him in the eye and said, “My dear boy, I must tell you Peter never ever features in my 

wildest dreams.” (Laughter) I had to simply vote for the rest of that convention. 

So may I close with sincere greetings from your friends in the Royal British Legion 

and our thanks for being such a good friend to us over the pond. Our united strength will 

ensure our mission is accomplished; we are shining the Legion torch and holding it high 

into many, many dark places. So thank you, and may a Limey say, “God bless America.” 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

60

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Very well put, sir. Very well put. 

NATIONAL CHAIRMAN CLEMINSON: And now if I may, I have a small 

memento of my visit here, which is giving us already so much pleasure, it is our Legion 

emblem on a plaque for Commander David. 

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Sir, thank you. That is beautiful. That is 

very beautiful. And please accept a small token of my appreciation for you being here. 

Another group of friends, the Korean Veterans Association is a patriotic honor 

organization that strives for veterans’ friendship, welfare promotion, and rights. 

This history shared between the veterans of South Korea and our own Korean War 

veterans is an unbreakable bond. As we note the recent activities of North Korea, the 

alliance between the United States and South Korea is as important as it ever was. It is an 

alliance not just of strategic interest, but a friendship. Last November when we visited 

Korea, we were welcomed by the Minister of Veterans Affairs General Park. He was 

scheduled to appear at this Convention. We were saddened to hear of his untimely 

passing. The Korean Veterans Association is represented here and would you please give 

a warm welcome to the Chairman of The American and Canadian Departments of the 

Korean Veterans Association Colonel Lee, Byung Hee, (Applause)

Greetings: Col. (Ret) Lee, Byung Hee, Chairman

American and Canadian Departments

Korean Veterans Association

Thank you Commander Rehbein. I won’t take very long. I want to say just a few 

words in a short time, because you know already scheduling of time is over, so 

everybody waiting for lunch. 

I am pleased to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all those gathering for The 

American Legion 91st Convention today. Our Korean veterans, eight million members in 

Korea, many thank you and remember all of the sacrifice service of Korean War. As we 

know, still their intention of nuclear weapons by North Korea. We wish strongly build up 

and maintain this international security of the United States and the Republic of Korea 

alliance. 

Again, thank you for your support, all of us, and I wish you all of the best successful 

Convention. God bless veterans, and God bless America. Thank you. (Applause)

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: I would like to present this token of our 

appreciation for our visit to your association in Korea to you sir, and please thank and 

express our sympathy to the family of General Park on his passing. Thank you.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Canada’s largest veterans organization, 

the Royal Canadian Legion, works hard to ensure that ex-military personnel and their 

families are treated fairly. Since the organization’s formation, it has focused its efforts on 

securing adequate pensions and other well-earned benefits for veterans and their families. 

With us today is the dominion chairman who has served more than 23 years with the 

Third Battalion of the Black Watch Royal Highland Regiment of Canada in his 

hometown of Montreal. He has been with the Royal Canadian Legion for 20 years. Please 

give warm welcome to Dominion Chairman Thomas Irvine. (Applause)
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

61

Greetings: Thomas Irvine, Dominion Chairman

The Royal Canadian Legion

Good afternoon, comrades, distinguished guests, and members of The American 

Legion. I bring you greetings from your friends to the north, The Royal Canadian Legion

and its 360,000 members from coast to coast. I am most pleased to represent our 

Dominion President, Comrade Wilford Edmond who wishes you all success in your 

deliberations on Legion business. 

This is a great place to host the convention. I understand that it also hosts “the 

greatest two minutes in sports,” the Kentucky Derby. Now I will take this city to new 

heights as it hosts the greatest five minutes in greetings. (Laughter)This is also the city 

where the first public showing of Edison’s electric light bulb took place. So Louisville 

can say that it was definitely ahead of everyone else in the electricity consumption 

department. At least it was back then, but I digress. 

Let us talk about our Legions. There may be a border between us and our histories 

may be slightly different, but we do have one thing in common, we appreciate our 

veterans. They are the reason we exist. And while we may be far apart in some areas, 

there’s one thing that we can agree on, these people who serve our respective nations at 

home and abroad are our greatest national assets. And the services we can deliver to them 

should be second to none. 

I am sure that you will agree that when our military forces serve together as they are 

doing right now in Afghanistan and have done so in the past, they are a team that is hard 

to beat. But responding to our veterans’ plight is a significant challenge during this period 

of economic downturn and recovery. Still, it remains an unquestionable priority that they 

continue to receive the care and treatment at home they so richly deserve. But they will 

only receive it if we keep on the pressure of our respective governments. 

It is unfortunate that in this day and age we still have to fight for the rights of those 

who have given so much to their countries. One would think that this would be a matter 

of fact, but it isn’t. In Canada we still have a long way to go. But isn’t that why our 

branches were formed in the first place, to look after those who have served. 

I look upon our two great nations and our respective Legions with a sense of pride. 

What we do and what we have achieved, sure, we will disagree on some things, what 

neighbors don’t, but what neighbors have so much in common as the United States of 

America and Canada? But these issues pale in the shadow of comradeship that our forces 

shared shoulder to shoulder in the trenches and on the beaches at Normandy. Even today 

our joint operations in NATO, and our combined commitment in NORAD, emphasize the 

unique bond that’s has grown between our two countries. 

We can never forget the sacrifices of our fallen veterans who have made all of this 

possible. That is why I am here, to bring you greetings and best wishes from your fellow 

veterans in Canada. 

Suffice it to say that my wife, Collette was welcomed with your customary gusto, 

and I can only say thank you for your very kind hospitality. It has been tremendous. 

So let me close my remarks by saying that we from the north have become very 

familiar with Louisville, not for the Kentucky Derby or for the fact that one third of all 

bourbon distilled in the U.S. comes from here, but that they make something here that we 

all share, the Louisville Slugger baseball bat. So my friends, knowing your interest in 

baseball, it is time that we all hit one out the park for our veterans. Thank you. (Applause)
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

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NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Another friend from the trip to Asia. He 

currently serves as the overseas liaison director for veterans affairs in Taiwan, Republic 

of China. When we visited the Republic of China we were received very graciously by 

Minister Kao Hua-chu and his wife. They had also planned to be here today, but in light 

of the recent typhoon, the natural disaster that their country is currently recovering from 

they did as every responsible leader would do, they are home helping with that effort. 

Representing the minister, and as I said, serving as the overseas liaison director, a 

good friend, Mr. Hans Song. (Applause)

Greetings: Hans Song, Overseas Liaison Director

Veterans Affairs Commission, Republic of China

Good afternoon. National Commander Rehbein, national officers and our dear 

friends with The American Legion. As the national commander just introduced that 

Minister Kao Hua-chu wanted to come in person, however, three days right before we 

were to leave Taiwan for this trip, he was summoned on a contingency assignment to 

work as the CEO for the aftermath management of the typhoon disaster. And as the 

national commander mentioned quite often in his speeches during this Convention, we 

veterans need to face challenges, and this is what Minister Kao is doing, he is facing the 

challenge that is given to him by the nature, by our country, and requested by our people. 

He was wanted me to convey his deep appreciation for the kind donations and 

assistance that you gave to relieve the disaster victims in this typhoon disasters. And if I 

may, I would like to report to you that as of yesterday there were already 170 victims 

unearthed from the mud slides. And still there were more than four hundred missing. We 

are hoping that miracles will happen, but I don’t know. We hope that we can at least find 

their bodies to comfort the families. Once again, we thank you for all our assistance and 

kind friendship. (Applause) Thank you very much. And please pray for us when you 

conduct your everyday prayer. 

In November last year we were honored to have National Commander Rehbein and 

the National President Stoy over to Taipei for a short visit. Our President Ma Ying-jeou, 

received them in the president’s office for 40 minutes, which signifies that we in the 

Republic of China really appreciate the friendship of The American Legion and the 

Auxiliary. During the 40 minute meeting, our President Ma Ying-jeou clearly explained 

his policy to develop relationship among mainland China and the United States. At his 

presidential inauguration, our President Ma vowed to bring better economy and dignity to 

his fellow countrymen. And he told the American congratulatory envoy that he would 

lead his government toward a much better relationship with the United States of America 

in over 15 months. Now we have reopened the negotiation channels after a hiatus of over 

a decade. In virtually a few months our new administration has transformed 60 years of 

cross strait relations to better reflect the needs of our people in reality of the changing 

times. 

The improvement of the relationship between Taiwan and the United States is 

another achievement our President Ma is proud of. President Ma is a peacemaker. The 

United States has positively assessed and supported our current cross strait development, 

and that demonstrates our policies are being favorably received. In the words of the 

American Institute in Taiwan Chairman Raymond Burkhart, equivalent to your 

ambassador to Taiwan, “The relationship between our two countries has now entered a 

new era of cross strait civility.” 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

63

To explain Taiwan’s international space has been one of our continuous goals and 

efforts in the past so many years. We hope to enhance Taiwan’s meaningful participation 

in international organizations for the betterment of our citizens. We appreciated it that 

President Obama’s administration has kindly given the friendly hands to support us in 

participating in the World Health Assembly, the WHA, and we shall work harder to seek 

more opportunities to get engaged in more global activities like those of the United 

Nations. Of course, U.S. arm sales are equally central to the relationships between our 

two countries. 

Our good friends in The American Legion, we will assure you that Taiwan will not 

free ride on the United States for its own security. This is why, while we are improving 

the relationship with the mainland Chinese administration, we still urge your federal 

government to not hesitate to provide Taiwan with the necessary defensive weapons as 

stipulated in the Taiwan Relations Act, especially the F-16 C/D fighters, Which are 

indispensable at present to maintain the air balance over the Taiwan Straits. 

We in the Veterans Affairs Commission in the Republic of China, Taiwan, very 

much cherish the friendship of The American Legion. You have always passed 

resolutions in support of the Republic of China during your annual conventions and the 

Veterans Affairs in Taiwan truly appreciates it. The Veterans Affairs will certainly look 

forward to your continuous friendship and support in the above-mentioned regards. 

Thank you again for allowing me to speak here in Louisville, and I wish you all a 

successful convention and good health. Thank you. (Applause)

But before I leave the podium, I would like to present to National Commander 

Rehbein a medal on behalf of our government in appreciation of Mr. Rehbein’s 

contribution to promoting the relations between our two countries. And the citation reads: 

“Mr. David K. Rehbein, National Commander of The American Legion, has 

distinguished himself by his outstanding contributions to the promotion of friendly 

relations and cooperation between the United States of America and the Republic of

China. In appreciation of his meritorious assistance, National Commander David K. 

Rehbein is presented the Medal of Order of Resplendent Banner with Cravat, numbered 

3660 by the government of the Republic of China, in accordance with Article 11 of the 

Armed Forces Declaration Regulations.”

Signed by President Ma Ying-jeou, and cosigned by Premier Liu Chao-shiuan, and 

Minister of Defense General Chen Chao-min. (Applause)

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Hans, I accept this very proudly, and 

would you please pass along our best wishes to the minister and to the president. He 

received us in his office and it was a very good visit. Thank you. (Applause)

National Commander’s Report to Convention

David K. Rehbein, Iowa

You’ll notice on your agenda that it is the time for the national commander’s report. 

Before I begin this report let me clarify something. You’ve heard speakers that, well, 

there’s a little bit of confusion as to what time it is on the clock. I have not had lunch. It is 

now officially still morning. (Laughter)

I want to thank you for the year that you allowed me to live as your national 

commander. We have travelled a great many miles, more than I’ve counted. We visited a 

number, a large number of outstanding posts and departments and met many great 

members of The American Legion family. But rather than talk about the places we’ve 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

64

been able to go, I want to just refer you to an online journal that I kept this year, so that 

the folks back home could keep up. It’s still online, will be there for some time yet. It’s 

the old campaign website www.davidrehbein.org. Go there, take a look, that’s a good 

travel log. 

I think it’s more important to talk about did we measure up to the Four Pillars this 

year. We started talking about pride and purpose. The purpose for which this organization 

was formed; the pride that comes from being a member of this organization and knowing 

that we are still fulfilling that purpose 91 years later. But I think I want to spend a few 

minutes talking about how that purpose and that pride fit in to some of the 

accomplishments that this organization has had during this year. And I’m going to take 

the title of a George Strait song and remind you of it, and you’ll know why at the end of 

my report. The title of that song is Write This Down. Because there are things in this 

report I want you to use. I want you to remember down the road. They will be useful to 

you. But as we look back at the year at the accomplishments, and let me hold up one 

pillar at a time and talk about what your organization has done. 

And let’s start with veterans. Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, because if we had 

one pillar at the beginning, that was it. We had some opportunities this year and they 

started early, some time at the beginning of the year to spend up on Capitol Hill on some 

issues that were of great importance at the time: The budget for the coming year, because 

we were told there wouldn’t be one until February or March, there would only be a 

continuing resolution. And the GI Bill because we were told at the time that the VA did 

not intend to implement that in-house, but to go to an outside company. And we had the 

time, and the energy, and the resources to go to Capitol Hill for two weeks and talk to 

senators and representatives, people like Chet Edwards, and address those two issues with 

them. And I will tell you this, it was the most amazing two weeks of my life to date, 

because when you go to Capitol Hill and you spend a day talking to those senators and 

representatives, and you go home in the evening and then you go back the next morning 

and you can see change, you can see change based on what this organization had to say. 

And you know it’s changed based on the strength of this organization. 

Those two stories that we had at the beginning of the week: There will be no budget, 

the GI Bill is going outside, at the end of the two weeks the Congress is saying it’s not a 

matter of if we will pass a budget, we will. It’s just how fast we can get it done. And they 

got it done before the fiscal year started. And as Representative Edwards told you for the 

first time in over a dozen years, the VA budget was not only big enough, but it came on 

time. You did that, because The American Legion has the strength it has. And at the end 

of the two weeks the VA issued a press release at three o’clock on Friday afternoon and 

said we can’t find a company that can implement the GI Bill, so we’re going to do it inhouse as we’ve done every GI Bill to date. You did that. Your resources. Your strength. 

And then we got into the spring and issues popped up, issues that thankfully The 

American Legion again had the strength and the resources to respond to. When the 

proposal came down that there would be billing of private health insurance out of the VA 

hospitals for service-connected treatment, your organization responded. Your 

organization put the press release out to the media, and the media responded because they 

understood that fundamental responsibility of the United States government to provide 

that treatment and to provide that treatment in such a way that those veterans and those 

families did not sacrifice anymore than they already had. And because of your strength, 

48 hours later that proposal went away. (Applause)
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65

And then a few weeks later when that Department of Homeland Security report

came out, and again it was time to stand up and be counted and make our voice heard and 

make sure that the folks inside the beltway in Washington understood the honor that our 

veterans should be treated with; the respect that they should be accorded. Not the 

suspicion that they should be looked at as potential right-wing extremists. And again you 

responded. (Applause)

We will have the secretary here tomorrow. She will speak to you. The secretary did 

the right thing, she pulled that report back. That report is no longer officially a part of the 

Department of Homeland Security. And beyond that, she pledged that her department 

would be at the job fairs that The American Legion puts on, to make sure that our folks, 

our men and women when then come out of the uniform, when they come back to 

civilian life, they have that first job to help them land on their feet. Those are things you 

did. 

Where are we now with that pillar? We’re in the midst of the discussion on 

advanced appropriations. And we’re winning. It’s gone through the House successfully. 

We need to get it through the Senate. We need those budgets a year in advance so the VA 

can plan. We need those budgets, not only big enough and not only on time at the 

beginning of the fiscal year, but when we get advanced appropriations they will be 

predictable so that the VA can do the planning and the staff recruitment and all of that 

work they need to do to be ready to spend that money in the most effective manner to 

provide our people the treatment that they have so richly earned and they deserve. That 

will be a continuing project, but we’ve taken a lot of steps down the road. 

And there’s been another fundraising effort since the first of December, Operation 

Comfort Warriors. It’s ongoing, because we still have wounded warriors. We have 

wounded warriors in the military hospitals in numbers bigger than you realize. Just one of 

the expenditures within the last few weeks went to Fort Hood where we have 1,500 

wounded warriors undergoing rehabilitation. And that’s repeated all across the country in 

the Marines, in the Army, in the Air Force, in the Navy, all the way from Fort Lewis, 

clear across to Benning and Bragg, and the Marine bases on the coast. But we have an 

ally, we have a lady that not only went to Walter Reed with us last January, she has since 

been to the Marine hospital in San Diego. Her name is Marg Helgenberger. You’ll hear 

more from her; you’ll see her, because that trip to Walter Reed affected her when she saw 

those young men and women that are recovering there, when she met some of the 

wounded warriors. 

I think we’ve added to that pillar. I think that pillar is stronger than it was. I think 

that pillar stands proudly because of what you did this year, the resources you provided, 

the funding through Operation Comfort Warriors, and the work you’re doing with your 

representative and your senator to make sure that advanced appropriations becomes a 

reality. 

And the National Security pillar. We’ve debated for some time now throughout this 

country what happens with Guantanamo Bay. We believe Guantanamo Bay and that 

detention facility is doing the job it needs to do. We believe those detainees need to 

remain detainees. (Applause)

And we’re beginning into another issue that you heard a lady talk about from this 

podium this morning, and that’s the family readiness groups. She opened my eyes when I 

heard her speak at our meeting in Washington, D.C. because I had always been more 

concerned about the National Guard and the Reserve folks, particularly those that live a 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

66

distance from the armory, and I made the assumption, and it turned out to be a bad 

assumption, that the folks on the bases were being taken care of because they were close 

together. Well, it turns out I had it wrong, because out there with the Guard and Reserve 

folks, thanks to you they’re not alone. Even if the armory is a long ways away, you’re 

there for them, and they have you to support them, but when we set foot on the military 

base, that’s not the case. The only people they have to support those families are those 

families, and it’s worn them down, and it’s worn them out. That’s a place that we need to 

do some work. That’s a place we can do some work. That’s a place we can do some 

good. 

And the other place, TRICARE, military health care. You will see a strong effort 

beginning this year, but continuing down the road, to better understand TRICARE; to 

better understand military health care; and to protect them along with the VA. Make them 

exempt from whatever changes might occur as a consequence of the national health care 

debate that’s going on right now. The VA is a model. The VA is doing it right. A book 

out there by a man named Phillip Longman, Best Care Anywhere: Why VA Health Care 

Is Better than Yours. A very independent voice commissioned by Fortune Magazine. 

Read the book, and you’ll know why VA health care needs to be exempted from any 

changes because of the debate going on. And you’ll also exempt, standing alongside of 

that, the military health care delivery system. We need to protect them. That’s work we’ll 

need to continue to do in the coming year. But that pillar is strong. That pillar is strong 

because of the young men and women that wear the uniform. That pillar is strong because 

of the men and women that have worn the uniform, and the men and women that stand 

alongside us as the members of The American Legion family. That pillar remains strong, 

but we must, we must make sure that it stays that way. 

Patriotism. Honor. That last word, honor. There is a continuing effort, I don’t 

understand it, there is a continuing effort in this country that every picture of every 

alleged abuse of a detainee needs to be published. The ACLU is pushing that. It’s in the 

courts. It’s going to the Supreme Court. At one point two months ago, President Obama 

was not going to continue the appeals. President Obama was going to let those pictures be 

released. He received advice from a number of quarters, you being one of them, that there 

was no point, there was no good to come from that. The only thing that could come from 

that at this point was harm. Harm to your young men and women out on the battlefield. 

He received that same advice from his military leadership in Iraq and Afghanistan. As I 

was in Iraq, General Odierno told us that he had flown to Washington to discuss the issue 

with the President. And I want to give President Obama credit because he changed his 

decision. He changed his decision so that the appeals would continue on to the Supreme 

Court. And the words that came from you and came from his military leadership were 

strong enough that the president made the decision that he would do everything in his 

power to see to it that those pictures remained secret. That includes an attempt to classify 

those pictures, which would cause another court fight, but it would continue to keep those 

pictures under wrap. They serve no useful purpose. They’re part of the investigation. If 

there was abuse, it will come out of the investigation. All publishing them now does is 

put our people in danger and attempt to influence that investigation. We will remain 

opposed to any publication of those pictures. (Applause)

And when you talk about honor, we stood beside our heroes this year in our travels. 

We stood beside our heroes in Iraq and on the DMZ in Korea, and at Fort Jackson in 

basic training. But one particular hero stays with me. At Normandy, as part of the D-Day
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

67

commemoration, the airborne jumps in just as they did on D-Day, except now they’re 

jumping in daylight and they’re not jumping into flooded fields. 

How many of you have seen the movie The Longest Day? Do you remember the 

paratrooper hanging from the church steeple? True story. When you go to Sainte-MèreÉglise around D-Day, a mannequin in a parachute hangs from that church steeple. It’s a 

powerful impact, but it’s not as powerful as standing there watching the airborne jump in, 

holding the elbow of a man that jumped in on D-Day, because he came back. He came 

back to remember his buddies. He came back to remember what they had done. He 

jumped on D-Day. He jumped again from Market-Garden. He was trucked into Bastogne; 

Silver Star at Bastogne. To stand alongside a man like that and watch the airborne come 

in, you can just feel the honor. There’s feelings there I can’t describe to you. I wish 

everyone could do that, could have been there to have those feelings. You do. I know you 

do. But there are many in this country that still don’t understand. It’s our job. It’s our job 

to help them understand. It’s our job through the Blue Star Banner Salutes. It’s our job 

through the mobilization and demobilization ceremonies. It’s our job every time one of 

our people puts on the uniform, takes off the uniform, is recognized for something, it’s 

our job to be there, to stand alongside of them and help the people of this country 

understand that honor and make sure that pillar stays strong. (Applause)

And our youth programs, we did some things this year in the youth programs that’s 

never been done before, because you could be at home and you could watch the finals of 

the Oratorical Contest. And you could watch the finals of the Junior Shooting Sports 

Competition. And you could watch the entire American Legion World Series, because it 

was all being webcast through your computer. Our staff did yeoman’s work, absolutely 

yeoman’s work making those three things happen. Those youth programs are a big part of 

why I became an active Legionnaire. And the commitment was made at the beginning of 

this year that it would take an absolute disaster to keep me from being at those youth 

championships. And I want you to know that we made every one, and we welcomed as 

many of those youth champions then as we could. If you ever have the chance, if you 

ever have the chance to go to one of them, go. You will be reassured by the quality of the 

young people. You know about our youth champions, they are representative of that 

whole group that participates. They are representative of the best of the youth of this 

country. And by doing what you do, by keeping those youth programs alive, you help 

them grow and you help them learn and you help them become better people, because 

they will become better leaders because of what you’ve done. That’s the fourth. 

I think the pillars are strong. I think the organization that you’ve provided is strong 

enough to keep those pillars upright, is strong enough to make those pillars support a lot 

of the foundation of this country. But our work is not done. Because it’s not only the 

national organization, it’s not only the work here; it’s the work you do. I’ve seen some 

things around the country this year that I want to point out to you, and this isn’t by any 

means all, this is only a few, but this is what some folks are doing. 

In North Dakota as we were there, they were kicking off their Courage Carries On 

program because they want to be part of the help to prevent suicide amongst our military 

people. And so The American Legion of North Dakota is funding their own program, 

encouraging our young people that have that vulnerability to understand that courage 

carried them through the experience they’ve had. And that same courage will get them 

through this, they just have to have the courage to go get the help. 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

68

And then seeing in Kansas, the Department of Kansas put a staff member at Fort 

Riley to be part of that effort, part of that wounded warrior help taking the initiative on 

their own as we took the initiative to put a staff member at Walter Reed. They took the 

initiative to put a staff member at Fort Riley. They weren’t waiting for somebody else to 

do it for them. They did it themselves. 

And then there was a joint project, Wisconsin and Washington. A brigade out of 

Washington coming home, coming home from the Middle East coming into Fort Riley in 

Wisconsin, and they were going to be there for a week as they went through reintegration 

and transition assistance and all that training. The Department of Wisconsin, even though 

these were all Washington folks, stepped forward and said we can provide some help 

here. We can help them as they go through this week of training. We know how anxious 

they are. We know how anxious they are to get home, but we can help. They didn’t wait 

for somebody else to do it for them. They did it. And they partnered with Washington to 

make sure that the things that were needed at Fort Riley for the Washington folks were 

there, being in part provided by the Wisconsin folks. We come together. That’s the kind 

of unity that’s made this organization work for a long time. 

Operation Comfort Warriors. I’m going to talk about that again because it’s so 

important, because it addresses so many needs. Those wounded warriors that are 

undergoing rehab, there is only so much physical therapy you can do, and then the hours 

are empty. And when the hours are empty, that’s when the thoughts of suicide and the 

depression can creep in. And so Operation Comfort Warriors helps fill those hours with 

portable DVD players and iPods. And the TBI, the traumatic brain injury, memory loss, 

there are games out there that help regain brain function, electronic games but they don’t 

fit inside the DoD budget, and so Operation Comfort Warriors is actively helping in the 

rehab by providing those games. When the last wounded warrior leaves the hospital that 

will be the time for Operation Comfort Warriors to be over, but not until then. And we 

hope that you will continue to support it. 

Because there are so many good things, that’s not the only one. We have the 

National Emergency Fund; we have the Legacy Scholarship Fund; we have the 

Endowment Fund that many of you may not know about until we say temporary financial 

assistance. We have so many places that need your help. We have so many ways that you 

can help, whether it’s help at national, whether it’s help at home, make sure you’re 

helping. 

And then there’s one place that I wish we could have done better, and that’s in 

membership. We started the beginning of this year knowing there would not be a direct 

mail program, and knowing therefore that if there was going to be success in 

membership, it would come by traditional methods. It would be us, out there on the street 

knocking on doors; contacting our members, asking them to renew; looking for prospects, 

asking them to join. We fell down a little bit, folks. We’re down in membership this year. 

DMS is coming back, but we don’t dare, we don’t dare let DMS become our crutch. We 

don’t dare stop working traditional membership, because DMS may not be permanent, it 

may stop working one day. But what’s worked for 90 years is knocking on doors and 

asking our members to renew, and looking for prospects, and showing off our pride and 

asking them to come join us because they have that pride inside them too, because they 

believe in the purpose. 

And so that’s an issue, that’s a need. We turn that one to the next national 

leadership, and I know they recognize that need. I know they will. Because membership 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

69

is where all those resources came from. When those fights came in Washington when we 

needed the resources to fight those battles, it was the strength of the numbers of the 

membership that provided the resources. And those youth programs, if our membership 

base sinks, we help less children; we educate less children in the Oratorical Contest; less 

young men will be on the baseball field and at Boys Nation and at Boys State. 

So that membership base, it translates directly into resources, and that’s why I asked 

you to write this down, because next year when you’re out there knocking on a door or 

contacting a prospect, and that person says to you, "What does The American Legion 

do?" You’ve got some things from this year that you can tell them. We protected our 

warriors from having to have their private health insurance pay for their care. And we 

made sure we upheld the honor of the young men and women that are serving this 

country. And we’re doing our best, we’re doing what we can to strengthen the youth 

programs by making them available to more people. 

And then there’s what you do in your department and what you do in your post. 

Make a list. Write it down. Put it on a 3x5 card because that way when somebody asks, 

don’t be afraid to read it. Don’t be afraid to refresh your memory. My notes are right 

here. Take notes with you. But make sure next year when somebody asks that question, 

that you don’t say well uh, gee and I’m having trouble thinking of anything. That’s the 

basis for traditional membership, telling them what we do. 

We stood up this year. We were counted this year. We showed, I believe, the people 

of this country that The American Legion has remained true to its principles; that The 

American Legion when the time comes will stand up and say, “Sir, that’s a bad idea.” Or 

say, “Sir, thank you for the budget.” (Applause)

We need to keep showing them that lesson, and we will. There are new 

communication tools coming. There are things you will see out there. There are ways in 

these communication tools for us to have conversations rather than you simply receive 

information. That’s important for this new generation. We need to hear their voice. It’s 

important to them to know that we listen to their voice. 

I’m going to close with this. I want to thank everyone that hosted a department visit. 

We had a great list of visits. We’ve been to places I will never forget. And I want to 

thank your national staff, because every time a new commander comes on board, you can 

be guaranteed one thing, you just got a raw rookie, and your national staff works very 

hard to educate and support, and I want you, when you see them, when you see that patch 

on a Legion cap, walk up to them and say thank you. Your national adjutant, the 

executive directors, everyone down to the folks that work in the mail room, they believe 

what we believe. It’s not a job for them, it’s a calling. And anytime you call on them, 

every time I’ve called on them, they have responded. So they have my thanks. 

But the folks that I really want to thank are you because of who you are, because of 

what you believe in. No one that formed this organization is in this room, except that 

what they believed is in this room. Because you’re here. Because you are who you are, 

because of what you do, this organization 91 years later still has that strength to stand up 

and be counted; still has that strength to influence the debate in this country on veterans 

issues. 

And I believe that because of who you are this organization will still be that way 40 

years from now when we’re not here, none of us are here, because of the principles that 

you have continued to hold are the same principles that the young men and women 

believe in, and they will be with us. They’re coming now. We just may be too impatient, 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

70

but you look around, you’ll see them. You’ll see them beginning to wear district and 

department caps. When up see them, make sure we help; make sure they understand what 

The American Legion is about. We do things new ways; we communicate new ways, but 

the bedrock principles remain those four pillars. And those four pillars are things that are 

important to them. Those four pillars will be what they support, because they understand 

the purpose, and because they’ve brought home the pride, the pride that every one of you 

I hope feels; a purpose that every one of you I know believes in. Share that pride. Keep 

that purpose alive. We’ll finish this Convention in a couple of days; we’ll all go back 

home; that’s when we go back to work, every one of us. It doesn’t matter if you’re a past 

national commander that’s now wearing a blue cap, you are the leadership. You start the 

work. You guide it. Thank you for being who you are. Thank you for electing me your 

national commander. It’s been a year of my life I’ll never forget. Thank you. (Applause)

Certificate of Appreciation

Lawrence L. Vollink, National Chaplain

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: And now it is my pleasure to recognize 

and honor another individual that was chosen to serve as one of your national officers. 

The man who has served as our national chaplain this year is truly dedicated to the 

principle of God and country. 

Reverend Lawrence L. Vollink is a retired U. S. Army veteran of the Gulf War era; 

an ordained minister with Christian Churches/Churches of Christ, since 1970. He is a 

member of Harry Ollrich Post Number 4 in Mount Clemens, Michigan, and it is an honor 

to call him to the podium and for me to present a certificate of appreciation marking his 

year of service as national chaplain. Reverend Vollink. (Applause)

ANNOUNCER: The certificate reads, “Certificate of Appreciation presented to 

Reverend Lawrence L. Vollink, appointed and served as National Chaplain of The 

American Legion, 2008 to 2009. Given in recognition of faithful and honorable service to 

The American Legion.”

NATIONAL CHAPLAIN VOLLINK: I would like to say, first of all, thank you so 

much to the Department of Michigan. It’s been an honor. I appreciate them so much for 

all that they have done. My wife, Susie, who also has her sister Linda here, who has been 

able to watch her while I have been able to be here on the podium.

I am a care giver to my wife. That has been my first obligation. I would like to just 

say this, as I wrote in my report: It has been truly an honor and a very humbling 

experience to be called national chaplain of The American Legion. 

I prayed at the beginning of my year that I would represent the model well for God 

and country. And I hope that was answered in the affirmative. The people I have met and 

served are the greatest, which makes The American Legion the greatest organization in 

the world. So may God continue to bless us all in all of our endeavors wherever we are. 

God bless you.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: At this time I call on Past National 

Commander Marty Conatser of Illinois to present the plaque of Appreciation to John 

Aldecoa, Secretary/Treasurer of The American Legion National Convention Corporation 

of Arizona, for hosting the 2008 National Convention. 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

71

Presentation: Plaque of Appreciation to the City of Phoenix, Arizona

for the 2008 National Convention

Past National Commander, Marty Conatser, Illinois

Well, good afternoon. It is afternoon where I came from. John, if you will step up. I

want to thank John and his committee and the City of Phoenix for the outstanding job 

they did last year. Now, I suppose we could use a little bit of that heat right now. It was a 

little warm in Phoenix, but they did an outstanding job. On behalf of The American 

Legion as being my convention, I want to say thank you and congratulations. (Applause)

MR. JOHN ALDECOA: Thank you, Commander. And on behalf of the City of 

Phoenix, the convention corporation, our convention president—Neal Sundeen, couldn’t 

be here with us today, but we have a lot of volunteers that worked that convention that 

are here today, and we invite you back. And we promise it will be a little cooler, and 

maybe by that time we’ll have an NFL championship Arizona Cardinals team. (Applause)

NATIONAL VICE COMMANDER DAVIS: I now call on National Adjutant Dan 

Wheeler of the Department of Virginia to issue the Call for the Convention.

Call for Convention

Daniel S. Wheeler, Virginia, National Adjutant

Call for the 91st Annual National Convention of The American Legion.

By authority of the National Executive Committee the 91st Annual National 

Convention of The American Legion is hereby called to meet in Louisville, Kentucky, 

August 25 through 27, 2009.

The Convention business sessions will be held in the Kentucky International 

Convention Center, Hall 2-D, Level 2.

Purpose

The Annual National Convention is a legislative body of The American Legion. The 

Convention is called for the purpose of setting the programs of The American Legion for 

the ensuing year, amending the National Constitution and By-laws, and for the 

transaction of such other business as may be brought before it. At 12:00 (noon) of the 

final session or at the conclusion of all of the business of the National Convention, 

whichever first occurs on Thursday, August 27, 2009, officers for the ensuing year will 

be elected. These being the National Commander and five National Vice Commanders, in 

that sequence. 

Representation

Representation in the National Convention shall be by Department and in 

accordance with the provisions of the National Constitution (Section 3, Article V).

“...Each department shall be entitled to five delegates and one additional delegate 

for each 1,000 members or major fraction thereof whose current dues have been received 

by the National Treasurer 30 days prior to the meeting of said Convention, July 27, 2009, 

and whose registration fees are fixed by the National Executive Committee for its total 

authorized delegate strength have been paid and to one alternate for each delegate.” 

(Section 3, Article V)
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

72

In addition to the above, the members of the National Executive Committee are 

delegates to the National Convention with vote which shall be exercised with the 

respected Department except that the vote of the National Commander shall be exercised 

only in his capacity as Chairman of the National Convention. (Section 3, Article VII)

“Each duly registered delegate shall be entitled to one vote.” (Section 4, Article V)

Delegates to the National Convention shall be accredited in writing to the National 

Adjutant in the number of and the manner prescribed by Article V of the National 

Constitution. The rights of Departments to make and accredited substitutes for absentee 

delegates or alternate delegates shall be recognized by the National Adjutant provided 

that such substitution shall be officially certified by the Department Commander and 

Department Adjutant at the time of the certification required by the National Constitution 

or at any time prior to the adjournment of the first session of the National Convention.

Alternates 

Alternates shall have the power to vote only in the absence of regular delegates. The 

selection of alternates to represent absent delegates is a matter for decision within the 

respected delegations. The vote of any registered delegate absent or not represented by an 

alternate shall be cast by the majority of the registered delegates present from his or her 

Department. 

National Executive Committee

The meeting of the new National Executive Committee will be held at the call of the 

National Commander within 24 hours after the adjournment of the National Convention 

as provided by the National By-laws.

Department Officials

Department officials, unless elected as delegates or alternates to the National 

Convention, have no privileges in the Convention except as the guests of their respective 

delegates. 

Convention Committees

Each Department is entitled to one delegate for each of the following committees:

Americanism

Children & Youth

Constitutional Amendments and By-Laws

Credentials and Internal Affairs

Credentials and other Internal Matters (Section I & II)

Membership (Section III)

Economic

Employment and Veterans Preference

Other Economic Matters

Finance

Foreign Relations

Legislation & Rules

National Security Committee: Joint Meeting (Includes Aerospace,

Homeland Security and Civil Preparedness, Law and Order,

Merchant Marine, Military Affairs, Naval Affairs)

Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

73

Claims and Ratings

Hospital and Medical Services 

NATIONAL ADJUTANT WHEELER: Mr. Commander that completes the reading 

of the call.

NATIONAL VICE COMMANDER DAVIS: Thank you very much, Mr. Adjutant. I 

now declare the 91st Annual National Convention of The American Legion to be 

regularly convened. 

The Chair recognizes Larry Besson of Illinois, Chairman of the National Convention 

Committee on Credentials and Internal Affairs, Section I, for the purpose of a report. 

Report: Convention Committee on Credentials and Other Internal Matters

(Section I of Convention Committee on Credentials and Other Internal Affairs)

Larry J. Besson, Illinois, Chairman

To the 91st Annual National Convention of The American Legion, Louisville 

Kentucky, August 25, 26, 27, 2009.

The section on Credentials and Other Internal Affairs met at 9:00 a.m., August 23, 

2009, in Kentucky International Convention Center, Room 106, Level 1.

Larry J. Besson of Illinois was elected Chairman, and Larry Sheets of Florida was 

elected Secretary.

It was regularly moved, seconded and carried to accept the Delegate Strength Report 

as reported by the National Adjutant certifying membership 30 days prior to National 

Convention. It was regularly moved, seconded and carried that the report be based upon 

the provisions of Section 3, Article V, of the National Constitution: Five delegates for 

each Department, plus one additional delegate for each 1,000 members or major fraction 

thereof, whose current dues have been received by the National Treasurer thirty (30) days 

prior to the opening of the Convention (July 27, 2009); and one alternate for each 

delegate. In addition, in accordance with Section 3, Article VII, members of the National 

Executive Committee which committee includes the National Commander, who exercises 

his vote only in his capacity as Chairman of the National Convention, and five (5) 

National Vice Commanders are delegates to the National Convention.

All living past national commanders are members of the National Executive 

Committee without vote and life delegates to the National Convention with vote, which is 

exercised in their respective Departments. (Voting strength figures attached.)

Motion was adopted by majority vote that the Committee Chairman and Secretary 

be authorized to sign the Committee report on behalf of the Committee.

It was also regularly moved, seconded and carried that the Permanent Committee 

Chairman and Permanent Secretary be authorized to make technical corrections to the 

resolutions reported out of this Committee to ensure proper wording and form without 

changing the substance or meaning of the resolution(s).

In accordance with the membership report certified to the Convention Committee on 

Credentials and Internal Affairs by the National Adjutant on July 27, 2009 and in 

accordance with Article V of the National Constitution, the voting strength of the 55 

Departments is 2,711 allocated as follows:
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

74

Alabama 27 Montana 19

Alaska 13 Nebraska 51

Arizona 51 Nevada 15

Arkansas 24 New Hampshire 28

California 124 New Jersey 67

Colorado 30 New Mexico 19

Connecticut 32 New York 153

Delaware 18 North Carolina 51

District of Columbia 8 North Dakota 26

Florida 130 Ohio 130

France 10 Oklahoma 30

Georgia 54 Oregon 29

Hawaii 9 Pennsylvania 211

Idaho 18 Philippines 7

Illinois 121 Puerto Rico 13

Indiana 108 Rhode Island 13

Iowa 67 South Carolina 32

Kansas 46 South Dakota 30

Kentucky 34 Tennessee 35

Louisiana 35 Texas 88

Maine 31 Utah 15

Maryland 75 Vermont 22

Massachusetts 58 Virginia 61

Mexico 7 Washington 39

Michigan 89 West Virginia 31

Minnesota 105 Wisconsin 75

Mississippi 25 Wyoming 13

Missouri 59

COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN BEESON: Mr. Commander, as a duly elected and 

registered delegate from the Department of Illinois, I move for the adoption of this report.

NATIONAL VICE COMMANDER DAVIS: Do I hear a second? ...Second.

All in favor so indicate by the usual sign. All opposed. The report of Credentials and 

Internal Matters Section I is adopted. Thank you for your report.

The Chair recognizes James Koutz of Indiana, chairman of the National Convention 

Committee on Legislation and Rules, for the purpose of making a report. 

Report: Convention Committee on Legislation and Rules

James E. Koutz, Indiana, Chairman

The National Convention Committee on Legislation and Rules met on Sunday, 

August 23, 2009 in the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville, 

Kentucky. There were 41 delegates to the Committee present and 16 guests in attendance. 

Following the preliminary activities to officially organize the Committee, the 

Permanent Chairman and Secretary were duly elected. I, James E. Koutz, a delegate from 

the Department of Indiana, was elected Permanent Chairman. Russell H. Hanseter, a 

delegate from the Department of Wisconsin, was elected Permanent Secretary.
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

75

The Committee proceeded to the business agenda by considering the Rules of the 

Convention. A motion was unanimously approved by the Committee to adopt the 

Standing Rules of the Convention as they appear in the Uniform Code of Procedures for 

Organizing National Conventions of The American Legion.

A unanimously approved motion allowed the Permanent Chairman and Permanent 

Secretary to make technical corrections to the Committee Report, as necessary and 

appropriate.

The final unanimously approved motion authorized the Chairman and Secretary to 

sign the report on behalf of the Convention Committee on Legislation and Rules.

The Legislation and Rules Committee did not receive any resolutions for 

consideration or action.

The Committee heard remarks from Steve Robertson, Legislative Director, The 

American Legion concerning the national health care reform debate currently underway 

across the country. Particular focus was on the potential impact on America’s service 

members, veterans and their families. He also addressed the FY 2010 Military 

Construction, Veterans’ Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act currently 

pending in Congress. He specifically addressed the advance appropriations for FY 2011 

included in the bill and the benefits of such action. He closed with discussing the 

importance of hosting veterans’ town hall meeting dedicated to discussing critical 

veterans’ issues with lawmakers and other elected officials. 

Legislative Point Papers were distributed to delegates and guests that address a 

number of key issues pending before the 111th Congress. They address defense, 

immigration, veterans’ appropriations, as well as the flag protection amendment. A great 

deal of current information was made available to delegates for distribution back home.

Since Congress is currently in recess, the annual Federal appropriations process is 

currently on hold. To date, the House has passed all 12 appropriations measures and the 

Senate leadership promises to take action on its appropriations measures when they return 

from recess. The FY 2010 Military Construction, Veterans’ Affairs and Related Agencies 

Appropriations Act meets or exceeds the funding levels recommended by The American 

Legion in almost every category. Among The American Legion’s legislation priorities in 

the 111th Congress was assuring advance appropriations for the Department of Veterans 

Affairs Veterans Health Administration (VHA) in FY 2011. This is a major improvement 

in the budget process for VHA and its hospital administrators. 

The newly implemented Post 9-11 GI Bill is providing improved educational 

benefits to thousands of veterans now attending colleges, both public and private 

institutions. Timely implementation of this new GI Bill program was a top priority for 

The American Legion in this session of Congress.

There has been a major paradigm shift in the future weapon systems within the 

Department of Defense (DoD). Defense Secretary Gates is working closely with 

Congress to fund only those weapon systems wanted by the Armed Forces. However, 

Secretary Gates has express concerns about the growing personnel costs within the 

overall Defense budget and plans to make recommendations in the FY 2011 budget 

request due in February 2010. This may result in some changes in the military health care 

delivery systems, to include both TRICARE and TRICARE for Life.

The American Legion anticipates legislative efforts of both the Administration and 

some congressional leaders to provide amnesty for illegal immigrants. The American 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

76

Legion remains steadfast in its support of enforcement of existing immigration laws and 

adamantly opposes amnesty for those who illegally crossed borders of the United States. 

On September 10, Legionnaires from across the country will accompany the newlyelected National Commander to Capitol Hill. The purpose of this visit will be to discuss 

the legislative mandates adopted by the delegates at this National Convention. This 

hearing will be held on a Thursday; therefore, members of The American Legion family 

attending this event should have an opportunity for face-to-face meetings with their 

elected officials.

COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN KOUTZ: National Commander Rehbein, as a duly 

authorized Delegate to this Convention from the Department of Indiana, I move the 

adoption of this report and the adoption of the Standing Rules of the Convention as they 

appear in the Uniform Code of Procedures for Organizing National Conventions of The 

American Legion.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: You’ve heard the motion is there a 

second? ...Second. Discussion? All those in favor by the normal sign of aye. Opposed? 

The motion is carried. The report of Legislation and Rules is adopted.

The chair recognizes Kenneth Danilson of Iowa, chairman of the National 

Convention Committee on Finance for the purpose of making a report. 

Report: Convention Committee on Finance

Kenneth D. Danilson, Iowa, Chairman

Forty-five members met at the Kentucky International Convention Center, room 

L11, Level L at 9 a.m. on Sunday, August 23, 2009 in Louisville, Kentucky. Shawn T. 

Long, CPA (Indiana), National Finance Director, opened the meeting as staff liaison and 

informed the committee that nominations were in order for Chairman and Secretary. 

Kenneth D. Danilson (Iowa) was elected chairman, and Carl E. Levi (Tennessee) was 

elected secretary, by unanimous vote.

The Chairman introduced the National Treasurer, George A. Buskirk, Jr. (Indiana), 

who updated the committee on the investment policies of The American Legion National 

Headquarters. His report is below:

Since the last meeting of the convention Committee on Finance in Phoenix Arizona 

on August 22, 2008, dramatic negative events have taken place in the American economy 

unlike any since the Great Depression of 1929.

The severity of this economic downturn and the resultant impact it has had on the 

state of the American economy has caused the Dow Jones Industrial Average to diminish 

42% in market value as of March 2009. In light of this development the National Finance 

Commission has suggested that I focus my remarks today on a review of the current 

investment policy of the National Finance Commission of The American Legion National 

Headquarters and the current overall status of the funds we manage.

Several years ago the National Finance Commission became concerned with the 

volatility of the overall stock market and many of the economic practices taking place on

Wall Street. To name but a few, the dramatic appreciation in value of tech stocks with no 

historic performance to justify these gains, the unprecedented rise in the sale of pooled 

income mortgage securities in the secondary bond market with minimal regulation or 

government oversight, the irresponsible increase in consumer debt by many Americans, 

and the uncontrolled rise in the cost of fuel oil required to maintain a vibrant U.S. 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

77

business environment are but a few of the economic indicators that alarmed the 

commission.

As the largest Veterans Service Organization in the world, The American Legion is 

responsible for the management of in excess of $150 million dollars in assets held within 

17 separate trusts, endowments and dedicated fund activities for the use of our 2.5 million 

member programs. It is imperative that as the fiduciary commission responsible to our 

membership that a conservative investment policy be established and maintained to 

protect and preserve these assets for use by both the current and future generations of 

membership of The American Legion.

Beginning as far back as 1992 with revisions in 1997 and 2008 the National Finance 

Commission created the written investment policy in effect today, long before many notfor-profit organizations established written policies, and we are pleased to announce that 

this conservative policy has served us very well in the overall performance of our assets 

during this landmark recession of 2009.

To date, the overall total rate of return of all assets held in The American Legion 

portfolio is down on average a -2.5% as compared to the national average of -42%. Of the 

$150 million in assets under management, only 15% of these assets are currently invested 

in stocks with the remaining 85% invested in the highest quality U.S. government bonds 

and government agency securities issued by the federal government.

This outstanding performance stems from our current investment policy that 

prohibits any of our trusts, endowments or investment accounts from purchasing risk

oriented investments of any kind such as real estate investments, mutual equity funds, 

venture capital partnerships, private equity funds, or hedge funds.

Also in this policy our investment advisors and trust officers are prohibited from 

activities such as short selling stocks, security lending, option trading, the purchase of 

futures, the use of non-marketable investments or the purchase of foreign securities. 

This policy is periodically reviewed to insure that these conservative standards are 

maintained as investment products and government regulations evolve over time, and 

prohibits at any time the use of more than 30% common stocks in our pension portfolio 

with the rest of our assets dedicated to the highest quality government bonds available in 

the market place. 

Reviewing this policy and performance in conjunction with our current national 

economic crisis, The National Finance Commission is of the opinion that an economic 

recovery has now begun in the American economy but that the long term vitality of the 

market is still many months into the future. We feel that the last half of 2009 GDP will 

show a 0% gain, and that employment will continue to suffer for the last six months of 

2009. Longer term we remain optimistic that as orders for manufactured goods cause 

unemployed workers to return to their jobs that the economy will rebound in 2010 or the 

first half of 2011. 

In conclusion, regardless of the longer term effect of this terrible recession, you 

should rest assured that the National Finance Commission has taken the most 

conservative direction available as the investors of your funds and we are satisfied that 

our policy has served us well to protect and preserve the assets of the organization with 

virtually no loss over the past 12 months, and that the commission and its policy will 

continue to serve us well in the uncertain times ahead. 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

78

Treasurer Buskirk then recommended that the national dues be set at $13.50. A 

motion from Gaither Keener (NC) was made that the 2009 per capita dues remain at 

$13.50. Tony Riley (IN) seconded the motion, and it was adopted by unanimous vote.

The Chairman then recognized Dennis Henkemeyer (MN), chairman of The 

American Legion Magazine Commission for a report on the Magazine. He first 

acknowledged his good friend and previous Director of Finance Paul Allen (MN) and 

then introduced Jeff Stoffer, Editor of the Magazine. Mr. Henkemeyer reports that The 

American Legion Magazine division, having undergone numerous changes and adding

staff in electronic media, is poised to finish the 2009 budget year by returning a surplus 

of approximately $500,000 to the general fund. Magazine advertising has improved by 

nearly $300,000 year-to-date over 2008’s performance. The magazine is now on course 

to exceed $9 million in sales, about $500,000 short of budget but about $500,000 ahead 

of last year. Careful page management, circulation shifts and relief from the volatile 

paper market of 2008 all contributed to leave manufacturing and distribution at

approximately $613,000 under budget seven issues into the year. The project to revitalize The American Legion Web presence is on schedule for its planned launch of 

Veterans Week 2009.

Mr. Henkemeyer then thanked the Convention Committee on Finance, members of 

the Finance Commission, and Finance Division staff for their support and guidance as 

The American Legion Magazine Division evolves to better meet the communications 

needs of our members, prospective members and others.

National Finance Director Shawn T. Long, CPA presented to each delegate and 

discussed a nine page seven-year financial review and forecast. He informed the 

committee that we had a $3,400,000 surplus for the year ended December 31, 2008 and 

that from our first run projection reports, we are anticipating a 2009 surplus around 

$2,900,000. 

Chairman Danilson reported that the 2008 Crowe Horwath (formally Crowe Chizek) 

certified annual audit is included in the convention program and instructed the delegates 

to address any questions to the Director of Finance, Shawn Long or National Treasurer, 

George Buskirk.

A motion was made by Gaither Keener (NC) to refer Resolution #45 (CA) entitled 

“Transparency in Operation” to the National Finance Commission. Myron Kirby (IL) 

seconded the motion, which was adopted by unanimous vote.

Roger Messier (VA) moved to empower the Chairman and Secretary to write and/or 

amend the report on behalf of the Convention Committee on Finance. Myron Kirby (IL) 

seconded the motion, which was adopted by unanimous vote.

As there was not further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:30 a.m.

COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN DANILSON: Mr. Commander, as a duly elected 

delegate to this Convention from the great State of Iowa, I move for approval of this 

report. 

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: You’ve heard the motion is there a 

second? ...Second. Discussion? All those in favor vote by the sign of aye. Opposed? 

Motion is carried 
Proceedings of Tuesday, August 25, 2009

79

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: I have a couple of announcements, and 

then if the national adjutant has any. Evidently there are a couple of more contributions to 

the Legacy Fund that we have not yet received. If they would come forward quickly. 

Operation Comfort Warriors Those donations will be received following the 

National Security Report on Thursday morning. And the same with National Emergency 

Fund donations, they will be received following the Internal Affairs Report tomorrow. 

Are those Legacy Fund donors close? Yes.

UNIDENTIFIED DELEGATE (CT): Department of Connecticut is proud to present 

you a check for the Legacy Scholarship Fund in the amount of $7,100.

DELEGATE MOORE (FR): Ron Moore from the Department of France, late as 

usual. I do apologize for my Department and also to all of you. It was a great Run, and 

we have a couple of checks that I brought all the way from Germany also. It’s another 

$100 from the Department of France. I promised personally to present checks from Ryan 

Mine Post 5 for $150, Omar Bradley Post GR 42 for $100, from the Thomas Barnett Post 

14 for another $120. And unfortunately—every drop in the bucket counts. There was one 

dollar that came from Walter and Ann Bragg. They asked me to give that to you. And I 

had a very nice story from Russell and Goldie Warren in Staunton, Virginia. She’s 69 

years old, he’s 76, and they have to drive a truck, a water truck, to try to have additional 

income for their Social Security. Each one of them gave me $5 and said please give it to 

the national commander. I said God bless them. And it made me cry, too.

That comes up to a total of $391 I believe, so let’s make it a round number. I have 

another $9 to add to that, too, sir. God bless you, sir. Good riding with you, sir.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: As there are no announcements, please 

rise and join me in a salute to the flag of the United States of America. Hand salute. Two! 

The time is now 3:22. This Convention will stand in recess until 8:30 a.m. tomorrow 

morning.

...At 3:22 p.m. the Convention recessed to reconvene the following day, Wednesday, 

August 26, 2009, at 8:30 a.m. 

PROCEEDINGS

SECOND DAY

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

...At 8:30 a.m., the Delegates assembled for the second day of the 91st Annual 

National Convention, and the following proceedings were conducted.

Call to Order

David K. Rehbein, Iowa, National Commander

The Convention will come to order. Ladies and gentlemen. Please join me in a hand 

salute to the flag of the United States. One! Two!

...At this time, the Delegates stood and saluted the Colors.

For our invocation this morning I call on National Chaplain Reverend Lawrence 

Vollink, Department of Michigan. Please uncover.

Invocation

Rev. Lawrence ‘Larry’ Vollink, Michigan, National Chaplain

Let us pray. No, our God has not forgotten. Most gracious God, you are the strength 

of all who put their trust in you. We ask that you prepare us now to seek to do your good 

work through this great Convention. Open our hearts and ears to that which will inspire 

us to do good things through our American Legion. Help us to stand tall when we are 

given a mission to do. Help us to work with passion in what we believe to be the hope for 

America. Put us to work through that which we have learned today through all of these 

sessions. And to you, Lord, we entrust our lives to service as you bless and protect our 

troops. Thank you for loving them and for loving us. Amen.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Please remain uncovered and join us as 

we recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States, as led by our national 

sergeant at arms.

...At this time the Delegation recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: This 91st Annual National Convention is 

now in session. Before we begin this morning, a couple of announcements. Many of you 

have inquired concerning Peter Ole. Peter would dearly have loved to have been here. We 

miss him, and I’m sure he misses us. But some required surgery made it impossible for 

him to be with us this year. He is planning, he has assured us, and we look forward with 

great anticipation, to his return next year. So all of you that have missed him know that 

we miss him too. But we look forward to seeing him back.

And then also, as you may not have seen on the news this morning, it is with sadness 

that The American Legion acknowledges this morning the passing of Senator Edward

Kennedy of Massachusetts. He was a U. S. Army veteran who dedicated his life to public 

service. Our thoughts and our prayers are with his family at this time.

On another matter, donations to Operation Comfort Warriors. If you have not 

dropped off your contribution to that operation, please be sure to stop by the booth in the 

lobby just outside the hall today. This morning, but for sure today. Remember that if you 

donate $10 or more at the booth you will receive a pin, and tomorrow immediately 
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

82

following the National Security report we will be accepting contributions from the 

various departments on this stage. 

Our first speaker this morning is truly committed to a well funded VA, and to 

meeting the needs of this nation’s veterans. A former history professor at San Diego State 

University, he was a Freedom Rider during the 1960s championing civil rights for 

minorities. He is one of only 22 members of the House of Representatives holding a 

Ph.D. He represents California’s 51st Congressional District, and is the Chairman of the 

House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and a good friend. Would you please give a warm 

welcome to Congressman Bob Filner. (Applause)

Address: The Honorable Bob Filner

Chairman, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs

Good morning. Good morning, Legionnaires. It’s a great honor to be here with the 

premiere organization that represents veterans, fights for veterans, and makes sure that 

we do the right thing in the United States Congress. So I salute you, I salute your 

Washington people. We especially salute Mr. Sommer, who is laughing—or smiling 

more than I have ever seen him smile. He says he’s just got one day left as executive 

director. But we thank him for everything he’s done. He’s mentored all of us, and we so 

appreciate it, Dave. Thank you so much for your work.

I’m proud to be here. As I said, I’m proud and humbled to serve as the Chairman of 

the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. We have done some good things lately. The 

GI Bill for the 21st century has been implemented; the first checks have gone out. We’re 

trying to replicate in this GI Bill for our latest veterans what the GI Bill in 1944 meant to 

Americans. I’m here because of that GI Bill. My dad came back from Europe, was able to 

get some education, and we were able to buy a house. The first time in my family’s 

history we had a house. I lived with relatives in an apartment for a long time. 8,000,000 

veterans took advantage of that GI Bill, and we made the middle class of America. So we 

wanted to do the same thing for our latest veterans. And not only did we cover the full 

cost of college or some vocational training program, but we’ve opened it up to those 

active duty heroes of the Reserves and National Guard who did not get full benefits 

before. And we made those benefits, if people didn’t want to use them or didn’t need to, 

transferrable to family and to children. So I think we’ve done some good things with that.

In the three years that I have been Chairman we have increased the health care 

budget of the VA by 60 percent, $20 billion. I think that’s important for us to recognize 

what we have done. (Applause)

Of course we need your help, as we always do, to make sure that money is spent 

right. You’re the ones that tell us what is going on in the local clinics and hospitals and 

med centers around the country. So we need you more than ever. We also, in a campaign 

that the Legion took a leadership role, I think you know for the last 20 years the VA 

budget has been enacted on time maybe two or three times. That’s bad for a health care 

system. How can you plan, how can you hire, how can you make sure that the quality of 

care is maintained? But we passed this year—we’re in the midst of passing but it’s 

already been implemented, what we call forward funding, advanced funding. We passed 

in the House of Representatives not only the budget for 2010, but the budget for 2011 for 

the VA. Now we know what the number is going to be. And that was the chief, I think 

that was the chief priority of The American Legion, to get that forward funding, and we 

were able to get it done with your support and your help.
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

83

So we have done some good things, but we’ve got to keep going. We made a 

contract with you all that we got to keep. This war that is going on now, like probably 

wars you’ve fought in, is pretty divisive in America. It’s caused dissent. But we are 

united in this country and in this Congress to say that no matter where we were on the 

war or are on the war, we’re going to make sure that every young man and woman that 

comes back from that war gets all the care, the love, the attention, the honor and dignity a 

nation can give. We are committed to that. (Applause)

You know if we don’t consciously just say that every day we’re going to have some 

problems. Now, it’s hard for me to see out there, but how many of you are from Vietnam 

era? I can see it’s almost everybody. Let me say something about the way we should not 

have done things when you came home. We know that that war was divisive, but this 

country, this Congressman, did not distinguish between the war and the warrior. And 

when the warriors came home we did not welcome you. We did not say we need a new 

GI Bill for you guys. We did not say we got to make sure your health care is completely 

covered. We wanted to forget about it. That was a big mistake. This country has a lot to 

apologize for to make up for it. And we know, you know, half of the homeless on the 

street tonight are probably Vietnam vets. And the Secretary of the VA, a great leader, 

General Shinseki, was here yesterday. I don’t know if he said it, I think he did. He is 

committed to making sure there is zero veteran homelessness by the time his first term is 

finished. I think that’s a great aim that we all have to make sure we live up to. And we in 

Congress are going to make sure we get the resources to do that. Veterans and homeless 

should not be in the same sentence, same phrase.

We also did not deal with mental health in the way that we ought to have done. And 

we did not want to say that Agent Orange or any of those herbicides did any damage, so 

for decades we denied that there was any problem. Then when we finally admitted an 

Agent Orange problem we built up such a bunch of bureaucratic obstacles that the 

people, who are trying to get benefits rightly due them from the pain that Agent Orange 

caused, think that VA means veterans’ adversary, because they have to fight the VA so 

much. VA ought to be a veterans’ advocate, and we should say more than I’m sorry to 

you Vietnam vets. We should clear off all the Agent Orange claims today or yesterday by 

granting them to those who have applied for them. (Applause)

If you were there, we should care. And I don’t care if your boots were on the 

ground, or if you were in the blue waters off Vietnam, or the blue skies up above, or in 

Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Guam, American bases where shipments opened up and 

exposed people, we ought to get all of those claims off the books today. People have 

suffered enough, they are probably sicker from fighting the VA than whatever sickness 

that they have. And it’s time since we have almost 1,000,000 backlogged claims, let’s get 

off 100,000 or more of the Agent Orange claims and grant them. That’s how we should 

say I’m sorry and thank you to the Vietnam vets, and that’s what we’re going to try to do 

in Congress this year.

So we’ve still got a long way to go. We’ve still got a long way to go. I mentioned 

the claims. Almost 1,000,000, depending on how you’re counting them. But however you 

count them it’s an insult to those we call our heroes, to those who every day we owe so 

much, and yet we insult them by taking months, if not years, to do a claim.

Now, I hate to mention the IRS to you all, but 15 or 20 years ago the IRS was one of 

the most dysfunctional agencies in America. You didn’t know where your check was, if 

you had a refund or who was doing it or when you would get it. Now when you file your 
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1040 and ask for a refund, you’ll get a check within three weeks guaranteed. Three 

weeks. How do they do it? They accept your form subject to audit. They assume it’s 

honest, but they can check it if they want. You get a check right away. Well, why don’t 

we do the same thing with our nation’s veterans? Who more should we trust? And I say if 

you submit all the documentation, the medical documentation, and you have the help, 

say, of the Legion’s veterans service officers, all of whom are certified to do this, we 

should accept the claim, send out the check subject to audit. That’s the way to cut through 

the bureaucracy at the VA. (Applause) You know, we’ve hired thousands of new claims 

people, but by the time they get trained and by the time—you know, more claims have 

come in, other people have retired, we don’t seem to be getting anywhere with those 

backlogs. So let’s just cut through all this bureaucracy and do the right thing for you all. 

That’s what I would like to do. I hope we can do that when we get back.

So we still got a long ways to go. We got, as we know, homeless on the street. 

Veterans who have served their nation should never have been allowed to get to this 

position, and we got to say thank you and we got to take care of them. We have more 

women in combat and in the services than ever before; right? And we thank them all for 

that. (Applause) But I got to tell all you guys the VA was built as a male institution, but 

now we have got to change. We’ve got to have doctors who understand that if a woman 

comes in with an amputated arm she didn’t lose it maybe just from cancer, she was in 

Fallujah and had an IED blow up in front of her. We got to recognize that when single 

moms can’t get child care and they bring their kid or kids to the VA the doctors got to see 

them because that’s their only alternative. We should be taking care of that for our parent 

vets. We got to give the women the doctors that they would like and the respect that they 

have earned and deserved.

So we still have a long way to go. We did the GI Bill, we have the forward funding. 

We’re doing this and we’re doing that. But we still got a bureaucracy that is not always 

responsive. I think General Shinseki, as he said yesterday, is going to bring accountability 

to the VA system. Nobody thinks anything happens to them if they do something wrong. 

We got to change that in the VA, and I think General Shinseki is the man to do it. 

So we’re going to continue on with your support, we’re going to keep the contract 

that we made with you. And I think the Secretary said it yesterday, there is a lot of debate 

about health care today, and I want you to know about the VA health care system. They 

are going to have to pry the VA health care system from our cold and dead hands before 

anything happens to affect that, whatever we do in health care reform. We’re going to 

make sure that you get the quality of care that is increasing and that you deserve. So 

we’re going to keep on. I thank you all for your service, I thank you all for making sure 

that your comrades and the later veterans get the benefits because you’re working all for 

them, not just for yourself. We thank you, and we’re going to continue to do the right 

thing for you. Thank you so much. (Applause)

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Our next guest represents Minnesota’s 

First Congressional District. At the young age of 17 he enlisted in the Army National 

Guard, and retired 24 years later as a Command Sergeant Major, the highest ranking 

enlisted soldier to ever serve in Congress. While a student at Chadron State College in 

Nebraska, he earned the title of Nebraska Citizen Soldier of the Year in 1989. He has 

served overseas with his battalion in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. As a 
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85

member of Congress he serves on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee. Would you 

join me in welcoming Representative Tim Walz from Minnesota. (Applause)

Address: The Honorable Tim Walz

United States House of Representatives

Thank you all. Thank you, commander, for all you do. And I had the great pleasure 

of meeting your wife this morning and thanking her, because I know, and all of us in here 

know, that behind every successful commander is an astonished mother-in-law. So it was 

good to meet Ann. You’ve done great work, and we truly appreciate it.

It’s a privilege to stand here in front of you as a member of Congress, as a retired 

veteran, but maybe today most importantly as a proud member of The American Legion.

I want to thank my fellow Legionnaires from Minnesota for being here. (Cheers and 

applause) If you’re feeling homesick, it was 33 up in Embarrass the other day, so if 

you’re missing home. And thank you to our hosts from Kentucky for putting on such a 

wonderful convention in this beautiful city. We truly appreciate it.

I can tell you that one of the true honors of this job is meeting with veterans and 

representing the people of Southern Minnesota and the people of this country and 

meeting with our warriors. I had the opportunity shortly after I was elected to go out to 

Walter Reed and meet with one of our wounded warriors who was back from serving this 

country in Iraq. They introduced me—and it was a very nice introduction I got from the 

commander here. They kind of said the same thing. They said this is Congressman Walz 

from Minnesota, he’s a Sergeant Major, and he came to see you. And this soldier never 

missed a beat, and he said, “Oh, I’m sorry about that.” And I said, “Sorry about what?” 

He said, “I’m sorry you took a demotion to Congress.” (Laughter)

And I think he understood, and what you understood, is the sense of pride that goes 

with being part of this organization, of being part of this nation’s military, and the self 

sacrifice that goes into that. I can’t tell you how incredibly honored I am to stand in front 

of you and watch the things you do. And I say that not just for the care, and what you 

heard Chairman Filner talk about, the things that you helped move through to make life 

better for our veterans and families and secure this nation. I’m also a high school teacher, 

a public high school teacher. That’s my job. And I never ran for elected office. I served as 

a citizen soldier and as a teacher, and I see the work that the Legion does on that side of 

things, of creating great citizens for this country through youth programs, through sports 

programs, and through a program that I have taken very close to my heart and seen the 

great work it does, Boys and Girls State. And I want to thank each of you for building the 

citizens of tomorrow. And that program has wondrous effects on this country. So thank 

you very much for that. (Applause)

To be very honest with you, I can’t think of a single major thing that we’ve done for 

veterans in this country that hasn’t had the stamp of The American Legion on it. The 

partnership that we share together, the voice that you speak for veterans, the voice of 

authenticity, the voice of integrity, and the voice of experience on what it takes of helping 

us understand these are the needs, these are the issues. What you need to do, telling us as 

your elected representatives, is you need to make sure this becomes legislation; this 

becomes the law of the land. And each and every one of those things is ushered through 

with the work of each of you and with this group up here. And I can tell you—and when I 

saw General Shinseki, when he came to become Secretary Shinseki and he was testifying 

for the first time in front of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Chairman Filner’s 
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committee, the one thing I told him was, I said, “If you want to know where your strength 

lies, Secretary, you need to turn around.” In the front row, it was filled with Legion 

members. And I said, “They will be behind you every step of the way, but be very clear 

about this: They will be your strongest advocates for the VA and for veterans, but 

because of that and because of that commitment they will be your harshest critics and you 

need to listen to both sides.” (Applause)

As you heard Chairman Filner I think talk very passionately, and he understood this, 

especially with this nation’s experience from Vietnam, of that clear understanding of 

separating the war and the warrior, of making sure you understand how much our citizens 

are willing to give for freedom, and those who have given everything. I am convinced 

that because of the work of the Legion and other veterans organizations, people sitting in 

this room, that we are changing that attitude. And I don’t think it will ever change back. 

What I mean by this is the care I see and the commitment I see from citizens when it 

comes to caring for this nation’s veterans is unwavering right now. It is an issue that 

transcends politics. It’s an issue that I am convinced in the midst of turmoil, in the midst 

of political upheaval, in the midst of debates and things like that, of town hall meetings—

if you want to make me feel at home just randomly yell at me some now. It will make me 

feel a little more comfortable. But amongst all of that, that’s the purpose of a democracy, 

that’s the greatness of a democracy. But in the midst of all that there is one issue that 

unites us as a people more than any other, and that’s the care of this nation’s veterans. If 

we can continue to make sure that that remains a central tissue, it unites this country, and 

we continue passing legislation that truly makes a difference.

You heard about the GI Bill, you heard about advanced funding and advanced 

appropriations. Not only is advanced appropriations the right way to care for our 

veterans, it makes good economic sense. And every one of you, every one of you in here 

understands we are facing challenging times. Everyone in this nation, if they are not 

concerned, they should be concerned about rising deficits and spending. That is 

absolutely appropriate. We have a responsibility to make sure that future generations are 

not saddled with poor decisions being made today. With that being said, we must be 

absolutely clear, though, making and balancing this budget cannot be done and will not 

be done on the backs of veterans. It must not be. (Applause)

We have done much to make the system better. We have done much to make sure 

the care that we receive, and rightfully called the best care anywhere, is at the VA. But as 

you heard Chairman Filner—and you don’t need us to stand in front of you to tell it, you 

work with it every day. You deal with the problems every day of claims backlogs, of 

wondering what happens, of errors that come up. And rest assured they will be there. 

Whether it’s medical errors or whether its letters going out informing fellow veterans if 

they have ALS, things like this, they are unacceptable. We all understand that we may 

never reach perfection, but when it comes to caring for our veterans that must still remain 

our goal. We must every day strive to make sure there are no errors, there is no one 

waiting for care, there is no one denied care, and that when veterans come home the one 

thing they know that is going to be a constant is they are going to be told thank you, and 

they are going to receive and their family is going to receive the care and the benefits that 

they have so rightly earned defending this nation. We can make it happen. (Applause)

Two things I would say that the Legion has done to forward this process as much as 

any other. You heard a little about the GI Bill. I think we have an opportunity to make a 

generational effect on people’s lives, of making it that our veterans come home and they 
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bring back their skills. We know that this, the greatest generation, came back from war 

conflict, came back from Vietnam, came back from Korea, came back from the Gulf 

War, and are coming back now from Iraq and Afghanistan with skills that will make this 

nation better. The idea of fighting for democracy, the idea of working together to solve 

common goals, those things can happen. But we must remain vigilant on how we make 

that happen. The advanced appropriation was a great step. But I believe one thing, and 

I’m asking again for your help in making this happen. All of us know that one of the 

biggest problems we face is the Department of Defense and the VA and the 

communication between them. There is not a person in this room that hasn’t heard about 

seamless transition for three decades. And there is not a person in this room who has not 

lost a sense of optimism about this. I rode from the airport yesterday with an E-6 veteran 

of Iraq and Afghanistan, and I was talking about seamless transition. And Mark told me, 

“Oh, don’t get me wrong, Congressman. I’m a pretty optimistic guy, but I’m also a 

realist.” Everybody in this room knows if you want realism, you want pragmatism, go to 

an E-6, they’ll tell you the way it is. This troop doesn’t believe that we have the fortitude, 

or we haven’t proven we have the fortitude, to bridge the gap between the DoD, who 

does a fabulous job of fighting conflicts. That’s their job. We’re the best in the world at

doing that, and the VA that cares for our veterans. But there is a chasm that soldiers drop 

between, that warriors come back and drop between. And then they end up, as the 

chairman said, fighting against their own government to enter into a system that is meant 

to care for them. That’s why on April 19th, when the president announced the Virtual 

Lifetime Electronic Record, saying when you raise your hand and swear your oath to this 

nation, we are going to jointly enroll you across the spectrum from the DoD to the VA. 

That’s smart business. That’s the way to care for our veterans. (Applause)

I’m encouraged we have the opportunity, because what happens here is we have a 

better opportunity, one, to capture all the veterans on the front side. In this day and age, 

and many of us in here are the gray hairs, but we know that these younger warriors 

coming back, the VA doesn’t even capture their email address to contact them.

These are people that grew up without a phone in their house and only a cell phone. 

They are people that they’re connected together by Facebook and MySpace, and the VA 

has not evolved enough to capture them and bring them in. We must be smarter on that. 

One, it’s a moral responsibility. Two, is we’re going to get better care for these veterans 

in a quicker manner; and three, we’re going to save money in the long run instead of 

letting them drop out of the system, develop medical problems, develop issues with 

PTSD, and then try and pull them back in and treat them later. We have to be smarter, we 

have to be more creative, and seamless transition is the way.

Now the reason I bring this up and tell you. I am an eternal optimist, and I say this 

because I supervised the high school lunch room for 20 years. You have to remain 

optimistic to survive that. (Laughter) But I’m optimistic for another reason. We have a 

commitment from the administration that seamless transition is a top priority. We have a 

commitment from Secretary Gates at the DoD that it’s a top priority. We have a 

commitment from Secretary Shinseki at the VA that it’s a top priority. And I’ll tell you 

the one reason that gives me the most confidence in this is, is we have this room that 

understands it must be done. Together we can make sure now is the time, let’s get this 

done, let’s make sure that no one ever hears again that their claim has been lost when a 

fire burned in St. Louis and we don’t have any record of your service—let’s make sure 

that never happens to another veteran. Let’s make sure they get prompt care, good care, 
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and we fulfill two important duties to this nation. We fulfill the moral responsibility of 

caring for our veterans, and we show the next generation, the next generation that will 

have to protect us.

Everybody in this room prays every day that we will never see another conflict, but 

we know better than to not plan ahead. We know most likely there will be another 

conflict. It’s our responsibility to make sure that we keep the faith with current veterans, 

so that future veterans and future warriors know that they can sign up and they will be 

taken care of. And I can tell you as a teacher, as a member of Congress, as a citizen 

soldier and a National Guardsman, that we have every reason to be optimistic and proud 

of this current generation. They are signing up and volunteering to go defend this nation 

at a time of war in record numbers of their own selfless service. That’s something we 

should all be incredibly proud of. (Applause)

So as we move forward we know we can’t rest. We know we’ve made progress. 

Chairman Filner talked about historic budgets. But we can’t lose faith with the public on 

how we manage that money. We can’t lose faith, but we have to get it exactly right. We 

can’t lose faith that making sure that the transition from military life to civilian life is as 

smooth as possible. Not, as we said again, for the moral obligation or the security, it’s an 

economic benefit to all of us to bring back these skills and bring them back in. All those 

things are possible, but every single one of you in this room knows you will hear lip 

service to veterans from every single politician who stands in front of you. The question 

is how many of them are willing to stand behind you and our warriors when the time 

comes to get it done. That’s the true measuring stone. So we’ve got our work cut out for 

us. We’ve made progress, but we can’t go backwards. We can’t allow—as I said, when 

we talk about fiscal responsibility or health care reform, to touch in any way what we’re 

doing in the VA. When I hear people bring up we might have to look at copays in 

TRICARE and things like that, here is what we need to respond every time: The copay 

was paid when they swore their oath of enlistment in this nation, and it won’t go further. 

We have an opportunity to make care for our veterans continue to be the best in the 

world. We have an opportunity to make sure that our returning female warriors are 

integrated into the system in a seamless manner like everyone else. We have an 

opportunity to show that this nation will not forsake its warriors. We have an obligation 

to show the rest of the world and those who think that they can do us harm or we’re 

somehow divided. What they don’t understand is we can criticize each other, but they 

can’t criticize this nation. They will not be allowed to. We will not rest for a minute until 

those who perpetrated the attacks on 9/11 are brought to justice, and those in the future 

who mean to bring this nation harm. And the strongest way we show our solidarity, the 

strongest way we show our defense of this nation, is by the care of our veterans. And I 

can tell you that those of you sitting in this room, you come, you do this work. You work 

in local schools, you tell the stories, you work hard. You talk about legislation. You come 

here and grapple with the tough issues, and you do so for one very, very simple reason. 

You love this nation more than anything. You understand that this is the world’s last 

great hope on democracy, last great hope of freedom, last great hope to allow people to 

achieve what they can do, and it happens because of the selfless service of each of you.

So again I thank you for the privilege and the honor to stand in front of you. May 

God bless you, The American Legion, and this great country. Thank you. (Applause)
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NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Small businesses represent the heart and 

soul of our economy, and the next speaker knows this well. She is a passionate advocate 

for small business policy that encourages innovation, economic development, and job 

creation. A member of the Council on Foreign Relations, she has been a successful 

manager of small businesses and holds an M. B. A. from Harvard Business School. After 

being appointed by President Obama to head the U. S. Small Business Administration, 

she was unanimously confirmed by the U. S. Senate. Please give a warm welcome to the 

Administrator of the Small Business Administration, Karen Gordon Mills. 

Address: Karen Gordon Mills

Administrator, U. S. Small Business Administration

Well, thank you. Thank you, Commander Rehbein, for that introduction and also for 

your service. Good morning, everyone. It’s an honor to be with all of you. You know, as 

the commander mentioned, I am from the great State of Maine. Or maybe I should say 

the great Department of Maine. (Cheers and applause) And we’re very proud to have 175 

posts, 25,000 Legionnaires, under the command of Andy Olson. I think they are here 

today, right up front where they should be. Now, as many of you know, Maine stretches 

farther east than any other state. And as such we have an airport that is a key departure 

and arrival point for troops serving abroad, which is Bangor International. With all the 

troops coming and going from across the country, The American Legion organized the 

Maine Troop Greeters. Senator Olympia Snow calls them the very best of Maine. And I 

couldn’t agree more, because since 2003 they have been at the airport to greet 4,000 

flights and 800,000 troops. (Applause)

I’m going to come back to these troop greeters later, but I want to start by simply 

saying thank you to The American Legion for the many ways that you provide support to 

our troops and to their families. The American Legion knows that the veterans deserve 

the best our country has to offer. Our president and we at the United States Small 

Business Administration share that vision. We believe that it includes the opportunity for 

veterans who have fought for the American dream to live the American dream. Already 

more than 3 million small businesses are owned by veterans.

As President Obama has said, these businesses are formed in family meetings 

around kitchen tables, and they are the heart of the American economy. In fact, we know 

that small businesses create about 70 percent of the jobs, and that over half of working 

Americans either own a small business or work for a small business. Throughout history 

it’s been small businesses that lead us out of the recession and into recovery. Today they 

are gearing up to do it again, and veteran owned small businesses are playing a crucial 

role. 

As we move forward together at the SBA we have got three priorities. We are going 

to implement the Recovery Act, we are going to reinvest in invigorating the SBA and its 

partners, and we are going to serve as the strongest possible voice for small business in 

the American communities. 

First the Recovery Act. The economic stimulus. You all know in October credit 

lines were cut. Many businesses found themselves struggling to find the money to 

survive. I’m sure that many of the veterans sitting out here either own or work for a small 

business. It’s hard work. Sometimes you need a local bank to step up, or a credit union to 

get started, help you grow, or help you through the difficult times. That’s where the SBA 

comes in. We have thousands of lending partners who offer SBA loans that are backed by 
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the federal government. It’s a strong partnership. In fact, the banks use the SBA loan 

guarantees to lend about a billion dollars—a billion dollars every year to veteran owned 

businesses. This year we knew that the small business community needed a little extra 

help. That’s part of the reason why Congress—and I have to thank the Congressman that 

was here. All of Congress and the administration and the president made the Recovery 

Act happen. It allowed the SBA to make two important changes. First, in our top loan 

programs we reduced or eliminated most of the fees. That’s so that small businesses 

could keep more of their own money. Second, we increased the federal backing on these 

loans up to 90 percent, so that more lenders would offer SBA loans. And as a result of 

those two temporary measures money has started to flow again. Our loan volume is up 

more than 50 percent compared to the two months before the stimulus passed, and that 

means we’ve put more than $9 billion into the hands of small businesses so far. I’m 

proud to say that in the first six months of the stimulus more than 2,500 of these SBA 

loans have gone to America’s veterans. Do you know how much that is? Over $588 

million, over half a billion dollars in lending support to veteran entrepreneurs and small 

business owners.

Now, we’re particularly proud of the SBA Pilot Express Loan Initiative, and it’s 

only for the military community. And it has our lowest interest rates. Under this stimulus 

we have issued more than 1,200 Patriot Express loans, totaling over $90 million. It’s 

called express actually for a good reason. If a bank approves the loan, the SBA often 

approves the application within 24 hours. That’s getting you the capital you need when 

you need it. And the best part about SBA lending programs is this: Borrowers are 

reporting that these loans are saving and creating tens of thousands of jobs all across the 

country.

We’re not stopping there. The stimulus also provides the opportunity to renew our 

commitment to federal contracting. We’re making sure that small businesses have the 

opportunity to receive at least 23 percent of all federal contracts. And we know that 

veteran owned businesses play a critical role in meeting our nation’s needs for the 

Department of Defense, the Veterans Administration, and others. That’s why last week 

the administration announced that Commerce Secretary Gary Locke and I are going to 

lead, to co-head a government-wide outreach effort. And the President himself has 

backed this and said providing these opportunities to small businesses is essential. Over 

the next 90 days our procurement partners will be part of outreach efforts all across the 

country. And they will be matchmaking, helping to put contracts in the hands of small 

businesses, and those owned by veterans and women and minorities. And we’re going to 

encourage veteran owned businesses to go out and market themselves and their products 

and their services to these agencies. And, in fact, we’re going to be part of the small 

business workshop and the matchmaking event that is going to take place right here at 

this conference I think this afternoon.

Already billions of dollars—billions of dollars of stimulus contracting money is 

flowing, and small businesses have gotten over 20 percent. I’m pleased to say also in the 

Recovery Act contracts we are hitting our goals for getting those contracts to veteran 

owned businesses, and over half of them are going to service disabled veteran owned 

businesses as well.

In my opinion it’s obvious that contracting with veteran owned businesses is a 

win/win. Veteran owned businesses will benefit by increased volume and sales and 

hiring—and usually, often, they hire other veterans. Federal agencies also benefit from 
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working with innovative and nimble and responsive companies, often with a direct line to 

the CEO. And when that CEO is a member of the Legion it’s particularly valuable. 

Agencies know that they are working with somebody who understands that a federal 

contract is an opportunity to live The American Legion motto, which you know is Still 

Serving America.

I should mention one more thing. You may have heard about a couple of decisions 

recently that would have given preference to some other programs over the programs 

designated for our service disabled veterans. In the SBA we said that’s not right. Now, 

I’m very pleased to say that just last Friday the Department of Justice agreed with the 

SBA, upheld our position, and said that all SBA contracting opportunities have a level 

playing field, including those for service disabled veteran owned businesses. So with both 

lending, contracting, and the Recovery Act we are going to get there, we’re going to put 

the brakes on this recession, and we’re going to do it arm in arm with veteran owned 

small businesses. (Applause)

We’re also going to reinvigorate our agency and create a stronger SBA team to work 

with all those veteran owned businesses out there. Our men and women of the armed 

forces know what teamwork is all about. Having a good team is critical to the success of 

the mission. Similarly, at the SBA we’re focused on becoming a stronger team to serve 

veterans the best that we can. The SBA, it starts with 2,000 employees at 68 district 

offices around the country, and each one of these offices has a designated person for 

veterans business development. We add to that. We have partners, 900 small business 

development centers, 100 women’s businesses centers, 350 chapters of our mentoring 

operation, called SCORE. So far this year these three programs have helped to train more 

than 50,000 veterans, including some of our nation’s two million women veterans.

We also look to the experts in our Veterans Business Outreach Centers. They help 

with business plans, feasibility studies, mentoring, especially for veterans. We had five of 

these centers. We now have eight, in all key regions across the United States. If we add it 

up, each year the SBA assists more than 200,000 veteran owned businesses, service 

disabled veteran owned businesses, and reservists who have small businesses.

I want to thank our Associate Administrator for Veterans’ Business Development, 

Bill Elmore, who leads this, and he is here today. Overall the demand for these services is 

up, if you can believe that. It’s up over four percent. So at the SBA we’re making 

investments, we’re making investments in our technology and in our people. With 

technology, we already know that veterans are heavy users of our online tools, such as 

our Small Business Training Network. In fact, 65,000 veterans already this year have 

used this, and we’re going to keep investing in strengthening these information 

technology tools that veterans use and that they value.

And our people, the SBA’s diverse work force, that’s our strongest asset. We’re very 

proud to have 350 veterans working at the SBA, and we have also 367 veterans who are 

part of our online disaster team. They’re an on-call disaster assistance team, and they are 

ready to go into communities to help recover from natural disasters. We’re training our 

employees with new skills to take leadership roles, and we’re pushing to ensure that all of 

our employees and partners are ready to serve returning troops.

Now, we know that thousands of troops are returning from Iraq, and we know that 

18 percent of veterans are still unemployed one to three years after they return, and that’s 

unacceptable. But the good news is that these veterans have higher than average rates of 

self-employment. They have the leadership, they have the knowhow, and they have the 
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drive to succeed as entrepreneurs. Today my commitment to you is this: When they come 

home the SBA team will be ready to serve them as they have served us. (Applause)

Finally, the SBA must serve as a strong voice for small business. Under the Obama 

Administration small businesses have a seat at the table. We are speaking out about the 

high value of veteran owned small businesses. We know that you understand the 

importance of U. S. competitiveness, and we know that you’re helping to move America 

forward with our national priorities. The track records of veterans in small business is no 

accident, and the Legion has built this track record over time. The Legion’s role with the 

GI Bill of 1944 is a great example. In fact, we saw that spirit renewed just a few weeks 

ago when the 21st Century GI Bill went into effect. In my opinion, sending our veterans, 

our Reservists and Guard members to college is one of the smartest investments that we 

can make in the American dream. When we equip veterans with the education, the 

experience, and the SBA tools to succeed, we see powerful stories merge. Let me just tell 

you one example.

Andy Harrell, Jacksonville, Florida. Andy served ten years as a Navy helicopter 

pilot. Then he went to work for a company that did helicopter training for the Department 

of Defense. Then he started his own firm. He entered our 8(a) program, which helps 

economically and socially disadvantaged individuals prepare for contracting. And then 

with the help of SBA loans he got contracts with the Marine Corps and with the Army. 

His company grew from just himself in 2003, to 39 employees today. And all the while 

he’s been helping us meet our national defense goals. I should mention that we just heard 

this week from Andy, and that he’s getting called back to active duty. He’s going to 

Norfolk. So he’s looking into a unique SBA loan program for Reservists who need to 

suddenly leave their business to go serve their country.

So my question for you today is this: Is Andy still serving America? Yes, he is, and 

in more ways than one. I know that later today you’re going to be honoring a number of 

small and large business owners for their leadership. I want to congratulate all of those 

winners. At the SBA we know that America can and should look to veterans for big ideas 

that are going to help create 21st century jobs. We want to hear your ideas, we want to be 

part of your success story, and we want to serve you as a strong voice in Washington, 

D.C. After all, we know that veteran owned small businesses not only help build our 

economy, but they are also making America a stronger, more resourceful, and more 

influential nation. Truly, the SBA is aiming to serve veterans better in all that we do; with

the Recovery Act loans and our contracts, by reinvigorating our SBA team, and by 

serving as a strongest possible voice for small business. And like you, we’re inspired 

every day by our troops.

So back to the troop greeters. The Department of Maine recently printed this letter in 

its newsletter. The writer says, “I can’t tell you how much it meant to me to be greeted by 

the many veterans and volunteers at Bangor International Airport on my way home from 

the desert. I just heard that you’re still there, day and night, to greet our troops. I had to 

write to say thank you. I’m so grateful for your sense of American spirit and dedication.” 

Signed, “A very grateful member of the United States Air Force.” (Applause)

Whether our troops are heading out or coming home, it’s great to know that the four 

million members of The American Legion family are still serving them and are still 

serving America. Today the SBA stands beside you ready to shake hands with a veteran, 

ready to help them pursue and achieve the American dream. Thank you to the veterans 

here today who are helping to strengthen America’s small businesses. Thank you all for 
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93

your service to the country, and especially to the service of disabled veterans who are 

here with us today. It has been an honor to be with you. Thank you, very much. 

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: With us here today is the leader of an 

organization that encourages true patriotism, maintains the institutions of American 

freedom, and respects our national symbols and the value of American citizenship. I was 

privileged to be with them several weeks ago in their National Congress, and was 

received very warmly, made many new friends, saw several old friends, and met many 

Legionnaires.

The president general of the National Society of the Sons of the American 

Revolution has been a member of the Texas society for 26 years, and recently rose to 

their national leadership position. Would you please help me welcome Judge Edward F. 

Butler of the Sons of the American Revolution. 

Address: Judge Edward F. Butler

President General, National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution

Good morning fellow Legionnaires, commander, distinguished guests, ladies and 

gentlemen. It is a pleasure to be here with you today, and one of the biggest pleasures that 

I had was riding in your parade on Sunday. We have been partners in patriotism with The 

American Legion for I believe six years, and this is the first time that we have been in 

your parade. We had about 30 members of our color guard dressed in colonial attire, and 

we were very well received, and we appreciate all of your welcomes.

Our organization was formed on April 30, 1889. That was the 100th anniversary of 

President George Washington taking the oath of office. Now, notice that it was 100 years 

later that we were formed. This is what I want to talk to you about today. Each of you 

have been in the military, and each of you need to write your story. To become a member 

of the Sons of the American Revolution we have to document our descent from a patriot 

who fought in the American Revolutionary War. That’s pretty tough when you consider 

that during the Civil War a lot of records were damaged, lost, and we’ve had 225 years of 

floods and tornadoes and other natural disasters which have destroyed records.

So I want to talk to you today about creating records. Because in 100 years I predict 

that there will be organizations, sons of those who fought in Korea, sons of those who 

fought in Vietnam, sons of those who fought in all the world conflicts that we are 

engaged in now. What will your descendants know about you, and what can you do to 

help pass along the story? I want to give you a personal tidbit. I have an 82 year old 

brother who retired as an Army Colonel. During World War II he had lied about his age, 

and he was a hospital corpsman, Third Class Petty Officer, assigned to the Fleet Marine 

Division, and made several opposed landings in the South Pacific with the First Marine 

Division. He was wounded in combat and continued treating his fellow Marines. For this 

he received the Navy and Marine Corps Medal. That’s all we know about his military 

service because he refuses to talk about it. We have a copy of the citation that says what 

he did on that one day. But what else did he do? We’ll never know. And I suspect that 

there are people in this audience who also don’t like talking about their military service. 

But I want to encourage you when you get home to sit down and write your memoirs so 

that your grandchildren and those great grandchildren who come after you will know 

something about you.
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And don’t stop with just what you did in the military. Your descendents are going to 

be interested in how you met your spouse. They’re going to want to know what you did 

that you enjoyed doing. Did you like to hunt, fish, are you a sportsman, do you follow 

football teams, basketball teams? You need to personalize your story. Then I suggest to 

you that you gather all of the important documents in your life. Your birth certificate, 

your high school diploma, any other certificates that you might have, and put those 

together with the family photographs that you cherish. Now, if you’re not a typist, if 

you’re not computer literate, that’s really not a problem. There is a Kinko’s in every 

medium size town in the nation and every town has a community college where you can 

get students that will type up your memoirs for you, put them on a digital format. They 

can incorporate these photographs. And I encourage you to do that and send those to your 

local library, because most libraries have family history departments.

Send a copy to the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. It’s the largest 

repository of family histories in the world. And researchers, that’s one of the first places 

they go. Once you’ve done this I think you can rest assured that your descendants who 

come along later will know more about you, and they’ll be able to join any of these 

important organizations that perpetuate our national symbols that are patriotic. And I 

want to say today that I believe every person in this room signed a contract with the 

government. You wrote a blank check. You agreed to follow orders if it meant giving up 

your life. So to me, each and every one of you are heroes, and I salute you. (Applause)

Thank you for allowing me an opportunity to speak. God bless you, God bless 

America, and God bless The American Legion.

Now it’s my great pleasure to present one of our society’s highest awards, the 

SAR’s Distinguished Patriot Award to your commander, David Rehbein. 

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Thank you very much. (Applause)

PRESIDENT GENERAL BUTLER: I just want to finish up by saying that it’s a 

pleasure to be a partner in patriotism with The American Legion. We’re proud of our 

relationship with you, and we hope that we’ll get an invitation to march in your parade in 

Milwaukee next summer. 

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Judge, thank you. Thank you very much, 

and you know on behalf of The American Legion, thank you for that recognition. Thank 

you for that beautiful award. It’s hard to find the words to say thank you appropriately, 

but thank you very much.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: During our Convention opening 

yesterday, The American Legion signed the Community Covenant, pledging to continue 

to do what we have done since 1919, support the troops. With us today is the man who is 

the Secretary of the Army’s Representative for the Community Covenant, a retired Army 

Major General, he is a graduate of Purdue University and earned a master’s degree in 

management at Webster University. He is also a graduate of the U.S. Army War College. 

Would you please join me in welcoming Major General Craig B. Whelden. 

Address: MG Craig B. Whelden, USA (Ret.)

Secretary of the Army’s Representative for Community Covenant

Thank you ladies and gentlemen. I want to tell you all I’m a proud member of The 

American Legion. It’s the only veterans service organization that I belong to. (Applause)
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I want to thank Commander Rehbein, the national adjutant, the staff of The 

American Legion for embracing the Community Covenant in such a way that they have. I 

had particularly wanted though to point out the contributions of Bob Spanogle, as most of 

you know was the national adjutant for many, many years. He’s also the Civilian Aide to 

the Secretary of the Army for the State of Indiana. And last October Bob came to me and 

he said, “You know, if you want to promulgate this initiative across America, one of the 

organizations that you need to have taking a lead role is The American Legion, and I 

think I can get you connected to them,” and he did. 

And in January of this year I came up to Indianapolis and I spoke to The American 

Legion staff and national adjutant about this initiative. That led to an executive 

committee meeting in May that I returned to Indianapolis and briefed, and then again to a 

workshop about a month ago. And then yesterday culminated in the signing of the 

Community Covenant document with Admiral Mullen and General Petraeus, your 

national commander and a number of other dignitaries. Now we have about four or five 

thousand copies of that document on our desk right outside the door as you leave this 

hall. 

And if you look at the words on that covenant document, you’re going to notice that 

it’s more than just a reaffirmation of the wonderful programs that you already do for 

service members and their families. It’s a call to action. It’s a call to action by your 

national leadership to help promulgate this initiative across America into every 

community, every town, every city and with every governor. 

So what is Community Covenant? Community Covenant is an initiative of the 

Secretary of the Army, and it’s about reconnecting the American public for support to our 

service members and their families in this extended time of war so that we don’t repeat 

what happened 40 years ago with the Vietnam Era veterans. We’re now in our eighth 

year of war. We have a force that’s about 10 percent of that, that we had in World War II 

which was half as long. And our troops are going back on multiple rotations time and 

time again. The force is under tremendous stress, the families are under tremendous 

stress. And the Secretary of the Army’s vision was to reengage America and remind them 

of the service and the sacrifices of these wonderful young Americans. 

And the way we’re doing that is through Community Covenant signing ceremonies 

hosted by mayors and governors all across the country, county commissioners and other 

community leaders whereby they reaffirm their support for today’s service members and 

their families. And to the degree that they’re willing to stand up and do something above 

and beyond just signing the document, and institute a new program or initiative, we 

encourage that as well. And we’ve seen dozens and dozens of such programs come out of 

our efforts over the last 16 months. 

So what have been the results? In the last 16 months we’ve had over 300 ceremonies 

across the country; we’ve had 560 mayors and over half the governors participate. But 

that’s the tip of the iceberg, because there are tens of thousands of communities all across 

America, and we need to reach into each and every one of them. 

Let me give you some examples of the way this is working across the country 

successfully. Who’s from North Dakota? (Cheers) Let me tell you what happened in 

North Dakota. The governor hosted a ceremony about four months ago, and during that 

ceremony the governor said to all of those in attendance and to his state, “I challenge you 

to host a Community Covenant signing ceremony in every town and every city in this 

state, and in every county.” And partnered with the League of Cities for the state of North 
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96

Dakota, that’s exactly what they’re doing. In the last four months, North Dakota has held 

over 160 ceremonies. And if you go to the League of City’s website for North Dakota, 

you’re going to see a challenge to be the first state in the nation to show solidarity for this 

initiative in every town, every city, and every county. They’re well on their way of 

achieving that, and they lead the nation. 

Who’s from North Carolina? (Cheers) In Greenville, North Carolina on the 27th of 

October, the League of Cities for the state will hold their annual meeting. And at that 

meeting they will sign a Community Covenant signifying their support for this initiative. 

And I will be there, and I will speak to all those mayors present. And standing next to me 

will be the department commander from The American Legion of the State of North 

Carolina. And I will tell all the mayors that we appreciate very much your signing of this 

covenant, but now we would like you to go back and do this same thing in your local 

community with your local townspeople, and The American Legion is there to help you.

Who’s from Kentucky? (Cheers) That’s a Kentucky yell, isn’t it? Last week the 

Governor of Kentucky signed a letter to all his communities in Kentucky encouraging 

them to get on board with this initiative, and for every town and every city and every 

county in the State of Kentucky to host a Community Covenant signing ceremony. 

You saw on stage here yesterday, Congressman Ed Whitfield. He participated in the 

Community Covenant signing. Congressman Whitfield has introduced a resolution in the 

House Armed Services Committee for consideration for the full House, supporting 

Community Covenant and encouraging every community in America to do this. 

Who’s from Florida? (Cheers) All right. I’m from Florida. I live in central Florida, 

so let me tell you a personal story about two ceremonies working there. I went to Mayor 

Crotty who’s the Mayor Orange County. And I said, “Mayor Crotty, let me tell you about 

Community Covenant and see if you would like to join the hundreds of other mayors 

across the country who’ve already done this.” He said, “Absolutely. When do you think 

we ought to do this? Memorial Day? Veterans Day?” I said, “You know, Mr. Mayor, this 

is all about reaching into middle America; this is about connecting to the average 

American citizen. If we do this on Memorial Day or Veterans Day, we’re certainly going 

to make a statement, but we’re going to make a statement to the people who already love 

our veterans; already love our service members and their families.” He said, “Okay, well 

what do you have in mind?” And I said, “How about halftime of an Orlando Magic 

game?” And he said, “Good idea. We’re building them a new stadium.” So he turned to 

his assistant and said, “Let’s get a hold of the Orlando Magic and see if they’ll host us.” 

And that’s exactly what they’re going to do. And on the 8th of September I have a 

meeting with the Orlando Magic and the county leadership of Orange County to 

determine how exactly we’re going to package in the 10 or 15 minutes of halftime a very, 

very powerful message of support for our service members and their families, so that the 

eighteen to twenty thousand people present that night don’t go home and just think about 

the score of the game, they go home and think about what they saw at the halftime. And 

maybe that’s going to be a testimonial from a wounded warrior; maybe that’s going to be 

a mass swearing in ceremony of new recruits. I don’t know exactly what it’s going to be 

yet, because we’re going to plan that. But we’re going to make sure that everybody in 

attendance at that basketball game that night doesn’t just remember the score of the 

game, but is moved by what they saw at halftime. 

When I approached my own town of Celebration, Florida, I said, “You know, it 

would be very embarrassing if I’m running a national outreach effort across the entire 
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97

country, and my own town doesn’t do this, would you be interested in doing it?” And 

they said, “Absolutely we would. And we’d like to do it on the 4th of July. And the 

reason we’d like to do it on the 4th of July is because that’s where we get the most 

people.” Celebration, Florida is a town that Disney built. There are about 10,000 people 

living there. And on the 4th of July we had 42,000 people come to see the fireworks. 

Now, none of them knew that at 30 minutes before the fireworks they were going to see a 

Community Covenant signing ceremony, but they did. And on stage we had a captain 

from the Florida National Guard whose unit was about to deploy to Iraq, and Celebration 

has adopted his unit. And standing next to him was his wife and his two children. And he 

had the opportunity to speak to 42,000 people and tell them how much he appreciated the 

fact that Celebration was going to adopt his unit as he goes off to war. 

Now, most of the people there didn’t know that night that they were going to see 

anything but fireworks, but I can tell you many people were moved, many people went 

home that night and thought about what they were doing to support our service members 

and their families. 

So that’s what Community Covenant is all about. Raising the level of visibility of 

the need to support our service members and their families to a new level, and inspire 

new levels of support. And I can think of no better organization than The American 

Legion to help me do that. 

Many of you have already stopped by the booth and we have exchanged business 

cards, and I told you I’ve got a tool kit on our website to show you exactly how to do this. 

What I need you to do is help me open doors with mayors, with county commissioners, 

with other community leaders, and once that door is open I can give you the tools to put 

on a very high quality ceremony, because we have 16 months of experience and over 300 

ceremonies behind us. It is not difficult, but it means an awful lot. 

So for those of you who have not stopped by the desk, we’re going to be here the 

rest of the day, and I invite you to stop by; tell me where you’re from; let me show you 

what’s going on in your own backyard; where we have had ceremonies; where 

ceremonies are planned, and how you can help inspire one in your own community. 

Those of you who have heard me speak before know that I like to tell the story of 

Saving Private Ryan. So let me repeat that for those of you who have not heard it. If 

you’ve seen the movie you know it’s a story of four soldiers who go off to war in World 

War II. Three of them are killed in combat. And the news of their death is brought to the 

mother in one visit. The Chief of Staff of the Army is George Marshall, and he decides 

we’re not going to let this mother lose her fourth son. So he orders a rescue mission: Go 

find Private Ryan, who jumped into Germany behind enemy lines with the 101st 

Airborne Division, and is guarding a bridge against a much larger and more powerful 

German force. Captain John Miller with about 10 other soldiers moves out across enemy 

lines, and it takes them several days to go find Private Ryan. And along the way they lose 

several of their men. So when he finds Private Ryan, he says to him, “Three of your 

brothers have been killed in combat, and my orders are to bring you home.” Private Ryan 

refuses. And Captain Miller says, “What are we supposed to tell your mother?” Ryan 

says, “Tell her I was here. Tell her I’m with the only brothers I have left. There’s no way 

I’m going to leave this bridge.” If you’ve seen the movie you know that Captain Miller 

dies on that bridge, but just before he dies, he leans over and he whispers into Private 

Ryan’s ear, “Earn this. Earn it.” And what he meant was, don’t let the service sacrifices 

of me and my men go without purpose. Lead a purposeful life. The movie flashes 
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forward 50 years and you find Private John Francis Ryan standing over Captain Miller’s 

grave. He stands up, he salutes, and he turns to his wife and with tears in his eyes, he 

says, “Tell me I’ve led a good life. Tell me I’m a good man.”

There were nine million Private Ryan’s in World War II’s Army. There are about 10 

percent of that number in today’s Army, and every single one of them is a volunteer, and 

every one of them has been in combat or will see combat, and they just keep coming, 

stepping up to the plate, 17 years old, 18 years old, some of them were 10 years old on 

9/11; have seen nothing but war since then, and they still continue to come. 

So we owe it to them to not make the same mistake that we made after Vietnam. We 

owe it to them to demonstrate that we are behind them as a nation, irrespective of the 

politics, irrespective of whether you’re for war or against it, soldiers, service members 

serve the nation. Duty first. So help me do that. Help me reawaken America. Help me 

inspire a Community Covenant signing ceremony in your neighborhood, and let me help 

you, coach you, on how to do that in a very powerful way. 

Please come see me sometime today right outside the gate, right outside the doors. 

Pick up your covenant that you saw signed yesterday. Read the words and you will see 

that it is a call to action for you to help with this initiative. And I look forward to the 

coming year, and I hope that a year from now I can come back on this stage or wherever 

we are and tell you that we’re measuring the number of ceremonies in the thousands now, 

not the hundreds, and the reason is, because of the engagement and involvement of The 

American Legion. 

Thanks so much for what you do, and I look forward to working with all of you in 

the coming year. Thank you. (Applause)

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: As the general leaves, he already knows 

what I want you to know, that I have given the general my personal pledge to go home to 

Ames, Iowa; involve the mayor; involve the president of Iowa State University; involve 

the Army Reserve units that we have there in town, along with the ROTC and the 

recruiters, and have that Community Covenant signing ceremony, and make it happen in

Ames, Iowa. And I would encourage each of you to do the same thing. It’s not enough 

just to sit here and listen. Now we have to go home and we have to do. (Applause)

For a number of years The American Legion has been engaged in a battle to save 

our war memorials from groups such as the ACLU that are determined to use the courts 

to remove any and all religious symbols from society. We have been fortunate to have 

friends in this fight; attorneys from the Liberty Legal Institute and the Alliance Defense 

Fund effectively defend religious freedom, marriage, and family. And just as importantly, 

train other lawyers to do the same. With us today are the chief counsel of the Liberty 

Legal Institute, Kelly J. Shackleford, and the president and CEO of the Alliance Defense 

Fund, Alan Sears. Would you please give them a very warm welcome. (Applause)

Address: Alan Sears

President and CEO, Alliance Defense Fund

Good morning. I’m honored to speak to a room full of America’s heroes on behalf 

of the Alliance Defense Fund, ADF. As our friend Kelly Shackelford will explain in a 

few minutes, the United States Supreme Court this fall term will soon here the Mojave 

Cross Case. Mojave could have major ramifications for the future of veterans memorials, 

and the freedom of religious expression all across our great land. We’re concerned. 
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ADF, on behalf of the Department of California has filed a legal brief defending the 

Old Rugged Cross in the desert. But that battle is just one front in an ongoing war, a war 

being waged by the ACLU and its comrades. These elitists seek to systematically cleanse 

our nation of memorials with religious symbols that honor the sacrifices millions have 

made to preserve our religious freedoms. Because of these brutal attacks on the memory 

of the fallen, ADF has allied with The American Legion and legal allies including Kelly 

and the Liberty Legal, in a national campaign to project our national veterans memorials. 

The ACLU’s war on veterans memorials has slipped by many of our fellow 

Americans. Knowing how passionate most Americans are about their faith and their 

heroes, they don’t exactly advertise this agenda. On the website of America’s number one 

religious censor you’ll find this question, they pose: Does the ACLU want to remove 

religious symbols from federal cemeteries? Here’s how they answer: No. The ACLU has 

never pursued the removal of religious symbols from personal gravestones. Personal 

gravestones are the choice of family members, not the choice of government. The ACLU 

is opposed, however, to the government’s sponsoring, endorsing, promoting and 

financing religious symbols. And of course, who finances the symbols put on Federal 

cemetery grounds?

Now, the first thing you may notice is that the ACLU, which has been suing to 

remove countless religious symbols for decades, takes considerable pains not to answer 

its own question. Let me assure you in 30 years of experience with them, a fuller answer 

lies in what they don’t say. Here they’re saying at least for now, that they may not go 

after the personal grave markers, but they don’t talk about the other crosses, the Stars of 

David and the other religious symbols that adorn countless veterans cemeteries and 

memorials, including Arlington National Cemetery. What they don’t say even for today, 

is that they won’t to go after more public memorials erected on private property, or after 

more privately funded memorials on public property like the Mojave Cross. 

You want to know what such groups are really up to? Right now Alliance Defense 

Fund lawyers are defending families of slain Utah State Troopers who established a 

private foundation to fund memorials to honor fallen officers. But these memorials which 

cost the tax payers exactly nothing are so offensive to one of the ACLU’s like-minded 

organizations, the American Atheists, and the ACLU’s one time Salt Lake City legal 

director, that they’ve sued to have these cross memorials ripped out of the ground and 

hidden away. Well that’s their way to say thanks to the people who’ve given their lives to 

protect us. So we’re standing with the fallen troopers families. And that’s the mindset 

we’re up against in these battles. 

And the ACLU also makes no assurance whatsoever; that its many allies won’t go 

after government funded personal grave markers in veterans cemeteries that they find 

offensive. Actually, offensive probably isn’t the right word here. The friends of the 

ACLU feel far more strongly than that about these religious memorials. You want to 

know how they really feel? The co-president of the Freedom From Religion Foundation

was asked if her organization would start filing lawsuits to remove memorials at veterans 

cemeteries in light of the ACLU legal efforts at Mount Soledad and Mojave. She said, 

such memorials are quote, offensive, unconstitutional, and catch this, despicable. 

