Sons Of The American Legion (SAL) NATIONAL

Be Active, Support The SAL

We Are The Sons Of American Pride!

Bill Towns National Hostorian

And Ohio Department Judge Advocate

Posted December 9, 2011

Dear Sons of The American Legion Supporter:
The purpose of this letter is to request that your business or company consider making a donation to the Ohio Sons of The American Legion. All donors will then be eligible to place an ad in our annual yearbook, which will be distributed to all delegates, alternates and guests who attend our 49th Annual Convention, to be held in Perrysburg, Ohio on May 18-20, 2012. All proceeds which exceed the cost of printing the yearbook will be donated to the Ohio Sons’ favorite charity, The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation, Inc. (www.legion.org/cwf).
The Sons of The American Legion (S.A.L.) was created in 1932 as an organization within The American Legion. The S.A.L. is made up of boys and men of all ages whose parents or grand-parents served in the United States military and became eligible for membership in The
American Legion. Together, members of The American Legion, the American Legion Auxiliary, the Sons of The American Legion and the American Legion Riders make up what is known as The American Legion Family. All four organizations place great importance on preserving our American traditions and values, caring for veterans and their families, improving the quality of life for our nation’s children, and teaching the fundamentals of good citizenship. Our Family boasts a combined total membership of nearly 4.2 million members. This year, the S.A.L.
attained an all-time high national membership of over 331,000. The Sons have always assisted Legionnaires with many of the Legion Family programs. Here in Ohio the Child Welfare
Foundation (CWF) is the one on which we pride ourselves.
The ad size in the yearbook will be based on the amount of the donation.
 First donation of $500 or more will get the entire back cover (8 ½" x 11") in full color
 First donation of $300 or more will get the inside front cover in full color
 First donation of $200 or more will get the inside back cover in full color
 All donations of $150.00 or more will get a full-page ad in black & white
 $100 donations will get a half-page ad in black & white
 $50 donations will get a quarter-page ad in black & white
 $30 donations will get a business card-size ad in black & white
Please make checks payable to "Ohio Sons of The American Legion" with "2012 Yearbook Donation" in the memo. Send your check and ad content to "ATTN: 2012 Yearbook Donation" at the address at the top of this letter. The deadline for publication is April 18, 2012.

If you have any questions about the yearbook ads, the Sons of The American Legion, or The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation, Inc. please feel free to contact either one of us.
Rob Brewer
Detachment CWF Chairman
1 (440) 570-8853 +
pupdaddy1@hotmail.com

Steve Honigfort

Detachment Commander

1 (419) 674-1558

shonigfort@yahoo.com

Telephone: +1 (740) 362-7478 •Fax: +1 (740) 362-1429 •E-mail: legion@ohiolegion.com

SALute

Last call for articles for The Ohio SALute.
I will publish what I can.
THANK YOU!!!
Jeff Vrabel Sr. <jeffvrabel@sbcglobal.net>

Commission/Committee Appointments
Greetings,
As Chairman of the Committee on Commission/Committee appointments I am posting this reminder that any Detachment of Ohio member that is interested in being a committee chairman for the Detachment of Ohio or seeking consideration for a National committee/commission appointment is required to complete the appropriate recommendation form. These forms are posted in "PDF" format on the Ohio American Legion website and clearly marked:

National Appointment Recommendation Form

Detachment Appointment Recommendation Form

These forms can be viewed and downloaded at www.ohiolegion.com select Sons of the American Legion Link, choose "about" and you will be redirected to the S.A.L. homepage. Then choose the "forms link" on the right side of the page and download the appropriate form, complete and return to Adjutant Scott Thornton or myself before Jan. 1, 2012. It is essential that one of these forms is completed if a person desires to serve the organization on the Detachment/National level. Thanks and I look forward to hearing from some of you.

Randy Eicher
Ohio NEC representative
ranbar@columbus.rr.com

VA&R Chairman Badgett
Butch Badgett has recently had a stroke and is recovering in a Rehabilation Center in Marietta. The mailing address is 117 Bartlett Street, Marietta, OH 45750. Butch's direct phone number until he returns home is 740-373-4654. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Holiday Wreaths to Honor Veterans at VA National Cemeteries
WASHINGTON – Volunteers will place holiday wreaths at Department of Veterans Affairs national cemeteries on Saturday, Dec. 10, to honor the Nation’s Veterans.
“This generous gesture to remember our Veterans at this time of year shows that Americans cherish the service and sacrifice of these heroes,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “The volunteers who turn out for this event show America’s heartfelt, true holiday spirit.”
At most locations, the Civil Air Patrol organizes wreath-laying ceremonies with assistance from local citizens and Veterans service organizations. All 131 VA national cemeteries receive wreaths, one for each military service branch, one for the Merchant Marines and one for prisoners of war and those missing in action.
This is the sixth year that Worcester Wreath Company of Harrington, Maine, is distributing wreaths to all VA national cemeteries and state Veterans cemeteries in a nationwide program called Wreaths Across America. It is the 20th year that the Company -- which created the program -- will send thousands of wreaths to be placed at individual gravesites at Arlington National Cemetery and other locations across the country. Company President Morrill Worcester seeks to recognize Veterans, active duty military and their families, and his goal is to remind the public to remember Veterans and teach children the value of freedom.
Community organizations, school groups and individuals have been purchasing and placing wreaths at Veterans cemeteries across the country for several years and hundreds are expected to do so again this week.
For more information about the event at local national and state Veterans cemeteries, call the cemetery’s administration office, or visit the VA Web site at http://www.cem.va.gov/ or the Wreaths Across America Web site at http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/.

K9TAL IS ON THE AIR!
After some six months of planning, preparation, clearing, cleaning and gathering materials and equipment together for The American Legion Amateur Radio Club’s shack, we finally “threw the switch” on Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at approximately 1930Z. Our first QSO was with a New Jersey station. Marconi could not have been more proud or pleased with his first transmission than we were with ours.
Early on, the headquarters staff set a target date of Veterans Day, November 11, to be up and operating. We came close. All in all, we did well considering that we started with nothing but great enthusiasm, big ideas, and no equipment. The membership of The American Legion Amateur Radio Club continued to grow through the time of formulating and formalizing things. It is interesting, if not somewhat amazing, that we had several hundred members before we had the first transceiver in place. And it is because of a handful of those members, and their “dedication to mutual helpfulness,” that we got the donations of equipment, new and used.
The shack itself, once a 1950’s-style photographic darkroom, is slowly coming to be a new millennium communications room complete with computers, printers, telephones and of course various radio components, not all of which are yet integrated into the system. But we will get there.
Working 20 meters, we got our first QSO with Ron, WU2B, in East Orange, NJ. He gave us a barefoot “5-7” report that was real pleasing to us since, without a tuner we were running only about 20 watts; it delighted our folks at HQ who rigged the antennas and ran the cable down five stories.
Things are coming together, but we have a little ways to go. The shack, when empty, looked very accommodating. It’s slowly filling up. But I suppose it’s no different than what we all experience at our own stations. Things just seem to spread exponentially in the available space.
If you haven’t seen the articles either in QST magazine or on FOX News about the interest and growth in ham radio of recent, take time to seek them out. It is very encouraging news, especially in light of the Legion Club and the opportunity it provides to bring those Legion Family members with an interest into our hobby.
We hope you are directing those interested, to the Club website at http://legion.org/hamradio. The site is a bit sparse right now, but in the next couple of months it will be well populated with amateur radio information, links, FAQs, and maybe just a bit of the Legion’s history of formal involvement with amateur radio that goes back near to the beginning of the Legion itself. Keep in mind, too, the Club forum at http://legion.org/forums/ham-radio. Stop off there when you can and share what you and your group – as members of The American Legion Amateur Radio Club – are doing to promote amateur radio and benefit the community in which you operate.
In the meantime, staff here has more gearing up to do by reading manuals, programming equipment, and adjusting to equipment we’re not yet thoroughly familiar with. Keep an ear out. We’ll be talking with you soon!
/--…/…--//
Marty Justis, W9WMJ
President

Here is the news everyone has been waiting for: the first American Legion Amateur Radio Club net is scheduled for Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at 2100 Hrs Eastern. Craig Roberts, Vice President of TALARC, W3CRR, will serve as net control for the Club and you’ll find him on 40 meters, at or about 7.230MHz.
Additional email notification will go to members this week.
Joe March - KJ9M
The American Legion National Hqs.
700 North Pennsylvania Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Office (317) 630-1253
Fax (317) 630-1368

VA health care

How do I apply for VA health care? What is the cost? How do I access these benefits?
Veterans now have a new resource to gather information on VA health care -- the new Health Benefits website at www.va.gov/healthbenefits.
The site is an online portal for Veterans, family members and care givers to learn about eligibility, enrollment options and benefits offered by VHA. It also provides detailed information about how to apply for VHA health services, cost of care, accessing VA health care and VA’s Medical Benefits Package.
For more information, you can also call 1-877-222-VETS (8387) between the hours of 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM ET Monday - Friday.

Are You a Future American Legion Auxiliary National Leader?
National vice president seeking applications for 2012-2013 ALA national committees
To reach out to the more than 800,000 Auxiliary members, National Vice President Peggy Thomas is utilizing an online application process to find and select capable Auxiliary members to serve on or chair national Auxiliary committees in the 2012-2013 ALA administrative year. Applications must be made online, and are due Jan. 25, 2012. Interested? Click here to apply for a national committee appointment.

Squadron 260 Steak Feed

The Sons of the American Legion Squadron 260 Invite you to a Steak Feed On Saturday, December,10 , 2011, 5pm American Legion Post 260 in Attica

CARRYOUTS AVAILABLE
New York Strip Steak Salad Baked Potato & Assorted Desserts
Hope to see you there!!
$10 Donation

Squadron 685 Meatloaf Dinner

The SAL Streetsboro OH, Post 685 will be having their monthly dinner on Saturday, December 17,2011.
Why not take a break from Christmas shopping and join us for a relaxing dinner.
We will be serving Old Fashioned Meatloaf Dinner with Mashed Potatoes, Corn and a Roll.
Cost is $7.50 and a special price of $6.00 for seniors and children under 12.
Call to reserve a seat or pay at the door. Take outs are welcome. We really look forward to seeing you.
Thank you
Larry Pawlak
SAL Post 685
10001 Aurora Hudson Road
Streetsboro, OH
1-330-650-9594

Squadron 69 Boys State Fund Raiser
SQUADRON 69 IS HOLDING A "SPLIT THE POT" raffle. proceeds will be used to sponsor a student to 2012 Buckeye Boys State. Tickets are $5 each with only 150 tickets sold. Winner receives half the pot. ($375) drawing will be at the January 24th squadron meeting or when all tickets are sold.
thanks!
Bob

Legion urges president to reconsider pipeline delay
Keystone XL would provide needed jobs for vets.
INDIANAPOLIS (December 8, 2011) – Pointing out that unemployed veterans need jobs now, the national commander of The American Legion is encouraging President Obama to speed-up production of the proposed Keystone XL Pipeline.
“We are very disappointed that President Obama is delaying the approval for this needed project,” said National Commander Fang A. Wong. “This project alone has the potential to create 20,000 construction and manufacturing jobs and stimulate related business activity that could lead to at least 250,000 permanent jobs. Returning veterans are disproportionately unemployed and would undoubtedly benefit from these jobs. Moreover, the United States must reduce its reliance on energy imports that can be disrupted by foreign conflicts, terrorism or piracy.”
The $7 billion privately funded pipeline would carry an estimated 700,000 barrels of oil per day from Canada, the Dakotas, Montana and Oklahoma to Gulf Coast refineries. It has undergone years of environmental review but must be approved by the State Department since it would cross an international border. The oil would be extracted from Canada’s tar sands. Last summer, delegates to The American Legion’s 93rd National Convention in Minneapolis passed Resolution 107 in which they urged all segments of the U.S. government to pursue and grant all required permits for the proposed pipeline “without further delay.”
“President Obama clearly cares about helping unemployed veterans,” Wong said. “He should be commended for recently signing the Veterans Opportunity to Work Act. But the truth is that unemployed veterans need jobs now and the Keystone XL Pipeline has widespread support among members of both parties and unions, who see this as an opportunity for true ‘shovel-ready’ jobs. We urge the president to put our nation’s interests first. Approve the pipeline.”
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, who favors the project, pointed out on Fox News today that Canada will likely extract the oil whether the United States approves the project or not. “That oil will be produced, it just won’t go here. It will go to Asia or elsewhere.”
Media contacts: John Raughter, 317-630-1253, cell 317-441-8847 or Marty Callaghan, 202-263-5758, cell 202-515-8644.

Holidays Armed Services Blood Drive REMINDER

The Holidays Armed Services Blood Drive is three weeks away. It will be held on Saturday, December 17th, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the U.S. Army Reserve Center, 165 N. Yearling Road, next to DSCC. This drive is proudly being cosponsored by AmVets (Stan Kinney Post 89) and by The American Legion (Gahanna Post 797), and hosted by the U.S. Army Reserve. The blood will be collected by the Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP), the military's exclusive blood collection agency, goes exclusively to military personnel, including a good portion to help save the lives of American forces deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq.

This is one of the few blood drives for the Armed Forces in the country that is open to the public. Come in and donate for our Armed Forces.

All blood collected will be immediately processed, and then most will be flown directly from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base by priority overseas and in theatre within a week. You cannot ask for a better, more direct way to support our troops.

For eligibility information (including not having donated since October 18th), please see the Armed Services Blood Program webpage at http://www.militaryblood.dod.mil/Donors/can_i_donate.aspx

Food and refreshments will be provided, including food such as warm sandwiches, coney islands, baked beans, chips, pretzels, donuts, cookies, cakes, and other snacks. Drinks will include water, Gatorade, juice and juice drinks, pop, and coffee. The AmVets and American Legion volunteers will be providing the food and drinks. Tentative date for the next blood drive is probably mid-February (to be sponsored by the 12th District Sons of the American Legion).

While walk-ins are accepted, donors are encouraged to pre-register for an appointment at https://www.militarydonor.com/index.cfm (This gives us an idea of how many to expect, and saves YOU time in the donation process). Donors can search for this blood drive by zip code (43213) to register (add the date too: December 17th).

This Christmas time, please help give a fellow serviceman or servicewoman a chance to live. Give a life-saving gift that literally comes from the heart. For more information, please contact Peter Margaritis, blood drive chairman, (614) 395-0387.

You've seen the TV. Our forces overseas are heavily engaged in combat operations. Please, give a wounded serviceman or servicewoman a great holiday gift -- a gift that literally comes from your heart.

Thanks.

Peter Margaritis

POSTED NOVEMBER 13,2011

Senate passes Legion-backed jobs bill for veterans
WASHINGTON (Nov. 10, 2011) – America’s one million unemployed veterans will soon get a much-needed boost in the job market with expanded education, training and transition assistance, thanks to an American Legion-backed bill passed by the Senate today. The VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 also provides tax credits to businesses that hire veterans who are out of work -- $5,600 for each veteran and $9,600 for each disabled veteran.
“This legislation will go a long way in helping our veterans get decent jobs,” said Fang A. Wong, national commander of The American Legion. “It falls in line with initiatives we supported in my testimony before Congress last September – a mandatory transition assistance program, job training for older veterans, and private-sector recognition of military skills and training.”
Wong said that Congress has honored America’s veterans in a way “that really makes a difference” by passing such important legislation the day before Veterans Day. “We applaud the leadership of Senator Murray and Representative Miller in creating a piece of legislation that addresses some of the factors that are stopping our veterans from getting jobs.”
When troops come home from Iraq and Afghanistan, Wong said, “the last thing they need is to file for unemployment benefits. They’ve been working hard as medics, truck drivers, mechanics, and a variety of other jobs with civilian counterparts.
“The government and private sector need to step up and give them work opportunities they deserve. This is what the Legion has been fighting for, and Congress has delivered an impressive set of tools that our veterans can use to earn a living.”
The VOW to Hire Heroes Act, once signed into law, will boost employment opportunities for veterans. Key provisions include:
Tax credit of up to $5,600 for hiring veterans who have been looking for a job for more than six months, as well as a $2,400 credit for veterans who are unemployed for more than 4 weeks, but less than 6 months.
Tax credit of up to $9,600 for hiring veterans with service-connected disabilities who have been looking for a job for more than six months.
Makes the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) – an interagency workshop coordinated by the departments of Defense, Labor and Veterans Affairs – mandatory for servicemembers moving on to civilian life to help them secure meaningful jobs through resume-writing workshops and career counseling.
Expands education and training opportunities for older veterans by providing 100,000 unemployed veterans of past eras and wars with up to one year of additional Montgomery GI Bill benefits for education or training programs at community colleges and technical schools.
Provides disabled veterans up to one year of additional vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits.
Allows servicemembers to start looking for federal jobs before separating from active duty, in order to facilitate a truly seamless transition from the military to jobs at federal agencies.
“For too long, at the end of their career we patted our veterans on the back for their service and then pushed them out into the job market alone,” said Murray. “The VOW to Hire Heroes Act will give our veterans the job skills to get their foot in the door and incentivize employers to make sure that door is open to them.”
According to Tim Tetz, the Legion’s legislative director, provisions of the bill “are fully paid for with funding from VA Home Loan programs and other savings within the department.”
The unemployment rate for about a quarter-million veterans who have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan stands at 12.1 percent. Of the estimated one million jobless veterans in America, two-thirds of them fall within the 35-64 age group.
“About one in twelve veterans can’t find a job in this country. And yet the Department of Labor tells us there are more than three million job openings right now,” Wong said. “They say employers are having trouble finding workers with enough skills and training.
“Do we have to draw them a picture? They should all be hiring well-trained, disciplined individuals who work well with a team and accomplish the goals they’re given – in other words, they should be hiring veterans.”

Contact: Marty Callaghan, mcallaghan@legion.org or 202-263-5758/202-215-8644.

Pause and Honor
Since 1919, Veterans Day has stood as an opportunity for the United States, as both a nation and its citizens, to pause and honor American veterans of all wars.

This year, many events and special promotions have been planned to do just that. The American Legion has a Veterans Day page on its national website dedicated to these events and promotions for easy access and bookmarking by Legionnaires and others. The Veterans Day page includes:
News about observances in Washington at which the Legion will have a presence.
Access to the yearly ceremony held by USAA, the Legion’s preferred provider of financial services.
Links to everything from Legion materials that posts can use to hold their own observances in their communities, to discounts and free offers from restaurants and companies eager to do their part to participate.
Visit the Veterans Day page here.

Unit 91 Juniors

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 91 Juniors in Berea, Ohio, visited a local nursing home where they decorated veterans' doors and gave them thank-you cards for serving in the U.S. military.

Attica Post 260

The Attica Post 260, American Legion Family (Legion, Auxiliary and Sons of the Legion) invite you to:
A Veteran’s Day Celebration and presentation of the 2011 Seneca County Veteran of the Year:
Bob Schild, WWII veteran, former POW, 65 year American Legion member, longtime Attica resident and businessman

Sunday, November 13, 2011 at the Attica Fair Grounds
Time: 4:30-5:30pm Social time, appetizers, cash bar
5:30 Pork Chop dinner prepared by the Attica Lions Club
After Dinner Veteran’s Day Program, speaker and recognition of Bob Schild as Seneca County’s 2011 Veteran of the Year
Cost $10 per person

Dinner Reservations Required
Call or mail: Glenn Studer at 419-426-5062 12480 E. Reed Twp. Rd #8, Republic, Oh., 44867 or
Jim Ludban at 419-934-6065 PO 258, Republic, Oh., 44867

Area veterans, families and friends are encouraged to attend. Veterans in attendance will be recognized with a coin, designed to thank them for their service. Come help us celebrate this honor with Bob Schild and his family.

National Convention Commission
To all addressee’s. See email below from the National Convention Director.
We are seeking comments/input on the feasibility of running a day/child care operation at the site of the National Convention.
Request you discuss this with your key leadership and reply to me at National Headquarters with your input, thoughts, pro’s and cons, if any. Would like to have these thoughts in the week or so. Please email to me at jkerestan@legion.org and I will consolidate all responses and forward them to the National Convention office.
Thank you
John Kerestan
SAL Liaison

National Convention Commission
Need your input when you get some extra time. Chairman Walton and the National Convention Commission has asked us to determine the feasibility of running a day/child care operation at the site of the National Convention. Comrade John Derner and the fine folks from the Iowa American Legion Family conduct the same operation at their Department Convention. At this point, we are simply trying to determine if there is an interest for us to proceed to determine the feasibility of such an undertaking.
Please let us know your thoughts, pro or con, when you get some time. We will figure out the specifics if it is determined the majority of you desire us to study this option further. Thank you as always for your support and assistance. Happy Thanksgiving to each of you, your Families and your Department.
Sincerely,
Dick

Soldiers Missing from Vietnam War Identified
The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of three servicemen, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and are being returned to their families for burial with full military honors.
Army Capt. Arnold E. Holm Jr. of Waterford, Conn.; Spc. Robin R. Yeakley of South Bend, Ind.; and Pfc. Wayne Bibbs of Chicago, will be buried as a group, in a single casket representing the entire crew, on Nov. 9, in Arlington National Cemetery. On June 11, 1972, Holm was the pilot of an OH-6A Cayuse helicopter flying a reconnaissance mission in Thua Thien-Hue Province, South Vietnam. Also on board were his observer, Yeakley, and his door gunner, Bibbs. The aircraft made a second pass over a ridge, where enemy bunkers had been sighted, exploded and crashed, exploding again upon impact. Crews of other U.S. aircraft, involved in the mission, reported receiving enemy ground fire as they overflew the crash site looking for survivors.
Between

POSTED NOV. 5TH, 2011

Commander's Report

I made a trip to the 14th District this past Sunday, and as usual, I was treated greatly. Thanks to Ken Millick for showing me the War Memorial in Clinton. It is a fantastic Memorial and worth the visit , we were able to talk to some of the people who are working to make it better. They plan on many fundraisers and more additions to the Site soon. Stow was the location of the 14th District Conference and it was well attended.

Thanks to Ken Millick, Bill Towns, Dept 1st Vice Steve Masowick and the Stow Sons of the American Legion for everything.

My Homecoming is closing in and I hope many are still going to confirm they are coming to Post 63 in Ottawa. I will still accept dinner reservations if you are running behind. Please send them ASAP ! Dinner will be a Salad, Chicken or Pork Chops , mashed potatoes, noodles, a vegetable, roll, and dessert. There will be (2) drink tickets included, then cash bar after. Al's mixed up band will play later on as it will be a fun time if you show up with a few prize dwgs for a low price donation. It will be CASUAL dress so as to make it more comfortable. There will be a Shuttle from the Drury Inn and Suites provided by SAL Squadron 63. Pick-Up will be at 4:15 pm and 4:30 pm approximately. If you drive yourself the Post 63 Address is : 218 West Main St, Ottawa, OH , which is SR 224. Hope you can make it.

Thank You,

Steve Honigfort

Commander

Sons of the American Legion

Detachment of Ohio

1ST VICE COMMANDER

CONGRATULATIONS GOES TO THE DISTRICTS AND SQUADRONS THAT MADE THE 2ND LAP ON THEIR MEMBERSHIP TARGET ON THE DETACHMENT AND THE NATIONAL LEVEL. THE NEXT MEMBERSHIP TARGET FOR THE DETACHMENT IS DECEMBER 2ND AT 50% I KNOW THAT THE DETACHMENT OF OHIO CAN MAKE IT.THE NATIONAL TARGET DATE IS NOVEMBER 16TH AT 35% LETS HELP OUR CENTRAL VICE COMMANDER JOHN SANSOUICE MAKE HIS QUOTA.
LETS NOT FORGET NOV 11 VETERANS DAY FOR THEIR SACRIFICE THEY MADE TO GIVE US OUR FREEDOM AND A GREAT COUNTRY TO LIVE IN.
ALSO COMMANDER STEVES HOMECOMING IS NOV 12 IT WILL BE A GOOD TIME FOR ALL SO LETS ALL TRY TO SHOW STEVE ARE SUPPORT AND ATTEND.

GARY LANG
1ST VICE COMMANDER
DETACHMENT OF OHIO
740-749-3263
glang3263@roadrunner.com

VA & R/Honor Flight Network
I would like to thank all of you who brought inkjet and toner cartridges to last weekend’s D.E.C. meeting. I left the meeting with a full van load of cartridges and dropped them off on the way home.
I will give you an update at a later date on how many of them were actually accepted. Keep up the good work and hope you have an enjoyable Veterans’ Day weekend.
Sincerely,
James M. “Butch” Badgett
VA&R Chairman
Detachment of Ohio
123 Maple Street, Marietta OH 45750
740-373-6407/740-525-2653
dcc@suddenlink.net/ink@suddenlink.net

Our DVD is now on Facebook

Photos of the Sons of The American Legion Josh Dog distribution have been placed on a DVD and our partners at Josh and Friends have placed it on thier Facebook page. Check out the video .

VETERANS DAY DISCOUNTS

A number of national restaurant and retail chains are saying thanks to veterans this Veterans Day with discounted prices. See the detailed list at:
http://dvs.ohio.gov/Portals/0/library/odvs/news/Veterans_Day_Offers.pdf

Veterans Day is coming up on November 11, 2011. Show your support and appreciation by sending a free, personalized Veterans Day ecard from the Real Warriors campaign: http://www.realwarriors.net/ecard.

Real Warriors provides practical tools, tips and resources for Veterans and service members through their websites www.realwarriors.net and http://afterdeployment.org/.

what a veteran is

Mrs. Verna Fudge (don't ya love her name) is a teacher at Barber Elementary School. On Fri, Nov 11--Veterans Day her school would like to invite all the veterans --ALL--for a program at 1:00. I spoke with her this evening and she is a delight. She says many students don't understand what a veteran is. There will be a program to honor all in attendance and a flag program, too. I told her I would send out the word to get her some real veterans.

I cannot attend this, as I will be working, but many of you who can SHOULD go. Invite others from your posts and Riders. Wear your jackets and covers--The kids are fascinated with pins and medals. They NEED to understand. This is YOUR CHANCE to make this happen.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE--plan to attend. If you can, please email me so I can tell her some veterans are coming. There will be someone at the door of the school to greet everyone and get their names, etc.

Let the kids know who you are and give them a chance to say thank you.

Fri, Nov 11 1pm
Barber Elementary School
665 Garry Road
Akron 44305 in Goodyear Heights (East Akron)

Thank you
Michele N. Sandridge
14th District ALA President

VETERANS APPRECIATION BREAKFAST AND FAIR
November 11, 2011
8:00 am - 11:30 am
University of Toledo Savage Hall
2801 W Bancroft Street
Toledo, Ohio 43606

Doors open at 8:00 am
Breakfast & Recognition at 8:45 am
Remembrance at Veterans Memorial Plaza on campus at 11:00 am

Keith Kruse
419-356-0737

VETERANS’ DAY PROGRAM
9:15 a.m. on November 11th
Crestwood Primary School
11256 Bowen Road in Mantua
All branches of the armed services and all veterans will be recognized.
The Second Grade Choir will perform with patriotic selections.
PLEASE PLAN TO ATTEND

POST 23

Veterans Day Breakfast Hosted by the Womens Auxiliary

Friday November 11

8am to 10am

WE NEED RIDERS!!!
Join us for one of the largest rides assembled in the State of Ohio!
Help us pay tribute and honor to the 3,094 men and 1 woman who are listed on The Ohio Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall!
Saturday, November 12, 2011
If you have already signed up to carry a flag, please consider riding for additional flags. We have a growing list of flags that have been sponsored but have no rider. Click Here and scroll to the bottom of the page for a list of sponsored flags with no riders.

If you would like to participate in this event, please CLICK HERE

Pancake Breakfast

The Streetsboro Marching Rockets have been invited to perform at Disney World in March 2012. To help off set some of these expenses, we are holding a pancake breakfast from 8:30-12 on Nov 12, 2011 at the Streetsboro High School. We have many activities planned during our breakfast including a ceremony, honoring our veterans .
To help make this event a success, we hope you will join us. I encourage our ladies and gentlemen to wear their uniforms. Let us represent who we are !! I plan to to have our band start playing promptly at 10:45. American Legion, VFW, any military personal in uniform, boy scouts, girl scouts, and auxiliary march in. We have Special Guest Speakers...and so much more. Guess you will have to join us to find out! I look forward to seeing you, if you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Lisa Howitt
President of Streetsboro Band Boosters
Auxiliary~Unit 685
lisabusb@aol.com

DD 214 FRAUD ALERT
It has come to our attention that there are people advertising to obtain a veteran's DD 214 for a fee when this service is free.

Do you need a copy of your DD214 or a family member’s DD214? Do you know someone who does?
Go to web site: http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/
There are two ways to request your DD214: online and by mail/fax
1) To request your DD214 online: click on ‘Launch the eVetRecs System to start your online request’. Follow the instructions in the pop-up window. The DD214 will be mailed to you after completing the form.
2) You can also download a form to mail or fax your request for your DD214 by clicking on the ‘Download form SF-180 to Mail or Fax your request’. Click the link ‘Download form SF-180 to mail or fax your request’ to download a PDF of SF-180 to your computer. The return addresses for the completed form are located on page three (3) of the form.
Remember, a DD214 Record of Military Service is always free to obtain for the member and family members.
For more information about U.S. Army Human Resources Command, visit: www.hrc.army.mil

Post 733
TRAVELING WALL
The Vietnam Veterans Travelling Wall will be coming to Tiffin, Ohio, July 11-15, 2012. As many as
14,000 motorcycles are expected to escort the wall from Findlay to Camden Falls. Volunteers and donors
will be needed for this event. We will have more information as it becomes available

Dedication of the Jewish Chaplain’s Memorial at Arlington
On October 24th, members of The American Legion legislative team attended the dedication of the Jewish Chaplain‟s memorial on Chaplain‟s Hill in Arlington National Cemetery. The project, the brainchild of Son‟s of the American Legion member Ken Kraetzer, was also called for by a resolution passed at the 2010 national convention.
In May, the House voted for the measure. The Senate followed up shortly thereafter. Monday‟s dedication brings to an end a long journey to recognize
the 14 Jewish chaplains that have died on active duty. A number of speakers noted without the efforts and leadership of The American Legion family, this monument may have never become reality.

Legion Riders/Legacy RunPlanning for the 2012 American Legion Legacy Run Home is underway. The American Legion Riders Ad-Hoc Committee has devised a plan that will combine a three-day ride with a three-day expo in Indianapolis, and culminate with the Riders leading the annual national convention parade.The American Legion Legacy Run Home begins Aug. 21 with the National Commander's Ride, which will start in upstate New York, the home department of National Commander Fang Wong. The American Legion Riders Expo will run from Aug. 23-25 and will feature a planned series of American Legion Rider social events, range and classroom training, Rider program development courses, skills training, and Motorcycle Safety Foundation exhibitions. Online registration for the 2012 event will open in early January on www.legion.org/riders. Riders will also have the option to print and mail their registration. Expo registration is free to all Commander's Ride participants. However, riders who choose not to participate in the Commander’s Ride, but wish to attend The American Legion Rider Expo may register separately for a nominal fee.The American Legion National Convention Parade will take place on Aug. 26 and will lead off with American Legion Riders. All American Legion Riders are invited. There is no registration fee required for the parade.Dates for the 2012 American Legion Legacy Run Home activities are:• Aug. 20 - Assemble for The American Legion Legacy Run Home near Buffalo/Niagara Falls
• Aug. 21-23 - The National Commander's Ride.
• Aug. 23-25 - The American Legion Riders Expo, Indianapolis
• Aug. 26 - The 94th Annual National Convention Parade

House Reaffirms 'In God We Trust' As National Motto; 8 Dems, 1 Republican Vote No
By Susan Jones
November 2, 2011
(CNSNews.com) - On a 396-9 vote Tuesday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a non-binding resolution reaffirming 'In God We Trust' as the official national motto of the United States.

Rep. Randy Forbes (R-Va.) sponsored the measure to reverse what he called a "disturbing pattern of inaccuracy and omissions regarding the motto."
For example, Forbes noted that President Obama inaccurately proclaimed "E Pluribus Unum" (a Latin phrase meaning "from many, one") as the national motto in a speech to the Muslim world last November. Obama did not respond to congressional entreaties to issue a correction, and according to Forbes, the uncorrected transcript remains on the White House website.

Forbes also pointed to the "sanitization" of the new Capitol Visitor Center, where references to the national motto were eliminated. Only when Members of Congress intervened were the deliberate omissions corrected, Forbes said.

The resolution approved Tuesday not only reaffirms the national motto, it also supports and encourages its public display in all public buildings, public schools and government institutions.
"Today, as in other times of division and difficulty in our nation's history, the House of Representatives again reaffirmed 'In God We Trust' as our official motto and in so doing, provided clarity amidst a cloud of confusion about our nation's spiritual heritage and offered inspiration to an American people that face challenges of historic proportion," Forbes said after the vote.

Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., who was among nine lawmakers voting against the resolution, called it a meaningless distraction from the nation's real problems. "Nobody is threatening the national motto," he said.

Other Democrats voting against the resolution included Reps. Gary Ackerman (N.Y.), Michael Honda (Calif.), Emanuel Cleaver (Mo.), Judy Chu (Calif.), Fortney Stark (Calif.), Robert Scott (Va.), and Henry Johnson (Ga.).
Republican Rep. Justin Amash (Mich.) also voted nay: "Displaying "In God We Trust" on public property is appropriate in some circumstances," Amash said on his Facebook page. But, he added, "There is no need to push for the phrase to be on all federal, state, and local buildings."
"In God We Trust" first appeared on U.S. coins during the Civil War in 1864. It officially became the national motto in 1956 and began appearing on paper currency the following year.

George Everett ―Bud‖ Day (born February 24, 1925) is a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and Command Pilot who served during the Vietnam War. He is an American Hero and is often cited as being the most decorated U.S. Service member since General Douglas MacArthur, having received some seventy decorations, a majority for actions in combat. Day is a recipient of the Medal of Honor. Bud Day has certain specific comments about the actions of our current commander-in-chief based on his personal experiences. You the reader can decide
on their relevance to the chaos and dangers in the world today. This extract of Col. Day‘s story reinforces his credentials as an expert in what real torture is about:
... Let me inform him what real torture is about. I got shot down over N Vietnam in 1967. I was a Squadron. Commander. After I returned in 1973, after five years of punishing torture, I published 2 books that dealt a lot With ―real torture‖ in Hanoi.
 I was put thru a mock execution because I would not respond to the Communist interrogators. Exhausted, they pistol whipped me on the head. A couple of days later, I was hung by my feet all day. I escaped the prison into the jungles with no food and little water. A couple of weeks later, I got shot and recaptured. Being shot was OK…what happened afterwards was not.
 They marched me to Vinh…..put me in the rope trick; that trick almost pulled my arms out of the sockets. Then, they beat me on the head with a little wooden rod until my eyes were swelled shut, and my unshot, unbroken hand was beaten to a pulp.
 The next day hung me by the arms…rebroke my right wrist…wiped out the nerves in my arms that control the hands, and my fingers rolled p into a ball. I was only left with the slightest movement of my left forefinger. So I started answering the torturing asses with some incredible lies.
 The frustrated Commie gooks then sent me to Hanoi strapped to a barrel of gas in the back of a truck. Now in the Hanoi Hilton (our name for the horrible prison) I was once again placed kneeling on my knees before they did the shoulder rope trick on me again. Following my no response, I was beaten severely by a big fool. When that failed, they strapped me with leg irons onto a bed in Heartbreak Hotel.
 I spent much of my ‗out of leg iron‘ time held in a kneeling position. There was so much kneeling—hands up at Zoo. In the middle of this arduous process, I took some really bad beatings for refusing to condemn Lyndon Johnson. Following several more inescapable kneeling events. I could see my knee bones through Kneeling holes in my skin.
 Once there was a prisoner escape from the annex to the Zoo. I was the Senior Officer of a large building… because of escape…they started a mass Torture of all commanders. I think it was July 7, 1969…they started beating me with a car fan belt. In the first 2 days I took over 300 strokes…then stopped counting because I never thought I would live thru it.
 They continued day-night torture to get me to confess to a non-existent part in the escape. This went on for at least 3 days. On my knees… fan belting…cut open my scrotum with one fan belt stroke. Opened up both knee skin holes again with my kneecaps showing. My fanny looked like hamburger…I could not lie on my back, even with the leg irons on me.
 They tortured me into admitting that I was in on the escape…and that my 2 room-mates knew about it. The next day I denied the lie. They commenced torturing me again with 3- 6- or 9 strokes of the fan belt every day from about July 11 or 12th.to 14 October 1969. I continued to refuse to lie about my roommates again.
Now, the point of this is that our elected officials have declared to the world that we (U.S..) are a bunch of torturers… …thus it will be OK to torture us next time when they catch us…because that is what the U.S. does. These officials think that pouring a little water on some one‘s face, or hanging a pair of women‘s pants over an Arabs head is TORTURE.. I just talked to MOH holder Leo Thorsness, who was also in my squadron, In jail…as was John McCain…and we agree that McCain does Not speak for the POW group when he claims that Al Ghraib was Torture…or that ―water boarding, which has no after-effect is torture. If it got the Arab to cough up the story about how he planned the attack on the twin towers in NYC … Hurrah for the guy who poured the water! ... Editors Note: I have paraphrased and softened a few of Col. Days comments on this subject. Those who want to know his EXACT words regarding his feelings about our official‘s position on this subject can read them at http://www.veteransnewsnow.com/2011/10/18/medal-of-honor-winner-col-bud-day-american-hero/ [Source: Veterans News Now Tom Dillman article 18 Oct 2011

Commander's Report

Thanks to Ken Millick, Bill Towns, Dept 1st Vice Steve Masowick and the Stow Sons of the American Legion for everything.

Thank You,

Steve Honigfort

Commander

Sons of the American Legion

Detachment of Ohio

Our DVD is now on Facebook

Photos of the Sons of The American Legion Josh Dog distribution have been placed on a DVD and our partners at Josh and Friends have placed it on thier Facebook page. Check out the video .

VETERANS DAY DISCOUNTS

Real Warriors provides practical tools, tips and resources for Veterans and service members through their websites www.realwarriors.net and http://afterdeployment.org/.

what a veteran is

POST 23

Veterans Day Breakfast Hosted by the Womens Auxiliary

Friday November 11

8am to 10am

Pancake Breakfast

Commander's Report

Thanks to Ken Millick, Bill Towns, Dept 1st Vice Steve Masowick and the Stow Sons of the American Legion for everything.

Thank You,

Steve Honigfort

Commander

Sons of the American Legion

Detachment of Ohio

Our DVD is now on Facebook

Photos of the Sons of The American Legion Josh Dog distribution have been placed on a DVD and our partners at Josh and Friends have placed it on thier Facebook page. Check out the video .

VETERANS DAY DISCOUNTS

Real Warriors provides practical tools, tips and resources for Veterans and service members through their websites www.realwarriors.net and http://afterdeployment.org/.

what a veteran is

POST 23

Veterans Day Breakfast Hosted by the Womens Auxiliary

Friday November 11

8am to 10am

Pancake Breakfast

POSTED OCTOBER 20TH

Past Department President recovering

Past Department President Donna Ray had Knee repacement surgery last week.
Bob states she is now resting at home and going to therapy. Please keep her quick recovery in your prayers.
Cards may be sent to the home
Donna Ray
5724 Willnean Dr.
Milford, OH 45150-2032

SAL Past National Commander recovering

District 14's own PNC Fred Hartline is at home recovering from an infection related to an earlier surgery to install a pace maker. The original pace maker had to be removed and more surgery will be needed in the future. Please keep Fred and Kathy Hartline in your thoughts and prayers.

Fred Hartline

465 Canton Rd Lot 3A

Akron, Oh. 44312

Flag at half-staff Sunday
In accordance with Public Law 107-51 the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation to display the United States flag at half-staff in observance of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial
Service in Emmitsburg, Maryland, which will be celebrated Sunday,October 16,
2011.

BOLOGNA MONDAYS
SERVED EVERY MONDAY 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
THICK FRIED BOLOGNA SERVED ON A TOASTED BUN
GRILLED OR RAW ONIONS, TOMATOES DILL PICKLES AND CHIPS
ALL THIS FOR ONLY $3.50

Come on down to Conn-Weissenberger Post 587
2020 W. Alexis Rd
Cold Beverages available for purchase, plus Lottery and KENO!

Blood Drive
The next Armed Services Blood Drive will be held next Saturday, October 15th, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the U.S. Army Reserve Center, 165 N. Yearling Road, next to DSCC. This drive is being sponsored by the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, Southway Post 144, supported by the American Legion of Central Ohio, and hosted by the U.S. Army Reserve. The blood collected by the Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP), the military's exclusive blood collection agency, goes exclusively to military personnel, including a good portion to help save the lives of American forces deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq. Tentative date for the next one is December 17th.
This is one of the few blood drives for the Armed Forces in the country that is open to the public. Come in and donate next to our reservists and national guardsmen.