Despicable. Erecting memorials that recognize the faith of our soldiers who died to 

preserve our freedom and hers is despicable. 

She continued, listen please. I wouldn’t jump into the crosses and memorials fray 

until we see what happens with these other cases. The ACLU might feel the same way. 
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Let’s wait and see. Translation: Wait and see if the Supreme Court rules against the 

Mojave and our other memorials, then there will be a renewed legal blitzkrieg. And I 

don’t use the word blitzkrieg lightly. These groups are on a search and destroy mission to 

rid our nation of all public displays of faith and religious symbols at veterans cemeteries 

and memorials on public property, including the Mount Soledad Cross at San Diego. 

They want the public square stripped of all memories of our nation’s faith, its history, and 

heritage. The only thing standing between the religious markers on these veterans 

memorials and these radical organizations are a few votes in the Supreme Court, the work 

of the Alliance Defense Fund, its allies like Kelly and his team at Liberty Legal, and you 

at The American Legion. 

What’s next? Will they attack time honored military decorations such the 

Distinguished Service Cross for using a religious symbol to honor public service? Since 

you’re a federally charted organization, will they file legal attacks against The American 

Legion itself for proclaiming that you’re for God and country the way they’ve attacked 

the Boy Scouts for mentioning God in their oath? My hunch is if they do you’ll tell them, 

“bring it on.” And be assured that if they’re ever so foolish to do such, we will all defend 

you free of charge. (Applause)

Friends, the day of those battles may come soon, but there are some wonderfully 

effective things you in The American Legion can do right now to prepare for battle and 

help defeat the ACLU and its anti-memorials allies. 

First of all, get informed. Go to the special web sites set up to provide more 

information on this joint national campaign to defend and protect veterans memorials. 

That’s telladf.org/memorials

Secondly, inform others. There are now more than 1,300 ADF trained allied lawyers 

around the nation. You can invite one of those persons at no cost to come and speak to 

your American Legion state department or local posts, to educate your members on the 

scope of this battle before it’s too late. Many ADF allied attorneys are veterans, and all 

share your outrage over this assault on our history and heritage. 

. Read how we’re working together to protect religious 

symbols at veterans cemeteries across the country that honor our military heroes. 

So, third. Let us hear from you. Notify us of memorials in your community that 

could come under legal attack by the ACLU and its allies. Not just the ones with crosses 

and Stars of David, any religious symbols or references can be targeted. Take some 

digital photos, write down some history, and help us create a national catalog of these 

memorials. With the information you provide, we can also make a preemptive strike with 

local officials by informing them that the memorials are indeed constitutional, and that 

ADF and our allies will defend them, those memorials free of charge if need be. 

Finally. Stand, defend, and call for allied legal support. At the first hint of legal 

trouble that you hear in a newspaper, on a radio program, call. Don’t let another case get 

lost by default. Last month I was once again with some ADF friends including combat 

veterans visiting the American cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer in Normandy, France as 

many of you have done, and I noticed a photo of your national commander there as well. 

As the Star Spangled Banner played, we stood humbly to lay a wreath before the 

main memorial. Over one’s shoulder we could glimpse the English Channel with its 

waves breaking on Omaha Beach, where the water, as you know, turned red on the 

morning of June 6th from the blood of nearly 3,000 Americans. Over the other shoulder 

we could see the crosses and the Stars of David all in rows facing America. It marked the 
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9,386 graves of these brave soldiers who gave their lives to take Europe back from the 

evil Nazi war machine. 

You know, failure simply was not an option for those soldiers that June morning. If 

they had failed, it would have taken at least a year to launch another invasion attempt, if 

another invasion was even possible. During that delay, as many of the people, even 

Eisenhower surmised, probably the last Jews of Europe would have been eliminated; 

Great Britain would have been further ravaged by rocket attacks; Stalin’s armies might 

have taken much more of Europe into Soviet domination, and only God above knows 

what the world would look like today. But of course the Americans and our allies did not 

fail on those beaches that brutal morning, against all odds they prevailed. 

And now we are the ones with a mission. The ones for whom failure once again is 

not an option. Against all odds we too must prevail. We must defend our veterans 

memorials against the legal big brothers and their religious censors, for if we don’t, the 

memorials and eventually all memory of who and what they memorialized will be gone. 

The ACLU crowd, those who see the monuments that honor those heroes as 

despicable, work against the very freedoms that they claim to support. You know that 

there is no threat to America’s freedom from those who erect crosses and Stars of David 

to remember those who paid the price. But there is an imminent harm and a threat to our 

nation from those thieves of our heritage; those who would obliterate from our public life 

every expression of our nation’s history and heritage; and those who would rob us of the 

memory of the men and women who for God and country sacrificed their own dreams for 

ours. 

Without God, President Dwight David Eisenhower, the Commander of the 

Normandy invasion, once told this American Legion, without God there can be no 

American form of government, nor American way of life. Recognition of the Supreme 

Being is the first and most basic expression of Americanism. 

If you agree with the general; if you believe in the freedoms many of you risked 

your own life for; if you treasure the liberty that’s cost so many of our forefathers, our 

friends, and our heroes the last full measure of devotion, then please enlist in this battle, 

this effort to preserve our history, our heritage, and our freedom. If we stand together, we 

can and we will stop the ACLU. Let’s all stand together to keep our religious memorials 

in place and our freedom alive. My time concludes with a short video that asks the 

question: What about Arlington? The video tells what can happen if we don’t stand. 

Thank you all for your service, and may God continue to bless America and The 

American Legion. (Applause)

...At this time the delegation viewed a video entitled “What About Arlington?” 

Thank you. Thank you so very much. Now I would like to introduce a fellow 

warrior in this battle, Kelly Shackelford. Kelly, and the Liberty Legal Institute have 

worked hard for The American Legion as legal counsel on cases before the U.S. Supreme 

Court effecting veterans memorials from 2004 to now. And Kelly is before the court now 

with an amicus brief for the Legion in the upcoming Mojave Desert Veterans Memorial 

case to be heard before the Supreme Court which he will speak about and other things. 

Kelly. (Applause)
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102

Address: Kelly J. Shackelford

Chief Counsel, Liberty Legal Institute

Since 2004 the Liberty Legal Institute has represented The American Legion before 

the Supreme Court to protect from these attacks on our veterans memorials. And I want 

to point something out. Over five years ago when these attacks started, it was Phil 

Onderdonk and The American Legion that was the first group that stepped forward and 

said, “Not on my watch. Not on my watch.” (Applause) And now we’re at the U.S. 

Supreme Court, and if we win this case and it’s decided in the right way, this could end 

these attacks on veterans memorials. It could bury them six feet under where they deserve 

to be buried. I want you to view a quick video that will show you what this case is about, 

and then I’ll have a few remarks afterwards.

...At this time the delegation viewed a video. (Applause)

Let me start out with the bad news. It’s actually worse than what you just saw. After 

the court ruled that that memorial had to be torn down, Henry Sandos, the wonderful man 

that you saw there and had promised the last dying World War I veteran who built that, 

Henry Sandos stepped forward to the government and said, “I own five acres of private 

land in this Federal preserve. How about if I give you my five acres if you’ll just give this 

one acre with the memorial back to the veterans?” Congress thought, that’s a great idea. 

A congressional act was passed to do the land transfer. The ACLU found out and they 

went into court and they said, “Judge, they’re trying get around your order. You have to 

stop this land transfer.” And the district court and the court of appeals said, “Yes, we’re 

stopping the land transfer. You cannot give this memorial back to the veterans, it has to 

be dismantled, destroyed instead.” That is the case that the U.S. Supreme Court took. 

And then on October 7th it will be hearing, and then deciding afterwards. 

And it’s not just about this one memorial. I mean, think about it. If you have to tear 

down a seven foot tall veterans memorial in the middle of 1.6 million acres of desert, 

what does that mean that you’re going to have to do with the 24 foot granite cross, the 

Cross of Sacrifice, in Arlington Memorial Cemetery? What are you going to do about 

every community in every state in this country that has veterans memorials with crosses 

and Stars of David and religious imagery? They’re all going to have to be next. If a cross 

in the middle of the desert is offensive and we can’t allow it, then all these other 

memorials are next. 

But let me tell you the good news. When this battle was waged, when these attacks 

came, who took the point? Who took the lead? The American Legion did. You did. 

(Applause) And on October 7th it’s you that will be before the U.S. Supreme Court, and I 

with you. But I need your help. We need the entire country standing together on this, by 

the time this reaches the U.S. Supreme Court. People need to know. A lot of people don’t 

even know this case is happening. So I want to ask you to do something. Write this down. 

donttearmedown.com. Give this to your kids, to your grandkids, to your neighbors, to 

your friends. This is your case about your memorials. We need to spread the word. We 

need the entire country standing together in just a month and a half from now, and people 

need to know about this attack. These attacks on veterans memorials is a disgrace. Let’s 

bury them six feet under. Thank you. God bless you. God bless our troops, and God bless 

the United States of America. (Applause)
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NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Our next guest was an anchor and 

reporter at WRDW, the CBS affiliate in Augusta, Georgia. She won numerous reporting 

awards, including the Edward R. Murrow Investigative Reporting Award. She is now the 

executive director of the Central Savannah River Area Wounded Warrior Care Project, a 

fully funded organization leading the effort to expand the Augusta area’s capacity to care 

for our service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Would you please join me 

in welcoming Laurie Ott of the Wounded Warrior Care Project. (Applause)

Address: Ms. Laurie Ott

CSRA Wounded Warrior Care Project

Good morning. Okay. Where’s Virginia? (Cheers) Hi, I was born in Norfolk. 

Where’s Delaware? (Cheers) Right here. Lived for a short time there. Where’s 

Pennsylvania? (Cheers) Scranton, PA, lived there too. You can tell I’m from a military 

family. We moved around just a little bit. Thirteen times in 11 years. Where’s Maryland? 

(Cheers) Eastern shore of Maryland. I grew up on the eastern shore of Maryland; went to 

school in Washington, D.C. My first broadcast job was in Montana. I see you folks right 

there. KTVH Helena, Montana, we all went to hell in a hand basket. (Laughter) We’re 

going to have fun this morning; aren’t we? Okay. I’m here to share with you some great 

news. Of course now I live in the great state of Georgia. Are you awake back there 

Georgia? (Cheers) Awake over here too. 

Well, it is truly a privilege and a pleasure to be with you all this morning. My thanks 

go out to Commander Rehbein, Adjutant Wheeler, distinguished guests, delegates, thank 

you so much for asking me to be here with you all, to share with you what we are doing 

in Georgia, specifically what we’re doing in Augusta, Georgia. 

It’s interesting, when you say Augusta, Georgia, most folks know us one week a 

year when the world’s attention, the world’s eyes, the world’s broadcasters are with us 

for one week a year for a little tournament we have every April called the Masters Golf 

Tournament. I know you’ve seen it on television, and we’re proud of that tournament. 

But we’re also very proud of the mission already underway in Augusta and in Georgia to 

care for service members coming from back from Iraq and Afghanistan. It’s a huge 

mission. Part of my mission, what I want to do here this morning is empower you all with 

the facts about Georgia, and specifically Augusta. What we have and what we see as the 

path forward for increasing collaboration and cooperation and communication, and 

coordinating these resources so that our service members and our veterans and their 

family members have the best outcomes possible. Are you with me? (Applause)

Okay. Well, also I would like to thank Mr. Charlie Knox and Commander Butch 

Adams from Georgia, and Commander Fred Zamora from Post 205 in Augusta, Georgia, 

because I know without them I would not be standing in front of you today. So my thanks 

also to you gentlemen. 

How on earth did I go from broadcast television to doing what I do now? Well, it’s 

an interesting story. I’ll give you the Readers Digest version. And by the way, I have a 

speech that I’ve prepared but I’m not going to read it, I’m just going to tell you how it 

happened. If anybody wants the speech, I would be happy to email it to you or fax it, if 

they want to see the speech as it’s written. 

I did a lot of really interesting stories as a broadcast journalist. I got to cover James 

Brown at the Super Bowl. I got to be in the green room with James Brown at the Super 

Bowl. Let me tell you, that is an interesting experience. I also got to go with the Pentagon 
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to Bosnia to cover the peacekeeping mission in Bosnia. I met a lot of Georgia Guardsmen

and Reservists there. It’s interesting how when you show up with a Channel 12 

microphone flag in Bosnia in the middle of Tuzla-Main, Base Eagle Main, somebody 

screamed out my name, somebody from Georgia knew we were there. 

I also had the opportunity to go up after 9/11 and deliver Augusta’s Prayer and Care 

Crusade check of a million dollars to the Twin Towers Fund. Most folks don’t know it, 

but Augusta, Georgia was the first community in America to put money into Rudy 

Giuliani’s Twin Towers Fund for the victims of 9/11 and for their families. 

But no story touched me as much as an assignment I got in March of 2007 when I 

was sent to the Fisher House on Fort Gordon in Augusta to do a story. My executive 

producer sent me out. He said, “I’d like you to go out and do a story about the Fisher 

House.” And my husband and I had actually contributed to the Fisher House but I had 

never set foot inside of it, and when I did, I was introduced to a young woman, a 23 year 

old Specialist in the Army who had lost her leg in an IED blast in Iraq. And I sat down 

and I interviewed this young Specialist and her mother. And she told me about what 

happened to her in Iraq, how she was the seventh truck in a seven truck convoy; how she 

had been blown up; the bomb had gone off right under the cab of her truck; she had died 

twice on the helicopter to Balad; she went from Balad to Landstuhl, Germany; she went 

from Landstuhl, Germany to a military treatment facility in Washington, D.C. It just so 

happens that this military treatment facility was Walter Reed, and this was two weeks 

after that series of Washington Post reports on what was happening at Walter Reed,

which really showed an overload of patients. Mold in Building 18 was the focus of all 

those broadcast stories. But let me tell you, we could fix that with some mildew root. 

What it really pointed out was the bureaucratic battlefield that our warriors and their 

families face upon return. But the battlefields in Iraq and Afghanistan are nothing 

compared to the bureaucratic battlefield they face when they get home, which is 

unacceptable. (Applause) 

So I was interviewing this 23 year old Specialist, and she was telling me about 

Walter Reed, and she was telling me that the inpatient care was awesome and incredible. 

The doctors, the nurses, her orthopedic surgeon, everything was fantastic until it came 

time for her to get outpatient care. At that time their PT clinic, their physical therapy 

clinic was crowded, and she could only get squeezed in for one session of PT a day, and 

she never learned to use her prosthetic leg. A 23 year old woman never learning to use 

her prosthetic leg in the 11 months that she was at that military treatment facility. 

This is a young woman from Camden, South Carolina who was offered the chance 

to transfer to Augusta, Georgia to the active duty rehab unit that’s located inside our VA 

Medical Center. And I’m going to go back to that in a minute. But I want to tell you this 

is the nation’s only active duty rehab unit located inside a VA. I’m going to tell you how 

it’s important; how it got started and what’s significant about it, and why we deserve an 

expanded mission there. 

But she got transferred to Augusta. First of all she wasn’t afraid to come south; isn’t 

that nice? She wasn’t afraid to come to a VA; even nicer, and at this point in the 

interview her mother pipes up that she arrived on a walker, a 23 year old young woman

on a walker. And then they said within three weeks of being in Augusta at our active duty 

rehab unit, she was off her walker and on her prosthetic leg full time. (Applause)

Did anybody get a little chill bump there or a little hmm feeling when I said that?

Maybe. I got that feeling when I was sitting there interviewing her. And I said I’ve got to 
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105

go over and find out what this active duty rehab unit is doing; how it’s doing it; and why 

it works for this young warrior. And I’m here to tell you that that Specialist is not the 

only warrior who’s gotten the gold standard of care in Augusta, Georgia at this unit. We 

treated 640 soldiers, Marines, sailors, airmen and coastguardsmen in this VA DoD 

collaborative unit. 

And I’m here to tell you how it was developed. In 2004 two people got together, and 

this is a real testament to servant leadership, two people got together and said, “How 

could we work collaboratively, how could we work together to meet the needs of people 

returning from Iraq and Afghanistan?” And those two people were the Commanding 

General of Eisenhower VA Medical Center and a service line executive at the Charlie 

Norwood VA Medical Center, that’s our VA in Augusta. And they got together, two 

human beings, and talked. Six weeks later they had a plan to roll out the active duty rehab 

unit. Six weeks later they accepted their first patient in February of 2004. One of those 

folks you may know, General Eric Schoomaker, now our Army Surgeon General. The 

other is now the late Rose Trincher. Dr. Rose Trincher was the service line executive. But 

it is an example of what can happen when two large agencies, large bureaucracies get 

together on a local level and decide to A, see the needs, and then B, meet the needs. 

This unit was designed in 2004. Dr. Trincher designed it with a number of beds, 

some of those beds have gone unused, we’re starting to get more patients in, which is 

wonderful because when you’re talking about service members from the Southeastern 

United States, where are the Southern Bloc grits breakfast folks? Talking about the 

Southern Bloc. (Response from delegates.) Okay. So we want to get folks closer to home 

to heal, right? Isn’t that intuitive? Doesn’t that make sense? So we submit to you that 

Georgia is perfectly geographically located to treat our service members from the 

Southeastern United States much closer to home. 

Now this was the genesis of the project that I head up. We asked Senator Isakson to 

bring a field hearing of the Senate VA Committee, which he did. There we heard 

testimony from a warrior who was slated for amputation at a different military treatment 

facility. This is a Special Forces soldier who was ambushed in Afghanistan, and in 

Landstuhl the decision was made to send him to a military treatment facility for the 

amputation of at least one arm, possibly two. Someone in Landstuhl, Germany stopped 

that transfer and said, “We’ve got Colonel Paul Cutting at Eisenhower Army Medical 

Center”—and isn’t that a great name for a hand surgeon—“Colonel Paul Cutting in 

Augusta, Georgia, at Eisenhower Army Medical Center, let’s send this Special Forces 

soldier there and let’s see what happens.”Well, I’m here to tell you that last year I ate 

dinner next to this Master Sergeant and he was cutting his steak with both of these 

[indicating hands]. He went through dozens and dozens of surgery at Eisenhower Army 

Medical Center, and then he went through almost three years of rehab in our active duty 

rehab unit, and he has these [indicating hands] as a result of it. 

Okay. So this is a DoD VA collaboration. This is an example of partnership and 

collaboration and relationship. That’s the basis for this project, looking at where there are 

partnerships and collaborative opportunities and how to expand on them, and how to 

bring our community in, because sometimes it’s a little hard to get into those agencies; 

how to bring our community in and how to do what we can to assist them in their mission 

and how to expand and increase partnerships and collaborations that serve those folks 

coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan, and our veterans and their families. As a result, 

we’ve been able to communicate and channel community philanthropic spirit. And in this 
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106

tough economy we’ve raised nearly 1.8 million dollars for our second Fisher House. It’s 

going to be a 20 suite Fisher House. It’s going to be state of the art. It’s going to be right 

there on the campus of the active duty rehab unit where Uptown VA Medical Center is. 

And we’re excited because you know folks heal much faster when their families are 

bedside. We know this. This makes sense. 

This is actually how I got hooked up with The American Legion in the first place. 

That’s how I met Commander Zamora as he came over and wanted to attach my teeny 

tiny wagon to The American Legion to figure out how we could channel the community 

philanthropic spirit to get this Fisher House done. That was a little bit more than a year 

ago and we are now done. 

So it’s the Fisher House. But what else is it? Well, when folks go into combat, I 

don’t have to tell you all this, sometimes there can be an issue in community or family 

reintegration. Sometimes it can be a little hard to reconnect after combat. So what we did, 

the CSRA Wounded Warrior Care Project started collaborative marriage enrichment 

workshops with the Army chaplains on Fort Gordon in our Warrior Transition Battalion,

and also the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center chaplains. And I found a federal 

magistrate in Augusta who lost his leg in 1968 in Vietnam, and he came by and he gave a 

full explanation of why his first marriage failed and why his second marriage does not. 

And it was like story time at the library. He has them eating out of the palm of his hand. 

And he made a connection, one generation of veteran to the newest generation of veteran, 

about what skills are needed to stay connected to a spouse. Since then, our Charlie 

Norwood VA Medical Center chaplains have trained 35 chaplains and chaplain’s 

assistants from across the country in this marriage enrichment curriculum. So the 

marriage enrichment workshops in Augusta, Georgia have gone viral. You will see them 

in your states very soon. 

The other thing is that the President of the United States is going to see this marriage 

enrichment work very shortly also. We found out last week that the VA Central Office is 

coming down to video tape the next retreat, which is over Labor Day weekend, and 

they’re going to be interviewing these couples about what the marriage retreat and what 

the support group means for them, and I have been told that this will make it in a video 

for President Obama. So it’s our hope that these marriage enrichment workshops 

delivering relationship skills and communication skills after combat will make it into 

every state in the Union. 

So, we’ve done marriage enrichment workshops. What else have we done? Well, in 

our gap analysis we’re looking at the process of transition. And you all know better than 

anybody, going from active duty status through the MEB/PEB process, through your 

medical board process to becoming a civilian, to becoming a veteran, that there are a lot 

of gaps along the way. There are a lot of cracks to fall into. So what we’ve done is we 

formed a transition roundtable. We invite the entire community along with our Army

Warrior Transition Battalion where we have 400 wounded warriors on Fort Gordon, and 

they’re also overseeing command and control of our active duty rehab unit. The Charlie 

Norwood VA, the Department of Labor, The American Legion, who so nicely brings 

with them folks like staffers from Senator Isakson’s office and Senator Chambliss’ office, 

and other organizations. And we’re looking at the process of transition where the gaps are 

and how to fill the gaps. 

Results of that are a job fair. We did a collaborative job fair with the Army and the 

Department of Labor, focused and dedicated to soldiers with traumatic brain injury, so 
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107

that they could go to the job fair ahead of anybody else and meet with 50 employers. 

They got their resumes done. They got interview skills. And at least one of them got a job 

offer. So employment is important. 

Also as a result of this we’ve been working with the Army Corps of Engineers. They 

contacted us after the NBC Nightly News did a little story on Augusta. I got a phone call 

after we were on the NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams, if anybody saw it, it was 

done by Colonel Jack Jacobs, Medal of Honor recipient, who you all may know. And 

Colonel Jacobs came down and did a story about this unique unit in Augusta, Georgia, 

and he said, “This should be a model for the nation.” And he should know, he is a 

product of the military health care system. And my phone rang after the story aired, and it 

was someone in archeological curation in St. Louis, Missouri, wanting to know if he 

could bring a funded job program to employ veterans in this program to curate our 

national patrimony from the Army Corps of Engineers. And I said absolutely. 

So starting in October we have a million dollar job program that’s starting. It’s our 

hope that it gets adopted as a national program. We’re one of the pilot sites for this. But 

think about it. What’s one of the most important things, if you’re not going to be in the 

82nd Airborne anymore, what are you going to do? What are you going to do if the truck 

driver job you had before you went to Iraq or Afghanistan has now been downsized and 

not there for you when you come back as a Guardsman or Reservist? So we think this 

employment and training program is a key to helping folks in transition. 

In addition, we have a technology initiative that we started with the National 

Cristina Foundation. This group takes refurbished technology and puts it in the hands of 

folks with disabilities. They hadn’t done a whole lot of work with veterans, and we got 

connected up with them and we got a grant for 125 computers which we’re going to use 

in a certification process and we’re going to give the veterans who get certified, laptops 

and computers. I am ecstatic to report to you that Georgia, the Georgia American Legion 

will be one of our pilot sites for this technology initiative, and we’re going to put 

computers in the posts of The American Legion in the Department of Georgia. 

(Applause) And hats off to your leadership, Mr. Charlie Knox and Commander Butch 

Adams and others who have been spearheading this effort. It’s going to make a 

tremendous difference. There are a lot of different ways to get access to benefits, lots of 

different ways to get access to programs. We see The American Legion as uniquely 

qualified to be doing this outreach, connecting up this generation of service members and 

their families, with the benefits and services and camaraderie they didn’t even know was 

there. It’s really about closing the gaps, closing the loops. 

Something else we’ve done, is we’ve formed a research consortium for traumatic 

brain injury. And this brings our Army hospital; our VA Medical Center; our Medical 

College of Georgia; the Savannah River National Lab, which is the Department of 

Energy site over in South Carolina. Where are my friends from South Carolina? And also 

a telemedicine group on Fort Gordon. And they are collaboratively going after $600 

million of VA TBI, traumatic brain injury research funding that was announced last year. 

They’ve already submitted a $1.3 million proposal. We’ve got more in the pipeline. So 

what is this really? It’s really bringing people around the table, getting them to 

communicate, cooperate, and collaborate for the benefit of the service members and 

veterans and family members we should be serving. 

And ultimately when you look at it, this is really everybody’s job. I’ve had all kinds 

of meetings with all kinds of people in this process, and I’ve been told time and time 
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again that the Department of Defense can’t reintegrate people into communities. That the 

VA is there but they need help with outreach. And really that’s everybody’s job. It’s 

everybody’s job to communicate and reach out to this generation of service member and 

veteran and their families; to get them connected; to embrace them with employment 

opportunities; to embrace them with training opportunities; to embrace them with 

relationship, marriage, and family help when they need it. The Fisher House is a 

wonderful thing that brings family bedside. It’s getting back into community where some 

wheels fall off. So I’m here to tell you the good news about the partnerships and 

collaborations that we’ve started in Augusta, Georgia; how the American Legion 

Department of Georgia is intricately involved in our initiatives. 

But I’m also here to thank you all and use you all as sounding boards. As you see 

these marriage enrichment workshops coming to your states, one of the chaplains from 

Indiana stood up at the workshop when he was getting trained in Augusta, and he said, 

“Well, this is wonderful for Augusta, but what about Indianapolis?” And I said, “You 

need to connect with your Indianapolis American Legion; you need to get connected up 

with your posts because those are your sounding boards. Those are the folks that are 

going to help you reach out and read this generation of service member.” 

It’s really very simple. We submit that our wounded warriors and our veterans and 

their family members deserve excellence in return for their service. And we aim to see 

that they get it. Thank you all. (Applause)

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: The USO was founded in 1941 by 

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt to integrate the efforts of multiple agencies 

supporting U.S. troops in World War II, and continues to lift the spirits of our service 

members and their families in more than 130 centers around the world. On a personal 

note regarding those centers, as a parent, putting one of your children on a plane halfway 

around the world to join a Navy squadron, knowing that they are very self reliant and 

they can make it, but having the reassurance that that USO center is out there if trouble 

develops to be there to help, that reassurance is very important, and those centers perform 

an invaluable service.

With us today is the CEO and president of the United Services Organization. A 1975 

graduate of the U. S. Military Academy at West Point, he earned Airborne and Ranger 

qualifications as a U. S. Army infantry officer. He holds a masters in economics from the 

University of Missouri Kansas City, and a masters in public administration from the John 

F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard. Please give a warm welcome to Sloan 

Gibson. (Applause)

Address: Sloan Gibson

President, United Services Organization

Your USO is changing. It’s changing because the needs of our troops and their 

families are changing. Among the troops who need us most these days are in the most 

remote locations, forward deployed in small units in the most austere and dangerous 

conditions. We reached them through our USOs In A Box, transportable USO centers 

that can be deployed on trucks or helicopters to let troops at a forward operating base 

watch a movie or get on the internet or call home to connect with loved ones. We reach 

them with USO To Go, delivering the things they asked for. Video games, sports 

equipment, portable DVD players and DVDs, snack foods. We reach them with our 
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109

Mobile Electronic Gaming Systems. Picture a large rugged picnic cooler like container 

with electronic games and a DVD player and a high definition projector inside. You help 

us reach them by supporting our care package program, nearly two million individual 

messages of support handed out at airport and mobilization points as troops deploy.

Think about this: We have what may be the most married military today at any time 

since the Civil War, and the cycle of multiple deployments is putting these families under 

incredible stress. We shorten the distance to home with a private telephone network. In 

Kuwait and Iraq and Afghanistan troops can connect on the internet, and they have made 

more than a half million free phone calls home just since April. Working with United 

Through Reading we make it possible for parents to read books on video for their 

children, and then we mail the video and the brand new book home to the family. We’ll 

do 50,000 of these recordings this year alone, keeping moms, dads, and children 

connected.

Because deployments are hard on families left behind, we teamed up with Sesame 

Workshop. Last year Elmo and his friends took their live show, created just for military 

families, to more than 40 bases in the U.S., helping kids deal with their parents’ 

deployment. When I had the opportunity to see the show in person, as soon as it started I 

made my way to the front of the auditorium so that I could look back up at the audience. 

What I saw was sheer delight in the faces of those children and the parents that were 

there, too. And in a quiet moment when Elmo asked the kids in the audience are you ever 

sad when mom or dad are away, this little chorus of voices responded, “Yeah.” Then I 

knew we had something very special there. So in just a few weeks the Sesame gang 

begins their round the world USO tour to Europe, to the Pacific and the Far East, and 

then back here to the States, making a difference for our military families.

The American Legion knows that more troops are surviving injuries on the 

battlefield than ever before. That’s great news. But there are challenges. Men and women 

are returning whose lives and the lives of their families are turned upside down. Your 

USO is reaching out to them. We want to make a difference, and with your help we’re 

doing just that. The Legion has helped our wounded warriors at the Army hospital in 

Landstuhl, Germany. We’re there too. Your USO Warrior Center there provides a place 

for troops recovering from their injuries. You were there with us through Operation 

Comfort Warriors. You have seen their needs, their families’ needs, as recovery from 

wounds and injuries take place. You’re there when and where you need to be, and I thank 

you for that.

You stand with us in the war zones too. Commander, I know you were there when 

we took Operation Proper Exit to Iraq just a couple of weeks ago. Six troopers, all 

amputees, went back to where they had been wounded; back to achieve some closure

around their traumatic experience. They were able to leave this time under their own 

power. You saw the healing, and you brought that message back.

Your USO will work with you to support troops and their families wherever they 

serve because they serve us all. We’ll join you in your ongoing efforts to support mental 

health counseling for troops who need it, without stigma, without threat to their career. 

We join you in letting the nation know that we cannot sit by while brave warriors struggle 

with serious emotional problems. Each of us has the responsibility and obligation to find 

ways to prevent suicide in the military.

Finally, I want to thank members of the Legion and the Auxiliary who continue to 

help us as donors and as volunteers at our centers around the world. You’re there to greet 
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110

troops in Dallas and Atlanta as they come home on R&R, and you’re there to extend your 

gratitude to those going back to war. You give the most precious gift of all, your time, at 

centers from Florida to Washington State.

We need your help even more because your USO is growing. We continue to open 

new centers in the U.S. Just this past year at Fort Drum, Fort Carson, Fort Bragg, and 

Fort Benning. Within the next few months we’ll open centers at Fort Riley, Kansas, a 

second center at Fort Bliss, Texas, a center at Columbia Airport in South Carolina and 

Richmond, Virginia. We just renovated centers in St. Louis and in Houston. And at 

Dover Air Force Base we are renovating both of our existing centers there, and building 

an additional center to create a special place for families of the fallen who come to Dover 

to witness the final return of their loved ones.

You may not know that your USO at Dover has supported every dignified transfer 

for the past 20 years. With more families attending dignified transfers now we’re working 

with the Air Force and the other services to assist these families at every step of the way 

as they go from their home to Dover and back. Wherever they are along that route, we 

want to be there for them.

At each of these centers you stand with us to remind troops that America supports 

them. Overseas we’re opening or renovating centers. Daegu and Osan, Korea; Futenma in 

Okinawa; Grafenwoehr, Germany; Baghdad and Basra, Iraq; Bagram in Kandahar, 

Afghanistan. And we’ve renovated all three of our centers in Kuwait. Where we can’t 

open centers we’ll place USOs In A Box at forward operating bases in Afghanistan or 

other remote locations like Djibouti. Through your support we let our troops know that 

America supports them.

Your USO is changing, because the needs of our troops and families are changing, 

and because their service and their sacrifice demand that we give them our very best. We 

could not deliver this message of support without you right there besides us. Thank you 

all, thank you for all you do, and thank you for the honor and the privilege of being here 

with you today. Thank you. (Applause)

...At this time a short video was shown to the Convention delegates.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Ladies and gentlemen, the video you just 

saw only reinforces the wisdom of Resolution No. 94, unanimously passed by delegates 

at our National Convention in Phoenix last year. The American Legion is committed to 

assembling and maintaining a strong national missile defense.

With us today is one of the gentlemen responsible for the documentary 33 Minutes.

He is a leading expert in defense and homeland security for the Heritage Foundation. He 

is a retired U. S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, and if you watch the cable news shows you 

have probably seen him several times before. Please join me in welcoming Doctor James 

Jay Carafano from the Heritage Foundation. (Applause)

Address: Dr. James Jay Carafano, Senior Research Fellow

Defense and Homeland Security, The Heritage Foundation

Well, the first order of business is I have to recognize the two most important people 

in the entire room, and they are two delegates from the State of Florida, two veterans of 

the Korean War, and they are my mom and my dad. (Applause)
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

111

And what I’m about to talk to you about for me is a very personal and deeply 

emotional issue. In my 25 years in the Army I spent a good portion of my career building 

nuclear weapons, testing them, planning attacks that would kill millions of people. And I 

went to bed every night understanding the consequences of what I was doing. And I 

understood it was important to do, but it was important protecting our nation and 

preserving freedom in the world. But like everyone, you always have a dream for your 

generation. Every generation of Americans hopes that they are going to do something in 

their lifetime to make a difference in the world whether it’s to birth a nation or heal a 

nation after a civil war, or win World War II. And I heard the vision of Ronald Reagan 

when he first introduced the idea of missile defense, and I could see in my lifetime where 

the men and women in uniform wouldn’t have to do what I do. They wouldn’t have to go 

to bed every night worrying about the thought of a holocaust. And Reagan proved that 

there is virtually no other instrument available to the human race to limit the threat of 

nuclear war or nuclear destruction than robust missile defense systems.

The story I have to tell you today only has three facts to it. The threat hasn’t 

changed, the need hasn’t changed; the program has changed significantly, dramatically in 

the last six months. A program that has been built up over ten years through Republican 

and Democratic presidents, and administrations and Congresses controlled by 

Republicans and Democrats, approved and funded by the Pentagon every year.

The threat hasn’t changed. Well, what do I mean? The threat is Iran and North 

Korea developing long range ballistic missile and nuclear weapon programs. And if 

anything, that threat has dramatically accelerated. In the last six months North Korea has 

conducted more long range missile tests than its entire history. 70 percent of the long 

range missile tests conducted by North Korea have happened in the last six months, and 

they have conducted a nuclear weapons test. And Iran has successfully put a satellite in 

orbit. And if you know anything about physics at all, the technologies that you need to 

successfully orbit a satellite are exactly—they are precisely the same technologies that 

you need to deliver a long range nuclear weapon. And we have just seen a report this 

week that within three or four years, faster than we believed, Iran will have a long range 

missile, and potentially a nuclear weapon to put on it.

And it is not just the North Korean and the Iranian programs that we have to worry 

about. Every successful North Korean test, every successful time Iran advances its 

programs, that is advertising. Both these countries have an interest in marketing these 

weapons, the most desirable weapons on the face of the planet earth. And every time they 

make a success, they are developing new customers that are going to buy these things. 

And none of these countries live in happy neighborhoods. And I can tell you this: Not 

one expert in the world believes that the neighbors of Iran and North Korea are going to 

stand by and watch those countries get nuclear weapons and not get their own nuclear 

weapons to respond to them. We are literally on the verge of a new nuclear arms race, 

where within a decade we could see dozens of nuclear powers all armed with long range 

weapons, all armed with nuclear weapons, facing off against each other. This is actually a 

more terrifying world than we envisioned during the Cold War.

So the threat hasn’t changed. The threat is continuing to march on. The need hasn’t 

changed. The need is to defend freedom. That includes our allies overseas, our bases 

overseas, and it also includes defending the United States of America, every single 

American, from the threat of ballistic missile attack. And not just today, not just a year 

from now, not just during my administration or during my term in Congress, but for 
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

112

decades and decades to come, until the scourge of nuclear ballistic missiles are something 

that people read about in the history books. The threat hasn’t changed, the need hasn’t 

changed. Well, what has changed?

The program that we have to defend us has changed in last six months, and it has 

changed dramatically. We actually made this film over a year ago before presidential 

elections, and really to just remind Americans that we were on a path to building the 

kinds of defenses that we need. What we have seen in the last six months is pretty 

remarkable. The Pentagon plans a 15 percent cut to the ballistic missile program. Now, 

ballistic missile spending is less than two percent of the entire defense budget, so 

obviously it has nothing to do with saving money. But a 15 percent is pretty dramatic. If 

you don’t think it is, I want you to take your home budgets, all right, and cut 15 percent 

and pay your bills next month. See how you do.

And what is most disturbing is what is being cut, because what is being cut are 

systems that directly defend the United States. Let me say that again: What is being cut 

are the systems that are directly responsible for defending the homeland against missile 

attack, and the future systems that would limit and frustrate the proliferation of missiles. 

So we all believe the words that we want proven and cost-effective missile defense, but if 

you actually look at what is being done, it’s actually the opposite of that. We had 30 

missiles protecting the United States based in Alaska and California. We were going to 

go to 44. The decision was we’re not. We’re going to have 30. Thirty is plenty. Now, 

what they didn’t tell you is not only are they not going to get an additional dozen 

missiles, but a third of the silos that our missiles are based in are wearing out, and there 

was no money in the budget to pay for that. So we might have 30 missiles, but ladies and 

gentlemen we weren’t going to have 30 missiles to defend America. So if this program 

had gone through as projected, next year we would have one third less missiles than we 

have to defend the United States than we have today.

We were going to build a missile defense system in Western Europe. That decision 

has been put on hold. We’re going to replace that with something else. Well, ladies and 

gentlemen, there is no practical alternative to putting a missile defense system in Western 

Europe that can protect both all of Europe, including our allies and major bases in 

Western Europe, and provide additional protection to the United States against Iran. So 

that was going to be done with proven technologies, proven missiles and proven radars, 

and we’re going to replace it with something else. Well, the experts will tell you and the 

Pentagon will actually admit, there is no proven cost-effective alternative. And if Iran 

does indeed have a program in three to four years, there will be no defense against those 

missiles.

We also cut all the future programs that were going to attack missiles in the earliest 

stages of when they’re fired, when they’re most vulnerable. So what we have done is we 

have adapted a strategy that is going to provide us the minimal missile defense as 

possible. And here is the problem: What we have done is provide an enormous incentive 

to the North Koreans and the Iranians to move their programs ahead faster, because 

we’ve set a bar now that is so low that within three or four years they’re going to be able 

to jump over it. And once they jump over it we will be playing catch up. And we live in a 

world today where we don’t have a “just in time” industrial base anymore. When we 

eliminate these missile programs, the scientists and the engineers and the factories that 

build them, they are going to be gone. And if next year we decide that we got it wrong 
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

113

and we really needed more robust missile defenses, it will take us four or five or six years 

to rebuild that capability.

We are standing at the threshold of having been able to see Reagan’s dream of a 

world in which the United States and its friends and allies, and freedom were protected 

against ballistic missiles. And we are standing on the threshold within the next year of 

watching that dream disappear.

So I leave you with two things that you can do. This is a full length documentary on 

missile defense. There have been screenings shown around the country. There have only 

been about 200 screenings. By next fall there will be 700 screenings. That’s about 200 

more than Al Gore’s movie got. And a lot of people ask me, they say, well, why don’t 

you just put it on HBO—as if HBO would ever show it; right? You know, why don’t you 

just put it on television, why don’t you just put it on Netflix? Well, there is a difference. 

When you watch a movie in a room with other people, those other people are your fellow 

citizens and your neighbors, and you feel compelled to talk about and act on that issue. 

This is our version of the tea party. So the first thing we want you to do is to organize a 

screening of the film, attend a screening of the film, encourage people to get together and 

talk about this issue.

The answer to this is going to come from America; it’s not going to come from 

Washington. Washington and the Pentagon have already said what they’re going to do. 

They’re going to eliminate these programs. If that’s going to be stopped, the American 

people have to be heard. If the American people are going to be heard, they have to be 

informed. And they—they have to decide how they are going to do this.

So the second thing you can do is there is a petition that calls for fully funding 

defense and missile defense. There are 100,000 signatures already in just a couple of 

weeks. It was started by Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney and a couple of other interested 

folks in Washington. That’s pretty significant when you think we have been doing some 

work on health care, which you may have heard some people are concerned about that. 

But 86,000 people looked at our health care stuff; 100,000 people signed on to the 

defense spending pledge. And that’s an issue that has gotten virtually no press, no 

interest.

So Americans really do care. So you can get to both of these things by going to the 

website heritage.org. So when you go to heritage.org

Thomas Jefferson said, “The price of freedom is eternal vigilance,” and that’s never 

been more true than it is today. For all of your sacrifices and all your commitments, and 

all of the wonderful things that you have done for this nation in and out of uniform—

tough. Your mission doesn’t end. I ask you to join with me in waking up and alerting 

Americans to this really important issue, and share with them the instruments that we 

have to let Washington know what we think about defending this nation against the 

holocaust. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. (Applause)

there are two buttons in the corner. 

One will take you to 33 Minutes. It will give you all the information about the film—it’s 

an hour long full length documentary—how you can attend a screening, how you can 

organize a screening, how you can get information about missile defense, how you can 

share that information with others. So it’s a one stop resource to find out about how you 

can use 33 Minutes to organize your community to speak out on this issue. And there is 

another button on there that you can sign the petition. You can sign the petition online, 

and you can share that with other folks and get them to sign it online too. So I leave you 

with a great mission, but I also give you two instruments to do something about that.
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

114

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: The Chair recognizes Harold Barnett of 

Georgia, chairman of the National Convention Committee on Credentials and Internal 

Affairs-Membership, for the purpose of making a report.

Report: Convention Committee on Credentials and Other Internal Matters

(Section III of Convention Committee on Credentials and Other Internal Affairs)

Dale Barnett, Georgia, Chairman

Forty-two members of the Credentials and Internal Affairs Committee Section III 

(Membership), considered no resolutions. 

Ken Dittenber (MI) nominated Harold “Dale” Barnett (GA), seconded by Don 

Schulenberg (OK) as Chairman. Motion carried. John Pellegrini (MT) nominated Gerald 

Goetzinger (SD) as Secretary. This was seconded by Kenneth Mueller (TX). Motion 

carried. 

Delegation made a motion that the Chairman and Secretary be authorized to sign the 

report of the Committee and that the Chairman and Secretary be authorized to make 

technical corrections to the report resulting out of the Committee to insure proper 

wording and form without changing the substance of meaning. The motion was seconded 

by Delegation. Motion carried. 

COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN BARNETT: As a duly elected delegate to this 

Convention I recommend the approval of this report.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: You’ve heard the motion is there a 

second? ...Second. Having heard the motion and the second, discussion? Hearing none, 

all those in favor of the motion signify by sign of aye. Those opposed, say no. Motion is 

carried. The report of Credentials and Internal Affairs-Membership is adopted.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: And that brings us to the time for the 

membership awards. The departments and the individuals who will be joining us on stage 

took membership to another level in 2009. Membership is the single most important 

element to our strength. That strength has been made stronger by the efforts of these 

departments and individuals that are about to be recognized. You’ve heard me say several 

times, just again today, just now, membership leads to strength. But strength leads to 

those resources that we needed so badly in some of those fights, those resources that we 

had because of the membership strength of this organization.

Partnerships with the United States Recruiting Command, Active and Reserve 

Military Components, Freedom Team Salute, and with programs and activities such as 

The American Legion Riders, Team Johnson Racing, Heroes to Hometowns, Operation 

Comfort Warriors, Community Covenant and many others have expanded the 

opportunity for The American Legion to reach out to all veterans and their families.

Couple that with our continued commitment of service to veterans, their families 

and our communities, and you can clearly see why The American Legion’s growth 

potential is nearly unlimited. Each year brings new challenges, but with the help of those 

being recognized today and those of you in the audience, we can have a successful 

membership program. It is an exciting time.

And it is now my pleasure to present a number of membership awards. I would ask 

that National Vice Commander Jim Davis assume the duties at the podium for the reading 

of the winners, and as each winner is recognized that the National Vice Commander 

responsible for that area join me as we congratulate them. 
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

115

Presentation: Department Membership Awards

James W. Davis, West Virginia, National Vice Commander

We all know there are places where we develop and start a new post. Places where 

The American Legion does not have a presence in the community. This past year, one 

department recognized this need and took post development and revitalization efforts to a 

new level. The Department of Arizona started seven new posts this year. A plaque is 

presented to the Department Commander Henry Branch, Department Adjutant John 

Aldecoa, and Department Membership Chairman Jeri Strande for these efforts. Please 

give them a round of applause for their efforts. (Applause)

The O. L. Bodenhamer Trophy is presented to the department that led The American 

Legion in traditional membership on the report date of June 14. This department just 

missed being 100 percent. They obtained 99.55 percent of their goal by Flag Day. They 

were the first department to reach 100 percent of their membership goal before the 

delegate strength date based on traditional membership. The department that is the 

recipient of the O. L. Bodenhamer trophy is the also the winner of the General Henri 

Gouraud Trophy. This trophy is awarded for being the first department in category five to 

reach its membership goal. Ladies and gentlemen, please give a round of applause to the 

Department of Maine. The presentation is to the Department Commander John Doyle, 

Membership Chairman Andrew Olson, and Past Department Adjutant Ron Sailor. 

This next department finished number one overall by the delegate strength 

membership report. They are also a recipient of the General Henri Gouraud Trophy 

because they were the first department to exceed their membership goal in category six.

Please join me in welcoming the Department of Puerto Rico. This presentation is to the 

Department Commander Luis A. Figueroa-Ramirez, the Department Membership 

Chairman Alberto Rodriguez, and Department Adjutant Michael Quiles. Congratulations, 

and thank you for all your efforts. (Applause)

Our next presentation is the District Commander’s Race to the Top award. As 

always, this competition was a tough one that came down to just one one-hundredth of a 

percentage point in each category. Out of the five categories there were four winners. 

Please welcome these District Commanders:

Category IV, which is districts from 5,000 to 7,499 members, Lynn Rollins, 

Department of Georgia. 

Category III, 3,000 to 4,999 members, Rick Hoglund, Department of Georgia. 

Category II, which is from 1,500 to 2,999, fellow Marine Randy Brown, Department 

of North Carolina. 

Category I districts consist of 15 to 1,499 members. Our Category I winner, Ralph 

Dial, Department of Nevada, passed away before winning this award. His wife, 

Bernadine Dial, is here to accept the award for all of his hard work in 2008-2009. 

Those District Commanders were presented with a new Legion cap, a golf shirt and 

a shadowbox. We sincerely appreciate their hard work and dedication. Thank you. 

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: The Consolidated Post Report is a 

summary of what The American Legion posts have accomplished in their communities. It 

is an opportunity to tell the story of your post in an easy to fill out form. Just as 

important, we are required by our charter, given by Congress, to report annually on the 

work of The American Legion. For the past 17 years the average response rate has been 

around 50 percent. That means that only half of the posts have been reporting their 

activities. When I testified before Congress in September, the data from these reports was 
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

116

used as part of my testimony. Our response rate this year stayed nearly the same as 2008 

at 59 percent, with 8,309 posts reporting out of 14,151. As you can see, there is much 

room for improvement.

Those department commanders that met the challenge of a 75 percent response rate 

were Arizona, California, Georgia, and Maryland. I think they all deserve your applause, 

a large round of applause. (Applause)

I have asked those departments that exceeded the challenge to join me on stage 

today for special recognition. Will National Vice Commander Harley Ray assume the 

duties at the podium for the reading of the winners?

NATIONAL VICE COMMANDER RAY: At this time I will present these plaques 

to the following Department Commanders: Thomas Mattice, Department of Idaho; Mike 

Wood, Department of Mexico; Elmer Palmer, Department of Montana; William Crosier, 

Jr., Department of Nebraska; Leslie Clevinger, Department of Virginia; Richard 

Langenbach, Department of Washington; David Hall, Department of West Virginia; 

James Reigel, Department of Wisconsin; and Stephen Rennells, Department of 

Wyoming. (Applause)

Presentation: National Emergency Fund Awards

David K. Rehbein, Iowa, National Commander

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: The National Emergency Fund is perhaps 

one of the most visible ways we demonstrate our pride and purpose. We accomplish this 

through our commitment to our veterans, to our fellow members in those times of natural 

disaster. During the challenge year, based on the dates that the national commander is in 

office, The American Legion gave out $72,170 in grant monies to Legion family 

members for the disasters experienced during that year. At that same time we raised over 

$265,000. It is great to know that when a Legion member needs help, the Legion family 

will step up and give without reservation. And it is because of your continued giving that 

we are able to sustain this fund. I think all of us need to give a rousing round of applause 

to those donors, and I would ask you to join me in that round of applause. (Applause)

Those department commanders who were the top fund raisers in their respective 

categories determined by membership size will receive a plaque. We have six of those 

department commanders being recognized today. At this time we will present their 

plaques, and I would ask National Vice Commander Jim LaCoursiere to assume the 

duties at the podium for reading the winners.

NATIONAL VICE COMMANDER LACOURSIERE: The recipients of the awards: 

Edward Bertrand, Department of New York; Gail Murdock, Department of Maryland; 

Fae Casper, Department of Georgia; Archie Boyette, Department of Louisiana; Ricardo 

Hidalgo, Department of New Mexico; and Stephen Rennells, Department of Wyoming. 

Congratulations to each and every one of you for your hard work. Please don’t stop 

the fundraising efforts because we never know where disasters will strike again. 

Remember that each and every dollar in donations to the National Emergency Fund stays 

in the National Emergency Fund.

This year we also introduced the National Emergency Fund Gold, Silver, and 

Bronze awards to showcase the exemplified spirit of mutual helpfulness by providing 

assistance and support in their communities after a natural disaster took place. Six posts 

submitted entries this year, and the top three winners: Gold, Post 240, Chapman, Kansas. 

This post was instrumental in the recovery process following a half mile wide tornado 
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

117

that tore a path through the small town. This post immediately opened for comfort and 

served more than 9,000 meals to victims and volunteers. Department Commander K. T. 

Gregg is accepting the award on behalf of Post 240. (Applause)

Silver Award: Post 285, Parkersburg, Iowa. Following a devastating storm in May 

2008, it acted as a structure for emergency crews and agencies, even though the post 

home itself had been destroyed. Department Commander Bruce Feuerbach is accepting 

this award on behalf of Post 285. (Applause)

The Bronze Award: Post 490, South Houston, Texas. After Hurricane Ike struck, 

Post 490 worked with FEMA to set up a mobile assistance center at the post for hurricane 

victims, mostly from Galveston. The post also coordinated out of area donations to other 

areas that were in dire straits. Department Commander James McNair is accepting the 

award on behalf of Post 490. (Applause)

The other three posts received certificates via their department for presentation at 

their conventions, and they are Post 37, Fernley, Nevada; Post 61, Yellville, Arkansas; 

and Post 17, Paragould, Arkansas. Thank you all for all your hard work in reaching out to 

our Legion family members and your respective communities during natural disasters.

At this time I would like to ask that those departments that would like to present checks 

for the National Emergency Fund come forward and make your presentations now.

UNIDENTIFIED DELEGATE (TX): Commander, on behalf of the membership of 

my post in Odessa, Texas, it is my honor to present $5,000 to the National Emergency 

Fund. 

DELEGATE SULLIVAN (NV): Every year for 23 years the Department of 

Montana, represented by John Pelegrini, the Department of Idaho from Morris Bentley, 

and me, Tiny Sullivan from Nevada, we have what we call a fun day. We have done it for 

23 years, and it’s a good thing, and this year for the NEF we raised $1,000.

UNIDENTIFIED DELEGATE (MO): On behalf of the great State of Missouri and 

the Legionnaires there, I would like to present a check to you for $4,335.56. 

DELEGATE HEDRICK (NC): Mr. Commander, on behalf of the Southern Bloc 

Caucus this morning, at our grits gathering we had some fines and some donations, and 

we were able to come up with $7,000 in about 30 minutes. So on behalf of the Southern 

Bloc Caucus, and Ray Hedrick is my Vice Chairman, I would like to give $3,500 to the 

National Emergency Fund. And because you took the donations yesterday we could not 

have time, but I would like to give $3,500 to the Legacy Fund on behalf of the Southern 

Caucus. We turned the cash money in, so all we have is the paper. National already has 

the money.

UNIDENTIFIED DELEGATE (NC): Mr. Commander, on behalf of the Department 

of North Carolina, at our delegation party we had fun, but we did the business of The 

American Legion. We collected donations, and we would like to give you cash money for 

the National Emergency Fund in the amount of $1,000.

DELEGATION CHAIRMAN CONWAY (MN): Commander, on behalf of the great 

State of Minnesota, and in addition to our individual post donations, we want to present 

you with another check for the NEF for $1,000.

UNIDENTIFIED DELEGATE (CT): Commander, the Department of Connecticut, 

with what we have sent in already we would like to present a check to you, an additional 

amount of $4,000. 

UNIDENTIFIED DELEGATE (IA): Commander, we sent in earlier donations as a 

result of our Department Commander Bruce Feuerbach’s project, but on behalf of the 
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

118

Department of Iowa and my fellow Sons of The American Legion, we would like to 

present another check for $400. And also from Ames Post Number 37—I think you’re 

familiar with that one? An additional $145 that came in from them. 

DELEGATION CHAIRMAN McCALL (NH): Hello, Commander. Well, since you 

couldn’t get to come up to New Hampshire, I happened to be in the neighborhood, so I 

thought I’d stop by. And give you this little donation of $1,800. 

UNIDENTIFIED DELEGATE (DC): Commander, on behalf of the Department of 

the District of Columbia, we’re going to give you this additional check of $900, which 

brings our total to $2,000. 

UNIDENTIFIED DELEGATE (OH): Commander, on behalf of the Department of 

Ohio we have a check here for $10,000 for the National Emergency Relief Fund. 

DEPARTMENT COMMANDER SANDELL (PA): Commander, on behalf of the 

great Department of Pennsylvania, the whole American Legion Family, in addition to 

what we have sent in I present a check to you in the amount of $8,500. They don’t trust 

me with those little checks; they give me a big one. The commander has granted me 

permission to make another presentation. In my term as department commander of 

Pennsylvania I learned that the national organization wanted us to partner with them to 

collect money for the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and I’m very 

happy to report to you that we through the generosity of the Department of Pennsylvania 

Legion Family, we collected $13,000, and I would like to present that at this time. 

UNIDENTIFIED DELEGATE (NY): Commander, I realize you just gave us a 

plaque for meeting our goal for the NEF, but that was my project this year, and I have an 

additional donation from the Department of New York for $50,000. 

NATIONAL VICE COMMANDER LACOURSIERE: Commander, on behalf of 

your five Vice Commanders and all of your department commanders this year, we would 

like to present a small token of our thank you for your leadership for us this year. We 

appreciate everything you have done, and this is what we would like to do for you, sir, so 

you’ll remember us.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: I will. Thanks to that you were all treated 

up there on the big screens with the commander standing here with a blank look on his 

face because he didn’t know what was going on. And then standing here with an 

overwhelmed look on his face. And, thanks, because I was not expecting something like 

that, and I want each of those commanders and vice commanders to know how much I 

appreciate that award.

The National Emergency Fund. No, I’m going to start at the other side. Additional 

contributions to the Legacy Fund, $3,500. To the Flight 93 Memorial, $13,000. And to 

the National Emergency Fund, the total of those donations, $92,080.56. And thank you to 

all those donors. (Applause)

Presentation: National Recruiter of the Year

David K. Rehbein, Iowa, National Commander

The last award, but by far from the least award, is the award that is presented to the 

top Membership Recruiter of the Year. That honor this year goes to a Legionnaire who 

signed up 503 new members into The American Legion. This is his first year as Recruiter 

of the Year, but he has been in this competition several years, finishing second and third. 

This year it is my pleasure to welcome to the stage The American Legion’s Recruiter of 
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

119

the Year, a dedicated Legionnaire, Mr. R. V. Martin, Post 112, Department of 

Mississippi. Please welcome him to the stage. (Applause)

NATIONAL VICE COMMANDER SIMMONS: R. V., this is but a small token of 

our appreciation for the job you have done. Without a doubt you are one outstanding 

recruiter who shares a passion for supporting veterans. Commander Rehbein is presenting 

you with a new Legion cap, a shadowbox plaque, a National Top Recruiter Ring, and a 

golf shirt, signifying your earning the title of National Recruiter of the Year for 2008-

2009. Congratulations, R. V., and please continue to recruit more members into our great 

organization. We hope to see you again next year unless there is someone in the audience 

or your department who is up to the challenge of dethroning you. R. V., are you up to the 

challenge? And the answer is yes. And let me say congratulations from the Southeast 

Region and The American Legion organization. R. V., the podium is yours.

MR. MARTIN: I’ll tell you what, this is a great honor for me. Last year I said if I 

can be number two, I’m going to try to be number one. And the wife took on my job of 

washing dishes and vacuuming the house, and told me to take a little more time in 

recruiting. Now, so I did that. But now I’m going to have to get back and do a lot of 

washing dishes and everything, but I would like to thank the members of The American 

Legion of Mississippi, especially the Commander, Steve Sweet, Johnny Brace of Ashton, 

and Ron Roberts, our membership chairman. Now, they are the ones that really pushed 

and helped me, and the rest of the members of our Legion of Mississippi. And my wife, 

like I say, she helps a lot. But if you’ll get out there and you push, push, and beg and beg, 

and don’t give up, you can be up here. And I thank you very much. Thank you.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Before we go to the next item of 

business, there is an issue that has come up within the last few days regarding a booklet 

that appears on the VA’s website that deals with end of life planning, but is also being 

characterized as the “death book.” The American Legion has put together a press release 

that we are issuing today on that subject, and I want you as the delegates of this National 

Convention to be aware of the contents of that press release in case you are approached 

by members of the media, because this is the position of The American Legion. And I 

will read you the press release.

The National Commander of The American Legion says the so-called “death book” 

posted on the Department of Veterans Affairs website may be well-intentioned, but needs 

to be reconsidered.

“We share a mission with the VA to work always in the best interests of our military 

veterans, “said the Legion’s National Commander, “and we are certain that the 

Department of Veterans Affairs made this controversial publication available with the 

best of intentions.

“However,” the Commander continued, “elements of the booklet Your Life, Your 

Choices—in our opinion—can be easily misconstrued and appear insensitive. Somewhat 

like the improperly vetted Department of Homeland Security report to which we objected 

strongly some months ago, the release of this publication demonstrates poor planning, no 

matter how well intentioned it was.”

The controversial booklet, Your Life, Your Choices has been dubbed “the death 

book” by some commentators due to its subject matter and method of presentation in 

advising veterans on end-of-life decision-making. “While The American Legion does not 

believe this publication is in any way designed to influence veterans to end their lives 
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

120

prematurely,” said the National Commander, “we can understand how some might 

interpret it that way, At best, it is an awkward attempt to help.” 

Your Life, Your Choices is not an official publication of the Department of Veterans 

Affairs, but it has been made available in printed and electronic formats by the VA.

That’s the position we released this morning to the news media of this country, that 

it is an awkward publication. It may be well-intentioned, but it certainly could be done 

better. And we hope that if you are approached by the media that you will take that same 

position and communicate that to any media members that may approach you.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: At this point the Chair recognizes Daniel 

Dellinger of Virginia, chairman of the National Convention Committee on Economics, 

for the purpose of making a report.

Report: Convention Committees on Employment and Veterans Preference and

Other Economic Matters

Daniel M. Dellinger, Virginia, Chairman

Eighty-One (81) members of your Committees on Employment and Veterans 

Preference and on Other Economic Matters met at 8:30 a.m. on August 23, 2009, in 

Rooms 102 and 103, Level 1, Kentucky International Convention Center, Louisville,

Kentucky and agreed on the following report, which is respectfully submitted for your 

consideration.

The Committees were called to order by Joseph Sharpe, Jr. (DC), Liaison 

Representative appointed by the National Adjutant to act as temporary chairman. Mark 

Walker (DC), Deputy Director for Economic Commission, acted as temporary secretary 

and called the roll. A quorum being present, nominations were received for permanent 

chairman. Daniel M. Dellinger (VA), Chairman of the Standing National Economic 

Commission, was unanimously elected Chairman of the Convention Committees.

With unanimous consent, the Chairman appointed Jean C. La Fontaine, as 

Committee Secretary; Albert M. Robotti (NJ), Chairman of the Employment and 

Veterans Preference Committee and David Desmond (NC), Secretary; Richard T. Lee 

(CA), Chairman of the Other Economic Matters Committee and Kenneth Connors (NY), 

Secretary.

A Screening Committee on Economic Resolutions, in a preconvention meeting, 

screened and grouped the resolutions. A report of their action, with recommendations, 

was presented to the Convention Committees for consideration.

The Screening Committee conserved the time of the Convention Committees 

substantially. It was chaired by Daniel M. Dellinger (VA), Chairman of the Economic 

Commission and was composed of the following persons: James Fratolillo (MA); Dennis 

Tipsword (IL); Albert M. Robotti (NJ); and William Christoffersen (UT). 

The 18 Economic resolutions presented for the consideration of this Convention 

were referred by the Resolutions Assignment Committee. The following action on the 

resolutions was taken by the Convention Committees:
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

121

Approved or Approved w/Amendment 14

Consolidated with Resolutions Approved 2

Referred to the Standing Commission 1

Received and Recorded 1

Rejected 0

A motion was made and seconded to authorize the Chairman and Secretary to sign 

and deliver the report on the Convention Committees’ behalf.

A report of action taken on the 18 resolutions referred to the Standing Economic 

Commission will be made to the National Executive Committee and to the Adjutant of 

the Department concerned.

Employment and Veterans Preference Committee

Approved

Resolution No. 6: Support Full Funding and Staffing for the Veterans Employment 

and Training Services (VETS) Programs

Origin: Texas

Submitted by: Convention Committee on Economics (Employment and Veterans 

Preference)

(Consolidated with Resolution No. 14 (SD) and Resolution No. 65 (MA))

WHEREAS, Within the Department of Labor (DOL), annual discretionary 

appropriations, the Assistant Secretary for Veterans’ Employment and Training Services 

(VETS) receives funding for the administration of various employment programs; and 

WHEREAS, VETS provides funding and oversight of the Disabled Veterans’ 

Outreach Program (DVOP), the Local Veterans’ Employment Representatives (LVERs), 

Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program, and the National Veterans’ Employment and 

Training Institute (NVTI); and 

WHEREAS, Title 38, United States Code (USC), section 4102A(b) (5) requires that 

the Secretary shall: “make available for use in each State by grant...such funds as may be 

necessary to support”; and 

WHEREAS, Title 38, USC, sections 4103 A(a) and 4104 (a) also establishes: 

requirements for employment by states of sufficient numbers of DVOP Specialists and 

LVERs; and

WHEREAS, Historically, Congress has failed to fully staff the statutory level of 

3600 DVOP and LVER positions by failing to sufficiently fund these programs over the 

past 15 years, effectively cutting the staff authorized by over 40 percent; and 

WHEREAS, Meaningful employment is a proven effective approach to effectively 

ease the transition of veterans to civilian life; and 

WHEREAS, The goal of VETS through the DVOP/LVER program is assisting all 

eligible veterans in obtaining meaningful employment through proactive assistance and 

aggressive training; and 

WHEREAS, It is estimated that there are 2,962 full service and 1,190 affiliated One 

Stop Career Centers operating during FY 2009 and only 2,002 DVOP/LVER staff 

positions actually funded; and 
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

122

WHEREAS, It is estimated that in order to effectively fund this program and ensure 

that veterans’ staff are available in all Workforce Centers, that a minimum of $300 

million in funds are needed; now, therefore, be it 

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville, Kentucky, August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That The American Legion seeks full 

funding in the amount of $300 million for the DVOP/LVER program and staffing 

for the Veterans’ Employment and Training Service and its effective programs.

Resolution No. 7: Support Transfer of the Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program 

(DVOP) and the Local Veterans’ Employment Representative (LVERs) 

Program to the Supervision and Control of the Veterans Employment and 

Training Services (VETS)

Origin: Texas

Submitted by: Convention Committee on Economics (Employment and Veterans 

Preference) 

WHEREAS, Throughout the nearly two hundred and twenty-year history of The 

United States, the men and women of this nation have served in the Armed Forces in the 

interest of the collective body of states, united under a central Federal government, “to 

provide for the common defense”; and

WHEREAS, These men and women served The United States under the 

Constitutional Authority vested in, and by direction of, the President of The United 

States; and

WHEREAS, It is altogether fitting and proper that such programs of employment 

assistance for veterans be provided by direction of, and subject to oversight by, Congress 

to ensure that all veterans/disabled veterans are afforded such services in a uniform 

manner following completion of their service and return to the several states; and 

WHEREAS, P.L. 107-288 has removed the job description of the Disabled Veteran 

Outreach Program (DVOP) Specialists and Local Veterans’ Employment Representatives

(LVERs) from Title 38, USC, and given the States the ability to establish the duties and 

responsibilities, thus weakening the VETS programs across the country by eliminating 

the language that required these staff positions provide services only veterans; and

WHEREAS, These changes in Title 38 have resulted in systemic misuse of DVOP 

LVER staff by the state workforce systems nationwide causing a decline in services to 

veterans at a time when those services are desperately needed for the Iraq and 

Afghanistan veterans now entering an unfriendly labor market; and

WHEREAS, The Veterans Employment and Training Service has the reputation and 

expertise in job placement, job development, vocational counseling, vocational testing, 

job search training, and any other area of employment services; now, therefore, be it 

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville, Kentucky, August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That The American Legion seeks 

legislation that will transfer the Disabled Veterans Outreach Program and the Local 

Veterans Employment Representative program to the supervision and control of the 

Veterans Employment and Training Services in order to ensure that the individuals 

employed for the purpose of serving veterans are not used for other programs.
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

123

Resolution No. 8: Transition Assistance Program Employment Workshops for 

National Guard and Reserve Members 

Origin: Texas

Submitted by: Convention Committee on Economics (Employment and Veterans 

Preference) 

(As amended)

WHEREAS, Public Law 101-510, codified in sections 1141-1150 of Title 10, 

United States Code, authorized comprehensive transition assistance benefits and services 

for separating service members and their spouses and required that Transition Assistance 

Program (TAP) Employment Workshops be established and maintained; and

WHEREAS, TAP Employment Workshops are available for the service members 

prior to separating from active duty; and

WHEREAS, Many of the forces engaged in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation 

Enduring Freedom are members of the National Guard and Reserves; and

WHEREAS, Members of the National Guard and Reserves are not afforded the 

opportunity to attend a TAP Employment Workshop prior to separation from active duty; 

and

WHEREAS, Members of the National Guard and Reserves must take time away 

from their civilian jobs and travel to an active duty site at their own expense to attend a 

TAP Employment Workshop on a space-available basis; and

WHEREAS, It is altogether fitting and proper that such programs of employment 

assistance for National Guard and Reserves members be provided at no expense to them; 

now, therefore, be it 

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville, Kentucky, August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That The American Legion seeks 

legislation that will provide every National Guard and Reserves member who is 

activated for 12 months or longer a period of active duty of five days, within ninety 

days of separation, in order to attend a Transition Assistance Program employment 

workshop.

Resolution No. 13: Support Legislation to Amend 38 USC, to Prohibit 

Discrimination and Acts of Reprisals by Employers Against Veterans that seek 

Treatment for their Service-Connected Disabilities

Origin: South Dakota

Submitted by: Convention Committee on Economics (Employment and Veterans 

Preference)

(As amended)

WHEREAS, This great organization was based upon comradeship born of wartime 

service and dedicated to fair and equitable treatment of all veterans; and

WHEREAS, Many of this Nation’s men and women have answered the call to serve 

in the United States Armed Forces; and

WHEREAS, Congress, through the Uniformed Services Employment and 

Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), provides protection from employment 

discrimination for men and women who perform military duty; and

WHEREAS, USERRA requires that employers release any employees to perform 

military duty; and
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

124

WHEREAS, Many of the men and women serving in the United States Armed 

Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard as well as activated National 

Guard and Reserves) sustained service-connected disabilities; and

WHEREAS, Under USERRA, employers are required to “make reasonable efforts 

to accommodate a person’s disability so that the person can perform the position that 

would have held if the person had remained continuously employed”; and

WHEREAS, The employers, however, are not specifically required by law to allow 

veterans with service-connected disabilities to be absent from the workplace to receive 

the necessary medical treatment for these disabilities; and

WHEREAS, The necessary medical care can be provided through the Department of 

Veterans Affairs (VA) at the VA medical centers as well as a private provider for serviceconnected veterans; and

WHEREAS, Legislation has been introduced that would amend Title 38, United 

States Code, (USC) to prohibit discrimination and acts of reprisal against persons who 

receive treatment for illnesses, injuries, and disabilities incurred in or aggravated by 

service in the uniformed services; now, therefore, be it 

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville, Kentucky, August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That The American Legion supports 

legislation to amend Title 38, USC, to prohibit discrimination and acts of reprisals 

by employers against our veterans that seek treatment for their service-connected 

disabilities.

Resolution No. 66: Support Veterans Preference in Public Employment

Origin: Massachusetts

Submitted by: Convention Committee on Economics (Employment and Veterans 

Preference) 

(As amended)

WHEREAS, Our Federal government specially selected as mentally, morally, and 

physically fit, certain members from its society, specially trained this group, subjected 

them to stringent rules and regulations, removed them from home, family and 

employment, asked of them a special sacrifice, required some of them to suffer wounds 

they will live with forever; and

WHEREAS, A grateful nation through its representative in the Congress of the 

United States and State Legislatures has in recognition of that special service and loss of 

employment opportunity while defending the country in time of need, extended a long 

history of employing the returning veterans by enacting the Veterans Preference Act; and

WHEREAS, The term “veteran” includes every category of socioeconomics, gender, 

age, religion, ethnic group, race, and creed; and

WHEREAS, Absence from the highly competitive job market due to military service 

creates an unfair and unequal burden on veterans in competing for employment with nonveteran peers upon completion of military service; and

WHEREAS, The Veterans Preference Law accomplished the legislative purpose of 

honoring veterans and provides a small advantage in competing for Federal and State 

government jobs; and

WHEREAS, Veterans’ Preference requires a veteran must be fully qualified for the 

position sought; and
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

125

WHEREAS, There are reported incidents of hiring officials in both the Federal and 

State government agencies who have ignored Veterans Preference in selecting new 

employees; and

WHEREAS, There have been Federal and State legislative efforts to repeal or avoid 

application of Veterans’ Preference in hiring practices; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville Kentucky, August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That The American Legion deplores 

each and every attempt to degrade, dilute, or modify the historical precedence of 

giving job eligibility preference to those who are taken from their communities to 

serve their country in time of war; and, be it further

RESOLVED, Urge all law makers at every level of government to oppose any 

and all efforts to repeal or circumvent Veterans’ Preference in government hiring 

practices; and, be it finally

RESOLVED, Urge all executives at every level of government to enforce 

Veterans’ Preference in their respective government agencies.

Resolution No. 72: Reaffirm Support for Service Members Occupational

Conversion and Training Act (SMOCTA)

Origin: Massachusetts

Submitted by: Convention Committee on Economics (Employment and Veterans 

Preference)

(As amended)

WHEREAS, In 1992, Congress enacted the Service Members Occupational 

Conversion and Training Act (SMOCTA) which became Public Law 102-484; and

WHEREAS, SMOCTA is a transition tool designed to provide job training and 

employment to certain veterans discharged from the military after August 1, 1990; and

WHEREAS, The SMOCTA program provides financial incentives to employers 

who hire and provide training to eligible veterans; and

WHEREAS, To be eligible for participation in the SMOCTA program, the veteran 

must meet at least one of the following criteria:

x Have a primary or secondary military occupational specialty that the 

Department of Defense (DOD) has determined is not readily transferable to 

the civilian work force; or

x Be entitled to compensation (or would be entitled to compensation but for 

the receipt of military retired pay) for a VA service-connected disability 

rating of 30 percent or more; or

x Be unemployed and have been unemployed for at least eight (8) of the last 

15 work weeks before filing an application; and

WHEREAS, The veterans eligible for job training under SMOCTA are precisely 

those individuals who need the most assistance in making a successful transition to the 

civilian work force; and

WHEREAS, DOD, Veterans Affairs (VA), and Department of Labor (DOL) signed

a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in March of 1993, which defined their roles 

and responsibilities in the implementation of SMOCTA; and

WHEREAS, DOD provides funding for SMOCTA while the VA and DOL are 

responsible for administering the program; and
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

126

WHEREAS, Under the terms of the MOU, the SMOCTA program will terminate 

when all the funds provided by DOD are expended or at such time as agreed upon by all 

parties; and

WHEREAS, This country’s unemployment problem is being exacerbated by the 

drastic downsizing of the military; and 

WHEREAS, SMOCTA can help to alleviate the employment problems faced by 

many veterans who are being separated from the military; and

WHEREAS, There is pending legislation to reauthorize SMOCTA; and

WHEREAS, SMOCTA has been changed to the Military Occupational Specialty 

Transition (MOST) program, but the language and intent of the program still applies; 

now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville Kentucky, August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That The American Legion supports 

legislation to reauthorize the SMOCTA (now MOST) program until the 

employment picture improves and the downsizing of the military is completed; and, 

be it finally

RESOLVED, That The American Legion seeks $60 million for SMOCTA (now 

MOST) so that it can achieve what it was designed to do.

Resolution No. 73: Full Funding and Staffing for the Veterans’ Employment and 

Training Service (VETS) and its Program

Origin: Massachusetts

Submitted by: Convention Committee on Economics (Employment and Veterans 

Preference)

(As amended)

WHEREAS, Chapter 41, Title 38, United States Code (USC), provides for a 

veterans’ employment counseling and training program to be administered by the 

Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans’ Employment and Training Service within the 

Department of Labor; and

WHEREAS, Chapter 41 provides for the appointment of a State Director and 

Assistant Director for Veterans’ Employment and Training Service; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville Kentucky, August 25, 26, 27, 2009, to hereby go on record requesting that 

the Secretary of Labor shall submit to Congress an adequate budget for the 

operation of the Veterans’ Employment and Training Service, including funds for 

the National Staff, State Director, Assistant Directors and Program 

Assistants/Secretaries for the States; and that such budget shall also include funds 

for the LVER and DVOP positions, which should be equitably distributed; and, be 

it further 

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of Labor require fiscal accountability to 

ensure those funds for the Veterans’ Employment and Training Service and for the 

State Employment Service agencies are used for veterans’ services or returned to 

the Department of Labor; and, be it finally

RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution shall be forwarded to the Secretary 

of Labor.
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

127

Committee on Other Economic Matters

Approved

Resolution No. 26: Veterans Preference for Housing in the Department of Housing 

and Urban Development

Origin: Maine

Submitted by: Convention Committee on Other Economic Matters

(As amended)

WHEREAS, The American Legion was chartered in 1919 as a patriotic, war-time 

veterans organization; and

WHEREAS, The American Legion has established as one of its Four Pillars, taking 

care of Veterans; and

WHEREAS, The availability and provision of accessible, affordable, quality 

housing, both owned and rented, constitute a vital aspect of what is needed for 

handicapped, senior, retired and impoverished veterans and younger returning warriors, 

as well as their dependents to live better lives; and 

WHEREAS, The original GI Bill of Rights, with the support of this organization 

after World War II, had as one of its primary objectives, the construction and provision of 

affordable housing for returning veterans and their dependents; and

WHEREAS, The current Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) 

programs are flooded by the rising tide of applicants, including veterans of earlier 

conflicts, as well as needy and handicapped veterans of current wars; and

WHEREAS, Current HUD programs, while providing affordable housing for low 

income families, seniors and the handicapped, are prohibited by law from discriminating 

in favor of veterans as a separate entity; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville, Kentucky, August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That The American Legion urge HUD 

to provide affordable housing to qualified and honorably discharged veterans and 

their dependents; and, be it finally

RESOLVED, That HUD fund the planning, construction and subsidization of 

rental housing specifically for veterans and their dependents and to create a 

separate component for veterans and their dependents under Section 8 of the 

Housing Act, as well as a similar component under the Low Income Housing Tax 

Credit program. 

Resolution No. 67: Support Reasonable Set-Asides of Federal procurements and 

contracts for Businesses Owned and Operated by Veterans

Origin: Massachusetts

Submitted by: Convention Committee on Other Economic Matters

(As amended)

WHEREAS, Assistance to veterans who have honorably served our country is a 

veteran’s benefit that dates back to the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944; and

WHEREAS, Benefits to veterans have always included assistance in creating and 

operating veteran-owned small businesses; and

WHEREAS, Set-asides are used to assist small businesses in receiving Federal 

contracts which enables these small businesses to gain needed experience, and most 

importantly increase their profitability; and
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

128

WHEREAS, Set-asides is a mechanism that allows small businesses to compete 

with Prime Contractors for Federal dollars; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville Kentucky, August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That The American Legion 

encourages Congress to require a reasonable amount of set-asides of Federal 

procurements and contracts for businesses owned and operated by veterans and for 

those veteran businesses affected by base closings and reduction in our military 

forces.

Resolution No. 69: Support Efforts of the Small Business Administration (SBA) 

Office of Veterans Affairs

Origin: Massachusetts

Submitted by: Convention Committee on Other Economic Matters

(As amended)

WHEREAS, Assistance to veterans who have honorably served our country is a 

veteran’s benefit that dates back to the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944; and

WHEREAS, Benefits to veterans have always included assistance in creating and 

operating Veteran-Owned Small Businesses; and

WHEREAS, With the large number of service members leaving active duty, to 

include National Guard and Reserve components, transitioning to the civilian workforce; 

now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville Kentucky, August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That The American Legion supports 

the efforts of the Small Business Administration (SBA), Office of Veterans Business 

Development in it initiatives to provide outreach to military personnel who will be 

affected by the downsizing of the military; and, be it finally

RESOLVED, That The American Legion support legislation that would permit 

the Office of Veterans Business Development of the SBA to enter into contracts, 

grants, and cooperative agreements to further its outreach goals.

Resolution No. 85: Support and Strengthen the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act

Origin: Connecticut

Submitted by: Convention Committee on Other Economic Matters

WHEREAS, The American Legion has been the premiere veterans advocacy 

organization since its inception in 1919; and

WHEREAS, Such advocacy resulted in the creation and passage of the 

Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and the original GI Bill, codifying into Federal 

law benefits appropriated to active and former members of the United States military as a 

result of their honorable service during a time of war; and

WHEREAS, Both the GI Bill and SCRA have been legislatively updated on 

occasion by the United States Congress to reflect societal changes and rising costs of 

providing said benefits; and

WHEREAS, It is the intention of the SCRA to protect and make whole service 

members of the United States military called to active duty by duly authorized and issued 

orders; and
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

129

WHEREAS, Such protections currently include mitigation against termination and 

suspension fees and surcharges attributable to individual cellular phone contracts and 

leases; and

WHEREAS, Such protection is not extended to include the necessary termination of 

a contract under Family or Group plans, nor to the necessary cancellation of reservations 

for air or train transportation, resulting in unnecessary, unintended and costly costs 

incurred by service members who are obeying the tasking placed upon them by duly 

authorized orders; and

WHEREAS, Such costs coincide with negative credit reports which further 

exacerbate the ability of the service member to perform his or her duty, and impacts the 

ability of the individual or family to realize the American Dream and own a home by 

punitive credit rates; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville, Kentucky, August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That Congress be urged to amend the 

Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) to include protections for members of the 

Armed Forces acting under duly authorized and issued orders to include, but not 

limited to, deployment and TDY/TAD orders against fees, fines and the resulting 

negative credit reports by cancellation or termination of cellular contracts in whole 

or in part and cancellation of ticketed travel on U.S. airlines or train transportation. 

Resolution No. 95: Veterans Home Loans

Origin: Oregon

Submitted by: Convention Committee on Other Economic Matters

(As amended)

WHEREAS, Legislation to amend the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Tax Code to 

delete the requirement that State Veterans Home Loans may only be made to those 

veterans who are within twenty-five years of date of discharge is pending in Congress; 

and

WHEREAS, This change in the IRS Tax Code would allow thousands of veterans to 

become eligible for a State Veterans Home Loan; and

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville, Kentucky, August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That The American Legion supports 

amending the IRS Tax Code to delete the requirement that State Veterans Home 

Loans may only be made to those veterans who are within twenty-five years of date 

of discharge.

Resolution No. 101: Surviving Spouse Mortgage Eligibility 

Origin: Illinois

Submitted by: Convention Committee on Other Economic Matters

WHEREAS, The American Legion is a national organization of veterans who have 

dedicated themselves to the service of the community, state and nation; and

WHEREAS, Veterans who meet certain criteria are eligible for the VA home loan

program for as long as they live and in certain circumstances may use this benefit several 

times; and

WHEREAS, Once the veteran expires this benefit does not pass onto the surviving 

spouse except in those situations where the veteran died of a service-related condition or 

died in service; and 
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

130

WHEREAS, Veterans are usually the primary income provider for the household 

and contribute the majority of payments to mortgages for the family; and

WHEREAS, Once the veteran dies the mortgage payments must continue to be paid 

and the burden falls on the surviving spouse; and

WHEREAS, The surviving spouse may have to downsize and/or move to a different 

area to obtain a more affordable dwelling; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville, Kentucky, August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That The American Legion shall 

sponsor and support legislation to allow the surviving spouse of a veteran who was 

determined to be eligible for the VA loan program to use this same entitlement for a 

one time guarantee of a new mortgage and that this eligibility be good for up to 

fifteen years after the veteran dies or the surviving spouse remarries.

Resolution No. 111: Support Title 32 Active Guard Reserve (AGR) for Post 9/11 GI 

Bill Benefits

Origin: Convention Committee on Other Economic Matters

Submitted by: Convention Committee on Other Economic Matters

WHEREAS, The American Legion first draft the GI Bill of Rights which was 

enacted by Congress in 1944 for all veterans called to active-duty irrespective as to where 

they served—overseas or statewide; and 

WHEREAS, Similar GI Bill benefits were extended to veterans of the Korean and 

Vietnam Wars based on honorable military service irrespective of duty location; and

WHEREAS, When education benefits were updated and improved in the 1984 

Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB), its primary focus was on active-duty service members in 

support of the all-volunteer military; and

WHEREAS, Congress and the Department of Defense then developed a 

significantly modified version of the Montgomery GI Bill for the Select Reserve which 

provided minimal educational benefits primarily as a recruitment and retention tool; and

WHEREAS, Reserve component forces were primarily a strategic force until August 

2, 1990; and 

WHEREAS, The role of the Reserve Component forces has dramatically evolved 

since the official start of the Persian Gulf War on August 2, 1990; and

WHEREAS, Many AGR personnel were called to active-duty via title 32, United 

States Code (USC) in support of the Southwest Asian War, the attacks on America on 

September 11, 2001, Operation Overwatch, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation 

Enduring Freedom; and

WHEREAS, AGR personnel were also activated under title 32, USC, during this 

same time period in support of natural disasters, such as Hurricanes Katrina and Rita; and

WHEREAS, Repeatedly the AGR personnel have answered the nation’s call to arms 

each and every time and deployed where directed by the Department of Defense or the 

Governor of their respective state; and 

WHEREAS, Today, Reserve forces are operational forces that fight side-by-side 

with active duty forces, contributing their unique skills and abilities to the modern 

battlefield; and

WHEREAS, Last year there were almost 30,000 Army National Guard and 13,500 

Air National Guard service members served on Title 32; now, therefore, be it
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

131

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville, Kentucky, August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That The American Legion supports 

legislation that would include all AGR members of the United States Armed Forces 

Federalized under Title 32, USC, be eligible for educational benefits under Chapter 

33, Title 38, USC based on their honorable military service consistent with the terms 

of that Chapter.

Referred to the Standing Commission on Economics

Resolution No. 74 (MA): Support Establishment of the Veterans’ Business 

Development and Outreach Program

Received and Recorded

Resolution No. 71 (MA): Support the Small Business Loan Program in the VA

COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN DELLINGER: Mr. Commander, I, Daniel M. 

Dellinger of Virginia, as a duly elected and registered delegate to this Convention, move 

for the adoption of this report, respectfully submitted.

NATIONAL VICE COMMANDER DAVIS: Do I hear a second? ...Second. 

Discussion? All those in favor indicate by the usual sign. All opposed? The report of the 

Economic Convention Committee is adopted.

Presentation: Employer of the Year Awards for Hiring Veterans

James W. Davis, West Virginia, National Vice Commander

It is time to extend special recognition to the three employers for their outstanding 

record of making job available to veterans. That special recognition comes in the form of 

The American Legion Employer of the Year Award. We recognize these three 

organizations as 2008 Employers of Year. One award is for companies employing 50 or 

less people; another for companies employing from 51 to 200, and the third for 

companies with more than 200 workers. Each is nominated by a post and advances 

through their departments and national competition levels. 

The award in the 50 employees or less category goes to Millennium Security 

Services, LLC of Roswell, Georgia. Accepting the award is Mr. Michael Mizell, 

President. (Applause)

ANNOUNCER: The award reads: “The American Legion National Award for 

Outstanding Employer of Veterans for 2008. Presented to Millennium Security Services, 

LLC for an exceptional record in the employment of veterans. Presented at the 91st 

National Convention, Louisville, Kentucky.” 

NATIONAL VICE COMMANDER DAVIS: The American Legion National Award 

for outstanding employer of veterans for 2008 presented to Millennium Service, LLC for 

their excellent record of employing veterans. Presented at the 91st Annual National 

Convention, Louisville, Kentucky. 

The award in the 51 to 200 category goes to Industrial Maintenance Services, 

Incorporated of Escanaba, Michigan. Accepting the award Mr. Jim Vernon, Project 

Estimator. (Applause)

ANNOUNCER: The award reads: “The American Legion National Award for 

Outstanding Employer of Veterans 2008. Presented to Industrial Maintenance Services, 
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132

Inc. for an exceptional record in the employment of veterans. Presented at the 91st 

Annual National Convention, Louisville, Kentucky.” 

NATIONAL VICE COMMANDER DAVIS: In the large employer category of 200 

plus employees, the award goes to Lear Siegler, (LSI) EG&G, a Division of URS 

Corporation of Germantown, Maryland. 

Accepting on behalf of the company is Ms. Marian Hyder, Vice President of 

Staffing, and Mr. Kenneth Reese, Staffing Manager. (Applause)

ANNOUNCER: The award reads: “The American Legion National Award for 

Outstanding Employer of Veterans 2008 is presented to Lear Siegler (LSI) EG&G, a 

Division of URS Corporation, for an exceptional record in the employment of veterans. 

Presented at the 91st Annual National Convention, Louisville, Kentucky.”

MS. MARIAN HYDER: Thank you to The American Legion for this prestigious 

award. We are honored to accept this award on behalf of EG&G Lear Siegler Services. 

I’m proud of our long history and success in hiring veterans. Of the 6,700 plus positions 

we filled in 2008, 48 percent of our new hires were veterans. Of our total employee 

population of 14,000 employees, 45 percent are veterans. 

Veterans are represented at all levels in our organization. I’m also proud to say that 

50 percent of our recruiting staff are veterans. Several are former military recruiters 

including Ken Reese who’s here with me today. 

We partner with the military in numerous ways. A few examples include the Army 

Partnership for Youth Success, or the PAYS Program; the Wounded Warrior Program. 

I’m proud to say we just recently hired our first wounded warrior. The Army Reserve 

Partnership Initiative, and we work very closely with the Military Transition Offices 

around the world, and the VET Services Offices around the United States. The men and 

women we hire from the military have the leadership, integrity, discipline, and training 

that have contributed to our success over the last 50 years. Again, thank you to The 

American Legion for this award. (Applause)

NATIONAL VICE COMMANDER DAVIS: We would like to call up the other two 

award winners for a few words of encouragement. 

MR. VERNON: I thought I was going to be able to get away without saying 

anything. I would like to thank everybody, and as a veteran myself I don’t think you 

could have picked a better man than John to give this award to. He truly exemplifies 

professionalism in our industry. So thanks again.

MR. MIZELL: First let me say a great thank you to the team that makes this thing 

possible, starting with The American Legion and what it does for our service members all 

over the world. 

A special thanks to a gentleman who works very hard, very diligently every hour of 

every day, and that gentleman is not here today, but his name is Mike Cotler. Mike Cotler 

is the Department of Labor veteran rep that’s on my speed dial right behind 911. I can’t 

tell you how many times I’ve gotten some late afternoon calls that somebody just quit, 

and I called Mike. And just to show you, I called him on Tuesday afternoon two weeks 

ago at two o’clock. At four o’clock he had three candidates waiting in his office for me to 

go interview. And I hired one of them. 

Mike does an outstanding job and I couldn’t do it without him. Also, without the 

great state of Georgia, The American Legion family that’s there, all that you do for 

allowing me to reach out and touch you and find our members that are out there that are 

looking for employment. And that’s my commitment to you as a small business owner 
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

133

here today. Every time there’s an opportunity, I have to let people know that if they don’t 

hire vets, they’re missing out on the greatest opportunity that they could ever be part of 

because they have an asset that’s been trained beyond their imagination. 

I remember when I first retired from the military and I put out my resume, and they 

said I don’t need a soldier, that set me sort of on a mission to let those business owners 

know, yeah, you do need a soldier because let me tell you some of the things we do other 

than drive trucks and dig ditches. There is no greater workforce with a greater work ethic 

than you’ll find in the men and women that have worn the uniform of this great nation, 

and they do it because they love it, and they give it everything that they have. 

So my commitment to you is that over the coming years I hope to see you but in 

larger categories when I bring on more and more veterans to do the work that we have to 

do. God bless you all. (Applause)

Presentation: American Legion Local Veterans Employee Representative

of the Year Award

David K. Rehbein, Iowa, National Commander

Another employment award that I’m honored to present goes to the top Local 

Veterans Employment Representative in the nation. The award honors individuals who 

have done so well this placing veterans in jobs. 

The Employment Service Award to the Local Veterans Employment Representative

for 2008 goes to Michael Dembowski of Binghamton, New York. (Applause)

ANNOUNCER: The award reads: “The American Legion National Award for 

Outstanding Local Veterans Employment Representative of the Year 2008 is presented to 

Michael Dembowski for your outstanding service to veterans of the State of New York.”

MR. DEMBOWSKI: Needless to say I’m honored. Thank you very much. But I do 

have a favor to ask of all of you. If you know of anyone out there, any returning vet, any 

vet for that matter that has not availed himself of our services, please send them our way. 

If you send them my way they’re going to get a hundred percent effort on my behalf. And 

I think I could speak for just about every DVOP and LVER in the United States, they will 

do the same. We’re on every home page for every Department of Labor in the United 

States. Thank you very much. Thank you for your service. (Applause)

Presentation: Disabled Veterans Outreach Program of the Year Award

David K. Rehbein, Iowa, National Commander

Mr. Demboski referred to another group of individuals that The American Legion is 

very proud of. They are the men and women who work on behalf of disabled veterans 

seeking employment. 

And I am very happy to present the Disabled Veterans Outreach Program of the 

Year Award to Mr. Steve Lord of Meridian, Idaho. (Applause)

ANNOUNCER: The award reads: “The American Legion National Award for 

Outstanding Disabled Veterans Outreach Program of the Year 2008 is presented to Steve 

Lord for your outstanding service to the veterans of the State of Idaho.”

MR. LORD: Good afternoon American Legion, and thank you for your service. I 

would also like to thank The American Legion for this honor and this recognition. I 

would like to accept it on behalf of my coworkers from the Department of Labor back in 

Idaho, all of our partner agencies, the service organizations, especially The American 
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

134

Legion, and all of the DVOPS that are out there around the country providing priority of 

service to our disabled veteran community. Again, thank you for this award and thank 

you for continuing to serve those who served. Thank you. (Applause)

Presentation: Outstanding Employer of Disabled Veterans Award

Harley W. Ray, Oregon, National Vice Commander

When the Employer Awards Program was established in 1947, its purpose was to 

recognize employers across the country who had established outstanding records in the 

employment and retention of the disabled. In doing so, we are able to educate employers 

and the general public about the many positive aspects of hiring disabled persons and 

thereby increasing their employment opportunities. 

Here to accept the award is Mr. John Antar, Contract Manager for Black Hills 

Service, Incorporated. (Applause)

ANNOUNCER: The award reads: “The American Legion National Award for 

Outstanding Employer of Disabled Veterans, 2008, is presented to Black Hills Service, 

Inc., for an exceptional record in the employment of veterans. Presented at the 91st 

Annual National Convention, Louisville, Kentucky.”

MR. ANTAR: Thank you American Legion, commander, special guests. Black Hills 

Services is actually a subsidiary of Black Hills Workshop in Rapid City, South Dakota. 

We currently employ approximately 268 personnel of disabilities, of which we’ve got 54 

of them are actual disabled vets. We provide employment in numerous areas. We provide 

employment in retail services, commissary services, custodial, and we’re looking at other 

endeavors around the local community. Thank you. (Applause)

NATIONAL VICE COMMANDER RAY: On behalf of every veteran in America, I 

extend to you our congratulations and say those all those words all workers love to hear, 

“Thank you for a job well done.” We’re certain you’ll keep hiring veterans. Please tell

other businesses about the reliability and work ethic of veterans. Thank you and 

congratulations. (Applause)

Presentation: Employment Service Office of the Year

Harley W. Ray, Oregon, National Vice Commander

Continuing with our recognition of those who assist our fellow veterans in finding 

meaningful work, it is time to honor the top Employment Service Office of the Year.

The award goes to WorkSource (Southside) Career Center of Jacksonville, Florida.

Accepting the award is Ms. Anna Brost-Gibson. (Applause)

ANNOUNCER: The award reads: “The American Legion National Award for 

Outstanding Employment Service Office of the Year, 2008, is presented to WorkSource 

(Southside) Career Center for outstanding service to the veterans of the State of 

Florida”.

MS. BROST-GIBSON: Thank you very much. We talk about servicing vets and 

giving vets jobs, and that’s what these gentlemen do right here. Thank you very much. 

Presentation: Homeless Veterans Outreach Award

Harley W. Ray, Oregon, National Vice Commander

The charge of The American Legion is to provide service to veterans and to their 

families. That service includes helping our homeless as they try re-entering society as 
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

135

productive, self-supporting citizens. I thank God that we have agencies across America 

that initiates programs that assist our homeless veterans. 

I’m honored to present the Homeless Veterans Outreach Award to one Department 

of The American Legion that goes above and beyond the call of duty to help our

homeless veterans: The Department of Idaho. Accepting the award is Ms. Brandia 

Young, of the Homeless Veterans Task Force. (Applause)

ANNOUNCER: The award reads: “The American Legion National 2008 Homeless 

Veterans Outreach Award is presented to The American Legion Family Department of 

Idaho for the year 2008, for exceptional efforts toward the elimination of homelessness 

among veterans in the State of Idaho. Presented at the 91st Annual National Convention, 

Louisville, Kentucky.”

MS. YOUNG: Commander, delegates, distinguished guests and fellow 

Legionnaires, my friends. It is indeed a privilege to stand before you today. I applaud The 

American Legion’s recognition of the issues that face homeless veterans in our country 

today. The collaboration among The American Legion and community partners will 

continue to be a critical factor in addressing the challenges faced by our homeless 

comrades. I’m humbled to accept this award on behalf of all those who’ve worked so 

hard in the State of Idaho. To be recognized for our efforts is a supreme honor. Thank 

you. (Applause)

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: I’m going to break in here for just a 

moment to hear from a speaker that you probably have heard that I have met before. The 

American Legion some weeks back took issue with a Homeland Security report that we 

believe mischaracterized veterans. Our next guest addressed our concerns, and she made 

it right. She is extremely supportive of veterans employment issues and has been very 

responsive to The American Legion. 

Before becoming Secretary of Homeland Security, she served as the governor of 

Arizona, and was named by Time Magazine as one of America’s top five governors. She 

was the first governor to call for the federal government to pay for the National Guard to 

protect our borders from illegal entry. Would you please join me in giving a warm 

American Legion welcome to the Secretary of Homeland Security and my friend, Janet 

Napolitano. (Standing applause)

Address: The Honorable Janet Napolitano

Secretary, Department of Homeland Security

Thank you very much. Good afternoon to everybody. I am very honored and 

privileged to be with The American Legion here today to have a chance to talk with you 

about some of the Homeland Security challenges confronting our country. 

I want to say that I have such a deep respect for the Legion, and a very long 

relationship with the Legion. In fact, I actually got my start in politics from the Legion, 

and to be precise, the Legion Auxiliary because I was sent to Girls State in New Mexico 

when I was in high school. (Applause) There you go. You’re now looking at the 1974 

lieutenant governor of New Mexico Girls State, and that was my first political office. 

And then of course as a two term governor of Arizona I had the opportunity to sign 

bills that extended benefits to veterans and their families. We worked with The American 

Legion in Arizona, and I can’t see the signs out there, but I hope there’s some Arizonans 

here. Where are you? There you go. You’re escaping the heat. Nice to see you. Kind of. 
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

136

But anyway we signed bills that not only extended benefits for veterans and their 

families, but particularly to ensure benefits for our new veterans returning from Iraq,

Afghanistan, and to make sure that they receive the assistance they required. We actually 

helped create the first program in the country with the National Guard prior to 

deployment and their return in terms of making sure they got appropriate support. We 

established the Military Family Relief Fund to provide financial assistance to the family 

members of our military men and women who were killed or wounded in the line of duty. 

So we had a very, very active veterans presence in Arizona. The American Legion was an 

important part of that, an important part of our Veterans Advisory Council, and I have, as 

I said, for a long time been a big fan of The American Legion. 

As was mentioned by the commander, we did have, and that’s why it was 

unfortunate to say the least that perhaps some of your first exposure to me was through 

the report on the so-called “right-wing extremist report.” I met with your Commander 

immediately after that; talked about it; told him that it was an ill-informed and unwise 

product that had been poorly produced, and that we needed to go forward. (Applause)

So, on the theme of moving forward and what we can do together, let me, if I might, 

speak to that today with our time together. 

First of all, I think for many of you, it’s important to understand the very, very close 

relationship between the military, military veterans, and the Department of Homeland 

Security. We have, as you know, or may know, one of the branches of the military within 

our department. The Coast Guard is part of the Department of Homeland Security and a 

very, very important part indeed. 

Our department is one of the largest in the federal government. We are actually the 

third largest department now in the federal government, and almost 25 percent of our 

civilian work force are themselves veterans. So we have actively duty Coast Guard and 

we have a large percentage of veterans in our civilian work force. And let me just say 

this: We have made the commitment, I have made the commitment at the Department of 

Homeland Security, that by the year 2012 we will be employing 50,000 or more veterans 

at our department. (Applause) Now, that requires some outreach, because you can’t just 

announce a number and assume you’re going to get there. So we have reconvened for the 

department, a Veterans Advisory Forum so that we get the insight, the experience, and 

perspective of veterans. 

We are increasing our participation in Operation Warfighter, which you may have 

heard from, but that is a program where we work with service members who are on 

medical leave, to help them explore their employment interests, help them with things 

like constructing their resumes, job skill development, and help them gain valuable 

federal job experience. Today, through that program we have now 2,100 service disabled 

veterans that we are employing at the Department of Homeland Security. (Applause)

But wait, there’s more. Because just last month, and this was an idea that we hatched 

in my meeting with your commander, we held our first ever job fair for veterans that we 

put together. We had 745 veterans and their spouses attend. It was supervised by the 

deputy secretary of Homeland Security, the number two person in the department, Jane 

Lute, who is herself a United States Army veteran, and pleased to report that many of the 

individuals who attended that job fair we are able to actively assist in getting employment 

or improving their current employment situation. 

We are also working with the veteran owned small business community and the 

service disabled veteran owned small businesses community to look at like contracts we 
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137

provide or we award for work to be done to make sure that they know about those 

contract competitions and are able to get into that area of our department. So let me 

report on that. Last year, veteran owned small businesses received $931 million in 

contracts from the Department of Homeland Security. And we are committed to doing 

even more this year. So, it’s about contracts, it’s about jobs, it’s about a very, very close 

relationship. 

Now, that is something that we are doing on the job and employment front. Another 

area that you may not know about within the Department of Homeland Security is that 

we actually have within our department the division that provides what’s called 

Citizenship and Immigration Services, and not only do we enforce our nation’s 

immigration laws to keep out those illegally entering our country, but we also naturalize 

or make citizens of those who are following the legal path to citizenship that our laws 

provide. Since September 11th, we have really emphasized those who are serving in our 

military fighting in Iraq, fighting in Afghanistan who have not yet become citizens, to go 

through that process so that as they are serving our country, they are simultaneously 

becoming citizens of our country. And I’m pleased to report that since that time we 

literally have made citizens of tens thousands of active duty of the military so they can 

continue to serve their country and have that honor of being a citizen of the United States. 

One of the most amazing ceremonies I’ve been privileged to attend as the secretary 

was at the White House when we had members of the military from all the branches, 

there with their families from countries all over the world, and they had been fighting for 

us for the last years, and the President of the United States was administering to them the 

oath of citizenship at an historic place and at an historic time. And to look into their eyes 

and to see their families and their faces really reaffirmed for me, and I hope for all of us, 

the importance of citizenship and the high values we place on being a citizen of the 

United States. 

Now, as we move forward, there are other things that we need to do together and 

this is why I continue to need your support. You have already done much for your 

country. You have served. You continue to serve in your local communities in a variety 

of ways. But our country continues to need you and our department needs you. Since I 

became secretary I have been asking all Americans to play a more active role in our 

country’s security. And the Legion is in a unique position to help. We have to work 

together to maintain a constant state of preparedness, and we need to be prepared rather 

than be in a constant state of fear. 

And so that we are always thinking about preparation, and we have to do this 

because we cannot put our country under a glass dome, and while we work to mitigate all 

the time the risks of an attack again on our soil, there are no guarantees that such an 

attack would not recur. And of course we know the other hazards that can and do occur. 

Those of you who from Kentucky really know this year because you’ve been hard hit by 

ice storms, floods and the like. So we always have to be prepared and ready. 

We have a website ready.gov, not very difficult to remember. Ready.gov. And we’re 

asking people to go there to help prepare themselves, their families for emergencies of 

any type. And also to think about if you are a business or a business owner, about 

preparation as well. This can be very straight forward and simple things. CPR training. 

You know, lives are saved every day by people who know how to do CPR. This is part of 

our own shared responsibility for security. Last week, everybody on my headquarters 

staff took a refresher course. This is something that you and your posts I hope will 
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138

consider doing, so that everybody is up to speed and knows some of those basic 

techniques. Lives will be saved when you to this. 

We are asking all of them, everybody to consider involvement with your local 

Citizen Corps. The Citizen Corps is being rejuvenated under FEMA and its new 

Administrator, Craig Fugate, to help when natural hazards natural emergencies occur. 

And again, the Legion and its Auxiliary, you’ve been supporters in the past of the Citizen 

Corps and so I’m asking you to reenergize that participation and that partnership with us. 

We need your help with the coming flu situation. And let me explain it with you for 

just a moment, if I might. Last spring we learned of a new strain of flu, Swine Flu, H1N1 

is what we call it. And it’s a different strain which means that the seasonal flu vaccine 

that was already in process and being manufactured did not include this type of flu within 

it. And so there was a certain amount of lethality or death associated with this flu. At the 

beginning we did not know how severe it was going to be, so we were very careful to 

make sure that we reported daily to the American people what we knew and did not know 

about this new strain of flu. Now we know more because we’ve seen it in our country, 

and we’ve also seen it circulate during flu season in the southern hemisphere. And we 

know that it never actually disappeared from the United States. Disappeared from the 

media perhaps, but not from the country. We know that school age youth up to and 

including college age youth are particularly susceptible. Older people by and large not. 

We seem to have developed some immunity to this as we’ve grown older, except if you 

have a chronic underlying health condition that would make getting this flu dangerous, 

like getting seasonal flu would be dangerous. 

We also know that as fast as they’re moving to get vaccine for this flu, this new flu, 

we will not have vaccine available before it really hits us again. And so what we’re 

looking at is as school starts, a number of people getting sick, school age children in 

particular. We are encouraging people, and again, this is where you can help, by 

encouraging people to wash their hands all the time; cough into your sleeve; if your child 

is sick keep your child home from school; if your grandchild is sick, keep your 

grandchild home from school; if you are sick, don’t go into work; if you’re an employer, 

think about what absenteeism is going to do and be understanding if people need to be 

absent. We will not be able to keep this flu from our shores, it is already here, but our 

goal of course is to slow the rate of transmission and to do all that we can to reduce the 

number of people who actually get this flu before vaccine becomes available. 

For those of you who have not gotten a seasonal flu shot or don’t intend to get a 

seasonal flu shot, we’re asking you to go ahead and get one this year, and do it early, so 

that when the H1N1 vaccine becomes available, we’re able to use our health care 

resources for the administration of that vaccine. So you should be getting a seasonal flu 

vaccine. If you haven’t been, we would encourage everyone to do so, get it early in the 

season so that as H1N1 becomes available we can focus our nurses, our doctors, and 

everybody on getting that vaccine out. And we will be focusing there again on those who 

are particularly susceptible. 

I mention this only because this is yet another area of where The American Legion 

can be helpful. You can be helpful in talking with your members; making sure that the 

people are getting their appropriate vaccines; making sure they have read up on H1N1, 

and know that we will get through this flu epidemic as our country has gotten through 

these epidemics before. But we do it more by preparation than by fear. And if that’s a 

message I can leave with you, it is that at our department right now that is what we are 
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139

talking with groups like yours about, preparation and making sure that we are doing all 

that we can do. 

I know that The American Legion is a longstanding organization in our country, and 

an important one. And I know that we will continue our vital partnership on the jobs 

front, on the contracts front, and on the preparation front, not just this year, but for years 

to come. You have served your country. Your country needed you at that time. Your 

country needs you now. The country is in a situation where all our hands, all our arms, 

need to be linked together in service to the great nation that we are privileged to be in. 

Thank you for what you have done for the country, and thank you for what you are 

about to do. Good afternoon. (Standing applause)

Presentation: Employer of Older Workers Award

David K. Rehbein, Iowa, National Commander

At this point we’ll return to the awards. The American Legion strongly believes that 

older workers are a valuable economic resource of proven skills, stability, and 

experience. We also encourage employers to hire and retain older workers in the work 

force. The purpose of the Employer of Older Workers Award is to recognize employers 

for their outstanding record in hiring and retaining older workers. 

Accepting the award this year is Brent Maule, President of Maule Air, Incorporated,

of Moultrie, Georgia. Mr. Maule. (Applause)

ANNOUNCER: The award reads: “The American Legion National Award for 

Outstanding Employer of Older Workers, 2008, is presented to Maule Air, Incorporated 

for an exceptional record in the employment of older persons. Presented at the 91st 

Annual National Convention, Louisville, Kentucky.”

MR. MAULE: Thanks to The American Legion and everyone for this award. It’s an 

honor to be here with you in fellowship with all of you, our nation’s heroes. Thank you 

for your service and your sacrifice to make our nation safe and secure. Thank you for 

your service in our military and for your continued service in America’s work force. 

American industry is a crucial key to keeping our nation strong.

The Maule family and Maule Air, Incorporated have a longstanding legacy of 

creating employment opportunities for older workers and younger workers alike. In fact, 

our company’s co-founder, June Maule turns a youthful ninety-three in February. 

Our older workers bring knowledge and experience that can only be acquired 

through hard work over time. They bring dedication and loyalty and the determination to 

keep moving forward, even in difficult times such as we face today. Our older workers 

can draw from prior experiences to provide fresh and innovative ways to solve problems 

which they see as opportunities to rise above the challenge and succeed. Many of our 

employees throughout the years have faced difficulties unknown to many in today’s work 

force. 