All blood collected will be immediately processed, and then most will be flown directly from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base by priority overseas and in theatre within a week. You cannot ask for a better, more direct way to support our troops.

For eligibility information (including not having donated since August 18th), please see the Armed Services Blood Program webpage at http://www.militaryblood.dod.mil/Donors/can_i_donate.aspx. If you are not
sure that you will be able to donate, check this site.

Food and refreshments will be provided, including warm sandwiches, coney islands, baked beans, chips, pretzels, donuts, cookies, cakes, and other snacks. Drinks will include water, Gatorade, juice and juice drinks, pop, and coffee. The inimitable Ladies Auxiliary of Southway Post 144 will be providing the food, and will be available for interviews about their deployed sons at the blood drive.
While walk-ins are accepted, donors are strongly encouraged to pre-register for an appointment at https://www.militarydonor.com/index.cfm (This gives us an idea of how many to expect, and saves YOU time in the donation process, because appointments go to the head of the line). Donors can search for this blood drive by zip code (43213) or city (Columbus) to register (add the date too: October 15th).

For more information, please contact Peter Margaritis, blood drive chairman, (614) 395-0387.
You've seen the TV. Our forces overseas are heavily engaged in combat operations. So many of us often go about our daily lives, forgetting that this country is at war. Please: help give a fellow serviceman or
servicewoman an early Thanksgiving gift - a chance to live. Give a life-saving gift that literally comes from the heart.

Thanks.

Peter Margaritis
Blood Drive Chairman
American Legion Ohio 12th District Council
http://www.Blooddriveforthetroops.org
(614) 395-0387

American Legion Post 503 in Shiloh:

American Legion Post 503, Shiloh, will be holding a Steak Fry starting at
5:00 pm on Saturday, October 15th. The dinner is open to the public with a
menu including New York Strip Steak, Baked Potato, Green Beans, Tossed
Salad, Rolls and Dessert.

Thank you,
Richard Russell
Adjutant
S.A.L. Squadron 503, Shiloh

Streetsboro Post 685 Ladies Auxiliary will be sponsoring a Tailgate Party
October 16, 2011, 12:00 pm to 4:00 Pm.
With Hot Dogs $1.00 Burgers $1.50, drink specials and snacks.
There will be 50/50 raffle, Corn Hole and Mini Football Toss with prizes.
Look Forward to seeing you all there.
Kathy Pawlak
2nd Vice 685

District 14
Our own LAURA DUNLOP is being honored by the Summit county Veterans Services Commission as the 2011 VET OF THE YEAR. A dinner i her honor will be held at
Guy's Party Center
500 E Waterloo Rd

Thursday, October 20th $14 each
call 330-643-7636 for tickets...
Read Laura's story at http://www.vscsummitoh.us/

Akron Post 209 The American Legion Steak Fry
Saturday October 22, 2011

10 oz. Rib Eye Steak, Baked Potato
Vegetable, Salad, Bread/Butter Coffee or Milk
$9.00 per person
5:00 pm till 8:00 pm

at
Garfield Memorial Post 566
2974 Cormany Road
Akron, Ohio

Post 587
Friends
Every year the Sons of the American Legion Squadron has an Oktoberfest at the Post. This year it is November 5 starting at 6:00 pm. We have food, drinks, and plenty of real German Oktoberfest music from a real Bavarian band and German Dancers. Please try to come and support this SAL project.
One of the students at Whitmer benefits from this program as we send one boy to Buckeye Boys State as a delegate every summer. If you cannot attend, please pass info on to those that might be able to come. It is in November this year because of a scheduling conflict.
Thanks for reading this and I hope to see you on November 5 at the SAL Squadron 587 Oktoberfest.
Jack Pietras, Americanism Chairman Post 587

FUNDRAISER

--SUNDAY, NOV 6TH FROM 1-4PM

Help raise money for a Wheelchair van for Sean Rowan, son of Amy Rowan.

Amy is a senior member of Unit 255 and a Past 14th District Junior President.

You may make a direct donation at any First Merit Bank under Wheels for Sean.

If you have questions, call CHRISTINE WILMOTH at 330.354.6108

Ride planned to honor Ohioans who died in Vietnam
9/29/2011 - West Side Leader

By Kathleen Folkerth

CLINTON - Organizers are hoping to attract more than 3,000 motorcycle riders to an event honoring Ohio's 3,095 Vietnam War casualties for Veterans Day.
The Ohio Veterans Memorial Park, 8005 Cleveland-Massillon Road, will be the destination for the "Ride for the 3095," to be held Nov. 12, the day after Veterans Day. The event will begin at the Days Inn & Suites in Richfield, 4742 Brecksville Road. From there, riders will travel about 25 miles along Interstate 77 and state Route 21 to Clinton.
"This has never been done before in the state of Ohio," said Ken Noon, who is one of the park's trustees. "We dedicated the wall in 2009, and it's the only memorial of its kind that has all 3,095 Vietnam casualties in one place."
By early October, organizers hope to have at least 500 sponsors who can pay $25 to sponsor a flag in memory of an Ohioan who died in Vietnam, Noon said. The goal is to have sponsors for all 3,095 names and eventually that many bike riders who can ride with the flags to the park. Sponsors also may ride in the event, Noon added.
To sponsor a flag, call Noon at 330-773-2385 or go to www.3095ride.com.
Bike riders also may register at the website or by calling Noon. Registration will begin the day of the ride at 9 a.m. at the Days Inn. Riders will line up with their flags alphabetically by name of the veteran for whom it has been sponsored. The ride will begin at noon. Once all riders get to the park, a service will take place in addition to other activities, according to organizers.

if you can't ride---why not volunteer to help or sponsor a flag?
thanks,
michele

Post 29, Zanesville, Ohio
For Sale:
Brand New 2011 Salem Cruise Lite 22 Ft. travel trailer with back pack edition. Back pack edition includes:
Flip Down rear cargo hauler, microwave, bedspread, awning, ext. speakers and 13.5 ac (non-ducted) retail value is $15,000.00 Asking $9,000.00 or best offer.
Can be Seen at The American Legion, 27 S Third St, Zanesville, Ohio 43701
(740) 452-1457
Contact Post Commander: Kurt Agin (740) 453-2540 or SAL Commander Larry Shanks (740) 815-4066

SAL Squadron 29 Commander,
Larry Shanks

U.S. Soldier MIA from Korean War Identified
The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a serviceman, missing in action from the Korean War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.
Army Cpl. Edward M. Pedregon of El Paso, Texas, will be buried on Oct. 6 in Arlington National Cemetery. A memorial service was held in San Elizario, Texas, on Oct. 1. In late November 1950 Pedregon and the Heavy Mortar Company, of the 31st Regimental Combat Team known as Task Force Faith were overrun by Chinese forces near the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. After several days of heavy attacks, Task Force Faith was forced to withdraw, but was stopped by enemy blockades that overpowered them on Dec. 2, 1950.
Pedregon was reported missing in action on Nov. 30, 1950

Missing Vietnam War Soldiers Identified
The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of three servicemen, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and returned to their families for burial with full military honors.
Master Sgt. Charles V. Newton of Canadian, Texas; Sgt. 1st Class Douglas E. Dahill of Lima, Ohio; and

Sgt. 1st Class Charles F. Prevedel of St. Louis, Mo., all U.S. Army, will be buried as a group on Oct. 5th. at Arlington National Cemetery. Newton was also individually identified, and will be interred individually at Arlington on the same day as the group interment.
On April 17, 1969, the men and three Vietnamese soldiers were on a long-range reconnaissance patrol operating in Quang Nam Province, Vietnam, near the border of Laos. That afternoon the patrol was ambushed by enemy forces and radioed for air support but thunderstorms in the area prevented rescue attempts. Search and rescue teams reached the site the next day but over the next week found no signs of the men.

May these fine men , as well as their Brothers and Sisters who paid the ultimate price in combat rest in peace forever!

POSTED SEP 16, 2011

Commander Honigfort

My Fellow Members,

Had a little vacation but I am back at it, hope all had a great Summer. Membership is getting started along with many fundraisers, and also many other events. Let's support the worthwhile causes the Sons of the American Legion across the State do and help them to reach their goals.

Gary Lang , Jon Coakley, and I paid a visit to Pickerington in the 8th District and I am happy to say we have met a good group of Gentlemen who want to represent the District as Officers.

It has been a long time coming and the work of everyone , past and present, has resulted in the 8th District making their presence known. The proposed officers would be as follows:

Chris Weil as Commander, William O'Linn - 1st Vice, Roger Cruse- 2nd Vice, Frank Kavanaugh - Adjutant, and L S Pauley as their Advisor. Guys let's welcome them and help them along.

Thanks to all those gentlemen for stepping up and I hope to see them at our many functions. I also want to thank them for the welcome they gave us along with their ideas. They put a new spin on some fundraisers and produce a lot of good P R for the SAL and the Legion Family. Thanks to Pickerington Post 283 for all they did to promote the meeting , food, and beverages.

If you haven't started there is much to be done w/ the new year. The deadline for room reservations for my Homecoming is less than a month away, ( See the Homecoming Flyer on the SAL link @ ohiolegion.com), and the deadline for the actual Homecoming is in November. Please let me know if you want to take a shuttle ride f/ Findlay to Ottawa. I want all to enjoy themselves and to be safe,

there will also be Al's mixed up band playing that evening also, Al and his group are very good and entertaining. Please note I am placing a final shirt order and need to be contacted ASAP if you want one.

If you have an event let me know as well as the other officers and chairmen, we would like to show up but can't if we don't know about it.

Thanks to All!

For God and Country,

Steve Honigfort Commander

Sons of the American Legion

Detachment of Ohio

Children's Miracle Network Report
We had a very successful and reward-ing past year with our CMN/Josh Dog program. All six CMN facilities in Ohio were visited in March and April with over 150 Josh kits and $8,300 distributed. Total CMN contributions for Ohio came to over $12,000. First District posts contributed over $2,200 for Josh Dog kits. Great job!
The project continues. Please consider CMN as a Squadron project as well as Josh Dogs. I'd be more than happy to make a presentation at your meeting with more information to help you along. The Josh Dogs are a great com-fort to the kids facing surgery and serious health issues, and financial support helps fund the life saving equipment needed.
As we all know, money's tight and none of us can help everybody, but a little bit from a lot of people can get things done.

Thank you,
Doug

Summit County Stand Down
Thank you for all you gave and continue to give to keep your "Summit County Stand Down" program going...
You served over 400 again this year and though our reports are not completed we plan to have them ready for our
October 3rd critique meeting....

Rest well guys and Thank You...
Laura
P.S. anyone that took pictures at Stand Down and wanting then included with the annual book please get email them to
our official photographer, Ellen Leidy leidyrun@aol.com
anyone who got a picture of Dale Luzader receiving his Kentucky Colonel Award please get a copy to Ellen and myself, Laura @ Williams.LD@hotmail.com

National POW/MIA Recognition Day, which is Friday, September 16

Post 685 Streetsboro Sons of the American Legion Chicken Dinner
Saturday September 17, 2011
Serving from 5:00PM to7:00PM - 1/2 Chicken, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Green Beans & More.
There will also be a 50/50 Raffle to benefit the Community Food Pantry
Cost is $7.50, $6.00 Senior Citizens, $4.50 Kids 12 & Under.
Address: 10001 Hudson Aurora Road, Streetsboro, OH. Call 1-330-650-9594 for tickets.
The SAL really looks forward to seeing you! Please let everyone at your legions know. We need your support!

Thank you,
Kathy Pawlak
Just a reminder, the SAL Chicken Dinner this weekend will be taking orders for “Take out” also. Our SAL supports all of our legion causes.

14th District Commander Jim Curley's Homecoming Reverse Raffle Breakfast
American Legion Post 281
1601 Front St. Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Sunday, September 18, 2011
10 AM to 12 PM
Donation $15.00
Plenty of tickets available! Call 330-920-9379 or stop by Post 281 for your tickets!
All proceeds go to Dept Commander Bob Klostermeier's Project COPD

AMERICAN LEGION / S.A.L. DISTRICT 1 JOINT FALL CONFERENCE
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2011 10:00 AM
Charles J. Wagner Post 287
815 E. Mathias St.
Leipsic, OH 45856-9044

9th District Fall Conference September 18, 2011 @ 1:00 p.m.
McKinley Post 76
395 West California Sebring, Ohio 44672
(330) 938-9082

THE SAL FOURTH DISTRICT FALL CONFERENCE

SUNDAY September 25, 2011 @ 10:00-AM
Middletown, OH Post 218

116 S MAIN ST MIDDLETOWN, OH 45044

The doors will open at 9:00-AM with lunch after our conference.
The Conference is open to all SAL, Legion and Auxiliary members and their families.
There will be coffee and donuts served in the morning. Just a note, if you have not been to Post 218
before for a conference you don’t know what you are missing. Good food and great camaraderie. Call Post-218 for directions at 513-422-5424

ALA District 14 Fall School of Instruction

Saturday, October 1, 2011 at Garfield Memorial Unit 566, 2974 Cormany Road, Akron 44319.

Our district chairmen are planning informative overviews and will be giving insight into how our units may work the appropriate programs.
Newly elected Department Second VP Vicky Buck will be our guest speaker. Registration starts at 9am with the meeting starting promptly at 10am. Lunch will cost $7. Reservations are to be made to District President Michele.

Juniors

HUDSON JR UNIT 464 will hold a canned food and non-perishables drive on Saturday, Oct 22 from 10-4pm at the Western Reserve Christian Church, 516 W. Streetsboro Rd. Items collected will go to Hudson Community Service Assoc. food pantry.

DETACHMENT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
SATURDAY OCTOBER 22, 2011 10:00 AM
Department Headquarters
60 Big Run Rd.
Delaware, OH 43015-8007

SAL 1st District TURKEY SHOOT
Sunday, October 30, 2011
12:00 Noon-4:00 PM
Ward L. Adams Post No. 454
S-031 County Road 19 @ U.S. 6
Ridgeville Corners, OH 43545
$2.50 per Round-Shells Pro

Homecoming Dinner
Honoring Sons of The American Legion Detachment of Ohio Commander Steven Honigfort
Date: November 12th, 2011
Location: American Legion Post 63
218 W. Main St. Ottawa, Ohio 45875
Time: 5:00pm - 6:00pm Social Hour 6:00pm Dinner 7:00pm Program
Costs: $20.00 per Person - RSVP with form & Check made out to Steve
Honigfort Deadline: November 1st, 2011

Available Hotel Will Be the Drury Inn & Suites, 820 Trenton Ave., Findlay,
OH
Rates are $89.95 / Night - PH 1-800-325-0720 - or online www.druryhotels.com
Refer To Or Enter Group # 2121089 Deadline Oct. 12th, 2011

POW/MIA Flag Raised at Ohio Rest Area
COLUMBUS – The Ohio Department of Transportation and the Ohio Department of Veterans Services hosted the inaugural raising of the POW/MIA flag at Ohio rest areas in ceremony held Wednesday afternoon at the Ohio Department of Transportation rest stop on I-70 east, mile marker 130, in Licking County.
“The National League of Families, the organization responsible for the creation of the flag, meant for it to be continually visible as a way to keep the issue of those captured or missing in the thoughts and wishes of the citizens of this country,” Ohio Department of Transportation Director Jerry Wray said at the ceremony. “We can think of no better way to achieve this goal than to make the flag a part of our state’s roadways.”
The ceremony – in which an Ohio National Guard honor guard lowered the U.S. and Ohio flags, attached the MIA/POW flag between the U.S. and Ohio flags, and then raised all three flags – marked the first raising of a POW/MIA flag at an Ohio rest area. The Department of Transportation is placing the flags at all 45 Ohio rest areas along interstate and state highways.
Tom Moe, Director of the Department of Veterans Services, is a retired Air Force Colonel who was a prisoner of war in North Vietnam for over five years. “This flag reminds me of those dark days that I shared with my mates, some of whom died of their wounds or from torture,” he said. “But no matter the privations we suffered, we also never lost faith in our country – we were not and would not be forgotten.”
Placing the flag at Ohio rest stops was a wish of Carolyn Maupin of Batavia, who was a special guest at Wednesday’s ceremony. Her son, Staff Sgt. Matt Maupin, was taken captive in Iraq in April 2004. Despite a video that purported to show his execution, his fate was unknown until U.S. forces recovered his remains in March 2008.
The date for Wednesday’s ceremony was chosen to coincide with National POW/MIA Recognition Day, which is Friday, September 16. Representatives of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Patriot Guard Riders, and other central Ohio veterans’ organizations attended the ceremony.
The idea for the POW/MIA flag was conceived in 1971 by the wife of a soldier missing in Vietnam, and the flag itself was designed by a World War II veteran. It symbolizes the concerns of families and the resolve of Americans to never forget the men and women who have sacrificed their freedom to protect the U.S.

POSTED SEPTEMBER 9, 2011

VA & R/Honor Flight Network
Greetings!
I hope that all of you had a good Labor Day weekend and that this finds you in good health. Our Squadron, as has become customary, once again served as the Color Guard for Marietta’s Labor Day parade. Once again we used this event to collect ink and toner cartridges. The money collected will go towards the Honor Flight Network.
Although the Canines for Combat Veterans program has essentially been replaced by the Honor Flights Network as this year’s VA & R program, I would urge any of you having any monies remaining to be turned in to do so to allow the books to be closed on the Canines program. Please contact me as soon as possible to let me know what monies are still out there.
In closing I am asking all of you to keep my father, James M. “Dad” Badgett in your thoughts and prayers. Dad is currently in the hospital here in Marietta dealing with some pretty serious health issues. Please pray for a full and speedy recovery.
Sincerely,
James M. “Butch” Badgett
VA&R Chairman
Detachment of Ohio
123 Maple Street, Marietta OH 45750
740-373-6407/740-525-2653
dcc@suddenlink.net/ink@suddenlink.net

LOST AND FOUND

We found a nice pair of prescription glasses that was left on our table next to our computer in our SAL office during National Convention in Minneapolis.

If you hear of anyone looking for a pair of glasses lost during Convention, please contact me.

Thanks

John Kerestan

FLY THE FLAG

On Sunday, September 11th, 2011, an American flag should be displayed outside every home, apartment, office, and store in the United States. Every individual should make it their duty to display an American flag on this tenth anniversary of one of our country's worst tragedies. We do this to honor those who lost their lives on 9/11, their families, friends and loved ones who continue to endure the pain, and those who today are fighting at home and abroad to preserve our cherished freedoms.

In the days, weeks and months following 9/11, our country was bathed in American flags as citizens mourned the incredible losses and stood shoulder-to-shoulder against terrorism. Sadly, those flags have all but disappeared. Our patriotism pulled us through some tough times and it shouldn't take another attack to galvanize us in solidarity. Our American flag is the fabric of our country and together we can prevail over terrorism of all kinds

Legion: Reserve flag honors for military
National commander says Congress should “think twice” about bill to present U.S. flags to honor fallen civil servants
WASHINGTON (Sept. 7, 2011) – The American Legion is denouncing a bill the House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on today allowing for payment of “expenses incident to the presentation of a (U.S.) flag” for civilians who are killed while working for the federal government.
The Civilian Service Recognition Act of 2011 (H.R. 2061) was introduced May 31 by Rep. Bill Hanna of New York. Noting that 3,000 federal employees have died since 1993, Hanna said, “Like members of the armed services, civilian federal employees are often in harm’s way. Ours is a grateful nation, one that values the sacrifices made in honor of this country. A life can never be repaid, but it can be honored.”
Fang Wong, newly elected national commander of the Legion, said the bill is a misguided attempt to equate civil service with military service.
“Congress needs to think twice before acting on this hastily written bill,” Wong said. “Civil service workers do not sign a pledge to defend America with their lives, they are not forced to serve in combat zones, and their work routines do not include engaging enemy forces overseas.”
The bill’s advocates and the Committee of the Whole noted that presentation of a United States flag “is an appropriate way to honor Federal employees’ contributions to the American public. The Committee believes these individuals are no less deserving of our respect than members of our armed forces.” They point to legislation passed in 1993, allowing for civilians working with the military to be afforded the same privilege.
“This bill leaves far too much to be determined by a few individuals,” said Tim Tetz, legislative director of The American Legion. “It allows agency heads to determine who may be eligible upon their deaths. It allows them to determine ‘next of kin.’ It doesn’t clearly identify associated costs, and it leaves far too much to be decided without any public feedback.”
“We certainly respect the service and dedication of those who sign up for civil service,” Wong said, “but these individuals pledge much less than our servicemembers and veterans. If federal employees die or are killed in service to America, they should be honored by a grateful nation. Just not in the same way as our military or veterans.”

Portsmouth 1st Responders

Come to Portsmouth on September 11, 2011 for an afternoon in the park in remembrance of our 1st Responders who gave their lives for us. We will also be honoring our present 1st responders and our military service persons.

12:00PM
The program, honoring our 1st responders, will commence at high noon at Tracy Park in Portsmouth with live entertainment and family games
Picnic type food and refreshments will be available at a modest cost

2:00PM
Our 9-11 Program as dedicated to God and Country is scheduled for 2:00PM
Fly Ole Glory with pride.

James R.

SUMMIT COUNTY STAND DOWN

THE BIG DAY IS ALMOST HERE....ONE WEEK FROM TODAY....

Mark you calendars BIG and be sure to be inside Stand Down and signed in no later than 7:30am......

We then can get picture taken of our whole group and then announcements for everyone volunteering at Stand Down so you will know that plan for the day.

for 2011 Stand Down this year we are fortunate to have a few new additions: Rapid HIV Testing & HIV Prevention Outreach (30 kits) (Summit County Public Health)

VA vouchers for state I.D's and driver's licenses & Ohio Birth Certificates

Wear your Red T Shirt be sure to be inside of Stand Down and checked into the Volunteer registration by 7:30am...

Pictures and then announcements so you know the plan for the day...

Laura Williams Dunlop, 330-762-7328

Cabbage Roll Dinner

Palmer-Roberts American Legion Auxiliary Unit 214 in Willoughby is having a cabbage roll dinner on Tuesday, September 13, 2011 from 5:00 -7:00. This is a fundraiser for their Auxiliary charities. A button box musician will be serenading the diners as they enjoy cabbage rolls, mashed potatoes, corn, wonderful bread/butter, and strudel for dessert.

Special Olympics

The statewide golf tournament will be held September 20-21 at Meadowlinks Golf Academy in Cincinnati, Ohio. Over 100 Unified Teams (one Special Olympics athlete and one partner) will compete in the unified divisions and over a dozen athletes will compete in an individual golf competition. Consider coming out to support our athletes. We sincerely thank Hamilton County Park District for their support.

Over 50 teams in 6 divisions will compete in the State Softball tournament September 10 in Oregon, Ohio. Both traditional Special Olympics and Unified Teams will be represented in addition to a softball skills competition featuring throwing, hitting, fielding, and base running. If you or a group is interested in volunteering on the 10th please click here.

Volunteers will be essential as scorekeepers, timers, announcers, and awards presenters. Individuals volunteering in skills will be asked to help run a skill station or escort athletes. Lunch and t-shirts will be provided for all volunteers.

2011 HORSEPOWER for HEROES RIVER RUN & EVENT
September 24th (Sat) 2011 (RAIN OR SHINE)
To benefit Soldiers with P.T.S.D. through the H.O.O.V.E.S. Program Motorcycle RIVER RUN:

9:00 am Registration at: Pride Leather Company 24189 Front Street Grand Rapids, OH 43522

Kickstands up at 10:15 am $15 per Rider $20 per Couple (includes poker hand)
Want to be a part of the fun but you don't have a Motorcycle ... No bike, No Problem!

Ride ends where The EVENT begins: 12:00 Noon to 5:00 PM
Vail Meadows
6118 Cedar Point Road Oregon, OH 43616

Drive in door ticket price: $5 per person, $10 poker hand
“H.O.O.V.E.S. Demos” & Team Building Demos by Amanda Thompson

50/50 raffle
Auction: See a list of donations at www.prideleathercompany.com
(Items can be taken home that day or picked up at later date)
Food Vendors on site ... Yummmm Yummmm BALDY~Q's and more
Winning Poker Hand $100 gift certificate from Pride Leather
Award plaque to be given to the group with the highest attendance

This Run benefits The H.O.O.V.E.S. program using horses to help veterans with P.T.S.D. in a non-traditional therapeutic way
No Riding~ Observation Therapy
Our heroes get the chance to see things in a different light... Looking through the eyes of the horse

May all your rides be filled with warm memories and good times.

Riding with PRIDE,
Nicole

PRIDE LEATHER COMPANY
24189 Front Street
Grand Rapids, Ohio 43522
419- 832- RIDE (7433)
www.prideleathercompany.com
PrideLeather@aol.com

VA Posts Online List of Ships Associated with Presumptive Agent Orange Exposure
September 2, 2011

VA Posts Online List of Ships Associated with Presumptive Agent Orange Exposure
WASHINGTON – Veterans who served aboard U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships operating on the waters of Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, may be eligible to receive Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation for 14 medical conditions associated with presumptive exposure to Agent Orange.
An updated list of U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships confirmed to have operated on Vietnam’s inland waterways, docked on shore, or had crewmembers sent ashore, has been posted at http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/ to assist Vietnam Veterans in determining potential eligibility for compensation benefits.
“Posting of the ships list is an important recognition of the sacrifices U.S. Navy and Coast Guard Veterans made for this Nation,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “It provides an easier path for Veterans who served in Vietnam to get the benefits and services they are entitled to under the law.”
VA presumes herbicide exposure for any Veteran with duty or visitation within the country of Vietnam or on its inland waterways during the Vietnam era. Comprehensive information about the 14 recognized illnesses under VA’s “presumption” rule for Agent Orange is also located on the webpage.
In practical terms, Veterans with qualifying Vietnam service who develop a disease associated with Agent Orange exposure need not prove a medical link between their illnesses and their military service. This presumption simplifies and speeds up the application process for benefits.
For questions about Agent Orange and the online list of ships, Veterans may call VA’s Special Issues Helpline at 1-800-749-8387 and press 3.
When a claim is filed by a Veteran, surviving spouse or child, VA will determine whether the Veteran qualifies for the presumption of exposure based on official records of the ship’s operations. Ships will be regularly added to the list based on information confirmed in these official records.
Even if a Veteran is not filing a claim, a Veteran may conduct his or her own research and submit scanned documentary evidence such as deck logs, ship histories, and cruise book entries via email to 211_AOSHIPS.VBACO@va.gov.
Service on board ships anchored in an open water harbor, such as Da Nang Harbor, or on ships on other open waters around Vietnam during the war, is not considered sufficient for the presumption of Agent Orange exposure. For Veterans interested in obtaining deck logs, contact the National Archives at College Park, Md., at http://www.archives.gov/dc-metro/college-park/researcher-info.html.
The Agent Orange Claims Processing System website located at https://www.fasttrack.va.gov/AOFastTrack/ may be used to submit claims related to the three conditions added to the list of Agent Orange presumptives last year (Parkinson’s disease, hairy cell and other chronic B-cell leukemias, and ischemic heart disease).
This website makes it easy to electronically file a claim and allows Veterans and their physicians to upload evidence supporting the claim. It also permits online viewing of claim status.
Veterans claiming other conditions may file online at VA’s My-eBenefits web site at: https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits-portal/ebenefits.portal. They can check the status of their claim with a premium account (confirming their identity), and use a growing number of online services.
Servicemembers may enroll in My-eBenefits using their Common Access Card at any time during their military service, or before they leave during their Transition Assistance Program briefings.
Veterans may also enroll through their myPay or MyHealtheVet accounts, by visiting their local VA regional office or Veteran Service Organization, or by calling 1-800-827-1000

Vietnam MIA Remains Come Home
September 08, 2011
AFP
Remains believed to be of an American special forces soldier listed as missing during the Vietnam War have been repatriated after a fellow serviceman helped locate the body, a US official said Thursday.
After a ceremony Wednesday in the central city of Danang, the remains, along with others from a separate incident, were flown to Hawaii for further identification, said Ron Ward of the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC).
They were recovered during a recent mission to find Americans missing in action from the war which ended almost four decades ago.
Ward said the special forces soldier and his colleague were the only two Americans left defending a strategic high point in 1971 above Khe Sanh, near the then-Demilitarized Zone.
One received a Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions on the hill -- he was captured and later released by North Vietnamese troops who overran the site -- while the other was listed as missing, Ward said.
The decorated soldier returned to help JPAC, which worked alongside Vietnamese colleagues, locate where the other soldier was last seen in Quang Tri province, Ward said.
JPAC does not release any names until the identification of remains has been confirmed.
In a second case, investigators located possible remains from at least one American missing after a helicopter crash in Quang Nam province in 1968, Ward said.
The US and Vietnam began cooperating on investigations into missing American servicemen in 1985, helping pave the way for a normalisation of diplomatic relations 10 years later.
With witnesses ageing and acidic soil eating into the buried remains, investigators are racing to find the bodies of those still classed as missing.
The latest mission included an excavation team run primarily by Vietnamese -- the first time they have led a routine excavation, according to Ward.
Since the end of US combat involvement in 1973, the remains of 678 Americans listed as missing during the war have been repatriated from Vietnam and identified, but 1,293 are still unaccounted for, the US says.
About 300,000 North Vietnamese soldiers are still missing from the war, according to Hanoi.

POW/MIA

Palmer-Roberts American Legion Family of Post 214 in Willoughby will be having their annual POW/MIA program on September 29, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. The Auxiliary and SAL juniors will set the missing man table. If you have never attended their program, please try to attend. It will be worth your time.

POSTED SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

COMMANDER'S REPORT

The National convention was a good time and also informative. It turned out to be a successful one also for the Detachment of Ohio Sons of the American Legion.

Ohio again was rewarded with the Garland Murphy Award for the largest CWF donation in the country. We all worked hard to get this and you deserve a big Thank You !

Also we received the Udie Grant Award for Ohio being the top Legion Family also in Child Welfare.

Ohio also earned the Highest Detachment Per Capita Award by Region and our own Wellington Squadron 8 won the Central Region Children and Youth Award.

Robb, Stoney, Rex, and Blair won the Golf Outing also to put the icing on the cake.

We are quota and at an all time high with membership for 2011, ahh, what a good feeling. Let's keep the momentum going into the new year and get the dues in earlier and renew all existing members. It's time to grow more, but it will take some work. Let's bang on some doors and make some calls and please not wait until next spring.

Fundraisers are needed to fund the many great programs the Detachment of Ohio has going. Child Welfare, Honor Flight, CMN, POW/MIA, Special Olympics, NEF, and many others show we do a great amount of good deeds to help others. Your help is needed to make all programs succeed, and we need to work as a team. I am proud to serve as your Commander as I hope you will work with me to make the Sons of the American Legion, Detachment of Ohio, bigger and better.

For God and Country,

Steve Honigfort

Commander

Sons of the American Legion

Detachment of Ohio

Ohio Sons Earn National Appointments

Ohio's leadership has once again been recognized as members have been appointed to National Sons of The American Legion key positions as they continue to be a great resource for Ohio.

Randy Eicher Sub Committee on Resolutions ( ranbar@columbus.rr.com )

Rex Buchs Children and Youth Commission ( rrexbuchs@aol.com )

Rob Brewer Child Welfare Foundation ( rbrewer@invacare.com )

Scott Thorton Member Training and Development Committee ( scottj.thorton@gmail.com )

David Young Membership Committee ( 4youngs@roadrunner.com )

Ed VanHouten (Spanky) Legislative Commission ( spanky535@peoplepc.com )

Tom Getz National Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms ( tom1buckeye@yahoo.com )

Bill Towns National Chaplain ( DOCBILL@neo.rr.com )

Congratulations continue to be in order for these hard working individuals.

Wong elected national commander
As a Vietnam veteran, Fang Wong remembers how veterans of that war were treated when they returned home. It's those same veterans' responsibility to ensure a similar homecoming doesn't await the men and women who are fighting the war on terror.
That was part of the focus of Wong's acceptance speech in Minneapolis Thursday after being elected The American Legion's national commander for 2011-2012. The New York Legionnaire and member of Lt. B.R. Kimlau Post 1291 in New York City said the future of the organization depends on welcoming younger veterans into the fold, as well as advocating on their behalf.

Go to Wong elected national commander for the complete story

VA & R/Honor Flight Network

Labor Day 2011 is very quickly approaching – Monday September 5. The festivities and parades will start Saturday the 3^rd. If your advertising hasn’t already been done don’t put it off any longer. Get the publicity out there – tell folks in your town and in your Post where the inkjet and toner cartridge collection containers will be. Place the containers along parade routes, in government offices, doctor, dentist and lawyer officers, your workplace, your schools and colleges – any place folks use ink and toner cartridges. Don't forget the fairs and carnivals. Where ever they are placed be sure to publicize. These things seem to be coming out of the woodwork. Tell people where the money will go – to the Honor Flight Network. Get the word out and people will respond. You’ve done a great job so far. The turn-in at our last D.E.C. meeting was very good but let’s do even better next time. Let’s raise enough for Honor Flights to send several Veterans to Washington, D.C. to see the memorials that have been erected in their honor.

For God and Country

James M. (Butch) Badgett

VA & R Chairperson

123 Maple Street

Marietta OH 45750

740.373.6407 (home) or 740.525.2653 (mobile)

dcc@suddenlink.net or ink@suddenlink.net

SQUADRON 389
After 20 Years of being The Squadron Adjutant Joe Heiss has Stepped down from his position
Joe is still going to be active in the squadron as he will be the squadron historian.
I myself would like to thank for a job well done as well as post 389 legion family.
As they say its easy being commander if you got a good adjutant its true.
I would like to Welcome Are new adjutant Bruce Forshey You can reach Bruce At 740-423-6445
or email him at bforshey1@roadrunner.com.
Once Again Thanks Joe

Gary Lang
Commander Squadron 389

It Started With One Child - Kim Hill

Ronald McDonald House
It was 1969. Kim Hill was 3-years old, battling leukemia. Doctors said she most likely wouldn’t recover. Frightened, her parents, Fred and Fran, vigilantly stayed at her bedside. They slept in a chair in her room. They grabbed whatever food they could. They tried to hide their worry, sadness and fatigue. They mustered up every last ounce of strength they had and gave it to their daughter.
To everyone’s surprise, their strong little girl beat the odds.
Inspired by their struggle, Fred and Fran set about to help other families. They knew they could have given Kim more of themselves if they had a place to sleep close by, a home-cooked meal, a friend to talk to, and people to help them worry less.
In 1974, they worked to bring together a doctor, the Philadelphia Eagles, McDonald’s and an entire community to build the first Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia. It was a place of strength so families could give 100% of themselves to their child. Demand was so great, with supporters so passionate, that it was an idea that has been replicated more than 300 times to date, with plans to keep on growing.
In March 2011, Kim Hill passed away at the age of 43. Unfortunately, Kim’s story is echoed by millions of children who are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness and the families that struggle to support them. Because of Kim and your continued support, they are not alone.
"At the time I didn't enjoy being sick. But I'm glad I did get sick, because through my suffering, a great thing has come from it." - Kim Hill, 1983
It started with one child, and one family, who in turn helped millions more. All it takes to keep it going is you. Donate today to honor the memory of Kim Hill and the millions of families that found strength because of her.
In Loving Memory of Kim Hill - August 11, 1966 – March 5, 2011

American Legion, Post 384, EVENTS
6910 Providence Street, Whitehouse, OH

Breakfast Buffet
THE THIRD SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH
•8 am to 1 pm
•$7 per Adult
•$6 per Senior
•$4 per Child between the ages of 2 & 10
Free for children under the age of 2.

Steak Fry

THE FIRST SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH
•5 PM to 8 PM
•$12 per Adult
•Salad, Baked Potato, Grilled Onions, and French Bread
•Option to purchase a slice of homemade pies

Guy Mingione

Candidate for 2012-2013 Detachment Chaplain

2nd ANNUAL ATTICA COMMUNITY DAY
AT HONEY CREEK PARK
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 10
NOON TIL 6PM
KIDS ACTIVITIES
CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT
HOT DOGS, CHIPS, AND POP PROVIDED
??QUESTIONS??
CONTACT: BEN STOCKMASTER 567-224-0518 OR: JEFF PAINTER 419-426-7200
(Sponsored by the Attica Sons of the American Legion and area Business’s)

WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER

Post 685 Streetsboro Sons of the American Legion are sponsoring:

Chicken Dinner

Saturday September 17, 2011

Serving from 5:00PM to7:00PM - 1/2 Chicken, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Green Beans & More.

There will also be a 50/50 Raffle to benefit the Community Food Pantry

Cost is $7.50, Seniors $6.00 Senior Citizens, $4.50 Kids 12 & Under.

Address: 10001 Hudson Aurora Road, Streetsboro, OH. Call 1-330-650-9594 for tickets.

The SAL really look forward to seeing you! Please let everyone at your legions know. We need your support!

Thank you,

Kathy Pawlak
Wife of a SAL

Ladies Aux Unit 685

5TH DISTRICT BOWLING TOURNAMENT

The Fifth District Bowling tournament will be held the first weekend of December at Cedar Lanes in Sandusky. Last year the Post, Auxiliary, SAL and AL Riders, each sponsored a team. We hope to do the same this year. If you would like to bowl, let us know by October 15. We always have a great time, and many of our members have won trophies and money at this event.

Air Force Pilot Missing From Vietnam War Identified
The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a serviceman, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and returned to his family for burial with full military honors.
Air Force Major Thomas E. Reitmann of Red Wing, Minn., will be buried on Sept. 8 in Arlington National Cemetery

POSTED SEPTEMBER 1,2011

1ST VICE COMMANDER

I HOPE EVERYBODY'S SUMMER IS GOING WELL. BEFORE YOU KNOW IT THE SNOW WILL BE FLYING.
I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE DETACHMENT OF OHIO FOR THEIR MEMBERSHIP, WE FINISHED AT 99.96%.
WE WERE SO CLOSE TO 100%. MY GOAL FOR NEXT YEAR IS TO BE 100%, SO LETS START GETTING THOSE DUES CARDS OUT TO ALL MEMBERS AND LET'S GET A EARLY START.

I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE 4TH & 5TH DISTRICT FOR GETTING THEIR OFFICERS CERTIFICATIONS FORMS IN & THEIR 2011 MEMBERSHIP CARDS TURNED IN. GREAT JOB!
ALSO CONGRATULATIONS GOES TO 12 DISTRICT COMMANDER DAN FINNELL. I HAD THE PLEASURE OF SWEARING HIM AND THE OFFICERS OF THE 12TH IN AND I KNOW THEY WILL ALL DO AND OUTSTANDING JOB. THANKS FOR THE HOSPITALITY BEFORE AND AFTER THE MEETING.
STEVE, JON, KYLE AND I HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH THE 8TH DISTRICT TO GET THEM STARTED WITH NEW DISTRICT OFFICERS. SO FAR IT STARTING TO LOOK AS THEY ARE WANTING TO GET BACK IN THE MIX OF THINGS. SO WITH A LITTLE GUIDANCE I THINK THEY WILL DO A GREAT JOB. IT WILL BE GOOD TO SEE THEM
AT THE MEETINGS AND CONVENTIONS.
WELL THE NATIONAL CONVENTION IS A WEEK AWAY SO I HOPE TO SEE A LOT OF YOU THERE.

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY
GARY LANG
1ST VICE COMMANDER

Remember in your Prayers

Detachment Homeland Security Chairman and District 12 SAL Commander Dan Finnell's father past away this week.

Please keep Dan and his family in your prayers.

Showing Friday 4-8 pm Funeral Saturday 11 am

Given-Dawson Funeral Home

186 Park Ave. Coshocton, Oh.

VA&R / Honor Flights
Gentlemen,

This will be a brief reminder about the ink and toner cartridge recycling project to fund the Honor Flight Network to enable that program to transport even more Veterans to Washington DC. We had a very good turn in at the last D.E.C. meeting and would like to have an even better turn in at our next meeting.

A reminder also to keep the Honor Flight Network in mind when planning your functions - your dinners and other events. Although the ink and toner cartridge recycling project is in full swing it will take more than just that to support this program with the magnitude the Ohio Sons are known for when it comes to supporting their projects.

Thank you for all you do for the VA & R and other American Legion programs that the Sons of The American Legion support.

James M. "Butch" Badgett
VA & R Chairprson
123 Maple Street
Marietta OH 45750
740.373.6407 (mobile)/740.525.2653
dcc@suddenlink.net or ink@suddenlink.net

4th District

The 4th District is all cleared as of 8/11/11. Thanks to all those squadrons who made the effort to make this First Goal on time. Time to get out the word to your membership 'DUES ARE DUE"!

Bob Ray

1st Vice Commander

Membership Chairman

SAL National Convention Parade Shirt

Hey Guys the question has came up what shirt we are wearing at National Convention. I would like all of us to wear the shirt that I had last year. I have a few extra and I will be bring the shirts with me for those who did not get one. I do have about 10 shirts different's sizes. 4x to L. If anyone wants me to save one call me or e-mail.