I think about Leonard Burke, a combat engineer who helped storm the beaches of 

Normandy, and how at the age of 89 was one of top inspectors of aircraft parts. I 

remember Dan Spader who flew The Hump and then later came to become chief test pilot 

at our company, testing every aircraft before it was delivered to the customers. And I 

grew up talking with Alice Grimstead, a real life Rosie the Riveter, who used her 

experience building war planes in World War II to cover hundreds of Maule aircraft. 

There are so many other stories like that, that I could share, but they’re too 

numerous to mention right now, but each person is an indispensable member of our team. 
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

140

On behalf of the Maule family and the employees of Maule Air, Incorporated, it’s with 

great honor and appreciation that I accept this award. Thank you and God bless you. 

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: The Chair recognizes Joe Cauoette of 

New Hampshire, chairman of the National Convention Committee on Americanism, for 

the purpose of making a report. 

Report: Convention Committee on Americanism

Joseph Caouette, New Hampshire, Chairman

Forty-two members of your Convention Committee on Americanism met at 8:30 

a.m. on Sunday, August 23, 2009, in the Galt House Hotel, Clements Room, Second 

Floor, Suite “East” Tower, Louisville, Kentucky to discuss matters of Americanismrelated resolutions assigned to the committee.

The committee organized by electing Joseph Caouette (NH), Chairman; Darell 

Bishop (OH), Vice Chairman; and Charles Tucker (GA), as the Secretary.

The committee discussed six resolutions that were assigned to the group. The 

resolutions that were considered continue to reflect the desire by the Departments of The 

American Legion to address matters of patriotism and government, and to maintain 

strong general Americanism programs that compliment the organization and benefit the 

Nation.

A motion was made by James Heath (TX) and seconded by Theodore Howarth (NJ) 

that the Convention Committee on Americanism authorize the chairman and secretary to 

sign and deliver the report, on behalf of the committee, to the National Convention. The 

motion was approved.

Six resolutions were considered with 0 being approved, 0 approved as consolidated, 

and 6 referred to the standing commission on Americanism.

Referred to the Standing Commission on Americanism

Resolution No. 68 (MA): Government Agencies and Others to Purchase American 

Made American Flags

Resolution 39 (OH): Government Agencies and Others to Purchase American Made 

American Flags

Resolution 46 (CA): American Legion Soccer Program

Resolution No. 24 (MT): Boy Scouts of America Venturing/Sea Scout Award

Resolution No. 78 (WA): Revision of Boy Scouts of America Health and Medical 

Record

Resolution 30 (ID): Oppose Social Security Benefits for Illegal Immigrants

COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN CAOUETTE: As a duly elected and registered 

delegate from the Department of the New Hampshire, I move for the adoption of this 

report. 

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: You’ve heard the motion is there a 

second? ...Second. Discussion? All those in favor signify by the sign of aye. Opposed? 

The motion is carried. The report of Americanism is adopted.

And having completed the adoption of that Americanism report, it is appropriate to 

announce the winners of two prestigious Americanism awards.
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

141

Presentation: The Frank N. Belgrano, Jr. Trophy and 

The Ralph T. O’Neil Education Trophy

David K. Rehbein, Iowa, National Commander

The Frank N. Belgrano, Jr., Trophy is given annually to the department rendering 

the most outstanding service during the 12 month period beginning August 1st, to the 

Boy Scouts of America. This year’s winner of the Frank Belgrano Trophy is the 

Department of North Carolina. (Applause) They will be receiving that award. 

Again, the other, the Ralph T. O’Neil Education Trophy given to the department 

within the United States documenting the greatest activity in operating The American 

Legion School Medal Program. The winning department shows what can be 

accomplished by an active, involved American Legion in the education of the children. 

The winner of the Ralph T. O’Neil Education Trophy for this year is the Department 

of Vermont. (Applause)

Presentation: William Randolph Hearst Americanism Trophy

David K. Rehbein, Iowa, National Commander

And now joining me on stage to present the next award is Mr. Bob Danzig, the 

former CEO of Hearst Newspapers. Bob grew up in foster homes and began his career as 

a 16 year old office boy at the Albany Times Union. Seventeen years later he was the 

publisher of the newspaper. Seven years after that he became the CEO of Hearst, where 

he served in that capacity for 20 years. 

The William Randolph Hearst Americanism Trophy, which Bob will present, is one 

of the most impressive awards that The American Legion presents during each National 

Convention. It is named in honor of one of American journalism’s most prominent and 

influential figures, and given to the department achieving the most outstanding results in 

conducting Americanism programs. The winning department is selected by the National 

Americanism Commission on the basis of total resources, manpower as well as financial, 

which were devoted to Americanism activities during the Legion program year. 

Ladies and gentlemen, it is my privilege to introduce Mr. Bob Danzig.

MR. DANZIG: The first thing I want to do is to point to the big trophy, which I’m 

not going to handle, which goes to the Department of Virginia. (Applause)

It took three guys to walk away with that. It took us 20 years to catch up with this 

award because it was not until 20 years after the Legion was founded that the first 

William Randolph Hearst recognition award was given. So we’ve been doing this for 70 

years. And for 20 years when I was the CEO of our company I always had a conflict 

during this conference, so I always had to send a designated colleague to do this. And this 

year I was able to come myself, which thrilled me for a couple of reasons. 

First is I’m a Navy veteran. The second is, I’m a member of the Legion in New 

Jersey, you guys are right down there. And thirdly it gave me just a minute to express 

gratitude to you. We have 285 businesses. We have 29,000 employee colleagues, and all 

of our businesses are in the United States of America. And all of our businesses are free 

to be what they can be. And we know what gives them that freedom. You give us that 

freedom. So I just want to stand here today and express gratitude for your service and for 

the preservation of our nation’s freedom. Thank you very much. (Applause)

DEPARTMENT COMMANDER CLEVINGER: We accept this award, a 

tremendous award, on behalf of the Department of Virginia and our 217 Posts. 
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142

Americanism is the key to our programs and reporting. At this time I would like to 

introduce our Americanism Chairman John Kokernak for just a few words. 

MR. KOKERNAK: It is truly an honor to accept this trophy. I know all the work 

that my fellow Legionnaires are doing out there around the country and around the world. 

I accept this on behalf of our 217 posts that are out there every day doing Americanism 

programs out there in our communities, and they’re also reporting it, and that is the part 

that I am very thankful for, for them to give me those reports that allow me to submit this 

report to national. Thank you very much. (Applause)

Presentation: 2009 National Education Award

David K. Rehbein, Iowa, National Commander

The American Legion’s 2009 National Education Award goes to Sesame Street 

Workshop in recognition and appreciation for its Talk, Listen, Connect multi-media 

initiative, including the prime time special Coming Home: Military Families Cope With 

Change. Coming Home provides support for military families with children who are 

experiencing the effects of deployment, multiple deployments, and combat related 

injuries. If you have not seen this excellent Sesame Street program, please find it. Please 

see it. Please show it in your communities. Make it available to those military families. 

Accepting the award is Miranda Barry, Sesame Street Workshop’s Executive Vice 

President for Content. (Applause)

MS. BARRY: Thank you all so much for this honor. Most of you probably know 

Elmo and Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch, the characters that you see every day on

Sesame Street, but you may not know that Sesame Workshop is a not-for-profit 

organization that engages in many outreach activities to the larger community. We, for 

instance, just in the past two years have been working with Secretary Napolitano’s 

agency on creating an emergency preparedness program that is available at ready.gov

We are working with the Department of Agriculture and the WIC Program which is 

distributing our Healthy Habits for Life materials to low income families to help them 

understand how they can provide better nutrition for their children, even with very 

limited financial resources. But of all these programs, I have to say none have meant 

more to us at the Workshop than the Talk, Listen and Connect Project which we’ve been 

involved with over the past couple of years. 

that 

helps families understand what they need to do to be ready in case of an emergency. 

It started when our CEO, riding a train to work, read that there are 750,000 children 

under the age of five who had one or both parents deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. This 

was about three years ago. It’s the largest number since the Second World War. And he 

came into the office, Gary does that sort of thing, he came into the office and he said, 

“We have to do something for these families.” And so began an odyssey where we have 

had the privilege with working with some of the most outstanding people that I’ve ever 

had the honor to meet in the military, because as the saying goes, when a service member 

is deployed, it is his family who serves. 

We started with a project dealing with deployment and homecoming and helping 

families understand what to expect when one of the parents, or in some cases both, are 

sent overseas, and how to reintegrate into the family. Last year we did the Coming Home: 

Military Families Cope With Change in which we were able to address not only physical 

injuries, but also so called invisible injuries, and to encourage service members to take 

advantage of the services that are available to them. And we are now working on an 
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

143

extraordinary project to help families, both military and civilian, deal with the loss of a 

parent. 

So, I want to thank you all for your service to America, and those service members 

who have come to us and thanked us for showing that the greater American community 

really cares about service members and their families. And to thank you very much for 

honoring Sesame Workshop in this way and to encourage you to look online for Talk, 

Listen, Connect. Thank you so much. (Applause)

Presentation: 2009 National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year

David K. Rehbein, Iowa, National Commander

One of the greatest pleasures of serving in this office is the opportunity to recognize 

all these great people doing all these wonderful things, and I hope that you will take them 

to heart. We have another award that we present annually. Because we are an 

organization anchored in the belief that we must maintain law and order, we annually 

select an individual as the police officer of the year. We are about to do that. The next 

order of business is to honor a member of the law enforcement community for setting an 

example in community service. 

Our 2009 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year joined the Manchester, New 

Hampshire Police Department in 1999. Officer Christopher Biron was assigned to the 

Manchester Police Canine Unit in 2002. He and his canine partner, Anika, were awarded 

fourth place in the over-all category at the United States Police Canine Association Field 

Trial Regional Competition. He conducts presentations to elementary school children as 

part of the Officer Friendly Program. Ladies and gentlemen, please give a warm round of 

applause and welcome to Officer Christopher R. Biron. (Applause)

ANNOUNCER: The award reads: “Certificate of Commendation, presented to 

Officer Christopher R. Biron, Manchester Police Department, Manchester, New 

Hampshire, for outstanding achievement in having been selected as The American Legion 

National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year and New England Regional winner for 

2009. You are clearly a winner and personify “America’s Finest.” We wish you 

continued success in your career. Awarded this 26th day of August, 2009, at the 91st 

Annual National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky.”

OFFICER BIRON: First of all, I would like to thank you for allowing me the 

opportunity to be up here and receive this award. It means a lot to me to be recognized by 

you folks, the veterans. Although I didn’t choose to go into military service, my 

grandfather is a Navy World War II veteran. He passed on some years ago. And my 

father was also a member of the National Guard, as well as uncles who have been in the 

service, so I have always had a deep pride for our military, you guys going and doing 

what you do, which allowed me to choose a path and go into law enforcement at a local 

level. This award also means a lot to me, my wife’s grandfather was an extremely active 

member of The American Legion back in New Hampshire in Contoocook, so I know that 

he’s up in heaven looking at me right now smiling, along with my many family members 

who have passed on.

Doing what I do, I’ve never really asked for anyone to take note, and I was 

extremely impressed that of all people, a school crossing guard at one of the schools 

wrote a letter and forwarded it onto the Legion, and then The American Legion post back 

home, Post 122, which is not only veterans but also members of law enforcement, took 

that and ran with it. And from there it led me to this national stage. So I stand here today 
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

144

humbled, shocked that someone could write so much about me, and honored to be in the 

presence of you folks, the veterans. So it means a lot, and I’ll take that home, and it will 

be proudly displayed for all to see.

And again, most people ask me where is the dog. It seemed to be a big reason, a big 

part of what I do, and it’s a great tool. But she’s retired, and so she’s probably at home 

right now on the couch curled up. But know that again I am very proud to be in front of 

you folks, the veterans, in receiving this award. So thank you very much. (Applause)

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: You may have noticed the individual in 

the fire department uniform. That is Officer Biron’s brother. It’s a family committed to 

public service and safety. Thank you very much, both of you gentlemen.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: At this point the Chair recognizes Dennis 

Boland of Florida, chairman of the National Convention Committee on Children and 

Youth, for the purpose of making a report. 

Report: Convention Committee on Children and Youth

Dennis Boland, Florida, Chairman

The Convention Committee on Children and Youth met at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, 

August 23, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. in the Kentucky International Convention Center, Rooms 

L9 & L10, Level 1. The meeting was organized by electing delegate Dennis Boland of 

Florida as Chairman and Donald Suchy of Nebraska as Secretary. There were 48 

members of the committee present.

There was one (1) resolution considered by the Committee and referred to the 

Standing Commission on Children and Youth. 

Resolution No. 25 (KS) 2009 NC: Support for Help Us Learn...Give Us Hope, Inc.

Additionally, discussion was heard on the important work of the National 

Commission on Children & Youth.

AREAS OF CONCERN: Our Areas of Concern for the 2009-2010 year deal with 

quality of life issues affecting America’s children. They are: Child Health, Family 

Support and Child Safety. These are timely topics that impact the lives of all young 

people. 

SPECIAL OLYMPICS: July 20, 1968, marked the beginning of a movement that 

has changed millions of lives. As a global year-round sports program of training and 

competition for persons with intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics has served as the 

catalyst for change: change in perceptions, change in attitudes, and change in laws 

regarding inclusion. 

Special Olympics is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to 

empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive 

and respected members of society through sports training and competition. Currently 

serving more than 3.1 million children and adults with intellectual disabilities around the 

world, Special Olympics offers year-round training and competition in 30 Olympic-type 

summer and winter sports.

Through sports, these special athletes develop improved physical fitness and motor 

skills, greater self-confidence and a more positive self-image. They grow mentally, 

socially and spiritually and, through their activities, exhibit boundless courage and 

enthusiasm.
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

145

The American Legion family has helped support the mission of Special Olympics 

for nearly four decades. Through our volunteer involvement and financial contributions, 

the Legion family has helped enable Special Olympics to offer sports training and 

competition that provides the athletes with the opportunity to showcase their skills. The 

American Legion family, at all levels, continues to pursue ways to assist Special 

Olympics in this very worthwhile endeavor.

CHILDREN’S MIRACLE NETWORK: Every child needs a place where they 

can receive specialized care, and The American Legion Family helps make such places 

possible at Children’s Miracle Network hospitals. Each dollar raised by our members 

helps repair hearts, provide treatment, and most importantly give hope to 17 million kids. 

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals:

x Treat 98% of all children needing heart or lung transplants. 

x Treat 88% of all children with cancer. 

x Treat 76% of all children with cystic fibrosis. 

x Treat 90% of all children with sickle cell anemia. 

x Treat 72% of children with pediatric AIDS. 

x Devote 60% of their services to children under age six and 25% to newborns. 

x Train 60% of pediatricians and 80% of all pediatric specialists.

The real work to save and improve the lives of children across North America and 

throughout the world gets done at Children’s Miracle Network hospitals. In one year, 

these CMN hospitals benefit more children than any other children’s cause or 

organization. The American Legion’s continued support plays a vital role a corporate 

sponsor in helping these hospitals treat children.

CHILDREN & YOUTH CONFERENCE: On September 18-20, 2009, the annual 

Children & Youth Conference will be held at the Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre Hotel 

in Indianapolis. This conference will educate Department representatives on current 

children’s issues and the programs of the National Commission on Children & Youth and

is designed to accomplish three objectives:

x To instruct Department Children & Youth Chairmen on the programs and 

activities of the National Commission on Children & Youth, to include 

contemporary issues impacting the child welfare field, recent legislation as it 

relates to the Legion’s children & youth agenda, and program mechanics;

x To provide Department Children & Youth Chairmen with the tools needed to 

design, implement and conduct a Department Children & Youth Conference to 

train Post and District Chairmen; and 

x To encourage Department Children & Youth Chairmen, through round table 

discussions and/or small groups, to participate in an exchange of ideas that focus 

on the physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual needs of children.

To successfully implement Children & Youth programs of The American Legion at 

the state and community levels demands adequate training of our volunteers. This annual 

conference will provide Children & Youth Chairmen with not only instruction on the 

Legion’s children & youth programs, but outline the tools they need to conduct a similar 

conference within their home departments.

OPERATION: MILITARY KIDS: When National Guard and Reserve parents are 

mobilized, their children suddenly have unique needs. While these kids still “look the 

same,” their lives have been turned upside down. These “new” military kids need to 
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

146

connect with other youth in similar situations. They seek friends and adults who can 

empathize and can help them cope with their new world. 

Operation: Military Kids creates community support networks for military youth 

when soldier parents are deployed. It delivers recreational, social and educational

programs for military youth living in civilian communities. It educates the public on the 

impact of the deployment cycle on soldiers, families, kids and the community as a whole, 

and it becomes a part of the ongoing deployment support services for military children 

and youth. 

The American Legion is proud to be associated with this project and encourages our 

Departments and Posts to work with and support this effort to contribute to the well being 

of Military Kids.

TEMPORARY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: Our Temporary Financial 

Assistance Program continues its eighty-four year tradition of service to veterans and 

their families. Last year the TFA program awarded over $705,756 in non-repayable 

grants to veterans’ families. 

With the help of The American Legion, 1,462 children of eligible veterans and 

currently activated parents were able to keep a roof over their heads, food in their 

stomachs and clothes on their backs. I urge each of you to make use of this landmark 

program to assist needy veteran’s children within your communities.

FAMILY SUPPORT NETWORK: Our greatest strength, as Legion family 

members, has always been demonstrated most effectively by our volunteer involvement 

at the Post level. A prime example of this is our Family Support Network.

Last year, through our National Headquarters alone, The American Legion Family 

Support Network fielded 2,750 requests for assistance and information from our 

comrades currently serving on active duty and their families. So far this year, the Legion 

has averaged over 50 calls per week for assistance. 

Once a request is received, the basic information is transmitted to the respective 

department. Departments contact the closest post and the onus is on the post to contact 

the family. Within days, often within hours, members of The American Legion family are 

on hand to assess the situation and assist the family in finding resources both locally and 

nationally.

Thousands of posts have responded to the call for action, providing assistance to 

families ranging from simple home repairs to emergency financial aid. Local posts are a 

vital link in connecting families to already existing resources. Our members know their 

communities and they know how to get things done. The American Legion Family 

Support Network is a key component in our mission to care for our service personnel and 

their families. I ask for your help in spreading the word.

A motion was made and seconded to allow the Committee Chairman and Secretary 

to sign the report on behalf of the committee. A voice vote was taken and the motion 

passed unanimously.

Referred to the Standing Commission on Children and Youth

Resolution No. 25 (KS): Support for Help Us Learn...Give Us Hope, Inc.

COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN BOLAND: As a duly elected and registered delegate 

for the Department of Florida, I move for the adoption of this report.
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

147

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: You’ve heard the motion is there a 

second? ...Second. Discussion? All those in favor signify by the sign of aye. Opposed? 

The motion is carried. The report of Children & Youth is adopted.

Presentation: Garland Murphy Award

David K. Rehbein, Iowa, National Commander

And I now have the pleasure of presenting the Garland Murphy Award to the 

department that raised the most money for the Child Welfare Foundation during the past 

program year. Ladies and gentlemen, it is a pleasure for me to present this award to the 

Department of Ohio. (Applause)

ANNOUNCER: The award reads: “The Garland D. Murphy, Jr. Award presented 

by The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation to the Department of Ohio for the 

Program Year 2008-2009. In recognition of their designation as the number one 

department in total contributions received from their volunteers, in support of our annual 

program designed to meet the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs of our 

nation’s children through productive and meaningful grants. Dennis Boland, President of 

the Child Welfare Foundation, and the foundation’s executive secretary, Bob Caudell, 

signs it.”

Presentation: The U.S. ‘Udie’ Grant Legacy Award

David K. Rehbein, Iowa, National Commander

And it is also at this time my privilege to present the U.S. ‘Udie’ Grant Legacy 

Award. The ‘Udie’ Grant Legacy Award recognizes the efforts of The American Legion 

family in a department. It goes to the department that raises the most per capita for the 

Child Welfare Foundation during the past program year. The winner of this award, this 

very prestigious award, is the Department of Ohio. (Applause)

ANNOUNCER: The award reads: “The U. S. ‘Udie’ Grant Legacy Award presented 

by The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation to the Department of Ohio for the 

Program Year 2008-2009 in recognition of outstanding support for The American Legion 

Child Welfare Foundation. We thank you.”

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: And if we have departments, individuals, 

that would like to make donations to the Child Welfare Foundation, we can accept them 

on stage.

UNIDENTIFIED DELEGATE (NE): Commander, on behalf of the State of

Nebraska I would like to donate to the Child Welfare Foundation $1,578.17. 

UNIDENTIFIED DELEGATE (IA): Commander, on behalf of The American 

Legion Post 37, your home post, I present you a check for $125.

UNIDENTIFIED DELEGATE (SC): Commander, on behalf of The American 

Legion Department of South Carolina, representing the great State of South Carolina, I 

have two checks: One for the Children’s Welfare Fund of $966, and one for the 

Children’s Miracle Network for $1,203.

DELEGATE LEWIS (NH): Chuck Lewis, Department of New Hampshire. Mr. 

Commander, I was asked to present this to you on behalf of our Alternate NEC, Roland 

Patnode, who is a little under the weather right now. I have two checks for a combined 

total of $1,465.
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

148

DELEGATION CHAIRMAN DAGGETT (CT): Commander, on behalf of the 

Department of Connecticut, we’re proud to present you with a check for the Child 

Welfare Foundation in the amount of $1,550.

UNIDENTIFIED DELEGATE (OH): Commander, on behalf of the Department of 

Ohio I am proud to present a check for the Child Welfare Foundation for the total of 

$25,000.

DELEGATE BOLAND (FL): Commander Rehbein, as president of the National 

Child Welfare Foundation it is indeed a pleasure to present you with a diamond gold 

lapel pin from the Child Welfare Foundation Board of Directors, sir, for your dedication 

to The American Legion.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Dennis, thank you. And I will wear that 

proudly because it reminds me of part of what we’re all about: Those kids. Thank you. 

Total donations to the Child Welfare Foundation: $30,684.17. Outstanding, folks. And 

that does not include the $1,203 to the Children’s Miracle Network. That was a separate 

donation, and stands alone. Thank you very much. (Applause)

Our next presentation will be made by Bron Mogenis, Trustee for the Chapel of the 

Four Chaplains. And I would like to call our five national vice commanders to join me on 

stage for that presentation.

Presentation: Chapel of Four Chaplains Legion of Honor Bronze Medallion

Bron Mogenis, Trustee

Good afternoon. My name is Bron Mogenis, and today I’m wearing two hats. I 

represent the Department of the District of Columbia, and also I’m a trustee of the Chapel 

of Four Chaplains Foundation, which is located in Philadelphia. I had another trustee that 

was supposed to come to assist in this, and unfortunately he became ill, so I asked 

Warren Cuffee, who is a past department commander, to help out.

Just a couple of minutes about the Chapel of Four Chaplains Foundation. No 

tradition of American society is more precious to or characteristic of our culture, than that 

of voluntarily reaching out to neighbors in need. Such a selfless service is part of both our 

civic and our religious heritage. The Legion of Honor Award for the Chapel of Four 

Chaplains program publicly recognizes members of our society whose lives model the 

giving spirit and unconditional service to the community, nation, humanity, without 

regard to race, religion, or creed, as was so dramatically exemplified by the four 

chaplains of different religious denominations, who on February 3, 1943, onboard the 

sinking USAT Dorchester, gave away their own life jackets, their only means of survival, 

so that other service members could live. This was truly a heroic act. Only 132 service 

members from the 902 onboard survived when a German submarine torpedoed the ship. 

The four chaplains perished as well.

In February of 1951, years later, the Chapel of Four Chaplains, an interfaith 

memorial chapel, was dedicated in Philadelphia by former President Harry S. Truman. 

Today, as it has these many years, the Chapel of Four Chaplains serves the memory of 

these brave men. Thus, to continue to recognize and encourage acts of brotherhood and 

sacrifice among Americans of every age and station in life, the Chapel continues to award 

the Legion of Honor Award to individuals who have demonstrated the selfless and 

transformative achievement that is above and beyond that professional or organizational 

position the individuals hold. Over the past years this award has been presented to a 

number of U.S. Presidents. Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Jimmy Carter, 
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

149

Ronald Reagan, George Herbert Walker Bush; a number of legislators, and such 

luminaries as Bob Hope, Mickey Rooney, John Glenn, James Mitchener, as well as our 

previous Past National Commander Martin F. Conatser and his five vice commanders.

Today it is my singular honor to present the Legion of Honor Bronze Medallions to 

the National Commander David K. Rehbein and his Vice Commanders, James W. Davis, 

Michael J. Landkamer, Harley W. Ray, Dellano T. Simmons, and James A. LaCoursiere.

It is my pleasure to do this. (Applause)

ANNOUNCER: The Legion of Honor Bronze Medallion from the Chapel of Four 

Chaplains is granted for extraordinary contributions to the well-being of others at the 

national or world level, to world peace, or to interfaith or interethnic understanding. The 

medallions are being presented by Bron Mogenis, Trustee, Chapel of the Four Chaplains, 

and awarded to National Commander David K. Rehbein, National Vice Commander 

James W. Davis, National Vice Commander Michael J. Landkamer, National Vice 

Commander James LaCoursiere, National Vice Commander Dellano T. Simmons, and 

National Vice Commander Harley W. Ray.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: The Chair now recognizes K. Robert 

Lewis, Department of Connecticut, chairman of the Convention Committee on Veterans 

Affairs and Rehabilitation, for the purpose of making a report.

Report: Convention Committee on Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation

K. Robert Lewis, Connecticut, Chairman

Eighty-nine members of your Committee on Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation met 

at 9:00 a.m. on August 23, 2009, in Room 112, Level 1, Kentucky International 

Convention Center, Louisville, Kentucky, and agreed on the following report, which is 

respectfully submitted for your consideration.

The Committee was called to order by Barry A. Searle (PA), Liaison Representative 

appointed by the National Adjutant to act as temporary chairman. Jacob Gadd (DC), 

Assistant Director for Program Management, VA&R Commission, acted as temporary 

secretary and called the roll. A quorum being present, nominations were received for 

permanent chairman. K. Robert Lewis (CT), Chairman of the Standing National Veterans 

Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission, was unanimously elected Chairman of the 

Convention Committee.

With unanimous consent, the Chairman appointed Pat Phillips (GA), as Committee 

Secretary; R. Mike Suter (NY), Chairman of the Claims and Rating Subcommittee and 

John Hickey (IN), Secretary; Terry Schow (UT), Chairman of the Hospital and Medical 

Services Subcommittee and Chris Harding (OK), Secretary.

Subcommittee liaison assignments were as follows: Steve Smithson (MI), Deputy 

Director, to Claims and Rating and Joseph Wilson (DC), Deputy Director for Healthcare, 

to Hospital and Medical Services.

As has been the custom for the 64 previous National Conventions, a Special 

Department Service Officers Committee on Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation 

Resolutions, in a preconvention meeting, screened and grouped the resolutions. A report 

of their action, with recommendations, was presented to the Convention Committee for 

consideration.

The Screening Committee conserved the time of the Convention Committee 

substantially. It was chaired by K. Robert Lewis, Chairman of the Veterans Affairs and 
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

150

Rehabilitation Commission and was composed of the following Department Service 

Officers:

Region 1—Arthur L. Smith (MA)

Region 2—Tracy L. Davis (MO)

Region 3—Robert E. Gosa (MS)

Region 4—Steve Burger (NE)

Region 5—Jeanette Rae (NV)

The Convention Committee recommended that such a Committee be appointed for 

this purpose to serve the Ninety-First National Convention Committee on Veterans 

Affairs and Rehabilitation.

The 31 Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation resolutions presented for the 

consideration of this Convention were referred by the Resolutions Assignment 

Committee. The following action on the resolutions was taken by the Convention 

Committee:

Approved or Approved w/Amendment 13

Consolidated with Resolutions Approved 0 

Referred to the Standing Commission 3 

Received and Recorded 12

Rejected 3 

A motion was made and seconded to authorize the Chairman and Secretary to sign 

and deliver the report on the Convention Committee’s behalf.

A report of action taken on the 3 resolutions referred to the Standing National 

Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission will be made to the National Executive 

Committee and to the Adjutant of the Department concerned.

Approved

Resolution No. 2: Uniform Payment Policy for Emergency Care at Non-Department 

of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center Facilities

Origin: North Carolina

Submitted by: Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation

(As amended)

WHEREAS, The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Health 

Administration (VHA) Directive 2006-051, Standards for Nomenclature and Operations 

in VHA Facility Emergency Departments, states, “Facility Director is responsible for 

ensuring that: “policies for the provision of emergency care, for the transfer of patients, 

and for the diversion of emergency patients from the facility are developed, implemented, 

and monitored”; and

WHEREAS, Each VA Medical Center’s Director is not required to follow a 

standard on the facility’s Policy of “Divert” or diversion of veterans in emergency 

vehicles in route to VA Medical Centers and is not consistent with the assumption of total 

healthcare as advertised by the VA Medical Center Facilities; and

WHEREAS, In many instances nationally, veteran claimants are improperly billed 

for their emergency medical care; and
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

151

WHEREAS, Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) with power of attorney over 

claimants’ cases generally submit requests for VA Medical Center policy/Emergency 

Room Standard Operating Procedures, relating to VA Medical Center Diversion Policy; 

only to discover that the VA Medical Center does not provide such documentation; and

WHEREAS, Not providing such information is in clear violation of VA’s duty to 

assist and inform under Title 38 United States Code (USC), Section 5103A, the Secretary 

shall assist such a claimant in developing the facts pertinent to the claim and such 

assistance shall include requesting information; and

WHEREAS, Because VA has local facility directors implementing local policies 

with public and private hospitals for the provision of Emergency Care diversion of 

patients, there are many variances that modify title 38 of the Code of Federal Regulation 

17.52 to 17.56 by the time it reaches local VA Medical Centers; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville, Kentucky, August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That the Department of Veterans 

Affairs (VA) immediately adopt a more definitive policy on Emergency Care 

diversion that is consistently applied at every VA Medical Center; and, be it finally

RESOLVED, That the Emergency Care diversion policy does not result in 

unfair billing of a veteran transported from a VA Medical Center to a non-VA 

medical facility for emergency care. 

Resolution No. 11: Amend Section 110, Title 38, United States Code, To Provide that 

Disability Evaluations Continuously In Effect at the Same Evaluation Rating 

Be Protected After a Period of 10 Years

Origin: South Dakota

Submitted by: Convention Committee on Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation

(As amended)

WHEREAS, The American Legion was established in 1919 and issued a Federal 

charter as a wartime veterans’ service organization with one of its primary purposes 

being Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation; and

WHEREAS, More than 2.5 million veterans currently suffer from chronic serviceconnected disabilities and receive compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs 

for those disabilities incurred in or aggravated while serving in the United States Armed 

Forces; and

WHEREAS, Section 110 of title 38, United States Code, currently provides for the 

protection of all disability compensation evaluations that have been continuously in effect 

for twenty (20) or more years; and

WHEREAS, Section 1159 of title 38, United States Code, currently provides for the 

protection from severance of all service-connected disabilities that have been 

continuously in effect for ten (10) or more years; and

WHEREAS, Permanency should be conceded for all disability compensation ratings

which have been in effect for ten (10) years without change in evaluation with no further 

examination scheduled; now, therefore, be it 

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville, Kentucky, August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That The American Legion supports 

amending Section 110, title 38, United States Code, to provide that disability 

evaluations continuously in effect at the same evaluation rate be protected after a 

period of ten (10) years.
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

152

Resolution No. 12: Support Legislation to Repeal the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 

Authority to Impose a Deductible For Service-connected Disabled Veterans 

from the Amount Payable for Beneficiary Travel Pay for Medical Examination, 

Treatment, or Care

Origin: South Dakota

Submitted by: Convention Committee on Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation

(As amended)

WHEREAS, This great organization was based upon comradeship born of wartime 

service and dedicated to fair and equitable treatment of all veterans; and

WHEREAS, The Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) is authorized under Title 38, 

United State Code, Section 111(g)(1), to pay a beneficiary travel allowance to certain 

service-connected veterans for VA examination, medical treatment, or care; and 

WHEREAS, Public Law 110-387 required VA to reduce (and freeze) the deductible 

amounts to those originally specified in 38 U.S.C. § 111(c)(5); and

WHEREAS, Effective January 9, 2009, the Beneficiary Travel deductible was 

reduced to $3.00 per one way trip; $6.00 for a round trip; with a maximum deductible of 

$18.00 per calendar month; and

WHEREAS, The $18.00 is the total monthly deductible amount for travel to all VA 

facilities; and

WHEREAS. Regardless of the deductible amount withheld per trip, deductible 

requirements end after 6 one-way (3 round) trips in a calendar month; and

WHEREAS, Should a veteran be going to multiple VA facilities, and the veteran 

notes this when applying for Travel reimbursement, it is incumbent upon the facility 

providing the care and travel to contact any other VA facilities to determine if the 

deductible has been met; and

WHEREAS, The only exemptions to the deductible:

x Veterans traveling in conjunction with a C&P examination, 

x Non veteran donors,

x Veterans requiring a special mode of transportation, and

x When it is determined that the imposition of the deductible would cause a 

severe financial hardship; and

WHEREAS, All other eligible veterans, including those receiving care for service 

connected conditions, are required to have the deductible applied; and

WHEREAS, Eligible veterans currently receive a flat rate of 41.5 cents per mile for 

all beneficiary travel; and 

WHEREAS, Service-connected disabled veterans eligible for beneficiary travel 

payment should not have to help defray the cost of their travel for health care in the form 

of a deductible to and from a VA medical facility for medical examination or health care 

treatment; and

WHEREAS, It is extremely unfair for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to 

impose the deductible on the service-connected disabled veterans seeking treatment for a 

service-connected condition and service-connected veterans rated 30 percent or more 

when traveling in connection with any disability; and 

WHEREAS, When the rates do not cover the cost of travel, veterans without the 

necessary resources, are likely to delay their health care delivery until their needs become 

critical; now, therefore, be it
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

153

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville, Kentucky, August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That The American Legion supports 

legislation to repeal the Secretary’s authority to impose a deductible for serviceconnected disabled veterans from the amount payable for beneficiary travel pay for 

medical examination, treatment, or care.

Resolution No. 29: Open-Ended Presumptive Period for Undiagnosed Illnesses for 

Persian Gulf War Veterans 

Origin: Georgia

Submitted by: Convention Committee on Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation

(As amended)

WHEREAS, Thousands of Persian Gulf War Veterans still suffer from chronic 

unexplained physical symptoms; and

WHEREAS, Many service members who have served in the Southwest Asia theater 

since the 1991 Persian Gulf War—including those serving in Operations Iraqi Freedom 

and Enduring Freedom—have also been exhibiting chronic, unexplained multiple 

physical symptom illnesses; and

WHEREAS, The Persian Gulf War period of war has not been officially ended by 

Congress; and

WHEREAS, Although there has recently been some progress in research on the 

long-term health effects of many of the agents and environmental hazards veterans were 

potentially exposed to during the Persian Gulf War, numerous symptoms experienced by 

sick veterans are still not well understood and the causes of such symptoms remain 

elusive and answers could likely remain evasive for some time; and

WHEREAS, Additional research into the long-term health effects of exposures is 

needed, a fact confirmed by the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Research Advisory 

Committee on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses; and

WHEREAS, The current presumptive period for Persian Gulf War undiagnosed 

illnesses under title 38 Code of Federal Regulations Section 3.317 will expire January 1, 

2012; and

WHEREAS, The Department of Veterans Affairs has previously extended the 

presumptive period by regulation for five-year increments just prior to expiration; and 

WHEREAS, Due to the unanswered questions remaining regarding the health of ill 

veterans and the ongoing nature of Persian Gulf War-related research, The American 

Legion, on several occasions, has requested the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to extend 

the presumptive period indefinitely; and

WHEREAS, The Secretary of Veterans Affairs has refused to grant such requests; 

now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville, Kentucky, August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That The American Legion supports 

enactment of legislation to extend indefinitely the presumptive period for serviceconnection of Persian Gulf War Veterans with undiagnosed illnesses.
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

154

Resolution No. 35: The American Legion Position on the Department of Veterans 

Affairs (VA) Means Test

Origin: Idaho

Submitted by: Convention Committee on Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation

(As amended)

WHEREAS, The Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA’s) Veterans Health 

Administration (VHA) Directive 2008-083 establishes policy on Means Test and 

Geographic-Based Means Test Thresholds; and

WHEREAS, Public Law 107-135, the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care 

Programs Enhancement Act of 2001, directed VA to implement a Geographic Means 

Test (GMT); and 

WHEREAS, VA uses the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s 

(HUD’s) “low-income” geographic-based income limits as the thresholds for VA’s GMT; 

and 

WHEREAS, Congress established Priority Groups within the Department of 

Veterans Affairs to prioritize access to VA health care; and 

WHEREAS, The Secretary of Veterans Affairs authorized suspension of new 

enrollment of Priority Group 8 veterans in January 2003; and 

WHEREAS, Using the adjusted gross income may reclassify them as a Priority 

Group 7, thus allowing enrollment into VA; and 

WHEREAS, Using the adjusted gross income may reclassify Priority Group 7 

veterans as Priority Group 5 veterans; and

WHEREAS, The eligibility requirement for enrollment in Priority Group 5 or 7 for 

veterans to receive health care services provided by VHA is based on income; and

WHEREAS, The income for the Means Test is based on gross income, not adjusted 

gross income; and

WHEREAS, All other Federal agencies have eligibility on adjusted gross income; 

now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention in Louisville, 

Kentucky, August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That The American Legion support legislation to 

change Department of Veterans Affairs Means Test policy to allow adjusted gross 

income to be used for the eligibility criteria in Priority Groups 5, 7 and 8.

Resolution No. 51: The American Legion Develop a Suicide Prevention and

Outreach Referral Program

Origin: Maryland

Submitted by: Convention Committee on Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation

(As amended)

WHEREAS, The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reported that in 2008, 

approximately 120 veterans committed suicide every week and the Associated Press 

reported 1000 suicide attempts per month by veterans under VA’s care; and

WHEREAS, In response to the increased numbers of suicide, VA has opened a 24-

hour National Suicide Prevention hotline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for veterans located 

at the Canandaigua VA Medical Center, as well as began providing suicide prevention 

counselors at each of the 154 VA Medical Centers nationwide to provide assistance in the 

time of crisis; and 
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

155

WHEREAS, Even with the outreach conducted by VA, statistics continue to show 

that the number of suicides is on the rise and efforts are needed to outreach those cases 

falling through the cracks; and

WHEREAS, The American Legion’s 2.6 million members can provide additional 

outreach and referral assistance to those veterans through national, state and community 

levels through a dedicated Suicide Prevention and Outreach Program; now, therefore, be 

it

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville, Kentucky, August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That The American Legion provide 

nationwide distribution of Suicide Prevention brochures; and, be it further

RESOLVED, The American Legion’s Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation 

Commission develop a National Suicide Prevention and Outreach Referral 

Program; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That The American Legion National, Department, Posts and 

Legionnaires only serve as a referral source for veterans that need assistance to the 

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK 

(8255); and, be it finally

RESOLVED, That The American Legion highlight awareness of this program 

through The American Legion Website, Magazine, Dispatch, and Online Updates.

Resolution No. 53: The American Legion Policy on Accreditation of Representatives 

by the Department of Veterans Affairs

Origin: Maryland

Submitted by: Convention Committee on Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation

(As amended)

WHEREAS, The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) formally recognizes, by the 

process of accreditation, individuals to assist claimants on behalf of The American 

Legion in the preparation, presentation and prosecution of claims for VA benefits; and

WHEREAS, The Director of the National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation 

Division (VA&R) is the certifying officer for The American Legion for accreditation 

purposes; and

WHEREAS, Applications for accreditation endorsed by American Legion 

Department Adjutants are forwarded to the Director of VA&R for review, endorsement 

and submittal to VA for approval; and

WHEREAS, There are approximately 2,000 American Legion representatives 

currently accredited by VA; and

WHEREAS, Most accredited American Legion representatives are professional 

service officers employed by American Legion Departments or state, municipal or county 

governments; and

WHEREAS, Although The American Legion National Headquarters has 

traditionally discouraged American Legion Departments from requesting accreditation of 

post service officers and other volunteers, such volunteers have been accredited in the 

past per the request of the Department and subsequent endorsement of the National 

Headquarters; and 

WHEREAS, Although The American Legion National Headquarters conducts two 

national service officer training schools each year and provides general oversight and 
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

156

guidance to accredited American Legion representatives, daily oversight, supervision and 

training is the responsibility of the department or state entity; and

WHEREAS, Veterans’ law has become increasingly complex in the last 20 years 

since the inception of Federal Court level review of Board of Veterans’ Appeals 

decisions, requiring regular formal training and oversight of accredited representatives to 

ensure proficiency and competency; and

WHEREAS, Such training and oversight can become problematic with volunteer 

service officers as they do not generally work in a normal office environment, making 

proper oversight and supervision extremely difficult; and

WHEREAS, Malpractice and other liability issues must also be considered when 

accrediting volunteer representatives; and 

WHEREAS, The American Legion has an extensive network of post and other 

volunteer service officers, most of whom are not accredited by VA for the purpose of 

providing representation; and

WHEREAS, Volunteer post and other service officers are individuals who are not 

professional service officers employed by American Legion Departments, state, county, 

municipal or other local governments for the purpose assisting veterans and their 

dependents in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims for VA benefits; 

and 

WHEREAS, Volunteer post and other service officers do not have to be accredited 

to provide general assistance, information and other valuable services to veterans in their 

communities; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville, Kentucky, August 25, 26, 27, 2009, The American Legion, as a general 

rule, NOT

RESOLVED, That an American Legion Department Adjutant: 

endorse the accreditation application of volunteer service officers unless 

an exceptional circumstance is shown to warrant such accreditation; and, be it 

further

x Must specifically request the accreditation of a volunteer service officer;

x Must clearly and concisely set forth, in writing, the exceptional 

circumstance justifying the accreditation;

x Specifically describe how the Department will provide sufficient 

oversight and supervision; and

x Specify how the Department will address any potential malpractice and 

other liability issues; and, be it further 

RESOLVED, That such requests be submitted to the Director of the National 

Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Division, the certifying officer for The 

American Legion, and that the Director of the National Veterans Affairs and

Rehabilitation Division make the final determination in approving or disapproving 

such requests; and, be it finally

RESOLVED, That any volunteer granted accreditation be required to take a 

“pre-accreditation” examination and complete additional training requirements 

each year as determined by the Director of the National Veterans Affairs and

Rehabilitation Division in addition to any requirements established by the 

Department. 
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

157

Resolution No. 105: The American Legion Support Legislation to Establish a 

Caregiver Program

Origin: Convention Committee on Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation

Submitted by: Convention Committee on Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation

WHEREAS, The American Legion is an organization of wartime veterans who have 

dedicated themselves to the service of the community, state and nation; and

WHEREAS, Operations Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operations Iraqi Freedom (OIF) 

and the current Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) have produced over 6,800 severely 

injured veterans due to the types of weapons being used by the enemy, namely 

improvised explosive devices; and

WHEREAS, Due to advances in military medical field treatment, over 95 percent of 

severely injured military personnel are able to be saved and brought home, but many will 

require in-home type care; and

WHEREAS, These newly-wounded warriors often times have horrific serviceconnected medical conditions, including, but not limited to multiple amputations, 

paraplegia quadriplegia, complete loss of vision and/or hearing; and

WHEREAS, Many of these wounded warriors will require long-term caregiver 

services either while still on active duty or as veterans and although the spouse, parents, 

siblings or close relatives would be more than willing to give this care, most lack any 

formal training or certification in that area; and

WHEREAS, Even if a family member would be willing to be trained and certified in 

the area of care giving, many are unable to afford the cost of such training and would 

have to find someone to take care of the veteran while they were in training status; and

WHEREAS, Family member(s) would also have to give up their own employment 

to be a caregiver and in many households they are now the primary source of income and 

cannot afford to lose that revenue; and 

WHEREAS, When a veteran requires the aid of another person in order to perform 

personal functions required in everyday living (such as bathing, feeding, dressing, 

attending to the wants of nature, adjusting prosthetic devices, or protecting 

himself/herself from the hazards of his/her daily environment), the Department of

Veterans Affairs (VA), under Title 38, Code of Federal Regulations § 3.352, provides a 

special monthly compensation (SMC) benefit, known as an Aid and Attendance (A&A) 

allowance, in addition to the monthly service-connected disability compensation; and 

WHEREAS, A&A is provided to the veteran to pay for such in-home care, but it 

does not compensate for a family member’s loss of income when the family member 

gives up his or her employment to become a caregiver; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville, Kentucky on August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That The American Legion 

supports legislation that would establish a pilot program to pay the cost of training 

for family member caregivers to teach and certify them in the needed skills to take 

care of these seriously injured service members and veterans; and, be it further 

RESOLVED, That during this training and certification the participant is paid 

a per diem allowance to assist with their living expenses; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That while the family member is in training and certification, the 

current respite program administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 

be expanded to include service members and veterans who have someone 
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

158

undergoing this training, thus allowing that person to attend school without being 

concerned about the veteran’s care while they are gone; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That once the family member caregiver has been fully certified 

and trained and returns home to take care of the needs of the veteran, the caregiver 

shall be paid an allowance, in addition to the veteran’s Aid and Attendance benefit, 

by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in an amount considered reasonable based on 

the geographical area, amount and intensity of care; and, be it finally

RESOLVED, That such an allowance will not affect in any way the payment of 

the veteran’s Aid and Attendance benefit.

Resolution No. 106: The American Legion Support Habitat for Humanity Volunteer 

Opportunities

Origin: Convention Committee on Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation

Submitted by: Convention Committee on Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation

WHEREAS, The American Legion is an organization of war veterans who have 

dedicated themselves to the service of the community, state and nation; and 

WHEREAS, Since 1946, The American Legion has remained a staunch supporter of 

the largest program in the Federal government, the Department of Veterans Affairs’ 

Voluntary Service (VAVS) Program; and 

WHEREAS, The American Legion has 6,105 volunteers that contribute over 

900,000 hours annually to support veterans in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 

Medical Centers, Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs), Vet Centers, Fisher 

Houses and State Veterans Homes; and

WHEREAS, The American Legion has sought to expand the scope of its 

organization’s volunteer programs beyond the traditional role and volunteer assignments 

in the VAVS Program; and 

WHEREAS, Habitat for Humanity shares a common vision in providing assistance 

in the community by providing simple, decent shelter to those in need; and 

WHEREAS, Recently, Habitat for Humanity has focused on improving its support 

of the military and veterans population by offering to create a Habitat for Humanity and 

The American Legion Joint Volunteer Toolkit for distribution to all of The American 

Legion posts nationwide; and

WHEREAS, The American Legion, through the Department Service Officers, can 

distribute Habitat for Humanity’s eligibility criterion throughout states looking for 

veterans that would qualify for the housing program; and

WHEREAS, Additionally, The American Legion can provide volunteers for 

veterans’ housing project sites as needed; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville, Kentucky on August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That The American Legion and 

Habitat for Humanity create a joint volunteer toolkit to identify opportunities for 

American Legion Departments, Districts and Posts to assist Habitat for Humanity 

in building or supporting military or veterans’ housing projects; and, be it further 

RESOLVED, That The American Legion Department Service Officers 

distribute eligibility criterion throughout states that are looking for veterans eligible 

for the housing program; and, be it finally 

RESOLVED, The American Legion would track and report its volunteer hours 

by having Habitat for Humanity’s on site volunteer coordinator sign American 
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

159

Legion Volunteer Certification paperwork, which would be forwarded to the 

Department Adjutant and finally submitted to National Headquarters for volunteer 

hours and locations tracking.

Resolution No. 107: The American Legion Withdraws Support for the Commission 

on the Future of America’s Veterans

Origin: Convention Committee on Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation

Submitted by: Convention Committee on Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation

WHEREAS, In 2006, The American Legion supported the establishment and 

operation of the Commission on the Future For America’s Veterans, an independently 

funded and managed 501(c)3 entity; and

WHEREAS, The Commission on the Future for America’s Veterans was formed to 

address the growing concern of seamless transition difficulties encountered by activeduty service members, as well as National Guard and Reserve personnel, from military to 

civilian life; and 

WHEREAS, The Seamless Transition Program, recommended by independent 

assessments from the Commission on Service Members and Veterans Transition 

Assistance (1999) and President’s Task Force to Improve Health Care Delivery for Our 

Nation’s Veterans (2003) never resulted in substantive changes to the transition process; 

and 

WHEREAS, The Commission on the Future for America’s Veterans was tasked to 

analyze current conditions and recommend improvements of issues concerning veterans; 

and 

WHEREAS, The Commission on the Future for America’s Veterans was to be 

dissolved directly after completing said mission; and 

WHEREAS, The American Legion have raised some issues of concern in regards to 

the Commission on the Future for America’s Veterans and have competing policy goals, 

as well as delay on submission of the final report that was due in 2008 and is still not 

finalized; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville, Kentucky on August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That The American Legion 

withdraw its support for the Commission on the Future for America’s Veterans. 

Resolution No. 108: The American Legion Supports Veterans of Valor Organization

Origin: Convention Committee on Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation

Submitted by: Convention Committee on Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation

WHEREAS, Founded in 2007, Veterans of Valor is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit 

organization dedicated to assisting and supporting service members who have been 

severely wounded in combat during their recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration into 

civilian or military life; and 

WHEREAS, To be eligible for a Veterans of Valor program, a combat wounded 

veteran must have a qualified medical professional (usually a physician) state in writing 

that the veteran will or did require at least six months of recovery or treatment time; and 

WHEREAS, Veterans of Valor provides specific items, services and programs 

separate from, but complementary to programs of The American Legion tailored to meet 

the needs of those injured heroes and their families; and 
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

160

WHEREAS, Veterans of Valor is committed to connecting with wounded service 

members on an individual basis, and providing tangible support with the goal of 

promoting physical, mental and emotional healing; and 

WHEREAS, Veterans of Valor offers three main programs to combat-wounded 

veterans: Backpacks, Hero Wishes and A Night Out to provide a unique therapeutic 

value to the wounded service member and his or her family; and 

WHEREAS, The American Legion is dedicated to improving support for active duty 

service members and veterans during their time of transition and rehabilitation; and

WHEREAS, This resolution was sent to the National Security Commission for 

comment and they were in agreement with it; now, therefore, be it 

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville, Kentucky on August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That The American Legion 

supports the Organization, Veterans of Valor, and its programs to assist severely 

wounded combat veterans.

Resolution No. 109: The American Legion Supports the Veterans Housing Program 

of the Rebuilding Together Organization

Origin: Convention Committee on Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation

Submitted by: Convention Committee on Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation

WHEREAS, Founded in 1988, Rebuilding Together Inc., a Nationally Organized 

501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting and supporting low income 

families and in particular service members and veterans who have been severely 

wounded in combat during their recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration into civilian or 

military life; and 

WHEREAS, Rebuilding Together Inc. offers a Veteran’s Housing Program for 

combat-wounded and injured, and veterans in severe economic distress: In particular, 

home repairs and modifications for safety and accessibility issues impacting the wounded 

service member and his or her family; and 

WHEREAS, To be eligible for a Rebuilding Together Program, a combat wounded 

or injured veteran must have qualified medical documentation on the injury and must 

show economic distress; and 

WHEREAS, Rebuilding Together Inc. provides specific items, services and 

programs separate from, but complementary to programs of The American Legion, 

tailored to meet the needs of those injured heroes and their families; and 

WHEREAS, Rebuilding Together Inc. is committed to connecting with wounded 

service members on an individual basis, and providing tangible support with the goal of 

promoting physical, mental and emotional healing; and 

WHEREAS, The American Legion is dedicated to improving support for active duty 

service members and veterans during their time of transition and rehabilitation; now, 

therefore, be it 

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville, Kentucky on August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That The American Legion

supports the Veteran’s Housing Program of Rebuilding Together Inc. and its efforts 

to assist severely wounded, injured and economically distressed veterans.
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

161

Resolution No. 110: The American Legion Supports the Operation Homefront 

Organization

Origin: Convention Committee on Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation

Submitted by: Convention Committee on Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation

WHEREAS, Founded in 2002, Operation Homefront is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit 

organization that provides emergency and morale assistance for deployed service 

members, the families they leave behind and for wounded warriors when they return 

home; and

WHEREAS, With more than 4,500 volunteers and 30 chapters, Operation 

Homefront works with military families during deployments on a case-by-case basis to 

resolve issues ranging from home and auto repair to urgent financial assistance; and 

WHEREAS, Operation Homefront provides assistance to active duty and activated 

Guard and Reserve families and primarily serve the families of service members in the 

rank of E-6 and below; and 

WHEREAS, To be eligible for an Operation Homefront program, a service member 

submits a short financial application, proof of military service and additional 

documentation as requested to obtain assistance; and 

WHEREAS, Operation Homefront also hosts special events throughout the year 

which includes the 9/11 Freedom Walk that The American Legion has supported in 

previous years nationwide by staffing a booth at the events to distribute veteran benefits 

information, assisting with veterans claims and benefits and participate in the walk; and

WHEREAS, The American Legion is dedicated to assisting and supporting service 

members as well as promoting civic engagement to honor the family members of victims 

who died in the 9/11 terrorist attacks; and 

WHEREAS, Operation Homefront provides specific assistance, services and 

programs separate from, but complementary to programs of The American Legion 

tailored to meet the needs of those injured heroes and their families; now, therefore, be it 

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville, Kentucky on August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That The American Legion 

supports the Operation Homefront Organization; and, be it further 

RESOLVED, That The American Legion National Veterans and Affairs 

Rehabilitation Division distribute information on locations of 9/11 Freedom Walks

nationwide to the Department Adjutants for further dissemination to districts and 

posts to garner support for the event; and, be it finally 

RESOLVED, That The American Legion Department Adjutants submit a list 

of number of volunteers, hours and locations to the National VA&R Division for 

tracking and reporting of the 9/11 Freedom Walk Event.

Received and Recorded

Resolution No. 9 (SD): Increase the Burial Allowance Payable in the Case of Death 

Due to Service-connected Disability and Provide for Automatic Adjustments

Resolution No. 10 (SD): Oppose Lump-Sum Payments by the Department of

Veterans Affairs to Service-connected Disabled Veterans 

Resolution No. 36 (ID): The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Adjust their 

Mileage Reimbursement based on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Mileage 

Rate
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

162

Resolution No. 57 (NY): Establishment of Presumption of Exposure to Agent 

Orange for Veterans with Service in Territorial Waters of Vietnam

Resolution No. 58 (NY): Support Congressional Funding for Construction of United 

States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims Courthouse

Resolution No. 62 (MA): The American Legion Policy on State Veterans Homes

Resolution No. 63 (MA): The American Legion Support Legislation to Increase 

Annual Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Construction Appropriations

Resolution No. 64 (MA): Support The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 

Presumptive Medical Care for Persian Gulf War Veterans

Resolution No. 98 (IL): Support The Extension of the Time Period to File an Appeal 

to the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims

Resolution No. 102 (IL): The American Legion Support Increase in Burial 

Allowances

Resolution No. 103 (IL): Extend Time Limit to Apply for Service-Disabled Veterans 

Insurance

Resolution No. 104 (AR): The American Legion Policy on Agent Orange

Referred to the Standing Commission on Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation

Resolution No. 27 (WY): Support of Admission to State Veterans Homes for any 

Parent Whose Child Perished While Serving on Active Duty in the Armed 

Forces of The United States

Resolution No. 47 (CA): The American Legion Oppose The Department of Veterans 

Affairs (VA) Transferring Veteran Assets for Use of Non-Veteran Purposes

Resolution No. 84 (WA): Funding for Veterans Service Office at Auburn, 

Washington

Rejected

Resolution No. 19 (CO): Support for the 2010 National Veterans Wheelchair Games

Resolution No. 83 (NJ): In-State Licensure of Veterans Administration Healthcare 

Providers

Resolution No. 99 (IL): The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Grant Automatic 

Waiver of Overpayments of $300 or Less

COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN LEWIS: Mr. Commander, as a duly elected delegate to 

this Convention, I, K. Robert Lewis, move for the adoption of this report.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: You’ve heard the motion is there a 

second? ...Second. Discussion? All those in favor signify by the sign of aye. Opposed? 

The motion is carried. The report of the Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Convention 

Committee is adopted.

Presentation: William F. Lenker National Service Trophy

David K. Rehbein, Iowa, National Commander

And with that adoption it’s appropriate and it’s time to announce the winner of the 

William F. Lenker National Service Trophy. This trophy is awarded annually to the 

department that best supports and implements programs to benefit veterans, their 

families, and their survivors. 
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

163

For the 2008-2009 program year the William F. Lenker National Service Trophy is 

awarded to the Department of Minnesota. Congratulations. (Applause)

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: For the next item of business the Chair 

recognizes Larry J. Besson of Illinois, Chairman of the National Convention Committee 

on Credentials and Internal Affairs, for the purpose of making a report. 

Report: Convention Committee on Credentials and Other Internal Matters

(Section II of Convention Committee on Credentials and Other Internal Affairs)

Larry J. Besson, Illinois, Chairman

Forty-seven members of the Credentials and Internal Affairs Committee, Section II, 

elected Larry J. Besson of Illinois as Permanent Chairman, and Larry D. Sheets of 

Florida as Permanent Secretary, and considered twenty-six resolutions, twenty-five of 

which originated with Departments of The American Legion and one which was created 

by the committee. Of these, four were approved; two approved and consolidated; two 

approved as consolidated and amended; eight were referred; five were received and 

recorded and five were rejected.

Approved

Resolution No. 1: Appreciation to Host City

Origin: Convention Committee on Credentials and Other Internal Matters (Section 

II)

Submitted by: Convention Committee on Credentials and Other Internal Matters

(Section II)

WHEREAS, The 91st National Convention has been held in Louisville, Kentucky, 

August 25-27, 2009; and

WHEREAS, There has been a spirit of cooperation and friendship along with mutual 

helpfulness evidenced by the Legionnaires of Kentucky, the officers of the Convention 

Corporation and the Department, and by the officials and the people of Louisville, 

Kentucky; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville, Kentucky, August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That we express our deep 

appreciation to the Department of Kentucky, Governor of the Commonwealth of 

Kentucky Steve Beshear; Mayor Jerry Abramson; the city of Louisville, Kentucky, 

including the Fire Department, Police Department, and other Public Safety 

Officials, and to the 2009 National Convention Corporation Officers, Silas M. Noel, 

President. Around this nucleus has been built the moving force that provided for 

every necessity that made for a successful and enjoyable convention.

Resolution No. 48: Support American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial

Origin: Maryland

Submitted by: Convention Committee on Credentials and Other Internal Matters

(Section II)

WHEREAS, The American Legion is established “to preserve the memories and 

incidents of our association in the Great Wars”; and 
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

164

WHEREAS, The American Legion’s constitution further pledges, “to safeguard and 

transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom, and democracy”; and 

WHEREAS, The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial shall be a fitting 

tribute to the brave men and women who sustained severe injuries and life-long 

disabilities in the course of defending of the United States; and

WHEREAS, The memorial shall command a two-acre site between Washington 

Avenue SW (Canal Street), C Street SW and Second Street SW, the memorial will be 

within full view of the United States Capitol, adjacent to the National Mall, and across 

from Independence Avenue and the United States Botanic Garden; and

WHEREAS, Congress passed legislation authorizing the creation of the American 

Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial in Washington, D.C. and President Clinton signed 

the legislation into law in 2000; now, therefore, be it 

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville, Kentucky, August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That The American Legion supports 

the creation of the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial on the National 

Mall in Washington, D.C. without financial obligation to The American Legion 

National Headquarters.

Resolution No. 79: POW/MIA Forever Stamp

Origin: Florida

Submitted by: Convention Committee on Credentials and Other Internal Matters

(Section II)

WHEREAS, The American Legion is an organization of wartime veterans, who 

have dedicated themselves to Service to Community, State; and

WHEREAS, The American Legion is an organization that recognizes the sacrifices 

that individuals on active duty provide to their Nation; and

WHEREAS, The American Legion has been in the forefront of recognizing and 

honoring the POW/MIA’s; and

WHEREAS, There is a significant number of POW/MIA’s from all wars who are 

yet to be accounted for; and

WHEREAS, The American Legion through resolution 288 supports Prisoners Of 

War and Missing In Action, and that a recognition of them is part of the official opening 

of all American Legion ceremonies; and

WHEREAS, It would be fit, right and proper to recognize and honor those who have 

been sent in harms’ way and are either Prisoner Of War or have a status of Missing In 

Action; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville, Kentucky, August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That The American Legion shall 

apply to the US Postmaster in regard to a “Forever Stamp,” so all Prisoners Of War 

and Missing In Action are forever remembered and never forgotten.

Resolution No. 94: National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia

Origin: Virginia

Submitted by: Convention Committee on Credentials and Other Internal Matters

(Section II)

WHEREAS, The American Legion associates itself to preserve the memories and 

incidents of our associations in the Great Wars; and
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

165

WHEREAS, Congress designated Bedford, Virginia as the site of the nation’s 

National D-Day Memorial in 1996 in recognition of the 19 Virginia Army National 

Guard members from Bedford who died in the first wave that landed on Omaha Beach on 

June 6, 1944; and

WHEREAS, With a 1944 population of 3,200 people, Bedford is believed to have 

suffered the highest per-capita loss of life of any American community on D-Day; and

WHEREAS, The D-Day Memorial was dedicated on June 6, 2001, and since then, 

the Memorial has attracted over one-million visitors—50 percent of them visiting from 

out of state—and more than 10,000 students participate in the Memorial’s educational 

programs each year; and

WHEREAS, The non-profit National D-Day Memorial Foundation recently 

announced that it does not have enough money to sustain operations through the end of 

the year; and

WHEREAS, Legal hurdles from previous mismanagement of the Foundation have 

now been resolved; and

WHEREAS, It is in the best interest of our nation to preserve a monument honoring 

the culminating moment in safeguarding and transmitting to posterity the principles of 

Justice, Freedom and Democracy; now, therefore, be it 

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville, Kentucky, August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That the Congress of the United 

States be called upon to pass legislation to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to 

study the suitability and feasibility of designating the National D-Day memorial in 

Bedford, Virginia as a unit of the National Park System.

Resolution No. 88: Purple Heart Forever Stamp

Origin: Minnesota

Submitted by: Convention Committee on Credentials and Other Internal Matters

(Section II)

(As amended)

(Consolidated with Resolution No. 44 (CA))

WHEREAS, The Order of the Purple Heart for Military Merit, commonly known as 

the Purple Heart, was directed by General George Washington on August 7, 1782 and 

revived by Order of Secretary of War Douglas MacArthur on February 22, 1932 in 

celebration of the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth; and

WHEREAS, The American Legion was chartered by congress in 1919 aas a 

patriotic, war-time veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness and the continual 

recognition of all veterans; and

WHEREAS, The U.S. Postal Service first issued the 37 cent Purple Heart Definitive 

Stamp in May 2003 to remind all americans of how our military personnel have suffered 

in the name of freedom; and

WHEREAS, Scores of American Legion organizations have unofficially adopted the 

Purple Heart Stamp as their stamp of choice for all First Class mailings; and

WHEREAS, The current 42 cent “definitive” stamp will become obsolete for the 

fourth time with the next postal rate increase; and

WHEREAS, The U.S. Postal Service has a program allowing the issuance of 

“Forever Stamp” that have no denomination thereby allowing them to be forever for First 

Class mail; now, therefore, be it 
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

166

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville, Kentucky, August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That we endorse the creation of a 

forever stamp by the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee of the U.S. Postal Service 

to commemorate the recipients of the Purple Heart.

Resolution No. 90: Increase Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Mileage Rate for 

Charitable Miles to Equal the Mileage Rate Approved for Medical or Moving 

Purposes

Origin: Missouri

Submitted by: Convention Committee on Credentials and Other Internal Matters

(Section II)

(As amended)

(Consolidated with Resolution No. 100 (IL))

WHEREAS, The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on November 27, 2007 (IR-2007-

192) issued the 2008 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible 

costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes;

and

WHEREAS, Beginning January 1, 2008, the standard mileage rates for the use of a 

car (including vans, pickups, or panel trucks) will be: 50.5 cents per mile for business 

miles driven; 19 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes; and 14 cents per 

mile driven in service of charitable organizations; and

WHEREAS, The new rate for business miles compares to a rate of 48.5 cents per 

mile for 2007; the new rate for medical and moving purposes compares to 20 cents in 

2007; the rate for miles driven in service of charitable organizations has remained the 

same; and

WHEREAS, The standard mileage rate for business is based on an annual study of 

fixed and variable costs of operating an automobile; the standard rate for medical and 

moving purposes is based on the variable costs determined by the same study; 

Runzheimer International, an independent Contractor, conducted the study for the IRS;

and

WHEREAS, The mileage rate for charitable miles is set by law; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville, Kentucky, August 25, 26, 27 2009 supports an increase in Mileage Rate 

for Charitable miles and that such mileage rate at least equal to the mileage rate 

approved for Medical or Moving Purposes. 

Referred to the Standing Commission on Internal Affairs

Resolution No. 16 (CO): 100th Anniversary Commemorative American Legion Coin

Resolution No. 17 (CO): Battle of Attu Memorial

Resolution No. 28 (GA): 100th Anniversary Commemorative American Legion Coin

Resolution No. 38 (UT): Support Operation Give

Resolution No. 80 (FL): 100th Anniversary Commemorative American Legion Coin

Resolution No. 92 (MO): Designate Liberty Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri as 

the National World War I Memorial
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

167

Referred to the Standing Commission on National Convention

Resolution No. 18 (CO): City of Denver Offers to Host the 2016 National Convention

Resolution No. 77 (WA): City of Seattle Offers to Host the 2016 National 

Convention

Received and Recorded

Resolution No. 15 (SD): Endorsement of Eugene Schumacher for National Vice 

Commander

Resolution No. 37 (ID): Endorsement of Mark J. Cohen for National Vice 

Commander of the SAL

Resolution No. 61 (PA): Endorsement of James H. Hales, Jr. for National Vice 

Commander

Resolution No. 75 (MX): Re-Establish May 30th as the Official Memorial Day 

Resolution No. 89 (MO): The American Legion Day

Rejected

Resolution No. 43 (CA): Veterans Remembered Flag

Resolution No. 54 (CA): Seek Legislation to Ensure Priority of Occupancy in 

Veterans and War Memorial Buildings Be Given to Veterans Organizations 

Chartered By Congress

Resolution No. 76 (MX): Change Name of Department of Mexico to Department of

Latin America

Resolution No. 81 (FL): Killed in Action (KIA) Flag

Resolution No. 87 (MN): Establish “Serving Those Who Have Served” as the 

Official Song of The American Legion

It was regularly moved, seconded and carried that the Permanent Committee 

Chairman and Permanent Secretary be authorized to sign the Committee report on behalf 

of the Committee.

It was also regularly moved, seconded and carried that the Permanent Committee 

Chairman and Permanent Secretary be authorized to make technical corrections to the 

resolutions reported out of this Committee to ensure proper wording and form without 

changing the substance or meaning of the resolution(s).

COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN BESSON: Mr. Commander, as a duly elected and 

registered delegate from the Department of Illinois, I move the adoption of this report.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: You’ve heard the motion is there a 

second? ...Second. Discussion? All those in favor signify by the sign of aye. Opposed? 

The motion is carried. The report of Credentials and Internal Affairs is adopted.

COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN BESSON: Mr. Commander, may I ask that Jerick 

Johnson be brought to the podium for a presentation?

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: You may, sir. Mr. Johnson? 

JERICK JOHNSON: Thank you, everybody. My name is Jerick Johnson. I am The 

American Legion race car driver from the NASCAR Nationwide Series, as well as the 
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

168

ASA series. I would just like to start by saying thank you to the Department of Kentucky 

and the rest of The American Legion members that have been here at the National 

Convention. The hospitality has been wonderful, and we have felt really appreciated 

while we have been here.

American Legion Racing is a program of The American Legion. Like many 

programs, we are endorsed by The American Legion but supported by you The American 

Legion members. Through your donations, through merchandise sales and through 

sponsorships we have been racing across America this year trying to show race fans and 

all Americans who The American Legion is, what The American Legion does for our 

veterans and our troops, and most of all recruit the next generation of American Legion 

veterans.

We have different programs that we support as well. One of them is called 

Operation Freedom Car, which the race team has endorsed and put incentives for you, the 

members, to donate to our program. What this is is we send a small hygiene care product 

called Four In One, which is a shampoo, conditioner, body wash and shaving cream all in 

one. It comes in a small bottle. It has been very highly liked by our troops in Iraq and 

Afghanistan. We send this to them for every donation that American Legion members 

give us to do the Operation Freedom Car. And for those who donate $100 or more, you 

might have seen the show car in the exhibit hall this weekend. They have their name, 

post, or district or whatever it may be, placed on the hood or the trunk of the race car. 

And there are a lot of names on that car, and I was very proud of that this year. So thank 

you guys for that. 

2009 has been a great season. Like I said, through donations, merchandise and 

sponsors we go racing. This year we had brought a sponsor along with us, the David Law 

Firm out of the greater Houston area. They are a company that deals with asbestos related 

cancers. We put out a schedule this year for those of you that have been asking for a 

schedule for a long time. This year we actually were able to put out a schedule so that 

people could come to the race track and American Legion members could cheer their 

Freedom Car on. And we’re a little ways through it, but we have a few races left, 

including Gateway in St. Louis, Newton, which is Iowa Speedway, and for those of you 

that haven’t been able to make the race but would like to see one on TV, we have 

Memphis Motorsport Park yet the weekend before Veterans Day weekend on November 

7th. That’s going to be live on Fox Sports, so you’ll be able to watch your car on TV. 

And that Iowa race, I assume that our National Commander Rehbein will be there. So 

we’ll see him there.

The David Law Firm that has sponsored us this year has helped many veterans. It 

has the same goals as The American Legion and Team Johnson has, is to help our 

veterans. You might have seen them on the back cover of The American Legion 

Magazine. They have had a longstanding relationship, and it worked out very well for the 

race team to put our race car out on the track this year. Their main goal is just to inform 

everybody about mesothelioma and other lung cancers that have been caused by asbestos. 

If you’re a service officer or would like to bring information to a service officer, please 

check us out on Legionracing.org to get information about them and help us go racing. 

They have also signed on for next year as well, so we are busy working on a schedule for 

2010 so we can get it out to all the Legionnaires so you can come to the race and cheer on 

your freedom car.
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

169

Again, thank you very much also to the City of Louisville. I have been corrected 

many times—it’s not “Louie-ville, it’s Loua-ville.” So a thank you for everybody and

The American Legion members for all your support. In this American sport, racing, 

where there is a flyover and a prayer before every race, I’m honored to be able to drive 

The American Legion car as an SAL member, and my dad an American Legion member. 

So just thank you very much. I’m very proud of what I do, and appreciate it. Let’s go 

racing. Thank you. (Applause)

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: You heard what Jerick said about getting 

names on the car. Jerick, that will get it started.

JERICK JOHNSON: That would put your name on the car.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Well, then you have to reach out here and 

take the money. (Laughter and applause) And I trust that you have some place that others 

that are so inclined could drop off their donation?

JERICK JOHNSON: Absolutely. If they need any information, Legionracing.org

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Or if they want to give it to you here -- 

is 

our website for The American Legion Race Team, and it has all the information, 

addresses, and phone numbers. We have people there at our shop working on race cars all 

day long ready to take phone calls. Or if you want to mail, that’s fine too. So thank you 

and we appreciate it. Thank you, Commander.

JERICK JOHNSON: Or here.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Where are you going to be?

JERICK JOHNSON: I will be outside for about the next hour or so before I take off.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: You heard. And regarding Iowa 

Speedway, it just turns out that about 24 hours from now my schedule is going to get a lot 

looser. (Laughter) So, yes, you can count on seeing me at the Iowa Speedway.

JERICK JOHNSON: Thank you, Commander.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Thank you, Jerick.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: The Chair recognizes the Honorable 

Vincent Gaughan, of Illinois, chairman of the Convention Committee on Constitutional 

Amendments, for the purpose of making a report.

Report: Convention Committee on Constitutional Amendments

Vincent M. Gaughan, Illinois, Chairman

To the 91st National Convention of The American Legion, Louisville, Kentucky 

August 23, 24, 25, 2009,

The Committee on Constitutional Amendments met at 9:00 a.m., Sunday, August 

23, 2009 in the Kentucky International Convention Center, Room 116, Level 1. 

Committee Liaison Philip B. Onderdonk, Jr. (MD) called the roll and announced that 39 

members of the Constitutional Amendments Committee were present. The following 

report was authorized by the members and is hereby submitted to this Convention.

The meeting was opened by Philip B. Onderdonk, Jr. (MD), who acted as temporary 

chairman. He stated a quorum was present and proceeded to the first order of business, 

which was the election of a permanent chairman and secretary.

Vincent M. Gaughan (IL) was elected Chairman and Cathy J. Gorst (WI) was duly 

elected Secretary. Thereupon they assumed their respective places.

Copies of all the Resolutions, the Report of the Standing Committee, the National 

Constitution and By-Laws and the Uniform Code of Procedure for the Organization of 
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

170

National Conventions of The American Legion, which include the Standing Rules of 

Convention, were made available to all members of the Committee.

The Chair called upon Philip B. Onderdonk, Jr., National Judge Advocate, to give a 

summary background report on the resolutions to the Committee, which was done.

A motion was duly made by Charles G. Mills (NY) and duly seconded by Charemon 

Dunham (SD) that all members of the Standing Committee on Constitution and By-Laws 

who were present at the meeting, but not actual delegates to the Convention Committee 

be seated with voice but no vote. The motion was carried by the members.

The Chair then stated, based upon the National Judge Advocate’s report to the 

Committee with regards to the requirements for consideration of resolutions to amend the 

Constitution of The American Legion, and the details as stated in the Standing 

Committee’s report, he would rule out of order those resolutions which did not meet 

those requirements.

The Chair further announced that he was in agreement with the Report of the 

Standing Committee on the Constitution and By-laws.

Resolution No. 4 (PI) was considered. The Chair announced that this resolution was 

out of order because it does not provide the language to amend the corporate charter or 

Article XIII, Section 2 (Eligibility for the American Legion Auxiliary) upon which the 

National Convention could vote.

Art Besa (OK) made a motion, seconded by Kenneth Knight (VA) that the 

committee adopt the Chair’s ruling on Resolution No. 4 (PI). Motion was carried 

unanimously.

Resolution No. 5 (PI) was next considered. 

The Chair ruled Resolution No. 5 (PI) out of order because it does not provide the 

language to be voted on by the National Convention and does not reference Article X, 

Section 3 of the National Constitution. 

Robert Flynn (IN) made a motion, seconded by Trish Thompson (AZ) that the 

committee adopt the Chair’s ruling on Resolution No. 5 (PI). Motion carried 

unanimously.

Resolution No. 91 (MO) was next considered. 

The Chair ruled Resolution No. 91 (MO) in order. This resolution would change the 

Preamble to the National Constitution by changing the reference from “Great Wars” to 

“all Great Wars.” The change impliedly raises the question of what is a great war. The 

Preamble, when read with the eligibility section of The American Legion Constitution 

already clearly defines great wars. Hence, it is counterproductive and unnecessary. There 

is also the question of unintended consequences of money being diverted from American 

Legion programs to pay for reprinting and redistribution.

Charles G. Mills (NY) made a motion to reject Resolution 91 (MO), seconded by 

Frank A. Porter (MD). Motion carried unanimously.

The Chair then asked for a motion that the Chairman and Secretary be permitted to 

sign the report to the Convention on behalf of the members of the Convention 

Committee. Ron Roberts (MS) made the motion and it was seconded by James Gresty 

(TN). The motion carried.

Doug Goodwin (MO) made a motion to recess, subject to the call of the Chairman. 

The motion was seconded by John Graham (NH).
Proceedings of Wednesday, August 26, 2009

171

The Chairman then thanked the Committee for its cooperation and productive 

meeting. The meeting was then declared in recess pending a call from the Chairman of 

the Committee.

COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN GAUGHAN: Mr. Commander, as a delegate to the 

91st National Convention of The American Legion, I move that this report be adopted.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: You’ve heard the motion is there a 

second? ...Second. Discussion? All those in favor signify by the sign of aye. Opposed? 

The motion is carried. The report of Constitutional Amendments is adopted.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: The national adjutant informs me that 

there are no announcements. We are aware that we are finishing about 20 minutes ahead 

of schedule. The national adjutant has also informed me that this is strictly due to the fact 

that he is a new adjutant, and next year we will stay closer to the schedule. There are 

some additional monetary contributions. I will always delay the meeting to receive 

money.

UNIDENTIFIED DELEGATE (MN): On behalf of the great Department of 

Minnesota, in addition to all the individual donations from our individuals and individual 

posts, we want to give an additional $1,000 to Operation Comfort Warriors.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: We will be receiving additional 

contributions to Operation Comfort Warriors following the National Security Report 

tomorrow. With there being no further business to come before this day’s session join me 

in a salute to the Colors. Hand salute. Two!

...The Delegates rose and saluted the Colors.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: The time is 2:34 p.m. This Convention 

will stand in recess until 9:00 a.m. tomorrow morning.

...At 2:34 p.m., the Convention recessed to reconvene the following day, Thursday, 

August 27, 2009.

THIRD DAY

Thursday, August 27, 2009

...At 9:00 a.m. the delegates assembled for the third day of the 91st Annual National 

Convention, and the following proceedings were conducted.

Call to Order

David K. Rehbein, Iowa, National Commander

The Convention will come to order. Please join me in rendering honors to the flag of 

our country. Hand salute. 

...At this time the delegates stood and rendered a right-hand salute to the Colors. 

I now call on National Chaplain Reverend Lawrence Vollink, Department of 

Michigan, for the invocation. Please uncover. 

Invocation

Rev. Lawrence ‘Larry’ Vollink, Michigan, National Chaplain

Lord God, we praise you today for Your leading, for Your wisdom, for Your 

presence with all things good. We have been renewed in our spirits so that we can 

continue on from this day, thank you, Lord. Thank you for music that inspires our souls. 

Today we invoke Your blessings again open this gathering this morning. We ask for open 

hearts to learn what we might be called to do in the near future through these sessions. 

Bless our technical people who are able to assist us to make this program continue to be 

good. And as always, Lord, we ask that You would give us faith to know that you are 

protecting every soldier and trooper, that You truly care about them as we do. Help see 

them through in all that they do, so that we too today can enjoy this meeting, realizing 

that You love them and You love us. Thank you. Amen. 

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Please remain uncovered. This morning 

I’ve asked National Historian Chuck Zelinsky, to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

...The delegates stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. 

The 91st Annual National Convention is now back in session. 

Presentation: The American Legion Fourth Estate Award

David K. Rehbein, Iowa, National Commander

We begin this morning by recognizing outstanding achievement in journalism, 

achievement that had a positive impact on a community. The American Legion Fourth 

Estate Award is a difficult award to earn. It is a testament to the demanding nature of the 

competition, and to the quality of the entries. This year’s award goes to USA Today. We 

have a short video presentation from their award winning series The Smokestack Effect. 

...At this time the delegated viewed a video entitled “The Smokestack Effect.” 

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Two of the reporters responsible for the 

report that you just saw vignettes of concerning the toxic air, are with us today. 

Accepting The American Legion Fourth Estate Award this morning are Blake Morrison 

and Brad Heath. (Applause)
Proceedings of Thursday, August 27, 2009

174

ANNOUNCER: The award reads: “Fourth Estate Award for outstanding 

achievement in the field of journalism is presented to USA Today for the investigative 

series that uncovered environmental health risks to America’s school children. Presented 

at the 91st National Convention, August 27, 2009, Louisville, Kentucky.” 

MR. MORRISON: I just wanted to say thank you very much on behalf of my 

colleague Brad Heath, and our Editor, Linda Matthews who couldn’t be here today. We 

spent eight months working on this project, and in the world of daily journalism, that’s a 

long time, but it certainly pales in comparison of the commitment that The American 

Legion has shown for generations to America’s children. And what makes us I guess so 

humbled and honored to receive this award, is simply that, that it comes from a group that 

has tirelessly shown a commitment to the welfare of America’s children. And on behalf 

of USA Today I just want to thank you all for that. (Applause)

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Gentlemen, while that large trophy that 

we presented goes to USA Today, we want each of you to have your own to place on your 

desk, to keep in your home, to keep track of the esteem with which we hold you. And 

thank you for doing that story. Thank you for caring about America’s school children. 

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Our next guest represents an organization 

that performs free home repairs and house modifications for veterans. Rebuilding 

Together was created to meet the growing needs of veterans from past and present wars. 

Our guest this morning is fully aware of these needs, since she’s the mother of a young 

soldier who was critically wounded in Iraq. Please give a warm welcome to Lorrie 

Knight-Major. (Applause)

Greetings: Lorrie Knight-Major

Rebuilding Together

Good morning Legionnaires and guests. I am honored to be here today. I would like 

to thank Commander Rehbein and National Adjutant Daniel Wheeler, for providing me 

with this opportunity to speak before you today. I will share my experiences with 

Rebuilding Together, the organization that helped me to bring my soldier home from the 

rehab hospital, which is why I am an advocate today. 

I am very proud to be in this room with all of you. Since the founding of The 

American Legion on March 15, 1919, you have honored your pledge to your local 

communities to take care of veterans and their families. This concept was so important to 

you that you made it one of your four pillars of service, and have that tradition going with 

the Heroes to Hometowns program. For that, I applaud you. 

Thanks to The American Legion for drafting its resolution, the GI Bill of Rights, 

World War II veterans were able to come back to a grateful country. When Congress 

enacted the Serviceman’s Readjustment Act of 1944, it made it possible for them to 

acquire hospitalization, higher education, find jobs, and buy homes for their families. 

Many of those who fought for this nation in World War II did so again during the Korean 

War. These veterans faced some of the harshest fighting conditions, but you were not 

forgotten by The American Legion when it fought to ensure that you also had a GI Bill. 

To this day, Korean War veterans remind this nation of the sacrifices made to keep our 

families and our communities safe and strong. 

And to the Vietnam veterans gathered here today, you are the mentors to the 

generations that have followed you. The lessons you have taught this nation about 
Proceedings of Thursday, August 27, 2009

175

honoring its military sacrifices should never be forgotten. Therefore, I want to stand 

before you today on behalf of my generation and say to all of you, thank you for 

rebuilding this great nation. And I promise to do my part to ensure that you will not be 

forgotten. So thank you. 

So who am I? My name is Lorrie Knight-Major. I am the mother of an Operation 

Iraqi Freedom soldier who was severely wounded by an explosion in Ramadi defending 

our nation’s freedom. So I stand beside you, not only as a mother, but also as a daughter, 

a great granddaughter, and a sister of enlisted U.S. Army service men who have all seen 

combat since the Civil War. (Applause)

But I can tell you that there isn’t anything that prepares a parent or a spouse for a 

phone call from the United States Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force or Coast Guard while 

your soldier is deployed in a war zone. Because in your heart, you know that that phone 

call is for one of three reasons: Your soldier is missing in action; has been killed, or has 

been severely wounded. On November 10, 2006, I received such a phone call. 

My son, Sergeant Ryan Major, was critically wounded as a result of an improvised 

explosive device while on a mission with his unit in Ramadi. As a result of the blast, 

Ryan sustained multiple massive injuries to include the amputation of both his legs; both 

arms were broken with multiple fractures and burns; fingers amputated off of each hand; 

severe right pelvic fracture with fragmentation into his abdomen; extensive abdominal 

wounds and a traumatic brain injury. For the first two months after Ryan’s injuries we 

were not certain if he would survive. He was in a coma fighting for his life. He was 

battling serious infections, and underwent surgeries daily. 

Once we crossed those bridges, and it was very likely that he would survive, I 

started to plan for his return home. The surgeons told me that he would be in a 

wheelchair, and because of the wheelchair I knew that major structural changes were 

necessary to accommodate him at home. Two separate architects came out and examined 

our home, and they both determined that he needed an elevator, a stair-lift wasn’t 

feasible. We know that the VA provides a housing grant for severely injured soldiers. In 

2006 it was for $50,000. Presently it’s at $60,000. For the modifications that we needed 

to our home, it wasn’t enough money. The grant would have only covered the elevator, 

which would have gotten Ryan into the main level of the house. As you can imagine, this 

was a very stressful time for me. I didn’t know where the money would come from to pay 

for this project. 

I contacted numerous nonprofit organizations for assistance, but only one responded 

to my call and called me back, Rebuilding Together. And immediately they committed to 

the project. This was a pivotal moment in my life, because it provided me with my first 

glimmer of hope of bringing my soldier home. The renovations that were done by 

Rebuilding Together to our home included an elevator; the conversion of our first floor 

family room into Ryan’s bedroom with an accessible bathroom; a new deck addition; a 

new separate air conditioning and heating system for his bedroom, and the in ground 

generator. The value of these renovations is estimated at $150,000, which thanks to 

Rebuilding Together didn’t cost our family anything. 

I have so many blessing to be thankful for. Firstly to God above for saving my son 

against enormous odds, and for bringing so many caring people into our lives. Ryan’s 

quest for a more productive life has been made possible because of the generosity, 

compassion, and efforts of many individuals and nonprofit organizations. I am reminded 
Proceedings of Thursday, August 27, 2009

176

of an ancient African proverb, “That it takes a village to raise a child,” because it takes a 

community to bring a soldier home. 

Thanks to all the support that we have received, Ryan is embracing his challenges 

and is moving forward with his life. This past year he completed both the New York 

Marathon and the Boston Marathon on a hand crank bike. He skied in Aspen, Colorado; 

he kayaked on a Colorado River, and presently he is driving his own car. 

Since 1988, Rebuilding Together has been committed to preserving homeownership 

for low income homeowners across the country. Once the Global War on Terror began, it 

recognized the tremendous needs of returning injured veterans who needed significant 

home modifications and renovations before they could return home. Rebuilding Together 

further realized that veterans of past wars needed home modifications so that they could 

stay and live in their own homes. So it established a veterans housing program in 

response to the specific housing needs of all disabled veterans. 

The veterans housing program seeks to address the needs of veterans at no cost to 

the veteran or the homeowner. I am so proud to say that two weeks ago we moved our 

500th veteran and his family into their new accessible home at no cost to those 

homeowners. These five hundred projects were accomplished by hundreds of volunteers 

who worked thousands of hours. Through this program, Rebuilding Together has 

installed ramps; repaired and replaced roofs; installed accessible bathrooms; widened 

doorways; installed grab bars; added new additions; renovated kitchens; tore down and 

rebuilt portions of dilapidated houses; replaced heating units and updating plumbing and 

electrical fixtures, bringing those homes up to code. Additionally, something I’m very 

proud of, that earlier this year, Rebuilding Together Veterans Housing Program 

completed nearly $200,000 in renovations to the Eddie Beard Veterans Homeless Shelter

in Chicago, Illinois, which serves hundreds of veterans every year. 

Together, you built this country into the strongest nation on earth. Together, you 

spread a sense of pride, fostered by The American Legion across every state. And 

together, you preserve the American dream for military families in your communities by 

ensuring that their earned veterans benefits were awarded for their services rendered. It is 

with that knowledge that Legionnaires not only served this country on foreign soil, but

then came home and served their communities all across this nation, and that in some 

places the Legion post is the center of town. I hope that together we can unite and rebuild 

the dreams of disabled veterans in the communities that you already serve. Together we 

can guarantee your fellow disabled veterans and neighbors that they can have a home that 

they can live in safely, and function in independently. 

The majority of you in this room come from American Legion posts from around the 

country. I understand that your resources are few, your finances are limited, but it is your 

passion in your heart that drives this phenomenal organization, which is why I believe 

that at the community level we can team up and improve the living conditions for so 

many of our nation’s disabled veterans.

So what is it that I’m asking you to do? Through organizing volunteers and 

fundraising, each post can sponsor a veteran’s house in their community, and have it 

adapted to the specific needs the veteran requires to live independently and to become an 

active lifetime member of The American Legion. Through a designated American Legion 

veterans housing fund, each project, and we do hope that there will be many, will be 

branded as The American Legion build, and will receive local recognition in newspapers, 
Proceedings of Thursday, August 27, 2009

177

television, and radio broadcasts. Imagine for a second, hundreds of American Legion 

builds across this country for our veterans. 

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my experience with bringing my 

soldier home. Please join me in helping Rebuilding Together to bring the many other 

soldiers home. On behalf of Rebuilding Together, I want to say to all of you, thank you. 

Please visit rebuildingtogether.org for more information. My colleague, Susan Hawfield

and I will be available during the break and during the lunch hour to answer all of your 

questions. Please now turn your attention to the screen for a short video. (Applause)

...At this time the delegates viewed a video. 

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: The Chair now recognizes Michael Helm 

of the Department of Nebraska, chairman of the Convention Committee on Foreign 

Relations for the purpose of making a report. 

Report: Convention Committee on Foreign Relations

Michael D. Helm, Nebraska, Chairman

At 8:30 a.m. Sunday, August 24, 2009, 39 delegates and alternates assigned to the 

Convention Committee on Foreign Relations met in the Kentucky International 

Convention Center, Louisville, Kentucky. Mr. Michael D. Helm (NE) was elected 

Chairman and Melvin “Doc” Simon was appointed Secretary. 

At this meeting, motions were approved authorizing the committee chairman and 

secretary to make technical corrections to the resolutions reported out of the committee to 

ensure proper wording and form without changing the substance or meaning of the 

resolutions and to sign the report on behalf of the delegates. A total of 13 resolutions 

were assigned to the Convention Committee on Foreign Relations. Following this initial 

meeting an Ad Hoc Administration Convention Committee met in room 209, Level 2,

Kentucky International Convention Center to consider the resolutions that had been 

assigned to the Convention Committee on Foreign Relations. The following were 

appointed Chairman and Secretary: Foreign Policy: Chairman Michael D. Helm 

(Nebraska) Secretary Melvin “Doc” Simon (Vermont).

The Ad Hoc Committee report contains resolutions that will, in conjunction with 

resolutions previously adopted, provide and an effective viable foreign relations program 

for the American Legion. This program will fully support a strong dynamic US Foreign 

policy to promote democracy around the world and discharge America’s responsibility as 

leader of the free world in the continuing struggle to defend and promote liberty. 

General Foreign Policy

Approved

Resolution No. 20: Support for Increased Personnel and Funding

Origin: New Jersey 

Submitted by: Convention Committee on Foreign Relations

(Consolidated with Resolution No. 93 (NE))

(As amended)
Proceedings of Thursday, August 27, 2009

178

WHEREAS, The American Legion has long been committed to achieving the fullest 

possible accounting for U.S. personnel still held captive, missing and unaccounted for 

from all of our nation’s wars; and

WHEREAS, Personnel and funding for the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command 

(JPAC) have not been increased at a level commensurate with the expanded requirement 

to obtain answers on Americans unaccounted for from the Vietnam War and earlier wars 

and conflicts; and

WHEREAS, It is the responsibility of the U.S. Government to account as fully as 

possible for America’s missing Veterans, including—if confirmed deceased—the 

recovery of their remains when possible; and

WHEREAS, The U.S. Congress has a duty and obligation to appropriate funds 

necessary for all government agencies involved in carrying out strategies, programs and 

operations to solve this issue and obtain answers for the POW/MIA families and our 

nation’s veterans; and

WHEREAS, This accounting effort should not be considered complete until all 

reasonable actions have been taken to achieve the fullest possible accounting; now, 

therefore, be it

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled at 

Louisville, Kentucky, August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That we remain steadfast in our 

commitment to the goal of achieving the fullest possible accounting for all U.S. 

military and designated civilian personnel missing from our nation’s wars; and, be 

it finally

RESOLVED, That The American Legion call upon Congress to support 

personnel increases and full funding for the efforts of the Joint POW/MIA 

Accounting Command, the Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office, the Life 

Sciences Equipment Laboratory, the Armed Forces DNA Laboratory, including 

specific authorization to augment assigned personnel when additional assets and 

resources are necessary.

Resolution No. 21: U.S. Navy Construction Project for POW/MIA

Origin: New Jersey

Submitted by: Convention Committee on Foreign Relations

WHEREAS, The American Legion has long been deeply committed to achieving the 

fullest possible accounting for U.S. personnel still held captive, missing and unaccounted 

for from all of our nation’s wars; and

WHEREAS, It is the responsibility of the U.S. Government to account as fully as 

possible for America’s missing veterans, including—if confirmed deceased—the 

recovery and identification of their remains when possible; and

WHEREAS, The headquarters and laboratory facilities currently utilized by the 

Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) at Hickam AFB, Hawaii, are inadequate 

to handle existing requirements, now including the mission to recover and identify all 

possible US personnel unaccounted for from the Vietnam War and earlier wars and 

conflicts; and

WHEREAS, The American Legion believes it imperative to retain the current 

structure of JPAC as a Command under US Pacific Command in which the Central 

Identification Laboratory is an integral part, not to again be separated; and
Proceedings of Thursday, August 27, 2009

179

WHEREAS, The U.S. Congress has a duty and obligation to appropriate funds 

necessary for carrying out all relevant tasks to solve this issue and obtain answers for the 

POW/MIA families and our nation’s veterans; and

WHEREAS, This accounting effort must be expedited and must not be considered 

complete until all reasonable actions have been taken to achieve the fullest possible 

accounting; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, In National Convention assembled at Louisville, Kentucky, 

August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That The American Legion support and commend Admiral 

Timothy Keating, Commander, US Pacific Command, for his commitment to 

construction of a new JPAC headquarters, including a state-of-the-art laboratory, 

no later than FY 11, to be completed in FY 12; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That The American Legion urge the US Congress to fully fund 

this US Navy military construction project to ensure that those who serve our 

nation—past, present and future—are returned and accounted for as fully as 

possible; and, be it finally

 RESOLVED, That The American Legion renew its longstanding commitment 

to the goal of achieving the fullest possible accounting for all U.S. military and 

designated civilian personnel missing from our nation’s wars. 

Resolution No. 33: Support Secure Borders and War Against Drugs

Origin: Idaho

Submitted by: Convention Committee on Foreign Relations

(As amended)

WHEREAS, The borders that separate the United States, Canada and Mexico are

relatively open; and

WHEREAS, There is rising concerns among US Officials about the deteriorating 

security situation which allows significant smuggling of drugs, illegal immigrants and 

other contraband across our borders; and

WHEREAS, The violence on the Mexican border has caused a change in smuggling 

from that area to other parts of our borders such as Canada and our sea coast; and

WHEREAS, The Mexican government while attempting to control the problem is 

not able to counter the cartels due to being out-manned and out-gunned; and

WHEREAS, The United States has the capability to provide assistance to the 

Mexican government that would allow them to reestablish control and eliminate the drug 

cartels; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention in Louisville, 

Kentucky, August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That The American Legion support the 

President’s and Congress’s efforts to provide assistance and aid to the Canadian 

and Mexican governments to secure the borders separating the United States, 

Canada, and Mexico from trafficking illegal drugs across those borders.

Resolution No. 55: POW/MIA Flag Flying

Origin: California

Submitted by: Convention Committee on Foreign Relations

(As amended)

WHEREAS, The American Legion, on September 1, 1966, formed a special group 

to take the lead on the POW/MIA issue; and
Proceedings of Thursday, August 27, 2009

180

WHEREAS, In 1982, the POW/MIA Flag became the only flag other than Stars and 

Stripes to fly over the White House in Washington D.C.; and

WHEREAS, On August 10, 1990, Congress passed U.S. Public Law 101-355,

designating the POW/MIA Flag: “The symbol of our Nation’s concern and commitment 

to resolving as fully as possible the fates of Americans still prisoners, missing and 

unaccounted for in Southeast Asia”; and

WHEREAS, Congress designated the third Friday of September as National 

POW/MIA Recognition Day and ordered prominent display of the POW/MIA Flag on 

this day and five other national observances; and

WHEREAS, The 1998 Defense Authorization Act (Public Law 105-85) mandates 

that on the POW/MIA Recognition Day and on five other National observances the 

POW/MIA flag is to be flown over the White House, the U.S. Capital, the Korean and 

Vietnam Veterans War Memorials, V.A. Medical Centers and National Cemeteries, and 

every U.S. Post Office; and

WHEREAS, The American Legion’s prime purpose is to keep the POW/MIA issue 

at the forefront of the American people until all POW/MIA’s are accounted for; and

WHEREAS, It is important that this resolution come before the 2009 National 

Convention assembled in Louisville, Kentucky, prior to the official POW/MIA 

Recognition Day and any further delay would take another two years for implementation;

now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville, Kentucky, August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That the POW/MIA flag should be 

flown, when possible, at all National American Legion Conventions.

Resolution No. 118: Support Environmental Treaty

Origin: Convention Committee on Foreign Relations

Submitted by: Convention Committee on Foreign Relations

(As amended)

WHEREAS, In May 2001, the White House asked the National Academy of 

Sciences (NAS) to conduct research on climate change.; and

WHEREAS, NAS immediately responded, “Changes observed over the last several 

decades are likely mostly due to human activities”; and

WHEREAS, In 2008, NAS followed up its initial report with this statement, 

“Additional evidence collected over the past several years has increased confidence in 

this conclusion”; and

WHEREAS, The American Association of Petroleum Geologists do not support the 

idea that there is a link between climate change and human activity; and

WHEREAS, The following scientific organizations support the theory that the 

burning of fossil fuels are contributing to climate change/global warming: The National 

Academy of Sciences; The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); American Institute 

of Physics; American Chemical Society; and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 

(IPCC); and 

WHEREAS, Surface warming from the greenhouse effect is weaker in the southern 

hemisphere than in the northern hemisphere; consequently, the North Pole has warmed 

dramatically, even as the South Pole has experienced a small cooling trend due to 

stronger stratospheric ozone depletion in Antarctica, i.e. this is the reason why the term 

climate change has replaced global warming; and
Proceedings of Thursday, August 27, 2009

181

WHEREAS, IPCC estimates that the combined effects of ice melting and sea-water 

expansion from ocean warming are projected to cause the global mean sea-level to rise 

between 0.1 and 0.9 meters in the next 100 years; potentially causing the displacement of 

millions of people resulting in a huge refugee problem affecting countries worldwide 

along with negatively impacting water resources, agriculture, ecosystems and human 

health are also likely if fossil fuel trends remain unchanged; and 

WHEREAS, A major company producing fossil fuels has gone on record stating, 

“The risks to society from increases in CO2 emissions could prove to be significant; it is 

prudent to develop and implement strategies that address the risks”; and 

WHEREAS, The United States needs to take the lead in this effort if China and 

India are expected to be involved; and

WHEREAS, The United States refusal to ratify international environmental treaties, 

such as the Kyoto Protocol, has negatively impacted U.S. Foreign Relations; especially 

with the countries of the European Union and other developed nations; and

WHEREAS, The United States based its refusal of the Kyoto Protocol on 

inconsistent provisions within the protocol that unfairly burdened the United States with 

stricter prohibitions than other developed nations including China, Russia, and India; and

WHEREAS, A world operating on different sets of rules and costs associated with 

carbon dioxide emissions could have disruptive implications for trade, security, 

competitiveness and U.S. economic growth; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville, Kentucky, August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That The American Legion urges the 

President and Congress to establish a worldwide plan to significantly reduce 

carbon-based emissions using a model similar to the Montreal Protocol of 1988

which 191 countries, including the United States, agreed to limit the harmful 

production of chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) to include equal standards and 

enforcement applying to all participating countries; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That The American Legion urges the President and the Congress 

to reduce demand for fossil fuels through improved efficiency, diversified energy 

suppliers and fuel choices, and manage geopolitics in resource-rich areas that 

currently account for the majority of the United States’ fuel imports; and, be it

finally

RESOLVED, That The American Legion urges the President and the Congress 

to take the lead within the international community to establish common principals 

for energy security and sustainability.

Resolution No. 120: “Smart Power” Support

Origin: Convention Committee on Foreign Relations

Submitted by: Convention Committee on Foreign Relations

(As amended)

WHEREAS, “Smart Power” is a term in international relations defined as “the 

ability to combine Hard Power (military and economic) and Soft Power (foreign aid and 

human rights promotion)”; and

WHEREAS, “Smart Power” involves the strategic use of diplomacy, persuasion, 

capacity building, and the projection of power and influence in ways that are costeffective and have political and social legitimacy—essentially the engagement of both 

military force and all forms of diplomacy including United States foreign operations, 
Proceedings of Thursday, August 27, 2009

182

such as judicial assistance, legal aid, security, law and order, education, economic 

advisement, engineering, infrastructure development, environmental training, and 

agricultural programs; and

WHEREAS, These coordinated efforts are aimed to leverage actions contributing to 

improving the capacity for a focused and results-oriented diplomatic United States 

strategy; and

WHEREAS, The American Legion is dedicated to promoting peace and good will 

on earth; and

WHEREAS, The American Legion is dedicated to safe guarding the principles of 

justice, freedom, and democracy; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville, Kentucky, August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That The American Legion urges the 

President and Congress to continue to pursue “Smart Power” strategy concerning 

foreign policy and international programs for the purpose of protecting United 

States national interests and internationally improving its strategic posture; and, be 

it finally 

RESOLVED, That The American Legion applauds the President and the 

Congress for modifying foreign policy by returning to an emphasis on strengthening 

established alliances and cultivating new allies with the aim of improving security 

and defense of the United States and free societies around the world.

Resolution No. 121: Expand Foreign Service Officer Corps

Origin: Convention Committee on Foreign Relations

Submitted by: Convention Committee on Foreign Relations

(As amended)

WHEREAS, Foreign Service Officers have the mission to assist developing 

countries in the national interest of the United States; and

WHEREAS, The American Legion maintains fervent support for the appropriate 

resources to promote and protect U.S. vital national interests world-wide; and 

WHEREAS, Foreign Service Officers remain as the primary force in bringing 

foreign policy objectives to fruition by act as the essential link between strategic interests 

and U.S. Aid and International Development programs that achieve those interests; and

WHEREAS, in the current climate of international relations and the importance of 

reconstruction following U.S. combat operations, the Foreign Service Officer Corps 

needs to be increased to meet the ever growing challenges against American vital 

interests; and 

WHEREAS, Due to the fact that the work of the Foreign Service Officer Corps 

often takes place in hostile and desolate environments, qualified military veterans should 

be given veterans’ preference in the staffing of such positions; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville, Kentucky, August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That The American Legion urges the 

President, Congress, and the Department of State to significantly increase the 

number of Foreign Service Officers in its ranks; and, be it finally

RESOLVED, That The American Legion urges the President, Congress, and 

the Department of State to implement a veterans’ preference policy with the aim of 

recruiting more veterans into the Foreign Officer Corps whose experience may be 

an essential enhancement of the nation’s diplomatic mission.
Proceedings of Thursday, August 27, 2009

183

Far Eastern and Asian Affairs

Approved

Resolution No. 3: Taiwan Straits Dialogue

Origin: Alaska

Submitted by: Convention Committee on Foreign Relations

(As amended)

WHEREAS, The Republic of China is a long-time ally, friend, and a major trading 

partner of The United States of America; and

WHEREAS, The Republic of China, has closely cooperated with the United States 

against Japanese Imperialism during the World War II and in the fight against 

Communism during the Cold War; and

WHEREAS, It is in the best interest of all parties on both sides of the Taiwan Strait 

to promote peaceful resolutions of political differences; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, By The American Legion, in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville, Kentucky, August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That the United States Government 

encourages the parties on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, the peoples’ Republic of 

China (PRC) and the Republic of China (Taiwan) to engage in peaceful dialogue 

and avoid any actions by either side to change the status quo, which would lead to

military conflict.

Received and Recorded

Resolution No. 22 (NJ): Use of United States Naval Vessels for POW/MIA 

Accounting Efforts in Vietnam

Referred to the Standing Commission on Foreign Relations

Resolution No. 119: The American Legion’s Policy on the United Nation

Rejected

Resolution No. 32 (ID): Off-Shore Limits

Resolution No. 34 (ID): Mexican Border and War on Drugs

COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN HELM: Mr. Commander, as a delegate to this 

Convention from the Department of Nebraska, I move the adoption of this entire report.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: You’ve heard the motion is there a 

second? ...Second. Discussion? All those in favor vote by the normal sign of aye. 

Opposed? The motion is carried. The report of Foreign Relations is adopted.

Following the next report we will be receiving donations for Operation Comfort 

Warriors. Those departments and individuals that have donations to make, if they would 

begin assembling behind the stage that would expedite the process. The Chair recognizes 

Fang Wong of the Department of New York, chairman of the National Convention 

Committee on National Security, for the purpose of making a report. 
Proceedings of Thursday, August 27, 2009

184

Report: Convention Committee on National Security

Fang A. Wong, New York, Chairman

At 9:00 a.m., Sunday, August 23, 2009, 235 delegates and alternates assigned to the 

Convention Committee on National Security met initially in Rooms 210-211, Second 

Level, at the Kentucky International Convention Center. Mr. Fang A. Wong (NY) was 

elected Chairman and Mr. Edward L. Mallicoat (NY) was appointed Secretary.

General Security Ad Hoc

Douglas C. Haggan, France, Chairman

Leroy Thorton, Maryland, Secretary

Law and Order

George E. Wehrli, Florida, Chairman

Harvey Daggett, Connecticut, Secretary

Conservation of Natural Resources

E. C. Toppin, North Carolina, Chairman

William Mack, New Jersey, Secretary

Merchant Marine

Chuck Moreland, Florida, Chairman

Charles Powell, Virginia, Secretary

Aerospace

Michael E. Harris, Virginia, Chairman

Cliff Griffiths, New Jersey, Secretary

Military Affairs

Leo F. Malloy, Massachusetts, Chairman

Marie Rhyne, Virginia, Secretary

Homeland Security and

Civil Preparedness

Charles E. Kruger, Minnesota, Chairman

Larry Eary, Texas, Secretary

Naval Affairs

William B. Goede, Minnesota, Chairman

James Casey, New York, Secretary

At 11:30 a.m., Sunday, August 23, 2009, the delegates and alternates assigned to the 

Convention Committee on National Security reconvened in Rooms 210-211, Second 

Level, at the Kentucky International Convention Center. Reports of all Convention 

Committees were read and their recommended actions on resolutions considered. A total 

of 22 resolutions were assigned to the Convention Committee on National Security or 

prepared by the Committee to meet problems which were held to be of concern to The 

American Legion and germane to its principles and objectives. The Convention 

Committee authorized the Chairman and Secretary to sign the report of the Convention 

Committee on National Security on behalf of its delegates and make technical corrections 

to the resolutions reported out of the Committee.

At 11:50 a.m., Tuesday, August 25, 2009, in the Conference Theater, First Level, at 

the Kentucky International Convention Center, delegates assigned to the Convention 

Committee on National Security reconvened to reconsider the disposition of Resolution 

113 “Designation of National World War I Memorial”. A quorum being present, the 

Convention Committee adopted a different disposition for the resolution.
Proceedings of Thursday, August 27, 2009

185

General Security Ad Hoc Committee

Douglas C. Haggan, France, Chairman

Approved

Resolution No. 41: Support for Armed Forces Blood Donor Program and Blood 

Drives

Origin: Ohio

Submitted by: Convention Committee on National Security

WHEREAS, The Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP) is the Department of 

Defense’s exclusive blood collection agency; and

WHEREAS, The ASBP is the only organization that collects and supplies blood and 

blood products for the men and women of our Armed Forces; and

WHEREAS, Since its founding in 1919 The American Legion has had a history of 

supporting our troops through one of our four pillars, National Security; and

WHEREAS, In 2007 the Department of Defense changed its 55-year old policy of 

allowing only active duty military, dependents, and federal workers on a base to donate to 

the program; and

WHEREAS, The Department of Defense now allows civilians to donate in an ASBP 

blood drive as well; now, therefore, be it 

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville, Kentucky, August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That the American Legion declare its 

full support of the Armed Services Blood Program; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the American Legion encourage all Posts and Departments 

to organize and sponsor ASBP blood drives when and where possible; and, be it 

finally

RESOLVED, That all members of The American Legion be encouraged to 

donate blood, volunteer at ASBP blood drives, or simply watch a friend’s children 

so they can donate.

Resolution No. 50: Full Funding for the Military

Origin: Maryland

Submitted by: Convention Committee on National Security

(As amended) 

WHEREAS, A major American Legion goal has been to sustain future years’ 

defense budgets at levels required to meet missions and readiness needs; and

WHEREAS, In the past 60 years, defense budgets have averaged 5.7 percent of 

Gross Domestic Product in peacetime years alone; The American Legion strongly agrees 

with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who had indicated that continuing planned

military manpower increases, replacing and upgrading weapons and equipment worn out 

by years of war, and treating the military and veterans fairly will require budgets of at 

least 4 percent of GDP whether troop levels in Iraq significantly decline or not; now, 

therefore, be it

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville, Kentucky, August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That The American Legion continue

to urge Congress to fully fund our Armed Forces and to resist any peace dividend 

proposals to divert essential funds from defense programs to meet other needs or 
Proceedings of Thursday, August 27, 2009

186

any initiative aimed at reducing essential manpower growth, or essential weapons 

program or upgrades.

Resolution No. 52: Defense Against Electromagnetic Pulse Attack

Origin: Maryland

Submitted by: Convention Committee on National Security 

WHEREAS, In defiance of the United States and international community, both 

North Korea and Iran conducted tests for missiles capable of delivering nuclear warheads 

in April and May of this year respectively; and

WHEREAS, President Obama’s proposed 2010 defense budget cuts missile defense 

by $1.2 billion in missile defense and does not provide for any funds for the European 

missile defense shield that could provide an added layer of protection to the U.S. from 

potential enemy missiles; and

WHEREAS, Islamic violent extremists and rogue nations continue to plot against 

the West and seek to destroy the U.S.; and 

WHEREAS, The Congressionally sanctioned Commission to Assess the Threat to 

the U.S. from Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) has clearly defined the vulnerabilities in 

America’s homeland defense posture to include potential catastrophic damage to U.S. 

infrastructure, telecommunications, banking, energy, transportation, food, water, 

emergency services, space systems and government agencies; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville, Kentucky, August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That The American Legion urges the 

United States Government to fully fund, develop, and deploy a national ballistic 

missile defense system designed to intercept EMP attacks; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That The American Legion urges the United States Government 

to swiftly commission the further development and installation of electronic 

equipment and components resistant to EMP to quickly provide significant 

protection and limit damage to high-value generation and transmission assets as 

well as emergency generation and re-start capability; and, be it finally

RESOLVED, That The American Legion urges the United States Government 

to expeditiously develop an EMP response plan to include necessary back-up

systems and corresponding supply of electronic parts and equipment vital to a 

successful American defense and response of in the event of such an attack in 

accordance with the 2008 report published by the Commission to Assess the Threat 

to the U.S. from Electromagnetic Pulse. 

Resolution No. 60: Reconsideration of Closing Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility 

Origin: New York

Submitted by: Convention Committee on National Security 

WHEREAS, The Guantanamo Detention facility is vital to the security of our 

Country and its citizens and should remain open in order to house enemy combatants that 

are charged with terrorists activities; and

WHEREAS, These enemy combatants must not be relocated or transferred to any 

detention facility or prison on the mainland of the United States; and

WHEREAS, The closing of Guantanamo Bay could mean releasing deadly Islamic 

terrorist overseas who could continue in their attempt to destroy America and its citizens; 

and
Proceedings of Thursday, August 27, 2009

187

WHEREAS, A recent visit to the detention facility in Cuba by six (6) members of 

the House of Representatives reported the enemy combatants are being treated well and 

in compliance with the Geneva Conventions; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville, Kentucky, August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That, in-as-much-as we are at war 

with Islamic terrorism and the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay is a major 

front in that war, we hereby call upon President Obama to reverse his decision to 

close the Guantanamo Bay facility in Cuba; and, be it finally

RESOLVED, That we recommend and encourage all citizens of the United 

States to contact President Obama and their Congressional Representatives 

requesting that President Obama reconsider his previous decision.

Received and Recorded

Resolution No. 70 (MA): Support for Blood Banks

 

Rejected

Resolution No. 59 (NY): The American Legion Support for the CIA in the Global 

War on Terror

Conservation of Natural Resources

E.C. Toppin, South Carolina, Chairman

Approved

Resolution No. 112: Enhancing Energy Security by Encouraging the Use of All 

North American Energy Resources

Origin: Convention Committee on National Security 

Submitted by: Convention Committee on National Security

WHEREAS, North America has abundant supplies of oil and natural gas both 

onshore and offshore; and

WHEREAS, While energy demand will continue to increase in the coming decades, 

the Federal government should encourage the use of all forms of energy as it continues to 

construct the framework of America’s energy future; and 

WHEREAS, Barriers and disincentives to energy production such as punitive taxes, 

moratoria of production on Federal lands, and repealing oil and gas leases only leads to 

increased reliance on foreign supplies; and

WHEREAS, Canada is the largest foreign supplier of energy to the United States, 

including 20% of U.S. oil imports; and

WHEREAS, Oil derived from Canadian oil sands now comprises more than 10% of 

all oil imported by the United States and projected increases in production from this 

source would greatly enhance North America’s energy security; and

WHEREAS, Section 526 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 

attempts to prohibit U.S. federal agencies from purchasing liquid transportation fuels that 

are derived from the oil sands resources of Canada; and 

WHEREAS, Such a prohibition will reduce the supply of liquid fuels readily 

accessible to the United States at a time when America’s domestic sources of petroleum 
Proceedings of Thursday, August 27, 2009

188

are in decline and when America’s imports from unreliable foreign sources have 

increased; and 

WHEREAS, The U.S. military, now engaged in two wars, is the largest single 

purchaser of transportation fuels in the country; and

WHEREAS, The U.S. military and federal government agencies have difficulty 

complying with the regulation due to the lack of the means for determining the content of 

the fuels they purchase; and

WHEREAS, Section 526 contradicts and conflicts with Section 369 of the Energy 

Policy Act of 2005, which identifies oil sands as important strategic resources, mandates 

their development in an environmentally responsible manner in collaboration with the 

governments of Canada and Alberta, and directs the U.S. Department of Defense to 

support such a development program with long-term purchase contracts; now, therefore, 

be it 

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville Kentucky, August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That Section 526 of the “Energy 

Independence and Security Act of 2007” should be repealed and that the prohibition 

on the use of oil sands-derived petroleum products by federal agencies should be 

rescinded.

Aerospace Committee

Michael E. Harris, Virginia, Chairman

Approved

Resolution No. 23: Nuclear Warhead Modernization

Origin: Montana

Submitted by: Convention Committee on National Security

WHEREAS, The need for viable nuclear deterrent capability gained new recognition 

during the events of 2008 with the concentration of nuclear capable bombers and ICBMs 

in the new Global Strike Command which will allow dedicated attention to the nuclear 

mission; and

WHEREAS, The changes to top USAF leadership dictated by the Department of 

Defense clearly reemphasized the importance of nuclear deterrence to our nation’s 

strategic planning and recognized that nuclear capabilities have been allowed to erode 

resulting in an increased level of risk; and

WHEREAS, The Secretary of Defense has confirmed that the USAF and USN will 

provide the main strategic deterrent in the years ahead; and

WHEREAS, The Secretary of Defense has stated in his article “A BALANCED 

STRATEGY,” printed in Foreign Affairs of January and February 2009 that “Congress 

needs to do its part by funding the Reliable Replacement Warhead Program for safety, for 

security and for a more reliable deterrent”; and

WHEREAS, Recognition of the nuclear deterrent requirement is in fact recognition 

of the significance to our national defense of a resurgent Russia, growing Chinese 

military capability, immanent Iranian nuclear arsenal, North Korean nuclear program, 

potential for nuclear proliferation and possible terrorist access to such weapons; and

WHEREAS, Inherent is this recent acceptance of the need for nuclear deterrence is 

the recognition of a need for provision of reliable and modern means of implementation; 

and
Proceedings of Thursday, August 27, 2009

189

WHEREAS, Due to the moratorium signed in 1992 it has been nearly 20 years since 

the United States designed or manufactured a nuclear warhead or conducted an 

underground test which suspension has resulted in decay of our production capability and 

loss in the scientific community of nuclear warhead experience; and

WHEREAS, There is concern which will increase with the passing years over the 

reliability of our nuclear warheads while the warheads age and are subjected to 

accumulated untested changes; as stated by Gen Kevin Chilton, Commander of United 

States Strategic Command, “we need a modernized nuclear warhead that has high 

reliability, safety, and security features that are improved over what we currently have 

and maintainability of design—which we absolutely do not have today”; and

WHEREAS, Reliability issues due to design and testing failure and budget restraints 

are not unheard of in history as our World War II experience with submarine torpedo 

failure in the early war years which rendered the USN submarine ineffective, or the more 

recent grounding of our F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft due to structure failure across the 

across the fleet; and

WHEREAS, Design and production of the proposed Reliable Replacement Warhead 

would result in a reduction in the number of warheads in the stockpile, a means of 

meeting the Moscow Treaty goals of 1700 to 2200 while maintaining confidence in 

warhead reliability; and

WHEREAS, Proposals for design and production of a Reliable Replacement 

Warhead have been defeated by the influence of groups which hope to see the nuclear 

capability vanish from the world’s arsenals placing our strategic planners in the illogical 

and dangerous situation where the risks to the reliability of our nuclear arsenal continues 

to grow even while recognition of the need for nuclear deterrence is reaffirmed; now, 

therefore, be it

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville, Kentucky, August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That The American Legion advocate 

to the Senate and House of Representatives that hearings commence to resolve the 

apparent disconnect between the political desire to limit the possession of nuclear 

weapons and the strategic necessity of fielding a reliable, sustainable and secure 

arsenal of nuclear warheads; and, be it finally

RESOLVED, That subsequent arguments be conducted with a goal of avoiding 

the possibility of a family-wide failure of our deterrent weapons.

Homeland Security and Civil Preparedness Committee 

Charles E. Kruger, Minnesota, Chairman

Referred to the Standing Commission on National Security

Resolution No. 31 (ID): Financial Anti-Terrorism Law Enforcement 

Received and Recorded

Resolution No. 40 (OH): Post Certified Emergency Response Teams 
Proceedings of Thursday, August 27, 2009

190

Law and Order Committee

George E. Wehrli, Florida, Chairman

Received and Recorded

Resolution No. 82 (MI): Second Amendment

Merchant Marine Committee

Chuck Moreland, Florida, Chairman

No Resolutions

Military Affairs Committee

Leo F. Malloy, Massachusetts, Chairman

Approved

Resolution No. 86: Extend Stop Loss Bonus Payments

Origin: Connecticut

Submitted by: Convention Committee on National Security 

WHEREAS, The American Legion has been the premier veterans advocacy 

organization since its inception in 1919; and

WHEREAS, Such advocacy includes support of a well trained and capable military 

through coordination of funding measures that impact those members serving under 

authorizations in the United States Code Title 10; and

WHEREAS, Current protections and funding under the National Defense 

Authorization Act provides bonus payments in the amount of five hundred dollars per

month to those military personal who have been stop-lossed and retained on active duty 

by the United States government past their documented and contractual date of separation 

to meet the force requirements of the military; and

WHEREAS, Such bonus is authorized to those personnel serving under Title 10 

authority, to include the Reserve component of the armed forces, while excluding 

National Guard personnel similarly stop-lossed and retained on Title 32 USC 

authorization during periods of pre and post- deployment activity, resulting in a severe 

financial disparity for a number of months between those personnel on Title 32 orders 

and those Personnel on Title 10 orders; and

WHEREAS, An opportunity exists to correct said disparity through legislative 

action by the Congress of the United States amending the authorizing language in the 

National Defense Authorization Act; now, therefore, be it 

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville, Kentucky, August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That Congress be urged to amend and 

insert appropriate language in the National Defense Appropriations Act (NDAA) to 

extend stop loss bonus payments to those personnel retained under Title 32 orders. 
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191

Resolution No. 97: Selective Service Registration Program to Include Registration of 

Females

Origin: Illinois

Submitted by: Convention Committee on National Security

WHEREAS, The American Legion has given long-standing support to universal 

military training; and despite the success of the All-Volunteer Force, Selective Service 

registration continues to serve as our defense manpower insurance policy; and

WHEREAS, The American Legion affirmed their support by passing resolution No. 

112 at its annual convention in Phoenix, Arizona in 2008; and

WHEREAS, Of the current 23.8 million veterans alive today, 7.5% are female; and

WHEREAS, Females make up over 10% of the active duty forces in the United 

States, 9% in Britain, 12% in Australia and 19% in France; and

WHEREAS, The Department of Defense has recognized their value by opening a 

majority of Military Occupational Specialties (MOS’s) to them; and

WHEREAS, Each year we see an increase in female membership in the American 

Legion; and

WHEREAS, In the last several decades females have made great strides in obtaining 

equality with males in jobs, salaries, politics and other areas; and

WHEREAS, If a National Emergency arose females would be as willing as their 

male counterparts to serve their country; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville, Kentucky, August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That The American Legion shall 

sponsor and support legislation to change the Selective Service Registration 

Program to include registration of females between the ages of 18-25 years old.

Resolution No. 114: Improved Service for TRICARE Standard Beneficiaries

Origin: Convention Committee on National Security

Submitted by: Convention Committee on National Security

WHEREAS, Medical providers often refuse to accept new TRICARE Standard 

patients; and

WHEREAS, TRICARE is one of the lowest-paying insurance programs in America; 

and

WHEREAS, TRICARE payment rates are scheduled to decline further under current 

law (Medicare rates used), which will encourage more providers to not take on any new 

TRICARE patients; and

WHEREAS, TRICARE contractors (whose goal is to sign up providers for the 

HMO-style and TRICARE Prime at discounted rates) have little incentive to recruit 

TRICARE Standard providers; and

WHEREAS, TRICARE imposes more administrative obstacles for providers vs. 

other programs—especially for those with relatively few TRICARE patients and 

Command information program is not sufficient; and 

WHEREAS, TRICARE Standard imposes much higher retiree co-pays for inpatient 

care than civilian insurance plans (lesser of $535 per day or 25% of billed charges); and

WHEREAS, TRICARE provides little assistance to beneficiaries who are not 

enrolled in TRICARE’s HMO-style Prime program and who have trouble finding a 

TRICARE provider; and
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192

WHEREAS, TRICARE reviews and studies have not included enough input from 

lower ranking service members, family members, and survivor TRICARE beneficiaries; 

now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville, Kentucky, August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That The American Legion urges the 

U.S. Government and the Department of Defense offer incentives to private medical 

providers who accept TRICARE beneficiaries as patients; and, be it finally

RESOLVED, That studies and reviews of TRICARE be more inclusive of lower 

ranking service members, family members, and survivors in order that a truer 

picture of service be attained.

Resolution No. 115: Military Families and Modernizing the Family Readiness 

Group (FRG)

Origin: Convention Committee on National Security 

Submitted by: Convention Committee on National Security

WHEREAS, For the interest of clarity, this Resolution will refer to all DOD family 

support models as Family Readiness Groups (FRGs); and 

WHEREAS, The United States has been at war with either Afghanistan or Iraq or 

both since 2001; and

WHEREAS, The operational tempo required to fight in these overseas contingency 

operations has not only put tremendous burdens on our service members but also their 

families; and

WHEREAS, The American Legion supports military families; and

WHEREAS, In supporting military families, The American Legion has obtained a 

clear understanding that military families need more support; and 

WHEREAS, In supporting military families, The American Legion has also 

obtained a clear understanding that the current family military support models in the 

Army and the Navy are not meeting the needs of families; and 

WHEREAS, Consistent professionalism, accountability, and dependability are 

missing from the current volunteer-spouse system; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville, Kentucky, August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That The American Legion, increase 

its support for military families by actively reaching out to military families; and, be 

it further

RESOLVED, That The American Legion urge the Department of Defense 

(DOD) to make the necessary changes to the Family Readiness Group support 

model that increases professionalism, accountability, and dependability of all 

involved; and, be it finally

RESOLVED, That DOD consider the following suggestions to improve 

professionalism, accountability, and dependability in the FRG support model by:

x Establishing sufficient, qualified, paid civilian positions to manage and

supervise all FRGs; and that such persons be qualified in the areas of 

social work and psychology; and that they work in tandem with unit 

Officers and Noncommissioned Officers.

x Create a military operational specialty (MOS) to effectively develop the 

training and specific job requirements of rear detachment leaders who 

would work with their civilian counterparts and the military families; 
Proceedings of Thursday, August 27, 2009

193

and DOD create a detailed rating system for FRG supervisors and rear 

detachment leaders establishing accountability for their performance.

Resolution No. 116: Support for a Congressional Joint Committee on Military 

Health Care

Origin: Convention Committee on National Security

Submitted by: Convention Committee on National Security

WHEREAS, The Military Health System is designed to meet the health care needs 

of the members of the United States Armed Forces, in peacetime and wartime, around the 

world through the benefit program known as TRICARE; and 

WHEREAS, TRICARE is designed to meet the health care needs of all other 

military beneficiaries to include family members of active-duty service members; 

members of the Reserve components and their families; and retired military members and 

their family members who are not Medicare-eligible; and 

WHEREAS, TRICARE for Life is designed to meet the health care needs of military 

beneficiaries who are Medicare-eligible; and 

WHEREAS, The American Legion recognizes the debt owed to the entire military 

community for their sacrifices and hardships endured in honorable military service to this 

nation; and 

WHEREAS, Military careers have entailed unique and arduous service conditions 

few other Americans are willing to endure including hazardous duty: service in foreign 

countries (often in hostile environments); and extended family separations, just to 

mention a few; and

WHEREAS, TRICARE involves health care service via contracted services, 

currently in three regions with three different contractors and includes a prescription 

program; and 

WHEREAS, TRICARE reimbursement rates are directly linked to Medicare’s 

reimbursement rates; therefore, face the same challenges in securing health care 

professionals accepting new patients; and

WHEREAS, TRICARE for Life serves as a Medicare supplemental insurance policy 

which includes a prescription program; and

WHEREAS, Department of Defense (DOD) is concerned over the growing cost of 

personnel benefits to include TRICARE and TRICARE for Life; and 

WHEREAS, DOD has made several recommendations to change TRICARE with 

regards to increased premiums, copayments, and fees; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville Kentucky, August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That The American Legion urges 

Congress to establish a Congressional Joint Committee on Military Health Care to 

ensure diligent accountability of all funding matters, health care access, and quality 

matters relevant to all military health care beneficiaries.

Resolution No. 117: Support for the Uniformed Services University of the Health 

Sciences (USU)

Origin: Convention Committee on National Security

Submitted by: Convention Committee on National Security

WHEREAS, The American Legion has supported the Uniformed Services 

University of the Health Sciences (USU) since its establishment in 1972 as the Nation's 
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194

Federal Academic Health Center dedicated to providing uniquely educated and trained 

uniformed officers for the United States Army, Navy, Air Force and Public Health 

Service; and

WHEREAS, USU alumni are currently serving well over 20-year careers and thus 

providing continuity and leadership for the Military Health System (MHS) as physicians, 

advanced practice nurses and scientists; and

WHEREAS, The USU F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine has a year-round, 

four-year curriculum that is nearly 700 hours longer than found at other U.S. medical 

schools; and 

WHEREAS, These extra hours focus on epidemiology, health promotion, disease 

prevention, tropical medicine, leadership and field exercises; and 

WHEREAS, Doctoral and Master degrees in the biomedical sciences and public 

health are awarded by interdisciplinary and department-based graduate programs within 

the School of Medicine; and

WHEREAS, Programs include infectious disease, neuroscience, and preventive 

medicine research; and

WHEREAS, The USU Graduate School of Nursing (GSN) offers a Master of 

Science in Nursing degree in the following programs: Nurse Anesthesia; Nurse 

Practitioner; Clinical Nurse Specialist Perioperative; and Psychiatric Mental Health; and

WHEREAS, Since 2002, the GSN has provided a Ph.D. Program in Nursing 

Science; and

WHEREAS, The university's Offices of Continuing Education for Health 

Professionals and Graduate Medical Education are unique and extensive, serving and 

sustaining the professional and readiness requirements of the Defense Department's 

worldwide military health care community; and

WHEREAS, The university's nationally recognized military and civilian faculty 

conduct cutting edge research in the biomedical sciences and areas specific to the 

Defense Department's (DOD’s) health care mission such as combat casualty care, 

infectious diseases, post traumatic stress disorder, deployment psychology, neurological 

and regenerative medicine, prostate cancer and radiation biology; and 

WHEREAS, The university specializes in military and public health medicine, 

focusing on keeping people healthy, disease prevention, and diagnosis and treatment; and

WHEREAS, USU faculty offer significant expertise in tropical medicine and 

hygiene, parasitology, epidemiologic methods and preventive medicine; and

WHEREAS, The DOD and the United States Congress have recognized that the 

extensive military-unique and preventive health care education provided in the multiService environment of USU ensures Medical Readiness and Force Health Protection for 

the MHS; and

WHEREAS, USU is recognized as the place where students receive thorough 

preparation to deal with the medical aspects of weapons of mass destruction, including 

chemical, radiological and biological, nuclear and high yield explosive (CBRNE) 

terrorism and other catastrophe; and 

WHEREAS, USU has developed similar training for civilian first responders, 

medical professionals and emergency planners, the Congressionally-established National 

Center for Disaster Medicine and Public Health was placed at USU in Fiscal Year 2009; 

and
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195

WHEREAS, USU is also uniquely qualified and experienced in simulation 

technology, education and training; and

WHEREAS, USU, recognized by DoD as the Academic Health Center for the MHS, 

has graduated 4,387 uniformed physician officers who represent approximately onequarter of the total physicians on active duty in the Armed Forces and often referred to as 

the backbone of the MHS by the Office of the Secretary of Defense; and

WHEREAS, USU Graduate School of Nursing has conferred 424 Master of Science 

in Nursing Degrees to uniformed, critically required deployable advanced practice nurses 

and 11 Doctoral Degrees in Nursing Science who will serve as educators and scientists 

for military nursing; and

WHEREAS, USU has conferred 1,136 Master and Doctoral Degrees through its 

Graduate Education Programs in essential areas requested by the MHS; and

WHEREAS, With the establishment of the Walter Reed National Military Medical 

Center (WRNMMC) by the United States Congress to be designed and constructed as a 

“world-class medical facilities,” through close collaboration between the Armed Services 

Flag Officers and the USU President; USU’s fully accredited and acknowledged 

academic and research programs will augment the strategic efforts of the Joint Task 

Force at Bethesda, Maryland; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in 

Louisville, Kentucky, August 25, 26, 27, 2009, That The American Legion urges 

Congress to continue its demonstrated commitment to USU as a national asset for 

the continued provision of uniquely educated and trained uniformed physicians, 

advanced practice nurses, and scientists dedicated to careers of service in the Army, 

Navy, Air Force, and the United States Public Health Service; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That Congress support timely planning and construction at the 

USU campus during Fiscal Years 2010-2011 to augment the creation of a worldclass medical facilities; and, be it further 

RESOLVED, That Congress continue funding the University's collaborative 

efforts for sharing its CBRNE expertise and training; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That Congress support development of the USU Immersive, 

Wide Area Virtual Environment (WAVE) Simulation for CBRNE/WMD Medical 

Readiness Training; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That Congress provide continued support for the Defense 

Graduate Psychology Education Program; and, be it finally 

RESOLVED, That Congress encourage continued close collaboration between 

the Joint Task Force and USU with the university serving as the core academic 

health center.

Referred to the Standing Commission on National Security

Resolution No. 42 (OH): Support For Military Families In Year 2010

Resolution No. 49 (MD): Priorities for Military Health Care and Wounded Warrior 

Care

Resolution No. 56 (NY): Mandate Four Day Delivery Of All Military Absentee 

Ballots

Resolution No. 96 (IL): Disrespectful Exploitation Of Military Insignias
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196

Referred to the Standing Commission on Internal Affairs

Resolution No. 113: Designation of National World War I Memorial

Naval Affairs Committee

William B. Goede, Minnesota, Chairman

No Resolutions

Mr. Commander, National Officers, and Fellow Delegates. I am particularly pleased 

to announce the winners of the National Blood Donor Awards for this past year.

Awards: National Blood Donor

Category I—Departments with 100,000 or more members

Post Participation: Department of Florida

Individual Participation: Department of Ohio

Category II—70,000 to 99,999 members

Post & Individual Participation: Department of Wisconsin

Category III—40,000 to 69,999 members

Post & Individual Participation: Department of Georgia

Category IV—25,000 to 39,999 members 

Post & Individual Participation: Department of Washington

Category V—10,000 to 24,999 members 

Post & Individual Participation: Department of Montana

Category VI—less than 10,000 members

Post Participation: Department of Alaska

Individual Participation: Department of Hawaii

The results of the competition for the Paul H. Griffith ROTC Trophy are as follows:

Many of our Departments participated in the ROTC Awards Program this year. A 

total of almost 7,740 Medals were awarded to deserving cadets in Senior ROTC and 

Junior ROTC Units. The winning Departments for 2008-2009 are the Departments of 

Florida, Minnesota, Michigan, Montana, and Hawaii. This speaks well for these 

Departments and The American Legion in their recognition of the youth of America 

enrolled in ROTC programs. 

COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN WONG: Mr. Commander, this concludes the report of 

the Convention Committee on National Security. Sir, I would like to thank you on behalf 

of the commission and the committee for your leadership and guidance throughout the 

year, especially in the area of military family support and also your leadership into 

improving the TRICARE system and protecting our military’s medical health system. So, 

thank you for your support and God speed. 

Mr. Commander, as a duly elected delegate from the Department of New York, I 

move we adopt the Convention report.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: You’ve heard the motion is there a 

second? ...Second. Discussion? All those in favor vote by the normal sign of aye. 

Opposed? The motion is carried. The report of National Security is adopted.
Proceedings of Thursday, August 27, 2009

197

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: One of the great privileges of having 

served as your national commander this year was the opportunity to visit and to see and 

to witness the incredible spirit of the wounded warriors as we visited them in Landstuhl 

and at Walter Reed Medical Center and in the military hospitals around the country.

But there was a gap. There was a gap that needed to be filled. Just as Commander 

Morin saw a gap at Landstuhl, we saw a gap around the country and we created 

Operation Comfort Warriors to fill that gap, to provide those materials that they so badly 

needed. Individual materials like sweat suits and iPods and DVD players, things to help 

fill the empty hours, things to help comfort the wounded body, things to help repair the 

wounded spirit. We raised a great deal of money. I have monitored all the expenditures 

that have gone to those military hospitals. Believe me, they have gone to individual 

wounded warriors. They have improved their lives. But it’s not a project that is over, it’s 

a project that is ongoing. It’s a need that is ongoing. And at this point if we have 

departments or individuals that would like to make donations to Operation Comfort 

Warriors we would be very pleased to receive those donations. 

UNIDENTIFIED DELEGATE (IN): Mr. Commander, on behalf of the great State 

of Indiana and Auxiliary Unit 253 from North Webster, Indiana, I present to you this 

check for $5,000. This is in addition to $4,994 donated by the second district of the 

Department of Indiana, $1,333 from the SAL, for a grand total of $11,327 this year, 

commander.

UNIDENTIFIED DELEGATE (NY): Commander, we have two checks for the 

Operation Comfort Warriors. The first one from the Kimlau Post Number 1291 in New 

York City for $500, and then we have one from the Department of New York for $3,000.

UNIDENTIFIED DELEGATE (DE): Commander Rehbein, I would like to present 

you this check for $500 for the Operation Comfort Warriors from the Nanticoke Post 6, 

Seaford, Delaware.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: I want to thank everyone that has made a 

donation today. We will update you with the total, but we also had donations come into 

the booth throughout the Convention, and that total has not been tallied. So at some point 

before the adjournment I will update those numbers. 

And I would like very much if you would grant me the indulgence of calling a lady 

to the podium that has shared this year, worked at my side, supported me from home and 

on the road, and would you please join me in welcoming the First Lady of The American 

Legion, my wife, Ann. (Applause)

MRS. ANN REHBEIN: I would just like to thank everyone for all the support this 

year, and the love and outpouring of kindness that you have shown me, and I’m really 

glad that somebody is home to take care of the bat problem and the gutter problem, 

shovel the snow, mow the lawn, do the dishes.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: We’re going to draw a line in here—

MRS. ANN REHBEIN: But seriously, this has been a wonderful year for both of us, 

and I appreciate it very much. Thank you. (Applause)

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Most of our family that you met at last 

year’s Convention could not be here because of small children and school and all of the 

other conflicts that can develop, but I want you to know that they also thank you for what 

you have done this year. And I have a larger group of brothers and sisters, a group that 

supported the campaign, that worked the campaign, that have been a primary means of 

support throughout this year, a group of Legionnaires that finished this year, spent all 
Proceedings of Thursday, August 27, 2009

198

year in the top ten in the membership ranks and finished this year in the top ten, and 

that’s an accomplishment that I’m very proud of. And I would ask you if you would join 

me in thanking the members of the Legion family from the Department of Iowa. We have 

some on stage, we have others here in the audience. But, please, help me thank the 

Department of Iowa. (Applause)

And at this point I would ask the national vice commanders that have served this 

year to come forward. I want them to know how well they have represented the national 

organization as they have traveled through the past 12 months, because they visited many 

of your departments, they have been on your membership tours, they have been on some 

special events that I asked them to do. Every one of them, as they put on the cap of 

national vice commander, as they wore that hat this year, every one of them upheld the 

pride of The American Legion and helped fulfill that purpose. I have a small gift for each 

one of them that I hope they will each wear proudly for the rest of their service in The 

American Legion. There are less than 500 individuals in the entire history of this 

organization to be designated national vice commanders. That’s not a very large group. 

It’s a group that these five gentlemen can very proudly say I was one of them. 

And at this point I have a note here in the book that I need to turn the podium to 

National Vice Commander Simmons for a moment. 

A couple of quick announcements. Another donation to the Legacy Fund. We have 

here $500 from Post 178, Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. And Operation Comfort 

Warriors, the total at this Convention, donations on stage from the booth, $16,000 that 

will go to help a lot of great men and women. That brings us to a total since the first of 

December—we asked for $50,000, we now have received $190,000. Thank you. 

(Applause) Vice Commander Simmons.

NATIONAL VICE COMMANDER SIMMONS: Thank you, commander. 

Commander, if you recall, at the first NEC meeting I said you were a unique person. 

Well, it changed. You are a double unique person, and the five national vice commanders 

are proud to be serving with you this year. And what you did this year makes the 

American Legion organization proud as well. Sir, we know you’re ended with working, 

so we’ve got a little token of love for you. That’s from the five national vice 

commanders; from Randy, Larry and Chuck as well. You know what is in the envelope? 

There is more involved, too, sir.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Wow. This will go a long ways to helping 

me accumulate lots more toys. (Applause)

NATIONAL VICE COMMANDER SIMMONS: Yes, sir, it will.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: I want to thank each and every one of you 

for what you have done this year, the five vice commanders—You know, the three 

officers that are coming forward, our chaplain, our historian and our sergeant-at-arms, 

have each in the course of their lives experienced significant challenges, and those three 

men have all overcome those challenges, have all continued to serve as dedicated 

members of The American Legion, and it has been my privilege to stand alongside of 

them as they served as national sergeant-at-arms, national chaplain, national historian, 

and I want to thank them for their service, what you have given this year to this 

organization, and I hope you can continue to serve, as I hope we all can continue to serve 

in one function or another. (Applause)

NATIONAL VICE COMMANDER SIMMONS: Sir, with your permission we 

would love to call Milt up forward, and he can make—Milt? Milt, you had a wonderful 
Proceedings of Thursday, August 27, 2009

199

year, and I know you had a load on your hands taking care of the commander. With that, 

we want to say thank you from the eight of us.

NATIONAL COMMANDER’S AIDE: Thank you. Appreciate it. (Applause)

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: And since we have him here it’s also my 

privilege—you know that’s a difficult job. Because you sacrifice, you travel as much as 

the national commander, but with much less recognition because it’s about the details. 

But it’s the details that really make the year work. Because if they are not handled then 

everything else suffers. The details this year were handled exquisitely. The details this 

year, all of the work he did, I never had to look. I always knew where Milt was. And 

every time I had a question, Milt had the answer. Didn’t have to look it up, Milt had the 

answer. He knew what the plane schedules were, he knew the meeting schedules. 

I’ve joked with folks all around the country that there is a difference between telling 

the national commander—as the aide telling the national commander where to be, and 

telling the national commander where to go. (Laughter) Our relationship I don’t think

ever reached anywhere near the point where Milt was tempted to tell the commander 

where to go, and I certainly valued all of his time. Milt, if you would accept that from me, 

and if you would also accept this as a personal gift. Open it, please. This dates back to 

Milt’s time in the military. We found this—we thought maybe he might enjoy it. Milt is a 

C-130 pilot, retired out of the Air Force—(Applause) And I know he knows the history of 

that aircraft. But having it all pulled together, all of the models and all the variants of that 

airplane that flew, we thought you might enjoy looking at that from time to time.

Milt, thank you. And it doesn’t happen without the aide’s wife, either. (Applause)

NATIONAL COMMANDER’S AIDE: And if I could ask Ann to come forward, 

please. It really has been an honor, and certainly a privilege for me to have served as the 

aide to the national commander this past year. It’s a year that I will always treasure and 

cherish for the rest of my life. I want to thank each and every one of you out there for all 

the hospitality and the—just the friendliness and the warmth that you gave to me 

whenever we visited the posts and the departments. I too want to thank my wife, Pat, 

because without her support I could not have made it through the year. I never ever had to 

worry about what was going on at home, because she was taking care of everything, 

better than I could as far as that is concerned. (Laughter)

We’ve all heard it said that The American Legion has almost an uncanny ability to 

select the right individual at the right time to be our national commander, and this could 

not have been more true this year when Commander Rehbein was selected. He met many 

challenges during this year, and he met each one with professionalism and with dignity. 

And he always, always had the interest of the veteran uppermost in his mind. And for that 

I’m proud to have been his aide this past year. (Applause)

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: More toys. Thank you, Milt. Thank you. 

Thank you greatly. I believe our national sergeant-at-arms has a word or two. 

NATIONAL SERGEANT-AT-ARMS FREEL: Commander, Milt, on behalf of the 

national officers, they have noticed that in your travels you have seen the two bears—one 

is the Army, I would like to present to Commander Rehbein. The other one is Air Force 

Bear, to Milt, his aide. (Applause)

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Thank you, Randy. And there is one 

additional individual. It was my privilege this year—you know, it was a bittersweet 

moment when Bob Spanogle announced his retirement, because I knew he would enjoy 

it, and I want to ask you have you ever seen anyone that had as much fun at a National 
Proceedings of Thursday, August 27, 2009

200

Convention as Bob Spanogle has had at this one? (Applause) But then it was my 

responsibility to appoint someone to be his successor, knowing what an impossible task 

that was to fill Bob’s shoes. However, an individual stepped forward, has taken that 

position, and has done an outstanding job as our national adjutant. If anyone is filling the 

shoes, standing in the footprints that Bob Spanogle left behind, it’s Dan Wheeler. Dan 

has led this organization at the staff level, he has provided every bit of support and 

knowledge and wisdom and guidance that I and the national officers have needed as we 

have traveled. There have been new initiatives started, things that will continue down the 

road, things that are happening under his guidance. And I want to say thank you to Dan 

for serving as national adjutant. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to spend these last 

nine months with you, sir, to provide the guidance for me. (Applause)

NATIONAL ADJUTANT WHEELER: Mr. Commander, it has been the singular 

honor of my life to have served as your national adjutant. Thank you for that opportunity. 

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: And now it is my privilege to call on 

National Vice Commander Michael Landkamer to please come take the gavel and preside 

over the next order of business. Before we go to that, the national adjutant has asked for 

the privilege of making a presentation. Dan?

NATIONAL ADJUTANT WHEELER: Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. National 

Commander, a wise man once said if you want a friend, get a dog; otherwise be happy to 

get respect. Mr. Commander, I have seen no evidence of a dog in your office in either 

D.C. or Indy, but I can assure you that you have a number of friends on your staff, and 

that has not been at the price of their respect. Just as you have demonstrated leadership 

and wisdom throughout our nation, and earned the respect of veterans, your fellow 

Legionnaires, and high officials in government, you have also earned the respect and 

admiration of your staff, each of whom admires you for your intelligence and leadership, 

and likes you because of your good disposition, your kindness, and your lovely wife, 

Ann. It’s always a treat when she comes with you. Throughout the year we have enjoyed 

working with you, and have especially benefitted from your vision and your 

determination to reach out to veterans of all war eras, leaving none behind.

We have also benefitted, as has the entire American Legion, from your vision 

concerning electronic communications in our present and our future. Back in November 

you promised The American Legion College that we would have a new website within a 

year, and we will launch that website—you promised—on Veterans Day. And it will be 

awesome because of your direct involvement in its design and execution.

Also this week we are launching one of two blogs—The Burn Pit—because you said 

a website is good, but it’s not enough. We have to have a presence where young vets are 

talking to each other. We are hopeful that you will continue to be active in your 

leadership capacities, especially in cyberspace.

To that end your executive directors, John Sommer, Jeff Brown, Marty Justice and 

Peter Gaytan, and your entire national staff, realized that you would need the latest of 

equipment to keep working at full capacity. So they have all chipped in, and it is my great 

pleasure to present to you this fully equipped laptop computer and backpack, so you can 

carry it easily no matter wherever your travels take you. Thank you, commander, for a 

fabulous year, and for being an excellent friend to us all. (Applause)

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: And now I call on National Vice 

Commander Michael Landkamer to preside over the next order of business.
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201

NATIONAL VICE COMMANDER LANDKAMER: After serving this year as 

National Vice Commander I am honored to represent all members of The American 

Legion in presiding over the next order of business. This is the time when we present our 

national commander, David K. Rehbein of Iowa, the colors of his year in office and a 

plaque. At this time I call Past National Commander Daniel Ludwig of Minnesota to 

present the colors.

Presentation: Plaque and Colors to Outgoing National Commander

Daniel A. Ludwig, Past National Commander (Colors)

Robert W. Spanogle, National Vice Commander (Plaque)

PAST NATIONAL COMMANDER LUDWIG: Good morning. It’s my privilege to 

present the Colors on your behalf to our national commander. I invite you to please rise 

and join me in presenting this official set of Colors to our retiring national commander. I 

now call on the National Champion Color Guard from Post 49, Department of New 

Hampshire. Color Guard, present the National Commander’s Colors to this station. Hand 

salute. ...Color guard enters.

...Two! Please be seated. Commander Dave, if you would join me, please. 

Commander Dave, one year ago when you embarked on this journey you talked about 

pride and purpose. You have caused all of us to renew our pride in our history, in our 

accomplishments. You have inspired us all to focus on our mission, to focus on our 

purpose. On your watch, commander, when the president, the Department of Veterans 

Affairs and the Department of Homeland Security took misguided positions, you, with 

grace and dignity, with conviction and clarity, challenged those positions and caused each 

to be reconsidered. Time after time, commander, your effective steadfast leadership made 

us all proud. Your love for and loyalty to God and country has been an inspiration, and 

we are forever indebted to you for your service and sacrifice.

Everything these Colors are, everything these Colors represent, you will now carry 

with you for all time. So as you and Ann and your family gaze upon these Colors in the 

days and years ahead, you all can have a sense of rightful satisfaction for a job well done. 

So now, Commander Dave, my friend, on behalf of all gathered here and beyond I am 

proud to present your Colors to you. May God bless you and your family always. 

Commander, your colors. (Applause) 

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Color Guard, would you retire my Colors.

...Color Guard retires Colors. 

NATIONAL VICE COMMANDER LANDKAMER: I now call on Past National 

Commander Robert W. Spanogle of Michigan to present the plaque to our outgoing 

national commander.

PAST NATIONAL COMMANDER SPANOGLE: National Commander, would 

you join me at the podium. I’m honored to be here today to present this Past National 

Commander’s Plaque, authorized by the National Executive Committee of The American 

Legion, to our national commander, Dave Rehbein. I do so on behalf of the members of 

The American Legion, the national officers, the National Executive Committee, the 

national commissions, the national staff, and the delegates, alternates, and guests present. 

Mr. Commander, you have kept faith with the principles of The American Legion 

since your election at the 90th Annual National Convention at Phoenix, Arizona, on 

August the 28th, 2008. In your acceptance speech that day you cited two words—pride 
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202

and purpose. You told us then that we would hear these words again and again in your 

year as national commander. You defined those two words as a definition of The 

American Legion. Pride in ourselves as veterans and what we do to help veterans and 

their families. The purpose as defined by the Four Pillars of The American Legion.

Mr. Commander, we of The American Legion are proud of you and your leadership. 

When a research paper to the Department of Homeland Security described returning 

veterans as potential terrorists and used Timothy McVeigh as an example, you took a 

reasoned and positive approach. You met with the Secretary of Homeland Security, and 

she apologized to all our nation’s veterans. And with your guidance she established an 

Office of Veterans Affairs and pledged to hire veterans. By your leadership working with 

Congress you secured a long time mandate of The American Legion, multi-year funding 

for the VA medical care system. We are awaiting Senate approval of that bill. 

When President Obama’s administration proposed that wounded soldiers and 

veterans pay for their medical care under their private insurance policies, again you took 

a positive and reasoned approach and met with the president. You convinced the 

president that this policy would be a disaster, and not in the best interest of our nation’s 

values. A month ago you met with the president again and secured his promise not to 

include, but keep separate the VA medical care system and TRICARE from any national 

health care bill. For all of us and all of this, our nation’s veterans and our military and 

their families will be forever grateful. (Applause)

You visited our young men and women engaged in the War on Terror in Iraq and 

those hospitalized at Landstuhl and Walter Reed. Your compassion and solidarity was 

clearly evident when you established Operation Comfort Warriors. You challenged us to 

reverse the decline in the numbers of young men and women involved in The American 

Legion Americanism programs. You asked us to be visible in our communities and 

encourage values training to all those young men and women through our programs. You 

asked us to knock on doors and invite veterans to join or posts, and join with us to make 

sure that the values of this great republic are maintained for future generations.

Active posts mean functioning Americanism programs and assistance for soldiers, 

veterans and their families. We heard you on membership and programs and we knew 

you were right. We didn’t hit that mark for you, but we understand your message and we 

pledge that we will continue to work to make better American Legion membership and 

programs. 

After these milestones and so many others, on the mission for veterans, The 

American Legion, the military, and their families, you have traveled thousands of miles. 

You have slept in countless motel rooms as our national commander. We thank you for 

your leadership and your dedication to The American Legion. We thank Ann, your wife, 

your son, Chris, your daughter, Jennifer, and all of the family for their support and 

sharing you with us this year.

It is my honor to represent The American Legion and present to you this plaque 

from all of us with our respect. It represents our appreciation and our abiding friendship, 

and we ask for your wise counsel in the future years ahead. As we said during the 

Vietnam War at the end of a successful mission, Bravo Zulu! Thank you, dear friend, for 

a job well done. (Applause)

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Receiving those Colors, receiving that 

plaque, hearing those words—I asked those two gentlemen to be part of this ceremony 

because they have been part of the wise and more importantly honest counsel that I have 
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203

received in the progression towards this job and during this year in the operation of this 

job. I’ll let you judge the quality. All I will say to you as I receive these Colors and that 

plaque—you gave me this job, and I did the best I could. I did the best—absolute every 

effort that I could give. (Cheers and applause)

Thank you. Thank you. And now we go forward. And now it’s our responsibility, all 

of us, to make next year better, because every year needs to be better than the year before. 

We carry that charge. I carry that charge. I will give next year my best effort, and I hope 

you will all do likewise. (Applause)

Special Order of Business: Election of National Officers

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: We come now to a special order of 

business, the election of the national officers. National Judge Advocate Philip B. 

Onderdonk of Maryland will read the rules of Convention governing the nomination and 

election of officers. 

NATIONAL JUDGE ADVOCATE ONDERDONK: Thank you, Mr. Commander. 

The rules for election of national officers. 

Rule 15, Final sentence. Election of National Officers shall be by roll call. 

Rule 17: Prior to the election of National Officers the National Commander shall 

appoint subject to approval of the Convention, a Judge of Election and such number of 

tellers as he deems necessary, provided that the total tellers so appointed shall be an odd 

number. In a contested election each candidate going to the ballot shall be entitled to one 

teller of his choice.

Rule 18. Nominations for National Officers shall be from the floor on roll call of the 

departments alphabetically arranged. Each department may present as many candidates as 

it chooses.

Rule 19. Nominating speeches for National Officers shall be limited to five minutes 

each. Not more than two seconding speeches shall be made for any candidate, and said 

speeches shall be limited to three minutes.

Rule 20. When more than two candidates are nominated for any office, balloting 

shall continue until one candidate receives a majority of the votes of the Convention, 

except in the election of National Vice Commanders.

Rule 21. In a contested election for National Vice Commanders, balloting shall 

continue until (a) majorities and (b) pluralities are established for one or more candidates 

under the following provisions. If, on any ballot taken, less than five candidates receive 

the necessary majority to elect, the candidate or candidates receiving a majority vote shall 

be declared elected and a new ballot shall be taken for the remaining number of places to 

be filled. The candidate receiving the lowest number of votes on the preceding ballot 

shall be disqualified, except should two candidates remain to fill one place, a new ballot 

shall be taken.

Rule 22. The Convention will nominate and elect a National Commander, and five 

National Vice Commanders, in this sequence.

Rule 23. At the conclusion of balloting on National Vice Commanders, each 

Department Delegation Chairman shall deliver a written ballot to the tellers. Such ballots 

shall be in the hands of the tellers before communication is made to the National 

Commander for announcement of the results.

Mr. Commander, that concludes completes the reading of the rules pertaining to the 

election of national officers.
Proceedings of Thursday, August 27, 2009

204

Election of the National Commander

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: National Adjutant Wheeler will now call 

the roll of the departments. I would ask that the delegation chairmen be close to the 

microphones. And as chairman of this Convention, as judges for the election I now 

appoint John A. Derner, Adjutant of the Department of Iowa, as judge, and as tellers 

Terry Woodburn, Adjutant, Department of Illinois; W. E. ‘Gene’ Franks, Adjutant, 

Department of Alaska, and Mike McDaniel, Adjutant, Department of Florida.

The judges and the tellers are on stage. If it would be possible, can we have the 

lights lowered somewhat? It’s very difficult to recognize individuals. And I would ask 

National Adjutant Wheeler to begin the roll call for the election of the national 

commander.

(The National Adjutant calls each department in turn.)

DEPARTMENT COMMANDER MITCHELL (AL): Sir, my name is Wayne 

Mitchell. I am Department Commander of the great State of Alabama, and I’m a duly 

authorized delegate to this Convention, and I rise to yield the floor to the gentleman from 

Florida so that he may make a nomination. Roll Tide.

DELEGATION CHAIRMAN MARTEL (FL): Commander, Paul Martel, Past 

Department Commander and Delegation Chairman for the great State of Florida. With 

your permission I would like to yield my time to Past Department Adjutant Dyke 

Shannon. Thank you.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Permission is granted. Delegate Dyke 

Shannon is granted the privilege of the podium.

DELEGATE SHANNON (FL): Mr. Commander, distinguished guests, and most 

importantly the delegates to this Convention, it is my distinct honor and privilege to 

appear before you today to place in the name of an outstanding individual, Legionnaire, 

gentleman and friend, for the office of national commander of The American Legion. 

Having served as a department adjutant of Florida for almost 30 years, I’ve seen a 

lot of individuals come and go in this organization. Very few stand out with solid 

leadership skills at the level our candidate possesses. We all realize that with the times we 

live in a leader of an organization of this magnitude must be prepared at all times to 

address issues not only in the area of veterans affairs, but national security and civil and 

social issues that affect all of us as well. 

This individual is prepared and capable of dealing with these challenges. And, in 

fact, one of his master’s degrees is in national security and strategic studies. Our 

candidate is one of those individuals which we in The American Legion feel that we had 

an early influence in their life. 

While attending Martins Ferry High School, where he served as president of the 

National Honor Society and student council, as well as senior class vice president, he had 

his first contact with The American Legion. In 1967 he attended Buckeye Boys State in 

the great Department of Ohio. Upon graduation he entered the United States Naval 

Academy, and in 1972 he was commissioned an ensign in the United States Navy with a 

bachelor of science degree. This was the beginning of a 24 year career, having served 19 

of those years on sea duty. During his career he has held numerous leadership positions, 

including commanding officer of the Naval Communications Station, United Kingdom, 

in Thurso, Scotland, for three years.

While serving in Scotland he met both the Queen and Queen Mother. He also served 

as commanding officer of the guided missile frigate USS McInerney for two years, 
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205

including combat missions during Operation Desert Storm. During his career he has 

earned two master’s degrees. In 1996 he retired from the Navy with the rank of captain. 

His military awards include the Bronze Star, four Meritorious Service Medals, three 

Navy Commendation Medals, and numerous campaign and service medals and ribbons.

Clarence is a Paid-Up-For-Life member with 27 years of membership and eight 

Gold Brigade Awards. I can take a lot of time and list the many offices in The American

Legion that Clarence has held, but most of you have received brochures outlining his 

many offices. A short summary is that he was post commander three times of Atlantic 

Beach Post 316, and virtually held every chairmanship in the post. He has been district 

commander, area commander, our first department vice commander, and department 

commander in 2003, and obtained an all time high in membership. 

He has continued to assume responsibilities in many areas. He has for 11 years been 

a Boys State counselor, five years on the Boys State board of directors, five years on our 

long range planning committee, and on and on. 

At the national level he has been a member of the National Security Council since 

1997, serving three years as chairman of the National Security Commission. He has 

served as a member for one or more years of the National Legislative Council, National 

Membership and Post Activities, and Commander’s Advisory Committee, to name a few. 

If elected he will be the first graduate of The American Legion College to be elected 

national commander, having attended in 2000. (Applause)

Upon recommendation of our late National Executive Committeeman and our 

candidate’s mentor, George Derrick, it was my pleasure to have sent him to that Legion 

College. In his home community he is a member of many veteran and civic organizations. 

He served two years as chairman of the Northeast Florida Veterans Council, and is a 

member of the Sons of the Legion and the Legion Riders. As a dedicated husband, father, 

and grandfather, the Legion is a big part of their entire family.

Clarence married his wife, Liz, in Martins Ferry, Ohio, 32 years ago. Liz, who was 

born and raised in Thurso, Scotland, is active in the Auxiliary, having been unit president 

eight times, district president twice, and area president. He and Liz have three children. 

Jimmy is an Army veteran of Desert Storm and dual member of the Sons and the Legion; 

Sharon, a Navy veteran and dual member of the Auxiliary and the Legion. Nicole is a 

member of the Auxiliary. Jimmy’s wife, Samantha, is a Marine veteran and dual member 

of the Legion Auxiliary, and Nicole’s husband, David, is a member of the Sons of the 

American Legion. All six of their grandchildren belong to the Sons or the Auxiliary. So 

this is truly an example of an American Legion family. And he told me that his 

grandchildren call him Pam-pa, but he is grudgingly willing to give up that title for just 

one year to be Mr. National Commander.

As you can see, our candidate is certainly qualified professionally and by his Legion 

experience. He is eager to serve this great organization. He has worked very hard to reach 

this point. As we enter the last year of the first decade of the 21st century we must begin 

to look at doing things differently.

Soon after I returned from Vietnam in the 1970s I started my Legion career in the 

Department of Indiana. The war cry then was that we need younger members. Well, 35 

years plus-years, the same war cry. We need younger members. They are just from 

different wars. Our candidate has visited your department, and many of you have heard 

him discuss how we must change our mindset to recruit younger members in new and 

unique ways with methods whose names didn’t exist just a few years ago. We know we 
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206

must embrace technology and enhance our own communication via the internet and other 

methods. Our candidate is working on plans to help you accomplish these goals. He truly 

has a vision for how we can end this decade a bigger and better organization. 

It has been said that a manager does things right, but a leader does the right thing. 

I’m confident this individual is prepared to do the right thing and lead this great 

organization. You may not know this, but Florida has never had a national commander. 

So for the very first time in the history of the Sunshine State it is my honor and a personal 

pleasure to place the name of Mr. Clarence Hill of Atlantic Beach Post 316, Department 

of Florida, in nomination for the high office of national commander of The American 

Legion, 2009-2010. Thank you. (Cheers and applause)

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: The adjutant will resume the roll.

DELEGATION CHAIRMAN PAWSON (AK): Mr. Chairman, the Department of 

Alaska yields to the Department of Kentucky.

NECMAN COFFMAN (KY): Mr. Chairman, Randall Coffman, National Executive 

Committeeman of the Department of Kentucky requests the chair recognize Alternate 

NEC Randall Fisher, Department of Kentucky, for the purpose of seconding the 

nomination of Clarence Hill, Department of Florida, for national commander.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Mr. Randall Fisher is recognized and 

granted the privilege of the podium.

ALTERNATE NECMAN FISHER (KY): Good morning. Having known Clarence 

Hill for several years, I can tell you he possesses the integrity and strong leadership skills 

to lead our great organization.

Clarence Hill was born and raised in Martins Ferry, Ohio. He’s the second of seven 

children. His parents, Elmer P. Hill, of Canton, Ohio, and Virginia Donnelly of St. 

Clairsville, Ohio, are both deceased. He attended the Buckeye Boys State, 1967, and 

graduated from Martins Ferry High School in 1968. His wife, Liz Robinson, was born 

and raised in Thurso, Scotland. She graduated from Thurso High School. They met in 

Norfolk, Virginia in 1974, and were married in 1976. It’s interesting, they met at a party 

after a rugby match, and Clarence was transporting people in a van. He went up and 

asked Liz to dance, and asked her to wait for him while he was doing some more 

transporting back to the post. When he returned Liz was gone, and he didn’t get her 

phone number. But a fellow ensign had her phone number, but he wouldn’t give it to 

Clarence. Clarence later took the number out of his ensign’s wallet, and the rest was 

history. They have three children: Jimmy, Sharon, and Nicole, and six grandchildren. 

Bud, 18; Amanda, 15; Kadence, four; Amelia, three; McKenzie, two, and Fionna, one. 

Kadence and McKenzie are here on stage with their mother, Nicole.

Clarence traveled extensively during his 24 years in the Navy. Ten duty stations. 

Five years in Norfolk, Virginia; one and one-half years in Jacksonville; eight months in 

Philadelphia; another year in Norfolk; one and one-half years in Monterey, California; 

four years again in Jacksonville; three years in Thurso, Scotland; two years again in 

Jacksonville; two years in Gaeta, Italy; one year in Newport, Rhode Island, and then he 

retired in Jacksonville, Florida. He has been a Legion member of the Atlantic Beach Post 

316 since 1983.

Liz encouraged Clarence to join The American Legion. She wanted to join the 

Auxiliary, and she gave Clarence her application and told him he needed to sign it. He 

put it aside and told her he would sign it later. I’m sure some of you have heard Clarence 
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207

tell this story. And Liz told Clarence there is two ways she could join the Auxiliary. One, 

if he was a member, and the other was he had to be deceased. (Laughter)

Clarence has been a very dedicated Legionnaire, a dedicated husband, father, 

grandfather, and military leader. Clarence Hill is a strong leader and supports all the 

Legion’s programs and purposes. I, Randall Fisher, Alternate NEC from the 

Commonwealth of Kentucky, proudly supports and seconds the nomination of Clarence 

Hill for highest office of national commander for the year 2009 and 2010. Thank you.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: The Adjutant will resume the roll.

DELEGATION CHAIRMAN BRANCH (AZ): Comrade Commander, sir. My name 

is Henry Branch. I’m the delegate chairman from the great State of Arizona, and at this 

time Arizona proudly yields to the great State of New Hampshire.

NECMAN NEYLON (NH): Mr. Adjutant, John Neylon, National Executive 

Committeeman, speaking on behalf of our delegation chairman, Past Department 

Commander George McCall, requesting that Past National Vice Commander Joe 

Caouette, who is seated on the stage, be recognized for the purpose of a second.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Mr. Joe Caouette, from New Hampshire, 

is recognized and granted the privilege of the podium.

DELEGATE CAOUETTE (NH): Mr. Commander, fellow delegates, it’s a pleasure 

for me to second the nomination of a truly great Legionnaire to lead our organization in 

the coming year. You’ve already heard from the nomination address and the first 

seconding address of the deep and committed responsibility that our candidate has 

through the grass roots level of The American Legion, his dedication and service to the 

post, to his district, and to his department.

Clarence Hill is a Legionnaire who has never forgotten his roots. He is a gentleman 

that knows the value of our organization at the grass roots level. He is very well versed in 

one of the pillars of The American Legion, serving as the department Oratorical chairman 

for many years, and on the Boys State Board to this present date. Can’t you just imagine 

the strong Americanism feelings that I have for this candidate? He was chairman of the 

National Security Commission, American Legion College graduate in 2000, and the first 

Legion college graduate to become the national commander of The American Legion. A 

man that is very well versed in the four pillars of The American Legion. He has been 

employed for a security protective agency since 1996, and is responsible personally for 

44 contracts.

Fellow delegates, in this time of America’s history, when mainstream America is 

looking for an advocate to carry its message across the land, that vehicle to get this done 

is The American Legion. And we have a candidate that has been tested under fire, and is 

ready and willing to carry the burden of leadership on his shoulders. As a duly elected 

delegate to this convention from the Department of New Hampshire, it’s a privilege and 

an honor to second the nomination for the position of national commander of The 

American Legion for the year 2009-2010, Clarence Hill. (Applause)

...Herein a demonstration of support took place.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: The Convention will return to order. The 

national adjutant will resume the roll call. 

DELEGATION CHAIRMAN ROGERS (AR): Arkansas. Ross Rogers, National 

Executive Committeeman, acting delegate to the State of the Arkansas, seconded the 

nomination of Clarence Hill for national commander. That is our vote for him. Thank you 

very much. 
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208

DELEGATION CHAIRMAN FERCHO (CA): Dennis Fercho, Department of 

California, delegate chairman, delegate to this Convention, second the motion. 

DEPARTMENT COMMANDER McCURDY (CO): Commander, Frank McCurdy, 

department commander of the beautiful State of Colorado, seconds the nomination for 

Clarence Hill for national commander. 

DEPARTMENT COMMANDER DAGGETT (CT): Harvey Daggett, Department of 

Connecticut, seconds the nomination for Clarence Hill. 

DEPARTMENT COMMANDER McBRIDE (DE): Delaware, Ruth McBride, 

delegation chairman of Delaware, seconds the motion for Clarence Hill as commander. 

DELEGATION CHAIRMAN (DC): Mr. Chairman, the District of Columbia is 

proud to second the nomination of Clarence Hill for commander of The American 

Legion. 

DELEGATE MARSHALL (FR): Mr. Adjutant, Bill Marshall, Department of 

France, elected delegate to this Convention, and the true birthplace of The American 

Legion, Department of France, casts its 10 delegate votes to Clarence Hill for the high 

office of national commander 2009-2010. 

DELEGATION CHAIRMAN ADAMS (GA): Mr. Chairman, Butch Adams, 

department commander of the great State of Georgia, and delegation chairman, and home 

of the current national SAL commander, Mark Arneson, and state where no veteran is left 

behind, proudly puts all 54 delegates and a second of Clarence Hill for national 

commander. Go Dogs. 

DEPARTMENT COMMANDER CORDES (HI): Mr. Chairman, Daniel Cordes, 

commander, Department of Hawaii, seconds the nomination of Clarence Hill. 

DELEGATION CHAIRMAN MATTICE (ID): Tom Mattice, delegate chairman for 

the State of Idaho, seconds the nomination for Clarence Hill. 

DELEGATION CHAIRMAN FLANAGAN (IL): Bill Flanagan, delegate chairman, 

Department of Illinois and commander, cast all 121 delegates for Clarence Hill. 

DEPARTMENT COMMANDER (IN): Bob Newman from the great State of 

Indiana, proudly seconds the nomination of Clarence Hill. 

DELEGATION CHAIRMAN FEUERBACH (IA): Bruce Feuerbach, Iowa 

delegation chairman seconds the nomination for Clarence Hill for national commander. 

DELEGATE THOMAS (KS): Commander, John Thomas, duly registered delegate 

from the State of Kansas is proud to second the nomination of Clarence Hill for the year 

2009-2010. 

DELEGATE AUCOIN (LA): Mr. Chairman, Charlie Aucoin, NEC from the great 

Department of Louisiana, would like the second the nomination of Mr. Clarence Hill for 

national commander. 

DEPARTMENT COMMANDER OLSON (ME): Andy Olson, commander State of 

Maine, seconds the nomination of Clarence Hill. 

DELEGATION CHAIRMAN OESTEREICH (MD): Orlyn Oestereich, delegate 

chairman for the State of Maryland, seconds the nomination of Clarence Hill.

DELEGATION CHAIRMAN BARBOUR (MA): Mr. Chairman, Bill Barbour, 

department chairman for the great State of Massachusetts, home of Plymouth Rock, the 

Mayflower, Past National Commanders Jake Comer and Paul Morin, and the can do spirit 

that lives, further seconds the motion for Clarence Hill for the high office of national 

commander, sir. 
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209

DELEGATION CHAIRMAN HERBRUGER (MX): Arthur Herbruger representing 

the Department of Mexico with posts in six different countries, seconds the motion for 

Clarence Hill as national commander for 2009-2010. 

DELEGATION CHAIRMAN ANDERSON (MI): Mr. Adjutant, Bill Anderson, 

delegate chairman of the great State of Michigan, and the home of the 2009 World Series 

Champions, supports Clarence Hill for national commander. 

DEPARTMENT COMMANDER DAVIS (MN): Al Davis, commander of 

Minnesota. Minnesota seconds the nomination of Clarence Hill for national commander. 

DELEGATION CHAIRMAN GOSA (MS): Mr. Commander, Robert Gosa, 

Alternate NEC from the great State of Mississippi, and delegate to this 91st Convention, 

proudly cast a second for Clarence Hill. Go Rebel. 

DELEGATION CHAIRMAN STRAGLIATI (MO): Mr. Chairman, Vic Stragliati, 

delegate chairman and past state commander from the great Show Me State of Missouri, 

seconds the nomination for Clarence Hill. 

DEPARTMENT COMMANDER MITCHELL (MT): Jack Mitchell, department 

commander from the last best place, the Big Sky Country, casts its 19 ballots for 

Clarence E. Hill for national commander of The American Legion. 

DELEGATION CHAIRMAN CROSIER (NE): Mr. Chairman, Bill Crosier, 

delegation chairman from the great State of Nebraska, home of Big Red football, casts 

our 51 votes for Clarence Hill for national commander. 

DELEGATION CHAIRMAN FINLEY (NV): Mr. Chairman, Jerry Finley, junior 

past commander from the battle born State of Nevada, seconds the motion for Clarence 

Hill 2009-2010 national commander of The American Legion, and casts all 15 delegate 

votes for our new National Commander. 

UNIDENTIFIED DELEGATE (NJ): Mr. Chairman, delegation from New Jersey, 

casts all 67 ballots for our new national commander, Clarence Hill. Go Navy. 

DELEGATION CHAIRMAN JORGENSEN (NM): Mr. Chairman Bruce Jorgensen, 

duly elected delegate, casts all of the votes from the State of New Mexico, the Land of 

Enchantment, for Mr. Clarence Hill.

DELEGATION CHAIRMAN BERTRAND (NY): Mr. Chairman, Ed Bertrand from 

the Department of New York, proudly seconds the nomination of Clarence Hill for 

national commander. 

DEPARTMENT COMMANDER COOK (NC): Mr. Chairman, Lou Cook, 

department commander and delegation chairman from the great State of North Carolina, 

seconds the nomination for Clarence Hill. 

DELEGATION CHAIRMAN QUAM (ND): Mr. Chairman, Carroll Quam, 

delegation chairman, Department of North Dakota, casts its 26 votes for Clarence Hill as 

our national commander. 

DELEGATION CHAIRMAN KIMBALL (OH): Bob Kimball, delegation chairman 

from Ohio, seconds the nomination of Clarence Hill for commander of The American 

Legion. 

DELEGATION CHAIRMAN WILSON (OK): Mr. Chairman, D. Wilson, past 

commander of Oklahoma, delegate chairman, Kimball recognizes Clarence Hill as our 

new national commander. 

DELEGATION CHAIRMAN OWENS (OR): Kevin Owens, delegate chairman for 

the great State of Oregon, casts its delegate strength for the next national commander, 

Clarence Hill.
Proceedings of Thursday, August 27, 2009

210

DEPARTMENT COMMANDER SOCHA (PA): Mr. Chairman, department 

commander of the great State of Pennsylvania with the largest membership in the 

national organization, home of the champion Philadelphia Phillies, the Pittsburgh 

Steelers, and the Pittsburgh Penguins, seconds the nomination of the next national 

commander of The American Legion, Clarence Hill. 

DEPARTMENT COMMANDER SCHOLTEN (PI): Herbert Scholten, department 

commander, in conjunction with our other delegate, Bill Kelly Nechtman, casts our 

nomination for Clarence Hill. 

DEPARTMENT COMMANDER FIGUEROA (PR): Mr. Chairman, Luis Figueroa, 

Department of Puerto Rico, USA. We vote 13 delegates for Clarence Hill. 

DELEGATION CHAIRMAN GOLDE (RI): Mr. Chairman, David Golde, delegate 

chairman from the State of Rhode Island, proudly seconds the nomination for Clarence 

Hill for national commander. 

DELEGATION CHAIRMAN HOLLAND (SC): Mr. Chairman, James Holland, 

past department commander of South Carolina and delegation chairman. The great State 

of South Carolina seconds the motion of Clarence Hill for national commander. 

DELEGATION CHAIRMAN HULS (SD): Jim Huls, delegation chairman from the 

great State of South Dakota, birthplace of American Legion Baseball, seconds the 

nomination of Clarence Hill.

DEPARTMENT COMMANDER MATHIS (TN): Mr. Chairman, Don Mathis, from 

the great State of Tennessee, seconds the nomination of, and casts 35 delegate votes for 

our next national commander, Clarence Hill. 

DELEGATION CHAIRMAN McNAIR (TX): Mr. Chairman, James McNair from 

Texas, the great State of Texas, as chairman of our delegation I second the nomination 

and cast all 88 votes for Clarence Hill. 

DELEGATION CHAIRMAN ENGELBRECHT (UT): Mr. Chairman, delegate 

chairman, Lee Engelbrecht, from the great State of Utah seconds the nomination of 

Clarence Hill for the national commander. 

DELEGATION CHAIRMAN FARMER (VT): Dick Farmer, past department 

commander, and delegate chairman from the Green Mountain State, proudly seconds 

Clarence Hill for our next national commander. 

DELEGATION CHAIRMAN CLEVINGER (VA): Les Clevinger, chairman 

delegation, Department of Virginia, proudly seconds the nomination of Clarence Hill for 

national commander. 

DEPARTMENT COMMANDER SCHWARTZ (WA): Bob Schwartz, commander 

from the golden green covered hills of eastern Washington, are to the high mountains to 

the end of the Lewis and Clark Trail at the Pacific Ocean, the great State of Washington 

seconds the nomination of Clarence Hill. 

DELEGATION CHAIRMAN WOLFE (WV): Mr. Chairman, West Virginia 

delegate chairman, Gary Wolfe, I nominate Clarence Hill for national commander. 

DELEGATION CHAIRMAN ENDRES (WI): Mr. Chairman, Leo Endres, 

delegation chairman, Department of Wisconsin, seconds the nomination for Clarence Hill 

for national commander, and pledges Wisconsin’s 75 delegates.

DELEGATION CHAIRMAN JACOBS (WY): Jake Jacobs, NEC Wyoming, a state 

with high altitudes, low magnitudes, but great attitudes, proudly seconds Clarence Hill. 

NATIONAL ADJUTANT WHEELER: Mr. Commander that completes the roll call. 
Proceedings of Thursday, August 27, 2009

211

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Thank you, sir. I recognize microphone 

number one. If you would please leave the lights on the microphones. 

DELEGATE COCCIMIGLIO (PA): Mr. Commander, Richard Coccimiglio, 

Department of Pennsylvania. In view of the fact that there’s been one candidate for 

national commander, I move that we suspend the rules of this convention, close 

nominations, and that the national adjutant be authorized to cast one vote for the entire 

delegate strength of this convention, and that Clarence E. Hill be elected national 

commander by acclimation. 

I will now make that first nomination. Mr. Commander, as a duly elected delegate to 

this 91st Convention, I move that we suspend the rules of this convention pertaining to 

the election of the National Commander, and the nomination and election of national vice 

commanders, which rules shall be reinstated at the conclusion of the election of the 

national vice commanders. ...Second.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: There is a motion before us and a second 

to suspend the rules of this convention pertaining to the election of the national 

commander and the nomination and election of national vice commanders, which rules 

shall be automatically reinstated at the conclusion of the election for national vice 

commanders. That motion is non-debatable and requires a two-thirds vote. All of those in 

favor of the motion signify by saying aye. Those opposed say no. That motion is carried. 

Microphone number two. 

DELEGATE CATCHESBERGER (NY): Margaret Catchesberger from the State of 

New York. Mr. Commander I move the nominations for the office of national 

commander be closed. 

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: You have heard the motion. Is there a 

second. ...Second. That second is acquired. The motion to close nominations is a nondebatable motion and requires a two-thirds vote. All those in favor signify by saying aye. 

Those opposed signify by the sign of nay. That motion is carried. Microphone number 

one. 

DELEGATE MORVERT (MI): Shannon Morvert, duly elected delegate from the 

Department of Michigan. Mr. Commandeer, I move that the national adjutant be 

authorized to cast one vote representing the entire delegate strength of this convention, 

and that Clarence E. Hill be elected national commander by acclimation. 

NATIONAL COMMANDEER REHBEIN: Is there a second? ...Second. Having 

heard that second, there is a motion before us that the national adjutant be authorized to 

cast one vote representing the entire delegate strength of this convention, and that 

Clarence E. Hill be elected national commander by acclimation. All those in favor of the 

motion signify by saying aye. Those opposed say no. That motion is carried. Mr. 

Adjutant. 

NATIONAL ADJUTANT WHEELER: As national adjutant, I cast one vote 

representing the entire delegate strength of this convention for the election of Clarence E. 

Hill as the national commander of The American Legion. 

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Thank you, sir. And it is now my pleasure 

to declare that Clarence E. Hill is elected national commander of The American Legion. 

(Applause) Would the national sergeant-at-arms assist the new national commander to the 

platform. Our new national commander is being escorted by Mr. Robert Proctor, National 

Executive Committeeman from the Department of Florida, and the national sergeant-atarms. And I would ask members of Mr. Hill’s family to join us at the podium. The chair 
Proceedings of Thursday, August 27, 2009

212

recognizes Past National Commander Jake Comer for the purpose of administering the 

oath of office to the new national commander of The American Legion. 

Administering the Oath of Office to the National Commander

John P. ‘Jake’ Comer, Massachusetts, Past National Commander

PAST NATIONAL COMMANDER COMER: Commander, I am honored and 

privileged to be selected to swear you in as national commander replacing John Gieger of 

Illinois, past national commander, who unfortunately could not be with us for very 

personal reasons, and for you to select me as his stand-in is an extreme honor. 

Commander, you will raise your right hand and repeat after me. 

I, Clarence E. Hill, do solemnly pledge myself to perform faithfully and impartially 

the duties of the office of national commander of The American Legion. I further pledge 

that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America, and the 

National Constitution and By-laws of The American Legion. I do not subscribe to the 

principles of any group opposed to our form of government, so help me God. 

May I be the first to congratulate you, Commander?

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Ladies and gentlemen, the new national 

commander of The American Legion. (Standing Applause)

Acceptance Speech: Newly Elected National Commander

Clarence E. Hill, Florida

Thank you. Thank you, thank you for this day, and for your vote of confidence in 

electing me your 91st National Commander. Before I begin my comments, I would like 

to do some introductions. First of all, my wife, Liz, without whom I would not have had a 

successful Navy career, and I would not be the Legionnaire standing before you today, 

and you can just ask her. (Laughter) She has been my companion, my sounding board, 

and my confidant for 35 years. As you heard, I met her in March of ‘74 when I was still 

an ensign, and we got married in ‘76. So she has pinned every rank on me to my 

retirement as a captain. Most of you heard the story reiterated again, that I had two 

choices when she wanted to join The American Legion Auxiliary, join the Legion or be 

deceased. (Laughter) By the time that I retired and started getting involved heavily with 

The American Legion, she had been a unit president three times. Thank you to my 

daughter Nicole, her husband David, and my granddaughters Kadence and McKenzie 

who are here on the stage. (Applause) They are all proud members of the Legion family. 

My stepson Jimmy, his fiancee Samantha and granddaughters Amelia and Fionna. And 

my stepdaughter Sharon and grandson Harold, and granddaughter Amanda couldn’t be 

here today, but as you heard, they are all Legion family members and I’m proud of all of 

them. 

Thank you to my post, Atlantic Beach Post 316 for their strong support. My post 

commander is here in the audience as are a number of our post members, and some of our 

Auxiliary members and some of our SAL members and some of our Riders. Thank you 

all. And to my mentor, George Derrick, the former NEC for Florida whose now gone on 

to Post Everlasting. He never missed an opportunity the day that I retired, to push me into 

doing things for The American Legion, and I never figured out how to say no. Thank you 

to Dyke Shannon, a good friend, former department adjutant for Florida for 29 years, for 

his nomination speech, and for his support and guidance through the years. And thank 
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213

you also to Randy Fisher and Joe Caouette for their seconding speeches. And I’m sure 

you will see more of them. Thank you to Past National Commander Jake Comer, another 

mentor, for the installation and his advice and guidance over the years. Team Florida, are 

you out there. (Cheers) They have been a real anchor to the campaign, and not just the 

Legionnaires, but the Auxiliary, the SAL, and the Riders from Florida. Thank you to Bob 

Proctor who served as the chairman of the committee and as our NEC, and he had plenty

of advice along the way, and I know you find that hard to believe. Thank you to Dennis 

Boland who was the co-chairman and the Alternate NEC, who was always there when I 

needed him. And of course, thank you to Mike McDaniel, the treasurer who didn’t lose 

any of that money that I was spending. And of course I have to thank my wife again, as 

she booked all of my flights and spent a lot of time doing that because she wanted to be 

sure that I was leaving. She had a better campaign slogan for this campaign than I had. 

Her slogan was: “It’s about time you deployed again.” (Laughter)

Thank you to the committee that’s worked these last couple of years real hard, and 

are wearing those green shirts out there. A great thank you to them for all they did for this 

campaign, but a special thanks to three couples who made all the receptions the 

spectacular success that they were. George and Erma Wehrli, Phil and Peggy Hearlson,

and Larry and Sandy White. You’ll get to know Larry and Sandy a little better as the year 

progresses, because Larry has agreed to serve as my aide. Again, thank you Larry. I 

would like to thank all the departments I visited, for your courtesies and your 

camaraderie. It was a real honor to spend time with you. And a great deal of thanks goes 

to Commander Rehbein for his leadership, his responsiveness, and his ability to meet 

every challenge during his superb year he just finished. You have set the bar high, sir. 

Please join me in recognizing his performance again. (Standing applause)

As I assume the reins of our great organization here in Louisville, I cannot help but 

repeat a part of the opening from my campaign speeches. These are extremely 

challenging times that we face. As a grassroots organization, the strength and reputation 

of our posts are crucial to our organizational success. Some posts are flourishing, some 

are struggling. Those posts that are doing well are encouraged to reach out and help those 

posts that need help. The post is where the programs are conducted, where the hard work 

that establishes our reputation occurs, and where The American Legion has an impact and 

makes a difference. The district commanders are closest to that action, and a vital cog to 

making us successful by visiting their posts, by helping them when necessary, and 

ensuring their posts are participating in the programs. 

Our veterans and active duty forces need our strength as never before. Any success 

that we can achieve depends on our ability to influence members of our government at all 

levels. Many of you have heard me refer to working membership as “the hardest easy 

job” that we have to do. And by that I mean that most Legionnaires can cite chapter and 

verse of all the things that The American Legion offers, and all the things that we do that 

would incite a person to join the organization. And I congratulate them on how well they 

speak on our behalf and sell the product, but then when you ask them how many have 

you recruited, the answer is usually none or one. So there must be something hard about 

recruiting that I haven’t figured out yet. If you know what that is, I would appreciate it if 

you’d let me know now to solve it, so I could put that out to all the Legionnaires that 

seem to have a problem with recruiting members. 

I’ve only been working membership since I retired from the Navy in ‘96, but there’s 

only been two years of growth in that time. Every other year we have lost members. We 
Proceedings of Thursday, August 27, 2009

214

cannot continue to keep getting smaller and be effective at serving our veterans, nor be 

successful at lobbying Congress. We’ve got to turn this around and put programs in effect 

that will result in long-term growth of our organization, programs that our successors can 

build on and make better. DMS is back this year, and has already brought in over a 

100,000 with the goal of 190,000. But we can’t let DMS make us lazy again. We need to 

continue that personal touch in mentoring our members. The more you stay in touch with 

those you recruit, the more chance we have of keeping them and retaining them as 

members. 

There are four areas of the membership that I have stressed in this campaign. I 

believe the Legion Riders are the greatest membership idea that we have ever had. 

Establishing Legion Riders chapters brings in new members to all three branches of the 

family. And upwards of 75 percent of those members would not have joined if the Riders 

didn’t exist. Their accomplishments are value added to the organization and are 

significant. Just witness again the Legacy Ride this year when they brought in over 

$600,000. I consider them a fountain of membership and enthusiasm, and I can’t help but 

think like the V8 commercial, we could have had the Riders 70 years ago. 

Someone out there has the next great idea that’s going to be beneficial for our longterm growth. It’s not me or I’d be telling you what that idea is. But somebody out there 

has that idea, so if you have ideas for the long-term growth of this organization, please 

percolate them up. 

Women and minorities are important to our future because there are more women 

and minorities serving now than ever before. We need to attract more women and 

minorities. We need to educate them about The American Legion. Get them involved in 

our programs, and encourage them to take on positions of increased responsibility. There 

needs to be more women and minorities in this room. But if The American Legion is not 

going to take advantage of their time and talent, some other organization will. 

And let’s not forget the Vietnam veterans as they are a valuable resource, and 

currently make up 35 percent of our membership, and are still the largest group of 

eligible veterans out there. Many of them have recently retired or they’re about to retire, 

so they have the time and the ability to get involved with our programs and to make an 

immediate impact. 

And finally, we need to attract the youth that are serving our nation today. To do 

that, we must consider their needs, and adapt to and bridge the generation gap, just as 

those World War I veterans had to do for World War II and Korea, and the World War II 

and Korea folks had to do for Vietnam. There’s a mindset shift that has to occur for us to 

attract those young members in there. In today’s euphemism we need to start thinking 

outside the box. Be more creative in what we offer in our posts. Think of things like after 

school programs or day cares, or a couple of computer work stations as a mini internet 

cafe, or wiring your posts for wi-fi and advertising it. Consider hosting adventure type 

activities that the youth today are interested in. Their experiences growing up were far 

different than my experiences and your experiences growing up. And I’ll just give you 

one example. I didn’t pass through a metal detector or have a police officer and have a 

concern about weapons at my school. And so they have a different perspective, a 

different thought process. I believe the technology is important to our future success. The 

Internet is a wonderful tool, and that’s where the youth of today are. National will be 

rolling out a new website in November that will hopefully make us more attractive to the 

youth. 
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215

So in short, how we handle the color gap, the gender gap, the generation gap, and 

the technology gap is crucial to our long-term success. We need to take advantage of the 

social networking aspects of the Internet and have a presence and be involved with 

MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and whatever else is out there. National will be 

setting up two blogs on this new website. The Burn Pit for the younger veterans, and 

another one for the Vietnam veterans. And I encourage each department to consider 

having a blog of your own, and have your own presence on some of those social 

networking sites. I’m on Facebook, I’m on Twitter, I’m on LinkedIn, and I invite you to 

look me up. I’m going to try to keep up with them this year. I follow the VFW, the DAV, 

the AMVETS, the SVA, the IAVA, and they all follow me. Some of them are putting out 

a lot of information on those sites, whether accurate or not. But those young kids are 

reading that information and don’t know the difference in accuracy, and they are joining 

some of those organizations based on what they’re seeing on the Internet. 

During the year I hope to keep you up to date on the national site with a summary of 

each visit that I make. I will try to hold a regular webcam meeting with the national vice 

commanders. I will also try to periodically put up a webcast on the national site to keep 

you apprised of current important issues and accomplishments. And if you haven’t heard, 

the national site during this Convention had over 22,000 hits an hour; 516,000 hits a day. 

And I think that our staff has just been magnificent in making this happen. (Applause)

I believe that timely communications are important to making our message more 

effectively heard, so I’ll be working hard to reach out to you to let you know what we’re 

doing about those important issues. But it is just as important for you to reach out within 

your own communities to let them know the good work that you’re doing. For too long I 

have heard the lament that we aren’t very good at tooting our own horn and publicizing 

our activities. Well, why not? What’s stopping us?

The national organization puts out regular press releases and has things that you can 

get and modify them to suit your own community. And you can do your own releases; 

you can establish your own rapport with your media in your communities and make your 

own contacts and make it happen. 

But of course we don’t even toot our own horn very well within our organization. 

We only had 59 percent of our posts submit end of year reports this year. Fifty-nine 

percent sounds pretty pathetic, but that’s what we’ve got to work with to make our annual 

report to Congress. So do you feel that we’re going to have an accurate report of the 

fantastic year that we have just had this year when we make that report to Congress? We 

have to do better with these things and you as the leaders of this organization need to 

spearhead that effort. 

This organization was established on four pillars in 1919, and we’ve remain true to 

those four pillars today. First, we take care of our veterans. We lobby for veterans 

benefits, and our service officers help veterans with their claims. We volunteer at VA 

hospitals. And we take challenges like Operation Comfort Warriors; Community 

Covenants and Heroes to Hometowns, and we make them successful. Second, we take 

care of our kids. We provide for them through the Child Welfare Foundation; Children’s 

Miracle Network; The American Legion Endowment Fund; the Temporary Financial 

Assistance; the National Emergency Fund and the Legacy Scholarship program. Third, 

are our Americanism programs. Baseball was live webcast for the first time this year, and 

drew overly two million viewer minutes. Boys State; Boys Nation; the High School 

Oratorical Contest; Junior Shooting and Boys Scouts. These are programs that can’t be 
Proceedings of Thursday, August 27, 2009

216

matched. Finally, we are for a strong national defense. We lobby Congress for funding 

for weapons and for quality of life issues. We are there for the troops when they leave, 

we support them and their families while they are gone and we are there when they 

return. We support the troops is not just a slogan for us, it’s a way of life. The terrorist 

threat hasn’t diminished and we need to be ready for any contingency. 

I would like to devote a little time to our responsibilities as a grassroots issues 

driven organization. The new administration and new Congress, a lot of activity has been 

occurring and not all of it has been bad. It’s kept Commander Rehbein and the national 

staff busy, and has demonstrated the need for you all to be involved, to express your 

opinions on the issues, and to stay in touch with your elected officials at all levels. 

Our credibility comes from you, the voter. The national commander, Steve 

Robertson or any member of the national staff can visit your representatives to discuss an 

issue, but if that’s the first time that representatives has heard that issue, it’s not a 

problem for him. But on the other hand, if he has a hundred e-mails, phone calls, letters 

that he’s heard from the constituents back in his home area, the people that have to elect 

him every year, and then he hears it from one of us, that reinforces it and that means 

something. We can have an impact that way. I encourage you all to visit that Legislative 

Action Center on the national site and sign up for the alerts, and respond to them when 

they come. And if you need any help, then contact the staff. They are here for you just as 

much as for anyone else. 

I would like to give you just a couple of examples of on-going issues. Obviously, the 

health care debate is today’s hot topic. A final bill hasn’t been drafted yet, so we need to 

stay alert to ensure that VA and TRICARE are not affected by any national program. 

Advanced funding for the VA remains a priority. It has a lot of support and is awaiting 

Senate action. The ACLU continues its attack on veterans monuments dedicated to our 

fallen comrades. A bill to allow the VA to collect from Medicare has finally been 

introduced, so we need to be vocal in our support and help in getting co-sponsors for that 

bill. A resolution designating September 16th as The American Legion Day has also been 

introduced and needs co-sponsors. And you all got a brochure and a booklet about a 

campaign to make your town a Legiontown. Closing Guantanamo Bay is another hot 

button issue, and its schedule to happen in January. I’ve been to Guantanamo and I’ve 

been to Camp Delta, and believe it to be professionally run and a needed facility. But its 

negative press around the world has made it synonymous with everything that’s bad. So it 

probably will go away, but how to accomplish that is a hard question to answer, and 

particularly what to do with those dangerous detainees. And when the health care debate 

has run its course, the illegal immigration debate will begin. 

These are but a few examples of the need for each of you to pay attention to what is 

happening, and to take part in it. And who knows what other issues will come up this 

year, as they did for Commander Rehbein with the president’s proposal to bill our health 

insurance for our war wounds, or the Secretary of Homeland Security issuing a report 

saying our returning veterans were vulnerable and at risk to being recruited by terrorist 

organizations. So we need to remain vigilant. 

Today you have given me a tremendous honor by electing me your national 

commander, and I thank you for your trust. It’s you, the blue cap Legionnaire that keeps 

us the greatest organization in the world. And I pledge to give you my best effort, but I 

need your help. I’m depending on your support, your dedication, and your participation to 

make this year successful. At every level of The American Legion we must be relevant to 
Proceedings of Thursday, August 27, 2009

217

all veterans from all wars. Thank you, and may God bless you, and God bless America. 

Thank you. (Standing applause)

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Clarence, if you would invite your wife, 

Liz, if you would join us here at the podium, please. And there is a group of ladies that 

have a presentation. 

MRS. LUDWIG: Liz, on behalf of us former first ladies, wives of past national 

commanders, I would like to present you with this badge as our newest first lady. 

Congratulations and best wishes for the coming year. 

MRS. HILL: Thank you all. (Applause)

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Microphone number two. 

DELEGATE WILSON (CA): Janet Wilson, Department of California, duly elected 

delegate, home of Bruce Thiesen, past national commander. Mr. Commander, since the 

rules of the Convention have been suspended, I move that the nominations for the office 

of national vice commander be made from the floor of this Convention. 

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: You’ve heard the motion. Is there a 

second? ...Second. All those in favor of the motion signify by the sign of aye. Those 

opposed say no. Motion carried. 

Election of the National Vice Commanders

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: We will now entertain nominations for 

the offices of national vice commander from the floor. 

DELEGATION CHAIRMAN MATTICE (ID): Commander. Tom Mattice, delegate 

chairman for the State of Idaho, yields the microphone to Rick Helsey for the purpose of 

a nomination.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Mr. Rick Helsey, Department of Idaho. 

DELEGATE HELSEY (ID): Good morning. The American Legion of Idaho is 

proud to endorse a Vietnam veteran and Legionnaire of 42 years with The American 

Legion. He is currently a member of Post 37 in Grangeville, Idaho, serving as our NEC. 

He has devoted his life to veterans and their families by assisting with claims for 

compensation, pensions, and other benefits. It is my honor, as a duly elected delegate to

this 91st National Convention, to nominate Morris M. Bentley for the national vice 

commander of The American Legion. (Applause)

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Microphone number two. 

DELEGATION CHAIRMAN OESTEREICH (MD): Orlyn Oestereich, delegation 

chairman from the Department of Maryland. I would like to request that you recognize 

Jack Milburn, National Executive Committeeman from the Department of Maryland for 

the purpose of making a nomination. 

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Mr. Milburn is recognized and granted 

the privilege of the podium. 

DELEGATE MILBURN (MD): Mr. Commander, distinguished guests, fellow 

delegates to this 91st National Convention I’m here to nominate a gentleman from the 

State of Maryland for national vice commander who earned his eligibility for The 

American Legion through his service during the Vietnam War. He’s a 32 year member of 

Frank M. Jarman Post 36 on the eastern shore of Maryland. His service to The American

Legion spans all levels of The American Legion, from post to national. Post commander 

to department commander to National Executive Committeeman. Additionally, he has 

served and is still serving on numerous committees and commissions within the 
Proceedings of Thursday, August 27, 2009

218

Department of Maryland. He was chairman of the Maryland Veterans Commission from 

2001 to 2008; member of the Maryland Veterans Home Commission from 2002 to 2006. 

It gives me great pleasure to place a nomination in the name of Gordon Browning for the 

high office of national vice commander. (Applause)

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Microphone number one. 

DELEGATION CHAIRMAN BARBOUR (MA): Bill Barbour department 

commander and delegate chairman, Massachusetts. Mr. Commander, I ask that Past 

National Commander Paul A. Morin be recognized for the purpose of a nomination. 

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Past Commander Morin is recognized 

and granted the privilege of the podium. 

PAST NATIONAL COMMANDER MORIN: Thank you, Commander Dave, 

delegates to this 91st Convention and guests. It is indeed an honor and special privilege to 

nominate a great friend, the endorsed candidate for national vice commander from the 

Department of Massachusetts. A true blue cap Legionnaire, Mark A. Avis is a 26 year 

member of The American Legion from Merrill-Simmons Post 130 in Palmer, 

Massachusetts. Mark is married to the love of his life, Joyce. He is the father of three 

wonderful children, Michael, Rebecca and Melissa. And a special grandfather to Isabel. 

Mark has served as post, county and department commander, as well as a multitude of 

other offices within our great American Legion. He works on behalf of our veterans 

everyday as a veterans agent for several small towns within Massachusetts. He has served 

as the National Executive Committeeman, and on numerous national commissions. And 

he was my aide during my year as national commander in 2006. Mark is a retired veteran, 

having served in the U.S. Army from 1971 to 1973, and then 20 years in the Army 

National Guard. On behalf of the Department of Massachusetts, we are proud to 

recommend to you a dedicated Legionnaire who will work to continue the legacy of The 

American Legion. I ask your endorsement of Mark A. Avis of Massachusetts for the high 

office of national vice commander. I, Paul A. Morin, a delegate to this Convention, move 

the nomination. Thank you, commander. 

DELEGATION CHAIRMAN KIMBALL (OH): Mr. Commander, Bob Kimball, a 

duly elected delegate to this Convention, requests that you yield the microphone to 

William Balser, past department commander of Ohio, for a nomination.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Mr. Balser is recognized and granted the 

privilege of the podium.

PAST DEPARTMENT COMMANDER BALSER (OH): Mr. Commander, fellow 

delegates and guests, it’s an extreme honor and a privilege for me to be asked to put in 

the name of a close personal friend as a candidate for national vice commander. James C. 

Morris is a 39 year member of Jenkins Vaughan Post Number 97 in Cardington, Ohio. He 

earned his eligibility by his service in the U. S. Army during the Vietnam War. He’s held 

all the offices at the post and district levels, he served on many committees at the 

department level, and was our state commander in the years 1997 to ‘98. He also was 

elected National Executive Committeeman at the National Convention in 2002. Jim is an 

advocate of all of the aims and purposes of The American Legion, and he will work 

tirelessly to accomplish our goals. He resides in Cardington with his wife of many years, 

Elizabeth. They have three children, seven grandchildren. He is an active member in his 

community of the emergency squad, the Police Auxiliary, and Little League Baseball. He 

also serves on the Veterans Service Commission in Morrow County. As a duly elected 
Proceedings of Thursday, August 27, 2009

219

delegate to this Convention I am pleased to nominate James C. Morris to the high office 

of national vice commander. Thank you. (Applause)

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Microphone Number 1.

DELEGATION CHAIRMAN HULS (SD): I’m Jim Huls, delegation chairman to 

this Convention from the great State of South Dakota, the home of the shrine of 

democracy, Mount Rushmore. Please recognize National Executive Committeeman Paul 

Evenson for the purpose of nominating a national vice commander.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: National Executive Committeeman 

Evenson is recognized and granted the privilege of the podium.

NEC MEMBER EVENSON (SD): Thank you, Mr. Commander. Convention 

delegates, it is indeed an honor and a privilege to introduce and nominate a good friend 

and fellow Legionnaire, Gene Schumacher, from the Department of South Dakota, for the 

office of national vice commander. Gene’s service to his country was from 1961 through 

‘65 in the Air Force as a Titan II Missile Technician at Vandenberg Air Force base in 

California. Gene is a 43 year Paid-Up-For-Life member of Post 24 in Aberdeen, South 

Dakota. Gene has been very active and has distinguished himself at every level of The 

American Legion. He has served his post as commander for two different terms, and as 

post adjutant for over 13 years. Gene is also very active in membership in his post in 

being a 32 year Go-Getter, and 21 of those years as a Century Go-Getter. Gene served as 

District 14 Vice Commander, as district commander and department vice commander in 

1980 and ‘81. In 2004 the Legionnaires of South Dakota elected Gene as department 

commander. Prior to that Gene was their state membership chairman, served on our 

Department Administrative Committee, and also as our department finance officer. Gene 

is also very active in the South Dakota Boys State program, serving on the board of 

directors, and also as a registrar for the Boys State for the past five years. On the national 

level Gene has been a member of the National Employment Committee since 2001, and 

also a member of the National Legislative Council. Gene and his wife Sharon of 46 years 

have been blessed with two sons and four grandchildren. Gene and Sharon are members 

of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Aberdeen, South Dakota, and Gene is a retired 

area manager for a utility company. The Department of South Dakota is very proud of 

Gene. Therefore, on behalf of the Legionnaires of South Dakota I am proud to nominate 

Gene Schumacher for national vice commander. (Applause)

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Do I hear a second to the nominations? 

...Second. Microphone 2.

DELEGATE GOVERNOR (NY): Mr. Commander, Ken Governor, duly elected 

delegate from the State of New York. Mr. Commander, I move that the nominations for 

the offices of national vice commander be closed.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: You’ve heard the motion that the 

nominations for the offices of national vice commander be closed. Is there a second? 

...Second. That motion is non-debatable. All those in favor of the motion signify by the 

sign of aye. Those opposed say no. Motion is carried, nominations are closed. 

Microphone number 2.

DELEGATE AREA (TX) Mr. Commander, Larry Area, a duly elected delegate to 

the great State of Texas, move that the national adjutant be authorized to cast one vote for 

the entire delegate strength of this Convention, and that James Morris of Ohio, Eugene 

Schumacher of South Dakota, Gordon Browning of Maryland, Mark Avis of 
Proceedings of Thursday, August 27, 2009

220

Massachusetts, and Morris Bentley of Idaho, be elected national vice commanders by 

acclimation.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: You heard the motion. Is there a second? 

...Second. All those in favor of the motion vote by sign of aye. Those opposed say no. 

The motion is carried. Mr. Adjutant.

NATIONAL ADJUTANT WHEELER: As national adjutant of The American 

Legion I cast one vote representing the entire delegate strength of this Convention for 

Morris Bentley, Idaho; Gordon Browning, Maryland; Mark Avis, Massachusetts; James 

Morris, Ohio; Eugene Schumacher, South Dakota, for the office of national vice 

commander of The American Legion.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Thank you, sir. And I now declare Morris 

Bentley, Gordon Browning, Mark Avis, James Morris and Eugene Schumacher elected 

national vice commanders of The American Legion. Will those five individuals come to 

the stage. (Applause) Let me introduce to you individually the new national vice 

commanders for The American Legion. Mr. Morris Bentley. 

NATIONAL VICE COMMANDER BENTLEY: Good morning. Thank you for the 

honor, and I’ll work and slave just like every other Legionnaire out there. Thank you. 

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Doctor Gordon Browning.

NATIONAL VICE COMMANDER BROWNING: Thank you very much. 

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Mr. Mark Avis.

NATIONAL VICE COMMANDER AVIS: Thank you very much, and I promise to 

work very hard for all the blue cap Legionnaires of this great organization. Thank you. 

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Mr. James Morris.

NATIONAL VICE COMMANDER MORRIS: Thank you very much. This is an 

honor that I have been so proud to accept, and I promise you that I will work very hard 

for The American Legion. Thank you.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Mr. Eugene Schumacher.

NATIONAL VICE COMMANDER SCHUMACHER: Thank you all very much, 

especially my department. Commander Hill, we’ll work very hard for you. Thank you. 

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: I now call on Past National Commander 

Ron Conley of Pennsylvania to present the Colors to our incoming national commander. 

Presentation: Colors to Incoming National Commander

PAST NATIONAL COMMANDER CONLEY: What a great honor this is for me to 

present the Colors to our new national commander. Thank you, Mr. Commander, 

Legionnaires, and distinguished guests. Please rise for the presentation of our national 

Colors by the Color Guard of Post 149, Tilton, New Hampshire, to National Commanderelect Hill.

...At this time the delegation stood and rendered a salute to the Colors.

Color Guard, present the Colors to the new national commander of The American 

Legion. Hand salute! Two! 

Please be seated. National Commander Hill, please join me here at the podium. We 

stand before this Convention having received the unanimous vote of confidence in your 

ability to represent not only the Legionnaires, but also all American veterans in the 

coming months.

Clarence, I know and the delegates know you are the right man to carry our great 

organization forward in the coming year. You were the department commander of Florida 
Proceedings of Thursday, August 27, 2009

221

during my term as national commander 2002 and 2003. I always knew that Florida was in 

good hands. Your embrace of technology and social networking will bring new energy to 

our membership recruiting efforts. The American Legion doesn’t just have a captain at its 

helm, but a Navy captain at that. I know that you will navigate this ship with the skill of a 

true professional. May the Colors that we present to you be a source of inspiration and 

pride.

National Commander Hill, God bless you and The American Legion as you lead us 

this coming year. Color Guard, return the Colors of the national commander of The 

American Legion to post. Please rise. Hand salute! Two! Again, thank you very much for 

this great honor to present to you the Colors of our nation.

NATIONAL COMMANDER HILL: Thank you, Past National Commander Conley. 

(Applause) I have always been proud of my association with Past National Commander 

Conley, who started that System Worth Saving that we have continued to this date. It is 

one of the landmarks that we’re noted for. So thank you.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: The Sons of The American Legion are 

our friends and our legacy. The man chosen to lead the Sons of The American Legion for 

this coming year is impressive and committed. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome 

from the Detachment of Georgia, Mr. Mark Arneson, national commander of the Sons of 

The American Legion. (Applause)

Greetings: Mark Arneson, Georgia, Newly Elected National Commander

Sons of The American Legion

Good afternoon, ya’ll. Commander Rehbein and The American Legion, on behalf of 

the Sons I want to say thank you for all the victories for veterans that you’ve created 

these last few months. To Commander Hill and The American Legion, we look forward 

to the new victories for veterans that ya’ll will accomplish this next year. It is this 

positive PR that ya’ll have created that on Sunday we launched Operation Proud Son.

Operation Proud Son will be one where we will grow the Sons. Our goal this next year, 

350,000 members, a five percent increase over this last year. (Applause) Thank you. We 

will promote membership not through a gimmick, but as an honor. It is our love of 

country and our want to recognize our fathers and our mothers for their service to this 

great country, and that is why we join the Sons of The American Legion. For some of us 

Sons our parents made the ultimate sacrifice. These heroes, our fathers and our mothers, 

are why we, the Sons, join together for a greater good. Commander, with your permission 

I would like to recognize my father for his service during the Korean War.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Absolutely. 

SAL NATIONAL COMMANDER ARNESON: Thank you, sir. My father has 

served The American Legion for these past 55 years, and it’s with great honor and pride 

that I say, Father, thank you for your service, sir. (Applause)

I’m a firm believer that it is not by luck, or circumstance, or good fortune that The 

American Legion has succeeded these last 91 years, and the Sons for the last 77 years. 

When you stop to think as to what is said at the beginning of every meeting, “For God 

and country,” you understand why we have succeeded all these years. It is for the greater 

good of this organization why we come together here today to pay attribute to ya’ll’s 

service to this great country. 
Proceedings of Thursday, August 27, 2009

222

On Sunday we launched Arneson’s Armed Forces with one mission, to keep God 

number one, to keep veterans number one, and to keep America number one in the hearts 

and minds of our fellow countrymen. Thank you and God bless. (Applause)

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: This is an exciting time at every National 

Convention. We have elected a new national commander, and we look forward to a time 

of growth and community involvement. But this is also the time when the American 

Legion Auxiliary elects a new president, as this important part of our Legion family is 

also poised for a great future.

The woman chosen the lead the American Legion Auxiliary for the coming year, 

Rita Navarreté, has worked many years for veterans and their families. She is a native of 

Albuquerque, New Mexico, and a member of Unit #72. She is eligible for membership in 

The American Legion Auxiliary through her husband, Tony, a Vietnam veteran and 

adjutant of The American Legion Department of New Mexico. Madam President sees her 

upcoming year of service as an opportunity to inspire the membership in a call to action. 

Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome from the Department of New Mexico, Mrs. Rita 

Navarreté, national president of the American Legion Auxiliary.

Greetings: Rita Navarreté, New Mexico, National President

American Legion Auxiliary

Thank you. What an honor. What an honor to stand before you this morning. I am 

part of The American Legion Family, and you need to know that the traditions that have 

been set since you formed us back in 1919—thank you, thank you so much for the 

privilege of having and being able to serve under those rules. My year this year will be 

focused on reconnecting; reconnecting with our members, reconnecting with our 

veterans, and reconnecting with our communities. And we can’t do it alone. It’s the 

Legion Family that will get it done.

Foremost is our membership. Yes, our environment is dismal, our numbers are 

going down. But I believe, I truly believe that we can reach the higher numbers and reach 

those veterans that need our help and definitely serve all, all veterans. Thank you for 

being so patient and waiting.

Our National Secretary Executive Director was going to be here with me. I left her 

finishing off the Post NEC. And so thank you so much again, and I’ll be traveling and 

hoping to see many of you at the departments or the different events, and appreciate so 

much that you have allowed me to address your Convention. Thank you. (Applause)

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce 

you to the leadership team for the coming year. National Commander Clarence Hill, 

National President Rita Navarreté, National Commander Mark Arneson. (Applause)

According to the Constitution & By-laws the National Executive Committee must 

meet within 24 hours of the adjournment of the National Convention. Accordingly, the 

National Executive Committee will meet at 12:40 this afternoon following this 

convention in Rooms 207, 208, Level 2, of the Convention Center. That’s 12:40.

Is there any further business to come before this Convention? Hearing none, please 

uncover as outgoing National Chaplain Reverend Lawrence Vollink, Department of 

Michigan, offers the invocation. Please rise.
Proceedings of Thursday, August 27, 2009

223

Benediction

Rev. Lawrence Vollink, Michigan, National Chaplain

Let us pray. O, Lord God, you have surrounded us with joy and love and good 

friends and comrades. We leave today with mixed emotions.

We’re proud to serve this year with our commander, his love, honor, integrity and 

respect, giving us pride and purpose as he shared himself with his leadership. Today we 

share his joy and sadness as he leaves the highest office of The American Legion. We 

thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve alongside him, and to take us to places 

where beyond our imaginations we were able to go to make this country a better place, 

filled with faith, hope, and love. 

We also commend Clarence Hill, Rita Navarreté, Mark Arneson, as our commanders 

and the president. May you give them wisdom for their duties, a spirit of sacrifice, and a 

vision that will not perish. Grant them safety in their travels and all things. Grant all of us 

safety in travel to where we go, back to our states to serve again. We’ll always be grateful 

for the American Legion. And, Lord, may we always be under your care and protection, 

now and forever. Amen.

NATIONAL COMMANDER REHBEIN: Please cover. The Color Guard will retire 

the Flag of the United States. Hand salute. Two!

The time is 12:28. It is with some sadness and a great deal of anticipation that I 

declare this 91st Annual National Convention of The American Legion adjourned, sine 

die.

...At 12:28 p.m. the 91st Annual National Convention of The American Legion was 

adjourned.
224

ANNOUNCEMENT OF ANNUAL RECIPIENT(S)

National American Legion Distinguished Service Medal Award: Awarded annually 

for outstanding service to the nation and to the programs of The American Legion.

RECIPIENT:

General David Petraeus, Commander of the United States Central Command

American Legion Baseball Graduate of The Year Award: Presented to the major 

league baseball player who played American Legion Baseball as a teenager and best 

exemplifies the principles and purposes of the program in sportsmanship, citizenship, 

general good conduct, integrity, and playing ability.

RECIPIENT: Lyle Overbay—Toronto Blue Jays

Bob Feller Award: Awarded annually to that American Legion Baseball player 

recording the greatest number of strikeouts during the regional tournaments and World 

Series of American Legion Baseball.

RECIPIENT: Matt Stites—Festus, MO

Commissioner of Baseball Trophy: Awarded annually at the Major League World 

Series to that baseball team which becomes the National Champion as a result of playing 

in The American Legion World Series.

RECIPIENT: Midland Berryhill Post 165—Midland, MI

Dr. Irvin L. “Click” Cowger Memorial R.B.I. Award: Awarded annually to The 

American Legion Baseball player who is credited with the most runs batted in by the 

official score keepers of the respective regional tournaments and World Series of 

American Legion Baseball.

RECIPIENT: Kyle O’Boyle—Midland, MI

Ford C. Frick Trophy: Awarded annually to that Department having within its 

jurisdiction the runner-up team in the National Finals of The American Legion Baseball 

program. 

RECIPIENT: Department of Oregon

The Frank N. Belgrano, Jr. Trophy: Awarded annually to that Department which has 

rendered the most outstanding service during the year to the program of the Boy Scouts 

of America.

RECIPIENT: Department of North Carolina

George W. Rulon Baseball Player of the Year: A Plaque is presented to recipient by 

appropriate official upon conclusion of The American Legion Baseball World Series. 

Citation is presented to recipient at a special Hall of Fame ceremony at Cooperstown, 

NY, the following summer.

RECIPIENT: Tyler Jacobson, Post 337—Pulaski, WI

The Howard P. Savage Trophy: Awarded annually to that Department having the 

baseball team which becomes the Champion as a result of playing in The American 

Legion World Series.

RECIPIENT: Department of Michigan
225

Jack Williams Memorial Leadership Award: Awarded annually to the manager and 

coach of the national championship team, as representative of the adult leadership Jack 

Williams stressed during his lifetime.

RECIPIENT(s): Dan Cronkright, Mgr., Steven Cronkright and Patrick Dawson, 

Coaches—Las Vegas, NV

James F. Daniel, Jr. Memorial Sportsmanship Award: Awarded to The American 

Legion Baseball player participating in the World Series that represents the principle of 

good sportsmanship emphasized by the program.

RECIPIENT: Garret Yatch—Midland, MI

Junior Shooting Sports Trophy: Awarded annually in four categories to the top 

performing Individual and Team in the Sporter and Precision categories competing in the 

annual USA Shooting National Junior Olympic Air Rifle Championship who are 

members of clubs and teams affiliated with The American Legion Junior Shooting Sports 

Program.

RECIPIENT(s): 

Precision Team: Lincoln Rifle Club (CA)—American Legion Post 264

Jacob Carrillo, Dustin McQueary, Brett Morrison, 

Kaitlin Pennell.

Precision Individual: Kaitlin Pennell, Lincoln Rifle Club (CA)—Post 264

Sporter Team: Lafayette Gun Club of Virginia “White” (VA)—Post 273

Hannah Black, Joshua Black, Matthew Brewer, Thomas 

Wheeless.

Sporter Individual: William Eades, III, C.E. Byrd H.S. JROTC (LA)—Post 6

Louisville Slugger Trophy: Plaque is presented to recipient, or designated 

representative, by appropriate official upon the conclusion of The American Legion 

Baseball World Series.

RECIPIENT: T. J. White—Las Vegas, NV

The Ralph T. O’Neil Education Trophy: Awarded annually to that Department within 

the continental limits in the United States showing the greatest Americanism activity in 

use of The American Legion School Medal Awards.