Thanks Rex Buchs

The Dignity Memorial® Vietnam Wall comes to Catavolos Funeral Home

The Dignity Memorial® Vietnam Wall is a traveling, three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. The faux-granite replica stands 240 feet long and eight feet high and is inscribed with the names of more than 58,000 Americans who died or are missing in Vietnam.
Free and open to the public 24 hours a day, the Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall is dedicated to the veterans of the Vietnam War and honors all U.S. servicemen and women.

Catavolos Funeral Home / Rose Hill Cemetery
3653 West Market Street

Friday - August 19, 2011
· Opening ceremonies will begin at 6:00 PM
· Colors will be parachuted into the wall area and be presented at approximately 6:05 PM
· At 6:35 PM, the Revere High School Band will play followed by a rifle volley and taps signaling the official wall opening at 6:45 PM

Saturday - August 20, 2011 – Motorcycle Event
· Sponsor Memorial Service at 1:00 PM
· Rifle Volley at 1:15 PM
· At 4:00 PM, BBQ for all motorcycle riders, live music by local blues band Highway 61, at bandstand at rear of parking lot. Patches to first 500 riders.
· Balloon release at 9:00 PM

Sunday - August 21, 2011
· 1:00 PM - Call to the Wall - All veterans all eras
· Bagpipes and Closing Rifle Volley with Taps at 1:30 PM
· Raffle results at 2:00 PM
· Closing – Eric Mansfield “Thank You” at 3:00 PM

The Greater Cleveland Fisher House has been chosen as one of the two charities to benefit from the proceeds of this event. The Run to Ohio Wall will serve as host for the GCFH at their tent Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Please stop by and show your support for the service and sacrifice of our veterans and their families. For more info, visit www.runtoohiowall.org/events/ or contact the Catavolos Funeral Home/Rose Hill Burial Park at 330.666.3089.**

By Ben Sutherly, Staff Writer Updated 8:00 PM Friday, August 12, 2011
DAYTON — By year’s end, the Dayton VA Medical Center hopes to find nonprofit partners to develop 29 acres on the southern and eastern side of its campus, addressing the Department of Veterans Affairs’ top national goal of ending homelessness for veterans by 2015 while marking a return of permanent residential living to the site.
The Dayton VA began as a soldier’s home for Civil War veterans in 1867. Its 382-acre campus at U.S. 35 and Gettysburg Avenue is one of the oldest VA sites in the nation.
St. Mary Development Corp., a nonprofit neighborhood development agency, already has plans to build a $6.5 million, 67-unit low-income housing development on 6 acres on the southwest side of the campus.
That project, endorsed by the VA, hinges on receipt of $4.8 million in federal Housing and Urban Development funding, plus tax credits. St. Mary officials hope both will materialize before the end of the year.
St. Mary hopes to break ground in spring 2012 on the housing project, which would resemble another St. Mary project, Lyons Place, at 1300 Genesis Way off Hoover Avenue in West Dayton. There could eventually be two other housing units built on the six acres, bringing the total number of residential units to about 200.
The demand is great, said Dick McBride, president and CEO of St. Mary. A St. Mary-commissioned market study in April found nearly 2,000 local homeless and low-income veterans would qualify for such housing, he said.
According to a December 2010 VA Building Utilization Review and Reuse (BURR) Initiative Report, 129 of 837 homeless people in the Dayton area, or 28 percent, are veterans. Another 258 veterans are thought to be at risk of homelessness. The BURR report found there is a high need for senior independent living housing and non-senior assisted living locally.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will put out a “request for proposal” in the next two to four weeks, and will require project proposals to be submitted within 30 to 45 days of posting that request. The VA hopes to enter “enhanced-use lease” agreements with one or more developers — who would be responsible for financing — by the end of 2011. The leases would be good for up to 75 years.
The request for proposal will be available at fedbizopps.gov and at va.gov/assetmanagement/burr/
A public hearing Thursday drew fewer than 10 people, mostly representatives of local nonprofits.
“The hospital’s goal is to provide more alternatives for veteran permanent housing,” thereby giving many veterans more convenient access to the Dayton VA’s medical services, said William Montague, acting Dayton VA director.
The Dayton VA does not have a specific number of residential housing units in mind for the campus, Montague said.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7457 or bsutherly@ DaytonDailyNews.com.

SQUADRON 281 CORN ROAST

1601 FRONT ST. CUYAHOGA FALLS

SATURDAY AUGUST 20

2:00 UNTILL 7:00

EVERYONE WELCOME

CHARITY PANCAKE BREAKFAST
SATURDAY, August 27th 8:00 – 11:00 A.M.
All Proceeds Benefit:
Summit County Stand-Down for Homeless Veterans
and
Copley-Fairlawn “Share a Christmas” Program

COST:
Free-will Offering Whatever you donate goes directly to charity

WHERE:
“The Presentation of Our Lord” Orthodox Church
3365 Ridgewood Road, Fairlawn, Ohio (Across from VNS Hospice)

SPONSORED BY:
“AkROY” AKRON ROMANIAN ORTHODOX YOUTH

Wickliffe Post 7 Sal Clam Bake
Friday september 2 2011
Door open 6:30 pm
chowder at 7:00 pm
Dinner at 7:00 pm
Chicken&Clams $23.00
steak&Calms $25.00
Steak Only $18.00
chicken Only $15.00
clam Only $ 8.00

To ORDER YOUR TICKET FOR THE CLAM BAKE CALL 440-585-7330
at Wickliffe Post 7 Hall

Sal Commander Thomas Foss

4th Annual Veteran Cookout and Football Game
Sponsored by the Whitmer Social Studies Department
For: Veterans and a guest (cookout and complimentary football tickets)
Date: Friday, September 9th
Time: Cookout begins at 5:30, brief ceremony during pre-game and game starting at 7:00
Place: Whitmer High School Stadium with parking and at the south end of the stadium nearest Jefferson Junior High School.
Cookout (tent) inside stadium next to Jefferson
RSVP: Matt Berman, Whitmer Social Studies Department Chairman at 419-473-8322 or mberman@wls4kids.org – please leave your name and number of tickets needed by September 9th.

Thank you for your service!

Agent Orange claim filing deadline Aug. 30
The American Legion - August 18, 2011

Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt, Jr. Collection
Vietnam-era veterans who have medical diagnoses for three presumptive conditions related to Agent Orange exposure need to file their disability claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs by Aug. 30 in order to qualify for up to one year of retroactive benefits.
The three diseases recently added to VA's list of presumptive conditions related to Agent Orange exposure or other herbicides during the Vietnam War are ischemic heart disease, hairy cell and other B-cell leukemias, and Parkinson's disease.
"Veterans who suffer from these presumptive conditions can apply for disability benefits at any time," said Verna Jones, director of The American Legion's Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Division. "But they need to apply by the Aug. 30 deadline in order to possibly get up to a year's worth of benefits retroactively,"
Widows and widowers whose spouses have died from Agent Orange presumptive conditions may also qualify for retroactive benefits and are encouraged to file for dependent indemnity compensation by Aug. 30.
Veterans can file for disability claims online at VA's Agent Orange Fast Track Claims Processing System.

POSTED AUGUST 12, 2011

Ohio SALute

REMINDER that the deadline for the next edition of Ohio SALute is Wednesday, August 31 at 12:00 noon.

Send all submissions to Jeff Vrabel Sr. <jeffvrabel@sbcglobal.net>
THANKS!
PDC Jeff Vrabel, Sr., Editor

5th District First to Clear

Because of your effort and dedication to the Sons of the American Legion, the 5th District has become the first district in Ohio to be cleared. For those who do not know what this means, it means that all of the squadrons in our district have submitted their Officers Certification Form for 2012 and have returned their 2011 cards. This is a big deal!
Our next target is for our district to be 35% by mid-October. This is one of the easiest targets to obtain if we just get the table officers and dual members to pay their membership.

On behalf of the Officers of the 5th District, I once again say, "Thank You!"
to assist for God and Country,

Bernie Kessler
1st Vice Commander
5th District Ohio

2011 Legion Baseball World Series
Follow the 2011 Legion Baseball World Series teams in action Aug. 12-16 live, and for free, on ESPN3. Fans can quickly access ESPN3 by visiting www.legion.org, where a direct link to the site is available, as well as a link to track games live, including play-by-play, score and stats.
Stay tuned to www.legion.org throughout the World Series for daily highlights and photos of each game.
Below is the broadcast schedule for all of this year's games (all times EDT).
• Aug. 12 - 10:00 a.m., Game 1: Central Plains vs. Great Lakes;
• 1 p.m., Western vs. Mid-South; 5 p.m., Northwest vs. Mid-Atlantic; 8 p.m., Southeast vs. Northeast
• Aug. 13 - Games at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 5 p.m. and 8 (match-ups to be determined)
• Aug. 14 - Games at 1 p.m., 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.
• Aug. 15 - Games at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
• Aug. 16 - Games at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. (if necessary)

American Legion Child Welfare Foundation, Inc.
"Dedicated to the Betterment of Children"

August 2, 2011

Roger Hight, Department Adjutant
The American Legion of Ohio
PO Box 8007
Delaware, OH 43015-8007

Dear Adjutant Hight:

On behalf of the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation, I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you and the leadership of Ohio for this year's contributions to our Foundation.

It is a pleasure to inform you that The American Legion Family of Ohio is the 2010-2011 U.S. "Udie" Grant Legacy Award winner. This award is presented to the top Department nationally, based on the combined total contributions of the Legion, Auxiliary, Eight & Forty, and SAL. Our Executive Secretary is making the necessary arrangements to have this award presented to you at the National Convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Bob will be in touch with you regarding the specifics.

Once again, our sincere thanks go out to all the members of The American Legion of Ohio for their tremendous generosity.

Sincerely,

Dennis R. Bohland, President
American Legion Child Welfare Foundation

=====

American Legion Child Welfare Foundation, Inc.
"Dedicated to the Betterment of Children"

August 4, 2011

Scott J. Thornton, Detachment Adjutant
Sons of The American Legion of Ohio
711 Whisperwood Pkwy.
Holland, OH 43528-7872

Dear Adjutant Thornton:

On behalf of the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation, I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you and the leadership of Ohio for this year's contributions to our Foundation.

It is a pleasure to inform you that the Sons of The American Legion of Ohio are the 2010-2011 Garland D. Murphy, Jr. Award winner for the Sons of The American Legion. Our Executive Secretary is making the necessary arrangements to have this plaque presented to you at your National Convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Bob will be in touch with you regarding the specifics.

Once again, our sincere thanks go out to all the members of the Sons of The American Legion of Ohio for their tremendous generosity.

Sincerely,

Dennis R. Bohland, President
American Legion Child Welfare Foundation

DOD Identifies Marine Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Sgt. Daniel J. Patron, 26, of Canton, Ohio, died Aug. 6 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
For additional background information on this Marine, news media representatives may contact the 2nd Marine Logistics Group public affairs office at 910-451-3538.

U.S. Department of Defense

DOD Identifies Service Members Killed In CH-47 Crash
The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of 30 servicemembers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died Aug. 6 in Wardak province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when their CH-47 Chinook helicopter crashed.
The following sailors assigned to an East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare unit were killed:
Lt. Cmdr. (SEAL) Jonas B. Kelsall, 32, of Shreveport, La.,
Special Warfare Operator Master Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Louis J. Langlais, 44, of Santa Barbara, Calif.,
Special Warfare Operator Senior Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Thomas A. Ratzlaff, 34, of Green Forest, Ark.,
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician Senior Chief Petty Officer (Expeditionary Warfare Specialist/Freefall Parachutist) Kraig M. Vickers 36, of Kokomo, Hawaii,
Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Brian R. Bill, 31, of Stamford, Conn.,
Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) John W. Faas, 31, of Minneapolis, Minn.,
Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Kevin A. Houston, 35, of West Hyannisport, Mass.,
Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Matthew D. Mason, 37, of Kansas City, Mo.,
Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Stephen M. Mills, 35, of Fort Worth, Texas,
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician Chief Petty Officer (Expeditionary Warfare Specialist/Freefall Parachutist/Diver) Nicholas H. Null, 30, of Washington, W.Va.,
Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Robert J. Reeves, 32, of Shreveport, La.,
Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Heath M. Robinson, 34, of Detroit, Mich.,
Special Warfare Operator Petty Officer 1st Class (SEAL) Darrik C. Benson, 28, of Angwin, Calif.
Special Warfare Operator Petty Officer 1st Class (SEAL/Parachutist) Christopher G. Campbell, 36, of Jacksonville, N.C.,
Information Systems Technician Petty Officer 1st Class (Expeditionary Warfare Specialist/Freefall Parachutist) Jared W. Day, 28, of Taylorsville, Utah,
Master-at-Arms Petty Officer 1st Class (Expeditionary Warfare Specialist) John Douangdara, 26, of South Sioux City, Neb.,
Cryptologist Technician (Collection) Petty Officer 1st Class (Expeditionary Warfare Specialist) Michael J. Strange, 25, of Philadelphia, Pa.,
Special Warfare Operator Petty Officer 1st Class (SEAL/Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist) Jon T. Tumilson, 35, of Rockford, Iowa,
Special Warfare Operator Petty Officer 1st Class (SEAL) Aaron C. Vaughn, 30, of Stuart, Fla., and
Special Warfare Operator Petty Officer 1st Class (SEAL) Jason R. Workman, 32, of Blanding, Utah.
The following sailors assigned to a West Coast-based Naval Special Warfare unit were killed:
Special Warfare Operator Petty Officer 1st Class (SEAL) Jesse D. Pittman, 27, of Ukiah, Calif., and
Special Warfare Operator Petty Officer 2nd Class (SEAL) Nicholas P. Spehar, 24, ofSaint Paul, Minn.
The soldiers killed were:
Chief Warrant Officer David R. Carter, 47, of Centennial, Colo. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 135th Aviation Regiment (General Support Aviation Battalion), Aurora, Colo.;
Chief Warrant Officer Bryan J. Nichols, 31, of Hays, Kan. He was assigned to the 7th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment (General Support Aviation Battalion), New Century, Kan.;
Sgt. Patrick D. Hamburger, 30, of Lincoln, Neb. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 135th Aviation Regiment (General Support Aviation Battalion), Grand Island, Neb.;
Sgt. Alexander J. Bennett, 24, of Tacoma, Wash. He was assigned to the 7th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment (General Support Aviation Battalion), New Century, Kan.; and
Spc. Spencer C. Duncan, 21, of Olathe, Kan. He was assigned to the 7th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment (General Support Aviation Battalion), New Century, Kan.
The airmen killed were:
Tech. Sgt. John W. Brown, 33, of Tallahassee, Fla.;
Staff Sgt. Andrew W. Harvell, 26, of Long Beach, Calif.; and
Tech. Sgt. Daniel L. Zerbe, 28, of York, Pa.
All three airmen were assigned to the 24th Special Tactics Squadron, Pope Field, N.C.
For more information about the sailors, media may contact Lt. Arlo Abrahamson at 757-763-2007 or 757-620-3109.
For more information on Carter, media may contact the Colorado National Guard public affairs office at 720-250-1053.
For more information on Nichols, Bennett and Duncan, media may contact the 11th Aviation Command public affairs office at 502-626-5746 or 502-851-3466.
For more information on Hamburger, media may contact the Nebraska National Guard public affairs office at 402-309-7302 or 402-309-7303.
For more information about the airmen, media may contact the Air Force Special Operations Command public affairs office at 850-884-5515.

U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)

Soldier Missing in Action from WWII Identified
The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a serviceman, missing in action from World War II, have been identified and are being buried with full military honors.
Army Pfc. William F. Stehlin of Dayton, Ky., will be buried on Aug. 11 in Arlington National Cemetery. On Nov. 20, 1944, Stehlin, as part of the 333rd Infantry Regiment, 84th Infantry Division, went missing near Süggerath while his unit conducted a largely successful offensive to capture towns in Western Germany. In 1951, after an extensive search, his remains were determined unrecoverable by U.S. Army Graves Registration personnel

POSTED AUGUST 5, 2011

VA&R/Honor Flights Network
Gentlemen,
I would like to thank everyone for the inkjet and toner cartridges turned in at last Saturday’s D.E.C. meeting. There were 303 inkjet and 54 toner cartridges turned in. Good job!
As we all know, about everywhere we work or visit use printers – everywhere from A to Z. - attorneys and auto dealerships to the Cleveland, Columbus and other zoos. So wherever you work or visit hopefully you can secure their empty inkjet and toner cartridges.
We also hope you are planning other activities to help support the Honor Flight Network, not just the ink recycling.

James “Butch” Badgett
Detachment VA & R Chairperson
123 Maple Street, Marietta OH 45750
dcc@suddenlink.net or ink@suddenlink.net
740.373.6407 (home) / 740.525.2653 (mobile)

Quigley's War: Honored In Washington
8/3/2011 6:27:38 PM | Edward L. Esposito, AkronNewsNow.com

Retired Army Chaplain Quigley's war for the flag ended when the powers-that-be of a Macedonia condo community decided to drop their fight against his flagpole. Now Quigley is gaining national props.

The National Independent Flag Dealers Association is awarding the 77-year old Army and veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars it's "George Washington Award" Thursday evening in Washington, D.C.
Quigleytells NewsChannel 5 he's honored and pleased, but notes his fight with his condominium board and neighbors have left deep scars. Quigley says the relationship has soured to the point where he would gladly move from the "Villas at Taramina" given the opportunity.
Representatives of the group say they decided to honor Quigley for his steadfast refusal to remove the flagpole, and the flag that flew atop it, after seeing media reports of the tussle between Quigley and the Homeowners Association. The fight ended when former Macedonia Mayor and Summit County Director of Development Joe Migliorini, developer of the site, wrote Quigley to let him know the Association would no longer pursue the case.
The group maintained Quigley was free to fly the flag from a pole attached to his condo, but the flagpole was against the rules. The Association said it was within the law to enforce the ban, but Quigley's lawyer countered Ohio law protected those who flew the flag.
Quigley says he wished the battle had not erupted, but tells the Cleveland TV station he is glad he stood up for the flag.
On the Web: WEWS-TV www.newsnet5.com

First Friday Food and Fun August 5

Pay at the door 5pm doors open 6pm dinner starts

Chicken and Ribs dinner-$15 kids dinner: dogs and burgers -$6

Pay as you go Wickliffe Post 7

29919 Euclid Ave Wickliffe,Oh 44092

Larry Frantz

Hope all is going well with you and everyone there.
I wish I was there to go to National with all of you, cause I know it will be a good time.
Looks like I'll be here until mid-Oct instead of the early Sept. departure time frame.
I want to wish you and your staff a very successful year.
Tell everyone that I send my best and miss being there.
God Bless and Prayers
v/r,

SGT Larry Frantz
104th CH DET
Chaplain Assistant
larry.frantz@iraq.centcom.mil
larry.frantz@us.army.mil
NIPR: 858-4651 Hospital

Larry Frantz

has a new mailing address and it is in effect as of today.

SGT FRANTZ, LARRY K.
297TH ASMC/ UNIT #15
CHAPLAIN SECT.
COB BASRA
APO, AE 09374

PNC Fred Hartline spent the weekend in the hospital after blacking out at home. After several test they did a heart cath and put in a pacemaker defibralator.

Fred is now at home and in good spirits. I am sure he would appreciate some cards or emails.

PNC FRED HARTLINE
465 CANTON RD LOT 3A
AKRON, OH. 44312
pncfhart@yahoo.com

Spotlight on Your Website: A Family Affair
In The American Legion Family, our unbreakable bond consists of decades of service to America, veterans, active-duty military and their families. Together, the Legion, Auxiliary, Sons of The American Legion and American Legion Riders work together to provide a common element of commitment to each organization's mission.
Check out our American Legion Family webpage to see where it all began and how we collaborate today. Together, we provide strength in numbers to advocate for those who gave us freedom.

Posted July 30, 2011

Fellow Sons,

With the DEC meeting we got everyones feet wet with their new positions. I hope all will get down to business to make our organization better each day.

I know you all are experienced and know what to do. Communication is the key to get off the Start Line and keeping our goals set high. I am available for any concerns

that may come up over the next several months. Let's work as a team throughout the year and make the Detachment of Ohio a Leader. Fundraisers are needed to help all

Chairmen meet the goals they have set up, remember who the monies help and it will motivate you. We are a proud organization and only you the members can keep it that way.