RECIPIENT: Department of Vermont

Rawlings “Big Stick” Award: Awarded annually to that American Legion Baseball 

player having the highest total number of bases as determined by the official score 

keepers of the respective regional tournaments and World Series of American Legion 

Baseball.

RECIPIENT: Kyle O’Boyle—MidlanG0,

Spafford National Trophy: Awarded annually to that Department of The American 

Legion having within its jurisdiction the winner of the National High School Oratorical 

Contest.
226

RECIPIENT: Department of Indiana (Andrew Dykstal—National Oratorical 

Winner)

Francis M. Redington Sportsmanship Award: Awarded annually to the athlete 

competing in The American Legion Junior Air Rifle National Championship who best 

exemplifies good sportsmanship and fair play.

RECIPIENT(s):

Courtney Bates—Geneva, FL and Shayna Thompson—Sims, FL

Oviedo H.S. Navy JROTC, American Legion Post 112 (FL)

William Randolph Hearst Trophy: Awarded annually to that Department attaining the 

greatest number of percentage points compiled from information contained in the 

Consolidated Post Reports, and supporting Department narrative.

RECIPIENT: Department of Virginia

American Legion & Scouting Square Knot Award: This award is designed to 

recognize American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary or Sons of The American 

Legion members who are actively involved in the Scouting program. This award is not 

meant to be a selective or limited award, but one that is available to any American 

Legion, American Legion Auxiliary or Sons of The American Legion member who 

completes the requirements for the award. The Award is meant to recognize dedication 

and work required by an American Legion, American Legion, American Legion 

Auxiliary or Sons of The American Legion member to assist in furthering the Scouting 

program in The American Legion.

RECIPIENT(s):

2008—Joseph V. Vicek, Gordon K. Place, Lynn Sears, Lawrence Foley, Paul A. 

Petty, Richard H. Siddall, David Baillie, Mark A. Delaney, Kurt W. Lindemann, 

Steven Monaghan, Joseph W. Shaw, Patrick Beer, William Mills, Denny Sweat, 

Michael Katona, Barbara Belmont, John Zantek, Jr., Larry Boyer, Eugene 

Standfield. 2009—Alan Munch, Ronald Smith, Charles Martin, Mark Milliron, 

Gary Nordahl, Steven Varner, Sandra Ritter, Lowell Badgley, James Ferris, Don 

Steele, Steve Baker, Terry Cosgriff, Ronald LeBlanc, Donald McIntosh, Howard 

Yeomans, Ivan Anderson, Christopher Cancilla, Charles Eubank, Charles Yunker, 

David Lambeth, Warren Tobin, John Manz, Robert Dusso, David Campbell, 

Sheldon Gotesky, Theodore Spangenberg, John Murphy, Terry Grogan, David 

Lunning, Robert Gorshe, Robert Ryan, Wayne Chatfield, Gary Tanner (as of: 

12/4/09)

Canadian Friendship Award: Awarded by the National Commander with the advice 

and consent of the National Executive Committee at such times and places as may be 

consistent and appropriate. It shall be awarded to specific individuals who shall be war 

veterans within the accepted meaning of the term and members of authentic veterans' 

organization in Canada. It shall be awarded to such individuals in recognition of 

outstanding service in the field of veterans' affairs and in the development and 

perpetuation of the spirit of international good will and comradeship between the United 

States and Canada and between their veterans' organization and The American Legion.

RECIPIENT(s): None awarded for 2009
227

Department Award for 100% Post Children & Youth Reporting: Awarded annually 

to those Departments which achieve 100% of Posts indicating Children & Youth activity 

on Consolidated Post reports.

RECIPIENT: Department of Montana, Department of Washington

Employer of the Year Award for Hiring Veterans: Awarded to an employer in 

recognition of outstanding achievement in the employment and retraining of veterans.

RECIPIENT(s): 2008 Winners

Category I Lear Siegler (LSI) EG&G Division of URS Corporation—New 

Boston, TX

Category II Industrial Maintenance Services, Inc.—Wells, MI

Category III Millennium Security Services, LLC.—Roswell, GA

Note: The 2009 Employer of the Year Awards will not be determined until December 

31, 2009.

Employment Service Awards: Awarded in three categories: Local Veterans 

Employment Representative (LVER) of the Year; Disabled Veterans Outreach Program 

Specialist (DVOP) of the Year; Employment Service (ES) Office of the Year.

RECIPIENT(S) 2008 Winners

LVER of the Year: Michael Dembowski—Birmingham, NY

DVOP of the Year: Steve Lord—Meridian, ID

ES Office of the Year: WorkSource (Southside) Career Center—Jacksonville, 

FL

Note: The 2009 Employment Service Awards will not be determined until December 

31, 2009.

Awards To Enhance The Lives Of Disabled Persons: The program is a joint project 

between the National Organization & the AETNA Company, to award those Posts that 

enhance the lives of disable persons by providing opportunities for their participation in 

community activities.

RECIPIENT(s): 2008 Winner

Black Hills Service, Inc.—Ellsworth Air Force Base, SD

Note: The 2009 Awards To Enhance The Lives Of Disabled Persons will not be 

determined until December 31, 2009.

National DEPARTMENT History Contest Awards: Awarded annually at the Fall 

Meeting of the National Executive Committee to those contestants entered in the 

National Department History Contest having submitted the One-Year History Narrative 

or Yearbook of the Department which best meets the standards established for that 

particular competition.

RECIPIENT(s):

Department of South Dakota (One-Year Narrative History)

Department of Florida (One-Year Yearbook History)

National POST History Contest Awards: Awarded annually to those contestants entered 

in the National Post History Contest deemed by a duly authorized panel of judges to have 

submitted the One-Year History of the Post which best meets the standards established 

for the competitions.
228

RECIPIENT(s):

No-Vel Post 159—Venice, FL (One-Year Narrative History)

Ontario Post 67—Ontario, OR (One-Year Yearbook History)

International Amity Award: Awarded by the National Commander with the advice and 

consent of the National Executive Committee at such times and places as may be 

consistent and appropriate. It shall be awarded to specific individuals who shall be war 

veterans within the accepted meaning of the term and members of an authentic veteran 

organization established in the territory of any of the nations associated as war-time allies 

of the United States of America. It shall be awarded to such individuals in recognition of 

outstanding service in the field of veterans affairs and for service and contributions made 

in the development of international good will and comradeship between their 

organization and The American Legion.

RECIPIENT(s): None awarded for 2009

The Distinguished Public Service Award: Awarded annually by the National 

Commander with the advice and consent of the Commander’s Advisory Committee at the 

time of the annual Washington Conference. It may be awarded to one or more person(s) 

of the United States Congress.

RECIPIENT(s): Senator Chuck Grassley, Iowa

The Arthur D. Houghton Sons of The American Legion Trophy: Awarded annually 

to that Detachment of Sons of The American Legion in each of five membership 

categories (I—200-1,000 members; II—1,001-3,000 members; III—3,001-6000 

members; IV—6001-12,000 members; V—12,001 or more), each of said Detachments 

attaining the greatest percentage of increase over previous year’s membership when 

compared with all Detachments in its category.

RECIPIENT(s): 2008 Winners

Category I Detachment of Rhode Island

Category II Detachment of New Mexico

Category III Detachment of Arizona

Category IV Detachment of Florida

Category V Detachment of Pennsylvania

Note: The 2009 Houghton awards will not be determined until December 31, 2009.

General Henri Gouraud Trophy: Awarded annually to that Department in each of six 

categories established by the National Membership and Post Activities Committee, each 

of said Department having been the first in its respective category to attain or exceed its 

nationally assigned membership quota (effective 1986).

RECIPIENT(s):

Category I None Qualified

Category II None Qualified

Category III None Qualified

Category IV None Qualified

Category V Department of Maine

Category VI Department of Puerto Rico

General John J. Pershing Honor Award: Awarded annually to that Department having 

the greatest percentage of its posts receiving the Honor Ribbon for having 100 percent or 
229

more, of the post’s previous year’s membership enrolled for the coming year by 

December 31, and having reported such achievement to National Headquarters by not 

later than January 31.

RECIPIENT: Department of Wyoming

The Henry D. Lindsley Trophy: Awarded annually to the Department attaining the 

highest percentage of membership over its preceding year's membership by March 31.

RECIPIENT: None awarded for 2009

The North Carolina Trophy: Awarded annually to the Department, not included among 

the several state Departments or the Department of the District of Columbia, attaining the 

highest percentage of membership as of March 31, over its preceding year’s membership.

RECIPIENT: None awarded for 2009

The O. L. Bodenhamer Trophy: Awarded annually to that Department designated to 

lead the parade at the time of the ensuing National Convention.

RECIPIENT: Department of Maine

The American Legion Air Force Academy Award: Awarded annually to that cadet of 

the graduating class at the Air Force Academy who demonstrates the highest proficiency 

in all academic subjects.

RECIPIENT: Cadet Bradley R. Dewees

The American Legion Coast Guard Academy Award: Awarded annually to that cadet 

of the graduating class of the United States Coast Guard Academy who is considered to 

have personally excelled in athletics.

RECIPIENT: Ensign Craig Johnson

The American Legion Merchant Marine Academy Award: Awarded annually to that 

graduating midshipman of the Merchant Marine Academy, enrolled in the PreCommissioning Seminar Course, and selected by the Academy Faculty, as achieving the 

highest grade pertaining to a 1,000-word composition dealing with the subject of 

National Security.

RECIPIENT: Midshipman Jonathan E. Wellman

The American Legion Military Academy Award: Awarded annually to cadet of the 

graduating class at the United States Military Academy with the highest standing in 

Chemistry.

RECIPIENT: Cadet Andy L. Cahoy

The American Legion Naval Academy Award: Awarded annually to that graduating 

midshipman of the United States Naval Academy who stands highest in those English, 

History and Government courses taken to complete a Foreign Affairs major.

RECIPIENT: Midshipman Cory Matthew Francis Kampf

National Commander’s Blood Donor Awards: Presented to departments in different 

sized categories for participating in The American Legion’s Blood Donor Program.
230

RECIPIENT(s):

Category I—Departments with 100,000 or more members:

Post Participation: Department of Florida

Individual Participation: Department of Ohio

Category II—Departments with 70,000 to 99,999 members:

Post Participation: Department of Wisconsin

Individual Participation: Department of Wisconsin

Category III—Departments with 40,000 to 69,999 members:

Post Participation: Department of Georgia

Individual Participation: Department of Georgia

Category IV—Departments with 25,000 to 39,999 members:

Post Participation: Department of Washington

Individual Participation: Department of Washington

Category V—Departments with 10,000 to 24,999 members:

Post Participation: Department of Montana

Individual Participation: Department of Montana

Category VI—Departments with less than 10,000 members:

Post Participation: Department of Alaska

Individual Participation: Department of Hawaii

National Law Enforcement Officer Of The Year Award: To recognize an outstanding 

law enforcement officer as selected from Department law enforcement officer winners 

for distinguished on-and off-duty service. The accomplishments for which the award is 

presented shall have been in accordance with, or in furtherance of, established American 

Legion policies or programs and it shall have contributed to the preservation of law and 

order as well as the American way of life.

RECIPIENT: Officer Christopher Biron, Manchester Police Department—

Manchester, NH

Paul H. Griffith ROTC Trophy: Awarded annually to that Department giving the 

highest degree of support to the ROTC program within its jurisdiction, based on criteria 

drawn up by the National Security Commission.

RECIPIENT(s): Departments of Florida, Minnesota, Michigan, Montana, Hawaii

Fourth Estate Award: Awarded to press, radio, TV, or other communications media; to 

associations of same, to owners, executive heads or staff members; such award to be in 

recognition of outstanding service to community, state, or nation, which service shall 

have been in accordance with or the furtherance of established American Legion policies 

and programs.

RECIPIENT: USA Today

National Commander’s Public Relations Award: Awarded to an outstanding 

individual and/or organization for distinguished public service in the field of 

communications.

RECIPIENT: Ben Stein

The Arch M. Cantrall Trophy: Awarded annually to that American Legion Band 

winning first prize in competition with all other American Legion bands during the 

annual National Convention of The American Legion.
231

RECIPIENT: The Band of the Tonawandas—Williamsville, NY

Emblem Sales Trophy: To be awarded annually to that Junior sponsored Color Guard 

winning first prize in competition with all other Junior sponsored Color Guards during 

the annual National Convention of The American Legion.

RECIPIENT: Last awarded 1984

The Four Chaplains Trophy: Awarded annually to the winner of The American Legion 

Firing Squad competition at the National Convention.

RECIPIENT: Last awarded 1985

The Glen R. Hillis Trophy: Awarded annually to that Color Guard winning first prize in 

competition with all other Color Guards during the annual National Convention of The 

American Legion.

RECIPIENT: American Legion Post 472—Houston, TX

The Lemuel Bolles Trophy: Awarded annually to that band winning first prize in 

competition with all other bands during the annual National Convention.

RECIPIENT: The Band of the Tonawandas—Williamsville, NY

National Adjutant’s Trophy: Awarded annually to that American Legion Firing Squad 

winning first prize in competition with all other Firing Squads during the annual National 

Convention of The American Legion.

RECIPIENT: Last awarded 1985

William F. Lenker National Service Trophy: Awarded annually to that State 

Department of The American Legion excelling in welfare work for war veterans, 

providing the membership of that Department shall be no less than 80% of the 

membership of the preceding year.

RECIPIENT: Department of Minnesota

The American Legion Patriot Award: Awarded to outstanding citizens who have 

demonstrated a profound and exceptional commitment to military personnel and their 

families. In addition to the award, the national winners will receive expense-paid round 

trip travel to Convention to include airfare and lodging.

RECIPIENT(s): U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Michael R. Strobl

233

FOREWORD

The American Legion continued to have a strong year under the leadership of 

National Commander David K. Rehbein, Ames, Iowa. Membership was strong with 2.4 

million veterans in more than 14,000 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.

Daniel S. Wheeler

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 nonpolitical 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

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 and insular possession 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 
234

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; February 28, 1961, to May 7, 1975; August 24, 1982, 

to July 31, 1984; December 20, 1989, to January 31, 1990; August 2, 1990 until a date 

established by Congress for ending the Desert Storm 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 or 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

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 delegates 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 
235

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 60 percent of the 

Departments are represented as provided above.

ARTICLE VI

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

William E. Galbraith, Nebraska

John H. Geiger, Illinois

Joe L. Matthews, Texas

Michael J. Kogutek, New York

Keith Kreul, Wisconsin

Clarence M. Bacon, Maryland

John P. Comer, Massachusetts

Hon. H. F. Gierke, North Dakota

Miles S. Epling, West Virginia

Robert S. Turner, Georgia

Dominic D. DiFrancesco, Pennsylvania

Bruce Thiesen, California

William M. Detweiler, Louisiana

Daniel A. Ludwig, Minnesota

Joseph J. Frank, Missouri

Anthony G. Jordan, Maine

Butch L. Miller, Virginia

Hon. Alan G. Lance, Sr., Idaho
236

Ray G. Smith, North Carolina

Richard J. Santos, Maryland

Ronald F. Conley, Pennsylvania

John A. Brieden, III, Texas

Thomas P. Cadmus, Michigan

Thomas L. Bock, Colorado

Paul A. Morin, Massachusetts

Martin F. ‘Marty’ Conatser, Illinois

Robert W. Spanogle, Michigan

National Executive Committeemen

F. Wayne Turner, Alabama

James L. Van Horn, Alaska

Deodoro M. Aguilar, Arizona

Ross Rogers, Arkansas

Fred J. Walton, California

Ralph P. Bozella, Colorado

Richard W. Anderson, Connecticut

Charles T. Armbruster, Delaware

Paul H. Hasz, D.C.

Robert J. Proctor, Florida

William E. Marshall, France

Ray Hendrix, Georgia

Andrew W. Johnson, Hawaii

Morris M. Bentley, Idaho

Kenneth J. Trumbull, Illinois

W. Darrell Hansel, Indiana

Michael E. Wanser, Iowa

David O. Warnken, Kansas

Randall Coffman, Kentucky

Charles D. Aucoin, Louisiana

Robert A. Owen, Maine

John F. Milburn, Maryland

James F. Army, Massachusetts

Arthur Herbruger, Mexico

Gerald N. Dennis, Michigan

Virgil V. Persing, Minnesota

Charles E. Langley, Mississippi

Richard A. Heigert, Missouri

Bob O. Beals, Montana

Douglas Boldt, Nebraska

Salvatore Ruvolo, Nevada

John E. Neylon, New Hampshire

William A. Rakestraw, Jr., New Jersey

Bruce Jorgensen, New Mexico

Paul Mitras, New York

Jerry L. Hedrick, North Carolina

Curtis O. Twete, North Dakota

Richard Zulch, Ohio

Bobby J. Longenbaugh, Oklahoma

Charles E. Schmidt, Oregon

Richard A. Coccimiglio, Pennsylvania

William J. Kelly, Philippines

Carlos Orria-Medina, Puerto Rico

Ernest Gerundio, Rhode Island

Billy W. Bell, South Carolina

Paul A. Evenson, South Dakota

Perry D. Roberts, Tennessee

Conrad L. Roberson, Texas

William E. Christoffersen, Utah

Leslie V. Howe, Vermont

George C. Lussier, Jr., Virginia

William F. Schrier, Washington

William W. Kile, West Virginia

David L. Gough, Wisconsin

Gerald L. Jacobs, Wyoming

Alternate National Executive Committeemen

Willis Frazier, Alabama

Peggy Dettori, Alaska

S. Paul Griffin, Arizona

Cleave B. Weiss, Arkansas

Roy L. Nichols, California

(vacant) Colorado

D. Joseph Jackson, Connecticut

Lyman R. Brenner, Delaware

Theodore A. Webb, D.C.

Dennis R. Boland, Florida

John H. Miller, France

Charles F. Wessinger, Georgia

LeRoy P. Pulawa, Hawaii 

Wayne D. Mitchell, Idaho

Eugene Thompson, Illinois

Jack Butler, Indiana
237

John J. Ross, Iowa

Elgin Wahlborg, Kansas

Randall Fisher, Kentucky

Owen D. Watts, Louisiana

Paul A. L’Heureux, Maine

Leroy E. Thornton, Maryland

Milton K. Lashus, Massachusetts

Mark A. Walker, Mexico

Darwin Krieger, Michigan

Raymond DeZurik, Minnesota

Robert E. Gosa, Mississippi

Clark E. Pointer, Missouri

Sylvia A. Beals, Montana 

Jerry Landkamer, Nebraska

Jack L. Ford, Nevada

Roland E. Patnode, Jr., New Hampshire

William B. Mack, New Jersey

Prospero J. Sanchez New Mexico

Richard R. Keiser, New York

Coley A. Hunsucker, North Carolina

Wayne D. Satrom, North Dakota

Henry S. Long, Ohio

William E. Finch, Oklahoma

Richard Clark, Oregon

John J. Gasper, Pennsylvania

Ignacio F. Palad, Philippines

Faustino Espinosa, Puerto Rico

Ronald P. Levasseur, Rhode Island

John E. Palmer, Jr., South Carolina

Larry L. Price, South Dakota

Rollen D. Bradshaw, Tennessee

James E. Prendergast, Texas

Terry D. Schow, Utah

Maryls A. Lemnah, Vermont

Thomas E. Saunders, Virginia

Michael L. Montaney, Washington

William E. Burkett, West Virginia

David A. Kurtz, Wisconsin

William R. Wright, III, Wyoming
238

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 prescribe their duties and emoluments.

REPORT OF NATIONAL VICE COMMANDER

James A. LaCoursiere, Connecticut

It has been a great honor and privilege to have served the Northeast Region. A 

special thanks to the Department of Connecticut for endorsing me to become a National 

Vice Commander.

It is also an honor to have served my term under National Commander David 

Rehbein, a very strong Commander. My year was also complimented by serving with the 

other four National Vice Commanders which I give praise; they are dedicated 100% to 

The American Legion and The American family. Our togetherness bonded into a 

friendship that will last forever. Legionnaires, be proud we belong to an organization 

(The American Legion) that has smart and dedicated people serving us in all of our 

Headquarters.

My year began in Phoenix, Arizona, August 28, 2008.

September 2008

2-8 Briefing, training and membership phone calls at both National Headquarters, 

Indianapolis, Indiana. 

2-11 Training and Legislative Briefings at Washington, D.C. Headquarters. 

Breakfast and our National Commanders Testimony to Congress.

19-21 Department of Maine, Fall Conference and official visit.

October 2008

11-16 Indianapolis, Indiana, NEC meeting.

November 2008

14-16 Department of Massachusetts, DEC Meeting, official visit

December 2008

5-7 Department of New Hampshire, Membership Round-Up, unofficial visit

12-13 Department of Rhode Island, Christmas Party, official visit
239

January 2009

9-11 Department of Pennsylvania, Membership Promotion and Homeless Veteran 

dinner, unofficial visit

23-25 Department of Massachusetts, Membership & Mid-Winter, unofficial visit

30-Feb.1 February, Department of Delaware, Post Dedication and DEC, official visit

February 2009

19-22 Department of North Carolina Membership promotion.

March 2009

1-4 Attended the Washington Conference.

April 2009

3-5 Department of Pennsylvania, DEC Meeting and Commander Testimony, 

official visit

18-19 Department of Connecticut, Membership visit and Homecoming, unofficial 

visit

25-26 Department of New Jersey, Department Commander’s Dinner, official visit

May 2009

4-7 Indianapolis, Indiana NEC meeting.

15-16 Canada trip, Legion Baseball graduate of the year, Commander approved

19 Coast Guard Academy, New London, Connecticut, Awards ceremony and 

graduation

June 2009

20-21 Legion Baseball player of the year, Cooperstown, New York, in addition trip, 

Commander approved

July 2009

10-12 Department of Connecticut, Department Convention, official visit

August 2009

1-2 47th Annual Parade of Champions, Scranton, PA, approved by Commander and 

Adjutant

21-27 National Convention Louisville, Kentucky.

NATIONAL VICE COMMANDER

Michael J. Landkamer, Nebraska

On August 28, 2008 I was elected National Vice Commander of The American 

Legion during the closing session of 90th Annual National Convention of The American 

Legion.

From September 2, 2008 to September 8, 2008 I was at the National Headquarters of 

The American Legion in Indianapolis, IN for a briefing on the divisions of The American 

Legion. I also found what Departments I would be responsible for during the 2008 –2009 

Membership Campaign. I was assigned the Departments of Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, 

North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas and Nebraska.

On September 8, 2008 I flew to Washington, DC. The next day I was at the National 

Headquarters of The American Legion in Washington. I heard from the divisions based at 

the Washington office. I attained the meeting of the National Legislative Commission on 

the 10th of September. On September 11, 2008 I attended at hearing of the Senate and 

House Committees on Veterans Affairs. The National Commander of The American 

Legion presented the views and request of The American Legion. The National 

Commander received a standing ovation from the members of the Senate and House 

Committees on Veterans Affairs. The next day the 12th I flew home.
240

From the 11th to the 16th of October I attended the National Commander 

Homecoming and the Fall Meeting of the National Executive Committee in Indianapolis, 

IN. October 24th and 25th I visited the Department of Missouri during the Fall 

Membership Round Up.

On Veterans Day I was in Aurora, NE as I spoke at the high school for their 

program. Later that day we were in Central City, NE for the Veterans Day Parade and 

gave the address for their program. November 20th to 23rd I visited the Department of 

Iowa for the Membership Tour and Membership meeting of the Past District 

Commanders. 

In February I attended the Washington Conference from February 28th to March 4th.

From March 19th to the 22nd I toured the Department of Minnesota on a membership tour.

From April 20th to the 23rd I made my official visit to the Department of North 

Dakota.

May was by far the busiest month of all. May 4th to the 7th I was in Indianapolis for 

the Spring Meeting of the National Executive Committee. On the 7th Patty and I flew to 

Missouri to be in Independence, MO for the 125th Birthday of President Harry S Truman.

The following weekend we spent in Topeka, KS attending the Department 

Convention of the Department of Kansas. May 20th to the 22nd was spent at the United 

States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. May 23rd to the 25th was spent in Washington, 

DC. On Saturday night we attended the Stories of Service honoring the Gold Star Mom’s 

Dad’s and Spouses. On Sunday we attended a dinner honoring disabled veterans by a 

local steakhouse and later that day we watched Rolling Thunder roll into Washington. On 

Memorial Day I attended breakfast at the White House with the President. Later that 

morning I was at the wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns and the 

Memorial Day program at Arlington National Cemetery. Following the program at 

Arlington we attended the Memorial Day program and wreath laying ceremony at the 

Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

During the month of June I attended the Department Conventions of Departments of 

South Dakota and Nebraska, which were held at the same time. In July we attended the 

Department Convention of the Department of Iowa.

I will attend the 91st National Convention of The American Legion in Louisville, 

KY from August 21st to the 27th 2009. My term will expire at the closing of this 

convention on August 27, 2009. It has been a real honor and privilege to serve in the 

second highest elected office of The American Legion as a National Vice Commander.

REPORT OF NATIONAL VICE COMMANDER

James W. Davis, Ohio

This is my final report for the 2009 year. I want to take this time to thank the worlds 

largest Veteran’s Group for my year as National Vice Commander and a special thanks to 

the Department of West Virginia for sending in my name for the prestige office of 

National Vice Commander. It has been so much more than I expected or anticipated.

This year I have been in a vehicle for 31,172 miles, stayed in 109 motels and been in 

151 of the friendliest American Legion Post in the Country. Here is a list of the places 

that I have been this year.

September 2008

15-16 Salute to all Veterans Past and Present at Flatwood, West Virginia, 

Honoring all the POW-MIA’S from West Virginia
241

October 2008

4 Commander Hall’s Homecoming in Mason County, West Virginia

5-7 Embassy of France in Washington, DC in honor of the last living WWI 

Veteran, Frank Buckles

8-9 Boys’ State Director’s meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana

11-16 NEC meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana 

17-18 National Auxiliary President’s Homecoming in Columbus, Ohio

26 West Virginia’s First District meeting in Newall, West Virginia

30-Nov 2 Department of Virginia’s Fall Conference in Hampton, Virginia

November 2008

5-8 Department of Michigan’s Membership Pick-Up in the State of Michigan 

VA Hospital and a tour of the Haven

December 2008

1-20 Visit’s to various Legion Posts in Ohio and West Virginia

January 2009

8-15 Department of Illinois Membership Rally all over the State of Illinois

16-19 Department of Wisconsin’s Mid-Winter Conference

21-22 Membership Caravan First District of West Virginia

February 2009

1-2 Department of Illinois for the funeral of Commander Bill Hudson

5 5th District meeting in Winfield, West Virginia

Boys’ State Meeting in Jackson Mills, West Virginia

6-8 Mid-Winter Conference in Huntington, West Virginia

20-23 Department of Michigan’s Mid-Winter Conference

March 2009

12 American Legion Post meeting in Bellaire, Ohio

13-14 Membership Booth in Moundsville, West Virginia

29-April 4 Department of Ohio Membership Round-Up

April 2009

4 American Legion Birthday in Parkersburg, West Virginia

5-18, 25-26 District’s 4th, 8th, 9th, and 1st District Meetings in West Virginia

May 2009

3-9 & 16 District’s 5th, 6th, and 2nd District Meetings in West Virginia

21 Run to the Wall in Charleston, West, Virginia

22-27 United State Air Force Academy’s Graduation in Colorado Springs, 

Colorado 

June 2009

13-18 American Legion West Virginia Boys’ State in Jackson Mills, West 

Virginia

19-21 American Legion Ohio Boys’ State in Bowling Green, Ohio

24-27 Department of Kentucky’s Convention in Louisville, Kentucky

July 2009

8-12 Department of West Virginia’s Summer Conference in South Charleston, 

West Virginia

13-25 American Legion Boys’ Nation in Washington, DC
242

August 2009

1 Start Poker Run for Legacy in Phillipi, West Virginia

5-7 American Legion Baseball Mid-Atlantic Regional in Morgantown, West 

Virginia

8 West Virginia Membership Workshop in Bridgeport, West, Virginia

18 American Legion Legacy Run stopping in Wheeling, West Virginia

20-27 National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky

So as you can see, my year has been filled with many great memories that will 

cherish years to come and again I would like to thank the Legion and all the Veterans for 

their faith and support. If not for them, I would not have had the opportunity of a life time 

to become the National Vice Commander of the American Legion.

REPORT OF NATIONAL VICE COMMANDER

Harley W. Ray, Oregon

What an honor and privilege to have served the Western regions 13 states and the 

depts. of Mexico and Philippines. Serving with National Commander Dave Rehbein 

made my year a very good year. I had the honor of presenting an award to a graduate at

West Point, this to me, was the most memorial day of the year. 

I’ve made so many friends, their hospitality was unbelievable. We National Vice 

Commanders, developed a life time friendship.

Summary of my travels for 2008-2009

September 2008

2-7 Indianapolis, IN—training

8-11 Washington, DC—training

19-21 Rock Springs, WY—Department Executive Committee

October 2008

11-15 Indianapolis, IN—Fall meetings

16-19 Idaho—Department Executive Committee

24-26 Montana—Department Executive Committee

November 2008

7-9 Nevada—Department Executive Committee

9-12 Utah—Department Executive Committee

January 2009

16-19 Wyoming

29–1 Feb Washington—Department Executive Committee

February 2009

4-6 Arizona

13-15 New Mexico—Department Executive Committee

15-17 Utah—membership

20-22 Nevada

March 2009

1-4 Washington, D.C.

13-15 California—Department Executive Committee

April 2009

3-6 Hawaii—Department Executive Committee 

16-19 Oregon—Department Executive Committee

22-25 Alaska—Department Convention
243

May 2009

3-7 Indianapolis, IN—Spring meetings

22 WestPoint

June 2009

18-21 Colorado—Department Convention

25-28 New Mexico—Department Convention

July 2009

7-9 Mexico—Department Convention

August 2009

23-27 Louisville, KY—National Convention

REPORT OF NATIONAL VICE COMMANDER

Dellano T. Simmons, Texas

It is an honor and privilege to have served the South East Region. A special thanks 

to the Southern Bloc and Texas for endorsing me to become a National Vice 

Commander. It is also an honor to be serving with/for National Commander David 

Rehbein, a very unique commander. What can I say about the other four National Vice 

Commanders but praise; they are dedicated to and for the American Legion. Our 

togetherness bonded into a friendship that will last forever. Legionnaires, be proud we 

belong to an organization (The American Legion) that has smart and dedicated people 

serving us in all of our Headquarters.

My year began in Phoenix, Arizona, August 28, 2008.

August 2008

29 El Paso, Texas. Visited the American Legion Post 832. In attendance was 

Texas NEC man, Department Commander and 16th District Commander along 

with several American Legion Posts in the surrounding area

September 2008

2-8 Briefing, training and membership phone calls at both National Headquarters, 

Indianapolis, Indiana 

2-11 Training and Legislative Briefings at Washington, D.C. Headquarters

Breakfast and our National Commanders Testimony to Congress.

19-21 Texas for DEC meeting

October 2008

11-16 Indianapolis, Indiana, NEC meeting.

Attended two District Conventions in Texas

November 2008

Attended District Convention in Texas

Attended District Convention in Louisiana.

Veterans Day Memorial Service

23-27 Department of North Carolina, Purple Heart Association Award, official visit

December 2008

What an honor to be guest speaker to about 150-200 World War II and Korean 

Veterans in Ennis, Texas

January 2009

9-11 Department of Tennessee, Department Commander’s Banquet

12-14 Visited the Department of Georgia to help in getting a new post started

15-18 Department of Georgia, Membership Round-up

21-25 Department of Texas Mid Winter Conference

26-30 Department of South Carolina Membership promotion
244

February 2009

7 Attended the Four Chaplains Ceremony in Vinton, Louisiana. National 

Chaplain was the guest speaker

19-22 Department of North Carolina Membership promotion

March 2009

1-4 Attended the Washington Conference

14 Guest Speaker honoring an outstanding Veteran from Post 817

27-29 Guest Speaker for District 21 Convention, Kerrville, Texas

April 2009 

2 Guest Speaker for Ride 2 Recovery Veterans in Waco, Texas

15-17 Helped in getting two new posts started in Texas

18 Guest Speaker at District 10 Convention in Texas

24-26 Department of Oklahoma American Legion Children Home Banquet Weekend

May 2009

4-7 Indianapolis, Indiana NEC meeting

June 2009

No visits due to doctor’s orders

July 2009

10-12 Participated in District Commanders School in Austin, Texas

August 2009

21-27 National Convention Louisville, Kentucky

REPORT OF THE NATIONAL CHAPLAIN

Rev. Lawrence L. Vollink, Michigan

On August 28, 2008, in Phoenix, Arizona, at the conclusion of the 90th American 

Legion Convention, I was sworn in as the National Chaplain at the post-convention NEC

Meeting. I am very humbled to be given this once in a life-time opportunity to serve in 

this capacity until the conclusion of the 91st American Legion National Convention in 

Louisville, Kentucky. For the past eighteen years, the Department of Michigan has been 

highly supportive of their Department Chaplain and now they have been very enthusiastic 

to see their own chaplain to be given the privilege of wearing the name “National 

Chaplain.”

Throughout the entire year, our National Commander, David K. Rehbein, has been 

undergirded with prayer from our chaplains across the country. Our Dept Chaplains and 

Dept Auxiliary Chaplains came together for the National Chaplains Conference in 

Indianapolis, Indiana on Sept 26-28, 2008. Our theme was the same as the National 

Auxiliary Chaplain, Cherita Potter, or as “Faith, Hope, and Love.” Excellent workshops

were on “Homeless Veterans;” “Returning to Vietnam 40 Years Later;” and “When 

Johnny Comes Limping Home!”

The National Executive Committee (NEC) met on Oct 11-16, 2008, in Indianapolis,

Indiana and the National Chaplain delivered numerous prayers at receptions and 

meetings. Because of my wife’s medical condition which requires special needs, the staff 

(Dick Holmes), were very helpful in accommodating all of her needs. 

Our PR Dept produced a DVD entitled “A Family Affair” and distributed 2,000 

copies to our Dept Chaplains who in turn distributed them to places of worship so that 

they could be shown on the Sunday before Veterans Day. This was for the purpose of 

encouraging people to pray for our troops. It was a great success. On Veterans Day, I 

participated in the Great Lakes National Cemetery Ceremony in Holly, Michigan.
245

In December, I wrote an article on “A Nation Remembers Pearl Harbor” which went 

out to many local newspapers and post newsletters. Our staff extended the invitation to 

the Master’s Men of Southeast Christian Church of Louisville, Kentucky to sing at the 

Sunday Patriotic Service on August 23, 2009.

In January and February of this year, many Four Chaplains Services were conducted 

throughout the country with our chaplains participating. I was the speaker at Berkley, 

Grand Rapids, Livonia, in Michigan, and in Vinton, Louisiana. Our Legion TV has the 

video presentation while in Louisiana. I was able to visit the troops at the Houston VA 

Medical Center and the War Veterans Home, in Jennings, Louisiana (Feb. 5-7) Our 

National Commander Rehbein visited the Department of Michigan Feb. 19-21, and I was 

part of the traveling team visiting some posts and the Detroit VA Medical Center. 

At the Washington Conference, I had the opportunity to pray at luncheons and 

receptions. A highlight was to meet Ben Stein, the Public Relations Award Recipient. 

The Washington office staff made the arrangements with the Congressional staff for the 

National Chaplain to open their session with prayer on March 3, 2009 and visit with the 

US Senate Chaplain.

In April (2nd), I led a Memorial Service for Past National Chaplain Robert 

Davidson who served in 1988-89. At the Dept of Michigan Commander’s Testimonial,

Susie and I received a standing ovation from the very large crowd. 

In May (2-7), our NEC meetings took place in Indianapolis, Indiana and again my 

contribution was to attend the meetings and give invocations and benedictions. I was 

guest speaker (for the 12th time) at the Fifth District Memorial Banquet in Grand Haven, 

Michigan. On Memorial Day (25th), I served as Chairman and Master of Ceremonies for 

the Ypsilanti Community Parade and Ceremony.

In June (18-21) I participated in the Michigan Department Convention. In July (18-

23), I traveled to Arlington, VA to participate in Boys Nation where I conducted a 

Sunday Memorial Service and preached a brief message on “Being Encouraged!“ On 

Monday, we laid the American Legion Wreath at the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier at 

the Arlington National Cemetery with our National Commander. Also, I visited the 

Washington American Legion. Headquarters (20th), and on Wednesday (22nd), I was 

escorted by Jerry Johnson as we visited some of the wounded soldiers at Walter Reed 

Medical Center. We also met the staff chaplains who work there. On Thursday, Dean 

Stoline, escorted my wife and I through the Capitol as I gave the opening prayer at the 

US Senate, and hosted by the staff of the Senate Chaplain’s office. Senator Debbie 

Stabenow was very gracious during our brief visit with her. 

At the 91st National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, we were lodged at the 

Galt House where most the national leaders stayed. On Sunday (23rd) I hosted our 

National Chaplains Breakfast in which we honored our National Youth Champions—

Baseball, Oratorical, Jr. Shooting, Boy Scouts, Student Trooper, and Boys and Girls 

Nation. Our Religious Patriotic Service was awe-inspiring with ‘The Master’s Men’ 

singing and the Message with the year long theme, “Faith, Hope, and Love” A DVD is 

available to any Person upon request. I met with different groups throughout the week, 

including the Commander’s Banquet offering prayers and words of encouragement to the 

people we met along the way. I also gave my blessing to the new National Chaplain for 

2009-10. 

Throughout the year, I have kept in contact with many chaplains, staff and officers 

through emails. Numerous cards of sympathy and prayers for the ill were sent out. Coins 

were given out to military and veterans, thanking them for their service. 
246

It has been truly an honor and a very humbling experience to be called our National 

Chaplain of The American Legion” I prayed at the beginning of my year, that I would 

represent our motto well, “For God and Country.” I hope my prayer was answered in the 

affirmative. The people I have met and served are the greatest, which makes the 

American Legion the greatest organization in the world. May God continue to bless us in 

all of our endeavors where ever we are serving!

REPORT OF THE NATIONAL HISTORIAN

Charles J. Zelinsky, Illinois

Commander, I want to thank you for the opportunity to serve on your team of 

officers as National Historian. The record will show that you and your team represented 

the Organization well. You challenged the administration when you felt they were wrong, 

such as the insurance reimbursement plan, and you stood with them when their programs 

benefitted our organization. 

The job description for the National Historian is as follows: be responsible for 

Legion history and help department and post historians promote their work. The National 

Historian is assisted by the librarian and staff employed by the national organization. The 

National Historian received numerous Requests for Information (RFI) during the year. 

Typical requests were for information pertaining to our yearly Historians History/Photo 

Book contests. Each RFI was answered with a personal phone call and a follow-up letter 

from the National Historian.

My first task as National Historian was to oversee the judging of Post and 

Department Histories in the National Contest. There were 44 entries this year. The 

members of the National Association of Department Historians of the American Legion 

(NADHAL) did an outstanding job judging the books submitted. They are to be 

commended for their service. The first place winners were:

One-Year Department Narrative History Contest—Department of Wisconsin

One-Year Department Yearbook Contest—Department of Ohio

One-Year Post Narrative Contest—Landt-Theil Post 470, Saukville, WI

One-Year Post Yearbook History Contest—Matthews-Crawford Post 131, 

Warrensburg, MO

My theme for the year was “Record our History—Save the Memories.” As a 

personal memory for The National Commander, Illinois Congressman Tim Johnson 

secured an American Flag that was flown over our Nations Capitol on August 28, 2008, 

the day Commander Dave Rehbein was elected National Commander to honor his 

commitment to the “Pride and Purpose” he has toward the veteran community. The flag 

was presented to Commander Rehbein May 5, 2009. 

At the Fall National Executive Committee Meeting, The National Historian 

announced the launch of a web site for posting pictures of our National Officers as they 

traveled throughout the country doing the business of The American Legion. I can report 

that to date, more than 600 pictures have been posted and there were more than 114,000 

visits to the site. Thank you to the Department of Illinois Public Relations/Information 

Exchange Committee for their assistance on this project.

The National Organization not only houses the most comprehensive collection of 

military research materials and records in the National Library but they also have an 

outstanding staff. At the Fall National Executive Committee Meeting (October 2009) Mr. 

Joe Hovish announced his retirement as National Librarian/Curator. At that time Mr. 

Howard Trace was introduced as the newly appointed National Librarian/Curator. Mr. 

Trace completed his probationary period during May 2009. We congratulate Mr. Trace 
247

and wish him many successes. I want to thank Mr. Trace and the fine library staff for 

their support during the year. 

At the retirement ceremonies for National Adjutant Robert Spanogle last fall, a 

number of Commission Chairmen referred to him as the “Oldest National Adjutant.” At 

that time The National Commander charged The National Historian with confirming that 

Adjutant Spanogle was the longest serving not the oldest National Adjutant at the time of 

his retirement. With the help of JoEllen Gazvoda of the National Library staff, we can 

report that Adjutant Spanogle was the longest serving National Adjutant. Mr. Frank C. 

Momsen (MN) was 70 at the time of his retirement making him the oldest. 

This has been a difficult year health wise for me. In mid January I was diagnosed 

with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. While the prognosis was good at the time, it is none the 

less unsettling to be told you have cancer. As of this date, I have taken the six required 

treatments and all signs point to a full remission. I want to thank all the Legion Family 

from across the country that sent cards, letters, emails and prayers as I went through the 

treatment. You cannot know how much it meant to my family. I want to extend a special 

thanks to National Commander Rehbein and National Adjutant Wheeler for your support. 

I also want to recognize and thank Past National Commanders John Geiger, Marty 

Conatser and the Department of Illinois Legion Family for your support and prayers.

NATIONAL JUDGE ADVOCATE

P. B. Onderdonk, Jr., Maryland

Contracts

The following one hundred thirty (130) contracts have been reviewed or prepared:

1. Articles of Agreement by and between The American Legion and The 

American Legion National Convention Corporation of Indiana, covering 

the convocation of the 2012 Convention of The American Legion in the 

City of Indianapolis, State of Indiana, have been executed.

2. A Memorandum of Agreement by and between The American Legion and 

National Veterans Legal Services Program, whereby National Veterans 

Legal Services will provide consultations, informal training of Department 

Service Officers, BVA staff and claims/representatives, case work review, 

briefings on proposed changes in law and regulations and assistance in 

methods for prompt adjudication of veterans’ appeal cases.

3. An Agreement by and between The American Legion and AdoptaPlatoon 

(AAP), whereby a link has been established to Operation Crayon referring 

to AAP which provides morale-lifting mail and care package support to 

service members deployed overseas.

4. A Service agreement by and between The American Legion and 

Powerware Global Services, whereby Powerware Global Services replaces 

and services the battery in the computer room.

5. An Agreement by and between The American Legion and Data Processing 

Services, Inc., whereby Data Processing Services will add 15 disc drives 

to the computer system and create and add drives to the computer system 

storage capacity.

6. An Agreement by and between The American Legion and Neighborhood 

E-mail, whereby Neighborhood E-mail will assist in cleaning of in-house 

data base and E-mail files.
248

7. A Service Agreement by and between The American Legion and Fuller 

Engineering Service Corporation, whereby Fuller Engineering will 

provide maintenance on the Liebert Equipment in the computer room.

8. An Agreement by and between The American Legion and Dell Marketing 

L.P., whereby The American Legion will market the Dell Federal Member 

Computer Discount Purchase Program to its various associations, 

employees, members and affiliates.

9. An Agreement by and between The American Legion and KBM 

(KnowledgeBase Marketing-Mutual of Omaha) for marketing of 

insurance products for Legion members.

10. An Agreement by and between The American Legion and Norlight 

Telecommunications, Inc., whereby Norlight Telecommunications, Inc. 

will provide a dedicated internet port and service of same for The 

American Legion’s computer system.

11. Housing contract between The American Legion and Marymount 

University to provide for lodging and food service for American Legion

Boys Nation held in July 2009. 

12. A Memorandum of Understanding by and between The American Legion 

and The United States Army Recruiting Command (USAREC), whereby 

The American Legion will assist the United States Army Recruiting 

Command to improve the recruiting environment for Army recruiters and 

USAREC will provide information regarding American Legion activities 

and special community events to local units, bulletins and newsletters. 

13. An Agreement by and between The American Legion and Fischer/Parr 

Entertainment Group (FPEG), an Ohio corporation, to sponsor, at no 

direct financial cost to The American Legion, a NASCAR team for the 

Busch Series from Memorial Day 2005 through the end of the 2007 

NASCAR season.

14. An Agreement by and between The American Legion and Bridgestone 

Golf to provide free golf equipment to military personnel returning from 

duty in the Middle East and Afghanistan.

15. A contract by and between The American Legion and Office Max to 

provide office supplies, office furniture, technology and similar products.

16. Two (2) 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:

Resource One 

Association Group Insurance Administrators (AGIA)

17. A Service Agreement by and between The American Legion and Sigma 

Micro Corporation for The American Legion’s Technical Services Rate 

Retainer (TSRR) subscription for hardware, operating system and 

environment support.

18. A Service Agreement by and between The American Legion and Budget 

Truck Rental, LLC for truck rental discount program.

19. Maintenance Agreement by and between The American Legion and 

Comtech Group for the IBM Software subscription for the AS400 and 

RS6000 computer software.
249

20. Maintenance Agreement by and between The American Legion and 

Quality Concepts for structural and environmental services (cleaning) at 

the Fort Ben location.

21. A Contract by and between The American Legion and Communications 

Products, Inc. for software upgrade for the existing server running

Windows 2000 Server.

22. An Agreement by and between The American Legion and Stratalys 

Research & Consulting, LLC for a research project to understand the 

causes of membership non-renewal.

23. Maintenance and Sales Agreement by and between The American Legion 

and Ikon Office Solutions, Inc. for equipment maintenance.

24. An Agreement by and between The American Legion and 1-800-

Flowers.com provides floral and gift products for members.

25. A License Agreement by and between The American Legion and RLX 

Video, Inc. This is the vendor TN Marketing uses to provide their DVD’s.

26. Annual Maintenance agreement by and between The American Legion 

and Eaton Power Quality Corporation to provide maintenance and 

perform preventative maintenance checks on the Uninterruptible Power 

System (UPS) which regulates the power spikes to the AS400 and is the 

battery backup in case of a power outage.

27. A License Agreement, by and between The American Legion and Lansa 

Inc. for software.

28. An Agreement by and between The American Legion and Caremark 

Pharmacy Discount Prescription for discount prescription program.

29. A Purchase Agreement by and between The American Legion and 

Managing Editor, Inc. (MEI) for K4 Publishing System software to be 

used by the Magazine Division.

30. An Agreement by and between The American Legion and The Seven 

Company, LLC, a consulting service to obtain and present sponsorships, 

marketing agreements and marketing loyalty program agreement for The 

American Legion.

31. A Service Agreement by and between The American Legion and Koorsen 

Fire & Security for fire alarm and detection systems.

32. An Agreement by and between The American Legion and Sears 

Commercial to promote products provided by Sears Commercial as a 

discount benefit to Legion members and employees.

33. An Agreement by and between The American Legion and Pitney Bowes 

Software, Inc. for software products.

34. An Agreement by and between The American Legion and Vanguard Car 

Rental USA Inc. (Alamo and National), which offers car rental discount 

programs to Legion members.

35. An Agreement by and between The American Legion and ASC Data 

Service which supplies data for four-year colleges for the Need a Lift

brochure.

36. An Agreement by and between The American Legion and Fundamentals 

Company, Inc. to provide a fundraising opportunity through the sale of

magazine subscriptions for Legion members and their families.

37. An Agreement by and between The American Legion and Bulkley Dunton 

Publishing Group for the purchase of paper to The American Legion.
250

38. An Agreement by and between The American Legion and Manpower 

Staffing Services Agreement for temporary help during the 2009 national 

convention. 

39. A Agreement by and between The American Legion and Time Warner 

telephone and data lines services which includes firewall management, 

internet “pipe,” main voice lines, data line to DC office and data line to 

Fort Ben office.

40. An Agreement by and between The American Legion and Swift Trip, 

LLC, Legion Family Travel. Discount travel services for Legion members 

and their families.

41. An Agreement by and between The American Legion and Mid America 

Marketing Cancer Care Plus Insurance Program, underwritten by Family 

Heritage Life available to Legion members.

42. An Agreement by and between The American Legion and WebStream 

Productions to provide live video webcast streaming of the American 

Legion World Series Baseball games from August 14-18, 2009.

43. An Agreement by and between The American Legion and IMAVEX, LLC 

to design an American Legion Museum Tour Website.

44. An Agreement by and between The American Legion and Blueprint 

Holdings, LLC D/B/A MediaSauce to design a “decision tree” web 

module for The American Legion website.

45. An Agreement by and between The American Legion and Push Media 

Group D/B/A Sudden Industries to assist, consult and participate in the 

design and construction of a new American Legion website.

46. An Agreement by and between Blackhorse Productions for a movie about 

The American Legion. 

47. Eighty-three (83) 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:

4 Warranty

Aberdeen American News-South Dakota

AEGON Direct Marketing

ASC (The College Board)

Avis and Budget Car Rental

Bankers Life & Casualty Company

Brickmill Marketing Services

Business Mailing Center

Careington International

Caremark, LLC Confidentiality

 CD-COM Systems Midwest, Inc.

CES Mail Communications, Inc.

Colonial Penn Life Insurance Company

Commander Printed Products

Commercial Letter, Inc.

Corporate Express Document & Print Mgmt.

Crell Mail Advertising

Daily Freeman Journal

Datagraphic
251

Data-Mail, Inc.

Dayton Technologies

E H Direct

Epsilon

Equifax Direct Marketing Solutions, LLC

E-Target Media

Fahlgren Mortine

First National Bank of Omaha

Freedom Graphic Systems

G E Financial Assurance

Gallagher Benefit Services

GMAC

HNE Printers/Daily Reporter

Hutchinson Company

info USA, Inc.

International Data Management

JH Marketing Services

KDM

Konik and Company

Kramers Mailing Service

Life Line Screening

Lighthouse List Company

Long Term Care Associates, Inc.

LTCR Analytics IQ, Inc.

Mail Computer Services Direct

Mail Manager

Mailing Services of Pittsburgh

Mainstreet Media-Kansas

MCS Direct

Merkle, Inc.

Military Advantage

MMP Direct and Printing

Moore Wallace Response Marketing

Morgan Printing, Inc.

Name-Finders List

National General Insurance

Nfocus Consulting, Inc.

North Mail, Inc.

On line Insurance Services, LLC

PacifiCare

PEP Direct, Inc.

Perma-Graphics, Inc.

PipMail

Propco Marketing

PSA

Quadriga Art, Inc.

R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company

Ripon Printers

River’s Edge Printing
252

SB MailWorks

SCI Management, LLP

Signature Offset

SIRVA Affinity Group Services

The Mailing House

The Heritage Company

The Hertz Corporation

TN Marketing

Torrington Telegram-Wyoming

TransContinental Direct

True North Companies (Medicare Part D, Program-provided by US Monitor

Valley Printworks

Ventura Printing

 VERTIS 

Veterans Online, LLC

Litigation 

IN THE UNITED STATE COURT

OF APPEALS FOR THE NINTH

CIRCUIT LORI & LYNN BARNESWALLACE; MITCHELL BARNESWALLACE; MICHAEL & VALERIE

BREEN; MAXWELL BREEN,

 

Plaintiffs-Appellants/ Record Nos. 04-55732, 04-56167 XAP

 Cross-Appellees,

v.

CITY OF SAN DIEGO

 Defendant,

and

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA

AND BOY SCOUTS OF

AMERICA-DESERT PACIFIC

COUNCIL,

 Defendants-Appellees/ 

 Cross-Appellants

This case arose when an agnostic couple and a gay couple sued the city of San 

Diego because of the Boy Scout’s lease of Balboa Park for a campground and the 

swimming pool. The Plaintiffs claim the Boy Scouts are a religious organization because 

they require a belief in god and claim they were discriminatory because they did not 

allow gays to participate as leaders.
253

The Federal Court in San Diego essentially ruled in favor of the plaintiffs.

For an agnostic to claim religious discrimination against an organization that 

requires a belief in God does not make too much sense. An agnostic is an individual who 

doesn’t “know” whether or not there is a God. This is different from an atheist who 

denies the existence of God. Hence, The American Legion believes that these plaintiffs 

should have been dismissed for lack of standing.

In addition, the gay couple never attempted to use the facilities or send their adopted 

child to use the facilities. They stated to the court that they “felt” that they would not be 

welcome. Feelings are not sufficient for Federal Jurisdiction.

After the court’s ruling, the Boy Scouts appealed, as did the plaintiffs. Indeed, the 

plaintiffs got their appeal filed first.

Because the court totally misconstrues the case as a case about establishment of 

religion, when it is really a case about freedom of association and because it is a case 

about the basic values of this country, The American Legion has filed an amicus curiae in 

support of the Boy Scouts.

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

THE REV. DR. MICHAEL A. NEWDOW, et al.,

Plaintiff,

v. NO. CIV. S-05-17 LKK/DAD

THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED

STATES OF AMERICA, et al.,

 Defendants.

This case is a continuation of the earlier Newdow flag case which was resolved in 

the Supreme Court by a ruling that the plaintiff had no standing to bring the case.

Now, the plaintiff has had additional parties join him and has renewed his attack on 

the words “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The district court for the Eastern District of California on September 14, 2005 ruled 

that the California law requiring the saying of the Pledge of Allegiance in classrooms was 

unconstitutional, even though the usual accommodations were present in the statute for 

those who did not believe they could say the pledge. The court felt it was controlled by 

earlier Ninth Circuit opinions. The court further ruled that the saying of the pledge at the 

city counsel or in the U.S. Congress was constitutional.

American Legion has filed a petition to intervene as an amicus curiae. It seems clear 

that now that Newdow has plaintiffs that don’t have his standing problems, since they are 

the custodial parents of the children for whom they are suing, the matter will again be 

heard by the Ninth Circuit and ultimately, hopefully, the Supreme Court.

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA COUNTY OF SCHUYLKILL

Daniel Jeffrey Steich

Plaintiff S-2371-2005
254 v.

THE AMERICAN LEGION

POST NO. 575, ET AL

Defendants

The case was filed in Pennsylvania by filing a Praecipe for Summons and Summons.

Under Pennsylvania law, a complaint need not be filed for several years unless

the defedant insists. We see no reason to start spending the money. Accordingly, we are 

keeping an eye on the case. It cannot go forward until the plaintiff does file his 

complaint. The court has sent notice it intends to terminate this case unless a party fills 

out a Statement of Intention to Proceed before October 1, 2008. Despite this, the case is 

still pending.

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA AND FOR THE COUNTY 

OF SAN DIEGO

Philip K. Paulson,

 

Petitioner Case No. GC 849667

v.

Charles Abdelnour, in his

Official capacity as the City

Clerk of the City of San Diego;

Mikal Haas, In his Official 

Capacity as Registrar

of Voters for the County

of San Diego;

And Does 1 to 10, Inclusive,

Respondents

This case involves the Mount Soledad War Memorial which contains a cross.

Plaintiffs have sued in an attempt to have the cross removed and destroyed. A judge 

ordered the cross removed or the city would pay penalties of five thousand dollars 

($5,000) per day. The matter is currently both in the Federal courts and in the California 

Supreme Court. American Legion was instrumental in obtaining a stay of the penalty 

order in the US Supreme Court. American Legion has filed its amicus brief in 

conjunction with the Department of California in the California Supreme Court. The 

United States Congress has enacted and president signed a statute which would turn the 

memorial over to the federal government. Hopefully, this will put an end to the state 

litigation. Nonetheless, we will proceed until we know the veteran’s memorial is secure.

A Federal Judge ruled the cross did not violate the constitution. The plaintiffs may 

appeal.
255

IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS

FOR THE SECOND CIRCUIT

05-1820-CV

IN RE: “AGENT ORANGE” PRODUCTS LIABILITY LITIGATION

JOE ISAACSON AND

PHYLLIS LISA ISAACSON,

 Plaintiffs-appellants,

v.

DOW CHEMICAL COL, ET AL.,

 Defendants-Appellees,

CAUSE NO. D-1-GN-06-000801

The American Legion has filed an amicus brief in this case in support of the 

claimants. The plaintiffs were not able to file a claim in the 1984 Agent Orange 

Settlement because they had not yet manifested any symptoms. Although these plaintiffs 

received no compensation and were essentially barred from the early case, the defendants 

have attempted to use the early case to deny them any compensation. Most of the other 

veteran’s organizations have also joined in support of the plaintiffs.

IN THE DISTRICT COURT

TRAVIS COUNTY, TEXAS

RYAN VORLAND

Plaintiff

v.

 345th JUDICIAL DISTRICT

CURTIS LESLIE HARRIS; LAKE

CITIES POST NO. 88, THE AMERICAN

LEGION, DEPARTMETN OF TEXAS,

LAKE DALLAS, TEXAS; AMERICAN

LEGION, DEPARTMENT OF TEXAS;

AND THE AMERICAN LEGION

Defendants

This is a dram shop case filed in Texas because of an auto accident by an individual 

who allegedly had been drinking at a Legion Post. Matter referred to our insurance 

company and counsel obtained. Shortly thereafter, the plaintiff’s attorney filed a motion 

to withdraw. We understand the court authorized the withdrawal.

Hence the case is in limbo at the moment because it may be refiled. (A Summary 

Judgment was obtained in this case in September 2006.)
256

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF MISSISSIPPI

EASTERN DIVISION

PAUL ASHBY, GERRY WHITEHEAD

AND JESSICA PIGG WHITEHEAD

VERSUS NO. 1:7CV248-M-D 

THE AMERICAN LEGION,

AMERICAN LEGION DEPARTMENT OF MISSISSIPPI

AND AMERICAN LEGION POST 130

This is a discrimination case based upon the fact that the best man at a wedding 

reception, during or after the reception, walked into the Post bar of Post No. 130 in 

Mississippi to order a drink. He objects to waiting fifteen minutes to be served and to the 

fact that the barmaid would not put his change in his hand, but placed it on the counter.

Plaintiff’s lawyer sent a demand to The American Legion requesting The American 

Legion to waive Service of Process. A response was returned refusing to waive Service 

of Process citing the cases that show The American Legion is not responsible and giving 

the plaintiff’s attorney a Summary History of The American Legion’s position on race 

relations. Despite the case law showing that The American Legion is not responsible, 

plaintiff’s attorney elected to serve The American Legion.

The insurance company denied coverage and an attorney was obtained. We have 

filed numerous motions and will be filing a motion for Summary Judgment. The only 

claim against The American Legion is that it “condoned” discrimination. This makes no 

sense and is not a tort known to attorneys. The case is proceeding.

2006-3159, 2008-3060

UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS

FOR THE FEDERAL CIRCUIT

CHRISTIAN M. DEJOHN,

 Petitioner,

v.

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY,

 Respondent.

 

This case brought by a veteran of Bosnia who was denied a job as an Historian 

by the U.S. Army in violation of his rights to Veteran’s Preference.

he American Legion has filed an amicus brief in the Court of Appeals for the 

Federal Circuit supporting Mr. DeJohn’s rights to Veteran’s Preference. The case is 

continuing.
257

IN THE SUPREME COURT

OF THE UNITED STATES

JOE ISAACSON AND 

PHYLLIS LISA ISAACSON, ET AL.,

 Petitioners

DANIEL RAYMOND STEPHENSON, 

SUSAN STEPHENSON, DANIEL

ANTHONY STEPHENSON, AND

EMILY ELIZABETH STEPHENSON,

ET AL.,

v. 05-1826-CV 

DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY; MONSANTO

COMPANY; HERCULES, INC., OCCIDENTAL

CHEMICAL CORPORATION;ULTRAMAR 

DIAMOND SHAMROCK CORPORATION;

MAXUS ENERGY CORP.; CHEMICAL LAND 

HOLDINGS, INC.; T-H AGRICULTURE &

NUTRITION CO.; THOMPSON HAYWARD 

CHEMICAL COL; HARCROS CHEMICALS,

INC.’ UNIROYAL, INC.; C.D.U. HOLDING, INC.;

AND UNIROYAL CHEMICAL CO., INC.

 Respondents.

These cases involve Agent Orange issues. Neither plaintiff was allowed in the class 

action because they had not at that time developed symptoms. Since that case is over and

closed, the symptoms have been developed. The individuals have, accordingly, sued the 

chemical companies.

The defense is that the case is over and the chemical companies were already sued 

in a class action. However, these people were specifically excluded from the class who 

could recover. Hence, their rights cannot be cut off by the class action.

Notwithstanding this, the Second Circuit has ruled against these plaintiffs. The 

American Legion has joined them as an amicus curiae in their petition for certiorari to the 

Supreme Court. If certiorari is granted, we will be filing a brief in support of the 

individuals.

IN THE

SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES

PLEASANT GROVE CITY,

 Petitioner,

v.

SUMMUM,

 Respondent.
258

On Writ of Certiorari To The United States

Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit

These cases involve the right of private parties to place memorials disparaging 

veterans on city property merely because there is a private memorial on city property 

honoring veterans. The 10th Circuit ruled that Sumum, the plaintiff, had the right to place 

his memorial on the property of the city of Pleasant Grove and Duchan City. This, of 

course, would have a chilling effect on the placement on veteran’s memorials. The 

American Legion agreed to become an amicus curiae and has been joined by the VFW 

and The Military Order of the Purple Heart, Commissioned Officers Association of the 

US, The Veterans of the Vietnam War, Inc., Veterans Coalition and The Americans Ex 

Prisoners of War. Our briefs have been filed. 

NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY OF THE ECUADORIAN

INSTITUTE OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

THE AMERICAN LEGION,

 Opposer,

 Request no. 192064/07

v. Trademark:AMERICAN LEGION

 Published in the Intellectual Property

CIGNAL INTERNATIONAL CORP., Gazette No. 514 of November 2007

 Applicant

This is a matter in Ecuador in which The American Legion is imposing the attempt 

of Cignal International Corp. to register the emblem of The American Legion as one of 

its trademarks. We believe that, should Cignal be successful, it will flood the US with a 

lot of cheap merchandise bearing the emblem of The American Legion. Accordingly, 

opposition to their application has been filed in Ecuador.

We are in the process of filing a similar case in Panama to get an approved 

registration in that country cancelled.

SUPERIOR COURT OF NEW JERSEY

MERCER COUNTY-LAW DIVISION

DANIELLE M. ESTEVEZ AND 

CARLOS ESTEVEZ

 Plaintiff

 vs Docket No. MER-L-000713-08

 

SANDRA I. STEWART-DAVIS, 

CHARLES T. DAVIS, AMERICAN LEGION, 

XYZ CORPORATION (a fictitious company), 

John Does and Jane Does (a fictitious designation 

representing one or more person)

Defendant
259

This is, apparently, a dram shop case. The complaint is so poorly drafted that we do 

not know for sure. It merely alleges that The American Legion is responsible for an 

unnamed Post who allowed one of the defendants to drink there. There are a number of 

allegations of carelessness, recklessness and negligence, but no facts.

The case was originally served against the American Legion National Auxiliary on 

July 9, 2008. Noting that The American Legion was also named, the National 

Organization of The American Legion waited service. When it did not come, further 

investigation revealed that service had been made on the agent for the service of process 

on April 14, 2008. On learning of this detail, counsel was obtained and an answer filed to 

avoid default. The matter has been referred to the insurance company, but we have no 

decision from them yet.

In any event, we have recommended that our attorney be used by the insurance 

company since he has an outstanding record of representation for The American Legion.

He has won sixteen cases with no losses.

On his own motion, trial counsel suggested that he contact plaintiff’s attorney to see 

if the complaint would be dismissed, based on the Urban case, since there is no liability 

in the National Organization and plaintiffs apparently do not even know if there was 

consumption of alcohol at a Legion Post or if there was, which post. We are awaiting the 

result.

CAUSE NO. 352-230915-08

AMY HOOTEN, INDIVIDUALLY AND IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF 

AS PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF

THE ESTATE OF DANIELLE HOOTEN,

AND AS NEXT FRIEND OF AVERY

HOOTEN, A MINOR.

Plaintiffs,

VS TARRANT COUNTY, TEXAS

THE AMERICAN LEGION

DEPARTMENT OF TEXAS, THE

AMERICAN LEGION,

Defendants,

THE SOUTH FORT WORTH

AMERICAN LEGION POST #569,

Defendant and Third Party Plaintiff,

ALISIA PADILLA AND LUIS REYES,

Third Party Defendants. 352nd JUDICIAL DISTRICT
260

This case began in late 2008 as far as the National Organization of The American 

Legion is concerned by service with an amended complaint alleging that the National 

Organization was responsible for Post No.569 in Fort Worth, Texas. Apparently, the Post 

had leased out its hall for a party and Alisia Padilla and Luis Reyes attended the party 

and left drunk. There was an auto accident involving two cars. The family of the driver of 

the second car and the driver have not sued the National Organization. 

Amy Hooten’s attorney filed the amended complaint to bring in the National 

Organization and refused to accept all the citations including the Urban case that revealed 

the National Organization had no legal responsibility and was not responsible for the 

injuries in this case.

After extensive discovery and a deposition of the National Adjutant, the plaintiff’s 

attorney finally dropped his unjustified demand for several hundred thousand dollars. The 

case is now closed.

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS

BUCKS COUNTY

EVEANN BURCOSKY COURT OF COMMON PLEAS

 BUCKS COUNTY 

And

EVEANN BURCOSKY, Administratrix of the

Estate of Michael Burcosky,

Deceased

And

ADAM BURCOSKY, minor, by and through his

parent and natural guardian, EVEANN 

BURCOSKY

And

JOHN BURCOSKY, minor, by and through his

parent and natural guardian, EVEANN

BURCOSKY

And

AMERICAN LEGION POST 834

And

THE AMERICAN LEGION NO. 0902835-34-2 

This is a dram shop case filed in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The plaintiff claims 

The American Legion served alcohol and is responsible for the actions of the Post club.

The insurance company is defending us and the case is being strongly opposed. The 

Post attorney filed an answer on behalf of National which must be removed from the 

record before we can file our answer. In the meanwhile, the case is proceeding.

No. 08-472

In The

SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES

KEN SALAZAR, Secretary of the Interior, et al., 
261

 Petitioners,

v.

FRANK BUONO,

 Respondent.

 On Writ of Certiorari To The

United States Court of Appeals

 For The Ninth Circuit

This case involves the Mojave Cross. The United States government sold the 

property to an American Legion Post to maintain this monument to World War I 

veterans. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and the district courts of the government 

could not transfer an acre of property if the cross had to be destroyed. The government 

has appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. The American Legion has joined as an amicus 

on the side of the government.

The plaintiff is a former forest service worker. The Mojave Cross is miles from a 

main artery and can only be found if one looks for it. Hence, the case is another one of 

those where the ACLU and its minions are seeking attorney’s fees from the federal 

government for saving the country from the danger of a cross on private property.

Other Legal Matters

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.

The National Judge Advocate has rendered 1,023 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 33 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.
262

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 materials questionable in 

character, contained therein which might subject The American Legion to a suit in libel. 

To date 226 manuscripts have been reviewed and appropriate comments in connection 

therewith were transmitted, when necessary, to the Publisher or Editor of The American 

Legion Magazine. 

The American Legion Retirement Plan for Employees of the National

Headquarters and Subordinate Groups Thereof

In accordance with the requirements of law, The American Legion has filed all 

necessary returns, reports and allied documents for the calendar year 2008 with the 

Internal Revenue Service in connection with The American Legion Retirement Plan. The 

office of the National Judge Advocate also reviewed the Summary Annual Report for 

The American Legion Retirement Plan and arranged for the distribution thereof as 

required by law.

Employees’ Salary Savings (401(K)) Plan

In accordance with the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act 

of 1974 (ERISA) The American Legion has filed all of the necessary Annual Return

Reports and allied documents for the calendar year 2008 with the Internal Revenue 

Service in connection with the American Legion Employees’ Salary Savings 401(k) Plan. 

The office of the National Judge Advocate also reviewed the Summary Annual Report 

for the Employees’ Salary Savings Plan and arranged for the distribution thereof as 

required by law.

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 Haynes & Partners 

Communications, Inc. and attended all of the board meetings of said corporation and 

caused the minutes of each meeting to be prepared and distributed. The National Judge 

Advocate also functions as counsel on matters involving to date contracts, labor issues, 

real estate law, postal regulations, corporate organizations and insurance.

The National Judge Advocate also functions as counsel for and a director of The 

Citizens Flag Alliance, Inc. In that capacity, the National Judge Advocate reviews 

contracts such as the trust for the flag essay scholarship fund and attends board meetings. 

The Office of the National Judge Advocate files required charitable registrations and 

reports to allow the American Legion National Organization to solicit funds in the states 

with charitable solicitation registration laws. To date, 2 registrations and reports have 

been filed. Others will be filed as due. Some counties even attempt to require 

registrations and reports.
263

Meetings of the National Retirement Committee and Salary Savings Committee

The National Judge Advocate, 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 the 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. During the past year I have met with and attended numerous conferences with 

officials of outside corporations and the government for the purpose of representation or 

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

Marty Justis, Maryland, Executive Director

Three major responsibilities are assigned to the Executive Director, whose office is 

located in the National Headquarters, Indianapolis:

x During absences of the National Adjutant from The American Legion 

National Headquarters, he acts for him. He additionally performs duties 

assigned by the National Adjutant.

x He oversees The American Legion Magazine and Administrative Services, 

which includes the following divisions: Human Resources, Maintenance, 

Library, and the E. A. Blackmore Museum.

x He serves on the Personnel Committee, HPC Board of Directors, the IT 

Committee, and various other committees as needed.

The Administrative Services Division also provides all secretarial assistance to the 

executive offices of The American Legion. All Division Directors resident at the 

Indianapolis National Headquarters report to the Executive Director.

Mail

June 1, 2008 through May 31, 2009

Incoming letters and parcels (distributed to Divisions for processing).................1,007,356

Incoming parcels .........................................................................................................4,320

Outgoing letters/parcels (exclusive of National Emblem Sales)...........................9,991,304

Freight and Express

June 1, 2008 through May 31, 2009

Out (cartons)................................................................................................................4,886

Out (pounds)............................................................................................................170,526

UPS (in) .......................................................................................................................2,515

UPS (out).....................................................................................................................6,803
264

LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

Howard Trace, Librarian and Curator

The mission of The American Legion Library is to provide an information storage 

and retrieval system for The American Legion. 

Indexing of documents continues. Internal and external materials are added to the 

collection regularly. The Library now has indexes to over 51,000 images, 16,000 books 

and pamphlets, 82,000 documents, and 2,000 microforms. Planning for digital access to 

library materials has been ongoing throughout the year and material should begin to be 

available in 2010. 

Former Librarian and Curator Joseph J. Hovish retired on December 31, 2008 after 

devoting 21 years of dedicated service to Library and Museum operations. His tenure 

included the transition from paper indexes to computer databases that have had a 

significant impact on Library operations. Mr. Hovish was only the third person to serve 

as Librarian, and he continued the high standards set by his predecessors, Mrs. Verna 

Grimm and Mr. Thomas Hull. 

A number of researchers made extensive visits to the Library. Areas of research 

involved veterans organizations and politics; child welfare; medal of honor recipients; 

World War II, Korean and Vietnam War photos; education; the GI Bill; and flag salute.

Significant Gifts to the National Headquarters Library

The Namesake: The Biography of Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. donated by Robert W. 

Walker.

Ma Bell: A Little Known American Story donated by W. Russell Young.

World War II: A Chronology of War and U.S. Army Infantry donated by James O. 

Muschett.

The following publications were donated by the Institute of Museum and Library 

Services: IPI Media Storage Quick Reference; Framework for Preservation of Museum 

Collections; Preservation Management for Libraries, Archives and Museums; Capitalize 

on Collections Care; Emergency Response and Salvage Wheel; Field Guide to 

Emergency Response; International Review of African American Art Collecting, 

Conservation, and Collaborations; A Legal Primer on Managing Museum Collections;

Museum Handbook Part 1: Museum Collections; Caring for American Indian Objects: 

A Practical and Cultural Guide; The Nature of Conservation: A Race Against Time;

Promoting Preservation Awareness in Libraries; The Care of Prints and Drawings;

Caring for Your Family Treasures; The National Trust Manual of Housekeeping: The 

Care of Collections in Historic Houses Open to the Public; Archival Care and 

Management. 

Copies of The American Legion Magazine from 1920’s and 1930’s donated by 

James J. Thiel.

The Yellowlegs; The United States Cavalry; and The Cavalry donated by Curt 

Garnett.

For the Common Defense—A Military History of the United States of America and 

Their War for Korea donated by Dr. Allan R. Millett.

Copy of Company K 22nd Infantry 1918 Thanksgiving Dinner Menu donated by 

Albert Schultz.

Designated Heroes Remember: World War II Survivors—Americans, Germans, 

Civilians, Christians, Jews—Tell their Stories, 1933-1946 donated by Patricia Mills.

The following publications were donated by William J. DeGrosky: The American 

Legion Weekly, January 18, 1924; The American Legion Weekly, January 2, 1925; The 
265

American Legion Weekly, July 3, 1925; The American Legion Monthly, June, 1931; The 

American Legion Monthly, May, 1940; and The American Legion Monthly, June, 1953.

The following books were donated by NADHAL: Alan’s War: The Memories of 

G.I. Alan Cope; The U.S. Army and Irregular Warfare, 1775-2007; Danger’s Hour: The 

Story of the USS Bunker Hill and the Kamikaze Pilot Who Crippled Her; Khobar Towers 

Tragedy and Response. 

Bulletins, Reports, etc. Received and Filed ................................................................... 447

Periodical Titles Received ............................................................................................. 208

Books, Pamphlets and The American Legion Magazine cataloged................................ 652

Correspondence Written by National Historian............................................................. 485

Correspondence Written by the Librarian....................................................................1,647

Prominent Legionnaire Questionnaires Mailed ...........................................................1,066

Prominent Legionnaire Questionnaires Received.......................................................... 212

Follow-ups of Correspondence........................................................................................ 37

Items Microfilm Added to Stock ...............................................................................20,351

Significant Gifts to the National Headquarters Museum

Scrapbook of New England events of The American Legion donated by Rachel 

Caliri.

Lafayette, Indiana Post’s Legion baseball shirt donated by Joseph T. Bumbleburg.

American Legion uniform and World War II era U.S. Army uniform donated by 

Ben Truskoski.

Essay written on S/Sgt. John W. Hammer donated by Earl J. Currie.

Purple Heart and Bronze Star awarded to Robert L. Julis donated by John Shockey.

American Legion 1929 membership card donated by Ed White.

Letter from the Membership Committee of the Temporary State Executive 

Committee of California donated by Jerome Callahan.

Sheet music of “The American Legion Song” for Garrett Cochran Post No 1 in 

Williamsport, Pennsylvania donated by LaDonna Orians.

The American legion Official Certificate of Identification “The Second A.E.F.” of 

the 9th Annual National Convention donated by Past National Commander Clarence M. 

Bacon.

World War II United States Army uniform: jacket, trousers, two Garrison caps, 

black tie and tan shirt donated by Marna Barnes.

Scrapbook of William B. Follett, National Vice Commander 1919-1920 donated by 

Suzanne Benton.

The following items were donated by James A. Gleason: Chipilly-131st Infantry Post 

310 flag, flagpole and stand; United States flag, flagpole and stand; Clayton F. Smith 

Trophy 1933; binder with history of Chipilly-131st Infantry Post 310; photograph of 

Company of the 1st Illinois Infantry 1916; and photograph of parade unit at the 23rd

National Convention.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) DIVISION

Brad Pryor, Director

The Information Technology Division (IT) is responsible for many processes critical 

to the operations of The American Legion. IT staff play a key role in the selection and 

maintenance of all hardware and software used by National Headquarters. E-mail, 

Internet access, file servers, telephone systems, desktop and laptop computers, network 
266

security and the data communications structure linking the Indianapolis and Washington,

D.C. offices are all responsibilities of the IT Division. 

IT is also responsible for the computer systems housing The American Legion’s 

membership database. IT keeps the national database current by adding new members, 

updating addresses and maintaining other information about current members. These 

same services are also provided for Sons of The American Legion. 

Along with the membership system at National Headquarters, IT supports 

departments, detachments, posts, units and squadrons by providing them with electronic 

membership updates. Many of our state and local groups use the Association Information 

Manager (AIM) software offered by National Headquarters to manage their membership 

records. And many also make use of ALPOP (American Legion Post Officer Portal),

which allows post leadership to directly access their member records on the national 

database via the Internet.

In conjunction with membership database capabilities, The American Legion has 

invested in sophisticated list processing software. This ensures mailings are sent at the 

lowest cost using features that eliminate duplicate names from various lists so that only 

one item is mailed to each addressee; sort mail in U.S. Postal Service sequence; print the 

address using the USPS bar code to receive the most favorable postal discounts; and 

identify addresses that would not be recognized and thus not delivered by the U.S. Postal 

Service, preventing us from wasting printing and postage costs.

The American Legion’s IT Division is an integral part of the Marketing Services 

Group, providing support services for Emblem Sales and production and support services 

for the Fundraising and Membership Support Services Divisions.

AMERICANISM COMMISSION

Joseph E. Caouette, New Hampshire, Chairman

William A. Pease, Indiana, 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 to 

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 Americans. 

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:

x Promote understanding of the principles of democratic governmental 

problems, and bringing more citizens to think seriously of the duties of 

citizenship;

x Give sound, practical service in our communities, working to make these 

communities better and safer places in which to live;

x Emphasize religion, encouraging its continuation in the life of every citizen;
267 x 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;

x Do important work for the youth of America, sponsoring American Legion 

Baseball, the American Legion High School Oratorical Contest, American 

Legion Boys State, American Legion Boys Nation, American Legion Junior 

Shooting Sports Program, Boy Scouts of America activities, and many other 

citizenship and objective training activities;

x Work for the assimilation of immigrants through schools of citizenship and

other agencies and stand for the restriction of immigration so that this 

assimilation may approach perfection; and

x Combat subversive and terrorist activities, all un-American groups and 

activities which have for their aim the downfall of democracy in America.

Additionally, 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. Two current major 

legislative initiatives of The American Legion are 1) the continuing efforts to effect a 

constitutional amendment that would give Congress the authority to enact flag protection 

laws, and 2) coordinating a nationwide effort to combat the secular cleansing of our 

American heritage through Establishment clause lawsuits.

This Commission has the responsibility for supervision and coordination of two 

standing committees: The Counter-Subversive Activities Committee and the National 

Committee on Education.

Following is a summary of the several programs, which are the responsibility of the 

Americanism Commission and have been conducted during the 2008-2009 American 

Legion year.

American Legion Boys State/Boys Nation

The American Legion believes that if the United States is to maintain its form of 

government, it must have a citizenry that has a fundamental understanding and interest in 

its operation. This is what The American Legion Boys State program does for the young 

men of our nation. It teaches the fundamentals of American government through the state 

level.

It was 75 years ago that Legionnaires in the state of Illinois first 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 its future. Established in 1935, the 

whole idea of American Legion Boys State, then and now, is to show young people that 

beyond a doubt, our form of government is good; but its preservation depends upon 

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 American Legion, 

the National Organization recognized the need for a similar program at the national level 

and in 1946, established American Legion Boys Nation. This year, it celebrated its 64th 

anniversary session.

Both Boys State and Boys Nation are unique programs of The American Legion that 

emphasize participation and personal experience in a respective model “state” and 

“nation” that is complete with its governing bodies and elected officials.
268

Each year nearly 20,000 young Americans take part in American Legion Boys State, 

and throughout its 74 year history, the program has graduated well over 1,750,000 young 

men.

Every year, each Boys State selects two outstanding graduates to represent them at 

American Legion Boys Nation. In 2009 the program was again held in Washington, D.C. 

during July, and it introduced delegates first-hand to the structure and function of the 

federal government.

The week of government training in the Nation’s Capital combines lectures and 

forums with visitations to federal agencies and institutions, shrines and historical points 

in and about Washington, D.C. Actual participation in the political process is highlighted 

through the week to include the organization of party conventions and the nomination 

and election of an American Legion 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 American Legion Boys 

Nation. Christopher Andrews of Green River, Wyoming was elected President of the 64th

anniversary session of American Legion Boys Nation. He joined the youth champion 

delegation as a guest of the National Commander at the National Convention of The 

American Legion in Louisville, Kentucky, August 22-25, 2009.

High School Oratorical Contest

The American Legion has awarded over three million dollars in college scholarships 

since 1938 to high school students participating in its annual High School Oratorical 

Contest.

Each contestant must give a prepared oration on some phase of the United States 

Constitution, giving emphasis on the duties and obligations of a citizen to our 

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 assigned topic presentation on a constitutional topic (not known until the time of the 

contest) taking not less than three nor more than five minutes for delivery.

Funds totaling $138,000 in college scholarships are available to the fifty-four 

national level contestants, with the winner receiving an $18,000 scholarship. Funds for 

these awards are provided by The American Legion Life Insurance Committee. In 

addition to the scholarships awarded by the National Organization, there are scholarships 

awarded by intermediate organizations of The American Legion to participants in local 

levels of competition.

The 72nd Annual National Oratorical Finals Contest was held at Indianapolis, 

Indiana, in April 2009. The three finalists were: First place—Andrew Dykstal, Lafayette, 

Indiana; second place—Caroline Heydinger, Vernon, Vermont; third place—Werner 

Ferrone, Homosassa, Florida.

Boy Scouts of America

The American Legion charters 2,743 Scout Units in communities across the country 

involving 71,565 young people. Its commitment to the principles of Scouting dates back 

to the Legion's first National Convention in 1919.

The American Legion continues to be seriously concerned with the continued acts of 

domestic terrorism by the ACLU and its unrelenting attacks against the Boy Scouts of 

America and the Boy Scouts’ efforts to maintain and practice traditional family values 

with regard to membership and leadership standards.
269

The American Legion selected Brad Jencks of South Jordan, Utah, as its 2009 Eagle 

Scout of the Year. Selection was based on his outstanding religious, school, community 

and scouting achievements. He will receive a $10,000 scholarship from The American 

Legion.

Three Eagle Scouts were named runners-up for the award and each will receive a 

$2,500 scholarship. They are John Register, Austin, Minnesota; John Dreyzehner, 

Abingdon, Virginia; and Joe Phillips, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.

In addition, an estimated 8,000 certificates honoring new Eagle Scout recipients are 

distributed annually.

Almost 390 American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of The 

American Legion members have received The American Legion and Scouting Square 

Knot award to recognize their dedication and work to assist in furthering the Scouting 

programs of The American Legion.

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 and to 

offer a wholesome recreational activity through organized competition. The Junior 

Shooting Sports Program has 1,085 active clubs with almost 15,000 young people 

participating annually.

The 19th annual Junior Air Rifle National Championship was conducted August 4-

9, 2009 at the Olympic Training Center range in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The 

tournament climaxed two rounds of postal matches which began shortly after the first of 

the year and involved almost 1,200 entrants.

The competition was divided into two categories: precision air rifle and sporter air 

rifle. Medals and plaques were awarded in both categories, as well as in each of the 

prone, kneeling and standing positions.

The 2009 winners were Emily Quiner of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota (Precision) and 

Deckard Day from Albuquerque, New Mexico (Sporter). Both received $2,500 

scholarships provided by the Sons of The American Legion.

Eight and Forty National Lung and Respiratory Disease Nursing Scholarship Fund

The American Legion administers the Eight and Forty National Lung and 

Respiratory Disease Nursing Scholarship. This scholarship was created to assist 

Registered Nurses in securing advanced preparation for those positions in 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 2009-2010, awarded nine $3,000 scholarships to recipients in eight states 

to assist in furthering their education. This brings their cumulative total for the past 49 

years to 853 scholarships, totaling over $1.5 million to help eliminate personnel shortages 

in this important area of nursing. This scholarship program will again be offered for the 

2010-2011 school year.

Flag Education

The American Legion is a nationally recognized authority on the proper display of 

the United States Flag. Each year, thousands of letters, phone calls, and electronic mail 

messages are routinely answered giving factual information on the display, use of and 

respect for the American Flag.
270

The American Legion continues distribution and sale of “For Which It Stands,” a 

multimedia instructional resource about the history of the flag of the United States, the 

significance and meaning of our flag, and respecting and caring for our flag. It is 

intended primarily for use with students in the upper elementary and middle/junior high 

school grades. Over 14,000 copies of the DVD have been sold since its debut in early 

2005.

Additionally, over 65,000 copies of the 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.

The American Legion continues publication of Our Country’s Flag, an educational 

comic book for use in elementary schools. Well over one million copies have been 

distributed since the booklet was introduced in 1988. The educational booklet, I Pledge 

Allegiance, published in May 1995, is also for use in elementary schools. Our Country’s 

Veterans was added to The American Legion’s list of educational publications in 2005.

The American Legion continues its campaign to protect the United States Flag from 

physical desecration. All 50 state legislatures have passed memorializing resolutions in 

support of a constitutional amendment to give Congress the authority to enact flag 

protection laws. Working with other organizations of the American Legion-founded 

Citizens Flag Alliance, The American Legion shepherded a flag protection Constitutional 

amendment through the House of Representatives six times in the past seven Congresses.

In June of 2006, The American Legion spearheaded the drive for the amendment in the 

U.S. Senate, coming within one vote of passage there. The legislation has been 

introduced in the 111th Congress.

Service to God and Country

A program of fundamental Americanism, “Service to God and Country,” seeks to 

prevent the spiritual decay of America by charging the electorate with a spirit of 

unquestionable 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, selfreliance, ideals of loyalty and honesty.

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 84th season in 2009. Over 90,000 players on 

4,800 teams participated in this American Legion Americanism youth activity during the 

past year. The 2008 George W. Rulon American Legion Baseball Player of the Year is 

Patrick Singletary from Hendersonville, North Carolina.

More than seven million dollars in sponsorship fees are spent on American Legion 

Baseball teams by the local posts. One million dollars is appropriated by The American 

Legion National Organization to conduct eight Regional Tournaments and the World 

Series of American Legion Baseball.
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Many Legion players have gone on to distinguish themselves in Major League 

Baseball and have been honored with election to the Hall of Fame. Over 53 Hall of Fame 

members played American Legion Baseball, including Jim Rice and Joe Gordon, who 

were elected in 2009. Other American Legion Alumni inducted into the National 

Baseball Hall of Fame include Tony Gwynn, Tom Seaver, Johnny Bench, Pee Wee 

Reese, Bob Feller, Ted Williams, Willie Stargel, Stan Musial, Carl Yaztremski, Warren 

Spahn, Brooks Robinson, Frank Robinson, and Paul Molitor.

Over 50 percent of the Major League ballplayers and almost 76 percent of college 

players competed in American Legion Baseball as teenagers. The lessons learned on the 

baseball diamond, such as leadership, teamwork and respect for the rules, are lessons that 

are learned for a lifetime.

COUNTER-SUBVERSIVE ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE

Robert Bournival, New Hampshire, Chairman

Jill Druskis, Nebraska, Deputy Director

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. A program of the Americanism Commission, reports of activities may be made 

to the National Executive Committee at its Spring and Fall Meetings and at National 

Convention.

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.

COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Rev. James T. Akers, Kansas, Chairman

Michael Novak, Indiana, Assistant Director

The National Committee on Education, established in 1976, is comprised of 

members from both The American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary.

The purposes of the Committee are: (1) to inform itself and The American 

Legion/American Legion Auxiliary of developments, problems and potentials in the field 

of education; (2) to recommend appropriate policies and programs for The American 

Legion/American Legion Auxiliary; and (3) to maintain contact with the education 

community so that there may be an interchange of thinking between The American 

Legion/American Legion Auxiliary, 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 

that followed, The American Legion developed a formal Policy on Education.

The American Legion has always supported the principle that education is a 

necessary requirement to the successful functioning of a republic. 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 without a continuing system of free public 

education. Not only does proper national defense require trained personnel, but every 
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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 individuals to pursue their 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 their potential 

which will provide our Country with the high level of responsible citizens and 

specialized workers that 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 of The American Legion 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 Need 

A Lift?; (3) participation 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); and (4) scholarship programs.

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 the 

program is to focus public attention on the needs and achievements of the Nation’s 

schools. This year’s theme is “Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our 

Responsibility.” The observance will be November 15-21, 2009. 

The publication Need A Lift? is revised annually and contains 152 pages of 

scholarship, grant 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 

totaling more than $685,000. Each fall, complimentary copies of Need A Lift? are sent to 

more than 29,500 high schools across the nation. In all, last year nearly 80,000 copies of 

Need A Lift? were distributed from the Legion’s National Headquarters.

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 done 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 plus 

shipping and handling, prepaid. A Guide for Parents and Students is available at a cost of 

10 cents each or $2.95 per 100, plus shipping and handling, prepaid.

Following the terrorist attack on the United States on September 11, 2001, The 

American Legion established the September 11th Memorial Scholarship Fund to provide 

educational opportunities for the children of American service men and women who die 

while on active duty on or after September 11, 2001. The fund will provide “American 

Legion Legacy Scholarships” to the children to attend college and will be in addition to 

their governmental entitlements. Fund raising activities are ongoing with an initial goal 

of 20 million dollars established to fund this scholarship. Other scholarship programs 
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include the American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program; Eagle Scout 

of the Year; American Legion Baseball Leadership Scholarship; Gatorade Sportsmanship 

Award Scholarship; and the Samsung American Legion Scholarship. Through these 

scholarship programs, The American Legion issues, on average, $450,000 annually to 

eligible students to further their education.

The PACT Handbook is the guide for American Legion Education Chairmen. It 

contains information on the goals and objectives of the education 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 23,000 students are recipients of The American Legion School Award Medal 

each year. This award is designed to recognize a student for the qualities of courage, 

honor, leadership, patriotism, scholarship and service. The award is presented to a boy 

and a 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

Joseph E. Caouette, Rollinsford, New Hampshire—Chairman

Larry L. Price, Redfield, South Dakota—Vice-Chairman

Roger L. Wild, Lincoln, Nebraska—Commander’s Representative

Luis V. Gonzalez, Henry, Illinois—Consultant

Charles E. Gannon, Landover Hills, Maryland—Consultant

COMMISSION ON CHILDREN & YOUTH

Dennis R. Boland, Florida, Chairman

William A. Pease, Indiana, Director

The American Legion has been a staunch supporter for the children and youth of our 

nation since our founding in 1919. Our commitment to our nation’s children continues to 

be a paramount concern for the National Commission on Children & Youth as it seeks to 

improve the well being of all children. 

Through the decades that followed our founding, The American Legion became a 

strong advocate for children's rights and remained at the forefront of the child welfare 

movement. The early years were devoted to progressive childcare and protection 

programs. Through the efforts of The American Legion and its affiliated organizations—

the American Legion Auxiliary, the Sons of The American Legion, and the Eight & 

Forty—many states and communities improved their own child welfare provisions. 
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The development of new and expanded public programs designed to provide 

economic security for children made it possible for our organization to turn its attention 

to other problems affecting young people. To date there is 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 area of concern for child welfare and child health.

As stated in a 1924 resolution adopted by the National Executive Committee, The 

American Legion “has and will do everything possible to perpetuate ‘A SQUARE DEAL 

FOR EVERY CHILD’.” This remains our ultimate goal and the definitive 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 knowledge of new and existing laws, 

needed amendments, and the administration of laws that 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 ninety 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. The American Legion has, and 

will maintain a deep community-centered interest in children to find new, and perhaps 

presently unknown, approaches to child welfare problems. There is no way of knowing 

what issues will face our youth tomorrow. 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 are 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.
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2008-2009 Program

In May of each year, The American Legion's National Commission on Children & 

Youth meets to consider what programs it wants to emphasize for the following program

year. When a decision is made, the National Children & Youth staff is charged to 

research these areas of concern and produce materials to support our volunteers.

For the program year 2008-2009, the Commission voted to focus their efforts on the 

following quality of life issues, which directly impact our young people on the National 

level:

1. Child Health

2. Child Safety

3. Family Support

Child Health: Since our beginning, the Legion has worked to improve the quality 

of life for all young people. Our partnership with Children’s Miracle Network 

underscores this mission. Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) raises critically needed 

funds for 170 children’s hospitals, which treat 17 million children annually in the United 

States and Canada. These hospitals treat children with all types of afflictions and injuries, 

rendering service based on need, not the ability to pay. They annually provide $2.5 

billion in uncompensated charity care and are committed to turning no child away.

Children’s Miracle Network is dedicated to ensuring that 100 percent of local 

donations made through CMN Champions (the continuing theme of CMN’s fund-raising 

campaign) stay in the community in which they were raised to benefit children treated at 

participating hospitals.

The Commission encourages American Legion Departments and Posts to work with 

and support their local CMN-affiliated children’s hospitals to benefit the health and well 

being of our nation’s children. Since our partnership with CMN began in 1998, The 

American Legion family has donated over $20 million to this worthy endeavor. This 

achievement was possible only through the dedicated efforts of Legion family members 

throughout this nation who have embraced this program and are committed to assisting 

children. 

The position of The American Legion is that all children should have quality health 

services to assure their physical, mental and emotional well-being. To obtain these 

services, families of seriously ill or injured children often must travel hundreds of miles 

to seek medical treatment at specialized children’s hospitals, thus causing the family to 

spend days and even weeks away from home. The additional financial burden placed on 

the family coupled with overwhelming medical costs is difficult, and many times 

impossible for the family to afford. 

Ronald McDonald Houses were created to serve these families by offering them a 

home-like atmosphere, regardless of the family’s ability to pay, where they can get the 

rest and renewal they need to be most supportive of their sick or injured child. The 

Ronald McDonald House Charities Pop Tab Collection Program generates funds to help 

offset the costs associated with a family’s stay while their child is receiving specialized 

treatment.

To assist these children and families, The American Legion has adopted the Ronald 

McDonald House Charities Pop Tab Collection Program as a national children and youth 

project designed to benefit participating Ronald McDonald Houses throughout the 

country. Through the collective efforts of The American Legion and Ronald McDonald 

House Charities, we help to provide a home-away-from-home environment for 

financially challenged families with seriously ill or injured children who must undergo 

medical treatment at a children’s hospital.
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Child Safety: The American Legion is very concerned about the welfare of our 

nation’s youth and a major problem that threatens them. Suicide among adolescents, age 

15–24, continues to be the third largest cause of death among this age group. The suicide 

rate among adolescents has grown steadily over the last four decades and has quadrupled 

since 1960. Over 4,000 young people take their own lives every year. Suicide is a 

senseless tragedy, but is completely preventable. The National Commission on Children 

& Youth produces and distributes a brochure, entitled “Know the Warning Signs of 

Youth Suicide,” designed to assist youth and adults in understanding some of the warning 

signs and facts about suicide. 

As long as Halloween activities are sponsored and promoted in our various

communities by duly appointed and elected officials, the National Commission on 

Children & Youth of The American Legion believes children and parents should know 

how to make this observance as safe as possible. To assist this effort, the National 

Commission on Children & Youth produces and distributes a brochure, entitled “Make 

Halloween a Fun and Safe Night,” to educate children and parents about trick-or-treat 

safety. 

The American Legion is very concerned about young people destroying their lives 

by using drugs. Alcohol, tobacco, inhalants, and marijuana are often readily available and 

considered to be the entryway to a life of drug dependency and delinquency. Gateway 

drugs are so-called because the use of these drugs often leads to drug abuse, addiction, 

and to the use of other drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and LSD.

Growing up today is hard and peer pressure to use drugs can be extremely intense; 

however, individuals are ultimately responsible for their own behavior. Decisions made 

today can have far-reaching effects on one’s life for years to come. To help combat this 

problem and educate our nation’s youth about the dangers of gateway drugs, the National 

Commission produces and distributes a brochure titled “Gateway Drugs...Choose not to 

use,” to equip parents and children with the facts of gateway drugs and help children lead 

a healthy lifestyle. 

Family Support Network: Since September 11, 2001, the nation has been on high 

alert and National Guard and Reserve units have been activated in record numbers. As a 

result, the families of these men and women often find themselves unable to meet normal 

monthly household obligations. Assistance is needed for a variety of everyday tasks and 

expenses. These needs range from routine household chores, grocery shopping, and 

childcare, to ensuring that the grass is mowed for the expecting mother whose husband is 

serving abroad.

To actively address these issues, The American Legion created the Family Support 

Network. Military families can request assistance by calling a nationwide toll-free 

telephone number, 1-800-504-4098, for service personnel and their families to call for 

assistance. Families can also request assistance electronically through the Legion’s web 

site at www.legion.org/fsn. All requests are referred to The American Legion 

Department, or state, in which the call originated. Departments relay the collected 

information to a local American Legion Post. The Post then contacts the service member 

or family to see how assistance can be provided locally. Since the creation of the Family 

Support Network in 1990, thousands of Posts have responded to meet these families’ 

needs. 

As our forces pursue the enemies of freedom around the globe, The American 

Legion supports our men and women in uniform and their families with the Family 

Support Network. Those of us in The American Legion, who served our nation in times 

of adversity, remember how it felt to be separated from those we love. The Family 
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Support Network is successful as a direct result of Legionnaires, at the Post level in 

communities, responding to the needs of our comrades and their families. As the nation’s 

largest veteran’s organization, our commitment to the men and women of our armed 

forces and their families is absolute. As a grateful nation, we must ensure that no family 

endures hardships caused by military service that protects American ideals and freedom.

Continuing with our tradition of supporting veterans and their families, The 

American Legion has partnered with Operation: Military Kids to support the children of 

activated and deployed members of the armed forces. Spearheaded by the United States 

Department of Agriculture and the Army Youth Development Project, Operation: 

Military Kids recognizes that when National Guard, Reserve, and other military parents 

living in civilian communities are mobilized, their children suddenly have unique needs 

and may lack the community support systems associated with active military 

installations. 

Extensive media coverage of ongoing military operations and dependence on the 

Reserves and National Guard creates daily anxiety. These “new” military kids seek 

friends and adults who can empathize and can help them cope with their new world. The 

American Legion, as a core partner of Operation: Military Kids, will enable this program 

to harness the benefits of our well-established and successful children and youth 

programs at the national and local levels to support military youth.

The American Legion in cooperation with State and County Cooperative Extension 

staff seeks to reach out to military youth before, during, and after their parents deploy. 

This outreach effort seeks to: 

1. Create a community support network for military youth. 

2. Deliver recreation, social and educational programs for military youth.

3. Support military kids coping with the stress of having a parent deployed.

4. Collaborate with schools to ensure that staff is attuned to the unique needs 

of military students.

5. Educate the public on the impact of the deployment cycle on military 

personnel, families, kids and the community as a whole.

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 to veteran’s 

children, the Temporary Financial Assistance program is still unique in the social work 

field today and remains a very active program. During the 2008-2009 program year, the 

program aided 1,344 children with $646,981.31 in grants. From its beginning to present, 

this fund has assisted veterans’ families with millions of dollars in non-repayable grants. 

The fund, made possible by the American Legion Endowment Fund Corporation, is 

used to assist families in meeting the costs of shelter, food, utilities and medical needs 

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 

that 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.
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As sure as The American Legion is the largest veterans’ organization in the world, 

there are veterans’ families who require assistance. Possibly the rent is overdue or the 

children are hungry because a parent 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.

Child Safety: The American Legion has demonstrated a strong concern for the 

safety of this nation’s young people since the early 1920’s. In 1992, the National 

Commission on Children & Youth designated the Child Safety program as one of its 

annual or continuing programs. 

Child safety is defined as any external event that 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. Childhood Communicable Diseases

7. Accidents (automobile, drowning, firearms)

8. Fire Safety

9. Substance Abuse

10. Youth Suicide

Accidents are the leading cause of death and disability among our nation’s youth. 

Annually, nearly 16,000 children under the age of 21 die in automobile crashes, fires, 

through the improper use of firearms, and drowning. In homes, playgrounds and parks, 

the potential for serious injury is always present. 

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 that they have an opportunity to play and grow 

into useful adults and citizens.

Legislative Efforts

The initiation and support of worthwhile Children & Youth legislation is one means 

by which the Commission on Children & Youth has attempted to accomplish its goals 

during the 2008-2009 program year. At National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona, 

August 26-28, 2008 the following resolutions, here summarized, were approved.

Admission of Children of United States Citizens: Res. 321-2008. United States 

citizens now have greater access to the nations of the world for work opportunities, both 

in the public and private sectors, and travel. In part, because of this, many children in 

foreign countries are progeny of United States citizens. Public Law 97-359 was enacted 

to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide preferential treatment in the 

admission of certain children of United States citizens, but addresses only alien children 

from Korea, Vietnam, Laos, Kampuchea or Thailand born after 1950 and before October 

22, 1982. As The American Legion believes that no child born of a United States citizen 

should be denied equal treatment under the laws of this country, we urge legislative 

action to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide equal treatment in 

admission of all children of United States citizens.
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Drug Trafficking: Res. 327-2008. We realize that one of the best methods to attack 

the drug problem is from the demand side, but this resolution urges funding for all 

necessary areas and agencies that can help reduce the quantity of the substances that are 

being made available in this country. By working at both ends of the problem, we can 

make a difference in the number of users.

Production, Sale and Distribution of Obscene Literature: Res. 319-2008. As 

there have been attempts to eliminate protective laws from the criminal code regarding 

the production, distribution and sale of pornographic and obscene literature, The 

American Legion is strongly opposed to any attempt to weaken existing laws.

Protect Children from the Unrestricted Media: Res. 314-2008. The producers of 

movies, television shows and news, and the Internet have become very explicit in 

describing and depicting various types of violence. Organizations, such as the American 

Civil Liberties Union, defend such actions as the author’s constitutional right of free 

speech without regard for the potential consequences to minor children. The American 

Legion supports appropriate state and federal legislation to restrict the excessive use of 

violence, vulgarity, and other forms of moral depravation in movies, TV programs, TV 

news and on the Internet. In addition, we encourage Departments and Posts to conduct 

awareness campaigns to educate their members, their families and the general public 

about the potential dangers the Internet and other forms of electronic media pose to 

children and teenagers.

School Nutrition Programs: Res. 334-2008. The American Legion again reaffirms 

its position that the Congress of the United States and the various state legislatures be 

urged to appropriate sufficient funds for school nutrition programs. This is necessary to 

reflect the increased cost of food and to provide for needed facilities and trained 

personnel for the purpose of conducting an adequate school lunch program.

Catastrophic Illness among Children: Res. 315-2008. It has long been our 

position that all children should have adequate health services to assure their physical, 

mental and emotional well being. Unfortunately, many of our children are not receiving 

the necessary medical care due to the extreme requirements placed on the financial 

abilities of the average family. Consequently, children with severe catastrophic illnesses 

are not receiving the needed medical care. The rising cost of medical care in such cases is 

not covered by even the best medical policies. The American Legion believes that the 

state and federal governments should enact legislation to financially assist those families 

faced by catastrophic illness to the end that the family will not be financially devastated.

Comprehensive Health Care for Children and Youth: Res. 326-2008. Many of 

our children continue to face health needs that are not properly addressed due to the high 

cost of our health care delivery system. The American Legion continues to support and 

endorse the programs as outlined by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau as authorized 

under Title V of the Social Security Act and urges the Congress of the United States to 

continue its support by adequately funding these programs, including the Maternal and 

Child Health Services Block Grant, the Healthy Start Initiative, Emergency Medical 

Services for Children Program and the Abstinence Education Program.

Support Immunization Programs: Res. 325-2008. The American Legion realizes 

that in today's society there is no place for communicable disease for which there is a 

vaccine. Despite available vaccination programs, several childhood diseases breakout 

annually. We believe that the state and federal governments should provide sufficient 

funding so that indigent families with children can receive the necessary immunizations 

against all communicable diseases.
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National Family Week: Res. 335-2008. One of the basic principles of the children 

and youth program is to maintain the integrity of the family home. In today's fast paced 

society, it is critical that we seek to recognize the importance of strengthening the basic 

unit of our country...the family. No institution can take the place of the family in giving 

meaning to human life and stability to our society. We urge the President and the 

Congress to establish National Family Week on a permanent basis during the 

Thanksgiving holiday week.

These are the highlights of our 2008-2009 Children & Youth legislative program. 

The American Legion's Commission on Children & Youth has constantly urged 

Departments to support Children & Youth legislation as it relates to our National 

objectives. Local Posts are also encouraged to support city ordinances that deal with the 

community's efforts to improve conditions for children and youth. The Children & Youth 

legislative program is a never-ending struggle, which we eagerly accept for the sake of 

all children.

Children & Youth Expenditures

Annually, as it has for the past 85 years, the Commission on Children & Youth 

records activities from The American Legion Family, consisting of over 14,000 Posts of 

The American Legion, over 5,000 Squadrons of The Sons of The American Legion, 

8,500 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, 2008 through May 31, 2009 and combined 

with these reports.

During the reporting period, The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation 

recorded $637,078.03 in donations from members of The American Legion Family and 

individuals across the country. During the same period, our Temporary Financial 

Assistance program expended $646,981.31 in grants to 1,344 children of veterans. For 

the 2008-2009 Children & Youth programs year, including contributions to the Child 

Welfare Foundation, Posts, Squadrons, Units and Departments of The American Legion 

and affiliated organizations reported a grand total of $19,054,163 in expenditures and 

contributions to benefit the children of America. 

Children & Youth Literature

During the 2008-2009 program year, 439,868 pieces of Children & Youth literature 

were distributed by the Americanism and Children & Youth Division in order to further 

the objectives of the total program.

As shown in Table #4, our most popular brochures are related to our major points of 

emphasis-Child Health, Child Safety, and Family Support. It is of further interest to note 

that 1,556 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 take this opportunity to 

thank all the dedicated volunteers of The American Legion family. Our members have 

contributed thousands of unpaid hours, tremendous amounts of energy and personal 

sacrifice to improve the lives of children and to complete another successful program 

year. The Commission would also like to thank National Commander David Rehbein and 

National Adjutant Daniel S. Wheeler for their continued dedication to serving our 

nation’s youth. Special recognition and appreciation for continued support of Children & 
281

Youth programs is also extended to the American Legion Auxiliary, the Eight and Forty, 

and the Sons of The American Legion that ensure the continued success of our National 

Children & Youth Programs. 

COMMISSION ON CHILDREN & YOUTH

Executive Section

Dennis R. Boland, Florida—Chairman

Elmer Fuhrhop, Ohio—Chairman Emeritus

Donald Suchy, Nebraska—Vice-Chairman

Kenneth C. Hylton, Indiana—National Commander’s Representative

Raymond G. Johnson, New York—Consultant

Patricia A. Harris—North Carolina—Consultant 

Miles Smith, Illinois—Member

Gary W. Gifford, Maryland—Member

Herbert J. Petit, Jr., Louisiana—Member 

Robert M. Johnson, Maryland—Member

Peggy Moon, Minnesota—Member

Jon K. Marsh, Oregon—Member


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AMERICAN LEGION CHILD WELFARE FOUNDATION, INC.

Dennis R. Boland, Florida, President

Robert K. Caudell, Indiana, Executive Secretary

In 1954 The American Legion endorsed the separate incorporation of the American 

Legion Child Welfare Foundation. Since then, the Foundation has granted over nine 

million dollars to other non-profit youth oriented organizations. 

The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation’s foremost philanthropic priority is 

to provide other nonprofit organizations with a means to educate the public about the 

needs of children across this nation. The Foundation accepts proposals from nonprofit 

organizations for projects that:

x Contribute to the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual welfare of 

children through the dissemination of knowledge about new and innovative 

organizations and/or their programs to benefit youth; and/or

x Contribute to the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual welfare of 

children through the dissemination of knowledge already possessed by wellestablished organizations, to the end that such information can be more 

adequately used by society.

In October of 2008, the Board of Directors approved grants to 18 non-profit 

organizations in the amount of $639,695 for projects to be completed in calendar year 

2009. The organizations and amounts are as follows:

American Legion Child Welfare Foundation Grants

American Humane Association Englewood, Colorado $24,879

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America Washington, DC $14,351

Caring Kids Television Dana Point, California $45,000

Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation Wilmette, Illinois $40,000

Children’s Organ Transplant Association Bloomington, Indiana $40,000

Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America New York, New York $30,000

Huntington’s Disease Society of America New York, New York $38,000

KidsPeace Orefield, Pennsylvania $57,610

National Autism Association Nixa, Missouri $15,000

National CASA Association Seattle, Washington $46,915

National Marfan Foundation Port Washington, New York $25,000

National Organization for Youth Safety Gainesville, Virginia $58,250

Organization for Autism Research Arlington, Virginia $40,980

Our Military Kids, Inc. McLean, Virginia $48,800

The Progeria Research Foundation Peabody, Massachusetts $15,680

RAND Corporation Santa Monica, California $10,089

Reach Out and Read Boston, Massachusetts $57,000

ZERO TO THREE Washington, DC $50,000

During the 2008-2009 contribution year, donations exceeded $637,078 with over 

$343,976 of that amount coming to the Foundation from the Sons of The American 

Legion. We receive most of our support from the members of The American Legion, the 

American Legion Auxiliary, the Eight and Forty, and the Sons of The American Legion. 

Their Posts, Units, Salons, and Squadrons are the primary contributors to the success and 

growth of our Foundation.

We encourage each member and each local organization to make an annual 

contribution in support of their Foundation so it can continue to fund projects that will 
287

assist children by giving them a better chance at life. It is important to remember that 

every dollar given to the Foundation is put directly into the trust fund to be used for 

grants that assist our young people.

At the meeting of the Board of Directors of the American Legion Child Welfare 

Foundation held in Indianapolis on May 3, 2009, the following officers were elected: 

Dennis R. Boland of Florida (President); Peggy Moon of Minnesota, (Vice President); 

Roger N. Messier of Virginia, (Secretary); and Robert Turner of Georgia, (Treasurer). 

Administrative personnel that were appointed by the Board of Directors were George A. 

Buskirk, Jr. (Assistant Treasurer) and Robert K. Caudell (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.

NATIONAL CONVENTION COMMISSION

Michael E. Walton, Illinois, Chairman

Richard D. Holmes, Indiana, Director

The 90th annual National Convention of the American Legion convened in Phoenix, 

Arizona, from Aug. 22-28, 2008. National Commander Martin “Marty” Conatser of 

Illinois called the National Convention to order at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 

welcoming Legionnaires to Phoenix and thanking them for their continuing service to our 

country and to our veterans. The Honorable Janet Napolitano, Governor of the State of 

Arizona, the Honorable Phil Gordon, and Mayor of the City of Phoenix, Bruce Conklin, 

Commander, the American Legion Department of Arizona, and Neal Sundeen, President 

of the National Convention Corporation of Arizona welcomed legionnaires to the 

National Convention. The Honorable John McCain, Senator from Arizona, as well as Dr. 

James B. Peake, Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs also addressed the 

attendees of the 90th National Convention of The American Legion. Other guest speakers 

attending the 90th National Convention were the Honorable Bob Filner, Chairman, House 

Committee on Veterans Affairs, the Honorable James Webb, United States Senator from 

Virginia, the Honorable Barack Obama (via satellite), United States Senator from Illinois 

and General James T. Conway, Commandant, United States Marine Corps. A special 

guest to the Convention was The Honorable Richard “Dick” Cheney, Vice-President of 

The United States, who addressed the National Convention on Tuesday, August 27.

Among the many highlights for the 2008 National Convention was the Patriotic 

Memorial Service and The National Commander’s Banquet for Distinguished Guests that 

took place in the Phoenix Convention Center. Country music performers “Heartland” 

provided entertainment to a crowd of approximately 2,300 Legionnaires and guests. A 

special highlight for the 2008 National Convention was our Tribute to Service at the US 

Airways Center featuring the US Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, a performance by 

Michael Peterson, an indoor parade and the enlistment ceremony of almost 600 young 

people into our Armed Forces of the United States. 

Convention Commission Activities

The National Convention Commission conducted three regular meetings during the 

year. Revisions of our request for proposal (RFP) continued in 2008. This process is 

extremely important as it provides an equal opportunity for all cities to be judged the 

same way during the initial review and site visit process. 
288

It is the commission’s desire to continue to attract new cities that desire to host an 

American Legion national convention, providing “blue cap” Legionnaires and their 

families with a varied and enjoyable convention that can be shared by all on an annual 

basis.

For the 2014 National Convention, the National Convention Commission reviewed 

bids from Charlotte, North Carolina and New Orleans, Louisiana. Following site visits 

and after listening to formal presentations from each of these fine cities, the National 

Convention Commission recommended to the National Executive Committee that 

Charlotte, North Carolina be awarded the 2014 national convention for Aug. 22-28. The 

National Executive Committee later approved the recommendation.

Future conventions and dates:

Milwaukee, Wisconsin August 27-September 2, 2010

Minneapolis, Minnesota August 26-September 1, 2011

Indianapolis, Indiana August 24-30, 2012

Houston, Texas August 23-29, 2013

Charlotte, North Carolina August 22-28, 2014

We currently have three cities bidding on the 2015 National Convention. Those 

cities, supported by the appropriate resolution from their host Department, are Atlanta, 

Georgia, Baltimore, Maryland and Chicago, Illinois. A recommendation for the 2015 

host city will be forwarded to the National Executive Committee in May of 2010.

DISTINGUISHED GUEST COMMITTEE

Randall Fisher, Kentucky, Chairman

The Distinguished Guest Committee exists under the umbrella of the National 

Convention Commission. Responsibilities include the coordination of activities for all 

distinguished guests invited to attend the national convention. The committee oversees 

the arrangements for each guest’s arrival and departure at the national convention. Each 

distinguished guest is also assisted with credentials, agendas and other details of the 

National Convention.

ECONOMIC COMMISSION

Daniel M. Dellinger, Virginia, Chairman

Joseph C. Sharpe Jr., Maryland, 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, 2008, through June 30, 2009. Since the commission 

and the committees always meet concurrently, all future references to the commission in 

this report will automatically indicate the inclusion of the committees.

The Economics Commission is chaired by Daniel M. Dellinger (VA). The division 

consists of Director Joseph Sharpe, Jr., Deputy Director Mark Walker, and an 

administrative assistant Jasmine Davis.

National Economic Commission

x Employment Committee

x Veteran Preference Committee

x Awards Subcommittee

x Small Business Task Force Advisory Board 
289 x Homeless Veteran Task Force Advisory Board

2008-2009 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, August 25, 2008, in the Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix, 

Arizona, in conjunction with the Ninetieth Annual National Convention.

A report on that meeting was made to the National Executive Committee 

on Monday, August 25, 2008. The complete text of that report appears in 

the Proceedings of the National Executive Committee’s Pre- and PostConvention Meetings. 

2. An executive session of the National Economic Commission was held in 

the headquarters of The American Legion in Indianapolis, Indiana, on 

October 15-16, 2008. A complete report on that meeting appears in the 

Digest of Proceedings of the National Executive Committee, October 

2008.

3. At the 49th Washington Conference, on Monday, March 2, and 

Wednesday, March 4, 2009 which were held in the Renaissance Hotel in 

Washington, DC; commission members and guests met to hear the latest 

on subjects of concern to them.

4. Members of the commission met May 5-6, 2009, in the headquarters of 

The American Legion, in Indianapolis, Indiana. A complete report on that 

meeting appears in the Digest of Proceedings of the National Executive 

Committee, May 6-7, 2009 

Legislative Appearance

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 staff testified before Congress, and also participated in the preparation of 

testimony presented by other members of the Legion staff on several occasions.

The following is a synopsis of the Congressional hearings and correspondence held 

from August 1, 2008, to July 31, 2009, on matters pertaining to the National Economic 

Commission, 

1. On September 24, 2008, the Deputy Director testified before the House 

Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity on “The GI 

Bill Implementation.”

2. On March 12, 2009, the Deputy Director testified before the 

Subcommittee on “Contracting and Technology on Stimulus Contracts for 

Small Business and Veteran-Owned Businesses.”

3. On April 2, 2009, the Assistant Director testified before the Subcommittee 

on Economic Opportunity, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs on 

“Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Programs.”

4. On May 14, 2009, the Director testified before the Subcommittee on 

Economic Opportunity, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs on 

“Federal Contractor Compliance.”
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5. On July 16, 2009, the Deputy Director testified before the Subcommittee 

on Economic Opportunity, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs on 

“State Approving Agencies.”

Administrative Activities

The National Economic Commission and its two standing subcommittees on 

Employment and Veterans Preference are responsible for ensuring that America’s

veterans have the opportunity to provide, with honor and dignity, the economic 

necessities of life for themselves and their families. In order to achieve this goal, the 

commission and its committees work closely with governmental agencies and liaison to 

assist the organization’s members.

A staff responsibility is answering the large volume of mail and electronic 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.

Employer of the Year Awards

One of the commission’s major programs is its 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, and to 

outstanding members of the state employment security agencies.

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. Prior to this year’s Washington Conference, the chairman of the 

National Economic Commission, Daniel M. Dellinger (VA), appointed an eight-person 

subcommittee to review all of the nominations that had been received during 2008 in the 

Employer of Veterans Awards Program.

The Commission’s Awards Subcommittee met to select the following National 

winners:

Large Employer: Lear Seigler (LSI) EG&G Division of URS Corporation, Texas

Medium Size Employer: Industrial Maintenance Services, Inc., Michigan

Small Employer: Millennium Security Services,LLC, Georgia

Employment Service Awards

Beginning in 1993, three 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.

National winners are as follows:

LVER of the Year: Michael Dembowski, New York

DVOP of the Year: Steve Lord, Idaho

Employment Local Office: WorkSource (Southside) Career Center, Florida
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Other Awards

Employer of the Disabled: Black Hills Service, Inc., South Dakota

Employer of Older Workers: Maule Air Incorporation, Georgia

Homeless Veterans Outreach Award: The American Legion Department of Idaho

EMPLOYMENT COMMITTEE

Albert M. Robotti, New Jersey, Chairman

Joseph C. Sharpe Jr., Maryland, 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. Their Posts and Departments appoint these employment chairmen.

Occasionally, Departments also appoint them at the County and District levels.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE COMMITTEE

Richard T. Lee Jr., California, Chairman

Joseph C. Sharpe Jr., Maryland, 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 Commission’s interactions with those 

Federal agencies, and their veterans’ programs, with which the commission works 

regularly.

TRANSITION

Job Fairs

The American Legion has formal Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with 

RecruitMilitary and Military.com that will allow The American Legion to have a 

presence in all of their Job Fairs around the country. The main purpose of participation in 

these Job Fairs is to educate veterans of their benefits, provide veterans outlets for 

employment and promote The American Legion.

This is an extremely important opportunity that has incredible positive impact for 

veterans and our organization. Since the beginning of the calendar year, as of July 31, 

2009, The American Legion has participated in 56 Job Fairs through our national 

partnerships. Another 46 job fairs are scheduled to occur over the remainder of the year.

Additionally, each Department employment chairperson organizes participation in 

numerous local Job Fairs other than our 2 national partners. Job duties and expectations, 

instructions and flyers accompany approximately 300 educational brochures from the 

national office for each Job Fair. Educational material is sent automatically to 

Departments associated with Military.com and RecruitMilitary and per individual 

request.

The Economics Division encourages Departments to urge members to volunteer for 

the upcoming events in their respective departments. We ask that volunteer staff include 

Service Officers, Employment and Homeless Chairperson, Children and Youth 
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representatives, as well as members from The American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of 

The American Legion.

Department of Labor Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (DOL-VETS) 

Director Joseph Sharpe is a member of the Department of Labor’s Veterans’

Advisory Committee

Veterans’ employment and training programs are designed to help veterans—those 

who face employability barriers and those who are job ready. DOL-VETS gives priority 

service to all veterans, with the highest priority afforded to disabled veterans. VETS also 

focuses on the special attention to military personnel preparing to separate from active 

duty.

DOL-VETS programs include the Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program (DVOP) 

and Local Veterans’ Employment Representative (LVER) program, which VETS funds 

through state employment security agencies. The following are other programs 

administered by VETS:

x Homeless Veterans Reintegration Projects.

x Section 168 of the Workforce Investment Act to fund training of veterans in 

useful career skills.

x Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act 

(USERRA). 

x Transition Assistance Program (TAP) for military service members, funded 

through states and contractors in partnership with the Departments of 

Veterans Affairs and Defense.

x Federal Contractor Job Listing Program.

x Federal Veterans’ Preference monitoring

With the number of Reserve/National Guard personnel returning from the Middle 

East, USERRA is going to become more and more of an issue. The Department of Labor 

has already seen an increase in the number of cases being filed and can only expect that

number to increase. The current level of operations along with the greatly downsized 

military has required the greater use of the Reserve components and many of these 

persons have been deployed to Bosnia, then Iraq, and then turned around and were sent to

Afghanistan. This is placing a burden on the civilian employers and the deployed soldiers 

that must be addressed to the mutual satisfaction of both sides. Many of these individuals 

also have their own businesses that they were unable to maintain while deployed and 

have lost customers and must start all over again.

Recently separated veterans are most likely to need assistance in finding a job. In 

many cases, some military combat-arms skills are not easily transferable to the civilian 

job market. Veterans also face difficulties in establishing and maintaining contacts for 

employment purposes. Military personnel are usually stationed away from their local 

community. This is an employment barrier because similarly situated non-veterans from 

the community are able to develop a network of contacts to help them obtain jobs in their 

chosen field. Service members stationed away from their community for three years or 

more lack such a network. Service members serving overseas (as happens in the case of 

one out of every five service members separating from active duty) further compounds 

job search efforts.

With the current unemployment rate, recently separated service members 

(particularly those who are 18 to 24 years of age) suffer the highest unemployment rates 

of all veterans. DOL-VETS works hard to help these young, recently separated veterans 
293

with a multitude of integrated services to prevent extended unemployment and ease their 

transition to careers in the civilian labor market.

License and Certification

While on active duty, veterans attend some of the finest technical and professional 

training schools in the world. Many of their skills require some type of license or 

certificate to pursue a career in the civilian workforce. In many cases, this license or 

certificate requires schooling, which is comparable to that already completed at armed 

forces training institutions. Unfortunately, too often agencies that issue the license or 

certificate do not recognize the military training or experience already completed. As an 

example, a qualified combat medic who treated gunshot wounds in Iraq or Afghanistan 

cannot be certified as an emergency medical technician in the nation’s cities without 

additional (and often redundant) schooling. The American Legion conducted a study and 

found 105 professions, with direct application to civilian careers, for which the military 

services provide training and for which a credential of some kind is required in civilian 

life. Efforts must continue to persuade civilian authorities to recognize formal military 

training.

Small Business

Director Joseph Sharpe is a member of Small Business Administration’s Veterans 

Advisory Committee

Small businesses have become yet another casualty of the credit crunch caused by 

the ongoing financial crisis. By the end of 2008, more than half of the nation’s small 

businesses looking for credit were unable to obtain a loan. This credit freeze will force 

many businesses to shut their doors, while others will be unable to expand. In either case, 

it means a loss of American jobs. Congress should supplement current efforts to thaw the 

credit market for small businesses by establishing a direct lending program within the 

Small Business Administration (SBA). This program could provide loans to small 

businesses that can’t otherwise find credit, thereby potentially saving or creating tens of 

thousands of American jobs.

The commission’s Small Business Task Force is extremely effective. It includes 

members from government and private industry, and is dedicated to creating a favorable 

climate for veteran business owners and veteran entrepreneurship. The Veterans’ Small 

Business Task Force conducted a veterans’ Career Fair in Phoenix during the Legion’s

National Convention in August 2008 and will be conducting another one in Louisville, 

Kentucky during National Convention there in August 2009. 

In conjunction with this Fair, the Task Force will also be conducting small business 

development workshops consisting of two days of intensive training for both new and 

established veteran-owned small businesses to prepare them for bidding on Federal 

Government contracts

Through collaboration with government and non-government agencies, and other 

veteran service organizations, The American Legion Advisory Task Force assists with 

development and implementation of effective solutions to create a favorable climate for 

veteran business owners and entrepreneurs.

The Task Force holds monthly meetings, at the National Headquarters and via 

telephone conference calls. Staff and members of the Task Force have testified to the 

Small Business and Entrepreneurship committees in both houses of Congress. In 

addition, our partners in Vet-Force, a collaboration of VSO’s and veteran advocates, and 
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the Small Business Task Force has repeatedly pressured DOD, GSA, SBA, and just about 

every Federal agency to adhere to:

1. PL 106-50; 3 percent of all Federal contracts per government agency are 

set aside for SDVOB

2. PL 108-183; SDVOB’s sole source and restricted competition contracts 

for goods and services used by the U.S. Government

3. Executive Order 13360; increases opportunities for SDVOB’s

Director Joseph Sharpe currently represents The American Legion on the Small 

Business Administration’s Advisory Committee on Business Affairs and advises on areas 

of significant interest which include:

x Adequate staffing and funding of the SBA Office of Veterans Business 

Development and Office of Federal Contract Assistance for Veteran 

Business Owners;

x The reported inadequacy of SBA Surety Bonding levels necessary to support 

SDVOB success in the federal marketplace;

x Special access to capital for veterans, service-disabled veterans and selfemployed members of the Reserve components of the U.S. Military;

x Improved SBA transition assistance for discharged members of the U.S. 

military in their transition to civilian status;

x Exploration of changes to the GI Bill to enable the use of benefits for the 

establishment and operation of small business concerns;

x Exploration of conducting research to determine the material effect of 

military service on successful small business ownership, for service-disabled 

veterans, for veterans, and for Reserve component members of the U.S. 

military; and,

x The extension and permanent establishment of the SBA Advisory 

Committee on Veterans Business Affairs. 

Recently, the Pentagon has started taking steps toward getting to know those who 

employ its Citizen Warriors. The DOD began requiring Reservists to provide 

employment information. Defense officials are looking at everything from limiting 

lengths of deployments to improved working relationships with employers, even 

partnering to help a Reservist grow in both his or her military and civilian careers jointly. 

Just as Citizen Warriors need to adjust to a regular cycle of call-ups and a steady ops 

temp for the foreseeable future, so, too, will their employers. To do so, companies will 

have to be proactive in their business planning, but could also use help from the Federal 

government and cooperation from Reservists themselves.

Business Development Workshops held at Mid-Winter Conference and Phoenix

The National Economic Commission hosted an extremely successful Business

Development Workshop in which 200 participants attended. The Northeast Veterans 

Business Resource Center (NEVBRC) assembled top experts from the private and 

Federal sectors. Teresa Lewis from Department of Treasury provided tips and tricks 

when it comes to marketing to the government and Shaunta Johnson, Director of the DC 

Regional office for Small Business for the Government Services Administration (GSA) 

presented small business contracting opportunities. Other topics included subcontracting 

opportunities for small businesses bonding and access to capital, registering with the 

government start a business, purchase an existing business, and how to begin a franchise. 
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SBA New Patriot Express Pilot Loan

Patriot Express is a streamlined loan product based on SBA’s highly successful SBA 

Express Program, but with enhanced guarantee and interest rate characteristics. The new 

SBA Patriot Express Pilot Loan Initiative is a 7 (a) loan initiative offered by SBA’s

widest network of lenders nationwide and features our fastest turnaround time for loan 

approvals. Loans are available up to $500,000 and qualify for SBA’s maximum guaranty 

of 85 percent for loans of $150,000 or less and 75 percent for loans over $150,000 up to 

$500,000. For loans above $350,000, lenders are required to take all available collateral. 

The Patriot Express loan can be used for most business purposes, including start-up, 

expansion, equipment purchases, working capital, inventory or business-occupied realestate purchases.

State Approving Agencies

The American Legion is deeply concerned with the timely manner that veterans, 

especially returning wartime veterans, receive their education benefits. Annually, 

approximately 300,000 service members (90,000 of them belonging to the National 

Guard and Reserve) return to the civilian sector and use their earned education benefits 

from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Any delay in receipt of education 

benefits or approval of courses taken at institutions of higher learning can adversely 

affect a veteran’s life.

It should be noted that SAAs have not had an increase in funding in the last four 

years (inflation rose 14 percent during this time period). As mentioned, VA has recently 

been allowed to conduct hiring to process new claims. By contrast, SAAs despite the 

same demand for services have not been allowed to hire additional staff. SAAs will 

require an additional $5 million per year for the next three years (total of $15 million).

This funding would allow SAAs to continue to fulfill the following duties:

x Make determinations regarding the quality and integrity of all kinds of 

learning experiences (institutional, job training, flight, correspondence, etc.);

x Work with employers to develop and enroll veterans in job training 

programs (Apprenticeships and OJT);

x Assess and approve tests for professional and occupational licensing and 

certification;

x Perform outreach activities to increase the utilization of the GI Bills 

including briefings during transition assistance programs (TAP) and 

retirement seminars, and sending out mailings to recently discharged 

veterans and Selected Reserve personnel;

x Provide advice and guidance to veterans, guardsmen, reservists, and other GI 

Bill benefit recipients, as well as educators, trainers, and others who counsel 

veterans; and,

x Train VA School Certifying Officials at all educational institutions and job 

training establishments. 

The Post 9/11 GI Bill has dramatically changed the work requirement for SAAs.

Adequate funding will provide additional staffing and other resources for SAAs to fulfill 

its mission. The benefit stream flows through SAAs as well as the VA, and without fully 

functioning SAAs, veterans and other benefit recipients will not receive their educational 

benefits in an efficient and timely manner.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) report in March 2007 entitled “VA 

Student Financial Aid: Management Actions Needed to Reduce Overlap in Approving 

Education and Training Programs and to Assess State Approving Agencies” (GAO-07-
296

384) focused on the need to “ensure that Federal dollars are spent efficiently and 

effectively.” GAO recommended that VA should require SAAs to track and report data 

on resources spent on approval activities, such as site visits, catalog review, and outreach 

in a cost-efficient manner. Additionally, GAO recommended that VA establish outcomeoriented performance measures to assess the effectiveness of SAAs efforts. Finally, GAO 

recommended that VA should collaborate with other agencies to identify any duplicate 

efforts and use the agency’s administrative and regulatory authority to streamline the 

approval process. The American Legion fully agrees with these recommendations. 

The American Legion strongly supports SAAs and is committed to working with 

them along with the VA and other Federal agencies to ensure that America’s veterans 

receive the finest education and training programs so they can live a dignified and 

successful life after serving this great nation.

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service

The mission of the VR&E program is to help qualified, service-disabled veterans 

achieve independence in daily living and, to the maximum extent feasible, obtain and 

maintain suitable employment. The American Legion fully supports these goals. As a 

nation at war, there continues to be an increasing need for VR&E services to assist 

Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom veterans in reintegrating into 

independent living, achieving the highest possible quality of life, and securing 

meaningful employment.

The success of the rehabilitation of our severely disabled veterans is determined by 

the coordinated efforts of every Federal agency (Department of Defense, VA, 

Department of Labor, Office of Personnel Management and Department of Housing and 

Urban Development, etc.) involved in the seamless transition from the battlefield to the 

civilian workplace. Timely access to quality health care services, favorable physical 

rehabilitation, vocational training, and job placement play a critical role in the “seamless 

transition” of each veteran, as well as his or her family.

Administration of VR&E and its programs is a responsibility of the VBA. Providing 

effective employment programs through VR&E must become a priority. Until recently, 

VR&E’s primary focus has been providing veterans with skills training, rather than 

providing assistance in obtaining meaningful employment. Clearly, any employability 

plan that doesn’t achieve the ultimate objective—a job—is falling short of actually 

helping those veterans seeking assistance in transitioning into the civilian workforce.

Eligible veteran who are enrolled in the education and training programs receive a 

monthly allowance; those veterans who use VR&E for assistance with immediate 

employment do not. This policy denies needed assistance to veterans who for economic 

reasons must look for immediate employment. 

Another problem hindering the effectiveness of the VR&E program as cited in 

reports by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) is exceptionally high workloads 

for the limited number of staff. This hinders the staff’s ability to effectively assist 

individual veterans with identifying employment opportunities. A recent GAO report 

noted that 54 percent of all 57 regional offices stated they have fewer counselors than 

they need and 40 percent said they have fewer employment coordinators than they need.

As in the past, achieving ample staffing in VR&E is a major concern. Especially 

considering the high number of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, without a 

sufficient number of well trained staff, the success of VR&E programs becomes 

extremely challenging. VR&E also needs relevant data concerning the number of 
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veterans who are applying for disability benefits, so they can project future workload and 

hire staff accordingly. 

Vocational counseling also plays a vital role in identifying barriers to employment 

and matching veterans’ transferable job skills with those career opportunities available 

for fully qualified candidates. Becoming fully qualified becomes the next logical 

objective toward successful transition. Veterans’ preference should play a large role in 

vocational counseling as well. The Federal government has a number of employment 

opportunities that educated, well-trained, and motivated veterans can fill given a fair and 

equitable chance to compete. Working together, all Federal agencies should identify 

those vocational fields, suitable for VR&E applicants. Career fields like information 

technology, claims adjudications, and debt collection offer employment opportunities and 

challenges for career-oriented applicants. 

Interagency Cooperation between DOL-VETS and VA

It is our experience that the interagency collaboration and communication between 

the VR&E program, and the Department of Labor (DOL) Veterans Employment and 

Training Service (VETS) has been lacking in the past; however, there has been 

improvement recently. 

In recent years, many states did not refer veterans from the VR&E program to 

VETS for assistance in obtaining employment. Veterans with high-tech skills and 

advanced education were referred to expensive commercial placement agencies that do 

not specialize in employment assistance for veterans, and difficult to place veterans were 

sent to VETS. Therefore, to assist in the correction of these deficiencies a Memorandum 

of Understanding between VA and DOL was developed and signed in October, 2005 

stating that each agency would work for the smooth transition of veterans to the civilian 

work force. This agreement is authorized in accordance with Section 4102A (b) (3), title 

38, U.S.C.

In discussions with numerous VETS representatives across the country, The 

American Legion is hearing a variety of opinions on the current implementation process 

and progress of the MOU. Some states report a total lack of communication and 

information sharing while other states already enjoy a strong relationship between the 

local VETS and VR&E Offices.

A majority of VETS representatives contacted spoke of a markedly improved level 

of communication between the two agencies, along with other positive developments 

such as improvement in local data sharing and combined training on the local and 

national levels. In addition, national representatives from the two agencies are currently 

reporting a close and cooperative relationship, and the expectation is that this relationship 

will continue to improve over time. 

In some states, however, it has been reported that the signing of the MOU has not 

led to an improvement in cooperation between the two agencies. Some problems cited 

were a difference in the perceptions of the primary mission, differing education levels of 

VA case managers and the DVOPs and LVERs, and the unenforceable mandate for the 

two agencies to communicate and cooperate on a local level. The DVOPs and LVERs are 

controlled by each individual state and have their own requirements, making a state and 

federal program difficult to synchronize. 

While poor coordination between VR&E counselors and their VETS counterparts 

have contributed to the shortfalls of the VR&E program, a number of states have begun 

to improve communications. A majority of VETS representatives have commended their 

VR&E counterparts for their willingness to ensure the successful implementation of the 
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MOU that is designed to improve rehabilitation, training and employment outcomes for 

disabled veterans. 

In fiscal year (FY) 2008, VR&E funding was $770 million, and the program served 

97,116 veterans. Their average annual salary for the 8,831 veterans rehabilitated in 

suitable employment was $32,359. The veterans’ average annual salary before entering 

VR&E was $5,641.

The American Legion recommends exploring possible training programs geared 

specifically for VR&E Counselors through the National Veterans Training Institute 

(NVTI). Contracting for standardized or specialized training for VR&E employees could 

very well strengthen and improve overall program performance. NVTI serves as a 

valuable resource for VETS employment specialists and has contributed to a marked 

improvement in VETS performance. 

Provide Military Occupational Skills and Experience Translation for Civilian 

Employment Counseling

The American Legion notes that due to the current demands of the military, greater 

emphasis on the Reserve component of the Armed Forces created employment hardships 

for many Reservists. The American Legion supports amending Section 4101(5), title 38, 

U.S.C., to add Subsection (D) to the list of “Eligible Persons” for Job Counseling, 

Training, and Placement Service for Veterans, to include members in good standing of 

Active Reserve and Guard Units of the Armed Forces of the United States who have 

completed basic and advanced Duty for Training (ACDUTRA) and have been awarded a 

Military Occupation Specialty.

DOD provides some of the best vocational training in the nation for its military 

personnel. DOD establishes measures and evaluates performance standards for every 

occupation with the Armed Forces. There are many occupational career fields in the 

Armed Forces that can easily translate to a civilian counterpart many occupations in the 

civilian workforce that require a license or certification. In the Armed Forces, these 

unique occupations are performed to approve military standards that may meet or exceed 

the civilian license or certification criteria.

Upon separation, many former military personnel, certified as proficient in their 

military occupational career, are not licensed or certified to perform the comparable job 

in the civilian workforce, thus hindering chances for immediate civilian employment and 

delaying career advancement. This situation creates an artificial barrier to employment 

upon separation from military service. 

A study by the Presidential Commission on Service members’ and Veterans’ 

Transition Assistance identified a total of 105 military professions where civilian 

credentialing is required. The most easily identifiable job is that of a Commercial Truck 

Driver in which there is a drastic shortage of qualified drivers. Thousands of veterans 

must venture through each state’s laws instead of a single national test or transfer of 

credentials from the military. We have testified alongside members of the trucking 

industry to the U.S. House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 

for the need for accelerated MGIB payments for these courses and other matters.

The American Legion support efforts to eliminate employment barriers that impede 

the transfer of military job skills to the civilian labor market. Our organization also 

supports efforts by the DOD to take appropriate steps to ensure that service members be 

trained, tested, evaluated and issued any licensure or certification that may be required in 

the civilian workforce. The American Legion support efforts to increase the civilian labor 

market’s acceptance of the occupational training provided by the military.
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Department of Labor Veterans Employment and Training Service (DOL-VETS) 

The American Legion’s position regarding VETS programs is that this is and should 

remain a national program with Federal oversight and accountability. The American 

Legion is eager to see this program grow and especially would like to see greater 

expansion of entrepreneurial based, self-employment opportunity training. The mission 

of VETS is to promote the economic security of America’s veterans. This stated mission 

is executed by assisting veterans in finding meaningful employment. The American 

Legion believes that by strengthening American veterans, we in turn strengthen America.

Annually, DOD discharges approximately 300,000 service members. Recently separated 

service personnel will seek immediate employment or increasingly have chosen some 

form of self-employment. In order for the VETS program to assist these veterans to 

achieve their goals, it needs to: 

x Improve by expanding its outreach efforts with creative initiatives designed 

to improve employment and training services for veterans;

x Provide employers with a labor pool of quality applicants with marketable 

and transferable job skills;

x Provide information on identifying military occupations that require licenses, 

certificates or other credentials at the local, state, or national levels;

x Eliminate barriers to recently separated service personnel and assist in the 

transition from military service to the civilian labor market;

x Strive to be a proactive agent between the business and veterans’ 

communities in order to provide greater employment opportunities for 

veterans; and,

x Increase training opportunities, support and options for veterans who seek 

self-employment and entrepreneurial careers.

The American Legion believes staffing levels for DVOPs and LVERs should match 

the needs of the veterans’ community in each state and not be based solely on the fiscal 

needs of the state government. Such services will continue to be crucial as today’s active 

duty service members, especially those returning from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, 

transition into the civilian world. Education, vocational and entrepreneurial training and 

employment opportunities will enable these veterans to succeed in their future endeavors. 

Adequate funding will allow the programs to increase staffing to provide comprehensive 

case management job assistance to disabled and other eligible veterans.

Section 4103A, title 38 USC requires that all DVOP specialists shall be qualified 

veterans and preference be given to qualified disabled veterans in appointment to DVOP 

specialist positions. Section 4104(a)(4), title 38 U.S.C. states: 

“[I]n the appointment of local veterans’ employment representatives on or 

after July 1, 1988, preference shall be given to qualified eligible veterans or 

eligible persons. Preference shall be accorded first to qualified serviceconnected disabled veterans; then, if no such disabled veteran is available, 

to qualified eligible veterans; and, if no such eligible veteran is available, 

then to qualified eligible persons.”

The American Legion believes that the military experience is essential to 

understanding the unique needs of the veteran and that all LVERs, as well as all DVOPs, 

should be veterans and should be additionally educated to be able to address the needs of 

veterans who desire entrepreneurial support. 

The American Legion also supports legislation that will restore language to Chapter 

41, title 38, U.S.C., that require that half-time DVOP/LVER positions be assigned only 
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after approval of the DVET, and that the Secretary of Labor be required to monitor all 

career centers that have veterans on staff assigned. PL 107-288 has eliminated the 

requirement that DOL-VETS review all workforce centers annually and this has 

minimized Federal oversight of the programs since the ASVET has drastically cut funds 

allocated for this activity and established a policy that only 10 percent of the centers 

operated under title 38, U.S.C., will be reviewed, and PL 107-288 has removed the job 

descriptions of the DVOPs and LVERs from Title 38, U.S.C., and given the states the 

ability to establish the duties and responsibilities, thus weakening the VETS program 

across the country by eliminating the language that required these staff positions provide 

services only to veterans. Additionally, The American Legion seeks legislation that will 

transfer the DVOP and LVER program to DOL-VETS for oversight in order to ensure 

that the individuals employed to serve veterans are not used for other programs.

Veterans returning from Afghanistan, Iraq and other tours of duty are not always 

coming back to a hero’s welcome—at least from employers. According to DOL, the 

unemployment rate for veterans younger than 24 was 14.1 percent in 2008, outpacing the 

non-veteran rate of 11.6 percent for the same age group. Additionally, in DOLs yet to be 

published, non-seasonally-adjusted numbers for the second quarter of 2009, veterans 

younger than 24 had a 26.8 percent unemployment rate, compared with 16.8 percent for 

non-veterans. The unemployment rate for all veterans serving since 9/11 was 10.3 

percent, compared with 8.9 percent for non-veterans. Numerous national publications 

have reported veterans are having a more difficult time finding jobs than non-veterans.

According to a recent national survey, one in five veterans said finding a job took six 

months or longer; one in 10 said it took more than a year. The employment market is 

tougher for young veterans. This is a key reason why the funding for the VETS program 

is so critical.

Veterans need proper training and tools to begin new careers after they leave 

military service. The Veterans Workforce Investment Program (VWIP) account has only 

received $7.6 million in annual funding, which has allowed the program to operate in 

only 11 states. This is absolutely unacceptable. There are thousands of veterans available 

for work, but they lack marketable, technological skills, especially for those jobs that 

exist in the Information Age economy. The problem is clearly a lack of adequate funding 

for veterans who are the only participants in this program. The budget baseline needs to 

increase to allow VETS to train eligible veterans in all 50 states in FY 2011.

Make Transitional Assistance Program (TAP)/Disabled Transitional Assistance 

Program (DTAP) a Mandatory Program

The American Legion is deeply concerned with the timely manner that veterans, 

especially returning wartime veterans, transition into the civilian sector. Annually, for the 

past 6 years, approximately 300,000 service members, 90,000 of them belonging to the 

National Guard and Reserve, enter the civilian sector each year.

DOD estimates that 68 percent of separating service members attends the full TAP 

seminars and only 35 percent of the Reserve components attend. The American Legion 

believes this low attendance number is a disservice to all transitioning service members, 

especially the Reserve component. Currently, numerous National Guard and Reserve 

troops have returned from the war in Iraq and Afghanistan only to encounter difficulties 

with their Federal and civilian employers at home, and the number of destroyed and 

bankrupt businesses due to military deployment is still being realized.

In numerous cases brought to the attention of The American Legion by veterans and 

other sources, many of these returning service members have lost jobs, promotions, 
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businesses, homes, and cars and, in a few cases, become homeless. The American Legion 

strongly endorses the belief that service members would greatly benefit by having access 

to the resources and knowledge that the Transitional Assistance Program (TAP) and 

Disabled Transitional Assistance Program (DTAP) can provide and the TAP/DTAP 

program needs to update their program to recognize the large number of guard and 

reserve business owners who now require training, information and assistance while they 

attempt to salvage or recover from a business which they abandon to serve their country.

Any delay in reintegration in to the civilian workforce can adversely affect a 

veteran’s life. Every effort should be made to ensure that veterans are afforded all the 

opportunities that this great country can offer without delay.

The American Legion strongly supports the TAP and DTAP. Additionally, The 

American Legion supports that DOD require all separating, active-duty service members, 

including those from Reserve and National Guard units, be given an opportunity to 

participate in TAP and DTAP training not more than 180 days prior to their separation or 

retirement from the Armed Forces. 

The DOD Transition Assistance Program (TAP) was designed to help smooth the 

transition of military personnel (and family members) leaving active duty. TAP is a 

partnership among DOD, DOL, and VA. The program consists of four components:

1. DOD Pre-separation Counseling; 

2. DOL Employment Workshops; 

3. VA Benefits Briefing; and, 

4. Disabled Transition Assistance Program (DTAP). 

Once a service member has completed the four workshops above, they are eligible 

for one-on-one counseling and employment assistance training through their service. For 

demobilizing Guard and Reserve: DOD Pre-separation Counseling, DOL Uniformed 

Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) Briefing, VA Benefits 

Briefing, and VA DTAP Briefing are provided on major military installations by the 

Transition Assistance Offices. 

TAP Employment Workshops are provided to transitioning service members at most 

military installations in the United States as well as in eight overseas locations. The two 

and one-half day employment workshops help service members prepare a plan for 

obtaining meaningful civilian employment when they leave the military. The workshop 

focuses on skills assessment, resume writing, job counseling and assistance, interviewing 

and networking skills, labor market information, and familiarization with America’s

workforce investment system.

Studies have shown that service members who participate in TAP employment 

workshops find their first civilian jobs three weeks earlier than veterans who do not 

participate in TAP. According to DOL-VETS, it is estimated that about 65 percent of 

service members leaving active duty do attend a TAP workshop. VETS is vital in 

ensuring that every TAP participant leaves the session with a draft resume, a practice 

interview session, and having visited their state job board.

DOL-VETS program is critical in supporting veterans as they transition from the 

military and into the private sector, assisting veterans to be awarded federal employment 

using their earned veterans’ preference, and assisting veterans achieve substantially 

gainful employment.

At the end of the Cold War, DOD dramatically downsized its personnel strength. In 

an attempt to assist separating service members in making a successful transition back 

into the civilian workforce, Congress enacted PL 101-510 that authorized the creation of 

the TAP that provides separating service members with three days of comprehensive 
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training with emphasis on such topics as networking, how to conduct a job search, 

resumé writing, career decision-making, and interview techniques, as well as current 

occupational and labor market conditions.

VETS provide professional veterans’ employment personnel, DVOPs and LVERs, 

to participate in the TAP program. Higher demands placed on LVERs to deliver TAP 

modules, in addition to their normal employment assistance programs, has the potential 

for weakening their overall capability.

To ensure that all veterans, both transitioning and those looking for employment 

assistance well past their discharge, receive the best care, the DOL-VETS program must 

be adequately funded. However, we feel that the current funding levels are inadequate.

More services and programs are needed and yet since 2002 the VETS program has 

only received a modest 4 percent increase. Transition assistance, education, and 

employment are each a pillar of financial stability. They will prevent homelessness, 

afford the veteran to compete in the private sector, and allow our nation’s veterans to 

contribute their military skills and education to the civilian sector.

By placing veterans in suitable employment sooner, the country benefits from 

increased income tax revenue and reduced unemployment compensation payments, thus

greatly offsetting the cost of TAP training. The necessity and severity of the situation is 

now. 

The American Legion recommends $404.2 million to DOL-VETS for FY 2011.

Military Occupational Specialty Transition (Most) Program

The American Legion supports the new legislation, H.R. 929 that will authorize $60 

million for the next ten years to fund the Service Members’ Occupational Conversion and 

Training Act (SMOCTA). SMOCTA is a training program developed in the early 1990’s

for those leaving military service with few or no job skills transferable to the civilian 

market place. SMOCTA has been changed to the Military Occupational Specialty 

Transition (MOST) program, but the language and intent of the program still applies. 

If enacted, MOST would be the only Federal job training program available strictly 

for veterans and the only Federal job training program specifically designed and available 

for use by state veterans’ employment personnel to assist veterans with barriers to 

employment.

Veterans eligible for assistance under MOST are those with a primary or secondary 

military occupational specialty that DOD has determined is not readily transferable to the 

civilian workforce or those veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 30 per 

cent or higher. MOST is a unique job training program because there is a job waiting for 

the newly trained veteran upon completion of training so that they can continue to 

contribute to the economic well being of the nation. 

In March 1993, DOD, VA, and DOL signed a Memorandum of Understanding 

(MOU), which defined their roles and responsibilities in the implementation of 

SMOCTA and DOD provided funding for SMOCTA. The VA and DOL were 

responsible for administering the program. Many LVERs and DVOPs publicly praised 

the effectiveness of this program because it successfully returned veterans to the civilian 

workforce.

The American Legion recommends reauthorization of SMOCTA (now MOST) and 

$60 million for the program.
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Employment

DVOPs provide outreach services and intensive employment services to meet the 

employment needs of eligible veterans, with priority to disabled veterans and special 

emphasis placed on those veterans most in need. LVERs conduct outreach to local 

employers to develop employment opportunities for veterans, and facilitate employment, 

training and placement services to veterans. In particular, many LVERs are the 

facilitators for the Transition Assistance Program employment workshops.

There are inadequate appropriations to several states because of policies and 

practices that cause these states to receive fewer positions and/or less funding. This 

procedure caused a deterioration of the available services provided to veterans in those 

states, and adversely impacts the level of services provided.

Homelessness (DOL-VETS) 

The American Legion notes that there are approximately 131,000 homeless veterans 

on the street each night. This number, compounded with 300,000 service members 

entering the private sector each year since 2001 with at least a third of them potentially 

suffering from mental illness, requires that intensive and numerous programs to prevent 

and assist homeless veterans are available.

Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) is a competitive grant program.

Grants are awarded to states or other public entities and non-profits, including faith-based 

organizations, to operate employment programs that reach out to homeless veterans and 

help them become gainfully employed. The purpose of the HVRP is to provide services 

to assist in reintegrating homeless veterans into meaningful employment within the labor 

force and to stimulate the development of effective service delivery systems that will 

address the complex problems facing veterans. HVRP is the only nationwide program 

focused on assisting homeless veterans to reintegrate into the workforce.

The American Legion recommends $50 million for this highly successful grant 

program in FY 2011. 

Training

The National Veterans’ Employment and Training Services Institute (NVTI) was 

established to ensure a high level of proficiency and training for staff that provide 

veterans’ employment services.

NVTI provides training to Federal and state government employment service 

providers in competency based training courses. Current law requires all DVOPs and 

LVERs to be trained within 3 years of hiring. We believe that these personnel should be 

trained within 1 year. 

The American Legion recommends $6 million of funding for NVTI in FY 2011. 

Veterans Workforce Investment Program (VWIP)

VWIP grants support efforts to ensure veterans’ lifelong learning and skills 

development in programs designed to serve the most-at-risk veterans, especially those 

with service-connected disabilities, those with significant barriers to employment, and 

recently separated veterans. The goal is to provide an effective mix of interventions, 

including training, retraining, and support services, that lead to long term, higher wage 

and career potential jobs.

The American Legion recommends funding of $20 million for VWIP in FY 2011.
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Veterans’ Preference 

The American Legion is deeply concerned with the protection of the veteran and the 

prevention of illegal hiring practices. Currently, veterans are filing claims after the noncompliance employment event occurred and may become financially disadvantaged 

while waiting of results of the claim. Proactive measures and continuous oversight must 

be exercised to protect veterans from unfair hiring practices, not just reactionary 

investigations. 

The following steps taken by the Federal government to protect veterans’

employment and demonstrates reactionary measures to assist veterans which may take 

months to resolve. Many veterans give up or do not file complaints because they must 

seek employment elsewhere or face serious financial difficulties. 

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) administers entitlement to veterans’ 

preference in employment. DOL, through VETS, provides assistance to all persons 

having claims under USERRA. DOL is the enforcement authority for USERRA, and it 

processes all formal complaints of violations of the law. The veteran may then request 

that the Department of Justice (DOJ) litigate on their behalf but only after a certain 

period has passed. 

The following excerpt is from the DOJ website (www.usdoj.gov

“If VETS is unsuccessful in resolving the complaint, the claimant may request 

that VETS refer the complaint to Office of Special Counsel (OSC). If the 

Special Counsel believes there is merit to the complaint, OSC will initiate an 

action before the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) and appear on 

behalf of the claimant. 

): 

“The DOJ is responsible for enforcing the provisions of the USERRA against 

state and local government employers and private employers. If the 

Department of Justice takes your case, it will serve as your attorney if you 

work for a private employer or a local government. If you work for a state 

government, the Department of Justice may bring a lawsuit in the name of the 

United States.” 

The DOJ website continues to state:

“USERRA authorizes the Department of Justice Office of Special Counsel 

(OSC) to investigate alleged violations of the act by Federal Executive 

Agencies, and to prosecute meritorious claims before the Merit Systems 

Protection Board on behalf of the aggrieved person. Under the Veterans 

Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA), in order to seek corrective 

action, a preference eligible [veteran] is to file a written complaint with the 

U.S. Department of Labor, Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS), 

within 60 days of the alleged violation. If the Secretary is unable to resolve a 

complaint within 60 days, the Secretary is to provide notification of an 

unsuccessful effort to resolve the complaint to the complainant.”

Veterans’ Preference is authorized by the Veterans’ Preference Act (VPA) of 1944, 

it only applies to Federal government employment. It provides that most veterans are to 

receive an extra five points (ten points for disabled veterans) in receiving and keeping 

Federal jobs. The Veterans’ Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) of 1998 extended 

certain rights and remedies to recently separated veterans. VETS was given the 

responsibility to investigate complaints filed by veterans who believe their veterans’

preference rights have been violated and to conduct an extensive compliance assistance 

program. 
305

Veterans Preference is being ignored by numerous agencies. Figures show a decline 

in claims by newer veterans compared to Gulf War I. In reality employment opportunities 

are not being broadcast. Federal agencies as well as subcontractors are required by law to 

notify OPM of job opportunities but these vacancies are rarely made available to the 

public. 

The American Legion reiterates its position that protection of veterans’ employment 

rights should be proactive and continuous oversight must be emplaced to protect veterans 

from unfair hiring practices. Reactionary investigations and lawsuits are not sufficient. 

We further believe that the veteran must be protected at the onset of the hiring process, 

corrective actions to remedy the veteran’s situation in the veteran’s favor are not 

guaranteed. Finally, we recommend to this Committee that the DOJ provide a detailed 

description of their veterans’ employment activities.

The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA)

For almost 70 years, Federal law has accorded the right to reemployment to those 

who have left civilian jobs for voluntary or involuntary service in the uniformed services.

In 1940, Congress enacted the Selective Training and Service Act (STSA), which 

provided for drafting millions of young men for World War II. A provision in the STSA 

gave those drafted the right to reemployment in their civilian jobs. A year later, as part of 

the Service Extension Act, Congress expanded the reemployment provision to make it 

apply to voluntary enlistees as well as draftees. In 1994, Congress enacted USERRA, a 

long-overdue rewrite of the reemployment statute. USERRA is codified in title 38, 

United States Code, sections 4301-4335 (38 U.S.C. 4301-4335).

The reemployment statute applies to essentially all employers in this country, 

including the Federal government, state and local governments, and private employers, 

regardless of size. This law applies to persons who leave civilian jobs to serve in the 

regular military, as well as the National Guard and Reserve. To have the right to 

reemployment under USERRA, an individual must meet five simple conditions:

1. Must have left a position of employment for the purpose of performing service 

in the uniformed services. A period of service can be anything from five hours 

to five years, and in some cases longer.

2. Must have given the employer prior oral or written notice.

3. The individual’s cumulative period or periods of uniformed service, relating to 

the employer relationship for which the person seeks reemployment, must not 

have exceeded five years. All involuntary service and some voluntary service 

are excluded from the computation of the five-year limit.

4. Must have been released from the period of service without having received a 

punitive or other-than-honorable discharge.

5. Must have made a timely application for reemployment with the pre-service 

employer after release from the period of service.

If the individual meets these conditions, the employer has the legal obligation to 

reemploy the individual in the position of employment that he or she would have attained 

if he or she had remained continuously employed, or in another position for which the 

individual is qualified that is of like seniority, status, and pay. The fact that the job is 

filled is not a defense to the employer’s obligation to reemploy. In some cases, it is 

necessary for the employer to displace another employee to make room for the returning 

veteran. The reemployed veteran must be treated as if he or she had been continuously 

employed by the civilian employer, during the time the individual was away from work 

for service, for seniority and pension purposes. Section 4311 of USERRA makes it 
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unlawful for an employer to deny an individual initial employment, retention in 

employment, promotion, or a benefit of employment because of the individual’s

membership in a uniformed service, application to join a uniformed service, performance 

of uniformed service, or application or obligation to perform future service.

The American Legion favors vigorous and effective enforcement of USERRA with 

respect to all employers, and especially with respect to the Federal government.

USERRA’s very first section expresses the “sense of Congress that the Federal 

Government should be a model employer in carrying out the provisions of this chapter.” 

38 U.S.C. 4301(b). Congress needs to provide adequate funding for ESGR, DOL-VETS, 

DOJ, and OSC, with respect to USERRA enforcement. 

The American Legion recommends funding of $61 million for Program 

Management that encompasses USERRA and VEOA in FY 2011

Veteran and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses

The American Legion views small businesses as the backbone of the American 

economy. It is the driving force behind America’s past economic growth and will 

continue to be the major factor as we move further into the 21st century. Currently, more 

than nine out of every ten businesses are small firms, which produce almost one-half of 

the Gross National Product. Veterans’ benefits have always included assistance in 

creating and operating veteran-owned small businesses.

The impact of deployment on self-employed Reservists is tragic with a reported 40 

percent of all businesses owned by veterans are suffering financial losses and in some 

cases bankruptcies. Many small businesses have discovered they are unable to operate 

and suffer some form of financial loss when key employees (who are members of the 

Reserve component) are activated. The Congressional Budget Office in a report, “The 

Effects of Reserve Call-Ups on Civilian Employers,” stated that it “expects that as many 

as 30,000 small businesses and 55,000 self-employed individuals may be more severely 

affected if their Reservist employee or owner is activated.” 

Additionally, the Office of Veterans’ Business Development within the Small 

Business Administration (SBA) remains crippled and ineffective due to a token funding 

of $750,000 per year. This amount, which is less than the office supply budget for the 

SBA, is expected to support an entire nation of veterans who are entrepreneurs. The 

American Legion feels that this pittance is an insult to American military veterans who 

are small business owners; consequently, this undermines the spirit and intent of PL 106-

50 and continues to be a source of embarrassment for this country.

The American Legion strongly supports increased funding of the efforts of the 

SBA’s Office of Veterans’ Business Development in its initiatives to provide enhanced 

outreach and specific community-based assistance to veterans and self employed 

members of the Reserves and National Guard. The American Legion also supports 

legislation that would permit the Office of Veterans Business Development to enter into 

contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements to further its outreach goals and develop a 

nationwide community-based service delivery system specifically for veterans and 

members of Reserve components of the United States military.

The American Legion recommends $15 million in FY 2011 to enable 

implementation of a nationwide community-based assistance program to veterans and 

self employed members of the Reserves and National Guard.
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Small Business and the Credit Crunch

Small businesses are another casualty of the credit crunch caused by the ongoing 

financial crisis. By the end of 2008, more than half of the nation’s small businesses 

looking for credit were unable to obtain a loan. This credit freeze will force many 

businesses to shut their doors, while others will be unable to expand. In either case, it 

means a loss of American jobs. Congress should supplement current efforts to thaw the 

credit market for small businesses by establishing a direct lending program within the 

Small Business Administration (SBA). This program could provide loans to small 

businesses that can’t otherwise find credit, thereby potentially saving or creating tens of 

thousands of American jobs.

During the fourth quarter of 2008, 70% of banks reported tightening their lending 

standards for small firms. As a consequence, fewer than half of the small businesses that 

tried to get a loan in the fourth quarter of 2008 were able to get one. And of the small 

businesses that tried to obtain a new line of credit, only three in ten succeeded in doing 

so. The credit crisis is hitting small businesses across the board, including those that have 

been current in their payments and have no ties to high-risk sectors of the economy such 

as housing.

From November 2007 to November 2008, more than one quarter of small businesses 

reported a decline in the number of jobs at their companies, and in December 2008, only 

one in eight small businesses said they planned to hire new employees in the next twelve 

months a 48% drop since August 2008. In addition, the number of small businesses filing 

for bankruptcy rose 54% from 2007 to 2008.

The 7(a) loan program is the SBA’s largest and most used lending program. Under 

this program, SBA provides a guaranty of up to 85% for loans provided by private-sector 

to small businesses. But because 7(a) loans are offered through private-sector banks, 

which are reeling from the current crisis, small businesses may not be able to get the 

relief they need. From the first quarter of 2008 to the first quarter of 2009, the number of 

loans approved by the 7(a) program dropped 57%. Moreover, the SBA is expected to 

guarantee only about $10 billion in loans this year, down from its historic norm of $20 

billion per year.

To help ease the credit crisis for small businesses, The American Legion urges 

Congress to establish a direct lending program through the SBA. This effort would offer 

low-interest loans to otherwise healthy veteran-owned and service-disabled veteranowned businesses that are having trouble obtaining the credit they need for necessary 

operating expenses or expansion.

The American Legion believes the SBA’s Office of Veterans’ Business 

Development should be the lead agency to ensure that veterans returning from Iraq and 

Afghanistan are provided with entrepreneurial development assistance. Comprehensive 

training should be handled by the SBA and Resource Training Centers should include 

DOD and VA facilities. Currently, many military families are suffering financial 

hardship while their loved ones are recuperating in military hospitals around the country.

Many spouses leave their jobs to be with that disabled service member only to watch 

their finances deteriorate. Seamless transition in many cases is just a wishful thought; 

however, if business development training was offered to military members, a small 

home-based business that is feasible could be the answer in guaranteeing a constant 

source of revenue for the family, in turn making them less dependent on the Federal 

government. 

The American Legion has encouraged Congress to require reasonable “set-asides” 

of Federal procurements and contract for businesses owned and operated by veterans.
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The American Legion supported legislation in the past that sought to add serviceconnected disabled veterans to the list of specified small business categories receiving 3 

percent set-asides. PL 106-50, “The Veteran Entrepreneurship and Small Business 

Development Act of 1999,” included veteran small businesses within Federal contracting 

and subcontracting goals for small business owners and within goals for the participation 

of small businesses in Federal procurement contracts. It requires the head of each Federal 

agency to establish agency goals for the participation by small businesses owned and 

controlled by service-connected disabled veterans in that agency’s procurement contracts.

Agency compliance with PL 106-50 has been minimal with only two agencies selfreporting that they have met their goals (VA and the Department of Homeland Security).

In 2004, President Bush issued Executive Order 13360 to strengthen opportunities in 

Federal contracting for service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. The American Legion 

strongly supports Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) FAR 

Part 19.1406 language be changed to more closely reflect the intent of Congress to 

“shall” vs. “may.”

Recommendations

Incorporate Executive Order 13360 into SBA Regulations and Standard Operating 

Procedures

x “Require all Agencies that do not meet their Service-Disabled VeteranOwned Small Business spending goal to annually report to the House and 

Senate Small Business (SDVOSB) Committee the number of contract 

actions that were awarded to SDVOSB Joint Ventures (e.g. no later than 90 

days after the close of the fiscal year).

x Eliminate the requirement in § 36 (a)(1) of the Small Business Act, which 

states “2 or more small business concerns owned and controlled by servicedisabled veterans will submit offers for a contracting opportunity”.

x Require the Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) to develop 

a standardized Joint Venturing training program for Small Businesses.

x Require Prime Contractors that do not meet their Small Business 

Subcontracting Plans to contribute up to 3% of the profit on their effected 

contracts to a National Small Business Capacity Development Fund, which 

will be administered by the SBA.

x Allow Small Business Subcontracting goals to apply to all international 

requirements and contract actions.

Home Loan Guaranty Program

VA’s Home Loan Guaranty program has been in effect since 1944 and has afforded 

approximately 18.6 million veterans the opportunity to purchase homes. The Home Loan 

programs offer veterans a centralized, affordable and accessible method of purchasing 

homes in return for their service to this nation. The program has been so successful over 

past years that not only has the program paid for itself, but has also shown a profit in 

recent years. Administrative costs constitute a relatively small portion—less than 10 

percent—of the total capital and operating costs. The predominant costs are claims costs 

and other costs associated with foreclosure and alternatives taken to avoid foreclosure. 

Each claim costs the Federal government about $20,000. However, revenues that VA 

collects from different sources, including the funding fee that borrowers pay, property 

sales, and proceeds from acquired loans and vendee loans, offset this cost.
309

The VA funding fee is required by law and is designed to sustain the VA Home 

Loan Program by eliminating the need for appropriations from Congress. Congress is not 

required to appropriate funding for this program; however, because veterans must now 

‘buy’ into the program, it no longer serves the intent of helping veterans afford a home.

The fee, currently 2.15 percent on no-down payment loans for a first-time use, is 

intended to enable the veteran who obtains a VA home loan to contribute toward the cost 

of this benefit, and thereby reduce the cost to taxpayers. The funding fee for second time 

users who do not make a down payment is 3.3 percent. The idea of a higher fee for 

second time use is based on the fact that these veterans have already had a chance to use 

the benefit once, and also that prior users have had time to accumulate equity or save 

money towards a down payment.

The following persons are exempt from paying the funding fee:

x Veterans receiving VA compensation for service-connected disabilities.

x Veterans who would be entitled to receive compensation for serviceconnected disabilities if they did not receive retirement pay.

x Surviving spouses of veterans who died in service or from service-connected 

disabilities (whether or not such surviving spouses are veterans with their 

own entitlement and whether or not they are using their own entitlement on 

the loan).

The funding fee makes the VA Home Loan program less beneficial compared to a 

standard 5, private loan, in some aspects. The current rate for mortgages (July 2009) is 

5.58 percent. The funding fee would be in addition to the rate given by the lender. A

$300,000 loan would generate a fee in addition to any rate the veteran would achieve.

The funding fee mandates the participant to buy in to the program; however, that goes 

directly against the intention of the law, to provide veterans a resource for obtaining a 

home.

The American Legion believes that it is unfair for veterans to pay high funding fees 

of 2 to 3 percent, which can add approximately $3,000 to $11,000 for a first time buyer. 

The VA funding fee was initially enacted to defray the costs of the VA guaranteed home 

loan program. The current funding fee paid to VA to defray the cost of the home loan has 

had a negative effect on many veterans who choose not to participate in this highly 

beneficial program. 

Therefore, The American Legion strongly recommends that the VA funding fee on 

home loans be reduced or eliminated for all veterans whether active duty, Reservist, or 

National Guard. 

Specially Adaptive Housing

The American Legion is pleased to support the VA Secretary’s efforts to improve 

the housing arrangements to better suit disabled veterans’ needs, with specific emphasis 

on severe burn injuries, and to accommodate those veterans with severe burns. The 

American Legion additionally applauds efforts to assist disabled veterans to receive 

adaptive equipment for automobiles.

The American Legion conveys that specially adaptive housing should also include 

those veterans suffering from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and other debilitating 

injuries. We are also concerned with the ambiguity of the term “severe” in that there are 

many different levels of injury where a severe injury to one individual may not be as 

severe to another.
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Homeless Veterans

The American Legion supports the efforts of public and private sector agencies and 

organizations with the resources necessary to aid homeless veterans and their families. 

The American Legion supports proposals that will provide medical, rehabilitative and 

employment assistance to homeless veterans and their families.

Homeless veteran programs should be granted full appropriations to provide 

supportive services such as, but not limited to, outreach, health care, habilitation and 

rehabilitation, case management, daily living, personal financial planning, transportation, 

vocational counseling, employment and training, and education.

Veterans need a sustained, coordinated effort that provides: secure housing and 

nutritious meals; essential physical health care; substance abuse aftercare and mental 

health counseling; and personal development and empowerment. Veterans also need job 

assessment, training and placement assistance. The American Legion believes all 

programs to assist homeless veterans must focus on helping veterans reach their highest 

level of self-management.

Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program Reauthorization

In 1992, VA was given authority to establish the Homeless Providers Grant and Per 

Diem Program under the Homeless Veterans Comprehensive Service Programs Act of 

1992, PL 102-590. The Grant and Per Diem Program is offered annually (as funding 

permits) by the VA to fund community agencies providing service to homeless veterans. 

VA can provide grants and per diem payments to help public and nonprofit 

organizations establish and operate supportive housing and/or service centers for 

homeless veterans. Funds are available for assistance in the form of grants to provide: 

transitional housing (up to 24 months) with supportive services; supportive services in a 

service center facility for homeless veterans not in conjunction with supportive housing; 

or, to purchase vans. VA partners with 500 community organizations and has authorized 

an estimated 15, 000 beds through the GPD program—10,000 plus beds available now 

and more than 15,000 veterans served annually.

The American Legion Strongly Supports Increasing The Funding Level For The 

Grant And Per Diem Program To $200 Million Annually. 

VBA has 20 full-time and 37 part-time homeless veteran outreach coordinators to 

enhance prompt claims for homeless and at-risk veterans. VBA identified and expedited 

more than 28,000 claims from homeless veterans since 2003. Approximately 44 percent 

of compensation claims and 77 percent of pension claims are approved annually.

Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) sites provide outreach, physical and 

psychiatric treatment, referrals, and case management to homeless veterans. HCHV staffs 

assist over 40,000 homeless veterans each year and place homeless veterans into 

community-based facilities under contract to local VA medical facilities.

Domiciliary Care for Homeless Veterans Program (DCHV) operates 41 sites, with 

2,100 dedicated domiciliary beds, providing time-limited residential treatment with longterm physical, psychological, and rehabilitative counseling and services including 

aftercare. This program annually provides residential treatment to nearly 5,000 homeless 

veterans.

VA’s Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (MHRRTP)

This program identifies and addresses goals for rehabilitation, recovery, health, 

maintenance, and community integration. This program provides state-of-the-art 

residential rehabilitation and treatment for veterans with multiple and severe mental 
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illness, addiction and other psychosocial deficits to include homelessness. MHRRTP 

operates more than 8,300 beds and treats 33,000 homeless veterans annually.

Healthcare for Re-Entry Veterans (HCRV)

HCRV is an outreach program for veterans at risk of becoming homeless that are 

awaiting discharge from state or federal prison. VA has 39 Incarcerated Veteran 

Outreach Specialists to provide outreach and coordinated transitioning into the 

community. In 2008, 5,145 veterans were seen in 450 prisons.

Homeless Veterans Statistics

The FY 2008 Department of Veterans Affairs Community Homelessness 

Assessment, Local Education and Networking Groups (CHALENG) report estimates that 

approximately 131,000 veterans are homeless at any point in time. Prior reports state that 

one out of every three homeless men sleeping in doorways, alleys or boxes in our cities 

and rural communities has put on a uniform and served this country. According to the 

National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, veterans represent 26 percent of all homeless 

people in America.

For FY 2008, The VA Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) reports that 

40,000 homeless veterans are enrolled in their programs. Community-based 

organizations are attempting to assist the overwhelming remainder of veterans who are 

homeless.

In addition to the complex set of factors affecting all homelessness (the extreme 

shortage of affordable housing, livable income, and access to health care), a large number 

of displaced and at-risk veterans live with lingering effects of Post-traumatic Stress 

Disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, and a lack of family and social support networks.

Many times these veterans have mental health disorders related to their honorable service 

to their country, and are unable to compensate for their condition. They unfortunately 

deteriorate to unrecognizable individuals compared to their pre-military experience.

Potential homeless veterans of Operation Iraq Freedom and Operation Enduring 

Freedom (OIF/OEF) 

Some OIF/OEF veterans are at high risk of becoming homeless. Combat veterans of 

OIF/OEF and the Global War on Terror who need help—from mental health programs to 

housing, employment training and job placement assistance—are beginning to trickle 

into the nation’s community-based homeless veterans’ service organizations. Already 

stressed by an increasing need for assistance by post-Vietnam Era veterans and strained 

budgets, homeless services providers are deeply concerned about the inevitable rising 

tide of combat veterans who will soon be requesting their support.

Since 9/11, over 1.8 million American men and women have served or are serving 

in a war zone. Rotations of troops returning home from Iraq are now a common 

occurrence. Military analysts and government sources say the deployments and 

repatriation of combat veterans is unlike anything the nation has experienced since the 

end of the Vietnam War. 

There are signs of a serious crisis as VA by its’ own numbers is under considerable 

pressure to stretch dollars, VA estimates it provides healthcare to about 100 thousand 

homeless veterans each year, and provides housing with supportive services to 

approximately 40 percent of those veterans. Hundreds of community-based organizations 

nationwide struggle to provide assistance to as many of the other veterans, but the need 

far exceeds available resources.
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VA reports over 1,049 OIF/OEF era homeless veterans with an average age of 33 

years have been served in homeless specific programs. VA further reports that nearly 65 

percent of these homeless veterans experienced combat. Now receiving combat veterans 

from Iraq and Afghanistan daily, the VA is reporting that a high percentage of those 

casualties need treatment for mental health problems. That is consistent with studies 

conducted by VA and other agencies that conclude anywhere from 15 to more than 35 

percent of combat veterans will experience some clinical issues related to PTSD, 

depression or other psychosocial problems.

Homeless Women Veterans and Children

Homeless veterans’ service providers’ clients have historically been almost 

exclusively male. That is changing as more women veterans and women veterans with 

young children have sought help. Additionally, the approximately 200,000 female Iraq 

veterans are isolated during and after deployment making it difficult to find genderspecific peer-based support. Reports show that one of every ten homeless veterans under 

the age of 45 is now a woman. Access to gender-appropriate care for these veterans is 

essential. 

More women are engaging in combat roles in Iraq where there are no traditional 

front lines. In the past 10 years, the number of homeless women veteran has tripled. In 

2002, the VA began a study of women and PTSD. The study includes subjects whose 

PTSD resulted from stressors that were both military and non-military in nature.

Preliminary research shows that women currently serving have much higher exposure to 

traumatic experiences, rape and assault prior to joining the military. Other reports show 

extremely high rates of sexual trauma while women are in the service (20-40 percent).

Repeated exposure to traumatic stressors increases the likelihood of PTSD. Researchers 

also suspect that many women join the military, at least in part, to get away from abusive 

environments. Like the young veterans, these women may have no safe supportive 

environment to return to, adding yet more risk of homeless outcomes.

CHALENG sites continue to report increases in the number of homeless veterans 

with families (i.e., dependent children) being served at their programs. It reports that 118 

sites (85 percent of all sites) reported a total of 1,282 homeless veteran families seen.

This was a 24 percent increase over the previous year’s 1,038 homeless veteran families.

(FY 2008 VA CHALENG report)

Homeless veteran service providers recognize that they will have to accommodate 

the needs of the changing homeless veteran population, including increasing numbers of 

women and veterans with dependents. Access to family housing through the distribution 

of the thousands of new Section 8 vouchers that will be made available through the 

HUD-VASH program will offer an important new resource allowing VA staff to assist 

the veteran and her family. The American Legion supports adequate funding for all 

domiciliary programs for all qualified veterans.

Homelessness impacts every community in the nation. Approximately 500 

community-based veterans’ service organizations across the country have successfully 

reached homeless veterans through specialized programs. Veterans who participate in 

these programs have a higher chance of becoming productive citizens again.

A full continuum of care—housing, employment training and placement, health 

care, substance abuse treatment, legal aid, and follow-up case management depends on 

many organizations working together to provide services and adequate funding. The 

availability of homeless veteran services, and continued community and government 
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support for them, depends on vigilant advocacy and public education efforts on the local, 

state and Federal levels.

FINANCE COMMISSION

Kenneth D. Danilson, Iowa Chairman

George A. Buskirk Jr., Indiana, National Treasurer

Shawn T. Long, CPA, Indiana, Director

The primary obligation of the Finance Commission is to prepare a yearly budget for

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 appropriations. The Finance Commission includes seven

members, with the national adjutant as ex-officio secretary and the national commander

and national treasurer as ex-officio members. Also attending these meetings are the

executive directors of the Washington and Indianapolis offices and the finance director

and liaison observers from the National Executive Committee.

The national organization had an operating surplus of $3,400,236 for 2008. We

received $13.50 dues per member, allocating $10.50 to the General Fund and $3 to The 

American Legion Magazine. Income of the national organization derives 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. Your attention is

also directed to the Reports of Committees and Trusts, which can be found in this

publication.

These entities include:

American Legion Child Welfare Foundation, Inc.

American Legion Endowment Fund Corp.

American Legion Life Insurance and Trust Committee

American Legion Emblem Committee

American Legion Overseas Graves Decoration Trust

Emblem Sales Committee

Alvan T. Fuller, Massachusetts, Chairman

Richard B. Keith, Indiana, Director

The American Legion emblem is the exclusive property of the National 

Headquarters. The sale of the emblem, emblem pins, merchandise carrying the emblem 

and other items of organizational equipment is the responsibility of the National 

Headquarters in Indianapolis. The following tables show gross sales, net earnings, etc., 

for the entire calendar year 2008 and for the first three months of 2009.

January 1 to December 31, 2008

(12 months)

Gross Sales.......................................................................................................$10,681,935

Cost of Goods Sold...............................................................................................5,762,732

Overhead ..............................................................................................................3,403,098

Operating Profit....................................................................................................1,516,105

Total number of 2008 orders processed was 98,596.
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January 1 to March 31, 2009

(3 months)

Gross Sales ........................................................................................................$ 2,488,599

Cost of Goods Sold...............................................................................................1,335,404

Overhead .................................................................................................................796,358

Operating Profit.......................................................................................................356,837

Total orders processed for first 3 months of 2009 was 20,299.

The American Legion Life Insurance Program

Kevin J. Bartlett, Michigan, Chairman

Marianne Bergamo, Deputy Director, Corporate Relationship and Insurance

When considering the plans offered through The American Legion Life Insurance 

Program, it is important to remember these plans are for supplemental coverage only and 

are not meant to be the only coverage a member has. In addition, these plans are not 

meant to replace existing coverage. These plans are not designed to compete with 

individual/private insurance plans or employer benefit plans.

As with any insurance coverage, members should carefully consider these plans and 

read and understand all materials received including rates, benefits, features, scheduled 

premium increase or benefit reductions.

Claims

The primary feature of The American Legion Insurance Plan is the benefits paid to 

beneficiaries of deceased insured Legionnaires. In 52 years, claims have been paid 

amounting to more than $351 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 2009, the total benefits paid will be nearly $361

million.

The Insurance Committee will consider resolutions to fund the following programs 

for 2010: American Legion Baseball, Boys Nation, Boy Scout of the Year, National 

Oratorical, and Junior Uniformed Groups at the National Convention. The total amount 

of funds requested is $1,100,000, which will require approval by the National Finance 

Commission and the National Executive Committee at the 2009 October NEC meetings.

The NEC approved Res. No. 15 in May 2008, naming Gallagher Benefit Services as 

our new broker for the Insurance Program, effective June 1, 2008. The new administrator 

is DRIASI (Direct Response Insurance Administration Services, Inc.).

We have been working with the new broker to resolve issues related to the transfer.

Among the issues are the transfer of insureds records from the previous administrator. In 

the interim we are contacting members and requesting insurance record information from 

them via the Internet, Magazine and Dispatch.

All insurance marketing was suspended when the new broker selection took effect.

Gallagher is working with insurance carriers to develop products and resume marketing.

This process is ongoing. 
315

FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMISSION

Michael D. Helm, Nebraska, Chairman

Philip D. Riley, Virginia, Director

The following annual report covers the activities of The American Legion’s Foreign 

Relations Commission Foreign Relations Council for the 2008-2009 program year ending 

June 30, 2009.

Overview

The Foreign Relations Commission is guided by two principles communication and 

advocacy. The first is primarily to relay to members and the leadership major foreign 

policy changes and international issues affecting the United States and The American 

Legion. The second is to and advocate the adopted resolutions and positions of the 

membership to the Congress and Federal Agencies to enact or promote those policies and 

programs supported or opposed by The American Legion. 

The Commission conducts meetings and programs throughout the year to keep the 

membership fully informed on current foreign policy issues. In addition, the Commission 

through its speaker program encourages debate and discussion on key foreign relations 

topics with government representatives and policy experts and our grassroots 

membership. The Commission strives throughout the year to provide diverse and 

challenging speakers from Ambassadors and policy analysts to Non-Governmental 

Organization (NGO) representatives and directors. These speakers provide critical 

information and generate stimulating discussion that has been invaluable in keeping our 

membership informed and a useful tool to help in their duties to direct and develop the 

foreign relations policies of The American Legion.

The Commission also works to influence the Administration and Congress and 

encourages the bipartisan development of foreign policies, which are consistent with the 

principles of Democratic Activism as well as our entire portfolio of active resolutions. 

The American Legion works with Congressional Committees, Members and Staff along 

with Department of State agencies throughout the year, generating, promoting and 

advocating legislation and policies that are in keeping with the established resolutions 

adopted by the membership.

Mr. Michael D. Helm, of Kansas and member of the Department of Nebraska, was 

appointed in the Fall of 2004 and currently serves as the Chairman of the Foreign 

Relations Commission.

Foreign Relations Commission Resolutions

The 90th National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona, took place during a renewal year 

for established resolutions. The American Legion’s Foreign Relations Commission 

meticulously reviewed over 30 newly proposed and established resolutions addressing 

foreign affairs. With the Convention’s approval of the accepted resolutions, The 

American Legion reconfirmed its steadfast resolve for the full accounting of POWs and 

MIAs; support for human rights and freedom; the promotion of peace; and caring for 

veterans and their families who live abroad. The Foreign Relations Commission has 

throughout the year worked diligently to implement resolutions that speak to key foreign 

relation’s issues concerning America’s national interests. 

This year’s Major Issues and Highlights: 

Resolution 20: Calls for further favorable actions by U.S. toward the Socialist Republic 

of 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; U.S. to 
316

take favorable actions toward Laos or Cambodia only after those nations provide the 

fullest possible accounting for POW/MIAs.

Resolution 22: Supports renewing direct bilateral humanitarian talks with the North 

Korean regime for the sole purpose of restoring the processes required to account for 

these unreturned Korean War Veterans.

Resolution 153: Calls for the government of the United States increase its efforts to 

reduce the North Korean threat of weapons of mass destruction and reach an agreement 

with North Korea on the control of its development, production, deployment, and export 

of ballistic missiles and to encourage North Korea to participate in international nonproliferation programs including the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and the SixParty Talks and for the US Government take determined steps toward North Korea’s 

missile threats with close consultations with the Government of South Korea.

Resolution 161: Call for the President of the United States of America and every 

member of the US Congress to speak out on every occasion to expedite the return of 

those US servicemen who remain Missing in Action; The Legion to exert the maximum 

effort to account for MIAs from World War II, Korea, Southeast Asia and the Cold War; 

and the continuance of the U.S. Government to provide sufficient personnel and 

resources so that investigative efforts of World War II, Cold War, and Korean War 

POW/MIA situations can be broadened and accelerated.

Resolution 165: Calls for the President and Congress to reign in run-a-way trade 

deficits by pursuing the enforcement of the conditions of the trade negotiations made in 

good faith with these nations, and support the efforts of our trade negotiators and 

diplomatic officials to use every avenue available through the World Trade Organization 

(WTO) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to pursue our Nation’s claims for fair 

trade practices.

Resolution 160: Supports legislation and foreign policy that specifically targets 

diplomatic, economic and educational programs to promote greater and peaceful 

democratic reforms in Countries within the Arabian Gulf and Middle Eastern Region.

Resolution 166: Call on the U.S. Government to support any African nation that clearly 

demonstrates open democratic reforms, human rights protection and cooperation in the 

fight against international terrorism.

Resolution 170: Affirms The Legion’s support for policies and legislation that will

enhance funding for the US Agency for International Development (USAID) within the 

Department of State and seeks use of that funding towards targeted states whose failure 

to provide for its people could result in the expansion of international terrorism.

NEC Resolutions

In addition, The American Legion approved Western Hemisphere Institute for 

Security Cooperation (WHINSEC) Funding and Support resolution during the Fall NEC 

and a renewed version of the US-Russia Joint Commission on POW/MIA Affairs 

Resolution at Spring NEC. Respectively, they are as follows:

Resolution 21: Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation Funding and 

Support 

Calls for adequate funding for Western Hemisphere Institute for Security 

Cooperation (WHINSEC) on the basis of hemispheric training, alliance building, and 

sharing knowledge among the Organization of American States is a vital interest to the 

U.S. in terms of the establishment of alliances, hemispheric cooperation and national 

security. 
317

Resolution 43: Call for the Leaders of Congress to name one qualified member from 

each of their respective Chambers to serve as Commissioners to pursue interests and 

objectives of the POW/MIA families and this nation’s veterans; for Congress to provide 

adequate funding needed for the Commission to pursue its mission for full accountability 

of all the country’s service members; and for Russian Federation Prime Minister 

Vladimir Putin and President Dmitry Medvedev to increase the priority within and 

responsiveness of their government on the humanitarian mission pursued by the USRussia Commission on POW/MIA.

It is noteworthy to report that in July of this year, Russia agreed to reactivate a U.S.-

Russian Commission POW-MIA after nearly five years of inaction and stonewalling. It is 

also appropriate to acknowledge The War Veterans Committee Resolution (Resolution 

No. 13; Spring NEC 2008) in which The American Legion and the War Veterans 

Committee of the Commonwealth of Independent States (Formerly the veterans of the 

USSR) agreed to support the activities of the U.S.-Russia Joint Commission on 

POW/MIAs.

Meetings of the Commission

The Foreign Relations Commission met in general sessions over the course of the 

reported year on October 13th through 14th, 2008 during the Fall NEC meeting at the 

Circle West Room of the Sheraton Hotel, Indianapolis, IN; on March 1st through March 

4th 2009 during the 49th Annual Washington Conference at the Renaissance Hotel, 

Washington, D.C.; and on May 4th through 7th during the Spring NEC meeting also 

convened at the Circle West Room of the Sheraton Hotel, Indianapolis, IN. The 

following is a summary of those sessions:

Fall NEC 2008

On Tuesday, October 13, 2008 The Foreign Relations Commission met to discuss a 

variety of issues on international affairs. The Commission reviewed the Western 

Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC) Funding and Support 

Resolution and recommended the same for approval.

On Tuesday, October 14, 2008, the Foreign Relations and National Security 

Commissions met in joint session. Two video presentations were shown: “The Fight for 

the Information Domain” and “A Nation Remembers”. A short discussion followed along 

with comments by staff regarding security issues and appropriations and authorizations 

for the Army in the next congressional session.

Washington Conference 2009

The Foreign Relations Commission, in a joint session with the National Security 

Committee, met and were addressed by four speakers: John J. Norris, Jr., Deputy 

Assistant Secretary for East Asian Affairs, U.S. Department of State; Jerry Johnson, 

Physical Evaluation Board Representative, American Legion, Walter Read Medical 

Center; and Energy Panel speakers Anne Korin, Chairperson, Set America Free; and

Edwin Black, award-winning, New York Times bestselling author of “Internal 

Combustion” and “The Plan.” Brigadier General Reuben D. Jones was also scheduled to 

speak but was unable to appear due to inclement weather.

Mr. Norris presented an overview of U.S. relations with the Asia-Pacific region. In 

particular, he discussed Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton’s first trip abroad 

since taking office. Secretary Clinton visited Japan (February 16-18), Indonesia

(February 18-19), the Republic of Korea (February 19-20), and China (February 20-22). 
318

Mr. Norris also covered such topics as common approaches to the challenges facing the 

international community, including the financial markets turmoil, humanitarian issues, 

security and climate change. According to Mr. Norris, the State Department is looking to 

build bilateral alliances and cooperation throughout Asia on regional and global issues. 

He emphasized the importance of expanding global cooperative partnership with our ally, 

South Korea and furthering the development a positive, cooperative relationship between 

the United States and China.

Mr. Johnson gave an overview of his work at WRAMC assisting service members 

with their recovery and transition. Specifically he addressed the Physical Disability 

Agency (PDA) as relates to the Medical Evaluation Boards (MEB) and Physical 

Evaluation Boards (PEB) that service members go through. He gave a good outline of 

how the new pilot program at WRAMC is an improvement in many respects over the old 

system. But he spends a majority of the time exposing the shortcomings of the system.

Sometimes the biggest short coming could be human error on the part of the PDA. That 

human error was identified in the form of DOD advocates and PEB board members over 

looking evidence or of an ignorance of the regulations. These reasons support the need of 

VSO representation for service members at these critical evaluation boards.

The Energy Panel followed Mr. Johnson. Ms. Korin and Mr. Black both gave 

insightful and impassioned presentations on the state of American energy, the necessity 

for independence from foreign oil, domestic obstacles and related global issues. Ms. 

Korin described how America’s dependence on foreign oil is enabling radical Islamists to 

leverage power against the United States. She alerted The Legion to the fact that more 

than 70 percent of the world’s proven oil reserves and over a third of production are 

concentrated in Muslim countries which often have direct ties to supporting terrorist 

operations. While the U.S. economy bleeds, Ms. Korin said, countries that are 

sympathetic to and directly supportive of radical Islam such as Saudi Arabia and Iran are 

on the collecting and accumulating huge profits from oil production. Ms. Korin 

concluded by stressing the importance of establishing an Open Fuel Standard on the basis 

of national security. Choosing not to embrace an Open Fuel Standard, Ms. Korin said, is 

choosing to preserve the Middle East’s stranglehold over America’s economy and for 

that matter, the economy of the world.

Mr. Black continued on the subject of oil independence and grimly announced that 

America faces real danger due to a lack of a realistic energy plan for the future; 

especially in the event of an oil embargo or depletion crisis. He painted a bleak picture of 

our country if we continue without having a plan for this possible scenario. If those who 

wish for the downfall of western society succeed in using our dependence as a weapon 

against us, Mr. Edwin explained, America will be struck with peril. Society needs a plan, 

he said, an emergency plan—in the event the oil stops. The answer he said is in the 

production of a transportation system and the production of automobiles that are not 

fueled by oil but alternative fuels such as electricity and bio-fuels similar to the bio-fuel 

utilized in Brazil.

Washington Conference 2009 POW/MIA Update

The expert panel on the POW/MIA issues was comprised of Major Bob Brenzel, 

USAF, Chief, Vietnam War Working Group, Joint Commission Support Directive 

(JCSD), Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) and Ann Mills Griffiths, 

Executive Director, National League of POW/MIA Families.

Major Brenzel began the session by explaining the inner workings of the JCSD and 

its chain of command. Major Brenzel indicated that DPMO’s reporting relationships will 
319

be adjusted. DPMO is seeking dialogue with those concerned with the interest of 

incorporating feedback into the organization’s improvement. A new Deputy Under 

Secretary of Defense (Policy Integration/Chief of Staff) will be established to address 

policy administration, management and integration across the organization, with Defense 

organizations, and with interagency partners. Because of the Secretary’s and the 

country’s continued dedication to prisoners of war and those missing in action, DPMO 

will be reporting to the Under Secretary’s office directly through the new Deputy Under 

Secretary for Policy Integration. This change moves the POW/MIA mission higher 

within the President’s administration overall, ensuring it receives the attention it

deserves. The exact timing of these shifts is still being decided.

Ms. Griffiths began by acknowledging the significant evolution that the POW/MIA 

issue has gone through since the Vietnam War. Chief among these advancements, she 

said, are the scientific advancements that make all aspects of the issue more effective in 

terms of results. MtDNA, she cited, has made it possible to identify very small portions 

of remains. This is a critical change when dealing with the passage of time and the 

eroding effects of soil in areas where US losses occurred. Ms. Griffiths continued by 

pointing out Vietnam’s failure to fully cooperate in good faith in accordance with the 

1993 agreements which normalized relations with the US. She opined that, although 

normalized relations should be reversed on the basis of Vietnam’s lack of cooperation on 

the issue, she believes that this will never happen due to billions of dollars of trade and 

investment by US corporations. Ms. Griffiths concluded by expressing admiration for 

The Legion’s effectiveness on related legislation and recognized the deep friendship that 

has developed between The Legion and Ms. Griffiths and her organization.

Washington Conference 2009 Business Meeting

Foreign Relations Commission Chairman Mike Helm led the business meeting in 

the afternoon of March 4, by announcing that there are no foreign relations resolutions in 

the queue in connection with the upcoming Spring NEC. Following Chairman Helm’s 

remarks, Joseph Grassi, Assistant Director of National Security and Foreign Relations 

made a presentation outlining President Obama’s stated Foreign Relations agenda and his 

administration’s related strategies. These strategies addressed such topics as responsibly 

ending the Iraq War, finishing the fight against the Taliban and al Qaeda; securing 

weapons and related technology from terrorists and rogue nations, building diplomacy 

and seeking Israeli-Palestinian peace. Additionally, Mr. Grassi’s presentation delved into 

the increasing U.S. trade deficit with China and in particular pointed out how China 

leverages the fact that the Chinese currency is not openly traded as a commodity on the 

Forex Market as an advantage in the U.S.-China trade situation. Because Chinese 

currency is artificially valued by the Chinese Government, Mr. Grassi reported, Free 

Trade as it stands does not equal fair trade.

Spring NEC 2009

An executive session of the Foreign Relations Commission met on May 4, 2009 in 

the Circle West Room of the Sheraton Hotel, to discuss a variety of issues. The 

commission reviewed the newly revised US-Russia Commission on POW/MIA Affairs 

Resolution and recommended the approval.

Also, the commission reviewed two matters that were recently brought to the 

attention of the national staff in Washington, D.C. The first of which was the proposed 

International Day of the Soldier. This is an initiative established by the International 

Consultative Mechanism on Remembrance led by former Presidential advisor Viola 
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Drath. Although, the Commission understands the good will and peace-building intent 

associated with this initiative, the commission concluded that the proposal lacked 

sufficient detail in regards to those who would be recognized. The Commission decided 

that it will not be able to support any development of this idea at it currently stands.

The second matter involved the question of maintaining the 1993 Resolution entitled 

“Japanese Compensation to American POWs.” The review of this resolution was 

prompted by a meeting with The American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor (ADBC) 

which is seeking The Legion’s support. The commission gave this issue a thorough 

review and determined the current resolution should be maintained and that the ADBC 

may refer to this official Legion position for support.

Assistant Director Joseph Grassi gave an outstanding presentation on the FY 2010 

federal budget for the U.S. Department of State and international programs along with a 

broad overview of current foreign policy. Among the many topics covered in this 

presentation, Mr. Grassi shared his in-depth analysis of important subjects such as State 

Department efforts and strategies in connection with Iraq, Afghanistan, the genocide in 

Darfur, and the U.S. trade deficit. The presentation included a question and answer 

period which served as a basis for a spirited discussion on ideas for prospective 

resolutions. Also, Director Philip Riley gave a comprehensive review of the National 

Security and Foreign Relations Division’s efforts associated with the Legion’s Operation 

Wounded Warriors program.

On Tuesday, May 5, the National Security and Foreign Relations Commissions met 

in joint session. The Foreign Relations Commission was honored by the visit of National 

Commander David K. Rehbein and very much appreciated his opening remarks 

emphasizing the importance of establishing new and meaningful resolutions to 

communicate The Legion’s positions concerning the challenges facing our nation today.

The commissions were also honored to have Past National Commander John Brieden in 

attendance and very much appreciated his participation in the meeting. 

The Foreign Relations Commission was pleased to host Chaplin William T. Yates, 

Colonel (Select), Indiana Air National Guard, as the guest speaker for the National 

Security/Foreign Relations Joint Session. Chaplin Yates addressed both commissions on 

many important topics including the care of our troops and military families; post-combat 

reintegration; traumatic brain injury; post-traumatic stress; and suicide prevention. In 

addition, Mr. Grassi presented brief discussion on current U.S. foreign policy. 

The National Security and 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 and Foreign Relations 

Division located in the Washington, D.C. office.

The staff of the Division consists of: Philip D. Riley, Director; Alec Petkoff, Deputy

Director; Joseph Grassi, Assistant Director; Angela L. Rose, Tina Hines, Executive 

Secretary to the Director; and Roshawn Hyde, Secretary. During the year, the combined 

Division works diligently to fulfill its responsibility in implementing the mandates and 

policies of The American Legion relating to national defense and foreign affairs.

The division coordinates the National Commander’s foreign travel as well as 

managing a variety of special assignments. The duties included answering 

correspondence, E-mail and telephone inquiries; maintaining liaison with the 

Departments of Defense, State, Homeland Security, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine 

Corps, the Selective Service System, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and others. In 

addition, a continuous variety of contacts are made with other organizations throughout 
321

Washington, D.C. from policy think tanks to commercial and private associations. The 

foreign relation’s responsibilities also include continuing liaison with embassies, and a 

variety of governmental and non-governmental agencies.

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 as well as Congress, the Department of State 

and the general public. Coordinating foreign travel, writing and delivering speeches, 

preparing reports and testimony, are also duties of the staff. Additionally, promotional 

material is prepared and distributed to support the national programs in the national 

security field. Numerous press interviews, background briefings and public releases are 

coordinated with our Media Relations Office.

Continual use is made of all American Legion national publications, such as The 

Dispatch and The American Legion Magazine and the Weekly Activity Report, which are 

a primary means for distribution of factual information and program support in the fields 

of national defense and foreign relations.

INTERNAL AFFAIRS COMMISSION

Larry J. Besson, Illinois, Chairman

John W. Querfeld, Illinois, Director

The National Internal Affairs Commission was established by resolution of the 

National Executive Committee in 1947. The original charge for this constitutional 

commission still remains: to formulate and recommend policies, and to oversee the 

implementation of adopted policies relating to activities conducted for organizational 

purposes.

Among those purposes are all those not properly the responsibility of any other 

national commission, as well as membership strategies, post formation, clerical and 

records administration for posts and individual members, and special projects. The 

commission provides guidance and assistance to the national adjutant on necessary 

administrative operations.

Under the broad interpretation of those purposes not properly the responsibility of 

other commissions, Internal Affairs oversees awards, constitutional discipline and 

commemorative activities. The commission also monitors legislative and other regulatory 

activities that potentially affect American Legion posts and departments, recommending

appropriate courses of action.

The commission has four standing committees assigned to it for supervision and 

coordination: Trophies, Awards and Ceremonials; Resolutions Assignment, Constitution 

and By-Laws; and Membership & Post Activities. The latter has separate reporting 

responsibilities to the national convention and the National Executive Committee.

Internal Affairs is responsible for overseeing and reviewing the activities of Sons of 

The American Legion, which is a major program and not a separate organization. The 

commission also oversees long-term programs and activities as Paid-Up-For-Life and the 

National Emergency Fund.

A new, exciting program, currently in its growing stages, is American Legion 

Riders. This is a great venue for us to reach out to veterans who are not yet members of 

our ranks. For more information on this program, and how it can benefit your post or 

department, visit www.legion.org/legionriders.
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The American Legion National College

Each November, The American Legion National College can host as many as fifty 

talented young Legionnaires at National Headquarters in Indianapolis for a week of 

intensive training. These students return to their departments armed with newly acquired 

or sharpened skills in leadership, marketing, communication, and fundraising. Student 

candidates are nominated by the departments and selected by a National Selection 

Committee. In 2009, we had 51 attendees in this year’s class (November 2009).

Candidates for the National College must be veterans from the Lebanon/Grenada 

period (August 1982) or later with demonstrated potential for higher leadership roles.

The American Legion National College is a worthwhile investment for every 

department. Graduates are making a difference in leadership roles and membership teams 

across the country. Many have already been appointed to department and national level 

positions while others are used in various leadership and teaching roles in department 

Legion Colleges.

Sons of The American Legion

The Sons of The American Legion (S.A.L.) conducted its 38th National Convention 

at the Kentucky International Convention Center, Louisville, Kentucky in August 2009. 

For the 35th consecutive year, the Sons of The American Legion are at an “All Time 

High” in membership. The S.A.L. closed its membership at the end of 2008 with a record 

327,598 members. This number represents a 1.9% percent increase over the previous 

year. A total of 38 Detachments achieved 100% membership.

In August 2009, the S.A.L. membership figures for 2009 surpassed the 2008 final 

membership by over 2,000 members giving them another “All Time High” for 

membership year 2009.

The S.A.L., as a major program, continues its support of The American Legion 

programs and is heavily involved with support to our nation’s veterans in the VAVS 

program. In 2008, the S.A.L. provided over 277,782 volunteer hours in VA homes and 

hospitals. Donations in cash and goods to these veterans exceeded $1,460,135, 

nationwide. Other projects include Americanism programs of which $1,857,474 was 

donated along with 491,529 hours of service. This was remarkable considering only than 

20% of the Squadron’s submitted reports. The S.A.L. also raised over $332,426 in the 

year 2008 for the Child Welfare Foundation surpassing all previous years. The Sons also 

provided several grants through The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation. The 

Sons of The American Legion have contributed over four million dollars to The 

American Legion Child Welfare Foundation.

The Sons continue to support to Legion programs with major emphasis on VAVS, 

National Emergency Fund, and the Children’s Miracle Network as well as other vital 

programs. As an integral part of The American Legion family, the Sons continue to serve 

and provide assistance to posts and their communities.

National Emergency Fund

From January 1, 2009 through August 1, 2009 $18,970 was awarded to American 

Legion family members. Fortunately, national disasters are down in 2009. During the 

same period a total of $147,000 in donations were received. Our total grant monies 

awarded since the NEF was reinstated in 1989 is over $6.8 million.

We annually grant approximately $375,000 to our members and American Legion 

Posts who incur devastation from a declared natural disaster (i.e., wind, rain, fire and 

earthquakes). The grants are used for immediate needs—lodging, food and clothing—and 

not as a substitute for insurance. 
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What makes the NEF program so unique is that our members know they can turn to 

The American Legion for immediate financial assistance without the red tape or 

repayment requirements normally associated with other agencies. With the help of all 

The American Legion members, the National Emergency Fund will continue to meet the 

needs of our American Legion family after local, state and national disasters.

Consolidated Post Reports

The Consolidated Post Report—one of The American Legion’s most valuable 

documents—is our annual report card of the posts located in 14,000 communities across 

the country. It provides a summary of the collective assistance provided to the nation 

from our Legion posts. Fifty-nine (59) percent of American Legion posts submitted 

reports to National Headquarters for the 2007-2008 reporting year.

The total figures show the cost to outfit color guards, firing squads and other 

uniformed groups was $2,647,469; Legion Baseball team support cost, $7,922,634; cash 

contributions to VA Voluntary Services, $2,214,507 with more than 978,396 hours of 

voluntary services provided; 2,024 Boy Scout Units sponsored, with 57,837 Scouts 

involved at a cost of $1,668,088; and a total of 13,865 scholarships presented, 

collectively valued at $3,949,282.

In addition, 3,969,742 hours were spent performing community service work, 

valued at $6,573,446; a total of 87,752 pints of blood were collected and additional 

millions of dollars in goods and cash were contributed to programs helping veterans and 

their families. These facts and figures represent just over half of all American Legion 

Posts.

Trophies, Awards and Ceremonials

Randall W. Busch, Nebraska, 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 those awarded The American Legion’s highest honor were: General John 

J. Pershing, Ignace Jan Paderewski of Poland, Henry Ford, Ernie Pyle, Bob Hope, Babe 

Ruth, Dr. Jonas E. Salk, Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, the dead & missing of the Vietnam War, 

10 men who have served as President of The United States in the 20th Century, plus 

many other citizens of renown who have made lasting and significant contributions. The 

recipient for 2009 is General David H. Petraeus, Commander, US Central Command.

This committee oversees the awarding of over 60 awards within The American 

Legion for national recognition in our various programs and services. 

Resolutions Assignment Committee 

C. Wayne Schrader, Illinois, Chairman

The Resolutions Assignment Committee meets at least three days before the 

convening of the annual National Convention. This 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, 

several hundred resolutions will be assigned.
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Constitution and By-Laws Committee

Vincent Gaughan, Illinois, 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 relating 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. 

Membership & Post Activities Committee

Dale Barnett, Georgia, Chairman

Billy R. Johnson, Georgia, Membership Director

Membership and programs go hand in hand to make The American Legion an 

organization able to provide people and resources to serve the needs of veterans and their 

families. Membership & Post Activities is pleased to report a continuing membership of

nearly 2.4 million members worldwide.

Membership

Final 2007 membership 2,629,364

Final 2008 membership 2,591,732

2009 membership as of Aug. 1, 2009 (projected) 2,400,000

(NOTE: For membership year 2009, we reduced our direct membership solicitation 

program down to 10,000 members from the normal 190,000 members in order to test 

various mailing strategies. The program has been resumed for 2010 and we already have 

over 176,000. We expect a good year in 2010.)

46th Annual National Membership Workshop

The 46th Annual National Membership Workshop convened in Indianapolis on July 

31-August 1, 2009, with more than 300 department and district officers from nearly all 

55 departments in attendance.

Many who attend already have a good understanding of The American Legion’s 

membership program, especially as it pertains to their departments and districts. But 

when the workshop concludes, they are prepared to face day-to-day membership 

challenges with a better understanding of the Legion as it relates to potential members.

The goal of the workshop is to provide these essential membership workers with the 

tools, knowledge and desire to The American Legion’s membership. Whether they are 

involved in membership recruitment or program implementation, the workshop teaches 

veterans to help veterans and provide communities the essential programs to maintain a 

quality of life for which all veterans fought and served to preserve.

New Post Development/Revitalization

The Membership & Post Activities Committee developed a training program in 

January 1996 designed to assist posts, districts and departments in developing and 

revitalizing posts. The program provides training workshops to interested volunteers, 

along with practical field application.
325

The success of the program is evident, based on the revitalization and development 

of more than 1,000 American Legion posts in the past 13 years. Efforts have now 

expanded into urban areas. Many departments have succeeded in revitalizing posts 

without any actual assistance from National Headquarters staff. Whether departments’ 

requests field assistance or just send members to the training workshop, positive results 

follow if they adhere to guidelines.

All departments are encouraged to participate in this program. However, success 

requires a commitment from every level of leadership. 

NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION

James E. Koutz, Indiana, Chairman

Steve Robertson, Louisiana, Director

This report covers activities of the National Legislative Commission from August 

16, 2008 through August 14, 2009. During this period, the Commission met four (4) 

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 National Legislative Commission represents The American Legion before the 

Congress of the United States on all legislative matters in which The American Legion is 

officially interested. The Commission also assists the National Executive Committee in 

formulating an appropriate legislative program for each session of Congress. The 

Commission consists of 33 members and five (5) National Executive Committee liaisons.

To further assist the Commission in its work, the National Executive Committee in 

1975 created the National Legislative Council, composed of Legionnaires whose 

judgment and advice are respected by their elected Members of Congress. There is one 

council member for each Member of Congress. A Council Chairman, who is assisted by a 

Vice Chairman in 50 State Departments, heads the Council. 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; these mandates 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, a grassroots coordinator, one secretary, a librarian and a research analyst. The 

director and assistant directors are registered lobbyists and submit quarterly lobbying 

reports to Congress. Because The American Legion is a Federally chartered organization, 

an annual report is also prepared and submitted to Congress.

110th Congress, 2nd Session

As the final days of September passed, congressional leadership realized that it 

would be impossible to pass all 12 appropriations bills to fund Federal government 

programs for FY 2009, which would begin on October 1, 2008. Therefore, a consolidated 

appropriations-continuing resolution bill was developed. This legislation consisted of 

three major elements:
326 x A disaster relief package, totaling $22.9 billion, that included block grants, 

Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster relief funding, and 

community development block grants;

x Funding for the majority of Federal government programs—with the three 

exceptions noted below—that would keep government agencies functioning 

through March of 2009, but at levels equal to FY 2008 funding. This would 

place the burden of developing FY 2009 appropriations for the last six 

months of the fiscal year on the next President and the 111th Congress; and,

x Full FY 2009 appropriations for the Departments of Defense (DOD), 

Homeland Security (DHS) and Veterans Affairs (VA), as well as military 

construction programs.

The measure passed the House on September 24 by a vote of 370-58, and was 

approved by the Senate three days later by a vote of 78-12. It was signed by the President 

on September 30 as Public Law PL 110-329.

The November 2008 congressional elections expanded majority party control in

both chambers of Congress. There are now 256 Democrats, 178 Republicans and one 

vacancy in the House, while the Senate numbers are just as wide: 58 Democrats, 40 

Republicans, and 2 Independents who both caucus with the Democrats.

Americanism

The concerted efforts of millions of concerned Americans—including The 

American Legion and the other 144 member organizations of the Citizens Flag Alliance 

(CFA)—to pass a constitutional amendment to protect the American flag fell one vote 

short of passage by the Senate three years ago in the 109th Congress. In 2007, 

Representative John Murtha (PA) introduced legislation seeking to protect the American 

flag from acts of physical desecration through passage of a constitutional amendment. A

Senate companion measure was introduced by Senator David Vitter (LA) last June.

However, neither measure was acted upon by either chamber when the 110th Congress 

adjourned.

National Security

FY 2009 appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) were a 

part of PL 110-329, the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing 

Appropriations Act, which became law on September 30, 2008. The measure provides 

$39.9 billion for DHS programs, an increase of $2.8 billion above the White House 

request. Some of the key provisions include:

x $9.8 billion for the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection;

x $9.1 billion for the U.S. Coast Guard;

x $4.9 billion for the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement;

x $4.6 billion for the Transportation Security Administration;

x $4.2 billion in grants for state and local “first responders;”

x $1.4 billion for the U.S. Secret Service;

x $819 million for the Federal Air Marshals program; and

x $775 billion for border security along the U.S.-Mexico border (included under the 

“Customs and Border Protection” account).

On October 14, 2008, the President signed into law PL 110-417, the FY 2009 DOD 

authorization bill. The House passed the measure on September 24 by a vote of 392-39.
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The Senate then passed the bill on September 27 by unanimous consent. Some of the 

major provisions in this measure included:

x A 3.9 percent across-the-board pay raise for all military personnel – half a 

percentage point above the President’s request—before special pay or 

bonuses; 

x Increases in Army personnel for FY 2009 by 7000, and a Marine Corps 

personnel increase of 5000;

x An authorization of a total of $50 million for educational impact aid;

x Prohibits the use of funds to establish permanent bases in Iraq, and prohibits 

U.S. control of Iraqi oil revenues; 

x Prohibits increases in premiums, co-pays and pharmacy user fees for 

TRICARE recipients; and,

x Mandates that any service member who is retired or separated for a combatrelated disability—or the survivor of a member who dies on active duty—

will not be required to repay any portion of a bonus or other benefit.

Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation

The FY 2009 discretionary VA funding portion of PL 110-329 totals $47.6 billion, 

$4.5 billion over FY 2008 totals, and $2.8 billion more than the President’s request. The 

American Legion lobbied Congress diligently to ensure that VA’s FY 2009 

appropriations were available by October 1, the start of the new fiscal year. The chart 

below shows the President’s VA appropriations request for FY 2009, the funding 

included in the continuing resolution, and The American Legion’s funding request 

outlined in testimony earlier this year.

Discretionary Funding Programs

President’s 

Proposal

FY 2009

PL 110-329

FY 2009

Final VA 

Funding#

Legion’s

FY 2009

VA Funding 

Request

Total Medical Care $38.7 bil. $41.4 bil. $38.4 bil.

Medical Services

$34.1 bil. 

$30.9 bil.

Medical Support & Compliance

(formerly Medical Administration) $4.4 bil.

Medical Facilities $4.6 bil. $6.0 bil.

Medical/Prosthetics Research $442 mil. $510 mil. $476 mil.

Information Technology $2.4 bil. $2.5 bil. $2.3 bil.

General Operating Expenses $1.7 bil. $2.0 bil. $2.8 bil.

National Cemetery Administration $181 mil. $280 mil. $228 mil.

Major Construction $582 mil. $923 mil. $1.56 bil.

Minor Construction $329 mil. $742 mil. $485 mil.

State Veterans’ Homes 

Construction Grants Program $85 mil. $325 mil. $275 mil. 

State Veterans’ Cemetery 

Construction Grants Program $32 mil. $42 mil. $45 mil. 

# Includes supplemental funding contained in PL 111-5
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Significant increases in the measure:

x A minimum of $3.8 billion for specialty mental health services for veterans 

diagnosed with mental illness, PTSD, TBI and for suicide prevention;

x $375 million to increase enrollment of Priority Group 8 veterans by 10 

percent;

x $133 million above the President’s request to increase funding to raise the 

gas mileage reimbursement rate from 28.5 cents to 41.5 cents per mile for 

veterans traveling distances for care, and a freeze on the associated 

deductible;

x Funding to hire an additional 2000 claims processors to work down the 

backlog of 390,000 benefits claims and to reduce the 6 month time to 

process new claims;

x $250 million to begin a rural health initiative to improve access to medical 

services for veterans living in rural areas;

x $1.6 billion to provide veterans with appropriate prosthetic support and 

sensory aids in light of recent advances in technology; and,

x $130 million to provide the additional case workers and medical services 

needed for homeless veterans, including $30 million to hire additional 

personnel for the HUD-VA Supportive Housing Program.

Funding for related agencies of interest to The American Legion include:

x $63 million for the American Battle Monuments Commission, for the care 

and operation of our military monuments and cemeteries around the world;

x $63 million for operation and maintenance of the Armed Forces Retirement 

Home in Washington DC; 

x $37 million for Arlington National Cemetery operations; and,

x $31 million for the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, not only for 

court operations but for the acquisition of a new facility for the Court.

On September 18, the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee sent S 2969, the 

“Veterans Health Care Authorization Act of 2008,” to the full Senate for further action.

The measure included provisions to:

x Enhance incentives for VA medical professionals, such as pay, benefits, 

scholarship programs, and work schedules, in order to help VA recruit and 

retain top quality clinicians;

x Expand numerous authorities, including for the provision of both 

institutional and non-institutional long-term care as well as rehabilitative 

care for OIF/OEF veterans; and

x Create pilot programs to assist family caregivers, provide outreach and 

assistance to returning service members in their communities, and help 

prevent homelessness among veterans.

However, due to the volume of legislative business, S 2969 saw no further action.

On September 18, companion measures, HR 6939 and S 3527, were introduced in 

the House and Senate to address the continuing problem of securing timely funding of 

veterans’ health care, through a process known as “advance appropriations.” Under the 

bills—known as the “Veterans Health Care Budget Reform Act”—the Veterans Health 

Administration (VHA) would be funded one year in advance. Currently, VHA is funded 

one year at a time, and is too often the victim of delays and short-term budgets.

Under the legislation, Congress would be authorized to approve VA medical care 

appropriations one year in advance of the start of each fiscal year. Unlike proposals to 
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convert VA health care to a mandatory funding program, an advance appropriation does 

not create PAYGO concerns since VA health care funding would remain discretionary.

In addition, an advance appropriation would provide VA with up to a year in which to 

plan how to deliver the most efficient and effective care to an increasing number of 

veterans with increasingly complex medical conditions.

Furthermore, the new legislation would also task the Governmental Accountability 

Office (GAO) with studying and reporting to Congress for the next three years on VA’s 

budget forecasting model and estimates. By shedding sunlight on VA’s internal budget 

process, Congress will have a much greater ability and incentive to develop appropriation 

bills that provide sufficient funding to meet the best estimate of anticipated demand for 

VA health care services in future years.