I was invited and attended the Installation of Patty Miller of the 8 and 40 on the evening of the 23rd. It was an enjoyable evening with what turned out to be a very happy occasion for Patty

and all her Officers. Bill Towns was also there to represent the Sons of the Legion Detachment of Ohio and 14th District Commander Greg Peel. Thanks for being there both of you !

We are approaching the National Convention in Minneapolis and I hope everyone has gotten all their arrangements made. We will again make Ohio a strong voice on the National Stage.

Let's get the year going and support all the Officers and Committee persons and together have a banner year.

For God and Country,

Steve Honigfort

Commander

Sons of the American Legion

Detachment of Ohio

CHILDREN AND YOUTH SWEEPSTAKES DRAWING
Just a reminder to all SAL members that the Children and Youth Sweepstakes drawing will be held August 6th. Make sure to send your tickets into headquarters soon, if you haven't already. Don't be left out.
1st prize is $3000, 2nd $1500, and 3rd $750

Thanks for your continued support

Rob Brewer
Children and Youth Chairman
Detachment of Ohio

VA & R/Honor Flight Network

Gentlemen:

I will start out by thanking you for the inkjet and toner cartridges turned in at last Saturday’s DEC meeting. Not bad at all for the first turn-in. We dropped the cartridges off after leaving the meeting. They were not counted up at that time and we still haven’t received the actual count, but the amount of them was substantial. Please start saving the cartridges now for the next turn-in.

I would also remind you once again to continue using your Kroger card and I urge those of you who have not yet done so to sign up with the Kroger Community Rewards program and designate the Ohio Sons of The American Legion as your preferred charity. As stated earlier, all monies raised through this program will now go towards the Honor Flight Network project.

James M. (Butch) Badgett

VA & R Chairperson

123 Maple Street

Marietta OH 45750

740.373.6407 (home) or 740.525.2653 (mobile)

dcc@suddenlink.net or ink@suddenlink.net

LEGION RIDERS STEAK FRY

Saturday July 30

5-7pm

Post 281

1601 Front St

Cuyahoga Falls

FUNDRAISER
BENEFITTING VETERANS WHO HAVE A TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY OR POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER WHO ARE SERVED THROUGH OUR:
Life Integration 4 Veterans program (LIV4)
THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 2011
5-8 pm Rte. 25
PERRYSBURG McDONALD’S
Bring your family and friends and have dinner with us, meet some veterans and their families and support a great cause!
Email for further information: hope@thearmsforces.org

Armed Services Blood Drive

The next Armed Services Blood Drive will be held in three weeks, on Saturday, August 13th, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the U.S. Army Reserve Center, 165 N. Yearling Road, next to DSCC. This month's drive is being sponsored by the Ohio Civil Air Patrol, supported by the American Legion of Central Ohio, and hosted by the U.S. Army Reserve. The blood collected by the Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP), the military's exclusive blood collection agency, goes exclusively to military personnel, including a good portion to help save the lives of American forces deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq. Tentative date for the next one is October 15th.
This is one of the few blood drives for the Armed Forces in the country that is open to the public. Come in and donate next to our reservists and national guardsmen.

All blood collected will be immediately processed, and then most will be flown directly from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base by priority overseas and in theatre within a week. You cannot ask for a better, more direct way to support our troops.

For eligibility information (including not having donated since June 17th), please see the Armed Services Blood Program webpage at http://www.militaryblood.dod.mil/Donors/can_i_donate.aspx

Food and refreshments will be provided, including warm sandwiches, coney islands, baked beans, chips, pretzels, donuts, cookies, cakes, and other snacks. Drinks will include water, Gatorade, juice and juice drinks, pop, and coffee. The Blue Star Mothers will be providing the food, and will be available for interviews about their deployed sons at the blood drive.
While walk-ins are accepted, donors are encouraged to pre-register for an appointment at https://www.militarydonor.com/index.cfm (This gives us an idea of how many to expect, and saves YOU time in the donation process, because appointments go to the head of the line). Donors can search for this blood drive by zip code (43213) or city (Columbus) to register (add the date too: August 13th).

Please help give a fellow serviceman or servicewoman a chance to live. Give a life-saving gift that literally comes from the heart. For more information, please contact Peter Margaritis, blood drive chairman, (614) 395-0387, or Steve Ebersole, (614) 783-6862.

You've seen the TV. Our forces overseas are heavily engaged in combat operations. Please, give a wounded serviceman or servicewoman a great gift in honor -- a gift that literally comes from your heart.

Calling all Volunteers

The Wall Semi will go to Northhill Liberty Harley Davidson Tuesday August 16 approx. 9:00 am & meet up with the police & riders then come on

down to East Market Street and on out to West Market to the Catavolos Funeral Home & Rose Hill Cemetery and begin the assembly of the Wall

stopping after the V sections are connected to have a Purple Heart Ceremony and then continue to assemble.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO:

Guarding The Wall= two=2 volunteers at a time =STARTING NIGHT OF AUGUST 16TH "AROUND THE CLOCK" 24/7...= 30 during a 24 hr shift

30 + (volunteers needed each day around the clock= 8/16 need to start about 7pm guarding and continue until 8/22 7am when Wall to be disassembled)

(approx 169 volunteers needed for 8/16pm to 8/22am)

Two Volunteer Tarps/Tent =one at each end of the Wall/podium(has computer with Wall names, Advice to Visitors= Starting August 18 =

Two volunteers manning each tarp 8am-10pm = 4 volunteers = 16 (approx. 54 volunteers)

Parking Lot Attendants= 5 to 6 on duty during the day & evening hours/starting August 18 @ 9am to 9pm= 4-5 hour shifts = 18 (18/19/20/21)

( front of the Funeral Home parking for handicap & bikers, all others to cemetery roads.)

(approx 72 volunteers

Runner/driver to pickup foods & keep Hydration Tent Station water iced = 1 Volunteer @ 4 to 5 hour shifts = Starting August 18 at 9am to 9pm=3

(approx 15 volunteers)

Shining the Wall & litter control = Windex Wall & change trash bags, litter area cleanup ongoing = August 17 9am-9pm (Aug 17,18,19,20,21)

Asking if Young Marines and Boys Scouts will provide 68 + daily volunteers (not numbered the coverage of shining the Wall & litter control)

310 volunteers duration of the Wall

To volunteer for one shift or many days contact

Laura Williams Dunlop/volunteer recruiter/coordinator

330-762-7328

cell # 330-564-5780

NATIONAL CONVENTION DINNER BUFFET AND COMEDY SHOW

The Detachment of Minnesota Sons of The American Legion invites all National Convention Delegates & Guests to join us for Dinner Buffet & Comedy Show Featuring Scott Hansen and the Stagebenders

Friday, August 26, 2011 Dinner at 7PM – Show at 8PM
Richfield American Legion Post #435
6501 Portland Avenue South - Richfield, MN
$25.00 per person
Deadline for reservations is Saturday, August 12, 2011

Send check made payable to: Sons of The American Legion
Dennis Blue – 11227 Crocus Street NW – Coon Rapids, MN 55433
(763) 755-2237 bluetatto@hotmail.com

2011 NATIONAL CONVENTION GOLF TOURNAMENT
On August 25, 2011, the Detachment of Minnesota is reviving the tradition of a Golf Tournament being held during the National Convention of the American Legion! A four person Golf Scramble is being held at the Theodore Wirth Golf Club in Minneapolis, MN, with a shotgun start at 10:00 am. Participation is welcome to ALL American Legion Family members.
Pre-registration $75.00 per player deadline and guarantee of play is August 5, 2011.

For more information about the tournament or sponsorships, please call 612-721-5123, or email to mnsalcommander@gmail.com.

Bill Peters
Commander, Detachment of Minnesota
3346 Minnehaha Avenue
Minneapolis MN 55406

CHARITY PANCAKE BREAKFAST

SATURDAY, August 27th 8:00 – 11:00 A.M.
All Proceeds Benefit:

Summit County Stand-Down for Homeless Veterans
and
Copley-Fairlawn “Share a Christmas” Program

COST:
Free-will Offering
Whatever you donate goes directly
to charity

WHERE:
“The Presentation of Our Lord” Orthodox Church
3365 Ridgewood Road, Fairlawn, Ohio
(Across from VNS Hospice)

SPONSORED BY:
“AkROY”
AKRON ROMANIAN ORTHODOX YOUTH

Missing World War II Soldiers Indentified

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced Monday that the remains 12 U.S. servicemen, missing in action from World War II, have been identified and are being returned to their families for burial with full military honors.
They are Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Jack E. Volz, 21, of Indianapolis; 2nd Lt. Regis E. Dietz, 28, of Pittsburgh, Pa.; 2nd Lt. Edward J. Lake, 25, of Brooklyn, N.Y.; 2nd Lt. Martin P. Murray, 21, of Lowell, Mass.; 2nd Lt. William J. Shryock, 23, of Gary, Ind.; Tech. Sgt. Robert S. Wren, 25, of Seattle, Wash.; Tech. Sgt. Hollis R. Smith, 22, of Cove, Ark.; Staff Sgt. Berthold A. Chastain, 27, Dalton, Ga.; Staff Sgt. Clyde L. Green, 24, Erie, Pa.; Staff Sgt. Frederick E. Harris, 23, Medford, Mass.; Staff Sgt. Claude A. Ray, 24, Coffeyville, Kan.; and Staff Sgt. Claude G. Tyler, 24, Landover, Md. The remains representing the entire crew will be buried as a group, in a single casket, Aug. 4 in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C. Eight of the airmen were identified and buried as individuals during previous ceremonies. Shryock, Green and Harris were also individually identified and will be interred individually at Arlington on the same day as the group interment.

POSTED JULY 18,2011

Please report this at your Riders, Squadron, Unit and Post Meetings

Subject: Vietnam Wall coming to Rose Hill Cemetery

3653 West Market Street, Fairlawn, OH

August 16 through August 21st

Calling all Volunteers for the Six 6-days the WALL will be there

To Start the Dignity Wall:

(Carpenters will erect the base for the Wall July 25 )

the Wall Semi will go to Northhill Liberty Harley Davidson Tuesday August 16 approx. 9:00 am & meet up with the police & riders then come on

down to East Market Street and on out to West Market to the Catavolos Funeral Home & Rose Hill Cemetery and begin the assembly of the Wall

stopping after the V sections are connected to have a Purple Heart Ceremony and then continue to assemble.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO:

Guarding The Wall= two=2 volunteers at a time =STARTING NIGHT OF AUGUST 16TH "AROUND THE CLOCK" 24/7...= 30 during a 24 hr shift

30 + (volunteers needed each day around the clock= 8/16 need to start about 7pm guarding and continue until 8/22 7am when Wall to be disassembled)

(approx 169 volunteers needed for 8/16pm to 8/22am)

Two Volunteer Tarps/Tent =one at each end of the Wall/podium(has computer with Wall names, Advice to Visitors= Starting August 18 =

Two volunteers manning each tarp 8am-10pm = 4 volunteers = 16 (approx. 54 volunteers)

Parking Lot Attendants= 5 to 6 on duty during the day & evening hours/starting August 18 @ 9am to 9pm= 4-5 hour shifts = 18 (18/19/20/21)

( front of the Funeral Home parking for handicap & bikers, all others to cemetery roads.)

(approx 72 volunteers

Runner/driver to pickup foods & keep Hydration Tent Station water iced = 1 Volunteer @ 4 to 5 hour shifts = Starting August 18 at 9am to 9pm=3

(approx 15 volunteers)

Shining the Wall & litter control = Windex Wall & change trash bags, litter area cleanup ongoing = August 17 9am-9pm (Aug 17,18,19,20,21)

Asking if Young Marines and Boys Scouts will provide 68 + daily volunteers (not numbered the coverage of shining the Wall & litter control)

310 volunteers duration of the Wall

To volunteer for one shift or many days contact

Laura Williams Dunlop/volunteer recruiter/coordinator

330-762-7328

cell # 330-564-5780

POSTED JUNE 20th, 2011

VA & R / Honor Flights
Our S.A.L. Detachment Executive Committee meeting will be on July 23rd. This means we only have a little over one month until the first turn-in of ink and toner cartridges. We have already started collecting them at our Post and have been very successful so far. Our Squadron has participated in two parades since Detachment Convention and collected some ink and toner cartridges at two of the three parades. We have also placed collection containers at our Post, at various government offices and private businesses. Another project that doesn’t require a whole lot of work but can raise substantial amounts of money if we get help from all over the state.

All monies raised through the ink and toner cartridge collection project will go towards Honor Flights.

James M. (Butch) Badgett
VA & R Chairperson
123 Maple Street
Marietta OH 45750
740.373.6407 (home) or 740.525.2653

dcc@suddenlink.net

The American Legion to Congress: Pass the flag amendment, let the people decide
INDIANAPOLIS (June 14, 2011) – The leader of the nation’s largest veterans organization is calling on Congress to quickly vote on and pass a proposed constitutional amendment that if ratified by the required states would allow Congress to protect the U.S. Flag from desecration.
“Senator (Orrin) Hatch and Sen. (Max) Baucus have just introduced a narrowly drawn bill that would return to the people a right that was taken from them 22 years ago by the Supreme Court, the right to protect Old Glory from desecration,” said Jimmie L. Foster, National Commander of The American Legion. “The American Legion and the Citizens Flag Alliance, a coalition of more than 140 organizations, have long championed this amendment, along with large bipartisan majorities in Congress. It has passed the House of Representatives six times but fell slightly short of the required two-thirds votes needed in the Senate. I am optimistic that the new Congress will see the value in protecting a symbol that means so much to the people of our nation. What better time to renew our commitment to this cause but on Flag Day?”
The struggle to protect the flag from desecration began shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1989 that flag desecration was “protected speech.” The American Legion and other organizations were outraged that the 5-4 ruling invalidated flag protection laws in 48 states and the District of Columbia.
“One of the great tragedies of flag desecration is the disrespect it teaches children and the contempt that it displays for this country and those who have fought for our freedom,” Foster said. “The Supreme Court has made its ruling, but the framers of the Constitution included an amendment process, which we intend to use. All 50 states, by action of their legislatures, have appealed to Congress in writing to pass a flag protection amendment and send it back to the states for ratification.”
The amendment itself would not ban flag burning. It would simply authorize Congress to pass a law which would prohibit the desecration of actual U.S. flags. Its entire text is “The Congress shall have power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States.”
The American Legion is calling on all Americans to ask their senators to support Senate Joint Resolution 19 and for representatives to support its companion in the House, House Joint Resolution 13.
With a current membership of 2.4-million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.Media contacts: Washington: Marty Callaghan, 202-263-5758/202-215-8644; Indianapolis: Joe March or John Raughter (317) 630-1253, cell (317) 748-1926 /(317) 441-8847. A high resolution photo of National Commander Foster is available at www.legion.org.

Federal Lawmakers Introduce Flag Amendment
Hatch-Baucus measure dropped in the hopper

        Washington, DC (June 14, 2011) – Senators Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, and Max Baucus, D-Mont., introduced a constitutional amendment today that would return to the American people the right to protect their flag. The one sentence amendment, Senate Joint Resolution 19, reads, “The Congress shall have power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States.”
The measure enjoys wide support among the American public and the U.S. Congress. It has previously passed the House of Representatives six times, but fell only one vote shy of the two-thirds required in the Senate. A companion bill, House Joint Resolution 13, has been introduced in the House.
        “The process for amending the Constitution – set forth in Article V – is part of the Constitution,” said Richard Parker, Harvard Law School’s Williams Professor of Law and Chairman of the Board of the Citizens Flag Alliance. “ Indeed, it is its lynchpin. For it fastens the ongoing authority of the Constitution to its foundation in popular sovereignty.”
The struggle to protect the flag from desecration was ignited shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1989 that flag desecration was “protected speech.” The 5-4 Texas v. Johnson decision invalidated flag protection laws in 48 states and the District of Columbia.
         To date, 50 states have passed memorializing resolutions asking Congress to pass the amendment and send it to the states for ratification.
        “The Citizens Flag Alliance was formed in 1994 to restore to Congress the power – which it had for the first 200 years in our history – to defend the American flag when misguided individual’s burn it or urinate on it or subject it to other kinds of physical desecration,” Parker continued.   “Many amendments over the last two centuries were adopted after campaigns longer – some a lot longer – than ours. Encouraged by the progress we have made, by the conviction in the rightness of our cause, and by the longstanding support of the American people, we will continue to persist – and expect to win.”
        The Citizens Flag Alliance, Inc., is a broad based, national coalition seeking to return to the American people the right to protect the American flag from acts of physical desecration. Its membership consists of more than 140 civic, fraternal, veterans, minority and business organizations including the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, AMVETS, The American Legion, the Jewish War Veterans and Gold-Star Wives.   For additional information, log onto www.legion.org/cfa.

Contact: Deborah Andrews, (317) 630-1239.

Post 69-Reading Ohio
Annual Father’s Day Buffet Breakfast
(All father’s eat free)
Eggs ,bacon, ham, goetta, sausage, potatoes, biscuits & gravy,
Fruit cocktail, pancakes, coffee, juice and milk
All for the amazing price of $8.00 adults/$4.50 10 yrs and under
Sunday-June 19th 8:30 am to 11:30 am

To all riders,
The annual strawberry festival fathers day parade will be this Sunday June 19, stepping off promptly at 1 p.m. This years theme is breast cancer awareness. Two of our Post members are breast cancer survivors and one of our members is the Grand Marshall of the parade. Ms. Mary Brown. The Legion riders of Ohio are registered to participate in the parade. We need as many motorcycle riders to ride in the parade, regardless of being a member of the Legion Riders or not. Please come help show your support with us. After the parade there will be available a bbq chicken dinner for $8.00 at the Holland Post. This event and dinner is open to the public. We will be staging at the corner of Clarion and 2nd street at 12 noon. Any questions call Tom Bixler at 419-297-5260
Hope to see everyone here!

www.post646oh.com

Dresden Steak Fry

Dresden SAL will be holding their first steak fry at Charles M Mitchell Post 399 Dresden Ohio Friday June 24th, from 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm at 1384 Main St, Dresden, Ohio. The menu will be Steak, Baked potato, green beans, cole slaw, dinner roll and your choice of punch, water, or coffee. The legion will be open for normal business and pop and additional beverages can be purchased through them at the bar. The cost is $12.00 per dinner. We will only have 100 steaks to sell so please come early and enjoy a good meal.

SAL District 11 Commander
David L Dilts

Sons hosting 3rd Annual Chicken Dinner
POLAND, OH – In conjunction with Celebrate Poland, Sons of The American Legion
Mahoning Valley Squadron 15 in Poland, Ohio is holding its Third Annual Chicken Dinner on
Friday, June 24, 2011 from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The menu will feature one‐half chicken, two
sides, and bread. Take‐out orders available. Beverages will also be available. The Dinner is
catered by Carmelo’s Fire & Smoke of Poland.
Tickets are $8.00 may be purchased at the door or by calling (330) 757‐8722.
Proceeds will benefit the various programs of Sons of The American Legion Mahoning
Valley Squadron 15.
Anyone interested in joining American Legion Mahoning Valley Post 15, Inc., American
Legion Auxiliary Mahoning Valley Unit 15, or Sons of The American Legion Mahoning Valley
Squadron 15 is encouraged to stop by the Post 15 Home where membership information will
be available.

Should you have any questions, please contact Squadron 15 Commander PDC Jeff Vrabel, Sr. at salsquadron15@yahoo.com
or at (330) 565-5333.

Valor Home of Summit County

You are cordially invited to the Ground Breaking Ceremony for Valor Home of Summit County, Ohio

The ceremony will begin at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 25, 2011.
Please Note the Change in Time from the Previous Announcement!
Ground breaking will be on the Valor Home property adjacent to the AMHA Service Center on Exeter Road in Akron. Parking for the event will be at the Summit County Veterans Service Commission, 1060 East Waterloo Road, Akron, directly across from the ceremony. Shuttle service will be provided to and from the ceremony.
There will be a reception following the ceremony at the Veterans Service Commission. Refreshments will be served.