On September 23, the House by a vote of 392-23 passed HR 6897, a bill that would 

authorize a one-time payment to Filipino service members that played a critical role in 

the United States’ victory in the Pacific during World War II. The bill would require the 

VA Secretary to make a one-time payment for certain service in the organized military 

forces of the Government of the Commonwealth of the Philippines and the Philippine 

Scouts during World War II subject to the availability of appropriations. The amount of 

the payment would be $9,000 for non-U.S. citizens and $15,000 for U.S. citizens. The 

bill was amended to include language stating that acceptance of this one-time payment 

would serve as a complete release of any claim against the United States from Filipino 

veterans of World War II.

The measure went to the Senate for passage, but was not acted upon before 

adjournment. 

On September 24, the President signed PL 110-324, the “Veterans Compensation 

Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2008.” The measure passed the House on September 

10 by a vote of 418-0. This legislation enacts a COLA for compensation payments to 

service-connected disabled veterans and for rates of dependency and indemnity 

compensation (DIC) for surviving spouses of certain disabled veterans. The COLA was

5.8 percent and became effective on December 1, 2008. 

On October 10, the President signed PL 110-387, the “Veterans Mental Health and 

Other Care Improvements Act of 2008.” This measure, introduced by Senate Veterans’ 

Affairs Committee Chairman Dan Akaka (HI), makes various improvements to veterans’ 

mental health and other forms of care. Some of the mental health care provisions of the 

new law include:

x Setting a standard minimum level of care for substance use disorder, and 

creating innovative enhancements to treatment; 

x Improving treatment to veterans with multiple disorders, such as PTSD and 

substance use disorder;

x Mandating a review of VA’s residential mental health care facilities, to 

ensure that they are adequately staffed;

x Creating a research program on PTSD and substance use disorder, in 

cooperation with the National Center for PTSD; and 

x Enabling VA to provide mental health services to veterans’ families, and 

setting up a program to aid the families of returning servicemembers.

Other veterans’ health care provisions addressed in the measure include:

x More than doubling the beneficiary travel mileage reimbursement (from 11 

to 28.5 cents per mile) eligible veterans can receive for travel to receive VA 

care; permanently sets the deductible to $3 each way for such travel; creates 

a pilot program on the use of peers to enhance outreach to rural veterans; 
330

and, encourages coordination between VA and rural community-based 

resources.

x Correcting current procedures used by VA to reimburse community hospitals 

for emergency care provided to eligible veterans.

x In recognition of the link between traumatic brain injury—a signature wound 

of the current conflicts—and epilepsy, establishing up to six VA Epilepsy 

Centers of Excellence focused on research, education, and clinical care for 

epilepsy. 

x Requiring a pain care program, including care for acute pain, for all VA 

inpatient facilities for long-term mental health and substance abuse care and 

to prevent long-term chronic pain disability; expands VA health care staff 

education on pain assessment and treatment; and, increases VA research on 

pain care. 

x Extending authority for VA to provide institutional and non-institutional 

long-term care and caregiver assistance services.

x Authorizing a series of major medical facility construction projects and 

outpatient clinic leases.

x Creating targeted programs to assist low-income veterans, and increasing 

funding capacity for the successful VA Grant and Per Diem program, which 

assists community-based organizations that serve homeless veterans.

x Expanding a program to help formerly incarcerated veterans reintegrate into 

society through employment counseling and other services.

On October 10, the President enacted PL 110-389, the “Veterans’ Benefits 

Improvements Act of 2008.” Major provisions in the bill include: 

x Claims assistance, including simplification of letters to veterans claiming 

disabilities, to provide meaningful notice of the information and evidence 

needed to substantiate a claim; 

x Addressing employee training for those responsible for processing claims by 

redeveloping the certification exam and requiring an evaluation of the 

training and quality assurance program;

x Enhancing home loan refinancing options, an extended increase in the 

maximum loan guaranty amount, and an extension of the soon-to-expire 

authority for VA-guaranteed adjustable-rate mortgages;

x Updating housing construction and design guidelines to take into account 

any new or unique disabilities for veterans in need of specially adaptive 

housing;

x Increasing the number of veterans that can participate in the independent 

living program;

x Repealing sunset provisions for the VA Advisory Committee on Minority 

Veterans;

x Reforming the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights

Act (USERRA) complaint process and ensuring that equitable relief is 

available to all USERRA victims when appropriate;

x Establishing an Office of Survivor Assistance within the VA;

x Providing assistance to the U.S. Paralympic Program for veterans and 

members of the armed forces;

x Expanding the number of judges on the United States Court of Appeals for 

Veterans Claims to decide the increased number of cases filed and removal 
331

of the ban on judicial review of actions concerning VA’s rating schedule; 

and; 

x Updating of veterans’ rights to return to work, Federal agency assistance in 

that effort, and more timely Department of Labor investigations of potential 

violations of veterans’ employment rights.

111th Congress, 1st Session

The First Session of the 111th Congress convened on January 6, 2009. Major issues 

on the agenda for both chambers include the Global War on Terrorism, the deepening 

economic recession and the Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 

budget. To date, The American Legion has participated in 21 congressional hearings 

during the First Session.

One of the first orders of business for the new Congress was to finish work on the 

FY 2009 budget process. The Federal government was still operating under the terms of 

PL 110-329, an omnibus appropriations bill that fully funded only three departments—

Defense, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs—while funding the remaining Federal 

government departments, agencies and other bodies at levels equal to FY 2008. By 

March 11, Congress had passed and the President had signed PL 111-8, a measure 

making the final appropriations for the final six months of FY 2009. Specific spending 

totals will be outlined in each subject area in the remainder of this report.

On February 26, the Obama Administration released a summary for the proposed 

FY 2010 “top line” Federal budget, including VA. The White House requested $52.5 

billion for VA discretionary spending programs, an increase of $4.9 billion over the FY 

2009 amounts. Mandatory funding would be set at $60.3 billion, making the total VA 

budget $112.8 billion. Over the next five years, VA discretionary funding will be 

increased by $25 billion. The gradual expansion of health care will support the health 

care needs of over 500,000 veterans who have been excluded from VA coverage since 

2003. This increased funding will also provide the necessary resources to maintain the 

high-quality and timely care for lower-income and service-disabled veterans who 

currently use the system. However, The American Legion remains adamant that all 

Priority Group 8 veterans must be enrolled.

In addition, the budget proposal would provide greater benefits for veterans who are 

medically retired from active duty, allowing for all military retirees to keep their full VA 

disability compensation along with their retired pay. Further, the President’s budget 

would allocate sufficient resources for the effective implementation of the Post-9/11 GI 

Bill, providing ground-breaking levels of educational support for the active-duty men and 

women who have served our country. The FY 2010 budget will support additional 

research and services to a variety of specialty care services. These include prosthetics, 

vision and spinal cord injuries, aging and women’s health. The increased funding will 

allow the foundation of VA Centers of Excellence to focus on the improvement of these 

critical services.

Another area to be addressed by the budget proposal would be better information 

technology that directly benefits veterans in the areas of both health care and benefits 

through the use of improved electronic medical records. VA will also develop electronic 

processes to increase accuracy, consistency and timeliness in veterans’ receipt of 

benefits.

Furthermore, the President’s proposed budget will address the veteran homelessness 

in this country. It will expand VA’s current services through a collaborative pilot 

program with non-profit organizations that is aimed at maintaining stable housing for 
332

vulnerable veterans at risk of homelessness. It will provide them with supportive services 

to help them get back on their feet through job training, preventive care, and other critical 

services.

Finally, the President’s budget request will provide funding to carry VA services to 

rural communities that are often unable to access VA care. The budget proposal would 

expand VA mental health screening and treatment with a focus on reaching veterans in 

rural areas in part through an increase in the number of Vet Centers and mobile health 

clinics. New outreach funding will help rural veterans and their families stay informed of 

these resources and encourage them to take advantage of the care they need.

On March 10, The American Legion testified before the House and Senate 

Veterans’ Affairs Committees, giving conditional approval to the FY 2010 “top line” 

budget outline. However, that approval was contingent on the specific recommendations 

for VA’s discretionary funding accounts, which are expected in May. The testimony also 

re-emphasized the VA budget request presented by National Commander Rehbein last 

September. The American Legion will continue to monitor the FY 2010 budget process.

On March 16, National Commander Rehbein and representatives of other veterans’ 

service organizations met with the President at the White House. The meeting was called 

to discuss an administration proposal to have VA bill the insurance companies of 

veterans using VA for treatment of their service-connected disabilities. After the meeting, 

Commander Rehbein said, “This reimbursement plan would be inconsistent with the 

mandate ‘...to care for him who shall have borne the battle...’ given that the United 

States government sent members of the armed forces into harm's way, and not private 

insurance companies. I say again that The American Legion does not and will not support 

any plan that seeks to bill a veteran for treatment of a service-connected disability at the 

very agency that was created to treat the unique needs of America's veterans!”

Two days later, after a second meeting with veterans’ representatives—as well as a 

veritable firestorm of protest in the media, from the public and members of Congress—

the White House announced it was scrapping the plan. However, The American Legion 

will continue to keep a close eye on any future VA policy proposals.

On April 2, both the House and Senate passed their respective budget resolutions for 

FY 2010. The House passed House Concurrent Resolution (H. Con. Res.) 85 by a 

recorded vote of 223-196, while the Senate passed Senate Concurrent Resolution (S. 

Con. Res.) 13 by a vote of 55-43.

H. Con. Res. 85 set FY 2010 discretionary spending for veterans’ programs at $53.3 

billion. This is $5.5 billion more than was appropriated for the current fiscal year, an 11.5 

percent increase. The resolution contains an additional $800 million over the Obama 

Administration’s original “top line” request. In mid-March, the minority members of the 

House Veterans’ Affairs Committee released their recommendations for the VA’s FY 

2010 budget. Among their recommendations were:

x Ensure timely and accurate processing of claims: One recommendation was 

for additional funding for training and performance systems, additional 

training staff, increased quality checks, and employee testing and 

certification. It was also recommended that at least $170 million be 

appropriated for a paperless rules-based adjudication system. 

x Improve veteran-owned small businesses: Another recommendation would 

reauthorize VA’s expired small business loan guaranty program with 

sufficient resources to guarantee $1 billion in new loans to veteran-owned 

small businesses.
333 x Ensure all national cemeteries are national shrines: A third 

recommendation was for a minimum $300 million increase for the VA 

National Shrine Commitment, which provides funding to improve the 

appearance of national cemeteries and monuments. It was also suggested that 

funds should be appropriated to create a shrine commitment program at the 

other government agencies with jurisdiction over veteran cemeteries.

x Provide world class quality health care: Finally, an increase of $4.3 billion 

for medical services was recommended. This includes funding for 

improvement to rural health care, prosthetic limb program modernization, 

mental health initiatives, military vision centers of excellence and eye 

trauma registry, home improvement structural alterations (HISA) grants, and 

the health professional educational assistance program.

S. Con. Res. 13 would also fund VA discretionary programs at $53.3 billion for FY 

2010. While short on specific funding recommendations, the Senate resolution 

highlighted several areas of need. They include:

x Increased veteran enrollment: VA has estimated that as many as 266,000 

new veteran patients will enroll in the health care system during FY 2010. In 

addition, VA has estimated that it will treat as many as 550,000 new veterans 

by FY 2014. This increased workload will require additional resources.

x Mental health: VA estimates that 30 percent of its 5.2 million veteran clients 

have a mental health disorder. The agency further estimates that its 

expenditures for mental health programs will total $3.9 billion in the current 

fiscal year. To continue to meet this challenge, VA will require at least that 

amount for FY 2010.

x Homeless veterans: Outreach to homeless veterans continues to be a priority, 

particularly in light of estimates that at least 45 percent of homeless veterans 

suffer from mental illness and more than 50 percent have substance abuse 

problems. The Homeless Veterans Integration Program (HVIP) provides 

grants to agencies that help veterans find homes and jobs. However, this 

program—while authorized $50 million—has not had appropriations 

commensurate with its authorization.

x Advance appropriations: For several years, The American Legion and other 

veterans’ service organizations have pushed for adoption of advance 

appropriations for VA medical care funding. This would allow Congress to 

fund VA health care one year in advance, then allow for the passage of 

additional funding as needed during a fiscal year. This is not a new concept, 

as the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Section 8 

vouchers, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the Head Start 

program are all funded through advance appropriations.

During Senate floor debate on the budget resolution, Senator James Inhofe (OK) 

introduced an amendment, cosponsored by Senators Daniel K. Akaka (HI), Richard Burr 

(NC), Lisa Murkowski (AK) and John Thune (SD), to include VA medical care programs 

among those to be funded through advance appropriations. The amendment was agreed 

to by unanimous consent.

The House and Senate budget conferees met and the House agreed to the Senate 

amendment and it became part of the final bill which was passed by Congress on April 

29. It should be stressed that the budget resolution is not law; the budget resolution will 

be used as the starting point for the writing of the individual spending bills for the next 
334

fiscal year. The President’s budget advisors finally released a full, itemized budget 

request on May 7. 

The table below outlines FY 2009 VA appropriations, the President’s FY 2010 

budget request and VA funding recommendations by The American Legion for FY 2010.

Discretionary 

Program

PL 110-329,

FY 2009

VA Appropriations

President’s 

Request,

FY 2010 Legion Request

FY 2010

Medical Services $30.9 bil. $34.7 bil.

$42.8 bil.

(includes 

medical and 

prosthetic 

research)

Medical Support & 

Compliance $4.4 bil. $5.1 bil.

Medical Facilities $6.0 bil.# $4.7 bil.

Medical Care Total $41.3 bil. $44.5 bil.

Medical Care 

Collections Fund ($2.5 bil.) ($2.9 bil.)

*

Medical & Prosthetic 

Research $510 mil. $580 mil. $532 mil.

Information 

Technology $2.5 bil.# $3.3 bil. $2.7 bil.

General Operating 

Expenses $2.0 bil.# $2.2 bil. $2.8 bil.

Natl. Cemetery 

Administration $280 mil.# $242 mil. $249 mil.

Major Construction $923 mil. $1.2 bil. $1.8 bil.

Minor Construction $742 mil. $600 mil. $1.5 bil.

State Veterans’ Homes 

Construction Grants $325 mil.# $85 mil. $275 mil.

State Veterans’ 

Cemeteries

Construction Grants $42 mil. $42 mil. $49 mil.

# Includes supplemental funding from PL 111-5, the “American Recovery and 

Reinvestment Act of 2009,” the $787 billion plan known as the “stimulus package”

* The American Legion supports using Medical Care Collections Funds as supplements, 

not offsets, to discretionary VA funding

Americanism

The concerted efforts of millions of concerned Americans—including The 

American Legion and the other 144 member organizations of the Citizens Flag Alliance 

(CFA)—to pass a constitutional amendment to protect the American flag fell one vote 

short of passage by the Senate three years ago in the 109th Congress. On April 30, 

Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO) and seven cosponsors introduced House Joint 

Resolution (HJ Res.) 47, a flag protection constitutional amendment for the 111th 

Congress. It has been assigned to the House Judiciary Committee. The measure now has 

64 cosponsors. On May 6, a companion bill was introduced in the Senate by Senator 

David Vitter (LA), Senate Joint Resolution (SJ Res.) 15, with 16 cosponsors. The Senate 

version now has 25 cosponsors. The American Legion will continue to seek passage of a 

constitutional amendment to protect the American flag because it is the right thing to do.

Let the people decide.
335

Children & Youth

On March 11, the President signed into law PL 111-8, the FY 2009 omnibus funding 

measure for the remainder of the fiscal year, which ends September 30, 2009. Funding 

for Department of Justice (DoJ) programs supported by The American Legion include:

x $7.2 billion for the FBI;

x $1.94 billion for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); 

x $1.33 billion for state and local law enforcement assistance grants; 

x $1.05 billion for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives 

(BATF); 

x $950 million for the U.S. Marshals Service; and,

x $374 million for the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention 

(OJJDP), a program The American Legion has enthusiastically supported 

since its creation in 1974.

On June 18, the House by a vote of 259-157 passed HR 2847, the FY 2010 funding 

bill for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, science programs and related 

agencies. The Senate Appropriations Committee on June 25 passed its version of the bill, 

S 1298, by a vote of 30-0. These measures contain funding for Department of Justice 

(DoJ) programs supported by The American Legion. They include:

x $7.9 billion for the FBI in the Senate bill, $7.8 billion in the House version;

x $3.4 billion for state and local law enforcement assistance grants in the 

House version, $3.2 billion in the Senate bill; 

x $2 billion for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in both bills; 

x $1.1 billion for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives 

(BATF) in both measures;

x $1.1 billion for the U.S. Marshals Service in both bills; and,

x $407 million for the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention 

(OJJDP) in the Senate measure, $385 million in the House version.

Economics

PL 111-8 also contains FY 2009 appropriations for the Department of Labor (DOL).

The measure funds veterans programs under the Assistant Secretary of Labor for 

Veterans Employment and Training (ASVET). The chart below outlines funding for 

ASVET accounts appropriated for FY 2008 and for FY 2009.

Programs

PL 110-161

FY 2008

PL 111-8

FY 2009

State Administration Grants $161.9 million $168.9 million

Federal Administration $33.3 million $34.6 million

National Veterans Training Institute 

(NVTI) $1.9 million $1.9 million

Homeless Veterans Programs $23.6 million $26.4 million

Veterans’ Workforce Investment 

Programs $7.4 million $7.6 million

Totals $228.1 million $239.4 million

On March 30, the House by a voice vote passed HR 1171, a bill to reauthorize the 

Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program for FYs 2010-2014. Representative John 

Boozman (AR), who introduced the bill, touted the success of the program, saying it has 
336

helped 9,061 homeless veterans get back to work. During committee consideration, an 

amendment was added that included provisions to establish a grant program for homeless 

women veterans and homeless veterans with children. The grants would go toward 

programs that provide job training, counseling, placement services and child care 

services. The grants would be authorized at $10 million over five years. All told, the 

measure would authorize $300 million over five years for homeless veterans’ 

reintegration programs.

On May 19, the House of Representatives approved two bills that affect veterans’ 

economic issues. These measures now go to the Senate for further action. The first 

measure, passed by voice vote, was HR 1088, the “Mandatory Veteran Specialist 

Training Act of 2009.” The bill mandates training within one year of hiring for state 

employees assigned to duties as Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOPs) 

Specialists and Local Veterans’ Employment Specialists (LVERs). 

Currently, Labor Department rules give new hires up to three years to attend the 

National Veterans Employment Training Services Institute (NVTI), based in Denver, to 

learn about their responsibilities to help veterans, especially those with special needs, get 

jobs. This includes training, career counseling and job referrals. On average, it takes 21⁄2 

years for a new employee to attend the training, which means there are hired specialists 

who are not fully trained. The bill requires new employees and any current employee 

hired since the start of 2006 who has not yet gone through the training to complete the 

course within one year. 

The second measure is HR 1089, the “Veterans Employment Rights Realignment 

Act of 2009,” which passed the House by a recorded vote of 423-0. This bill gives the 

VA’s Office of Special Counsel responsibility for the investigation and prosecution of 

cases of employment and re-employment rights violations by Federal agencies, power 

that currently rests with the Labor Department’s Veterans’ Employment Training Service

(VETS). The shift would send the Special Counsel about 200 to 300 cases a year, and 

require an increase of about $3 million a year in its $17 million annual budget. The 

number of cases is so small it is not expected to have any significant change in the 

workload at the Labor Department, according to a Congressional Budget Office analysis.

On June 23, the House passed HR 1172 by a vote of 411-0. Introduced by Rep. John 

Boozman (AR), this measure directs VA to include on its website a list of organizations 

that provide scholarships to veterans and their survivors and, for each such organization, 

a link to their website. The measure now goes to the Senate for further action.

On July 24, the House by a vote of 264-153 passed HR 3293, legislation to fund the 

Departments of Labor (DOL), Health & Human Services (HHS) and Education for the 

coming fiscal year. A companion draft measure was approved on July 30 by the Senate 

Appropriations Committee. The major highlights of the measures include:

x Funding of $210.2 million for state administration grants and Federal 

administration in the House bill, $207.7 million in the Senate companion;

x $2.4 million for the National Veterans’ Training Institute (NVTI) in both 

measures;

x A total of $37.3 million for homeless veterans programs in the House 

version, while the Senate bill contains $35.3 for the program; and, 

x $9.6 million for the veterans’ workforce investment program in both 

measures.

On July 28 the House by a voice vote passed HR 1803, the “Veterans Business 

Center Act of 2009.” This measure would amend the Small Business Act to direct the 

administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish a Veterans 
337

Business Center program, headed by a director, to provide entrepreneurial training and 

counseling to veterans. It would also authorize the SBA director to make grants to each 

entity designated as a veterans’ business center. Further, it would require each center to 

use such funds on veteran entrepreneurial development, counseling of veteran-owned 

small businesses through one-on-one instruction and classes, and providing government 

procurement assistance to veterans.

In addition, HR 1803 would target populations where veterans generally and 

specifically veterans of Operations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom exceed the 

national median. It would also require the SBA director to establish, with respect to 

veteran-owned small businesses, grant programs for: access to capital; procurement 

assistance; and, service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. Finally, it would 

authorize the SBA director to carry out, every two years, a veterans’ entrepreneurial 

development summit. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.

Foreign Relations

Appropriations for the Department of State and Foreign Operations programs for the 

remainder of the fiscal year are contained in PL 111-8. The measure provides $36.6 

billion in total funding. Specific areas of interest to The American Legion include:

x $5.5 billion in global assistance to fight HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, measles 

and malaria;

x $2.4 billion in military assistance to Israel;

x $1.5 billion in economic and military aid to Egypt;

x $875 million for international narcotics control and law enforcement;

x $725 million in economic and border security/anti-terrorism military aid to 

Pakistan;

x $650 million in assistance for nations of Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia;

x $499 million in economic and military aid to Jordan; and,

x $315 million for the Andean Counterdrug Initiative.

President Obama on June 24 signed PL 111-32, the FY 2009 supplemental spending 

bill. The House of Representatives passed the measure on June 16 by a vote of 226-202, 

with the Senate passing the measure two day later by a vote of 91-5. The main focus of 

the measure is to fund the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Among the foreign relations 

areas addressed in the bill are:

x $7.7 billion in response to the potential flu pandemic;

x $4.8 billion for economic assistance, diplomatic operations and civilian 

personnel in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan; 

x $1.4 billion for various humanitarian assistance programs;

x $721 million for U.N. peacekeeping operations;

x $555 million for security assistance to Israel;

x $310 million for economic and security assistance for Egypt; and,

x $300 million for economic and security assistance for Jordan.

On July 9, the House by a vote of 318-106 passed HR 3081, a bill to fund the 

Department of State and foreign operations programs for FY 2010. The Senate 

Appropriations Committee passed its version, S 1434, on July 9 by a 29-1 tally. The 

House measure provides $48.8 billion in total discretionary funding, while the Senate 

version contains $48.7 billion. Specific areas of interest to The American Legion include:

x $6.4 billion in total global assistance to fight HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, 

measles and malaria in the Senate bill, $5.8 billion in the House measure;
338 x $2.7 billion in economic and security assistance to Afghanistan in both bills;

x $2.2 billion in military assistance to Israel in both measures; 

x $1.6 billion for international narcotics control and law enforcement in the 

House bill, $1.5 billion in the Senate version;

x $1.6 billion in economic and border security/anti-terrorism military aid to 

Pakistan in the Senate measure, $1.5 billion in the House bill;

x $1.6 billion for international narcotics control and law enforcement in the 

House measure, compared to $1.5 billion in the Senate bill; 

x $1.3 billion in economic and military aid to Egypt in both versions; 

x $745 million in assistance for nations of Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia in 

the Senate version, $722 million in the House bill; and,

x $513 million in economic and military aid to Jordan in both bills.

Internal Affairs

On July 24, House Resolution (H. Res.) 679 was introduced in the House of 

Representatives by Rep. Deborah Halvorson (IL). This resolution supports the 

designation of September 16—which is the anniversary of The American Legion 

receiving its Federal charter in 1919—each year as “American Legion Day,” a national 

day of observance of The American Legion's goals and ideals in which the country may 

celebrate, with appropriate programs and activities, the long history of The American 

Legion and its steadfast and patriotic service to the community, state and nation. There 

are currently 41 cosponsors to the resolution. 

On July 27 President Obama signed PL 111-41, the “Korean War Veterans 

Recognition Act.” This law amends Title 4 of the United State Code, adding National 

Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, July 27, to the list of days on which the flag of the 

United States should be displayed. The American Legion has for many years lobbied 

Congress to recognize the service and sacrifices of veterans from this conflict. 

National Security

On February 17, the President signed into law PL 111-5, the “American Recovery 

and Reinvestment Act of 2009.” In addition to providing funding to address the 

economy, this measure also contained FY 2009 supplemental funding for various Federal 

agencies, including DOD, Homeland Security, and VA.

Major DOD allocations included:

x $2.2 billion for military construction. Two of the projects were announced 

on March 27 as replacement hospitals for Camp Pendleton, CA, and Fort 

Hood, TX. Construction should be completed by 2013 and both hospitals 

will be operational by the next year;

x $400 million for the Defense Health Program for energy efficiency 

improvements, as well as repairs and modernization construction for medical 

facilities;

x $300 million for energy efficiency research and development; and,

x $135 million for family housing construction, operation and maintenance for 

the Army and Air Force.

No funding was included in the final version for the Base Realignment and Closure 

(BRAC) account.
339

Homeland Security earmarks included:

x $1 billion for the Transportation Security Administration for the purchase 

and installation of explosive detection systems and emerging checkpoint 

technologies;

x $420 million for construction of Customs and Border Protection land ports 

of entry to improve border security;

x $300 million for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) state and 

local grants for transportation security construction and acquisition; 

x $250 million for border security fencing infrastructure and technology; 

x $210 million for firefighter assistance grants for construction of new 

firehouses; 

x $160 million for U.S. Customs and Border Protection for the acquisition of 

new or replacement non-intrusive inspection systems; and,

x $160 million for the U.S. Coast Guard for acquisitions, construction, 

improvements and the alteration or removal of obstructive bridges.

Selective Service System funding for FY 2009 is contained in PL 111-8, the 

omnibus continuing appropriations measure. The law appropriates $22 million, an 

amount equal to FY 2008 appropriations as well as the original budget request. The 

American Legion continues to support funding for the Selective Service System in case 

of national emergency.

President Obama on June 24 signed PL 111-32, the FY 2009 supplemental spending 

bill. The House on June 16 voted 226-202 to pass the conference report to the measure, 

and the Senate followed suit two days later, approving the measure by a 91-5 tally. 

Funding in the bill totals $106 billion, an increase of $23 billion over the President’s 

original request. It includes $79.9 billion to fund DOD and intelligence programs related 

to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Although the wars have typically been funded 

through such “emergency” supplemental requests since 2001, the President has pledged 

to move the war costs into the regular DOD budget in the future.

Specific areas in the supplemental request related to national security include:

x $25.8 billion to repair or replace equipment worn down in the wars, 

including $4.5 billion for acquisition of improved mine-resistant vehicles, 

$2.7 billion for 8 C-17s and 7 C-130s, $600 million for 4 F-22 aircraft, and 

$500 million for National Guard and Reserve equipment;

x $3.6 billion for expanding and training the Afghan security forces;

x $2.7 billion for military construction programs to support combat operations 

in Afghanistan, the armed forces and their families, including hospitals, child 

development centers, and new hospitals in Maryland and Virginia to replace 

Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC; 

x $1.8 billion for Military Health Care, to include funds for programs to 

support military families, for orthopedic research, for traumatic brain injury 

and psychological health research, and for rehabilitation equipment for 

wounded warriors;

x $1.1 billion to combat improvised explosive devices;

x $1 billion to support coalition partners fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan;

x $534 million to provide over 185,000 service members who have had their 

enlistments involuntarily extended since September 11, 2001 with 

$500/month for every month they were held under stop-loss orders; and,

x $400 million to Pakistani forces’ counterinsurgency operations.
340

On June 25 the House by a vote of 389-22 passed HR 2647, the FY 2010 DOD 

authorization bill. The Senate passed its version of the measure, S 1390, on July 23 by a 

vote of 87-7. These measures set spending levels for defense programs, and usually 

includes a number of policy statements. Some of the major provisions of the bill include:

x A 3.4 percent across-the-board pay raise for all military personnel—half a 

percentage point above the President’s request—before special pay or 

bonuses in both bills;

x Authorization for missile defense programs;

x Authorization to fund the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) 2005 

account;

x Authorization to address equipment shortfalls in the National Guard and 

Reserves;

x Authorization for 28 F-35s (Joint Strike Fighters) in the House bill; 

x Authorization of full funding for 1 Virginia-class submarine, and advance 

procurement for two additional submarines to be built in FY 2011;

x Increases for FY 2010 of 15,000 Army personnel, 8,000 Marines, 14,650 Air 

Force personnel, and 2,477 Navy sailors;

x Increases in Army personnel by 30,000 for FYs 2011 and 2012;

x Authorization for family housing programs;

x An authorization for educational impact aid, with an additional funding 

authorization for those agencies heavily impacted by force structure changes 

and BRAC; and, 

x Extension of TRICARE eligibility to reserve members so they can receive 

full TRICARE coverage 180 days before they go on active duty.

On June 24, the House by a vote of 389-37 passed HR 2892, the FY 2010

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) appropriations bill. The Senate passed its 

version, S 1298, on July 9 by a vote of 84-6. The House measure provides $42.6 billion

in discretionary spending for DHS programs, an increase of $2.6 billion above current 

year funding, while the Senate version would provide $42.9 billion. Some of the key 

provisions include:

x $10.2 billion for the U.S. Coast Guard in the Senate measure, $9.7 billion in 

the House bill;

x $11.6 billion for the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection in the Senate 

version, $11.2 billion in the House bill;

x $5.7 billion for the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the 

Senate measure, $5.4 billion in the House version;

x $5.3 billion for the Transportation Security Administration in both bills;

x $4 billion in grants for state and local “first responders” in the House 

version, $3.8 billion in the Senate measure;

x $1.5 billion for the U.S. Secret Service in the House measure, $1.48 billion 

in the Senate bill;

x $860 million for the Federal Air Marshals program in both bills; and

x $800 billion for border security along the U.S.-Mexico border (included 

under the “Customs and Border Protection” account) in the Senate measure, 

$732 million in the House version.

On June 24, the House voted 404-0 to pass HR 2990, a bill that will further address 

the problem of the disabled veterans’ tax. The bill, called the “Disabled Military Retiree 

Relief Act,” will allow “Chapter 61” retirees—persons who received military disability 
341

retirement with less than 20 years of service—to receive their full military retired pay 

plus VA disability compensation, without a dollar-for-dollar offset of the retired pay by 

any amount received in disability compensation.

The offset would be phased out over several years, beginning with full payments of 

retired and disability pay on Jan. 1, 2010 for those whose disabilities are rated at 90

percent or greater, including those whose 100 percent disability is based upon a 

determination that their medical conditions make them unemployable. Full concurrent 

receipt for all Chapter 61 retirees would take effect Jan. 1, 2014.

However, as the bill currently reads, these increased payments would terminate at 

the end of FY 2010, which is September 30, 2010. For these payments to continue, they 

would have to be reauthorized.

House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton, who introduced the bill,

said the legislation does not go as far as he had hoped, but it “...moves us closer to 

fulfilling the President’s pledge to give disabled veterans full access to the benefits they 

deserve.” Funding for the bill’s provisions would come from tapping into a development 

fund for deepwater oil and natural gas resources. 

Because the money source was not available when the House Armed Services 

Committee approved HR 2892, the 2010 DOD authorization bill, language relating to the 

disabled veterans’ tax was not included in that bill. It is likely that the language of HR 

2990 will be amended to the DOD authorization measure during conference committee 

deliberations.

The American Legion will continue to push for full repeal of the disabled veterans’ 

tax.

Selective Service System funding for FY 2010 is contained in S 1432, the FY 2010 

appropriations measure for financial services and general government, which passed the 

Senate Appropriations Committee on July 9 by a vote of 29-1. The House version, HR 

3170, passed the House on July 16 by a vote of 219-208. That Senate measure would 

fund Selective Service operations at $24.4 million, while the House version would 

appropriate $24.2 million for the agency’s operations. Since 1973, the armed forces have 

relied on volunteers to fill military manpower requirements. However, the Selective 

Service System remains the primary vehicle by which personnel will be brought into the 

military if Congress and the President should authorize a return to the draft. The 

American Legion continues to support funding for the Selective Service System in case 

of national emergency.

On July 10, the House by a vote of 415-3 passed HR 3082, the FY 2010 

appropriations measure to fund the VA and military construction programs. The Senate 

Appropriations Committee on July 7 passed its version of the measure, S 1407, by a vote 

of 30-0. A total of $24.6 billion was allocated for a variety of military construction 

projects in the House bill, while the Senate version would allot $23.2 billion. Some 

specific military construction program areas include:

x $7.5 billion to implement closures and re-stationing for the 2005 round of 

BRAC in both bills; 

x $2 billion to continue eliminating inadequate military housing in both 

measures; 

x $1.4 billion to support additional military construction requirements to 

support operations and troop increases in Afghanistan in both versions; 

x $537 million to address a large unfunded backlog of environmental cleanup 

for military bases closed in previous rounds of the Base Realignment and 

Closure (BRAC) in the House bill, $422 million in the Senate measure; 
342 x $450 million to accelerate the Army’s program to modernize troop housing 

facilities in the House measure; and,

x $200 million for various National Guard and Reserve construction projects 

in the House bill.

On July 30 the House by a vote of 400-30 approved HR 3326, the FY 2010 

appropriations bill for the Department of Defense (DOD). The bill totals $636.6 billion, 

an increase of $4.4 billion over current year funding and $3.8 billion below the 

President’s request. Funding for specific program areas include:

x $128.3 billion for all costs to continue military operations in Iraq and 

Afghanistan. President Obama has made it a priority to move all costs for 

these operations to the regular appropriations process, and not through 

supplemental funding bills;

x $29.9 billion for DOD health programs;

x $10.1 billion for the F-35 program, including $5.6 billion for procurement of 

28 planes in FY 2010;

x $7.2 billion for missile defense programs;

x $3.8 billion for purchase of one Virginia-class attack submarine in FY 2010, 

and advance procurement for another sub in FY 2011;

x $3.6 billion for further development and procurement of Mine Resistant 

Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles for Iraq and Afghanistan;

x $2.2 billion for further development and procurement of one additional 

DDG-51 (Arleigh Burke) destroyer; 

x $1.7 billion for procurement of 18 additional F/A-18E/F Super Hornet 

aircraft;

x $1.6 billion for further development and procurement of the DDG-1000 

(Zumwalt) destroyer; and,

x $1.5 billion for the destruction of chemical agents and munitions;

x $1.2 billion for drug interdiction and counter-drug activities;

x $614 million for upgrades and procurement of additional Stryker vehicles; 

and,

x $500 million for purchases to address National Guard and Reserve units’ 

equipment shortfalls.

The measure contains no funding for closing the Guantanamo Bay detention facility 

for terrorists captured during the Global War on Terrorism. Appropriators stated that 

once a plan was in place to close the facility, funding would then be requested.

Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation

As part of PL 111-5, $1.4 billion in supplemental funding for VA programs in FY 

2009 was included. Major provisions included: 

x $1 billion for the VA medical facilities account for non-recurring 

maintenance;

x $150 million for construction grants for state veterans’ homes, with the 

amount to be available through the end of FY 2010;

x $150 million for the General Operating Expenses account for expenses 

relating to the hiring and training of temporary claims processors;

x $50 million for the National Cemetery Administration for monument and 

memorial repairs; and,

x $50 million for information technology related to claims processing.
343

No funds were appropriated for major or minor construction, or for the medical 

support and compliance account.

On February 12, legislation was introduced in both the House and Senate to address 

a funding mechanism for the VA medical care accounts that is sufficient, timely and 

predictable. The measures, HR 1016 and S 423, are entitled the “Veterans Health Care 

Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009.” The House bill was introduced by 

House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Bob Filner (CA), and currently has 125

cosponsors; the Senate version, introduced by Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee 

Chairman Daniel K. Akaka (HI), has 50 cosponsors.

The problem for America’s veterans is that appropriated discretionary funds are not 

always available to VA by the start of the fiscal year because of political conflicts. This

delay in the timely provision of medical care funds means the VA medical care system 

administrators cannot hire medical personnel; procure new equipment, supplies and 

services; or construct and maintain VA medical facilities until those funds are authorized 

and appropriated.

The main problem in adequately funding veterans’ medical care is the inherent 

political nature of the appropriations process, a process still very much mired in 19th 

century thinking. The VA budget is not created based upon the medical care needs of 

veterans and their dependents. It is, instead, based upon the political agendas of Congress 

and the President, both of which see the VA budget as a political document, not as a 

medical care document.

The American Legion decided this approach to annual funding failed America’s 

veterans who earned this benefit by virtue of their selfless devotion to country through 

their military service. The current medical care funding model used to approve annual 

discretionary appropriations is clearly flawed.

In 2001, The American Legion joined with eight other veterans’ service 

organizations (VSOs) to create the Partnership for Veterans Health Care Budget Reform.

The original intent of the Partnership was to support a mandatory funding mechanism to 

the VA appropriations process. This approach arose from a recommendation taken from 

the final report of the President’s Task Force to Improve Health Care Delivery for Our 

Nation’s Veterans.

Mandatory funding for the VA health care accounts meant that veterans’ health care 

funding would be on par with Medicare or Medicaid funding, both of which do not have 

to go through the annual appropriations process. However, even with all nine VSOs 

strongly lobbying for this change for the past eight years, Congress opposed all efforts to 

change their failed funding system. Finally, the Partnership proposed Congress 

appropriate funds for the VA medical care accounts one year ahead of the current fiscal 

year; this process is known as “advance appropriations.” 

Advance appropriations is a technique used for the last several decades by Congress 

to secure funding authority one year in advance for certain government programs. In this 

instance, VA would have its health care accounts funded one year ahead of most other 

government programs, but Congress still maintains its discretionary authority to approve 

and oversee the use of these funds. By having discretionary funding decided one year in 

advance, VA medical care accounts would be removed from current fiscal year 

competition and VA would have its medical care funds available on October 1 of each 

new fiscal year. There would have to be a one-time, two year appropriation process to get 

this cycle started. In addition, if advance appropriations for VA medical care are adopted 

by Congress, VA administrators will know one year in advance what their fiscal year 
344

appropriations will be and can thus plan accordingly for delivering quality medical care 

services to all enrolled veterans who need it.

On June 10, the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee passed HR 1016 by a vote of 

23-0. The bill would require—beginning—with FY 2011—a two-fiscal-year 

discretionary new budget authority for the following VA accounts: (1) Medical Services; 

(2) Medical Support and Compliance; and (3) Medical Facilities. These accounts would 

be the only VA discretionary appropriations accounts affected by the legislation, and the 

entire VA budget would still be subject to congressional scrutiny.

During consideration, House VA Committee Ranking Member Steve Buyer (IN) 

offered an amendment. It would include the information technology and 

medical/prosthetic research accounts in the advance appropriations process. The 

amendment was adopted by a 17-8 vote. The measure was then passed by the full House 

on June 23 by a recorded vote of 409-1.

On August 6, the Senate by a voice vote approved HR 1016. Prior to final approval, 

the Senate amended the bill by substituting the language of S 423 for the House-passed 

text. The bill now returns to the House for further action.

One of the many provisions PL 111-5 addresses a six-decade injustice. Since 1946, 

Filipino veterans who actively served during World War II have been denied certain 

benefits their American counterparts have enjoyed. The American Legion has long 

championed their cause.

The law officially recognizes the service of Filipino veterans as active-duty, a 

designation that was removed by the 1946 Rescission Acts. It also provides authorization 

for VA to disburse up to $198 million to any qualifying Filipino veteran who applies for 

the one-time, lump-sum payment. The amount of the payment is $15,000 if the veteran 

lives in the United States, $9,000 if the veteran resides in the Philippines. Should a 

qualifying veteran die before receiving his payment, VA is authorized to pay his 

surviving spouse. Finally, should a Filipino veteran accept this payment, it constitutes a 

complete release of any further claim against the United States.

On March 30, the House of Representatives passed HR 1377, a measure that would 

allow reimbursements to veterans who receive emergency treatment at a non-VA facility.

The bill would require VA to pay for a nonservice-connected condition if a third-party 

insurer does not cover the full cost of care, including the difference between the amount 

paid by the insurer and the maximum VA allowable amount. Veterans would still be 

responsible for co-payments to third party insurers. The measure is retroactive, meaning 

it would allow for reimbursements for emergency treatment provided at a nondepartment facility at any time before the date of bill’s enactment. 

On May 19, the House of Representatives approved HR 1170 by a voice vote. This 

bill would establish $200,000 in Federal grants to encourage the development of 

technologies to make home life easier for severely disabled veterans. This would include 

things like voice-recognition systems to help increase independence so that disabled 

veterans could feed themselves, be more mobile and enjoy more recreational activities. If 

technology funded by the grants works and becomes widely available, the government 

would retain a percentage of the patent rights. The measure now goes to the Senate for 

further action.

On July 10, the House of Representatives by a vote of 415-3 passed HR 3082, a bill 

to fund the Department of Veterans Affairs, military construction programs and related 

agencies for FY 2010. The bill now goes to the Senate for further action. Three days 

earlier, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved its version of the bill, S 1407, by 

a vote of 30-0.
345

In addition to FY 2010 appropriations, both HR 3082 and S 1407 include advance 

appropriations for FY 2011 for the medical care accounts, totaling nearly $48.2 billion.

These FY 2011 accounts include: $37.1 billion for medical services; $5.3 billion for 

medical support and compliance; and, $5.7 billion for medical facilities.

The chart below presents the major discretionary funding categories of VA’s budget, 

showing funding for the current year, the President’s FY 2010 budget request, the 

funding request in HR 3082 passed by the House, the funding requested by the Senate 

Appropriations Committee in S 1407 and The American Legion’s FY 2010 budget 

proposal as presented by National Commander Rehbein last September.

VA

Discretionary

Programs

P. L. 110-329 

FY 2009 Final 

VA Funding

President’s 

FY 2010

VA Budget 

Request

HR 3082 

FY 2010 VA 

Appropriations 

S 1407

FY 2010 VA

Appropriations

American 

Legion’s 

FY 2010 

Request

Medical 

Services $30.9 bil. $34.7 bil. $34.7 bil. $34.7 bil. $42.8 bil.

(includes 

medical & 

prosthetic 

research)

Medical Support 

& Compliance $4.4 bil. $5.1 bil. $4.9 bil. $5.1 bil.

Medical 

Facilities $6.0 bil.# $4.7 bil. $4.9 bil. $4.8 bil.

Total Medical 

Care $41.3 bil. $44.5 bil. $44.5 bil. $44.6 bil.

Medical Care 

Collections 

Funds [$2.5 bil.] [$2.9 bil.] [$2.9 bil.] [$2.9 bil.]

*

Medical/

Prosthetic 

Research $510 mil. $580 mil. $580 mil. $580 mil. $532 mil.

Information 

Technology $2.5 bil.# $3.3 bil. $3.3 bil. $3.3 bil. $2.7 bil.

General 

Operating 

Expenses $2.0 bil.# $2.2 bil. $2.1 bil. $2.1 bil. $2.8 bil.

Natl. Cemetery 

Administration $280 mil.# $242 mil. $250 mil. $250 mil. $249 mil.

Major 

Construction $923 mil. $1.2 bil. $1.2 bil. $1.2 bil. $1.8 bil.

Minor 

Construction $742 mil. $600 mil. $727 mil. $685 mil. $1.5 bil.

State Homes 

Construction 

Grants $325 mil.# $85 mil. $85 mil. $115 mil. $275 mil.

State Cemeteries 

Construction 

Grants $42 mil. $42 mil. $42 mil. $42 mil. $49 mil.

# Includes supplemental funding from PL 111-5 

* The American Legion supports using Medical Care Collections Funds as supplements, 

not offsets, to discretionary VA funding.

Funding for related agencies in this bill which are monitored by The American 

Legion include:

x $81 million for the American Battle Monuments Commission in the Senate 

version, $62 million in the House bill;

x $27 million for the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans’ Claims in both 

measures.
346 x $42 million for operations, maintenance and construction at Arlington 

National Cemetery in the House measure, $37 million in the Senate bill; and, 

x $134 million for operations, maintenance and new construction at the Armed 

Forces Retirement Home in both bills; 

On June 10, the House Veterans’ Affairs Committees approved a slate of measures,

sending them to the full House for action. They included: 

HR 952—This measure, titled the “Compensation Owed for Mental Health Based 

on Activities in Theatre Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Act,” was introduced by House 

VA Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Chairman John Hall 

(NY). It would define “combat with the enemy”—for purposes of proof of serviceconnection for veterans' disability compensation—as service on active duty: (1) in a 

theater of combat operations during a period of war; or (2) in combat against a hostile 

force during a period of hostilities.

HR 1098—The “Veterans’ Worker Retraining Act of 2009,” introduced by Rep. 

Tom Perriello (VA), would increase the amount of educational assistance payments made 

by VA to individuals pursuing an apprenticeship or on-job training under several VA 

educational assistance programs. They include: the Montgomery GI Bill educational 

assistance program; the Post-Vietnam Era Veterans educational assistance program; the 

Survivors and Dependents educational assistance program; and the Selected Reserve 

Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program.

HR 1821—This bill, the “Equity for Injured Veterans Act of 2009,” was introduced 

by House VA Chairman Bob Filner (CA). It would extend the period of eligibility for 

training and rehabilitation through VA for veterans with service-connected disabilities 

until 15 years after the veteran's discharge from active-duty service. Under current law, 

the time frame is 12 years. It also allows a service-disabled veteran a subsistence 

allowance for six months of full-time employment training following completion of a 

vocational rehabilitation program (current law only allows for a 2-month allowance). It 

further allows a veteran who has unused VA educational assistance entitlement to use 

such assistance to pursue a program of education as part of a vocational rehabilitation 

program, as long as VA approves the educational, professional, or vocational objective 

chosen by the veteran. The measure also directs VA to provide reimbursement for child 

care to a veteran who is participating in a vocational rehabilitation program and is the 

sole caretaker of a child. Finally, it requires VA to include in annual budget materials 

submitted to Congress information on veterans receiving vocational rehabilitation 

assistance who became employed and achieved independence in daily living.

HR 2180—This bill, introduced by Rep. Harry Teague (NM), prohibits VA from 

collecting a housing loan fee from any veteran who, but for the receipt of active service 

pay, would be entitled to compensation for a service-connected disability.

On June 23, the House passed HR 1211, the “Women Veterans Health Care 

Improvement Act,” which passed by a vote of 408-0. Introduced by Rep. Stephanie 

Herseth Sandlin (SD), the bill seeks to focus VA medical care for the 1.8 million women 

veterans in this country, with particular emphasis on women who are veterans of 

Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. It would: require VA to study the 

services for and barriers to women veterans; provide staff training to better treat sexual 

trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); establish a child care pilot program for 

certain veterans receiving care; and allow VA to provide care for a newborn of a woman 

veteran receiving VA maternity care. This bill now goes to the Senate for further action.

President Obama on June 30 signed PL 111-37, a measure to provide a cost-ofliving-adjustment (COLA) to increase the rates of disability compensation for veterans 
347

with service-connected disabilities. The measure passed the House on June 23 by a vote 

of 403-0. The new law will also increase the rates of dependency and indemnity 

compensation for survivors of certain service-connected disabled veterans. The cost-ofliving adjustment (COLA) for the above-mentioned benefits would match the annual 

increase provided to Social Security recipients, which is based on the Bureau of Labor 

Statistics’ Consumer Price Index (CPI). The COLA is designed to offset inflation and 

other factors that alter the cost-of-living over time. This year’s rate has not yet been 

determined, and some experts are predicting that the CPI will decrease rather than 

increase. In the event of a decrease in the CPI, veteran and survivor compensation will 

remain at last year’s rate. The COLA will go into effect on December 1, 2009.

On July 9, the House Veterans’ Affairs Health Subcommittee approved by voice 

vote several bills, including:

x HR 1197, the “Medal of Honor Health Care Equity Act of 2009,” would 

assign a higher priority status to recipients of the Medal of Honor for VA 

hospital care and medical services; 

x HR 1302, would establish the position of director of Physician Assistant 

Services in the office of the VA under secretary for Health; 

x HR 1335, would prohibit VA from collecting certain copayments from 

veterans who are catastrophically disabled; 

x HR 1546, the “Caring for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury Act of 

2009,” would direct VA to establish the Committee on Care of Veterans with 

Traumatic Brain Injury; and,

x HR 2926, would direct the VA to provide hospital care, medical services, 

and nursing home care for Vietnam-era veterans exposed to herbicide and 

for Persian Gulf veterans. 

These measures now go to the full committee for further action.

On July 14, the House of Representatives passed HR 1037, the “Pilot College Work 

Study Programs for Veterans Act of 2009,” by a vote of 422-0. This bill, introduced by 

Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (SD), directs the VA Secretary to conduct a five-year 

pilot project to test the feasibility and advisability of expanding the scope of qualifying 

veterans’ work-study activities, including positions available on site at educational 

institutions. This legislation provides an additional avenue for a student veteran to help 

pay for college and places them on par with other students in the same financial situation.

Furthermore, these new work-study positions would provide student veterans with much 

needed job skills they can use in their professional career.

On July 27, the House of Representatives by a voice vote passed HR 2770, the 

“Veterans Nonprofit Research and Education Corporations Enhancement Act of 2009.”

The measure would modify and update provisions of law relating to nonprofit research 

and education corporations.

VA nonprofit research corporations (NPCs) are independent entities that serve to 

provide a flexible funding mechanism for the use of non-VA funds to conduct VAapproved research. Last year, these organizations supported more than 4,000 research and 

education programs to benefit our veterans. 

However, it has been 20 years since the law that established this public-private 

partnership was enacted. It is important to ensure that the statute stays relevant for today's 

complex research and compliance requirements and provides VA with the necessary 

oversight authority to simply safeguard the management of these funds. HR 2770 would 

update and modernize the law to improve the operation and strengthen the oversight of 

these not-for-profit entities. 
348

A key provision of the bill would allow an NPC to be shared among a number of 

VA medical centers to simply reduce administrative costs and to allow smaller NPCs to 

better achieve the potential to support VA research. This bill would provide a number of 

new guidance and policy requirements to improve management of the NPCs and simply 

boost VA’s oversight capability. 

The measure now goes to the Senate for passage.

The House on July 27 by a voice vote passed HR 3155, the “Caregiver Assistance 

and Resource Enhancement Act,” introduced by Rep. Mike Michaud (ME). This bill 

would provide support services to family and non-family caregivers of veterans, 

including educational sessions and one-stop access to support services at a caregiver 

support Web site. The legislation would also make counseling and mental health services 

available to family and non-family caregivers of veterans. The measure now goes to the 

Senate for further action.

The House of Representatives on July 28 by a vote of 426 to 0 passed HR 1293, the 

“Disabled Veterans Home Improvement and Structural Alteration Grant Increase Act of 

2009.” The measure, introduced by Rep. Steve Buyer (IN), would increase grants for 

disabled veterans to make accessibility modifications to their homes. The bill would 

provide a significant increase in the amount payable to veterans under the Home 

Improvement and Structural Alteration (HISA) grant program. 

HISA is administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and is available 

to veterans with both service-connected and nonservice-connected disabilities. Veterans 

disabled as a result of service-connected conditions can receive a HISA grant in addition 

to other VA home adaptations grants that range as high as $60,000.

The current maximum amount of the HISA grant is $4,100 for service-connected

veterans and $1,200 for non-service connected veterans. This amount was established by 

Congress in 1992 and has not been raised in seventeen years. The bill would increase the 

maximum amount of a HISA grant to $6,800 for service-connected veterans and $2,000 

for nonservice-connected veterans. “This increase is long overdue,” said Rep. Buyer, 

“and I am pleased my colleagues supported this legislation. It would have a direct and 

immediate impact on improving health care and the quality of life for our disabled 

veterans.” The measure now goes to the Senate for further action.

On July 28 legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives to address an 

issue that The American Legion has been working on for nearly two decades. House 

Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Bob Filner (CA) introduced HR 3365, the “Medicare VA 

Reimbursement Act of 2009.” This legislation seeks to provide Medicare payments to 

VA medical facilities for items and services provided to Medicare-eligible veterans for 

nonservice-connected conditions.

Medicare is a prepaid, Federally mandated health insurance program for all eligible 

Americans. Generally, any person is eligible for Medicare if that person or their spouse 

worked for at least 10 years in a Medicare-covered employment, is 65 years of age or 

older, and a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. Others may qualify for 

coverage if they are under age 65 with severe disabilities. However, nearly every 

working person in the United States is mandated to make monthly contributions to 

Medicare throughout their career.

Veterans pay into the Medicare system without choice throughout their working 

lives, as do most other citizens. A portion of each earned dollar is allocated to the 

Medicare Trust Fund. Although veterans must pay into the Medicare system, they cannot 

use their Medicare benefits at any VA health care facility. Veterans should be permitted 
349

to select their health care provider and use the benefits that they have paid into during 

their lifetime.

Currently, VA is prohibited from billing Medicare for third-party reimbursements 

for the treatment of enrolled, Medicare-eligible veterans for medical conditions that are 

unrelated to their military service. Since the 1990s, The American Legion has strongly 

recommended Medicare reimbursements to supplement VA's health-care annual budget. 

Through congressional testimony and numerous interviews with the media, the Legion 

has promoted Medicare reimbursement as a new revenue source for VA. 

The American Legion supports Medicare reimbursements to supplement VA annual 

budget. The American Legion continues to lobby lawmakers to authorize VA to collect 

third-party reimbursements from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

NATIONAL SECURITY COMMISSION

Fang A. Wong, New York, Chairman

Philip Riley, District of Columbia, Director

The following report covers the activities of the National Security Commission and 

its staff during the program year ending June 30, 2009.

The Ninetieth Annual National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona, and the Fall and 

Spring Meetings of the National Executive Committee approved certain positions 

expressed in resolutions submitted to those bodies through the Convention Committee on 

National Security and the National Security Commission, respectively. The approved 

resolutions are set forth as follows:

National Convention, Phoenix, Arizona 

August 26-28 2008

Resolution 7 (UT) Domestic Energy Productions

Resolution 10 (UT) Alternative Energy Recourse

Resolution 12 (UT) Recycling Spent Nuclear Fuel Rods

Resolution 13 (UT) Energy Conservation

Resolution 14 (UT) National Plan For Energy Independence

Resolution 15 (UT) Nuclear Energy and Nuclear Waste

Resolution 72 (VA) Management of Space Assets

Resolution 73 (VA) Procurement Of Sufficient F-22 Aircraft

Resolution 74 (VA) Supporting The National Space Program

Resolution 75 (VA) Funding National Aeronautics And Space Administration Budgets

Resolution 77 (VA) Support For The United States Air Forces

Resolution 78 (VA) Aeronautical And Space Exploration

Resolution 88 (FL) Cold War Victory Medal 

Resolution 91 (MD) Buy American

Resolution 92 (MD) Combating Cyberspace Threats

Resolution 93 (MD) Foreign Investments In The American Defense Industry

Resolution 94 (MD) National Missile Defense System

Resolution 95 (MD) National Security Principle

Resolution 96 (MD) Rebuilding America's Defense Industrial Base

Resolution 97 (MD) Support For The American Battle Monuments Commission

Resolution 98 (MD) The Armed Forces Retirement Homes 

Resolution 99 (MD) Transformations of the Armed Forces

Resolution 100 (MD) Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
350

Resolution 101 (MD) Financial Anti-Terrorism Law Enforcement

Resolution 102 (MD) Funding Homeland Security

Resolution 103 (MD) Support for Homeland Security and the War On Terrorism

Resolution 104 (MD) Support for the Non-Federal Roles of the National Guard

Resolution 105 (MD) Support for the U.S. Coast Guard in Homeland Security

Resolution 106 (MD) The American Legion Role in Homeland Security

Resolution 107 (MD) Citizen Corps

Resolution 108 (MD) Burial Eligibility for Arlington National Cemetery

Resolution 109 (MD) TRICARE Eligibility For Members Of The Reserve Components 

And Their Dependents

Resolution 110 (MD) The American Legion's Position On The Department Of Defense’s

Force Health Protection Program

Resolution 111 (MD) Fully Funding the U.S. Army

Resolution 112 (MD) Support for the Selective Service registration Program

Resolution 113 (MD) Status of Forces Agreement

Resolution 114 (MD) Reforming the Military Absentee Voting System

Resolution 115 (MD) Purple Heart for TBI

Resolution 116 (MD) Oppose Proposed TRICARE Increases

Resolution 117 (MD) Military Quality of Life

Resolution 118 (MD) Listing Of Veteran Service Organizations For Discharging Service 

Members

Resolution 119 (MD) Concurrent Receipt Of Military Retired And Severance Pays And

Disability Compensation And Their Dependents

Resolution 120 (MD) Second Amendments

Resolution 121 (MD) Fully Funding The United States Navy And The Marine Corps

Resolution 169 (NSC) Support for the War on Terrorism

Resolution 176 (MD) Pain Management Research, Treatment And Therapies

Resolution 242 (NSC) Exempting Mailing Charges for Non-Profit Organizations

Resolution 339 (NSC) Department of Defense Health Care for Military Beneficiaries

Resolution 341 (NSC) Military Commissaries

Resolution 342 (NSC) Military Funeral Honors

Resolution 343 (NSC) Oppose Granting the Purple Heart for Illnesses 

Resolution 344 (NSC) Policy On Reserve Forces

Resolution 345 (NSC) Requesting Military Funeral Honors 

Resolution 346 (NSC) Commercial Shipbuilding for Defense

Resolution 347 (NSC) Support for the Jones Maritime Act and Related Cabotage Laws

National Executive Committee Meetings

October 15-16, 2008

Resolution No. 18 Restore Full Funding To The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice 

Assistance Grant Program

Resolution No. 19 Combating Crime in America

Resolution No. 20 Stolen Valor Act

National Executive Committee Meetings

May 6-7, 2009

Resolution No. 36 The Department of Defense Disability Evaluation System

Resolution No. 37 The American Legion Supports Veterans’ Mitigation Courts
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Resolution No. 38 Support the Pentagon Program to Recruit Temporary, Legal 

Immigrants in the U.S.

Resolution No. 39 Support Department of Defense Community Covenant Program

Resolution No. 40 Protection, Preservation and Retention of Federal and Military 

Monuments in the United States

Resolution No. 41 Oppose the Exploitation of any Names or Images of Killed In Action 

Service Members for Profiteering Purposes

Resolution No. 42 Cancer Research Programs at the Department of Defense

*Resolution No. 44 National Fire Fighter of the Year Award (*Final adoption through 

Finance Commission)

National Executive Committee Meetings, Fall 2008

An executive session of the National Security Commission met in the Circle Center 

Room (Lower Level) of the Sheraton Hotel on October 13, 2008 to consider resolutions 

properly before it and to conduct other business. A total of seven resolutions were 

considered and three resolutions, “Stolen Valor Act,” “Combating Crime in America,”

and “Restore Full Funding to The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant 

Program” were recommended for adoption.

The President signed the “Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and 

Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009” on September 30, 2008. Although this is a longterm continuing resolution passed by Congress to continue the operations of the Federal 

government through March 6, 2009 at the 2008 appropriations level, the act does include 

the full year FY 2009 appropriations for the Department of Defense and the Department 

of Homeland Security and for Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. The Defense 

portion of the appropriations bill will total about $487.7 billion.

The continuing resolution also includes:

x A 3.9 percent pay raise for the military;

x Increases the size of the military by 7,000 soldiers, 5,000 marines, 1,023 

sailors, and by 450 airmen;

x $8.6 billion for Army reset and $1.8 billion for Marine Corps reset; 

x An additional $800 million for procurement of National Guard and Reserve 

equipment; 

x Extends the authority for the current Wounded Warrior Senior Oversight 

Committee through the end of 2009;

x Prohibits TRICARE premium increases, and co-pays or user fees for the 

TRICARE retail pharmacy program;

x Requires DOD to recalculate the monthly premiums being charged to 

TRICARE Reserve Select beneficiaries;

x Provides tuition assistance and training opportunities for military spouses 

seeking degrees or careers that are portable as they move with their military 

spouse to other duty locations;

x Authorizes $1.7 billion for new Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles 

for combat units in Iraq and Afghanistan;

x $3.2 billion for quality military housing; 

x Prohibits the use of funds to establish permanent bases in Iraq. 

National Security-Foreign Relations Director, Phil Riley, addressed the Commission 

on some key topics that included The American Legion’s influence on the direction of 

Wounded Warrior Care. In particular he discussed the transition issues facing service 
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members that remain troubling, in particular, the Medical and Physical Evaluation Board 

process. Mr. Riley indicated that more work needs to be done to ensure fairness and 

proper evaluations, particularly by the Army. He also addressed issues of ‘soft power’.

Mr. Riley explained that ‘soft power’ was the ability to utilize the State Department and 

other governmental agencies in the overseas nation building operations as opposed to the 

current approach that has left most of the task of nation building to the Military. Finally, 

Mr. Riley addressed the state of education in the nation at large.

A letter from Legionnaire Bill Clancy (NY) was read to the Commission. It 

addressed some key issues facing our nation to include some national security topics. The 

letter tried to serve as a wake up call to the issues facing our nation. The issues addressed 

were the economy (finance and banking industry), energy, education and immigration.

The Commission applauded the letter at the conclusion of its reading.

Deputy Director for National Security, Alec Petkoff then addressed the Commission 

on the upcoming Washington Conference, the pre-convention trip and the status of 

establishing a National Fire Fighter of the Year Award.

The next Washington Conference will be held on March 1-4 at the Renaissance 

Hotel (999 9th street, NW) in Washington, D.C. Staff is looking over quite a few 

possibilities for speakers for the coming conference. There will be a presentation by the 

Army on FCS or Future Combat Systems. With the constant changing dynamics in 

warfare, it is essential that our military service members have the best equipment. This 

presentation will give some insight into how the army wants to spend its share of the 

annual Defense budgets.

Staff is also coordinating with the Navy to obtain a briefing from a flag officer on 

the current and future role of the Navy.

A third speaker will focus on energy independence. America is being held hostage 

by our dependence on foreign sources of energy, in particular, oil. Everyone is aware by 

now that while America only produces 5 percent of the world’s oil, and we (U.S.A.) use 

25 percent of it. We import over 60 percent of our oil. It would be bad enough if this 

transfer of wealth was going to our friends, but it is instead going to countries that seek 

our demise like Venezuela and Iran. Worst of all is the oil that flows to us from Saudi 

Arabia. Saudi Arabia is not only an exporter of oil, it is the chief exporter of hate in the 

form of Islamic extremism. The money we send them for oil is used to construct schools 

that teach a form of Islam that seeks the submission of all the world to Sharia Law and 

teaches that the killing infidels is the will of God. It is time we addressed this issue at our 

Washington Conference.

This year’s National Convention will be held in Louisville, Kentucky during the 

period 21-27 August 2009. Staff has done some preliminary planning to arrange a trip to 

the Army’s Fort Knox. Invitations to all National Security Commission members will be 

sent. 

Department Law Enforcement Officer of the Year submissions are due to the 

Washington office before the 1 February deadline. 

The Commission is still considering a Fire Fighter of the Year Award. Thirty 

Departments already have Fire Fighter of the Year Awards while another 12 are planning 

to have them soon. This shows nationwide support for the award. Adjustments to the 

award will probably include the inclusion of EMS’s and all volunteers.

On Tuesday, October 14, 2008, the new Department Commanders were briefed on 

National Security issues; and the National Security Commission met jointly with the 

Foreign Relations Commission and viewed videotapes of mutual interest to both 

Commissions.
353

The National Security Commission thanks National Commander David Rehbein, 

and the National Executive Committee for their outstanding support.

Washington Conference

The National Security Commission met in general sessions on March 2-4, 2009 

during the 49th Annual Washington Conference at the Renaissance Hotel, Washington 

DC. The following is a summary of those sessions:

Joint Session

The National Security Commission, in a joint session with the Foreign Relations 

Commission, met and were addressed by four speakers: John J. Norris, Jr., Deputy 

Assistant Secretary for East Asian Affairs, U.S. Department of State; Jerry Johnson, 

Physical Evaluation Board Representative, American Legion, Walter Reed Medical 

Center (WRAMC); and Energy Panel speakers Anne Korin, who chairs the Set America 

Free Coalition, an alliance of national security, environmental, labor and religious groups 

promoting ways to reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil.; and Edwin Black, 

award-winning, New York Times best selling author of “Internal Combustion” and “The 

Plan.” Brigadier General Reuben D. Jones, The US Army Adjutant General and 

Commander Physical Disability Agency, was also scheduled to speak but was unable to 

appear due to inclement weather.

Mr. Norris presented an overview of U.S. relations with the Asia-Pacific region. In 

particular, he discussed Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton’s first trip abroad 

since taking office. Secretary Clinton visited Japan (February 16-18), Indonesia 

(February 18-19), the Republic of Korea (February 19-20), and China (February 20-22). 

Mr. Norris also covered such topics as common approaches to the challenges facing the 

international community, including the financial markets turmoil, humanitarian issues, 

security and climate change. According to Mr. Norris, the State Department is looking to 

build bilateral alliances and cooperation throughout Asia on regional and global issues. 

He emphasized the importance of expanding global cooperative partnership with our ally, 

South Korea and furthering the development a positive, cooperative relationship between 

the United States and China.

Mr. Johnson gave an overview of his work at WRAMC assisting service members 

with their recovery and transition. Specifically he addressed the Physical Disability 

Agency (PDA) as relates to the Medical Evaluation Boards (MEB) and Physical 

Evaluation Boards (PEB) that service members go through. He gave a good outline of 

how the new pilot program at WRAMC is an improvement in many respects over the old 

system. But he spent a majority of the time exposing the shortcomings of the system.

Sometimes the biggest short coming could be human error on the part of the PDA. That 

human error was identified in the form of DOD advocates and PEB board members over 

looking evidence or of an ignorance of the regulations. These reasons support the need of 

VSO representation for service members at these critical evaluation boards.

The Energy Panel followed Mr. Johnson. Ms. Korin and Mr. Black both gave 

insightful and impassioned presentations on the state of American energy, the necessity 

for independence from foreign oil, domestic obstacles and related global issues. Ms. 

Korin described how America’s dependence on foreign oil is enabling radical Islamists to 

leverage power against the United States. She alerted The Legion to the fact that more 

than 70 percent of the world’s proven oil reserves and over a third of production are 

concentrated in Muslim countries which often have direct ties to supporting terrorist 

operations. While the U.S. economy bleeds, Ms. Korin said, countries that are 
354

sympathetic to and directly supportive of radical Islam such as Saudi Arabia and Iran are 

on the collecting and accumulating huge profits from oil production. Ms. Korin 

concluded by stressing the importance of establishing an Open Fuel Standard on the basis 

of national security. Choosing not to embrace an Open Fuel Standard, Ms. Korin said, is 

choosing to preserve the Middle East’s stranglehold over America’s economy and for 

that matter, the economy of the world.

Mr. Black continued on the subject of oil independence and grimly announced that 

America faces real danger due to a lack of a realistic energy plan for the future; 

especially in the event of an oil embargo or depletion crisis. He painted a bleak picture of 

our country if we continue without having a plan for this possible scenario. If those who 

wish for the downfall of western society succeed in using our oil dependence as a 

weapon against us, Mr. Edwin explained, America will be struck with peril. Society 

needs a plan, he said, an emergency plan--in the event the oil stops. The answer he said is 

in the production of a transportation system and the production of automobiles that are 

not fueled by oil but alternative fuels such as compressed natural gas, electricity and biofuels similar to the bio-fuel utilized in Brazil.

Afternoon Joint Session/POW/MIA Update, March 2nd

The expert panel on the POW/MIA issues was comprised of Major Bob Brenzel, 

USAF, Chief, Vietnam War Working Group, Joint Commission Support Directive 

(JCSD), Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) and Ann Mills Griffiths, 

Executive Director, National League of POW/MIA Families.

Major Brenzel began the session by explaining the inner workings of the JCSD and 

its chain of command. Major Brenzel indicated that DPMO’s reporting relationships will 

be adjusted. DPMO is seeking dialogue with those concerned with the interest of 

incorporating feedback into the organization’s improvement. A new Deputy Under 

Secretary of Defense (Policy Integration/Chief of Staff) will be established to address 

policy administration, management and integration across the organization, with Defense 

organizations, and with interagency partners. Because of the Secretary’s and the 

country’s continued dedication to prisoners of war and those missing in action, DPMO 

will be reporting to the Under Secretary’s office directly through the new Deputy Under 

Secretary for Policy Integration. This change moves the POW/MIA mission higher 

within the President’s administration overall, ensuring it receives the attention it 

deserves. The exact timing of these shifts is still being decided.

Ms. Griffiths began by acknowledging the significant evolution that the POW/MIA 

issue has gone through since the Vietnam War. Chief among these advancements, she 

said, are the scientific advancements that make all aspects of the issue more effective in 

terms of results. MtDNA, she cited, has made it possible to identify very small portions 

of remains. This is a critical change when dealing with the passage of time and the 

eroding effects of soil in areas where US losses occurred. Ms. Griffiths continued by 

pointing out Vietnam’s failure to fully cooperate in good faith in accordance with the 

1993 agreements which normalized relations with the US. She opined that, although 

normalized relations should be reversed on the basis of Vietnam’s lack of cooperation on 

the issue, she believes that this will never happen due to billions of dollars of trade and 

investment by US corporations. Ms. Griffiths concluded by expressing admiration for 

The Legion’s effectiveness on related legislation and recognized the deep friendship that 

has developed between The Legion and Ms. Griffiths and her organization.
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Business Session

The National Security Commission met in business session on Wednesday morning

March 4, 2009. After Chairman Wong’s opening remarks and introductions he invited 

Krisann Owens, who is the National Security Chairman of the American Legion 

Auxiliary to address the session. She was followed by Mr. Ricky Smith who gave a very 

informative presentation on the Army’s Future Combat Systems. Deputy Director for 

National Security, Alec Petkoff, then gave an update on the plans for the preconvention 

trip, the proposed FY 2010 Defense Budget and seven resolutions that may be considered 

at the 2009 Spring National Executive Committee Meetings. Those resolutions related to 

the following topics:

x Support for the Community Covenant (Department of Defense (DOD) program 

that organizes the community to support its service members)

x A position concerning the disposition of the Bells of Balangiga

x A position to support a stand alone fund for DOD research into blood cancers

x National Firefighter of the Year Award

x Reforming DOD’s Physical Disability Agency

x Support for Veteran’s Mitigation Courts

x Supporting the recruitment of legal immigrants into the armed forces and fast 

tracking them towards citizenship (as relates to a current Pentagon program)

Preconvention Trip

This year’s preconvention trip will be to Fort Knox, Kentucky. The date of the trip 

will be August 21st. Some of the events being planned include: 

x The CCTT, TDS, or UCOFT—tank and Bradley training simulators.

x Engagement Skills Trainer (EST) - A high tech weapons simulator.

x Observing soldier training (obstacle course, bayonet course, rappelling etc.—)

x Brief/Static Display at a Motor Pool (M1A1, Bradley, Stryker, etc.) 

x The Patton Museum

x Lunch at the ‘Leaders Club’ to include a Commander’s Brief

Defense Budget

2009 Authorizations

Active Duty Issues

x Pay Raise: 3.9% pay raise effective Jan 1, 2009 

x End Strength: Army +7K USMC +5K Navy -2.8K USAF -12.5K (did not 

restore previously proposed cut for USAF, even though SecDef has stated 

that the planned USAF cut will not be imposed) 

x Family Separation Allowance: Authorizes payment to both member spouses 

with dependents if both are assigned remotely

Military Family Issues

x Spouse Education: Authorizes programs to help spouses with 

degrees/credentials/licenses to pursue portable careers

x Impact Aid: Authorizes $35M to assist schools with high proportion of 

military children, with additional $15M for schools in BRAC/unit movement 

areas and $5M for schools attended by severely disabled military children
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Guard/Reserve Issues

x Education: Requires honorable discharge for Guard/Reserve members to use 

education benefits resulting from active duty (effective 1/28/08 for members 

who haven't used any of their entitlement) 

x G/R Medical/Dental Readiness: Services may provide free health/dental care 

to any SelRes/IRR (if subject to involuntary recall) they deem appropriate 

and may waive dental copays for Guard/Reserve personnel to 

facilitate/ensure readiness

x Transition TRICARE: DoD may temporarily continue active duty TRICARE 

coverage for separatees who enter SelRes (continue for 60 days if less than 

6YOS; 120 days if 6+YOS

Health Care Issues 

x TRICARE Fees: Bar increases in pharmacy copays or retiree fees for FY09 

x Preventive Care: Waive TRICARE copays/deductibles for beneficiaries 

under 65 for colorectal/prostate/breast/cervical screening, annual physical, 

vaccinations and other services authorized by SecDef (those over age 65 to 

be reimbursed for copays rather than waived due to budget technicality)

Wounded Warrior Issues 

x Decorations: Requires SecDef to replace decorations on one-time basis upon 

request by recipient or next of kin 

x Salute: Authorizes military/vets not in uniform to salute flag during national 

anthem

2010 Budget Submission

x President Barack Obama wants to increase spending on the U.S. military by 

$20.4 billion in 2010

x Calling for a crackdown on the Pentagon’s profligate procurement system

x Increases defense spending to $533.7 billion

x $533.7 billion does not include money for fighting the wars in Iraq and 

Afghanistan, or about $20 billion that is to be spent on nuclear weapons and 

other military items outside the Defense Department.

x $130 billion for the wars—down from $144 billion being spent this year 

x A complete defense budget is to be released in April. It will provide details 

on procurement and the fate of major weapon programs

The American Legion Views and Estimates 

BUDGET PROPOSALS FOR SELECTED GENERAL DISCRETIONARY 

PROGRAMS FOR DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010

Current Defense Funding for FY 2009

The American Legion’s FY 2010 

Recommendations

Total Defense Spending $487.7 billion

$729 billion

(Based on 5 percent of 

projected GDP.) 

Military Personnel $114.4 billion $117.8 billion

Operation and Maintenance $152.9 billion $175 billion

Procurement $101 billion $225 billion

Research, Development, Test and 

Evaluation $80.5 billion $100 billion

Defense Health Programs $25.8 billion $106 billion
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Other DOD Programs and Revolving 

and Management Funds(not including 

Defense Health Programs)

$6 billion $6 billion

BUDGET PROPOSALS FOR MILITARY CONSTRUCTION FOR FISCAL YEAR 

2010

Current Military Construction Funding for FY 2009 The American Legion’s 

FY 2010 

Total Military Construction Spending $25.05 billion $26.3 billion

$31.3 billion 

BUDGET PROPOSALS FOR HOMELAND SECURITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010

Current Homeland Security Funding for FY 2009 The American Legion’s FY 

2010 Recommendations

Total-Homeland Security Spending $42.2 billion $44.3 billion

Border Fencing and Technology $775 million $1 billion

National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award

The Chairman of the Law and Order Committee George Wehrli (FL), announced the 

Regional winners of the 2009 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award. This 

prestigious award will be presented for the 13th consecutive year at this 91th National 

Convention. It recognizes law enforcement officers who have selflessly distinguished 

themselves over and above their normal duties, primarily through community service and 

professional achievement. Seventeen Departments submitted candidates for the 2009 

award. The regional winners for this year were from the Departments of New Hampshire, 

North Carolina, Maryland, Minnesota, and Oregon. The National winner will be chosen 

at the upcoming NEC.

National Executive Committee Meetings, Spring 2009

An executive session of the National Security Commission met in the Circle Center 

Room of the Sheraton Hotel on May 4, 2009 to consider resolutions properly before it 

and to conduct other business. A total of nine resolutions were considered and eight are 

recommended for approval and one is to be held for further study. Many important 

resolutions were considered for approval to include Protection, Preservation And 

Retention Of Federal And Military Monuments In The United States (Department of 

Wyoming), Oppose The Exploitation Of Any Names Or Images Of Killed In Action 

Service Members For Profiteering Purpose (Department of Pennsylvania); Cancer 

Research Programs At The Department Of Defense (National Security Commission 

[NSC]); National Fire Fighter Of The Year Award (NSC); Support Department Of 

Defense Community Covenant Program (NSC); Support The Pentagon Program To 

Recruit Temporary, Legal Immigrants In The U.S. (NSC); The American Legion 

Supports Veterans’ Mitigation Courts (NSC); The Department Of Defense Disability 

Evaluation System (NSC).
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Commission Chairman Fang Wong and staff outlined key provisions in the Fiscal 

Year 2010 National Defense Appropriations budget and issues concerning the 2009 

Defense Supplemental. 

The 2009 Defense Supplemental 

Defense Secretary Robert Gates is urging congress to pass the $83.4 billion defense 

supplemental for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan by Memorial Day, saying the pentagon 

will deplete its funding for its support of Pakistan by next month and money for U.S. 

operations will start running out in July. We need to support the passage of this bill and 

urge congress to do it expediently. Now is not the time to play politics. While the troops 

in Iraq perform the dangerous mission of drawing down their size and while more troops 

are being sent to Afghanistan, passing this bill in a timely matter will send the right 

message to our troops unharms way.

DOD FY2010 Request

The supplemental type funding is a holdover from the Bush presidency practice of 

funding the war separately from the overall defense budget. There will be no such request 

(as of now) for operations in FY2010. As such the National Security Commission and its 

staff will watch closely as details come out about the budget and what the reaction of the 

commanders on the ground is to it. America can not underfund its military in a time of 

war and can never afford to cut back to the point that our military becomes the ‘hollow 

force’ that followed the Vietnam War. 

The national focus of late has been the economy. While everyone is concerned about 

what banks might fail next, where the bottom of the housing market really is, or whether 

or not they will have a job tomorrow, the fact remains that America is still a nation at 

war.

The nation’s vital interests are threatened around the globe. Terrorism must be 

fought and defeated. But the threats from nation-states continue to be real and growing.

North Korea, Pakistan, and Iran quickly come to mind as countries that threaten the 

security of our nation. Russia and China must also be kept in balance as the former 

reemerges and the latter continues its rise in world status. And surly no one can ignore 

the violence along our border with Mexico. This short menu of issues cries out to the 

issue of a strong national defense.

The Commission should support some of the proposed increases in the 2010 budget.

Namely, the $11 billion increase above the FY09 budget level for the growth in military 

end strength; $400 million more than last year for the continued steady growth in medical 

research and development; an increase in overall spending by $300 million for wounded, 

ill and injured, traumatic brain injury, and psychological health programs; and increased 

funding by $200 million for improvements in child care, spousal support, lodging, and 

education.

The commission should be concerned about the following proposed cuts— 

x Reduce by $1.4 billion the missile defense agency.

x Ending production of the F-22 fighter at 187—representing 183 planes plus 

four recommended for inclusion in the FY 2009 supplemental.

x Stopping the growth of army brigade combat teams at 45 versus 48 while 

maintaining the planned increase in end strength of 547,000.

In conclusion, now is not the time to be cutting defense budgets and The American 

Legion will urge the administration to fully fund all aspects of our military in order to 

keep our nation safe and to protect our vital interests.
359

Chairman Wong and staff also discussed possible resolutions that may need to be 

considered at National Convention in Louisville, KY. Deputy Director of National 

Security Alec Petkoff also discussed the pre-convention trip to Fort Knox. 

On Tuesday, May 5, the National Security and Foreign Relations Commissions met 

in joint session. The Commissions were honored by the visit of National Commander 

David K. Rehbein and very much appreciated his opening remarks emphasizing the 

importance of establishing new and meaningful resolutions to communicate The Legion’s 

positions concerning the challenges facing our nation today. The commissions were also 

honored to have Past National Commander John Brieden in attendance and very much 

appreciated his participation in the meeting. 

The Foreign Relations Commission was pleased to host Chaplin William T. Yates, 

Colonel (Select), Indiana Air National Guard, as the guest speaker for the National 

Security / Foreign Relations Joint Session. Chaplin Yates addressed both commissions on 

many important topics including the care of our troops and military families; post-combat 

reintegration; traumatic brain injury; post-traumatic stress; and suicide prevention. In

addition, Mr. Grassi, the Assistant Director for Foreign Relations for The American 

Legion, presented a brief discussion on current U.S. foreign policy. 

The National Security Commission looks forward to working with National 

Commander Rehbein and the distinguished members of the National Executive 

Committee in preparation for the National convention. We thank you for your support.

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: 

Philip Riley, Director; Alec Petkoff, Deputy Director; Joseph Grassi, Assistant Director; 

Jerry Johnson, Transition Assistance Representative at Walter Reed Army Medical 

Center; Tina T. Hines, Executive Secretary to the Director; and Roshawn Hyde, 

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 maintaining liaison with the Departments of Defense, State, Army, Navy, 

Air Force, Marine Corps, Homeland Security and Coast Guard; the Selective Service 

System, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 

and others. 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; Military Officers Association of America; 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; writing letters to Congress, the President and the 

Department of Defense; preparing reports; preparing and delivering Congressional 

testimony; coordinating foreign travel; and answering correspondence and telephone 
360

inquiries are all part of the duty of the staff. Additionally, promotional material is 

prepared and distributed to support the 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. The Internet is rapidly becoming the primary 

mode of communicating responses both within and outside The American Legion. 

National Security and Foreign Relations web sites are being developed.

Heroes to Hometowns

The American Legion has been spearheading the Heroes to Hometowns program 

originally established by the DOD. Andrew Tramontana, of the Veteran’s Affairs and 

Rehabilitation Division, heads up the nationwide program helping service members 

transition from active-duty military service back to civilian life or Reserve status. Jerry 

Johnson, who falls under the direction of the National Security-Foreign Relations 

Division, is The American Legion’s transition assistance representative working at 

Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC).

The American Legion has a Memorandum of Agreement with WRAMC that places 

Mr. Johnson at the hospital where he is available to assist wounded warriors in their 

transition. Mr. Johnson’s pre-separation counseling includes; Physical Evaluation Board 

(PEB) and Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) counseling and representation, employment 

assistance, relocation assistance, education/training, health and life insurance, finance 

counseling, reserve affiliation, disabled veterans and transition assistance matters to 

include disability claims filed to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

National Firefighter of the Year Award 

Americans, especially since the tragic day of September 11, 2001, understand the 

heroism, bravery and importance of our nation’s firefighters and their role in helping to 

safeguard life and property. The Preamble of the Constitution of The American Legion 

includes as one of its objectives... “to maintain Law and Order.” As concerned citizens 

and veterans, Legionnaires have always fostered a strong sense of law and order and have 

upheld the protection of American citizens and the American way of life. They have 

always held firefighter agencies in the highest regard, and many Posts and Departments 

already recognize outstanding firefighters of various jurisdictions who daily serve our 

communities and frequently lay their lives on the line. As such, it is fitting that a National 

Firefighter of the Year Award be established.

A resolution establishing the new award was adopted at the Spring NEC. The 

criterion for the award is being finalized and when finished will subsequently be sent to 

the Departments. The first award should be made at the National Convention in 

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, August 27 to September 2, 2010.

Committee Reports

The following reports, received with grateful appreciation, were prepared under the 

leadership and guidance of the following Committee and Council Chairmen: Michael E. 

Harris (VA)—Aerospace; Charles E. Kruger (MN)—Homeland Security and Civil 

Preparedness; George W. Wehrli (FL)—Law and Order; Charles F. Moreland (FL)—

Merchant Marine; H. Warren Post (FL)—Military Affairs; Douglas C. Haggan (FR)—

National and Homeland Security Council; William B. Goede (MN)—Naval Affairs.
361

AEROSPACE COMMITTEE

Michael E. Harris, Virginia, 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 90th National Convention. The effort to implement these positions required 

both administrative and legislative activities.

The Aerospace Committee’s current resolutions clearly state The American 

Legion’s full support for a fully funded Air Force and National Aeronautics and Space 

Administration. The Committee also emphasizes the importance of funding research.

Research and development are what keeps the United States second-to-none in the air 

and in space. To be anything less than number one in these areas is a grave threat to our 

national security.

HOMELAND SECURITY AND CIVIL PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE

Charles E. Kruger, Minnesota, Chairman

The Homeland Security and Civil Preparedness Committee supports full funding of 

the Department of Homeland Security and all associated agencies (to include the 

intelligence agencies). It also urges Congress to streamline the way in which all the 

agencies work together. The Committee also supports the roles of the National Guard and 

the Coast Guard in homeland security.

Our resolution on Citizen Corps, urges Congress to fully fund Citizen Corps of 

which The America Legion urges its Departments and Posts to become active members 

in the Citizen Corps program.

Blood Donor Activities: The American Legion and The American Legion 

Auxiliary continue to be principal sources of blood donors in the United States. Through 

our vast network of Posts and Units organized into Department programs, Legionnaires 

and Auxiliary members continue to supply the blood needs of their own members, 

hospitalized veterans and through cooperative agreements, to patients in civilian 

hospitals. During 2008-2009, a total of 97,752 pints of blood were donated by 31,352 

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, 2008 through June 15, 2009, many Departments of The American Legion actively 

participated in the Blood Donor program. The winning Departments included Florida, 

Ohio, Wisconsin, Georgia, Washington, Montana, Hawaii, and Alaska.

Each winning Department will receive a Certificate of Recognition signed by the 

National Commander and National Adjutant.

LAW AND ORDER COMMITTEE

George W. Wehrli, Florida, Chairman

The Law and Order Committee has established The American Legion’s position on 

how to best deal with and lower the crime rates in America. Its comprehensive focus 

includes holding parents responsible for fines imposed on youthful offenders, as 

appropriate.

Its position on the second amendment is that the Constitution guarantees the right of 

every law-abiding American citizen the right to keep and bear arms. The wisdom of this 

position seems to be finding resonance with the Supreme Court of the United States.
362

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 this 

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 have continued to 

promote its goals in this area. Over 1,040 posts had crime resistance programs in 2007-

2008.

National Firefighter of the Year Award: The Law and Order Committee is 

pleased to announce the establishment of a National Fire Fighter of the Year Award. A

resolution establishing the new award was adopted at the Spring NEC. The criterion for 

the award is being finalized and will finished will subsequently be sent to the 

Departments. The first award should be made at the National Convention in Milwaukee, 

Wisconsin, August 27 to September 2, 2010.

Fire Protection/Prevention: The National Executive Committee authorized the 

American Legion Fire Protection and Prevention programs. An information booklet on 

this subject was published in the spring of 1986, and was the basis of a slide show 

production. Over 1,099 Posts had Fire Prevention programs in 2008-2009.

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. Many Departments, in cooperation with state law enforcement agencies, 

sponsored youth programs designed to acquaint the participants with methods of basic 

law enforcement.

National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Program: Based on its published 

criteria, the Law and Order Committee annually selects Regional winners who contend 

for the prestigious honor of being selected as the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. 

Sergeant Christopher Biron of New Hampshire was selected and will be presented with 

the thirteenth awarding of the National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year at the 91th

National Convention at Louisville, Kentucky. 

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 “fifth 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.

Retaining American merchant marine independence in supplying our economy and 

the added demands of military sealift, spurred this Committee’s support for expanding 

the Merchant Marine during the past year. The effort to inform its membership, the 

general public and the Congress of our views were guided by resolutions which were 

unanimously adopted by the 82nd 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 Merchant Marine even more imperative in our strategic planning. We 
363

must rebuild the merchant marine if we are to maintain free use of the seas in the face of 

potential challenges presented by regional conflicts. 

MILITARY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

H. Warren Post, Florida, Chairman

During the year, the Military Affairs Committee has directed its major efforts 

toward maintaining a strong and modern United States armed forces that is second to 

none in the world. Our activities have been guided by the resolutions adopted by the 90th

National Convention and subsequent National Executive Committee actions. Wide 

dissemination was given those resolutions to Congressional, government, military and 

industry leaders to inform them of our mandates for supporting 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. The National Commander designated “Maintaining a Strong National 

Defense” and “Support for the War on Terrorism” as a legislative priority.

Through the Legislative Division, correspondence with Members of Congress and 

Congressional staff was initiated and followed through in other areas as follows: War on 

Terrorism; Military funeral honors; military absentee balloting; military health care; 

military commissaries and impact aid for military school children; military pay and 

allowances; and other military quality of life incentives, to include the concurrent receipt 

issue. Emphasis was also placed on revising the national military strategy so as to better 

match military resources with continued overseas deployments which are beginning to 

impact on the morale and well-being of the Armed Forces.

NATIONAL AND HOMELAND SECURITY COUNCIL

Douglas C. Haggan, France, Chairman

The Council continues to focus on our General Security issues to ensure a strong 

national and homeland defense. The Council is also looking at the issues of Conservation 

and Natural Resources. Energy Independence will continue to grow as a national security 

concern. 

Selective Service System: The American Legion, over the past year, has continued 

to support the Selective Service System by strongly advocating the maintenance of the 

Selective Service Registration Program as a viable preparedness measure.

Paul H. Griffith ROTC Trophy: Criterion for judging the winners of the Paul H. 

Griffith ROTC Trophy is based on Departments giving the greatest degree of support to 

ROTC programs to include the number of medals presented and Legion participation in

award ceremonies this year. The winners of the Paul H. Griffith ROTC Trophy are the 

Departments of Florida, Minnesota, Michigan, Montana, and Hawaii. The American 

Legion presented 7740 ROTC Medals to ROTC students in 2008-2009.

NAVAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

William B. Goede, Minnesota, Chairman

Guided by resolutions adopted at the 90th National Convention, the Naval Affairs 

Committee has worked to strengthen the Navy and Marine Corps during the past year. It 

begins with the premise that sea lanes are the lifelines of America, both in peacetime and 

war. The United States is no longer hesitant about sending powerful signals to aggressors 

that it 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 
364

the United States. This new diplomacy requires a mobile, flexible and capable and 

deployable United States Navy and Marine Corps.

38%/,& R(/$7,216 C200,66,21

Robert L. Morrill, New York, Chairman

Joseph H. March, Maryland, Director

The Public Relations Commission communicates the organizational image, goals, 

programs and legislative positions of The American Legion to national, regional and 

specialized media, corporate America, and the public.

Working with the national chaplain in keeping with the corporate goal, “the 

honorable nature of military service,” The American Legion video, “A Family Affair—A

Prayer for our Troops,” was marketed to churches and synagogues that use video as part 

of their worship services on both Veterans Day and Memorial Day weekends. The 

booklet, “Legiontown USA,” was written and distributed to provide a snapshot of the 

variety of activities that American Legion posts are involved with every day across 

America. The publication is filled with vignettes of posts performing service to their 

community, youth, troops and veterans. In consonance with a second booklet, the Four 

Pillars of The American Legion, the booklets are useful tools in providing the public, 

community leaders and elected officials with a complete background on the many 

services and programs of the organization. The American Legion Day, as established by 

Resolution 11 passed by the National Executive Committee in May, recognized Sept. 16 

as the day the organization was chartered by the U.S. Congress. Using the booklet as a 

centerpiece, a three-month national information campaign—to provide public education 

about the nation’s largest veterans organization—was developed to begin on The 

American Legion Day and conclude in November every year. During this period, posts 

are encouraged to hold public events, obtain a local proclamation of The American 

Legion Day, and interact with all members of their communities. 

Blackhorse Productions is producing a documentary video, “The History of The 

American Legion,” at no cost to The American Legion, which maintains full editorial

control. It features interviews with prominent Legionnaires, author and comedian Ben 

Stein and World War I veteran, and Legionnaire, Frank Buckles. The documentary will 

be narrated by actor Neal McDonough of Band of Brothers, Desperate Housewives and 

several motion pictures. Completion is slated for early 2010.

Operation Comfort Warriors

Audio-visual projects completed in 2009 included a promotional video for 

Americanism on the Junior Shooting Sports Program and a new video briefing for 

oratorical contest judges. 

has been a huge success, entering August with 

approximately $171,000 raised. The money has been or is being spent on comfort items 

for troops recovering in military hospitals and warrior transition units around the world. 

The Public Relations Commission staff also coordinated and procured a video 

public service announcement for Boys State from NBC News Anchor Tom Brokaw, a 

former governor of Boys State, to be included in a new promotional package.

PR Tools

Public Relations tools are available free on request and many can be downloaded 

from The American Legion Web site at www.legion.org, including new suggested 

speeches for Memorial Day, Flag Day, and Veterans Day. The commission staff is 

developing an integrated Public Relations System Tool Package to replace the Public 

Relations Handbook. The new state-of-the-art kit will include instruction, media 
365

products, event planning materials, electronic venues such as website development, 

social media, television and radio spots, and a full array of fill-in-the-blank news 

releases, advisories and letters to the editor and community leaders. The package will 

include a print handbook, DVD, and hyperlinks to media products which can be edited 

and printed from master templates.

Media Relations

From its presence in the nation’s capital, The American Legion received significant 

media coverage throughout the year. Several high profile national issues in veterans 

affairs and national security as well as a concerted and assertive six-month-long 

campaign of broadcasting an average of two press releases per week, feeds to blogs and 

personal contacts have led to an unprecedented number of media inquiries to the media 

relations office, on-camera interviews of Legion spokespersons, nationwide radio talk 

show interviews and contributions to print outlets. Most importantly, media attention 

continued to spur action by lawmakers to secure and preserve benefits to those we serve.

Awards

At the 49th Washington Conference, noted author, actor, and economist Ben Stein 

received the National Commander’s Public Relations Award for his outstanding support 

of U.S. servicemembers. USA TODAY reporters Blake Morrison and Brad Heath will 

receive The American Legion Fourth Estate Award during this convention for the series, 

“The Smokestack Effect: Toxic air and America’s schools.” Working with more than 30 

reporters and others from Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland, they 

joined teams sent to 95 schools in 30 states where they used pumps, metals filters and 

other equipment taking snapshot samples of the air outside schools. They found toxic 

chemicals that can aggravate asthma, trigger learning disabilities and cause cancer 

decades later.

The future

The National Public Relations Commission continues to engage the communications 

potential of multiple media technologies in continuing to be the nation’s preeminent 

voice of, and for, U.S. veterans and their families.

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Dennis J. Henkemeyer, Minnesota, Chairman

Jeff Stoffer, Indiana, Director

7KH$PHULFDQ/HJLRQ0DJD]LQH projects to reach $9 million in total advertising 

revenue to end the 2009 budget year approximately $500,000 ahead of 2008’s sales 

performance. Circulation changes and a $2 per hundredweight price reduction for paper, 

starting with the August issue, assures lower manufacturing and distribution costs. 

Through the first seven issues of 2009, manufacturing costs were $613,000 below 

budget. 

The editorial content continues to follow the credo, “The Magazine for a Strong 

America,” with a balance of articles on patriotism, politics, national security, history, 

troop support, veterans advocacy and general interest. Among the editorial feature 

packages in 2009 have been “The Never Ending Battle,” a three-part series on the VA 

claims backlog and measures the new administration is taking to reduce it. The magazine 

added “Veterans Update,” a column focusing on new developments at VA, the White

House and on Capitol Hill that affect veterans. The magazine has closely covered the 
366

progress of the new GI Bill, including launching a new Web site to present information 

and provide resources, www.mygibill.org. 

The magazine division has opened additional new channels of electronic 

communication in 2009, assuming oversight of American Legion-branded social media, a 

new blog site and developing a new presence for the National Headquarters set to launch 

in November. The division produced the first-ever live web cast of The American Legion 

Baseball World Series in August, reaching nearly 20,000 unique visitors who averaged 

more than 30 minutes per visit and a total of more than 2 million minutes viewed.

The magazine division looks forward to the challenge of adding new and improved 

electronic media for the organization while at the same time producing one of the bestread print publications in the industry.

VETERANS AFFAIRS AND REHABILITATION COMMISSION

K. Robert Lewis, Connecticut, Chairman

Barry A. Searle, Pennsylvania, Director

The following report covers the activities of the National Veterans Affairs and 

Rehabilitation Commission and its staff during the program year ending June 30, 2009.

The Ninetieth Annual National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona, and the Fall and 

Spring Meetings of the National Executive Committee approved certain positions 

expressed in resolutions submitted to those bodies through the Convention Committee on 

Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation and the National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation 

Commission, respectively. The approved resolutions are set forth as follows:

2008 National Convention, Phoenix, Arizona

Resolution 30 (SD): Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Dental Care

Resolution 32 (GA): Extend the Filing Period of an Appeal Notice to the Court of 

Veteran Appeals for Veterans

Resolution 33 (GA): The American Legion Policy on Assured Funding for VA Medical 

Care 

Resolution 34 (GA): The American Legion Policy on Former Prisoners of War

Resolution 35 (GA): The American Legion Policy on VA Compensation

Resolution 36 (GA): Reduce the Number of Years of One-Hundred Percent (100%) 

Service Connection Required for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation 

Purposes

Resolution 37 (GA): Amend Title 38, United States Code, to Increase The Special 

Monthly Compensation (K) Award

Resolution 38 (GA): Remove the Specific Date to Award Dependency and Indemnity 

Compensation Benefits to Surviving Spouses of Former Prisoners of War

Resolution 39 (GA): VA Role in National Emergency Preparedness

Resolution 40 (GA): Allow Beneficiaries to Retain $90 of their Benefits While in 

Medicaid-Covered Nursing Homes

Resolution 41 (GA): Presumptive Medical Care for Persian Gulf War Veterans

Resolution 66 (ID): Petition Congress for the Construction of a Veterans’ Justice Center 

and Courthouse

Resolution 69 (VA): The American Legion Policy on State Veterans Home

Resolution 70 (VA): The American Legion Policy on Opening the Federal Supply 

Schedule for Pharmaceuticals to Medicare and Medicaid

Resolution 71 (VA): The GI Bill of Health
367

Resolution 85 (NJ): Reinstate Vietnam Veterans with Agent Orange Exposure in the 

Department of Veterans Affairs Priority Group 6

Resolution 122 (MD): The American Legion Policy on Radiation

Resolution 123 (MD): Extend VA Protection Life Insurance to Service-Connected Who 

Are Permanently and Total Disabled

Resolution 124 (MD): Recognize Operations in Lebanon (1958), Grenada (1983), 

Panama (1989-1990) as Periods of War for Department of Veterans Affairs Pension 

Purposes

Resolution 125 (MD): All Veterans Receive “Wartime” Benefits for Active Military 

Service Between February 28, 1961 and August 5, 1964

Resolution 126 (MD): Support Presumption of Service Connection for Hepatitis C

Resolution 127 (MD): Revision of Work-Rate Standards for Department of Veterans 

Affairs Adjudicators

Resolution 128 (MD): Oppose Legislation Authorizing Legion-Accredited 

Representatives to Develop Claims

Resolution 129 (MD): Clarification of “Service in the Republic of Vietnam” for the 

Purpose of Agent Orange Presumption

Resolution 130 (MD): Establishment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) as a Gulf 

War Presumptive Disease

Resolution 131 (MD): The American Legion Policy Regarding Community-Based 

Outpatient Clinics (CBOCS)

Resolution 132 (MD): Provide Full Funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs 

Construction Program

Resolution 133 (MD): Improve the Disability and Death Pension Program

Resolution 134 (MD): Exempt Purple Heart Recipients from VA Prescription CoPayment

Resolution 135 (MD): The American Legion Policy on Gulf War Illnesses

Resolution 136 (MD): Increase the Maximum Coverage Under the Service-Disabled 

Veterans Insurance Program

Resolution 137 (MD): Support Legislation to Place Mariner Medal Recipients in Priority 

Group 3 for Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care

Resolution 138 (MD): Request Congress Provide the Department of Veterans Affairs 

Adequate Funding for Medical and Prosthetic Research

Resolution 139 (MD): The American Legion Policy on Department of Veterans Affairs 

National Life Insurance

Resolution 140 (MD): The American Legion Policy on Department of Veterans Affairs 

Nursing Home Capacity

Resolution 141 (MD): Open-Ended Presumptive Period for Undiagnosed Illnesses for 

Gulf War Veterans

Resolution 142 (MD): Oppose Any Reduction of Eligibility Criteria for Department of 

Veterans Affairs Per Diem Payments to State Veterans Homes

Resolution 143 (MD): The American Legion Policy on Prostate Cancer Research and 

Treatment

Resolution 144 (MD): Amend the Eligibility Requirements and Extend the Eligibility 

Time Period for Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance

Resolution 145 (MD): Support Medicare Reimbursement for Department of Veterans 

Affairs 

Resolution 146 (MD): The American Legion Policy on Department of Veterans Affairs 

Pharmacy Benefits
368

Resolution 147 (MD): Support the Automatic Waiver of Veterans Benefits 

Administration Debts of $250 or Less

Resolution 148 (MD): Include World War II Veterans in Priority Group 6 for Department 

of Veterans Affairs Health Care

Resolution 149 (MD): The American Legion Policy on the Correction of Military 

Records

Resolution 150 (MD): The American Legion Policy on Department of Veterans Affairs 

Mental Health Services

Resolution 151 (MD): Exempt Certain Income from Pension Rate Determination

Resolution 178 (MI): The American Legion on Agent Orange

Resolution 179 (MI): Exempt VA Benefits and Services from Pay-GO Provisions

Resolution 180 (MI): Oppose Increased Co-Payments and an Enrollment Fee for Priority 

Group 7 & 8 Veterans to Receive VA Health Care

Resolution 181 (MI): The American Legion Policy on Tobacco-Related Disabilities

Resolution 182 (MI): Oppose Lump Sum Payments of VA Disability Compensation 

Resolution 183 (MI): VA Involvement in the Department of Homeland Security

Resolution 184 (MI): Restore and Increase Burial and Plot Allowance

Resolution 185 (MI): Indiana-Ohio Center for Traumatic Amputation Rehabilitation 

Research

Resolution 193 (CO): The American Legion Oppose VA Medical Center Sharing 

Arrangements at the Fitzsimmons VA Medical Center

Resolution 195 (CO): Support Legislation to Institute Mandatory Psychological 

Screening for all Returning Global War on Terror, Operation Enduring Freedom 

(OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) Reserve and Guard Troops

Resolution 237 (NY): Support Legislation that the Department of Veterans Affairs 

Include and Treat Family Members of Veterans with Illnesses and Injuries

Resolution 311 (VA&R): Department VAVS Coordinators

Resolution 312 (VA&R): The American Legion Policy on the National Cemetery 

Administration

Resolution 313 (VA&R): Support Budget Reform of Annual Appropriations for the 

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care Funding

Resolution 317 (VA&R): Income Tax Deduction for Volunteer Mileage

Resolution 323 (VA&R): To Clarify the Conditions and Issuance of National Veterans 

Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) Awards

National Executive Committee

August 25, 2008

Resolution 1 (VA&R): Oppose the Privatization of State Veterans Home Inspection

Resolution 2 (VA&R): Oppose the Contracting Out of VBA’s Veteran Education 

Division Services

National Executive Committee Meeting

October 15-16, 2008

Resolution 22: VA Grant WW II Veterans Same Hospital and Medical Entitlements as 

Previously Granted to WW I and Spanish American War Veterans

(Origin: Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission)

Resolution 23: The American Legion Position on Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease

(Origin: Reg. Resolution 188 (CO) Department Executive Committee)
369

Resolution 24: Medical Opinions Provided By the Department of Veterans Affairs 

Primary Care Providers

(Origin: Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission)

Resolution 30: Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Provide Internal Access Phone 

Number for Veteran Service Organization (VSO) Accredited Representatives

(Origin: Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission)

National Executive Committee Meeting

May 6-7, 2009

Resolution 18: Support the Establishment of Priority Status in the Adjudication of

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Disability Claims of World War II and 

Korean War Veterans

(Origin: Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission)

Resolution 19: The American Legion Supports the Ride to Recovery Program

(Origin: Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission)

Resolution 20: The American Legion Supports Legislation to Establish a Director of 

Physician Assistant (PA) Services in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

(Origin: Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission)

Resolution 21: Amend Title 38, United States Code, To Establish a Marker for 

Cremation Urns Provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

(Origin: Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission)

Resolution 22: Amend PL 109-13 To Open Traumatic Injury Service Members Group 

Life Insurance (TSGLI) Retroactive Period To All Qualifying Service Members

(Origin: Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission)

Resolution 23: Support Legislation to Place Medal of Honor Recipients in Priority Group 

1 for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care

(Origin: Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission)

Resolution 24: The American Legion Supports The America’s Huey 091 Foundation

(Origin: Resolution 194 (CO)) 

Resolution 25: The American Legion Policy on Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 

Consolidation Efforts

(Origin: Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission)

Resolution 26: Creation of Ad Hoc Committee to Ensure Proper Representation of 

Claims Adjudicated by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Pension 

Maintenance (Management) Centers

(Origin: Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission)

Resolution 27: The American Legion Policy on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 

Billing of Private Insurance

(Origin: Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission)

National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission Meetings

Members of the National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission held four 

meetings during the period August 28, 2008, through May 8, 2009. 

The Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission met on August 25, 2008, 

during the National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona and a report was subsequently made 

to the National Executive Committee relative to the Commission’s meeting.

A Subcommittee of the Executive Section of the VA&R Commission met at 

National Headquarters, October 14-15, 2008, for the purpose of considering those 

matters, which had previously been referred for study, and to discuss a broad range of 
370

other veteran related matters. A report of that meeting was presented to the National 

Executive Committee on October 16, 2007.

The National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission met for the 86th 

consecutive year in Washington, DC, on March 2, 2009, in conjunction with the 49th 

Annual Washington Conference. 

Annual National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Conference

The 85th Annual Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation (VA&R) Conference was held 

at the Renaissance Hotel in Washington, D.C. on March 2, 2009. The agenda included 

presentations by officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs and other guest speakers, 

who discussed matters relative to veterans’ benefits and health care. 

National Commander David K. Rehbein (IA) presented The American Legion 

Volunteer of the Year Award to Mr. Robert Alexson (IA). Conferees were addressed by 

the Honorable Admiral Patrick W. Dunne, Under Secretary for Benefits (VA), GeorgHans Michalke (UT), BDD Representative, National Veterans Affairs Rehabilitation 

Commission and Andrew Tramontana, Assistant Director for DOD Outreach, National 

Veteran Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission.

The agenda included presentations by officials of the Department of Veterans 

Affairs, House and Senate Veteran Affairs Committee and two panels on 1) Claims and 

2) Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) / Prosthetics to 

discuss current matters relative to veterans’ benefits and health care.

The Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) / 

Prosthetics TBI and Mental Health Panelists included: Colonel Charles W. Hoge, MD, 

Director of the Division of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of 

Research; Philip A DeFina, MD, Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Scientific 

Officer, International Brain Research Foundation; Joel Kupersmith, MD, Chief Research 

and Development Officer, Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans 

Affairs and Dr. Joel Scholten, MD, Associate Chief of Staff, Rehab Services, Department 

of Veterans Affairs.

The Claims and Pension Panelists included: Bradley G. Mayes, Director, 

Compensation and Pension Service, Department of Veterans Affairs; Ms. Jackie Garrick, 

Professional Staff Member, House Committee on Veterans Affairs; Dahlia Melendrez, 

Benefits Counsel, Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs and Jim Willis (OR), The 

American Legion.

National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Legislative Activities

During the past year the staff of the National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation 

Commission was actively involved with legislative issues affecting the programs and 

services administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Activities included drafting 

legislation pursuant to the mandates adopted by the National Convention and National 

Executive Committee and presentation of such testimony at hearings scheduled before 

various Congressional Committees. Active liaison is maintained with the staff of The 

American Legion Legislative Commission, officials of the Department of Veterans 

Affairs, Congressional Committee staff and with elected Congressional officials.