Please RSVP via e-mail to valorhomecomm@yahoo.com
or by calling 330-703-2585
Valor Home is a program of Family and Community Services inc

Columbus Crew vs. Colorado Rapids
Sunday, June 26th - 8:00pm
As a special thank you, we are offering all of our veterans and service men and women a COMPLIMENTARY TICKET to our Military Appreciation Night and Red, White & Crew, where your Columbus Crew will battle the 2010 MLS Cup Champion Colorado Rapids*. This match will kick off at Columbus Crew Stadium at 8 p.m. on Sunday, June 26. Military. Please see the following to order tickets.
Regards,
John

SUNDAY, JUNE 26 AT 8PM
VS. COLORADO RAPIDS 2010 MLS CUP CHAMPIONS
• Pre-Game Military themed plaza with contests and activities
• POW/MIA moment of silence
• Coin flip featuring a member of the military
• Presentation of our Nations Colors
• Post-Game Fireworks
• And much more!
As a special thank you, we are offering all of our service men and women a COMPLIMENTARY TICKET. Military family members can also get discounted tickets to this match for $20 each (reg. $32).
TO ORDER VISIT: THECREW.COM/MILITARYNIGHT
DEADLINE TO ORDER TICKETS: THURSDAY, JUNE 23RD AT 5PM

12th District Golf Outing
Friday, July 15, 2011 at Mentel Memorial Golf Course at Bolton Field
6005 Alkire Road Galloway, Ohio 43119
Start at 11:00 AM
Scramble/Best Ball 1st, 2nd & 3rd Prizes Awarded Longest Drive, Longest Putt & Closest to the Hole Contest Skins Game
Mulligan's Available for Purchase
Get Your Foursome Ready NOW!
$35 per person Includes 18 Holes of Golf w/cart
Lunch & Prizes at Post 532
Open to all Legion, Auxiliary and S.A.L. Members & Guests
All Non-Refundable Payments are Due July 1, 2011
Cash Bar Available at Clubhouse Roving Drink Carts on the Course
Send RSVP & Checks to:
12th District American Legion
PO Box 1374
Columbus, Ohio 43216
For more information contact: 12th District 2nd Vice Commander

Legacy Run Route Plan 2011
Aug. 21- Indianapolis to Mt. Pleasant, MI (336 miles)
Depart from Indianapolis
I-69N to Fort Wayne, Indiana; Charlotte, Michigan, and US-127N to Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.
Overnight stay at the Soaring Eagle Hotel/Casino.

Aug. 22- Mt. Pleasant, MI to St. Ignace, MI(171 miles)
US-127N to I-75N
Early afternoon arrival at Mackinaw City/Mackinac Island.
Over the Mackinac Bridge into St. Ignace.
Overnight stay at Kewadin Hotels, St. Ignace, MI

Aug. 23- St. Ignace, MI to Manocqua, WI (306 miles)
US-2W, US-8W, WI-47N, US-51N
Lunch event hosted by the Iron Mountain, Michigan American Legion Post 50
Afternoon visit with wounded warriors at Wisconsin's Camp American Legion
Evening stop in Manocqua, WI

Aug. 24- Manocqua, WI to Brainerd, MN (276 miles)
US-51N; US-2W
Lunch stop at Duluth Post 71
I-35S; MN 210W
Evening stop in Brainerd, MN

Aug. 25- Brainerd, MN to Richfield, MN (175 miles)
I-39 South; US10E; I-494
Arrival early afternoon for welcome event at American Legion Post 435, Richfield, MN (South Minneapolis).

DOD Identifies Marine Casualty
            The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
            Lance Cpl. Joshua B. McDaniels, 21, of Dublin, Ohio, died June 12 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
            For additional background information on this Marine, news media representatives may contact the 2nd Marine Division public affairs office at 910-450-6575

Soldier Missing from Korean War Identified
The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from the Korean War, have been identified and are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors.
Army Cpl. A.V. Scott, 27, of Detroit, Mich., will be buried June 22 at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C. On Feb. 12, 1951, Scott's unit, the 503rd Field Artillery Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, was supplying friendly forces approximately 70 miles east of Seoul, South Korea, when Chinese Communist units attacked the area and forced a withdrawal. Scott was captured by enemy forces and marched north to a prisoner-of-war camp in Suan County, North Korea. Surviving POWs within the camp reported Scott died in April 1951.

POSTED JUNE 2, 2011

Commander

I was happy to represent the Detachment of Ohio at the Dayton VA National Cemetery. It was impressive to see all the scouts ,their leaders and parents there to honor the Veterans who are laid to rest there. The efficiency in which> they place the flags is an art in its self. To all the scouts a big thanks was given by all the speakers. Memorial Day still means so much to many and it was proven Saturday May 28th as the area was prepared for Monday. I also directed the Memorial parade in Ottawa on Monday and we had great weather for the occasion. Memorial Day really tugs at you and makes you realize all the sacrifice that our veterans did so we could enjoy the freedoms we have. May God bless all our Veterans living and deceased and those still serving our Country. Also a big thanks to PDC Dan Sagraves for the tour of the VA Facility and his hospitality at his Post.

For God and Country,
Steve Honigfort, Commander
Sons of the American Legion Detachment of Ohio

The Ohio SALute

This is the LAST CALL for articles to be published in the next edition of the Detachment Newsletter, The Ohio SALute.
Please email articles, photos with captions, and other pertinent information right away. We will go to press next week.
THANKS!
PDC Jeff Vrabel, Sr. <jeffvrabel@sbcglobal.net>

WANTED : INKJET & TONER CARTRIDGES for Recycling

Collect ‘em Now!
The Sons of The American Legion is asking that Squadrons start collecting used inkjet and toner cartridges for recycling.

Here’s how it works:
• Squadrons collect cartridges at their Posts and other locations (such as local government offices)
• Squadrons bring cartridges to their District conferences
• Turn in times: District officers or others attending from that District bring cartridges to the Oct. 22, 2011 D.E.C. meeting, Midwinter Conference January 13 & 14, 2012 and Detachment Convention May 18-20, 2012.
• All major brands needed - HP, Dell, Canon, Lexmark & Epson
• All proceeds from the sale of these cartridges will go to the Honor Flight - Ohio project.

For information contact:
James “Butch” Badgett
Detachment VA & R Chairperson
email: dcc@suddenlink.net
740.373.6407 (home)/740.525.2653 (mobile)

Conn-Weissenberger Post 587
JIM MEYERS Chicken BBQ
June 12th, 2011 12 to 4 pm
Cost: $8.00
Conn-Weissenberger Post 587
2020 W. Alexis, Toledo, OH.

Loudon Post 257

Saturday, June 4, 2011 Squadron 257 in Loudonville will be having a buffet breakfast from 5:00 AM - 10:30 AM or until gone. The menu is Sausage links, ham slices, scrambled eggs, sausage gravy and biscuits, fried potatoes, pancakes, French toast, wheat/white toast, fruit cocktail, coffee, and orange juice. Adults $6.00 Children under 10 $3.00. Loudon Post 257, 131 S. Water St., Loudonville.

Friday, June 10, 2011 Squadron 257 will be having a steak fry from 5:00 - 8:00 PM or until gone. Menu is Strip Steak, baked potato, green beans, salad, and rolls for $12.00. Loudon Post 257, 131 S. Water St., Loudonville.

AMERICAN LEGION POST 384 Whitehouse, Ohio
6910 Providence Street Whitehouse, Ohio 43571
Contact: Paul Smith at 419-661-2479
    Steak Fry Jun 4th 2011 5 to 8 pm
    $12.00   Special pricing at door

    Blood Drive June 15th 2011 NOON to 6:00 PM

    FATHER'S DAY BAKED STEAK DINNER
    June 19th 2011 Noon To 4:00 P.M COST: $8.00

Wright-Patterson AFB Military Career Expo
June 14th, 2011.
Top companies such as Northrop Grumman, USAA, Lockheed Martin, ManTech and more want your military experience. Register to Attend Now.

Location:
Hope Hotel & Conference Center
Bldg 823, Area A
Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433

Time:
June 14, 2011, 10AM-2PM

Meet with employers and educational institutions to learn ways to advance your career using your military benefits.

Autism Golf Scramble
Saturday June 25, 2011
Come join the fun at Giant Oak Golf Club (in Temperance MI.) 12:00 –12:30 P.M. Registration 1:30 P.M. Shotgun Start
Long Drive and Closest to the Pin Contests 50/50 Raffles throughout the Day Silent Auction
Dinner and Prizes will be at Conn-Weissenberger American Legion Post 2020 W. Alexis Rd.
Chicken or Steak with Pasta Salad and Baked Potatoe included
For more info about the golf outing, call Keith Lyons 419-307-1832

Squadron 336 Third Annual Golf Outing
Saturday July 9, 2011 Pepperidge Tree Golf Course
Four- Man 18 –Hole Scramble 9:oo am starting time

Entry Fee is $50.00 per person Includes Golf, Cart, Lunch and Steak Dinner
Dinner will be at American Legion Post #336
Register a Foursome First come Registration Will Sell Out Fast
(If you do not have a foursome, we will place you with other golfers)
Hole Sponsorship is $50.00 and $100.00 Hole Sponsorship includes sign provided at hole with company/sponsoring group name and phone number

Registration and /or Sponsorships may be sent to:
Rex Buchs
842 Homewood Drive
Painesville, Ohio 44077
Checks payable to: Sons of the American Legion Post #336
If any questions, please call Rex Buchs (440) 352-0947
Thank You in advance for your support

Newest MOH Recipient

Check out the article on Burn Pit http://burnpit.legion.org/2011/06/army-ranger-receive-medal-honor

DOD Identifies Army Casualty
            The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
            Chief Warrant Officer Christopher R. Thibodeau, 28, of Chesterland, Ohio, died May 26 in Paktika province, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when his helicopter crashed during combat operations. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas.
            For more information on this soldier, media may contact the Fort Hood public affairs office at 254-449-4023.

            Spc. Adam S. Hamilton, 22, of Kent, Ohio, died May 28 in Haji Ruf, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 4th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.
            For more information, the media may contact the Fort Riley public affairs office at 785-240-1893, 785-239-3033, or after hours at 785-210-8867

           They died May 26 of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked their unit with an improvised explosive device in Kandahar province, Afghanistan. They were assigned to the 4th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment, 159th Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.
            Killed were:
            1st Lt. John M. Runkle, 27, of West Salem, Ohio;
            Staff Sgt. Edward D. Mills Jr., 29, of New Castle, Pa.;
            Staff Sgt. Ergin V. Osman, 35, of Jacksonville, N.C.;
            Sgt. Thomas A. Bohall, 25, of Bel Aire, Kan.;
            Sgt. Louie A. Ramos Velazquez, 39, of Camuy, Puerto Rico; and
            Spc. Adam J. Patton, 21, of Port Orchard, Wash.
            For more information on these soldiers, the media may contact the Fort Campbell public affairs office at 931-561-0131.

DOD Identifies Marine Casualty
               The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
               Lance Cpl. Peter J. Clore, 23, of New Philadelphia, Ohio, died May 28 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
               For additional background information on this Marine, news media representatives may contact the 2nd Marine Division public affairs office at 910-450-6575 or http://www.marines.mil/unit/2ndmardiv/Pages/Media/default.aspx.

POSTED MAY 26, 2011

Detachment Commander

With Memorial Day closing in, let us not forget our Veterans who sacrificed so much,especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice. They have given us all of our freedoms to which we enjoy so much.
I attended the 1st District Conference in Napoleon on May 22nd and was welcomed by all. Thanks to Commander Tom Bixler and his officers for all of their help and support during our recent Convention and also at their Conference. The First District American Legion also had a warm welcome for me and it was greatly appreciated.
I hope all of you are working to button up membership so we can get the Detachment at quota. It takes the personal touch to get the hold outs paid.
If there is a financial hardship, help them out and keep them active. Working together we can climb up the ladder of success and take the Detachment to a higher scale at the National Level. Let's help all of our officers reach their goals and make Ohio a Leader.

For God and Country,
Detachment of Ohio
Sons of the American Legion
Commander
Steve Honigfort

Detachment Chaplain

Fellow members of The Detachment of Ohio
I am honored to serve as your Detachment Chaplain, and I want to thank you for the support and confidence shown on May 15.
We have much work ahead of us! I look forward to getting started, and working with Commander Steve, 1st Vice Gary, and 2nd Vice Jon.
I have get-well and sympathy cards available, so please feel free to contact me if I can be of spiritual assistance to anyone. If you would like me to attend a District meeting or an event at your Post/Squadron, contact Scott Thornton or Mike Wiswell.
I look forward to working with and serving you for the next year, and again I thank all of you for this opportunity.

For God & Country,
Kyle Catlett, Chaplain
Detachment of Ohio

Detachment Adjutant

Gentlemen,
As announced, the Detachment of Minnesota is sponsoring a Golf Tournament on the Thursday, August 25th, before the opening of the National Convention in Minneapolis. The tournament is open to the first 144 Legion Family members (36 teams) who sign up.
Minnesota is also accepting tournament hole sponsors.
The post in Richfield, MN is hosting a diner and comedy show on Friday night.

Contact Scott Thornton <scottj.thornton@gmail.com> for the registration forms.

Please get your 2012 Officer Certification Forms filed with headquarters and get your remaining 2011 Membership Cards sent in as well. You can still get 2011 renewal cards issued afterward - just include a note to Mike Wiswell along with the per capita dues and he'll take care of them. You will not receive your 2012 cards until these items are clear.

Please get your 2011 Consolidated Squadron Report Form filed if you haven't done it yet. They must be forwarded to National by mid-July, so get them to Detachment HQ soon.

For God and Country,
Scott J. Thornton
Detachment Adjutant, Ohio
Sons of The American Legion

VA & R/Canines For Combat Vets
As we wind down the year and prepare for the changeover from the Canines For Combat Veterans and move into the Honor Flights program I would like to sincerely thank all of you for the hard work put forth for the Canines For Combat Veterans program. As you will recall, this program started with the goal of providing a dog for a Veteran and we are ending up providing three! “The Sons Get It Done”.

I would ask that any of you out there who still have monies due to the program to please send it in as soon as possible so we can have a final tally. I know there were some last minute fundraisers going on.

Again, thanks for the tremendous job and I look forward working with you on the Honor Flights project. Remember to start collecting those ink and toner cartridges. More on that later.

Sincerely
James M. (Butch) Badgett
Detachment VA & R Chairperson
123 Maple Street
Marietta OH 45750
740/373-6407 or 740/525-2653
dcc@suddenlink.net/k9sal@suddenlink.net

Dayton National Cemetery

Those attending the grave decoration ceremony at the Dayton VA National Cemetery are invited to enjoy lunch afterwards courtesy of SAL Squadron #200 in Huber Heights. If you would like to join us see Dan Sagraves at the cemetery Saturday morning for directions.

RIDERS

The Riders will be staging on Monroe St. next to Seagate Center on Saturday May 28th at 9:00, we will ride in the parade and then go to the Memorial service at the civic mall right after the parade ends.All motorcyclists will be able to ride in the parade! A group will be leaving Post 646 in Holland, OH at 8:30 to ride to staging. See everyone there!

Bix
www.post646oh.com

STUFFED PORK CHOP DINNER $8.00

Saturday May 28 5:00 - 7:00

Charles Faust Post 281

1601 Front St. Cuyahoga Falls

Karaoke to follow

SAL Breakfast
The Sons of the American Legion is having their Memorial Day Breakfast Sunday May 29th, @ the Bellville American Legion Post 535
Serving will begin at 8:00 to 10:30.
We will serve this Buffet style. Same as in the past.
At this breakfast, all veterans, and widows of veterans eat FREE!
There will be a discounted price for Seniors, and 12 and under.
Thank You Veterans!

Parade

American Legion Post 7 Wickliffe, Oh will be having their memorial parade on Monday May 30 any Legion. SAL. Auxiliary member are welcome to march with us in our parade we will meet at Post 7
29919 Euclid Ave Wickliffe, Oh. 8:30 am to 9:00 am at the post. We will sever hamburgers and hot dogs after the parade. and our canteen will be open . cash bar. parade will start at 10:00 am

Thomas Foss

Commander Squadrons 7

commanderfoss@aol.com

ALL YOU CAN EAT FISH FRY

Sponsored by The American Legion Post 181
ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT JOPLIN TORNADO VICTIMS

DONATIONS ACCEPTED
American Legion Post 181 123 East Rennselaer Street Bucyrus, Ohio 44820 419-562-7311
For more information contact: Jack Pollock 419-569-0312 or John "Bud" Topper 419-569-2847
Saturday, June 11th Noon until 8:00 pm

An important page to visit!
I want to encourage all of the Detachment of Ohio members that have active facebook pages to visit this page "Boots in the Sand", add them to your likes to show the 50,000+ troops that are now deployed that they have our support as they protect our freedom around the world!

Randy Eicher
Ohio NEC

Summit County Council

Dignity Memorial Traveling Vietnam Wall Exhibition hosted by the Catavolos Funeral Home & Rose Hill Bural Park August 19-21, 2011 will be in need of volunteers to stand guard throughout all the hours the wall is here plus the welcome to the Wall when it comes in and goes out. They will be wanting motor cycle riders also as escorts

For volunteering we would have some:
manning the tent with paper to do the rubbings (people pick up these sheets) (around the clock of course)
manning the Wall with us standing the Wall in shifts, generally a scheduled Volunteers standing the Wall and around the clock.
maybe Young Marines, Scouts, young SAL members could do shine up the Wall as it is set up and keep the area picked up.

The Wall volunteers will need training as when the public comes to look for a specific name, we learn where exactly that Veteran is.
We want all to look at their calendars and mark out those three days so that we can count of them, dedicate this time for the Wall.

What I will need is a listing of accountable volunteers,
1. full name:

2. Complete address,
3. telephone/cell #
4. email number
5. who/what organization they represent?
6. are they open/available August 19, 20, 21? this calls for DEDICATION for these days
I can contact and schedule .

Laura Dunlop

Sons of the  American Legion Squadron 336 Third Annual Golf Outing
Saturday July 09, 2011 Pepperidge Tree Golf Course
Four- Man   18 –Hole Scramble Entry Fee is $50.00 per person
Includes Golf, Cart, Lunch and Steak Dinner Dinner will be at American Legion Post #336
Register a Foursome First come Registration Will Sell Out Fast
(If you do not have a foursome, we will place you with other golfers)
Hole Sponsorship is $50.00 and $100.00
Hole Sponsorship includes sign provided at hole with company/sponsoring group name and phone number
Registration and /or Sponsorships may be sent to:
Rex Buchs
842 Homewood Drive
Painesville, Ohio 44077
Checks payable to:
Sons of the American Legion Post #336
If any questions, please call Rex Buchs    (440) 352-0947
Thank You in advance for your support
Proceeds will support our Charities for our Community

DEPARTMENT VICE COMMANDER CANDIDATE

James W. Sullivan Post 733 And The Fighting Fifth District
Present Arden “Skip” Craun Candidate for 2nd Vice Commander
Department of Ohio 2011-2012

Post #23

Comrades-Cousins-Cuzzins- One and All
Juanita Robinson Post #23 Commander Dan Robinson's lady has " "Taken it upon her self", to add needed Memorials to the exterior front of Post #23's building.
She has initiated a program with the addition of military murals, memorial bricks and other needed attractions
And I quote Ms. Juanita " The American Legion Post #23 is very proud of ALL veterans, both living and deceased. We would like to honor all veterans even if they have never been a member of our organization.
The only requirement for purchasing a brick is that it must be a veteran. A brick can be purchased for yourself or in honor of a parent, spouse,son,daughter, uncles Aunts, grand parents, all relatives or friends
that you might want to buy a brick for".

Let us know soon. Spread the word
These Commemorative bricks along with portraits of Lt James Dickey ( WW1) and murals representing all of the military services men and women will be placed on the Court Street side of our building.
Bricks are $33.00 each We need your information by mid summer
If you want a copy of the request form please contact James Saddler <am2htc@webtv.net> to let us know.

Juanita is to be congratulated for taking on such a hugh task of Honoring our living and dead veterans.
Grand Honors and thanks goes out to Juanita Robinson
SadMan

DOD Identifies Army Casualties
              The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
              They died May 23, in Kunar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their unit with an improvised explosive device. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
              Killed were:
              Staff Sgt. Kristofferson B. Lorenzo, 33, of Chula Vista, Calif.,
              Pfc. William S. Blevins, 21, of Sardinia, Ohio,
              Pvt. Andrew M. Krippner, 20, Garland, Texas; and
              Pvt. Thomas C. Allers, 23, of Plainwell, Mich.
              For more information the media may contact the 25th Infantry Division public affairs office at 808-655-6351.

Legion family “Hams” organize

Federally licensed amateur radio operators who are Legion family members now have new venue in national American Legion radio club

INDIANAPOLIS (May 20, 2011) – With 700,000 federally licensed amateur radio operators, or “hams,” in America, the nation’s largest veterans service organization, The American Legion, has formed a special entity to provide a forum for members of The American Legion family who today are engaged in a hobby that provides emergency communications “when all else fails.”

Meeting in Indianapolis May 4-5, the National Executive Committee authorized the establishment of The American Legion Amateur Radio Club.