The following is a synopsis of the Congressional hearings held from January 1, 2009 

to July 31, 2009, on matters pertaining to the National Veterans Affairs and 

Rehabilitation Commission.
371 x On March 3, 2009, Joseph Wilson, Deputy Director of VA&R before the 

House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health on Veterans’ Health Care 

Legislation including H. R. 784 and H. R. 785

x On March 24, 2009, Ian de Planque, Assistant Director of VA&R before the 

House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and 

Memorial Affairs on the Nexus between Engaged in Combat with the Enemy 

and PTSD in the Era of Changing Warfare tactics

x On April 29, 2009, Ian de Planque, Assistant Director of VA&R before the 

Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee on numerous veterans’ legislation and 

draft legislation

x On June 9, 2009, Joseph Wilson, Deputy Director of VA&R before the 

House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health on Assessing Cares and 

the Future of VA’s Health Infrastructure

x On June 18, 2009, Ian de Planque, Assistant Director, VA&R before the 

House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and 

Memorial Affairs on “Addressing the Backlog: Can VA Handle 1 Million 

Claims?”

x On February 14, 2008, Steve Smithson, Deputy Director of VA&R before 

the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance & 

Memorial Affairs on Examining the Backlog and the VA’s Claims 

Processing System

x On June 18, 2009, Joseph Wilson, Deputy Director of VA&R before the 

House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on numerous veterans’ legislation 

and draft legislation

Informational Services

To further strengthen the Department of Veterans Affairs’ health care delivery 

system, The American Legion has several pamphlets and brochures: The American 

Legion Guide To: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder—What Is It? Who Gets It? What Can 

Be Done? This brochure is still very much in demand and is widely distributed. The 

American Legion Guide: Women Veterans—Identifying Risks, Services, and Prevention.

This handbook is in high demand among our women veterans. The Sourcebook for 

Military Personnel and Veterans is also an extremely helpful publication. Another 

publication available upon request is: What To Do Before A Veteran Dies. The latest 

popular pamphlet is, Welcome Home—Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation 

Enduring Freedom Veterans—Know Your Benefits. Also, When They Come Home—A

Post Guide to Establishing A Successful "Heroes To Hometown" Program in your 

Community. A Department of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) Tri-fold 

brochure and VAVS Post Poster was created this year to provide additional information 

on that program. These handbooks and pamphlets are used as handouts at seminars, 

conferences, and Department Conventions. Supplies of these and other VA&R pamphlets 

are maintained and distributed upon request.

2009 Report on the National Cemetery Administration

The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) is charged with meeting the 

interment needs of the nation’s veterans and their dependents. In 1862, Congress 

established 14 U.S. cemeteries for the burial of Union war dead. In 1973, with the 

transfer of jurisdiction of over 81 U.S. Army cemeteries to the Veterans Administration, 

the National Cemetery System (NCS) was created which then operated 21 hospital 
372

cemeteries. In 1998 the National Cemetery System was renamed the National Cemetery 

Administration.

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) maintains 130 national cemeteries in 39 

states and Puerto Rico, as well as 33 soldiers’ lots and monument sites. More than 3 

million Americans, including veterans of every war and conflict, from the Revolutionary 

War to the current Global War on Terrorism, are buried in VA’s national cemeteries. 

With the opening of the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery in 2005, there is now an 

operational national or state veterans’ cemetery in every state of the union as well as 

Puerto Rico and Guam.

The National Cemetery Administration had an enacted budget of $230 million in FY 

2009 and requested an appropriation of $242 million for FY 2010. The recommended 

appropriation for the NCA is $250 million for FY 2010, with the additional level of 

funding reflective of the National Shrine commitment program, which is an initiative to 

improve the overall appearance and condition of cemeteries as identified in the study on 

veterans’ cemeteries submitted to Congress in 2002.

The Veterans Millennium Health Care and Benefits Act of 1999 requires VA to 

establish six additional national cemeteries in areas of the United States in which the 

need for burial space is greatest. Those areas are: Atlanta, Georgia; Detroit, Michigan; 

Miami, Florida; Sacramento, California; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and, Oklahoma City, 

Oklahoma. Fort Sill National Cemetery near Oklahoma City opened for interments in 

2001, the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies near Pittsburgh, and the Great Lakes 

National Cemetery near Detroit opened in 2005, the Georgia National Cemetery, and the 

Sacramento Valley VA National Cemetery opened in 2006, the South Florida VA 

National Cemetery near Miami, opened in 2007. All six cemeteries have begun 

operations. Phase 1 construction has been completed in all cemeteries.

As directed by the National Cemetery Expansion Act of 2003, Public Law 108-109, 

action six new national cemeteries have been established to serve veterans in the areas of 

Bakersfield, California; Birmingham, Alabama; Columbia/Greenville, South Carolina; 

Jacksonville, Florida; Sarasota, Florida; and Southeastern Pennsylvania. These 

cemeteries began operations in late 2008 and early 2009 and will ultimately provide 

service to approximately 1 million veterans.

State Cemetery Grants Program

In addition to building, operating, and maintaining national cemeteries, VA also 

administers the State Cemetery Grants program, which provides grants to states for up to 

100 percent of the cost of establishing, expanding, or improving state veterans 

cemeteries. Increasing the availability of state veterans’ cemeteries is a means to provide 

a burial option to those veterans who may not have reasonable access to a national 

cemetery. 

Since 1980, NCA’s State Cemetery Grants Program has obligated more than $353 

million to 38 states and territories for the establishment, expansion, or improvement of 74 

state Veterans cemeteries. In fiscal year 2008, NCA-supported state cemeteries provided

approximately 25,000 interments. There are 65 operational cemeteries.

NCA Performance Ratings

In a report released in 2008, VA’s national cemeteries received the highest current 

rating by a public or private organization in a nationwide customer satisfaction survey. 

The survey was the 2007 American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). VA scored a 

rating of 95 out of a possible 100 points. This is one point lower than the last survey in 
373

2006, yet continues to be ranked number one in customer satisfaction. In addition on 

ACSI’s index for “user trust,” In 2001, VA achieved a rating of 97 out of a possible 100 

points. This indicates that respondents are exceptionally willing to say positive things 

about VA’s national cemeteries.

For FY 2008, NCA reported that 84 percent of the veteran population was within 75 

miles of a national veterans’ cemetery with its strategic goal being 90 percent. It also 

reported that 94 percent of respondents to its survey rated the quality of service as 

excellent and 99 percent of respondents rated the cemetery’s appearance as excellent.

Headstones and Markers

VA furnishes headstones and markers for the graves of eligible persons in national, 

state, other public and private cemeteries. VA also furnishes memorial headstones and 

markers bearing the inscription “In Memory of” to memorialize eligible veterans whose 

remains were not recovered or identified, were buried at sea, donated to science, or 

cremated and scattered. VA furnishes headstones and markers for national cemeteries 

administered by the Department of the Army and the Department of the Interior, as well 

as for state veterans cemeteries, and contracts for all columbaria niche inscriptions at 

Arlington National Cemetery. Since 1973, NCA has furnished more than 10.3 million 

headstones and markers. In fiscal year 2008, NCA furnished more than 361,200 

headstones and markers. 

Presidential Memorial Certificate

A Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) is an engraved paper certificate, bearing 

the signature of the current President, to honor the memory of honorably discharged 

deceased veterans. Family members and loved ones may request a certificate, and more 

than one may be provided. Only proof of eligible service is required. In 1962, President 

John F. Kennedy began the practice of issuing Presidential Memorial Certificates as a 

way for the President of the United States, on behalf of all Americans, to express 

appreciation for the service and sacrifice of honorably discharged deceased veterans. All 

subsequent Presidents have continued the program. NCA provided more than 511,300 

Presidential Memorial Certificates to the loved ones of deceased Veterans in fiscal year 

2008. Since 1988, NCA has provided 6.8 million Presidential Memorial Certificates.

National Shrine Commitment

Maintaining cemeteries as National Shrines is one of NCA’s top priorities. This 

Commitment includes the establishment of standards of appearance for national 

cemeteries that are equal to the standards of the finest cemeteries in the world and 

involves raising, realigning and cleaning headstones and markers to renovate gravesites.

Delivered to Congress in 2002, the National Shrine Commitment Report identified 928 

projects for repairs, alterations and improvements. The rows of pristine, white headstones 

that are set at the proper height and correct alignment provide the vista that is the 

hallmark of many VA national cemeteries. In 2007 VA collected data that showed that 76 

percent of headstones and/or markers in national cemeteries are at the proper height and 

alignment; 83 percent of headstones, markers, and niche covers are clean and free of 

debris or objectionable accumulations; and 90 percent of gravesites in national 

cemeteries had grades that were level and blended with adjacent grade levels.
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Annual Report of the Medical Consultant

Dr. Ann Marie Gordon joined the Staff as the Senior Medical Consultant on 

September 18, 2000. She is a practicing physician with experience in internal medicine 

and occupational and environmental medicine.

The Medical Consultant acts as a source of medical and technical knowledge to the 

Appeals Representatives at the Appeals and Special Claims Unit at the Board of 

Veterans’ Appeals and the Claims Representatives at the Department of Veterans Affairs 

(VA) Regional Office, Washington, D.C. These representatives discuss cases during case 

development and submit inquiries to the Medical Consultant with the VA claims folder 

for review and evaluation as to the appropriate course of action in presenting the case to 

the either the Board of Veterans Appeals, the VA Regional Office, or the Director, 

Compensation and Pension Service. The Medical Consultant after reviewing and 

evaluating the case may (1) discuss the case with the representative and / or (2) prepare a 

statement explaining the case including providing medical references and a medical 

opinion relative to the issues.

The American Legion Service Officers in the field also submit difficult cases for 

review and evaluation to the Medical Consultant. This is accomplished by requesting that 

the case be called-in for an administrative review or by submitting copies of appropriate 

portions of the VA claims folder. The Medical Consultant responds directly to the 

Service Officers.

The Medical Consultant is an advisor to the Director, National Veterans Affairs and 

Rehabilitation Commission on Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical matters, as 

well as, the attorneys at NVSLP. Each consultation is usually on an informal basis and 

discussed among several key VA&R staff members. In the past year, the medical 

consultant has been working more closely with the attorneys at NVSLP providing key 

information and medical opinions on numerous cases. 

A laptop personal computer has been purchased for the Medical Consultant’s use to 

enable her to keep in touch with daily operations and to present lectures at various 

schools of training.

During the past year, the Medical Consultant has discussed medical questions with 

individual Appeals Representatives and Claims Representatives for about 224 cases. She 

has reviewed 72 cases and submitted written reports on 49 of these cases. The research 

and medical opinions provided by the Medical Consultant have resulted in numerous 

grants and remands for additional development.

Additionally, the Medical Consultant has conducted four medical training sessions 

for the Appeals and Special Claims Unit staff this year and has also conducted 

presentations at the Indianapolis Department Service Officer Schools and the Washington 

DC Service Officer training. 

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 programs for 

veterans in certain service-connected disabled categories. These programs are 

administered under the titles 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 (SDVI—Service-Disabled Veterans 

Insurance), and Veterans Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI) for totally disabled veterans 

who are approved grants for specially adapted housing purposes by the DVA. The 
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USGLI and NSLI programs currently have some 1.3 million policies in force as of May 

31, 2009, with a combined life insurance coverage of some $ 15 billion dollars. Dividend 

distributions for participating policies in these programs amount to approximately $350 

million dollars annually. NSLI processes some 100,000-120,000 claims annually in 

addition to a very high number of other policy transactions as the program’s policies are 

individual in nature and are composed of diverse plans of insurance. The VMLI program 

insures some 2281 veterans with approximately $165 million dollars of coverage in 

force. Currently these programs are operated out of the VA Insurance Center in 

Philadelphia, PA. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners approved the 

use of the 2001 Commissioners Standard Mortality Table as the new mortality standard 

for life insurance. Since the law allows the VA Secretary to set the mortality table for the 

VMLI program, VA began using the 2001 table, rather than the previous 1958 table, 

effective October 1, 2006. This reduced premiums for the program an average of 37 

percent.

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 Servicemember’s Group Life 

Insurance (SGLI) and Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI) programs. These programs 

have provided insurance protection, since 1965 and 1970 respectively, to active duty and 

reserve military personnel (SGLI), spouses and dependents, and to separated veterans and 

to retired and separated reservists (VGLI). The SGLI and VGLI programs are 

administered by the Prudential Insurance Company at a center in Roseland, NJ (the 

Office of Servicemembers Group Life Insurance—OSGLI), with all administration and 

other program expenses being paid by the policyholders from a portion of their insurance 

premiums, save for the extra hazard mortality experience of wartime periods when 

general tax revenues take over. These insurance issues are solely group Term insurance 

without dividends, disability benefits, or diverse types of permanent plans with equity 

values such as the individual policy contracts contained in the DVA’s NSLI program. On 

May 31, 2009 SGLI provided some 5.51 million active duty and reserve personnel, 

spouses and dependents with more than $ 1.31 trillion dollars of life insurance coverage, 

while VGLI covered some 432,212 veterans with insurance in excess of $ 57 billion 

dollars. Of these policy accounts the OSGLI center in Roseland, NJ maintains only 

VGLI, with the various military service departments maintaining the rest. The OSGLI 

center processes between 2500-3500 death claims annually with minimal other 

transactions due to the very limited nature of the coverage as group term insurance only. 

Currently, claims arising from military operations in the Middle East and Central Asia 

are processed in less than two business days from the time the last required document is 

received at OSGLI. In 1992 VGLI became lifetime renewable instead of the single five 

year term previously in effect. The amount of VGLI a veteran can hold cannot be in 

excess of the amount of SGLI he or she held in service. In 1997 Retired Reservists, 

instead of being insured under the SGLI program until age 60 or the receipt of their first 

retired pay check, were merged into the VGLI program to allow them the option of 

retaining their coverage as long as desired. Reservists leaving reserve service without the 

amount of time needed for full retirement may be covered under VGLI if desired. In 

addition, veterans are now permitted to convert their SGLI/VGLI insurance, in partial 

amounts at different times or in whole, to a private plan of insurance with a participating 

commercial insurance carrier as they leave service, or at any time they are in the VGLI 

program, without having to wait a stipulated period as was previously the case. Effective 

April 1, 2001 those entering active duty were automatically covered for a full $250,000 
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under SGLI as authorized by Public Law 106-419, and members of the Individual Ready 

Reserve who have volunteered for assignment to a mobilization category were also made 

eligible for SGLI coverage under that law. . In addition, Public Law 107-14 authorized 

other program enhancements to the SGLI program, effective November 1, 2001, which 

allows up to $100,000 in spousal coverage on a paid premium basis, and provides 

$10,000 free life insurance coverage for a member’s children. These dependent coverages

still cannot, at present, be carried over into the VGLI program and cannot be doubled in 

the case of both parents being in service. However, while the member’s SGLI is in force, 

spousal coverage can be converted to a private plan of insurance with a participating 

commercial company upon written application in the same manner as a VGLI policy may 

be so converted. The American Legion insurance unit presented supporting testimony on 

these legislative changes as they improved greatly the range of financial options available 

to veterans in these programs, not only at the time of their separation from service, but in 

later years as their life situation changed as well, and as they permit the SGLI and VGLI 

programs to more effectively compete with private insurers who have the privilege of 

excluding applicants as desired and who may, in the case of certain military associations, 

be co-located on military bases.

New SGLI legislation was enacted in May 2005. Public Law (PL) 109-13, the 

Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and 

Tsunami Relief of 2005, was signed into law May 11, 2005 and contained provisions for 

increases in the Dept. of Defense (DOD) Death Gratuity, for increases in the amount of 

maximum coverage under the Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (SGLI) program, 

and for a new SGLI group policy rider for Traumatic Injury Protection. The SGLI 

Traumatic Injury Protection Rider became effective December 1, 2005 and currently 

provides over $228.7 billion dollars in traumatic injury coverage as per a published 

schedule of losses caused by such physical injuries. On November 26, 2008 VA issued 

new regulations as a result of extensive reviews to expand the TSGLI schedule of losses 

and the time period involved. Additions to the TSGLI schedule included expansion of 

definitions for total and permanent loss of sight, hearing, speech, and various types of 

paralysis. Other additions included certain types of amputation, limb salvage, facial 

reconstruction, burns, injuries resulting from authorized use of controlled substances and 

traumatic brain injury effects. Effective September 1, 2005 regular SGLI coverage was 

automatically increased to $400,000 from the previous $250,000, and is the current 

maximum amount of SGLI coverage permitted. Servicemembers electing lesser amounts 

must do so in $50,000 increments. Spousal and dependent coverage was not impacted by 

the legislation. The Act specified certain spousal and beneficiary notification 

requirements for members changing beneficiary designations or electing lesser amounts 

of coverage. The Act also provided for the group traumatic injury insurance rider to be 

attached to the group coverage provided under SGLI, the premium cost of which to the 

insured was to be $1.00 per month. This injury protection ranges from $25,000 to 

$100,000 in accordance with a disability schedule which has been published and which is 

composed of a list of physical traumatic injuries involving significant loss of use of 

physical or mental abilities caused by such injury. Coverage under this rider began 

December 1, 2005. A retroactive provision for qualifying injuries (Iraq and Afghanistan 

service) from October 7, 2001 to the effective date was also provided for. The Secretary 

of Defense certifies to the SGLI center the individuals qualifying for retroactive 

payments. Servicemembers must be covered by SGLI to have this rider, and for members 

insured under SGLI the rider is mandatory. Rider coverage ceases on midnight on the 

date the member separates from the uniformed service. No retroactive period was 
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contained in the legislation for the $150,000 SGLI increase, but this was addressed 

through the Dept. of Defense’s Death Gratuity benefit instead, as insurance underwriting 

requirements did not permit new coverage increases to be applied retroactively.

On September 30, 2005 the SGLI enhancement Act of 2005 (PL 109-80) was 

enacted which made permanent the increase in the maximum allowable SGLI regular 

coverage from $250,000 to $400,000, and which included various spousal notification 

requirements for beneficiary changes. This last requirement, for an insured married at the 

time of making a beneficiary election, that the Secretary of Defense notify the insured’s 

spouse should the insured at any time take action to either reduce the amount of coverage 

or to name a beneficiary other than the insured’s spouse, did not meet with the support of 

The American Legion. It has historically been the belief of The American Legion that 

this type of fundamental insurance benefit is a special contract between the service 

member (or veteran in the case of veteran’s coverage) and the federal government, and is 

a matter personal and sacrosanct to those who serve (or have served) the nation in 

uniform, and that an insured’s beneficiary information should not be released to third 

parties without the consent of the insured. Such spousal notification, however, does not 

affect a member’s right to elect or change his/her beneficiary designation or amount of 

SGLI coverage at any time.

Further legislative changes in the SGLI program included PL 109-163, enacted 

January 6, 2006, which authorized the payment of an allowance to service members 

serving in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom for an amount 

equal to the premium of $150,000 of SGLI coverage, affording them $150,000 of free 

SGLI coverage provided they did not decline such coverage, and PL 109-233 enacted 

June 15, 2006. PL 109-233 extends the duration of SGLI coverage from one to two years 

for service members who are totally disabled upon the date of their separation from 

active duty or reserve status, effective upon the date of enactment for members released 

before October 1, 2011. For members released on or after October 1, 2011 this period is 

reduced to eighteen months. Service members who were released within one year of the 

enactment date were also eligible for this extended coverage period. This legislation also 

provided the Secretary of Veterans Affairs the sole authority to determine the period of 

time between the date of a traumatic event and the date a member suffers a qualifying 

loss for all losses under the Traumatic SGLI (TSGLI) program. The law also removed the 

previously existing statutory requirement that quadriplegia, paraplegia, or hemiplegia 

occur within one year of the traumatic injury. For all losses this period has now been 

extended to two years.

The American Legion’s National VA&R insurance unit at the Philadelphia, PA 

center had initiated and worked with the DVA insurance management staff to provide 

added protection to those veterans leaving service in a totally disabled and life 

threatening status, to attempt to ensure these veterans do not lose coverage (as happens 

periodically) due to misunderstanding certain requirements of the SGLI to VGLI transfer 

system stemming from inconsistencies in the manner these are explained to them as they 

out process from various military facilities, or failing to respond in a timely manner to 

initial insurance invitations and premium billings, etc. Recommended safeguards 

included such items as automatic coverage and premium deduction start-ups from 

military retired pay or DVA disability compensation, policy liens for past due premiums, 

and closer contacts between the SGLI/VGLI administering office and veterans in this 

category. DVA insurance management completed a staff study through the military 

service departments, the Defense Manpower Data Center, DPC Austin and OSGLI on the 

methods such individuals can be identified, and has created an Outreach program to 
378

contact by telephone and with additional letters veterans in this class, and advise them of 

their VGLI options as needed. Currently, separating service members who have been 

discharged on disability retirement at a rating of 50% to 100% by their branch of service 

are contacted. Of those contacted by phone, some 83% apply for either the SGLI 

Disability Extension (free coverage for two years) or VGLI coverages. An on-line 

SGLI/VGLI manual is available to all military out processing centers and veterans to 

ensure these have immediate access to correct information concerning the requirements 

for veterans being separated to convert their in-service SGLI coverage to VGLI coverage, 

and in February 2004 a detailed Insurance Needs Calculator was added to the VA 

Insurance website, for veterans to use to assess their life insurance needs and compare 

VGLI coverage to other insurance options. The Calculator includes VA, Social Security

and military benefits in the final assessment. VGLI policyholders also have the ability 

now to access their policy information through the VA website as well, using passwords 

and policy information. In 2002-2003 both VGLI and SGLI premiums were reduced; 

VGLI an overall 40% from 1998 levels, and a 19% reduction for SGLI premiums 

effective July 1, 2003 with a simultaneous reduction in SGLI spousal rates as well. 

Effective July 1, 2006, however, a slight increase in SGLI basic premium rates from the 

previous rate of 6.5 cents per month per $1,000 of coverage to one of 7 cents per month 

per $1,000 took place due to program costs. Also effective July 1, 2006 premium rates 

for dependent SGLI coverage were reduced for all age groups by an average of 10%, 

reflecting a better than forecasted claims experience in the Family SGLI program portion. 

A further premium rate decrease took effect on July 1, 2008 for both the SGLI (to $26 

monthly for full coverage from $28 monthly) and VGLI programs (for veterans aged 30 

to 64). For all programs the Department of Veterans Affairs administers and/or 

supervises some 7.24 million life insurance policies for military personnel, spouses, 

dependents and veterans, with a total in-force coverage of over $ 1.33 trillion dollars. 

In the SDVI program many disabled veterans annually continue to take advantage of 

the new supplemental Service-Disabled insurance provided in the legislative changes of 

1992, whereby an additional $20,000 of coverage may be purchased by those veterans 

having a basic Service-Disabled policy and who become totally disabled before age 65. 

The American Legion VA&R insurance office continues to maintain a special 

notification system for those veterans who choose The American Legion as their 

representative and who are applying for Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (SDVI) 

coverage to ensure they are informed as early as possible of these additional benefits. 

This is particularly needful as the current DVA system may, in certain areas such as 

during the time period while a disability compensation claim is awaiting adjudication in a 

VA Regional Office, be faulty in communicating information on benefits such as 

disability premium waivers and supplemental coverage to veterans who may qualify for it 

and who may very well be in life threatening (and therefore time constrained) conditions. 

A special activity was initiated in this benefit area in 2004 and continued into 2005 by the 

VA Compensation and Pension Service to address concerns that many service-connected 

disabled veterans were not being informed enough on the program. A mailing on SDVI 

notification was included with the annual cost-of-living increase letters, reaching 

approximately 2.3 million veterans, resulting in many thousands of new applications 

being received, and continuing to be received, from both veterans directly and through 

DSO/VSO offices nationwide. To assist in this project, SDVI applications have also been 

made available on the VA’s Insurance website through an Autoform program whereby 

applications can be made, saved, printed for mailing or submitted electronically as 

desired. This new tool became active March 5, 2004.
379

The DVA Insurance Center continues their on-going effort to provide better service 

and program enhancements to their veteran policyholders by periodically updating their 

computer and communication systems, both as part of the overall DVA area networks 

and through the Internet, and placing ever more records and transaction activities, 

previously done on paper, into their on-line computer systems. Beginning in Summer 

2001, the DVA Insurance Center accelerated a planned program of transforming their 

insurance operation into a wholly computerized system no longer utilizing paper 

insurance files, but using imaging technology instead to replace paper files with 

electronic ones. The impetus for this was to create space in the Philadelphia Regional 

Office and Insurance Center for one of the three regional Pension Centers which have 

been organized to assist in the reduction of the national backlog in compensation and 

pension cases. The insurance system, known as VICTARS (Veterans Insurance Claims 

Tracking and Response System) permits on-screen display of all file documents that 

would previously have been maintained in a paper insurance folder, and gives VA 

insurance specialists the ability to input and process claims, transactions and responses to 

inquiries with far greater speed than any earlier system used to date, and to maintain a 

full history of such in the policyholder’s new electronic file. In connection with this new 

software package, VA employees have been provided with dual screen display monitors 

and updated capacity high speed computers required by the new programming. Currently, 

over 6 million images are available to insurance specialists via their desktop computers. 

All previous paper insurance folders (over 2.5 million) have been retired to a nearby 

Federal Records Center, but are still available for recall as may be needed on certain 

cases. This accomplishment has resulted in savings of some $1 million annually. 

Insurance services are further augmented by automated assistance and call routing 

facilities added to a toll free number (an expansion of the VA’s Insurance Center 

telephone unit has been completed to handle an increasing work load), by acceptance of 

faxed correspondence, claims, and transaction requests, through responding to inquiries 

and transaction requests received at the VA insurance Internet address 

(http://www.insurance.va.gov/), and by providing comprehensive insurance information 

through links to the VA’s Home Page and VA’s insurance Home Page. Additionally, in 

accordance with the federal initiative to have all or most government disbursements done 

by Direct Deposit (Electronic Transfer of Funds) the VA Insurance Center has completed 

actions for the direct deposit of monthly insurance installment awards to beneficiaries 

and those policyholders receiving monthly annuities. All monthly insurance 

award/annuity payments are by electronic transfer of funds to these insurance payees 

unless otherwise requested by the payee. In this vein, all policy loan, dividend refund and 

cash surrender payments are also sent to an insured’s bank account if VA benefits are or 

were on direct deposit, or if an insured is paying premiums by automatic deduction from 

a checking account, unless requested otherwise. New settlement claim forms for death 

settlements contain blocks for beneficiaries to include bank information should they wish 

insurance settlement checks transferred to them electronically. As with the VGLI 

program, NSLI policyholders may now also access their account information through the 

VA’s insurance website with a PIN number, and perform certain transactions such as 

policy loan applications. For VMLI there is now also an on-line Insurance Needs 

Calculator, similar to that for VGLI, available as well. 

Major insurance initiatives are now pending in Congress for 2009. 

S. 728, is a proposal to create a new SDVI program for service-connected veterans. 

This program would provide up to $50,000 Term life insurance to a strictly limited group 

of veterans. A veteran would have to be in good health except for service-connected 
380

disabilities, and would have to apply for this insurance within ten years of discharge from 

active duty, and within two years of his or her last new service-connected rating. The 

current SDVI programs would remain as is, but no amount of coverage greater than 

$50,000 could be held in any combination. For those who may elect this coverage, the 

amount of insurance in force under the new program would be reduced at age 70 to 20% 

of the previous face value held, but would then be in a paid-up insurance status. Premium 

rates for this issue would be based on a current Commissioners Standard Ordinary Basic 

Table of Mortality, rather than the 1941 Table remaining in use for the present SDVI 

program. Such veterans recently insured under the current SDVI program, and still being 

able to meet the SDVI eligibility period and good health requirements, would be allowed 

a period to switch their coverage to this issue if so desired. The American Legion, while 

generally viewing an expansion of SDVI benefits very favorably, opposed the strict 

eligibility periods cited as being totally arbitrary and too limiting in fairly providing the 

long needed enhancement to the present SDVI program. Such eligibility criteria would, 

by definition, exclude the largest number of service connected veterans, and do so at the 

time when they are most in need of adequate insurance protection for their beneficiaries. 

The American Legion also presented comments that this provision should apply to 

Gratuitous insurance as well for otherwise qualifying veterans as a matter of equity. The 

legislation also provides for an increase in the VA’s regular Supplemental ServiceDisabled insurance program to $30,000 maximum coverage from the $20,000 presently 

allowed. The American Legion presented testimony here that all or part of a coverage 

increase for the regular SDVI program should rather apply to the basic SDVI coverage 

which, unlike Supplemental coverage, has a disability waiver of premiums provision. 

This would benefit far more veterans in need of insurance protection who are unable to 

afford the high cost of Supplemental SDVI premiums, and who subsequently must forego 

such increased protection.

S.728 additionally provides an increase in Veterans Mortgage Life Insurance 

(VMLI) to a maximum coverage level of $150,000 ($200,000 after January 1, 2012) from 

the current maximum of $90,000. 

Lastly, several further legislative proposals, in Committee as of June 2009, are H.R. 

2379 which would allow participants in the VGLI program to purchase up to an 

additional $25,000 in life insurance coverage once every five year policy term period, 

H.R. 2713 to increase basic SDVI from its present $10,000 maximum to a maximum 

coverage of $100,000, plus increase Supplemental SDVI to a new maximum of $50,000 

from the current $20,000, with an open period of two years for those meeting SDVI 

requirements, but who had not applied for such previously, H.R. 2774 to make permanent 

the two year free SGLI extension period for totally disabled veterans mentioned earlier, 

and H.R. 2968 for a technical adjustment in accelerated insurance benefits in certain 

terminal cases under SGLI and VGLI.

Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Service Units:

DVA Insurance Center at Philadelphia, PA and St. Paul, MN DMC Center 

The American Legion Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Commission Staff at 

Philadelphia consists of a Chief of Insurance Activities/Insurance Representative and one 

Secretary. An associated office at the St. Paul center has one Supervisor/VA&R 

Representative and one Secretary.

The Chief of Insurance Activities and the Insurance Representative must have a 

thorough knowledge of government life insurance laws, regulations, and transaction and 

adjudication procedures, and be able to analyze them correctly in order to properly 
381

represent insured veterans and their beneficiaries. The Veterans Affairs & 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. 

NSLI re-open periods for service-disabled and non-service disabled veterans with 

increased face value coverages continues to be an American Legion legislative effort. 

Coordination has also been effected with the DVA Pension Center management in both 

Philadelphia and St. Paul for the creation of a system whereby the national VA&R staff 

personnel can process pension inquiries from Department and Veterans Service Officers 

as they may require. 

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, 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 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. An insurance guidebook for Veterans Service Officers 

was composed by the Philadelphia insurance unit in 2007 to assist DSO/VSO personnel 

in identifying insurance needs and processing insurance applications and claims for their 

clients, and this has been distributed, beginning in April 2007, to hundreds of American 

Legion and affiliated veterans service offices nationwide. Coordination with DVA 

executive and program management personnel is conducted on both individual cases and 

broad policy/administrative matters. A telephone fax capability added to the Philadelphia 

office has greatly expedited claims processing by enabling rapid receipt of documents 

needed to complete transactions and claims that would otherwise be significantly delayed 

due to mailing times, particularly in emergency cases. The Philadelphia office remains 

heavily involved in the large increase in SDVI applications and related appeals cases 

beginning in 2004 and 2005, occasioned by the mass mailing of SDVI notifications to 

virtually all service-connected veterans mentioned earlier. Information, staff analysis, and 

testimony/comments for the recent major legislative insurance benefit increases, 

described above was provided to the Director, National VA&R Commission for 

presentation to Congress on these issues.

The Philadelphia office is provided with newer computer systems for both internal 

operations and to interface with the DVA networks and the Internet. These are 

operational and have Internet and VA Benefits Delivery Network access. The St. Paul 

office provides similar operations, staff representation and nationwide veteran’s service 

in the field of DVA Debt Management operations (The DVA’s Debt Management Center 

is located at the VA St. Paul center), which now comprise its main mission as transfer of 

all insurance accounts to Philadelphia has been completed, and in casework involving the 

VA Pension Center also located at the St. Paul facility. 

For the period July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009 the following activities of The 

American Legion’s Philadelphia and St. Paul offices were reported:
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Insurance & Debt Management:

Letters Received ........................................................................................................10,167

Letters Written...........................................................................................................11,951

Disability Insurance Claims.........................................................................................1,896

Death Insurance Claims...............................................................................................1.619

Insurance Folders Reviewed........................................................................................5,334

In-Force Insurance Policy Accounts Reviewed ...........................................................5,107

New Insurance Accounts—SDVI................................................................................3,522

Telephone Contacts .....................................................................................................7,763

Personal Contacts ........................................................................................................5,249

Submittal Memorandums & Reports ...........................................................................3,138

DVA Case Responses Processed: Insurance and Debt Management Cases...............17,632

*Live Claims, Evidence and Other Submittals Presented..........................................26,739

*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 general 

inquiries, and debt management case supporting documents.

Debt Management/St. Paul Pension Center

(DMC = Debt Management Center)

DMC Original Claims: ................................................................................................1,887

DMC Case Audits: ......................................................................................................9,854

DMC Debt Waiver Cases: ...........................................................................................2,051

Pension Center Inquiries/Transactions: .......................................................................4,920

Pension Center VSO Responses Processed: ..............................................................26,677

Claims Service

The National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission provides assistance 

and representation to all veterans and their survivors in claims and appeals before the 

Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as, appeals for upgrade of military and naval 

discharges and the correction of military and naval records through a staff of seventeen 

Appeals Representatives.

Within the Table of Organization, the Deputy Director for Claims Service is 

responsible for the activities of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals Unit, the Military Review 

Board Unit, Appeals Management Center and Washington Regional Office staff.

Cases at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals Unit are reviewed and written briefs are 

submitted on the appellant’s behalf or a personal hearing is conducted before a Veterans 

Law Judge of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals with the appellant. The Board of Veterans’ 

Appeals Unit consists of an Office Manager, a Senior Medical Consultant, three 

secretaries, and thirteen Appeals Representatives. The staff has been augmented by 

accredited American Legion service officers from across the country participating in The 

American Legion/National Veterans Legal Services Program Veterans Law Internship 

Program. This intense veterans law training program provides hands-on education for 

interested service officers.

Two Appeals Representatives and one secretary are located at the Washington, D.C. 

Regional Office (WRO) to provide claims service to individuals residing within the 

Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Region. In addition to our two representatives at the 
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WRO, an additional appeals representative works exclusively on remands that are 

processed at the Appeals Management Center located at the WRO. 

The Military Review Boards Unit reviews records prepares written briefs and also 

appears at personal hearings with an applicant before the Discharge Review Board and 

the Board for the Correction of Military or Naval Records of the various armed services. 

One Supervisor and two Appeals Representatives are assigned to this unit.

Board of Veterans Appeals

This report reflects the activities of The American Legion’s Board of Appeals and 

Special Claims Unit (Appeals Unit) for the period June 30, 2008, through June 30, 2009. 

The Office Manager of the Appeals Unit during this period was Samuel Gilmore. 

During the past twelve months, our Appeals Representatives reviewed a total of

6,744 cases. Included in this total were 88 (American Legion represented) personal 

hearings conducted at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals Central Office (CO) in 

Washington, DC.

During this reporting period, the Board of Veterans’ Appeals rendered a total of

48,369 decisions, which 8,513 (17.6%) had American Legion representation. These 

decisions consisted of 1,999 (23.5%) approvals, 3,242 (38%) remands, 3,016 (35.4%) 

denials, and 241 (2.8%) others. The last category includes administrative withdrawals, 

vacated cases, deaths, and dismissals. These figures represent a 0.7% increase in appeal 

approvals, a 1% increase in remands and a 2.1% decrease in denials over the previous 12-

month period.

The Special Claims Service of the Unit reviewed and disposed of 3 cases involving 

requests by Department Service Officers of The American Legion in obtaining 

Administrative Review by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Central Office, 

Compensation and Pension Service.

2008 saw the Board of Veterans’ Appeals increase productivity to the highest level 

since 1991 and, according to the BVA Fiscal Year 2008 Report, the two most significant 

challenges for Fiscal Year 2009 and 2010 are to continue to eliminate avoidable remands 

and to reduce the backlog of pending appeals. In fiscal year 2008, the Board focused on 

methods to increase decision output and the quality of the decisions rendered. The 

Board’s efforts to eliminate avoidable remands and increase decision output included the 

use of voluntary attorney overtime and production incentives for attorneys.

As of June 30, 2009, there were 4,320 American Legion represented cases in the 

Appeals Management Center (AMC) system, inclusive of AMC Resource Centers in 

Huntington, West Virginia and Seattle, Washington. These cases are given expeditious 

treatment, in accordance with Code of Federal Regulations. Due to the backlog the Board 

is currently adjudicating appeals with docket dates on or before December 2007. The 

American Legion has custody of approximately 750 pre-2006 original appeals. Quality 

remains our first priority. However, due to the increase in productivity by the BVA, The 

American Legion Appeals and Special Claims unit is faced with the challenge of meeting 

the demands of the Board’s increase in productivity. Currently each American Legion 

appeals representative at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals is required to review and 

complete three (3) appeals per day. This standard yielded positive results, increasing 

productivity by 9.4% in 2007. At the beginning of July 2008, The American Legion 

Appeals Unit production trend was 3 original appeals to one remanded appeal. Although 

this trend remained consistent over the previous two years, the increased productivity by 

the Board caused this ratio to shift to 3 original appeals to 2 remanded appeals, along 

with our effort to review the remaining original appeals that pre-date 2006. Currently the 
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BVA unit is engaged in a Board-wide initiative to identify all appeals in our possession 

belonging to appellants 75 years and older and advance them on the Boards docket so 

that these appeals can be adjudicated most expeditiously (per CFR). Since May 2009 The 

American Legion BVA Unit has identified and returned and completed over 1,100 

appeals to the Board for review and final decision. This is an on-going project that will 

continue throughout the remainder of the year with many of our veterans (and appellants) 

turning 75 during this calendar year. 

Military Review Boards Unit

Title 10, United States Code, sections 1552 and 1554, provide statutory authority for 

the existence and operation of the Military Discharge Review Boards and the Boards for 

Correction of Military Records for each branch of our armed services. The American 

Legion was instrumental in the creation of these boards shortly after World War II and 

has actively assisted former service members petitioning them since. 

During the period 1 July 2008 through 30 June 2009 the staff of the Military Review 

Boards Unit provided counsel, guidance and representation to former service members 

seeking correction of their service record by the Army, Air Force, Navy/Marine Corps 

and Coast Guard discharge review and correction boards. These requests involved a wide 

variety of issues including character of service upgrades, reason for discharge changes, 

entitlement or amendment of physical disability severance or retirement, issuance or 

reissuance of military awards and decorations, requests for service and medical records, 

and administrative corrections to military records.

The following is breakdowns of the individual administrative actions taken by the 

staff in assisting former service members prepare their cases for review. 

Administrative Actions: Hearing Preparation: 447, Initial Interviews/Guides: 575, 

Telephone/Returned Calls: 2037, Email Inquires/Request: 1020, Status Checks: 348, 

Development Letters: 271, DSO/VSO Inquiries: 229, Board/Agency/Congressional 

Contacts: 212, Walk-ins/Appointments: 117, Application Package Reviews: 468, 

Awards/Decorations/Medals: 109, Other Correspondence: 301. 

The following classifies the types of reviews that were presented to the respective 

service boards.

Military Discharge Review Boards: Army record reviews 23, hearing reviews 99,

reconsiderations 10; Air Force record reviews 18, hearing reviews 48, reconsiderations 1;

Navy record reviews 40, hearing reviews 36, reconsiderations 02; Marine Corps record 

review 38, hearing reviews 12, reconsiderations 01; Coast Guard record reviews 01, 

hearing reviews 0, reconsiderations 0. 

Boards For Correction Of Military Records: Army record reviews 102, hearing 

reviews 0, reconsiderations 41; Air Force record reviews 60, hearing reviews 0, 

reconsiderations 06; Navy record reviews 32, hearing reviews 0, reconsiderations 12; 

Marine Corps record reviews 22, hearing reviews 0, reconsiderations 08; Coast Guard 

record reviews 01, hearing reviews 0, reconsiderations 0.

This final breakdown gives the numbers of American Legion cases decided by the 

boards, the favorable determinations and the percentage of petitions that were granted 

relief. 

Military Discharge Review Boards: Army cases presented 70, corrected 36 (51%);

Air Force cases presented 42, corrected 06 (14%); Navy cases presented 46, corrected 09 

(19%), Marine Corps cases presented 24; corrected 05 (20%); Coast Guard presented 0, 

corrected 0 (0%).
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Boards For Correction Of Military Records: Army cases presented 56, corrected 

09(16%); Air Force cases presented 35, corrected 04 (11%); Navy cases presented 38,

corrected 04 (10%), Marine Corps cases presented 23; corrected 02 (08%); Coast Guard 

presented 0, corrected 0 (0%).

Both the Military Discharge Review Boards and the Boards for Correction of 

Military Records have been mandated by Congress to adjudicate petitions within 12 

months of the date received. All of the boards have been in compliance this past year.

In addition to case work, the staff of Military Review Boards Unit also produces, 

supplies and presents training material for our Department Service Officers and 

instructional guides for the applicants that we represent. 

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 incoming and 

outgoing correspondence. During this period, tens of thousands of letters, E-mails and 

Faxes were received from claimants, service officers, and VA officials. The actual case 

workload for each section or office within the VA&R Division is reflected in that office’s 

specific section in this report. 

Department Service Officers School

The National Organization continues to authorize the National Veterans Affairs and 

Rehabilitation (VA&R) Commission to conduct twice yearly training schools for the 

Department Service Officers and other accredited representatives of The American 

Legion. It represents the organization’s ongoing commitment to developing a network of 

highly trained and experience service officers who can carry out the VA&R program at 

the department level. 

The purpose of these sessions is to provide current information about changes in 

veterans’ law and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) adjudication policies and help 

accredited American Legion service officers to improve their advocacy skills. The 

program of instruction includes basic training for new service officers, and advanced 

training on issues relating to claims processing, disability ratings, personal hearings, 

development of appeals, and the interpretation and application of precedent decisions by 

the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 

Federal Circuit. Instructors include members of the National Association of Department 

Service Officers; Mr. Ron Abrams, Esq., Joint Executive Director, National Veterans 

Legal Services Program (NVLSP)and his staff; and staff of the VA&R Division. Guest 

speakers from the Department of Defense, VA and other agencies are also invited to brief 

participants on relevant and timely issues.

The primary goal of this training program, which began in 1985, is to enhance the 

skills and effectiveness of accredited American Legion service officers. A secondary goal 

is to provide the school participants with the latest information on veterans’ benefits, 

which they can, then, share with other service officers in their respective departments.

The Departments’ participation in and support for the program remains very high. 

The first session of the 2009 school was held February 25-28, 2009 at the Renaissance 

Hotel in Washington, DC. There were more than 100 service officers in attendance. The 

National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Washington Conference took place the 

following week. The second session of 2009 was held July 30-August 1, 2009 at the 

Sheraton City Center Hotel, Indianapolis, Indiana. There were 120 service officers in 

attendance. 
386

A full day of training for new service officers was held on July 29, 2009. This 

training replaced the 4-hour breakout session previously conducted on the first day of the 

DSO School. VA&R staff, senior Department Service Officers and officers of the 

National Association of Department Service Officers conducted the training. The 

National VA&R Division provided direct support and assistance as necessary. Twenty 

service officers attended the training.

Department of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service

The VAVS National Deputy Representative attended the sixty-third meeting of the 

VAVS National Advisory Committee (NAC) that was held in Houston, Texas during 

May 20-22, 2009. The meeting included several volunteer business sessions and 

educational workshops, and presentations of NAC Volunteer of the Year Awards and the 

Deputy National VAVS Representative also served as emcee for the James H. Parke 

Memorial Scholarship Award Luncheon. The James H. Parke Memorial Scholarship was 

established in honor of the first Director of VA Voluntary Service, who is also the 

founding father of the VAVS National Advisory Committee and is awarded annually to 

an exceptional VAVS student volunteer. 

Many NAC Member Organizations continue to have a decline in total number of

volunteers and volunteer hours, both Regularly Scheduled (RS) and Occasional (OCC). 

More concentration and focus on Vietnam, Gulf War and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) 

and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) is the primary goal this year.

During FY 2008, The American Legion had 6,105 regularly scheduled volunteers 

contributing 849,839 hours (a decrease of 397 Regularly Scheduled (RS) volunteers and 

898 hours), with another 59,641 Occasional volunteer hours (an increase of 1,241 hours), 

for a total of 909,480 volunteer hours (an increase of 343 hours). For the first time since 

2003, volunteer hours in FY 2008 increased by 343 hours, despite losing 397 regularly 

scheduled volunteers. 

The Fiscal Year 2009 goals for The American Legion are the following:

1. Encourage VA streamline volunteer application and training process to be 

completed online (paperless), 

2. Create Volunteer Toolkit (Tri-fold Flyer and Post Poster), 

3. Create Volunteer Online Center (All Legion Volunteer Programs),

4. The American Legion Magazine Dedicate an Issue/Cover Flap to Legion 

Volunteering, 

5. Promote Department Training and Recruitment Fairs and

6. 2009 Department Recruitment Goal of 22 new volunteers

National Commander, David Rehbein and Auxiliary National President, Desireé 

Stoy registered as Regularly Scheduled (RS) Volunteers at the Des Moines VA Medical 

Center on December 17, 2008. The Director of VA Voluntary Service, Laura Balun, 

Iowa Department Commander, Adjutant and Service Officer attended volunteer 

orientation and registration event. The visit included a Director’s meeting, volunteer 

registration and visit to the Des Moines Vet Center. The topics discussed included: the 

average age of an American Legion volunteer is 75, what assignments are available on 

nights and weekends and how to outreach and recruit a younger generation of volunteers. 

The National Deputy Representative attended the Department of Kansas Convention 

on May 15-17 and the Department of Georgia Legion College on June 5-7, 2009. A 

recruitment booth was set up at both conferences with 30 individuals in Kansas and 39 

individuals that were registered to volunteer at their nearest VA Medical Center. In 
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addition, both Departments received training on recruitment and retention strategies and a 

further understanding of specific strategies to use amongst different generation groups. 

A volunteering portal was created on the National Website in 2008. Volunteer 

program information on the site includes: the history of volunteering, opportunities, 

locations (VA Poly Trauma Centers, Community Based Outpatient Clinics, Fisher 

Houses, State Veterans Homes, Vet Centers, Youth Volunteering, VA Special Events, 

Gifts and Donation Procedures and How to Register as a Volunteer Now. Under the 

redesign of the new website, the VAVS Program will have a dedicated webpage under 

the How We Serve Banner for The American Legion National Website in 2009. This 

change will allow more users easier navigation to the page to register as a volunteer and 

learn more about volunteer opportunities and share VAVS promotional materials. 

The American Legion passed Resolution 19, Supporting the Ride to Recovery 

Program. Ride to Recovery raises money to support spinning and outdoor cycling 

programs in various locations across the United States. American Legion volunteers were

utilized at the East Coast, West Coast and Texas week-long cycling trips by assisting 

with Legion Riders, donations, volunteer support and use of post facilities and sponsoring 

meals. The National Deputy VAVS Representative continues to serve as a liaison to The 

American Legion Departments to coordinate volunteer support for these events.

National Field Service

The National Field Service unit division recently underwent personnel changes in 

2008 and 2009. The American Legion added two National Field Service Representatives 

in 2008. They included Dwayne Thompson and Robert Madden. Andrew Tramontana, 

National Field Service Representative, was promoted to Assistant Director for Health 

Policy, which left a vacancy. In 2009, Antonio Merrick was hired to fill the space left 

vacant by Mr. Tramontana. The National Field Service unit now includes Dwayne 

Thompson, Robert Madden, and Andrew Tramontana.

From January 2009 to June 2009, the National Field Service Unit and Deputy 

Director for Health Care conducted site visits throughout the VA Medical Center system 

with the System Worth Saving Taskforce to collect data for the 2009 System Worth 

Saving Report. This year’s report will focuses on services the trek of old and new 

veterans as they seek health care at VA Medical Centers. The American Legion has 

continued to be watchful and inquisitive of veteran issues such as wait times at VA 

Medical Centers and clinics. There has also been concern over communication between 

VA facilities. This prompted The National Field Service and A System Worth Saving 

Task Force to include Vet Centers and Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) 

into the site visit agenda. Overall, they conducted 99 site visits, to include 33 VA 

Medical Centers, 33 Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs), and 33 Vet Centers. 

During site visits, National Staff and Task Force Members continued their inquest to 

determine the current status of the 2004 CARES initiative and VA infrastructure, such as 

adequate funding for construction projects, space availability, and adequacy of personnel. 

Data collected from site visits compares data from Fiscal Year (FY)2003 when 

Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) began, through FY2009. The release date of this 

publication is August 2009. The American Legion has heightened its awareness of 

potential shortfalls among the veteran population by interacting with the National 

Security and Foreign Relations Division of The American Legion to determine the 

progression of sharing of information between the Department of Defense (DOD) and 

VA on current servicemembers returning from theater. 
388

As we continue the follow up on veterans who are transitioning from active duty 

military, we are also keeping in mind the reintroduction of Vietnam veterans as well. 

With most nearing retirement, Vietnam veterans are showing up at VA facilities in 

numbers seeking treatment, filing claims, or both. 

Among the population of veterans, VA is seeing an increase in their enrollment due 

to the June 2009 reinstatement of Priority Group veterans. Currently, VA is using an 

incremental approach to prevent an “Overload” of VA Medical Centers. The initial 

enrollment includes 266,000 while the overall goal is to enroll 500,000 veterans by 2013. 

The Deputy Director for Health Care and National Field Service have joined in several 

roundtables to discuss improvements in the “A System Worth Saving “campaign. They 

include implementing a onetime “train the trainer” seminar by the Joint Commission 

Resources, to educate staff on hospital essentials by providing a more profound look at 

inspection procedures. 

Due to VA being a decentralized organization, it is crucial The American Legion 

interact with those who preside over its policy divisions. The Health Care section 

including the Deputy Director for Health Care, Assistant Director for Health Policy and 

National Field Service are assigned to 14 VA Advisory Committees. They have 

established a rapport with each Committee manager to keep The American Legion 

abreast of all veteran related shortfalls and accolades stemming policy. This will also 

maintain The American Legion’s proactive stance on all veteran matters in the area of 

VA health care. The Assistant Director, Denise Williams has currently heightened the 

awareness of the women veterans by collaborating with the VA’s Center for Women 

Veterans Committee as well as Congressional advisors. Due rising issues among women 

veterans at VA facilities, The American Legion has increased its presence at VA events 

to address issues surrounding gender specific issues.

Accredited Representatives 

In completing VA Form 21-22, “Power of Attorney,” the claimant appoints The 

American Legion as 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. 

Accredited Representatives of The American Legion provide formal representation in 

claims before VA regional offices or the Board of Veterans Appeals. Their respective 

Departments have recommended these representatives for accreditation because of their 

knowledge, experience, and expertise in the field of federal benefit 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 Deputy 

Director for Claims Service, as Assistant National Certifying Officer, will review and 

forward the request to the General Counsel of VA 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 
389

receive official notification of this action from VA. The accreditation will remain in 

effect until such time as the Director, National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation 

Commission receive 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 VA’s General List of 

Accredited Representatives—VA Information Bulletin IB 2-51. During the reporting 

period 213 requests for accreditation and 58 requests for cancellation were received from 

the Departments and submitted to VA for necessary action. As of June 30, 2009, there 

were 2,146 Accredited Representatives of The American Legion with 15 pending 

accreditation. Any questions concerning the proper procedure 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.

Personnel and Organization

The following changes occurred in the Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Division 

at the Washington office from July 1, 2008 through July 31, 2009.

New hire for the Field Service Unit was Antonio Merrick. Andrew Tramontana was 

promoted to Assistant Director for DoD Outreach and heads up The American Legion 

Heroes To Hometowns Program.

New hires and/or promotions at the BVA Unit included: 

Freddie Gessner, Appeals Representative

Rebecca Jonilionis, Appeals Representative

Catherine Trombley, Appeals Representative

Verna Jones, Appeals Representative

Harvey Taylor, Team Leader (Promotion)

The most current table of organization of the National Veterans Affairs and 

Rehabilitation Commission as of June 30, 2009, is as follows:

Director.............................................................................................................................. 1 

Administrative Assistant............................................................................................... 1 

Deputy Director for Health Care ....................................................................................... 1 

Assistant Director for Health Care..................................................................................... 1 

Field Representatives.................................................................................................... 3 

Secretary....................................................................................................................... 1 

Deputy Director for Claims Services................................................................................. 1 

Assistant Director for Claims Services .......................................................................... 1 

Administrative Assistant................................................................................................ 1 

Supervisor, Review and Correction Boards....................................................................... 1 

Review Board Representative....................................................................................... 2 

Secretary....................................................................................................................... 1 

Office Manager, Board of Vets. Appeals Unit................................................................... 1 

Appeals Representatives............................................................................................. 13

Secretaries .................................................................................................................... 3 

Medical Consultant....................................................................................................... 1 

Assistant Director for Program Management .................................................................... 1 
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Secretary....................................................................................................................... 1 

Assistant Director for Policy and Research ....................................................................... 1 

Assistant Director for DoD Outreach ................................................................................ 1 

Regional Office Manager ............................................................................................. 1 

Appeals Representatives............................................................................................... 2 

Secretary....................................................................................................................... 1 

Total Personnel—Washington office............................................................................. 40

Insurance Field Office: Philadelphia, PA

Chief of Insurance Activities ............................................................................................. 1 

Secretary/Transcriber......................................................................................................... 1 

Debt Management Center, St. Paul, MN

Supervisor..................................................................................................................... 1 

Secretary/Transcriber.................................................................................................... 1 

BDD Representative, Salt Lake City, UT.......................................................................... 1 

BDD Representative, Winston-Salem, NC ........................................................................ 1 

VA&R TOTAL.............................................................................................................. 46

Staff Field Assignments

The staff of the National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission, including 

the director, deputy directors and assistant directors attended various Legion functions 

around the country, such as the National Convention, Department Conventions, 

Department Seminars and Service Officers Schools, the Conferences and fact-finding 

trips. The Field Service staff conducted hospital visits along with The System Worth 

Saving Task Force and the Claims Service section conducted quality review site visits of 

several VA Regional Offices. Select VA&R staff attended the Annual 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.

Six Certificates of Appreciation have been awarded during the period July 1, 2008, 

through June 30, 2009, for an overall total of 1,318 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 National 

Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Director at any time; the Director, acting for the 

Chairman and members of the Commission, issues the award.

Thirty-Two Citations For Meritorious Service And Loyal Cooperation In The 

American Legion’s Veterans Affairs And Rehabilitation Program Were Presented During 
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The Period July 1, 2008 To June 30, 2009. Since This Type Of Recognition And 

Appreciation Began, 5,056 Citations For Meritorious Service Have Been Presented.

DoD Outreach: The Heroes to Hometowns Program

The Assistant Director of DOD Outreach has maintained a working relationship 

with representatives from the Office of the Secretary of Defense’s Military Community 

and Family Policy office, the newly formed Wounded Warrior Resource Center, the 

National Guard Family Bureau, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Veterans Affairs 

State Directors and The American Legion Departments to promote the Heroes to 

Hometowns program and rally support for severely injured service members returning 

from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. 

In August 2006, the Military Severely Injured Center was closed. A new agency was 

formed in accordance with the FY-08 Defense Authorization Act, Sec.1616, establishing 

the Wounded Warrior Resource Center (WWRC). The Secretary of Defense established 

the Wounded Warrior Resource Center to provide wounded warriors, their families, and 

their primary caregivers with a single point of contact for assistance for reporting 

deficiencies, such as Military Facilities, Health Care Services, Benefits Information, and 

any other difficulties encountered while supporting wounded warriors. The Assistant 

Director of DOD Outreach recently moved The American Legion Office from the 

WWRC to the State Liaisons Office under Military Community and Family Policy 

(MC&FP), to establish a current, functional, and revised Memorandum of Understanding 

between the Department of Defense and The American Legion. The American Legion 

representative at the MC&FP Office maintains a presence at the Arlington facility 2 

times per week, processing assistance requests forwarded through Military OneSource, 

and plays a vital role in the development of the WWRC National Resource Directory. 

The Wounded Warrior Resource Center works in conjunction with Military OneSource, 

also located in the Court House facility, and has offices throughout the nation. 

The Assistant Director of DOD Outreach is responsible for linking injured service 

members with local legionnaires in their hometowns. In order to raise awareness for the 

program at the state-level, an American Legion representative from each department is 

charged with coordinating The American Legion’s department support with the State 

Veterans Affairs office and the National Guard Family State Office.

Departments from around the country have met several relief agencies, private 

philanthropists, and various charitable foundations, building large networks nationally, 

and their local areas. DOD sponsored Heroes to Hometowns meetings throughout the 

United States. 

Several Job Fairs have been hosted around the nation, by the respective Department 

Heroes to Hometowns committee members. These Job Fairs have played an intreccal part 

in the Heroes to Hometowns outreach program, reaching out to thousands of veterans.

Milestones

February 2009

x Supported ‘Cell Phones for Soldiers’ at George Washington University 

x Supported ‘Lakeshore Foundation’ 2009 Lima Foxtrot Programs for Injured 

Military Service Members

x Acquired Coordinators for all ten Heroes to Hometowns VA Voluntary 

Services Pilot Program sites for the first time since the inception of the pilot 

program in 2008.
392 x Supported Operation Warfighter in conducting a job fair at Walter Reed 

Army Medical Center.

x Participated at the Community Reintegration Summit, which focused on 

Service Members and Veterans returning to civilian life

March 2009

x Participated at the 86th National VA&R Conference and related meetings in 

conjunction with the Forty-ninth Annual Washington Conference.

x April 2009

x Attended the United States Olympic Committee’s Paralympic Division’s 

“Developing Amazing Leaders” in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

May 2009

x Attended The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans 13th Annual 

Conference 

x Attended The American Legion Spring National Executive Meeting and 

gave briefing on the H2H program to VA&R Commission.

x Granted approval to begin the collection of funds to be allocated directly to 

the Heroes to Hometowns Program.

x Attended ‘Quality of Life Foundation’ event in Quantico, VA.

June 2009

x Held initial meeting for the 2009 Heroes to Hometowns Golf Tournament.

x Visited Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Florida in order to obtain 

information on Navy Family Programs.

x Revised the Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of 

Defense and The American Legion’s Heroes to Hometowns Program.

x Established reporting ‘Standard Operating Procedure’ for the processing, 

oversight and case management of H2H Assistance Request Applications.

x Revised all Heroes to Hometowns materials and provided new content for 

the revised H2H website that will be accessible in August of 2009.

The American Legion Auxiliary

This was a year of HOPE; a year where amazing things happened by members of 

the American Legion Auxiliary in our efforts to honor our promises everyday (our 

promises to America’s veterans, America’s children, our communities and The American 

Legion).

Each year the national president selects a special project and this year that project 

was to secure more volunteers volunteering more hours at VA medical centers across 

America. Although we remain the largest auxiliary that volunteers at the VA, our 

volunteer hours have declined. That is why we launched a “Call to Action” this year—to 

energize more members to become active in volunteering.

In order to assist departments, we budgeted a small amount of grant money to assist 

with recruiting and retaining VAVS volunteers. Not a give-away, but a process requiring 

detailed planning to determine tactics to be used in recruiting volunteers and increasing 

hours. We can be extremely proud of the thousands of volunteer hours provided by 

auxiliary members.

As well, we are extremely proud of our continued national co-sponsorship of the 

VA’s Creative Arts Festival. Creative arts are an extension of therapy in the visual, 

performing and creative writing arts and this VA program really works. However, our 

VA&R efforts go beyond the festival.
393

As an example, we began the year with a signed MOU with the Corporation for 

National and Community Service. Since signing that agreement the Auxiliary requested

and received a grant from VISTA. With that grant, VISTA volunteers will help the 

organization develop tools to recruit and engage more members in volunteering. In 

essence, we have 20 paid, skilled professionals...at no charge to us...to help us fulfill our 

mission. Now that’s “HOPE

Adapting to needs demanded of a changing society requires an aggressive strategic 

planning effort. I’m proud to say that the work of our members engaged in three major 

areas remains strong.

We are moving from the philosophy of our members doing everything...to a 

cooperative effort to become THE gateway for information, programs and services. That 

means, when a veteran or active duty military or their family needs help, the Auxiliary 

will have the answers. We’ll lovingly walk those we serve through the 

bureaucracy...regardless if help comes from one of our programs or another source.

In the coming months departments will receive an initial compilation of resources to 

help accomplish just that, the beginning of a long term project that will increase our 

service outreach.

Training for unit and department operational standards is critical. While we are a 

grass roots organization we must have a sense of continuity from unit to unit and 

department to department. The committee right now is developing a model that will work 

for every department, large or small.

 And we’re not just talking; we’re doing! For example, at Awareness Assembly this 

year we participated in our own, custom interactive learning session named “Mission:

Transition.” It featured video clips of current and former military and their families and a

series of questions and answers. Each attendee received a copy of the game on an 

Auxiliary thumb drive. It’s a great way to learn.

The final area of effort supports the first two: leverage technology to improve 

operations and communications. We will soon be launching an updated, enhanced 

website and a new member information management system.

” turned into reality! The Corporation for National and 

Community Service has a goal to eliminate poverty in America. The American Legion 

Auxiliary goal is to eliminate poverty for veterans and their families. What a perfect fit.

Serving veterans and their families remains our top priority. This partnership will enable 

us to recruit more members, increase volunteers, and remain firmly rooted in our heritage 

of service to God and country.

Our nation and the world have come a long way in communications technology. We 

are embracing change to meet the demands of tomorrow and to ensure that we remain 

relevant. Our goal is to remain high touch as well as high tech while securing our rich 

tradition of service.

All across the United States our members are volunteering in veterans homes 

providing needed support for older veterans. And their care mirrors that provided by the 

staff at these homes: It is delivered with respect, dignity and thankfulness, for the service 

rendered by earlier generations.

This was a historic year in so many ways. It was an honor to represent the American 

Legion Auxiliary for the historic presidential inauguration; and to mark the 200th birthday 

of Abraham Lincoln at his tomb in Springfield, Ill.; overseas in remembering the 65th

anniversary of D-Day, and walking among the crosses of Flanders Field with reverence.

We have accomplished much since our founding days. However, we MUST 

continue to stride boldly forward with our passion to serve the needs of a new generation, 

needs that can only be met by ENERGIZED members who are committed to 
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RECONNECTING and ENERGIZING others in our never-ending quest to serve 

veterans, their families and their communities.

AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY

National President Desireé Stoy, Perrysville, Ohio

Only a short time remains in this administrative year. As I reflect on the thousands 

of dollars and hours volunteered by our members, I continue to be amazed by what we 

are able to accomplish for America’s veterans, military families and our children. This 

president asked you to Honor Our Promises Everyday and you did just that. Please know 

that your deeds have had a huge impact on the lives of those you serve.

As the 88th national president of the American Legion Auxiliary, it was a privilege 

to serve with and for you to accomplish the many goals we strived to accomplish this 

year.

As a special project this year, we strove to increase the number of volunteers and 

volunteer hours in VA Medical Centers across the country. Success was achieved in 

many departments as they put together plans to breathe new life into their recruitment 

efforts and promoted new levels of volunteering. We remain the largest VSO Auxiliary to 

volunteer in the VAVS program.

Another tremendous accomplishment was the development of our partnership with 

the Corporation for National and Community Service. The potential for our organization 

to help eliminate poverty for veterans and military families while developing tools and 

training methods to recruit, retain and engage members has the potential to help us meet 

the challenges of tomorrow. Many departments will benefit firsthand by their 

participation, and all departments will benefit from the tools and training methods 

developed.

From a financial standpoint, each and every year our organization raises thousands 

of dollars in support of many worthwhile programs, and this year was no different. 

During these hard economic times, we faced some real challenges as we focused our 

efforts on financial goals to support our own programs (our own scholarships and AEF) 

and to meet our financial obligation as a national co-sponsor of the National Veterans 

Creative Arts Festival. As well, we strove to do more with less by controlling expenses 

and eliminating unnecessary expenses where possible. Kudos to National Headquarters 

and volunteers who supported our cost-saving goals and successfully implemented 

additional cost-saving measures.

It truly has been an amazing year, and I look forward to recognizing and celebrating 

our successes with you during our national convention. But even more importantly, I 

encourage each of you to share the information provided in this publication with your 

family and friends, neighbors and members of your community so they too may see our 

impact in community after community. Congratulations on a job well done!

National Vice President

Rita Navarreté, Albuquerque, New Mexico

The office of vice president is one that I took very seriously and continue to perform 

to the best of my ability supporting not only the organization’s programs but those 

additional responsibilities that require my participation. 

The year reflects work that has enhanced my working knowledge of the operations 

of both the volunteer and staff levels. I am proud to report that many accomplishments 

have been made during the year.
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The first challenge given was serving as chairman of the Search Committee when 

former National Secretary Pam Gilley gave notice of her resignation the day after the 

national convention. An aggressive action plan was developed and followed to have an 

individual selected by December 2008. The job was accomplished and Mary “Dubbie” 

Buckler was selected and reported to duty on Jan. 22, 2009.

National vice president assignments provide opportunities that enhance knowledge 

of the organization and also of the programs of The American Legion. Year-end report is 

as follows:

x National Commander’s Testimony, Sept. 10-11, 2008, Washington, D. C. 

(The Legislative Agenda with Congress)

x National Commander’s Homecoming, Sept. 12-14, 2008, in Des Moines, 

Iowa, where my husband, Tony and I joined the national president in 

representing the organization. 

x National Veterans Creative Arts Festival in Riverside, Calif., Oct. 24-26, 

2008.

x Presidents & Secretaries Conference, Oct. 12-15, 2008.

x National President’s Homecoming, Columbus, Ohio,

x Oct. 16-19, 2008. An honor to present at the banquet a gift from the national 

officers, chairmen and Past National Presidents—a stained glass mural of her 

official pin—HOPE.

x Veterans Day 2009—represented the national president by attending the 

events planned by The Veterans Day Council of Indianapolis, which 

included the morning ceremony, parade and the 44th Annual Veterans Day 

Banquet. Once again, a networking opportunity to demonstrate support for 

our veterans at the National Headquarters city.

x Foundation Board Meeting Nov. 15-16, 2008, Indianapolis, to further 

conduct business and work on strategic plan.

x Inauguration Events in D.C., Jan. 18-20, 2009. What an opportunity for both 

me and my husband Tony to witness the swearing in ceremonies of the 44th 

President of the United States, Barack Obama. We joined National President 

Desi and husband Tim in attending the scheduled events made possible by 

The American Legion. A highlight was attending the Salute to Heroes Ball, 

an event sponsored by The American Legion since 1953 where Medal of 

Honor recipients are honored (47 present).

x Awareness Assembly activities and serving as Hostess at the Public Spirit 

Award Luncheon where National President Desi honored two guests: 

Michele Cuppy, president, Sew Much Comfort; and Morrill Worchester, 

Wreaths Across America.

x U.S. Naval Academy Award Presentation, Annapolis, Md., May 21, 2009.

Represented the organization for the presentation of the Women’s Swimmer 

MVP Award to Midshipman First Class Erika Hubbard of Madison, Wisc. 

In preparing for the position of national president, pre-planning activities are 

scheduled and include National Chairman’s Meeting 2009-2010 in April 2009; 

Membership 2009-2010 Workshop in May 2009; site visit for National Veterans Creative 

Arts Festival, San Antonio, Texas in June 2009; and Finance Committee FY 10 meeting 

in June 2009. I attended The American Legion Membership Workshop July 31 to Aug. 1, 

2009, and remained in Indianapolis to attend the Strategic Planning meeting Aug. 2.
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It has been an honor to serve the organization as national vice president and to work 

with President Desi in a year of Honoring Our Promises Everyday!

National Chaplain

Cherita Potter, Seaside, Oregon

Our theme of faith, hope and love was truly taken to heart by every department. I am 

proud of the tireless efforts of our units, districts and departments to make the 

commitment to help others by sharing prayers of faith, promises of hope and love for one 

another with caring attitudes and giving hearts. 

Our prayer chain across America was in service daily, for those in need of prayer, 

encouraging words or a helping hand. Working together as an American Legion Family 

was reported in most departments. Junior Auxiliary and SAL members were included in 

holiday events and memorial services and Chapel of Four Chaplains services.

The chaplains’ conference in September was fun and educational for everyone who 

attended. We discussed the duties and qualities needed in being an effective chaplain. We 

shared ideas and enjoyed the interaction with The American Legion chaplains. This was a 

great way to start our year working together and acknowledging the value and 

importance of each other. 

The roundtable presentations at the Presidents & Secretaries Conference gave us a 

chance to get acquainted and provided an opportunity to gather and pass on information 

we needed. 

The mid-year reports were wonderful to read and see just how busy these ladies are, 

especially during the holidays. 

Year-end reports were received from 48 departments. The 6,866 units reported 

donations of $17,473 for the Chapel of Four Chaplains and $160,471 in memorial 

donations to a variety of organizations and many programs of the American Legion 

Auxiliary.

Charters were draped and memorial services were held. We are saddened by the loss 

of 7,150 senior members, 26 Junior members 44 Gold Star mothers as well as Past 

National President Ione Kubby from the Department of Texas. 

Some of the challenges seem to be getting contact information for department 

chaplains and communicating regularly with those who do not have email. The highlight 

of my year was the new tradition started by Jeri Brooks Greenwell of giving the 

invocation in the House of Representatives in Washington, D.C.

From the reports I received, the Reflections page in HomeFront magazine is a 

valuable tool and is used by a large number of chaplains.

This has been a very rewarding year and the insight and mentoring by past national 

chaplains Jeri and Conney was very much appreciated and I hope to follow in their 

footsteps. This is not a job that can be done by one person alone. I have shared so many 

wonderful moments with department chaplains from across this nation, and I will cherish 

each one of you for all you do and will continue to do.
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National Historian

Marian Webster, Newaygo, Michigan

HOPE: These four letters are what American Legion Auxiliary historians lived by 

this administrative year 2008-2009. “Honoring Our Promise Everyday” by recording 

promises to community, state and nation. Including promises to veterans, children and 

youth.

I began the year as national historian with the intention to make writing the history 

of the Auxiliary as simple could be. There seems to be a bit of dread, skepticism and 

plain fear about one of the most important jobs and responsibilities of this organization. 

If you were one of the members chosen as historian on any level, you should be proud 

that your peers are honoring you with this responsibility.

The challenge this year was to have 100 percent reporting. We came close with 47 

out of 53 departments filing an annual report. Those reporting had several suggestions to 

secure facts and figures. Making writing easier by recording day to day, week to week, 

etc., all that your units, districts and department do. Others suggested a special notebook 

for recordkeeping. One of the most mentioned was to write “IT” down as soon as it 

happens. This applies to all historians, not just those of us who are growing a bit in age.

Histories of 838 units were written, 533 being submitted for competition. Junior 

historians wrote 42 histories with 36 entered in competition.

There were two projects to work on this year as historians.

No. 1, writing/recording the history. No. 2 was taking an active part in the Veterans 

History Project of interviewing and recording our veterans’ experiences during their time 

of service. Hearing and recording the events that friends, relatives and even strangers 

were a part of during the wars brought love, respect and an admiration between 

interviewer and interviewee. One hundred seventy-six units interviewed 360 veterans for 

this project. Of this number, 317 were interviewed by senior members and 43 were 

interviewed by Junior members.

The Department of Ohio did a great job with this project. It was titled, “W.O.W., 

The Wonderful Ohio Women.” They interviewed female veterans in the state—what a 

wonderful idea fulfilled.

The history of HOPE will be compiled from 48 reports of the national president’s 

visit to 48 departments. Among those reports were facts that President Desi does like 

lobster and tried sharing by phone to husband Tim the sound of the ocean pounding on 

the beach. She earned her first volunteer hours in the Department of Oregon.

The histories received represent ALL THAT YOU DO. It would take volumes to 

record it, but I will include much of it in the “National History Book” to honor my 

promise as national historian to Desi Stoy, national president of the American Legion 

Auxiliary 2008-2009.

National Secretary

Mary “Dubbie” Buckler, Indianapolis, Indiana

The first six months since I joined the leadership team of the American Legion 

Auxiliary has been a whirlwind of activity. Facing the realities of a revenue shortfall 

approaching 15%, ALA Headquarters pulled together to find ways to cut, curtail, and 

postpone expenditures. We are meeting the challenges of doing more with less, making 

sacrifices, and saving the organization nearly 20% in budgeted expenses.

It’s been a privilege to get to know the terrific people who staff the organization, 

learning their passion and talents, thinking outside the box, and together coming up with 

a new team approach for the requisite and developing activities that capitalize on 
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individual strengths. At your ALA Headquarters, we are indeed ENERGIZED with a 

renewed esprit de corps, pulling together as the creative solutions and customer service 

support system for the entire organization. 

I am thrilled that we have accomplished a first for the ALA—an infusion of a $ half 

million-dollar federal grant that is bringing 20 Volunteers in Service to America to 

launch the American Legion Auxiliary Call to Service Corps. Several departments are 

enthusiastically participating as field sites in this inaugural effort to reach out to military 

families and veterans facing poverty. The ALA Call to Service Corps also will bring 

talented, experienced individuals dedicating a year of service as VISTA volunteers to 

help the ALA build its capacity to expand our volunteer base, which means developing 

membership toolkits that will benefit every department and unit to attract, retain, and 

engage members. The program is fully funded by the federal government with no 

expenditures required by the organization. The Corporation for National and Community 

Service is paying the living expenses of the VISTA volunteers, their travel and their 

training, and also funding and providing valuable training to the supervisors in the 

departments and at National Headquarters. The passion for the ALA Call to Service 

Corps among the participating department and National Headquarters supervisors is 

exciting. We are ENERGIZED as we launch this initiative that provides human resources 

to implement many elements of our strategic plan and the plans of action! 

The design of the new American Legion Auxiliary Management Information System 

(ALA MIS) is progressing with implementation at test sites scheduled for spring 2010. 

The Strategic Planning Technology Team, IT experts, and our departments have provided 

invaluable input via meetings, conversations, online surveys, and site visits. We are 

maintaining widespread involvement of our members, staff, and experts to ensure this 

critical project is successful. In concert with the development of the ALA MIS, the ALA 

Web site is undergoing a much needed redesign with the same level of widespread input. 

We are working in harmony with The American Legion which also is redesigning the 

Legion’s and Sons of the American Legion’s Web sites. We are ENERGIZED to ensure 

stellar outcomes!

After reviewing the results of our past fundraising efforts, we have now begun a 

new approach to direct mail that is more cost beneficial to the ALA. Six new member 

benefits were added and two were enhanced, offering members more opportunities for 

special services and discounts. And regarding the effectiveness of our communications, I 

have heard you loud and clear! We have restarted our online news and are taking steps to 

improve the magazine.

As the American Legion Auxiliary begins to celebrate 90 years of service to 

veterans, let us reflect on how we are investing our hearts, our time, and our money. 

Through our outreach programs, we have served more than 930,000 veterans. That’s a 

ratio of more than one veteran helped by EVERY member of the ALA! We have 

collectively contributed more than $6 million to benefit our veterans. We have 

collectively volunteered nearly 2 million hours to support our veterans. We have raised 

nearly $2 million by distributing more than 5 million poppies made by veterans, to 

benefit veterans. Collectively, we’ve awarded more than $1 million in scholarships, 

contributed more than $1 million to Operation Military Kids, volunteered nearly a 

million hours to youth programs, volunteered more than 2 million hours in community 

service projects, and awarded more than $200,000 to help our members in crisis through 

the Auxiliary Emergency Fund.

At the grassroots across this great country, the ALA embodies Service Not Self to 

honor the sacrifice of those who serve. Our hearts are invested. Our time is invested. I am 
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proud to be a member of the ALA and The American Legion Family. Let’s ENERGIZE 

and invest in our ability to grow and do more to enhance the lives of our veterans, our 

military, and their families both at home and abroad!

Americanism Committee

Coral May Grout, Winchendon, Massachusetts

“I know that when I make a positive impact on a girl, it makes a positive impact on 

the family, and that makes a positive impact on my community.”—Madison Burke, 2009 

American Legion Girl Scout Achievement Award winner.

Members of more than more than 4,500 units joined National President Desireé Stoy 

as we “Honored Our Promises Everyday” to our enlisted and veterans, their families, and 

their communities throughout this past year.

In early March, we welcomed 55 students from 31 departments to the Americanism 

Youth Conference at Valley Forge. In addition, 12 students representing Operation 

Military Kids joined the Auxiliary representatives for four days of action-packed learning 

experiences.

Units across our country responded to our plea for more applications for the Girl 

Scout Achievement Award. As a result, the judges reviewed 40 top-notch applications, 

which was more than double the number of applicants from the previous year.

1,527 units participated in the Americanism Essay Contest, involving 8,062 hours 

and more than $34,000. As a result of everyone’s efforts, 19,137 essays were submitted 

this year.

The pocket flag project has achieved huge success and appreciation from our 

military. A total of 482 units spent $45,164 and 20,111 hours to make 306,166 flags 

which were mailed to our servicemen and women. Gold Star and Blue Star Banners also 

were popular projects, with 1,530 units reporting expenditures of $22,955 and 3,154 

volunteer hours. 4,526 banners were presented.

The presentation of flags to schools and organizations involved 3236 units. They 

expended $54,332 and 7,484 hours of volunteer time to distribute 67,225 flags across our 

land. Units also participated in numerous Americanism programs and activities in our 

nation’s schools. Examples included voting programs, patriotic activities, and flag 

education. The number of units participating was 2,313, with expenditures of $96,703 

and nearly 39,000 volunteer hours.

Our members supported military families heavily, with 2,239 units spending 

$624,093 on various projects and activities for military families, including Operation 

Military Kids. A total of 61,728 volunteer hours were logged in support of this part of our 

Americanism effort. In addition, 290 units participated in the “Month of the Military 

Child” with funds expended totaling $16,471 and 3,965 volunteer hours.

1,279 units included Juniors in their programs, spending $27,416 and devoting 

7,317 volunteer hours to junior Americanism activities. 

Units helped with American Legion programs as well. Sixty-nine units assisted with 

the junior shooting sports program, spending $7,750 and 3,476 volunteer hours; the 

oratorical contest with 357 units spending $10,299 and 3,387 volunteer hours; and the 

baseball program with 392 units spending $60,591 and 11,600 volunteer hours.

The “Get Out the Vote” was popular, given the election year. $18,410 was spent 

with 24,972 volunteer hours by 1,653 units.

The most popular component of the Americanism program involved support for 

patriotic holiday observances. Here, 3,906 units spent $188,063 and 73,900 volunteer 

hours promoting patriotism at holiday gatherings and activities.
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Auxiliary Emergency Fund Committee

Martha Corriher, China Grove, North Carolina

If we lived in a perfect world, there would be no floods, no fires, and no sickness. 

All of God’s creatures would have everything they need and would want for nothing. We 

don’t live in a perfect world, and there are floods, fires, sickness, homeless and jobless 

Americans in every corner of this great nation. Even when people think there is no hope 

or help, the American Legion Auxiliary can stand tall and be proud knowing the grants 

we give from the Auxiliary Emergency Fund put Auxiliary members back on the road to 

happier times.

Thirty-three departments reported activities to raise awareness of the Auxiliary 

Emergency Fund. As of June 30, 2009, contributions to the AEF totaled $169,616.01, 

just shy of the goal of $212,155.75. Eighteen departments exceeded their proposed goal 

for donations. The time and energy shown by our members to this program remind me of 

the Energizer Bunny. It takes a lickin’, but keeps on tickin’. More than 200 grants were 

awarded with a total amount of $200,812.58 being disbursed. One grant was returned 

stating, “I was misdiagnosed and feel that I can make it through this time without the 

money. May God bless all of you for your readiness and commitment to families like 

mine.” We are making a difference in lives all across America. This reminds me of 1 

Timothy 6:18, “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous 

and willing to share.” 

Eighteen reports were received for the 40th Anniversary Award for the Most 

Creative Fund Raiser. Various events for the AEF included raffles, bake sales, dinner 

dances, bingo, motorcycle runs, rummage sales and even getting Past Department 

Presidents involved in the USS Ducklee Do Right Race. You planned and executed 

successful events and are to be commended for a job well done. It seems you followed 

the verse from Acts 20:35: In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard 

work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: “It is 

more blessed to give than to receive.”

This quote by Winston Churchill is one we all should live by: “We make a living by 

what we get. We make a life by what we give.”

Cavalcade of Memories Committee

Katherine Morris, Houston, Texas

The National Cavalcade of Memories has become a lot more meaningful as our 

organization ages. It is imperative that we preserve the history of the American Legion 

Auxiliary. Cavalcade of Memories gives us the visual proof of the Auxiliary’s 

accomplishments, past and present.

There is no annual report required. Seven departments—Arizona, Florida, Georgia, 

Iowa, Indiana and Puerto Rico—shared their department accomplishments:

Florida reported a unit that asked their members to bring in any Auxiliary 

memorabilia saying, “Let us check it out before you throw it out.” They collected many 

items for their display.

Another unit in Florida displays its Cavalcade of Memories at the public library in 

May for all the public to see. What an excellent way of showing off the memories of their 

unit.

Iowa reported the unit’s history books and history scrapbooks of memories, way 

back in time, are on display and safe keeping at the county historical society military 
401

room in the museum. One of the scrapbooks is 50 years old and is checked for any 

deterioration periodically. 

Georgia reported its newly elected department president insisted on cleaning out 

their storage closet that they would be setting up a Cavalcade of Memories display. The 

more they cleaned, the more they realized that they had all of those awards, scrapbooks, 

history books, etc., stored that should be on display. They arranged the awards to be put 

on the walls of their meeting room. When finished, they had four rows of awards that are 

each 16 feet long.

Due to the lack of space, when donating to the National Cavalcade of Memories, 

please follow the Guidelines for Donations.

Children & Youth Committee

Kris Nelson, Baxter, Minnesota

Honoring our promises to children across the country was accomplished in a variety 

of ways. Units honored young people with 32 Youth Hero Awards and 61 Good Deed 

Awards. These young people came to the aid of their peers and their communities putting 

service first. When presented the awards, many were very humble, saying that “anyone 

would have done it” and that they just happened to be there to offer assistance. Our 

country is blessed to have young people of this caliber already sharing their leadership 

skills for the benefit of service not self. 

Opportunities were given to students to write letters to veterans on Veterans Day, to 

crochet squares for afghans to present to children in an oncology ward, and to work with 

Auxiliary members assisting youth in schools, community centers, and post homes.

Units hosted a variety of fundraising activities for Operation Military Kids, 

Children’s Miracle Network, Child Welfare Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, 

Songs of Love, Make-A-Wish Foundation and Special Olympics. Units hosted safety 

forums, adopted classrooms and daycare centers, purchased books for classrooms and 

libraries, and volunteered their time and treasure to homeless shelters, homes for abused 

women and children, and local food pantries. One unit donated quilts for crack-babies 

born in local hospitals. Several units donated stuffed animals to emergency response 

personnel to use when children experienced trauma. Halloween parties were hosted to 

offer community children a safe Halloween experience. Military kids were given 

scholarships to attend “Operation Purple” summer camps. Blankets were donated to 

newborn babies in local hospitals and distributed to homeless shelters for children and 

teenagers.

Providing for the basic needs of children was accomplished through donations of 

warm winter clothing, school supplies and donations to local food shelves. Several 

families were offered financial assistance. Josh Dogs, stuffed animals and Spinoza Bears 

were given to hospitalized children across the country. Baby showers were hosted for 

military moms, angel trees for children’s Christmas presents, and backpacks full of 

goodies for military kids. One unit purchased defibrillators for local schools. Units 

donated toys and clothing for underprivileged children throughout the holiday seasons. 

Members donated grants to foster children for special items they otherwise might not 

have. Units sponsored swimming lessons, school sports fees, membership fees for youth 

clubs, and funds for music and dance lessons.

Enjoying life is vital to children’s development, and Auxiliary members provided 

this by hosting holiday parties, sponsoring youth groups, Girl Scout and Boy Scout 

troops, and Legion baseball teams. One unit sponsored an “old-fashioned” Christmas 

celebration complete with sleigh rides, movies, and a visit from Santa. Going-away 
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parties were hosted for the families of deployed soldiers. Units hosted pizza parties at 

school, funded prom and graduations parties, and opened their post homes for sleep-overs 

for youth groups and holiday parties.

Yes, our members embraced the philosophy that, “A hundred years from now it will 

not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I 

drove ... but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child!”

Community Service Committee

Sharon Conatser, Champaign, Illinois

Volunteerism is not new to our members. Our willingness to work on the behalf of 

others is just a part of who we are. This report is compiled from the 31 department 

reports received.

With the veterans being the focus of our organization, our units stepped up to the 

plate with 1,967 volunteers serving 152,165.8 hours showing community support for our 

troops and 2,928 volunteers served 286,670.02 hours serving the community that 

veterans secured for us. The total spent on this portion of the program was $680,366. 

Proving that each community is unique, our members reported a smorgasbord of 

activities for their individual community needs. The volunteers numbered 2,755, spent 

$633,272 and totaled 492,819.5 hours providing volunteer service in their community.

Food pantries, homeless shelters and domestic violence centers numbers reflected 

the hard economic times of the past year. $654,754.37 was spent with members serving 

226,673 hours helping in these areas.

Habitat for Humanity, Make a Difference Day, Adopt-a-Highway, senior citizens 

center and nursing homes are supported by units across this great country. 5,429 

dedicated volunteers served 522,278 hours with $628,095.20 spent by the units.

With the Community Service program, there are many ways to serve your 

community. The totals that were reported are as follows: 29,060 volunteers; 2,133,274.2 

hours served; contributions totaled $3,211,949.65 by the units.

One unit chairman ended her report by saying “You don’t have to spend a lot of 

money to make a difference; you just need to try!” Another says, “Love in our 

organization for veterans and each other is an important part of Community Service.”

Remember: There is no beginning and no end in service for our veterans and our 

communities.

As you can see, our volunteers are working very hard. Just imagine what our 

numbers would have been if the other departments would have reported. With our 

dedicated volunteers, our veterans and our communities will be taken care of.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the 

world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”—Margaret Mead

Constitution & Bylaws Committee

Nancy Brown-Park, Novato, California

When each member understands and has her own copy of our governing document 

the National Constitution & Bylaws committee will have succeeded.

The C&B goals this year were to encourage units and departments to understand and 

use the governing documents at all levels of our organization. They accomplished this by 

dividing up the key documents, studied their part and presented them in fun and 

informative ways during leadership workshops, unit and department meetings.
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Department Chairman found that knowledge makes the organization run smoothly.

Information was supplied on how members could order their own set of documents, 

encouraged units to give new members a set of documents and encouraged prizes for 

those who complied. 

Units worked with their American Legion Posts to establish open communication to 

better understand their governing documents to help create a better working environment. 

The Department Constitution and Bylaws Chairman worked hard this year training, 

re-writing, and working to take out the mystery of our Governing Documents. 

Diane Delashmit from the Department of California when asked for a quote shared: 

I personally like the quote from Maya Angelou “When you know better, you do 

better.” Everyone should be familiar with their C&B on all levels of our organization. It 

would solve a lot of problems and issues.

Education Committee

Janet Jefford, Manchester, Connecticut

Education encompasses the imparting of knowledge, good judgment, wisdom and 

culture from generation to generation. By Honoring Our Promise Everyday, members 

have been playing a very decisive role in the shaping of our youth and the culture of 

America.

Through our literacy and reading programs, members demonstrate the importance of 

reading and share their love of books and a good story. 865 units reported volunteering 

82,880 hours and donating more than $47,000 to this effort. In Chula Vista, Calif., Unit 

434 participated in Read Across America by visiting 20 local schools and reading Dr. 

Seuss books to students. In Georgia, students were encouraged to Read For Success for 

600 minutes. As a reward, they received a one-day pass to Six Flags amusement park.

Bilingual members in California translated the Auxiliary scholarship and education 

materials into Spanish and are actively involved in teaching English as a Second 

Language. Congratulations go to the 154 Junior groups that participated in literacy 

activities and to the 100 Junior members who earned the new Junior Education Patch.

Realizing that promoting education beyond the high school level is an investment in 

our future, units and departments have worked to provide financial assistance to students 

in the form of scholarships. One of our goals this year was to increase the numbers of 

applications for all national scholarships and to encourage departments and units to 

provide scholarship opportunities in their local communities. I am proud to report that in 

the 35 departments reporting, 299 scholarships totaling more than $201,000 were 

awarded. Units awarded 1,426 scholarships valued at more than $872,000 and donated 

another $163,000 to other worthy scholarship programs. Donations totaling $35,777 were 

sent to the National Presidents Scholarship Fund, with the Departments of Wisconsin, 

Tennessee, New York and Delaware leading the way. To help students and parents learn 

more about financial aid, more than 8,000 Need-A-Lift? Books and Guides for Students 

and Parents were distributed to high school students.

All departments reported participating in the Give 10 to Education program. 394 

citations were sent to units in recognition of their donations of items ranging from school 

supplies to hand sanitizers. Units in Ohio even donated bags of socks, underwear and 

clothing to be used for “those little classroom accidents.” 

American Education Week continues to be a main focus. More than 1,100 units 

reported spending more than $67,000 and giving 13,000 volunteer hours to celebrate the 

week with local schools.
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162 units reported answering National President Desireé Stoy’s request to include 

the National Guard in their education programs. In North Dakota, members honored and 

recognized high school seniors who enlisted in the National Guard.

To support the Auxiliary’s mission, 513 units presented Veterans in the Classroom 

programs in more than 775 schools, spending $67,000. In Osage, Iowa, Unit 278 had five 

students dress in military uniforms from each branch of the service that were worn by 

Legion members during wartime. Other students were given the opportunity to try on 

uniforms and helmets that were part of a special exhibit.

Nelsen Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to 

change the world.” Through the efforts of our dedicated members, we are making this 

world a better place—one student at a time.

Finance Committee

Linda Boone, Milford, Delaware

This fiscal year has certainly had traumatic economic issues for our organization and 

the world. While our investment policies plan for ups and downs by ensuring diversity in 

types of investments, this economic environment created downturns in so many areas we 

suffered significant losses at the beginning of the year. Since then, the economic 

environment has assisted in some recovery but far from re-establishing our previous 

reserve level.

National Headquarters and volunteer leadership have worked together to reduce 

spending which has been a challenge to weigh and select options. The annual audit of 

FY09 will be included in the convention proceedings and I encourage you to review this 

financial data.

Developing and reviewing financial policies continued to be a priority activity with 

the committee to assist in eliminating risk with our financial activities. A new process to 

develop the annual budget was presented by the staff and adopted for the FY10 budget 

cycle to assist in decision making. 

As the nonprofit community learns more about the Internal Revenue Service’s new 

filing requirements, new policies and practices will need to be implemented to ensure 

compliance. One such requirement is establishing an Audit Committee. For the second 

year, the Finance Committee will be introducing a proposed Constitution & Bylaws 

amendment to add the Audit Committee, and we need the convention delegates to 

understand the significance and need for adoption. An Audit Committee assists the NEC 

in fulfilling its various fiduciary responsibilities relating to auditing, oversight of 

financial reports, and overall corporate governance and accountability.

The committee also is proposing a national dues increase to assist in the recovery 

from the economic downturn impact. The organization has been exceptional compared to 

other nonprofits by not increasing dues for 14 years. It is now time to ensure our financial 

future will support our mission of serving veterans and their families through financial 

stability.

Financial stability provides the organization with the ability to support our many 

valuable programs that have been the core of our mission for almost 90 years such as 

veterans affairs, children and youth, and our community involvement.
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Girls State Committee

Mary Davis, Lacey, Washington

Once again this year, thousands of dedicated American Legion Auxiliary members 

all across this great nation honored their promise to make a difference in the future of our 

country by preparing some of America’s best and brightest young women with the tools 

to better understand our democratic government. These leaders of our Girls State 

programs helped thousands of young students become informed citizens—better 

equipped to help preserve our republic.

This year, department Girls State directors and chairmen were challenged to include 

community preparedness, Salute the Troops, poppy education and military kids in their 

local programs. They accepted this challenge and achieved notable successes in their 

Girls State Programs. 

In the wake of recent disasters, several states also included community preparedness 

in their city projects. As one director noted after a successful beginning, “This is such a 

huge, important project. We have just begun this year but intend to continue to build on 

this foundation.”

Highlighting poppy programs, wreaths made by citizens and taken to VA and local 

cemeteries as citizens were taught the significance poppy holds for veterans.

Many departments worked to heighten awareness of the sacrifices of military 

service by awarding Blue Star Banners to Girls State citizens with family members 

serving in the military. The Department of Minnesota held a solemn and moving 

ceremony honoring our fallen heroes.

To show our support of our service personnel, many departments conducted a Salute 

the Troops. Departments invited active-duty members to visit where they were honored 

for their service. These events, sincerely appreciated by military personnel, gave our 

citizens a better understanding of sacrifices made by active-duty personnel and our 

nations’ veterans.

Another aspect of the Salute to the Troops included citizens writing letters to our 

servicemen and women currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. One Marine, SSgt Bret 

Earls, after receiving letters from the Oklahoma Girls State citizens, responded, “I 

personally read about 50 letters from the girls and it really lifted my spirits...you have 

touched our hearts in more ways than ...I ... can express. When the shells are coming in 

and we are hitting the bunkers, it’s letters like these that keep us remembering why we 

are here and what we are fighting for...”

Thanks to all of you who do so much for our Girls State Programs and the American 

Legion Auxiliary.

Junior Activities Committee

Kathy Dungan, Wesson, Mississippi

Our Juniors —Our HOPE Our Future—have done an outstanding job this year 

volunteering in their communities and serving our veterans and youth programs. The 

Auxiliary provides many avenues for Juniors to volunteer, and they are definitely making 

an impact. Forty departments reported that more than 800 Juniors participated in the 

Junior Patch Program, earning 2,100 patches. Two new patches were added this year: 

Education and National Security.

Juniors are enriching the lives of our veterans and military by assembling Hero 

Packs for their children, making and delivering cards to veterans hospitals, providing 

gifts and supplies to their families, hosting welcome-home events for our soldiers, 
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participating in the Veterans History Project, and honoring veterans in Veterans Day 

parades.

Approximately 285 Juniors participated in the Leadership Course. More than 2,200 

Community Service projects were reported totally 54,454 volunteer hours by Juniors. 

They are helping build their communities through volunteering. Projects included 

volunteering at blood drives, collecting/distributing clothing and blankets to the 

homeless, beautification projects, collecting thousands of pull tabs for the Ronald 

McDonald House, and participating in the pocket flag project. The list is endless!

An unknown author said, “Volunteers are not paid—not because they are worthless, 

but because they are priceless.” Our Juniors are priceless. They inspire others. Alabama 

Juniors collected 30 gallons of pull tabs for Joe Lee Griffin Hope Lodge. Iowa Juniors 

reported more than 10,849 volunteer hours. Juniors from Louisiana sold 400 Auxiliary 

bears, raising $4,000 for the Deployed Soldiers Family Relief Fund. Our Juniors are 

energized and ready to serve.

Helen Steiner Rice, said kindness is “someone who’s ready by thought, word, or 

deed to reach out a hand, in the hour of need.” To me, that sums up what our great 

organization is all about. Our Juniors are being trained early to carry on our mission of 

service, not self. Our future is in good hands.

Leadership Committee

Diane Duscheck, Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin

A Chinese proverb says, “Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner 

everywhere.” Leaders lead by example, being energetic, enthusiastic, excited to learn, 

and positive. In this ongoing program, units and departments educated and energized 

members, not necessarily so members would step into officer roles, but so they would be 

excited about the Auxiliary and increase their participation. Both newer and seasoned 

members expanded their base of knowledge about the Auxiliary and continued their 

personal development. That’s the basis of leadership.

Leadership annual reports were submitted by 3,786 units in 43 departments. Officer 

training was done in 1,615 units and program education occurred in 2,115 units. For 

members who wanted even more Auxiliary background and for those who were not able 

to attend training sessions, 579 units reported that 1178 members took the 

Correspondence Courses. At least three leadership mini training sessions were held 

during unit meetings in 493 units.

Members learn new skills best when those skills are demonstrated and practiced. 

Mentoring relationships were developed in 1,081 units. Seasoned chairmen spent time 

with new chairmen explaining programs and how to report volunteer hours--a concept 

that can baffle even the best members.

Leadership chairmen assessed the needs of their membership and developed 

resources that would excite and involve participants and keep leadership fresh and 

exciting. Units developed 592 new activities and 496 new resources. Departments 

initiated 176 new activities and offered 167 new resources. Serious and lighthearted skits, 

information fairs, games, member development workbooks, role playing, and Web sites 

helped to educate members about meeting protocol, the meaning of the emblem and the 

Preamble, and the many programs the Auxiliary offers.

Oliver Wendell Holmes said, “Man's mind, once stretched by a new idea, never 

regains its original dimensions.” A consequence of holding leadership training sessions 

has been increased meeting attendance because members are learning and having fun 
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doing so. As a result, they continue to come to meetings, energized and eager to learn 

even more.

Legislative Committee

Denise Delaney-Wrolen, Hobart, Indiana

This has been a historical year with the election of our nation’s 44th president and 

the senators and representatives of the 111th Congress. Many of today’s legislators are 

not veterans, and our members are to be commended for their tireless efforts to 

communicate with elected officials to promote the issues that support the well-being of 

our veterans and their families as we remain committed to “Honoring Our Promises 

Everyday.” Reports from 3,240 units from 42 departments expressed their commitment 

and dedication at the local, state and national levels to the importance of the legislative 

objectives outlined by The American Legion Family.

As our nation prepared for an exciting election, members of the American Legion 

Auxiliary dug in their heels and went to work—participating in 164 Town Hall meetings, 

96 Legislative Rallies and 183 Meet the Candidates Nights. Members overwhelmingly 

supported and encouraged the Get-Out-The-Vote initiatives. Many members worked at 

local voting polls, made available Voter Registration Forms, provided transportation to 

the polls as well as provided babysitting services to ensure America’s voices would be 

heard. 

Members were encouraged to promote Military Absentee Voting, and 255 units 

reported participation by encouraging active-duty personnel to request absentee ballots, 

sent absentee ballots in packages to troops, encouraged family members to obtain forms 

to send and placed reminder notices in care packages.

Promoting women veterans was reported by 457 units as they were remembered 

with care packages, paying their dues, holiday remembrances and recognition dinners. 

Emails were sent to Congress regarding legislation pertaining to female veterans. Women 

veterans also were interviewed and had interesting stories to tell.

One member from the Department of New Jersey best summed up the love and 

admiration our members have for veterans when she said, “We love, honor and respect 

ALL of our veterans, and we will strive and continue to let them know that we aim to let 

the lawmakers in Washington know we mean business! We will also continue to serve 

our veterans’ families and veterans agencies that need the support, that our letters, phone 

calls and e-mails get the attention we’ve gotten so good in delivering.”

Membership Committee

Rene Reese, Brook Park, Ohio

(Did not submit a report.)

National Security Committee

Krisann Owens, North Bend, Oregon

The National Security program has enjoyed an exciting year filled with members 

dedicating themselves to our veterans, service members and their families. From 

welcome-home ceremonies to USO shows, our members promote the programs under the 

umbrella of the National Security program with pride. 

Determined members also took the coupon clipping program to new heights by 

involving their communities with collecting coupons to send overseas. Thousands of 

pounds of coupons have been collected and sent much to the delight of not only the 

service members but also to the folks in charge of the commissaries. It is a valuable 
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program for our military personnel and they appreciate our efforts to ease the burdens of 

living in foreign countries. 

Deployment ceremonies and welcome-home events were attended and coordinated 

by Auxiliary members across the nation with enthusiasm, assisting families with their 

needs and giving pocket flags to those who are deploying. For those returning, Auxiliary 

members created welcome-home parties and provided everything from coffee and 

doughnuts to childcare. 

One of the most exciting programs is the Citizen Emergency Response Training, or 

CERT, as our members have decided “It’s not OK to be a victim.” Now they have the 

tools to be personally prepared in the event of emergency as well as important 

information that will help those in their communities. 

As always volunteering at blood donation sites is a large part of many units and 

strutting their stuff in USO shows has become a favorite project. The Landstuhl Hospital 

Project is growing, and our units are becoming more active with this program. 

The Blue Star Banner program is going strong, and Gold Star Banners are being 

distributed with honor. At unit meetings, Auxiliary members always remember the 

sacrifices of our POW/MIAs with the placement of the POW/MIA flag. 

The level of activity within the National Security program is a testament to our

dedication to God and Country.

Poppy Committee

Vickie Koutz, Boonville, Indiana

A special thanks to the 40 departments that sent in their reports. Congratulations to 

the Northwestern Division for 100 percent reporting.

Junior and senior Auxiliary members in Michigan traveled to the VA facilities and 

learned how to make poppies from the veterans in the facility.

A chairman from Wisconsin threaded more than 800 Girls State charms onto 

poppies. These were taped onto Girls State brochures and presented on the last day to all 

citizens and counselors.

Ohio units used their funds to prepare welcome-home picnics, parties and family 

gatherings for returning troops and their families.

Units in California, Colorado, New Hampshire, South Dakota, South Carolina and 

Wyoming reported having successful interviews with radio and television stations, along 

with articles in the newspaper.

A proclamation from the local mayor was reported by a New Mexico unit.

Minnesota and Montana unit members included poppies in greeting cards and letters 

sent to members.

A Connecticut unit participated in Relay for Life and chose a team name of “Junior 

Poppies.”

The House of Representatives received a resolution declaring May the official 

Poppy Month in Delaware.

Puerto Rico had a Little Miss Poppy Contest, with three little girls who represented 

their island. Other departments that also had participation were Kansas, Missouri, 

Nebraska, New York, Vermont, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee and 

Texas.

The Departments of Idaho, Oregon and Utah presented poppies to elected officials.

Certificates of appreciation were presented by the Departments of Hawaii, Iowa, 

West Virginia, Maine, Arkansas and Kentucky.
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The American Legion Auxiliary poppy earned great publicity in May 2009 when 

Fox Business Network aired a segment featuring National Secretary Mary “Dubbie” 

Buckler promoting the program and its history.

What a wonderful year we’ve had in our Poppy Program as we Honored Our 

Promises Everyday, in the HOPE of helping more veterans.

Public Relations Committee

Virginia Nelsen, Valentine, Nebraska

Organizing and following a project to successful completion includes getting the 

word out to community via all media outlets. It is simple, basic communication. A 

compressed view of Auxiliary public relations in action follows (48 departments 

reported): 

Units: ...........................................................................................................................9,385

Units reporting:............................................................................................................4,620

Interviews:...................................................................................................................2,697

Articles: .....................................................................................................................20,598

Letters to Editor:..........................................................................................................3,910

Aired events:................................................................................................................2,792

TV announcements:.....................................................................................................3,702

PSAs:...........................................................................................................................5,888

Printed ads:................................................................................................................10,173

Letters of appreciation:..............................................................................................11,379

Department Websites: 28, hits:.............................................................................1,250,472

Unit Websites: ............................................................................................................... 415

Press books assembled: ................................................................................................... 30

Press books entered to National: ..................................................................................... 19

Unit newsletters:..........................................................................................................1,360

Legion Family newsletters:..........................................................................................1,371

Outstanding work was received from the following departments: Arizona, 

California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, 

Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, 

Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin.

Ohio’s chairman printed a newsletter for units showcasing information with a 

positive spin.

Maryland’s hard work is a perennial legacy to their motivation, organization and 

success. 

Arizona does media bios of its district presidents.

California provides a press kit with a contact list.

Florida featured five great projects in its report, including the progression of how to 

make it happen.

Georgia showcases The American Legion Family statewide through its Old Soldiers 

Day.

Idaho proudly promotes patriotism and goodwill by partnering the Liberty Flag 

project.

Kansas’ goodwill in providing a Braille flag for an injured soldier was widely 

reported in TV media. 
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A Montana unit that understands good public relations sponsors a Star Student 

Award each month.

Oklahoma worked with its VA to promote stand-downs in five state newspapers and 

with Congressman Shelton during Awareness Assembly to help promote the Year of the 

Military Family.

Wisconsin’s goal to effectively promote programs via cyberspace was met in an 

easily understood format that would meet any organization’s future electronic objectives.

I am proud of your leadership and reports. Your efforts tell the story of a wonderful 

organization. So, huzzah! Huzzah! (as they said in colonial days) for all those members 

in the trenches who did exemplary work to support veterans, children and communities.

A report highlighting many wonderful projects, including all stats, Web sites, and 

email addresses will be presented to each department.

Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Committee

Carlene Ashworth, Pasadena, Texas

The mission of the Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Committee states in part, “We 

endeavor, through our efforts, to help ensure those who need assistance can restore and or 

transition to a normal functioning life, physically, mentally, socially and vocationally.”

The goal of this committee was to further enhance the lives of our veterans and their 

families by increasing the number of Regularly Scheduled volunteers by 20 percent 

across all departments. Thanks to all of you who came on board, we accomplished our 

goal and more with a total increase of 1,151 new senior and Junior volunteers. Field 

Service and Home Service volunteers increased by 3,064. This growth in numbers, 

strength and energy increases our opportunities to Honor Our Promise Everyday to those 

we serve.

3,138 members from 930 units assisted VA Medical Centers with local competitions 

for the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, which culminated in the participation of 

approximately 175 veterans at the national show held in Palo Alto, Calif., in October 

2008. Auxiliary members from many areas of the country take the time each year to 

volunteer during this occasion to help make the festival a success. Auxiliary volunteers 

from the Department of California did an outstanding job as hostesses in the hospitality 

room, open to all of the festival participants throughout the week.

As a major co-sponsor of the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, the 

American Legion Auxiliary has committed to contribute at least $100,000 each year 

toward this program sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs. As of this date, 

the Auxiliary has received $71,775 for NVCAF. Funds contributed by units to local 

NVCAF programs total $26,025. The VA recognizes those departments contributing 

$1,000 or more each year during the NVCAF with a beautiful plaque. There’s still time 

for units and departments to support this worthy program.

Homeless veterans initiatives also were a major factor in the VA&R program to the 

716 units and 5,890 volunteers who assisted with stand-downs, support of food and care 

items to homeless shelters, and other activities. A total of 44,255 hours and $246,716 

were donated to this program to assist our homeless veterans.

Units also contributed $38,273 for welcome-home celebrations where 922 

volunteers helped to provide services for the returning military and their families in 

addition to luncheons, picnics, entertainment for the kids and other activities.

Fisher Houses were the recipients of $155,160 in donations from 984 units, and 

7,442 volunteer hours were contributed to provide meals and other amenities to the 
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veterans and their families to help make this home away from home a more pleasant 

place to be during adverse times.

Collaborative program efforts with The American Legion were participated in by 399 

units and 2,214 volunteers who gave 27,090 hours and $173,317 for various activities 

that involved our veterans, from picnics and other fun outings, to ceremonies and dinners 

honoring fallen heroes. 

745 units and 2,475 volunteers participated in the National Salute to Hospitalized 

Veterans with expenditures for gifts, favors, dinners and other activities in the amount of 

$19,378. 

314 units held dinners and presented awards, flowers, and certificates to 997 

volunteers to thank them for their service in our VA facilities during National Volunteer 

Month.

VA&R legislative efforts of writing letters, emails and making phone calls to our 

state and national representatives and other government officials were reported by 870 

volunteers who answered the call to assist in getting our veterans the care they deserve.

Additional statistics shown below prove American Legion Auxiliary volunteers are 

diligent in their duties and passionate in their cause. Their efforts give energy to our 

activities and this energy becomes electrifying when it touches the lives of our veterans.

A look at the numbers:

Number of departments report......................................................................................... 47

Number of units report ................................................................................................8,763

Number of volunteers who served .............................................................................78,365

Total of volunteer hours served ............................................................................1,971,371

Total dollars contributed for program................................................................. $6,010,086

Number of volunteers at VA facilities.......................................................................20,367

Number of volunteer hours at VA ...........................................................................538,725

Dollars contributed to ALA for NVCAF ................................................................. $71,775

Dollars contributed by units to local NVCAF programs..........................................$26,025

Dollars donated to homeless veterans initiatives .....................................................246,716

Number of veterans served ......................................................................................930,263









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