“The beauty of amateur radio is that it attracts folks of all career interests, from doctors, PhD’s, engineers, rocket scientists to mechanics, housewives, construction and office workers, students and everything in between - many of them military veterans,” said Robert L. Morrill, chairman of the national public relations commission. “Hams provide backup communications to Emergency Management Agency (EMA) offices across the country when ‘all else fails’ and have done so with distinction in virtually every major disaster when cell towers and commercial communications have been knocked out after earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, and man-made disasters.”

As to the membership benefit, National Commander Jimmie L. Foster noted that, “Just like other public outreach methods, this is one more way to reach a different group than our current efforts are targeting. Hams are folks who are more likely to try to help others because they’re good neighbors. This club continues that tradition of service to community while providing a direct connection with veterans support links.”

In January, 2005, The American Legion signed a statement of affiliation with the Department of Homeland Security to support emergency disaster preparedness. Subsequently, a booklet was made available to posts, The American Legion Guide to Post Disaster Preparedness and Response. Amateur radio support was an integral entity.

“The potential to serve here is limitless,” Foster said. “Legionnaires who are hams can help others get licensed, coordinate with local emergency authorities, provide counseling and assistance to schools and a whole array of other support.”

“While some people may think that ham radio is an old technology, the simple truth is that hams were working with digital transmissions long before folks had home computers, and they provided the impetus to make ‘wireless’ happen. They were transmitting emergency calls from their cars long before anyone had a mobile phone to do the same,” Morrill said. “Today hams are conducting broad spectrum experiments on the ham bands that may eventually become routine ways to communicate for all of us.”

“The basic message is that ham radio is alive and growing in America and that there are thousands of veterans who are dedicated ham radio operators,” Foster said. “And a lot of them are not yet carrying American Legion membership cards.”

Membership in the club is free to members of The American Legion family with current federal amateur radio licenses. Because the club has just been authorized, Morrill invites licensed Legion family hams to join now but to be patient; it will take time to solicit equipment donations and get a national club station assembled and on the air. Licensed Legionnaires, members of The American Legion Auxiliary, members of the Sons of The American Legion and Legion Riders can join by sending their full name, call sign, address and Legion/Auxiliary/SAL membership number to k9tal@legion.org. An attractive membership card will be mailed. Reports will be made available via Legion media as progress is made.

EQUIPMENT DONATIONS

The American Legion Amateur Radio Club is looking for HF and dual-band VHF/UHF transceivers and associated gear donations in order to set up a headquarters station and begin national radio nets. Any hams who may have upgraded their station and are willing to donate their old station to TALARC may receive a tax deduction as The American Legion is a non-profit 501 (c) (19) organization which has a 501 (c) (3) subsidiary trust entitled “American Legion Charities – contact your tax consultant for details. If you have radio gear you are willing to donate, please email us at k9tal@legion.org.

POSTED: MAY 21, 2011

EDITORS NOTE

With the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, next weeks SAL News will be sent out on Wednesday May 25. I would like to encourage everyone holding a special dinner, parade, or other event over the Memorial Day Weekend to submit the information (date, time, place) and let's get the word out to our members. Let no event go unannounced. Give our members something to choose from.

To the Officers & Members of the Detachment of Ohio,

First, to your dual members and veterans, thank you for your service to our Country and I would like to thank you all for your service to The American Legion Family. The purpose of this letter is to thank you, the officers and members of the Sons of The American Legion, Detachment of Ohio, for your great hospitality during my visit to your Detachment Convention this past weekend.

I had a great time visiting with many of you and having an opportunity to speak and meet some very committed members of the Ohio American Legion Family. Including Bruce Clarkson who at 11 years old was in the audience for his first convention and learning all of the good things you all do.

I have always believed in The American Legion Family and what we do. This just reinforces the fact that I belong to the greatest organization around and I am looking forward to the opportunity to serve The American Legion Family.

It is my hope that I will see many of you at the National Convention in Minneapolis, MN and that I have your support to elect me, as your next National Commander of the Sons of The American Legion.

Sincerely,

Jim Roberts

Candidate for National Commander

Sons of The American Legion 2011-2012

In Honor of Those Who Serve and Have Served

Visit us on the Internet at: www.floridalegion.org/sons/campaign/campaign.htm

Commander Detachment Of Ohio:
I would like to thank all for electing me to the high office of Commander for the Detachment of Ohio, Sons of the American Legion. I am proud to serve all of you for the next year. Together we can take another step forward to better things and make Ohio a Leader. As I have said in the past, a leader is only as good as the people who help him. There is no I in the word Team, and we are all a team working to accomplish the goals set forth for the year. Honor flight is my project for the year as more and more WWII Vets are passing each day. I hope to give a few more of them a well deserved trip and reward for their sacrifices. I have listened to many WWII stories from my relatives and have seen the tears in their eyes when a couple of them got to go on an Honor Flight as they were very proud and happy to do so.
I also hope you all will support all my officers and their programs, as well as the Chairmen who all work so hard to achieve success. We at the Detachment of Ohio do so much that goes unnoticed and I want to salute you all. Guys please use this info center Bill has set up to get all your fund raisers or activities noticed or advertised. Let's get the membership taken care of for this year and get the new year off to a good start for 1st Vice Gary, and sell all the tickets for 2nd Vices Jon's fundraiser.
Thank You Past Commander Rex for the job you did during your year.

For God and Country,

Steve Honigfort
Sons of the American Legion
Detachment of Ohio
Commander

1st Vice-Commander
Greetings
Thank you for electing me your new Detachment of Ohio 1st Vice. What a great honor this is. I want to thank everyone again for their help in making the Harley Raffle such a success. After getting a final tally the following donations were given:
    Child Welfare Foundation:   $16,779.26
    Canines for Combat Veterans: $1,000.00
    Honor Flight:    $1000.00
This is the product of everyone working together for a common goal as the American Legion Family.

As this year begins, I as your First Vice, again will ask for your help in keeping the lines of communication between the Squadrons, Districts and Detachment open. My goal for the 2011-2012 year is to make Ohio membership 100% quota--this will take the efforts of everyone involved in every level.

Gary Lang
Detachment of Ohio First Vice 2011-2012

Winners of the 2011 Harley Fatboy tickets
Grand Prize- Dwayne Hood, Lucasville, OH
$200 Prizes:
Pam Welker, Ashtabula, OH
Brannon McGee, Zanesville, OH
Robert Preston, Portsmouth, OH
Sons of the American Legion, Berea, OH
Sons of the American Legion, Berea, OH
Amy Williamson, Swanton, OH
Kevin Taylor
Warren Wagner, Sardinia, OH
Mark McAtee, Toledo, OH
Jerry LeForge, Wilimington, OH
Congratulations to all the winners and a special thank you to all who purchased tickets and help the Sons of The American Legion with this project ensuring the Detachment of Ohio can continue helping our Veterans and the kids.

DETACHMENT ADJUTANT'S NOTES

Let me begin by offering my congratulations to Steve, Gary, Jon, Kyle and all the new Detachment Officers for 2012! A big "Thank You" as well to Rex Buchs and last year's leadership team.

With the change in Detachment leadership comes my request to all our District Officers to send in their conference information to me as soon as possible so we can plan out the travel schedules for our Detachment Officers. If you have specific requests for one of them to attend please include them with your dates. Without an approved request from Department HQ they have to pay their own way and that gets expensive quickly.

Please get your 2011 Consolidated Squadron Report Form filed if you haven't done it yet. They must be forwarded to National by mid-July, so get them to Detachment HQ soon.

There is still a week and a half left on this year's CWF campaign. Any monies sent in to Delaware before Memorial Day will be transmitted to Indy to count on the 2011 tally. Let's get our total bumped up as high as we can! Our Detachment Convention turn-in was very good, but we can do even more.

Don't forget to contact Mike Wiswell for a housing registration form if you plan to attend the 40th National Convention in Minneapolis this August. Ohio has a limited number of double rooms in our block this year and half of them are already spoken for. The deadline for receipt of the form at Department HQ is July 22nd.

Scott J. Thornton
Detachment Adjutant, Ohio
Sons of The American Legion

In Honor of Our Veterans

The newly elected Sons of The American Legion Detachment of Ohio Commander Steve Honigfort has named as his special program "Honor Flight". Commander Steve from Squadron 63 in the 1st District is encouraging all members of The American Legion Family to join him and other SAL Members raising funds and awareness for "Honor Flight".

To help with the commander's special project and insure that your donation goes to send an Ohio WWII Veteran to Washington to see the WWII Memorial please forward all donations to the Sons of The American Legion Detachment of Ohio.

Squadron 29 Steak Fry

Squadron 29 in Zanesville, Ohio are having their last Steak Fry until September. So if you have nothing to do on Saturday the 21st of May, come to Post 29, 27 S Third St, Zanesville.
The meal consists of a Ribeye steak or ham steak, baked potato, all you can eat salad bar and desert, all for $11.00. It is from 4:30 - 7:00 or till sold out.. Stick around for the entertainment, Midnight Revue from 8:00 - midnight.

SAL 29 Commander
Larry Shanks

Special Olympics:
Hope everyone had a good time at convention. I want to thank are new Detachment Commander Steve Honigforth for appointing me to be Special Olympics Chairman this year.
Squadron 336 is having a Gangster Murder Dinner on the 28th of May and all proceeds will go to Special Olympics. The Show is Presented by the Candlelight Mystery Players.
A Gangster for Hire: Shootout on Chester Street Tickets $25.00 for the show and dinner. Cocktail hour at 6:00 p.m. Show and dinner at 7:00 p.m. Your choice of stuffed chicken breast or stuffed pork chop, with salad, green beans, potatoes and roll, followed up by dessert. It will be a night of murder, good food, and good fun.
Also there are a lot of Special Olympic event coming up go to www.sooh.org to get dates and time

Keith Bell
Keithbell44@adelphia.net , Cell 440-669-2415

Fifty-Fifth anniversary

A concurrent resolution to honor and commemorate veterans of the Vietnam War on the fifty-fifth anniversary of the first casualty of the war is being proposed to the House of Representatives on May 18, 2011 at 3:30 PM in Columbus and John Looker, Commander of Joe Barr Post 194 in Mason, will be giving testimony for support of the bill for 2012.

State Representative Peter Beck District 67, is proposing the bill. He and other state representatives need to hear from you on this issue.

communicate directly with America’s veterans

Today, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs has announced its jump into the world of new media to better communicate directly with America’s veterans and their families.

We want to hear from you – those we proudly serve – from what is going on in your communities to how we can better serve you. Through Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube, we will also keep our veterans, their families, and survivors updated on existing laws, pending legislation, and changes to legislation the veterans’ community needs to know. Our mission is to serve and represent, and the Committee hopes through new media we are able to do so more on a more personal level.

How can you help?

Like us on Facebook, by clicking here.

And watch our latest videos on YouTube, here.

Thank you for your continued support, and above all, your service to our nation. We are honored to serve you.

Very Respectfully,

The House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

A Welcome Home Rally!
US Wings® is participating in the National Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War by holding a WELCOME HOME rally from Friday May 20, 2011 to Sunday May 22, 2011 (see "Time" below for details) at our corporate office at 561 E. Hines Hill Road in Hudson Ohio from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. In addition to our new Vietnam 50th Anniversary products, US Wings® will have special WELCOME HOME products and military memorabilia as well as live music and free food & beverages on their picnic grounds. SFC David Hack, US Army (Ret), CEO of US Wings® and a decorated Vietnam vet, welcomes all Vietnam veterans to come to Hudson for a weekend of celebration and brotherhood. For further information, please contact:
Robert Kruty
Vice President Sales & Marketing
800-650-0659
rkruty@uswings.com

Time: 10:00 AM ET Friday May 20, 2011 to 8:00 PM ET Sunday May 22, 2011 (festivities end each day at 8:00 PM ET).
Parking: Off-site parking will be available at the Boston Heights Country Club/Golf Course (105 E. Hines Hill Road, Hudson OH 44236) or the Clarion Inn (240 E. Hines Hill Road, Hudson OH 44236). Motorcyle parking is available at the former Liberty Harley-Davidson location (334 E. Hines Hill Road, Boston Heights OH 44236). Busses will be available to bring visitors to the rally. There will be no on-site parking.

Expected Features...
Our Vietnam War 50th Anniversary "Welcome Home" Rally will feature...
Free admission; open to the general public
Free hot dogs on Saturday May 21st
Live music
Daily Raffle: a leather jacket will be given away each day of the Rally (must be present to win)
The Moving Wall™ (half-sized replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial "wall")
Access to our huge US Wings retail store
Vietnam veteran groups from across the country
Vendors of Vietnam-related merchandise
Static displays of equipment, vehicles & helicopters from the US Army
Acres of available space surrounding the US Wings HQ, including a picnic area with tables & portable toilets
Camping facilities
Hamburgers, brats & pulled pork will be available for purchase from the 356th Fighter Group all weekend.
Sunday Mass at the Rally: St. Mary's Catholic Church will hold outdoor services & full Mass on Sunday May 22nd at 5:30 PM.
Expected Guests/Speakers (subject to change)...
Lt. General Robert W. Wagner
Col. William H. Willoughby Jr.
Adrian Cronauer ("Good Morning Vietnam" USAF radio DJ)
Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio)
Congressman Steven LaTourette (Ohio 14th District)
Summit County Sheriff Drew Alexander
Military Writers of America (vendor)
and more!

Be sure to mark May 20-22, 2011 on your calendar! Join US Wings in this celebration to honor, pay tribute to, and "welcome home" all those who served their country during the Vietnam War!

Note: If you are a Vietnam veteran and would like to share your experiences, we would like to offer you the opportunity to speak at our Rally. If interested, please contact us at 888-946-4787 during business hours.

Legion Night

Please note our Legion Night at Target Field with the Minnesota Twins and American Legion Family Nights with the Minnesota Vikings.
You may at any time visit our website, www.legion.org/convention/resources, to obtain this information. Thank you for your time and look forward to another successful national convention.

Sincerely,
Your Convention & Meetings Team

Recent VA News Releases
To view and download VA news release, please visit the following Internet address: http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) App Helps Thousands

WASHINGTON (May 17, 2011) - The PTSD Coach smartphone application (app), launched in April by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD), has already helped more than 5,000 users connect with important mental health information and resources.

"This new tool is about helping Veterans and Servicemembers when and where they need it," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. "We are encouraged so many have already downloaded this resource and hope many more will utilize this convenient tool to access VA services."

Since its launch, the PTSD Coach app has been downloaded by thousands of individuals. While 96 percent of the users so far are located in the United States, the app has also been downloaded in 25 other countries. The app lets users track their PTSD symptoms, links them with public and personalized sources of support, provides accurate information about PTSD, and teaches helpful strategies for managing PTSD symptoms on the go.

Currently, the PTSD Coach app has received perfect customer review scores on the iTunes App Store. Comments from Veterans and family members are overwhelmingly positive and one user describes the app as "a must for every spouse who has a family member with PTSD." Professionals have sent positive reviews, suggestions and offers to collaborate on research evaluating the PTSD Coach app.

The app has also already proven to be a useful tool for the staff at the Veterans Crisis Line. Within the first two hours of the app's official launch, the Crisis Line staff were contacted by a distressed Veteran who reported being instructed by the app to call the crisis line and was subsequently given an appointment at the local VA medical center. Crisis Line staff have begun to regularly recommend this resource to callers.

The app is one of the first in a series of jointly-designed resources by the VA National Center for PTSD and DoD's National Center for Telehealth and Technology to help Servicemembers and Veterans manage their readjustment challenges and get anonymous assistance. Given the popularity of mobile devices, VA and DoD hope to reach tens of thousands of Veterans, Servicemembers, and their family members with the new suite of apps.

Information on the PTSD Coach app is on the VA's National Center for PTSD Website: http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/PTSDCoach.asp. More apps from DoD's National Center for Telehealth and Technology <http://t2health.org/apps> can be found at: http://www.t2health.org/apps.

Posted May 13th. 2011

2ND VICE COMMANDER
It's convention time!!!
Let's not forget to bring the Harley Tickets with you. There's still time to buy one. For those of you selling them, first I would like to thank you and second remember there is two days left to sell them. Thanks to everyone who has been selling them and have already turned those in. also
I will post the winners on Bill towns email next week. SEE YOU AT THE CONVENTION.

GARY LANG
DETACHMENT OF OHIO
2ND VICE COMMANDER

Chaplain Candidate

Kyle Catlett

Fellow Ohio SAL members & friends -

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many Squadrons throughout the state for inviting me to their Spring Conferences during this campaign for Detachment Chaplain. It is always a pleasure traveling to a new post, spending time with friends you seldom see, and meeting new people. Your gracious hospitality has been overwhelming!

This campaign has always been about US and what WE will continue to do to keep the OHIO SAL #1 across the board. I believe I am ready to fulfill this noble role, and will carry on my work with The American Legion programs as I have for nearly 16 years. I ask for your continued support as you carefully select the next person to serve as your Detachment Chaplain.

For God & Country -

Kyle Catlett, Chairman

Americanism Committee

Detachment of Ohio

Chaplain Candidate

Guy Mingione for Detachment Chaplain
ELIGIBILITY – Guy is a 17 year active member of the Sons of The American Legion.
DETACHMENT OF OHIO EXPERIENCE
Detachment - Sergeant-at-Arms (4 Years)
Detachment - Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms (3 years)
Detachment – Special Olympic Chairman
Detachment – Americanism Chairman

ENDORSEMENTS
Sons of the American Legion Brakeman-King Squadron 336
The American Legion Brakeman-King Post 336
The American Legion Auxiliary Brakeman-King Unit 336
Sons of the American Legion Dynamic Ninth District
The American Legion Dynamic Ninth District
The American Legion Auxiliary Dynamic Ninth District

National Convention Facebook page

Our Magazine Division at The American Legion National Headquarters has designed a national convention Facebook page to get people excited about going to Minneapolis. A description of the page is as follows:

The American Legion's 93rd National Convention in Minneapolis Facebook page is designed to allow American Legion members to share information about Minneapolis, the site of this year’s national convention, and interact with other Legionnaires who plan on attending the national convention. Share with us your favorite local spots in the Minneapolis area– dining, entertainment, historical or otherwise. Give us an insider’s perspective of the Land of 10,000 Lakes. This page will also provide pertinent information about the national convention, such as hotel assignments, airfare discounts, and tourist attractions, as well as valuable links, an updated convention calendar, and whatever other items Legion members want to post regarding Minneapolis and this year’s national convention.
And once the convention is underway, the page will be a chance for convention goers to share their experiences in Minneapolis with fellow Legionnaires, whether it’s uploading a parade photo, checking in at an area restaurant or posting a link to a newly discovered local treasure.

Please share the link below with any and all in order to build excitement for the 93rd National Convention in Minneapolis!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-American-Legions-93rd-National-Convention-in-Minneapolis/208090399212722?sk=wall#!/pages/The-American-Legions-93rd-National-Convention-in-Minneapolis/208090399212722

PS….. If you are currently not a Facebook user, you will need to sign up at www.facebook.com. Happy Facebooking and promoting our national convention!

Your Convention & Meetings Team

Chaplain Candidate

Kyle Catlett

Fellow Ohio SAL members & friends -

For God & Country -

Kyle Catlett, Chairman

Americanism Committee

Detachment of Ohio

Chaplain Candidate

National Convention Facebook page

Missing in Action returned Home

Forty-three years after being listed as Missing in Action, U.S. Army Spc.4 James Leslie Moreland's remains have been returned home. A Green Beret medic, Spc. Moreland disappeared during fierce fighting at Lang Vei, South Vietnam. He was later awarded the Silver Star for heroism, and was promoted to the rank of Sargeant First Class. His remains will be buried May 14, 2011 along side his parents in Ashby, Alabama.
Kathy Strong, has worn the POW/MIA bracelet with Spc. Moreland's name on it for 38 years. Ms Strong met Moreland's family in 2009 after a story about her committment to wearing the bracelet until the mystery of Moreland's disappearance was solved. Strong joined the family for the 2009 Veterans' Day Parade in Auburn, WA, where Moreland's sister resides. The bracelet will be buried with Moreland's remains.

MAY FIFTH, 2011

Commander
Well here we are one week away from Convention. Where did the time go? I hope I see you all at Convention and I know that the 13th District is going to put on a great Convention for all of us.
      April 22, Blair , Buster and his wife , Charles Stennis, Doug and I visited Rainbows and Babies Hospital in Cleveland. We gave the kids there 31 Josh Dogs . I had the greatest experience in the world . I had the honor to read the Josh Dogs book to one of the kids there. I will never forget this. Thank you for all that was there.
      Steve and I have talk about membership all year and we still are. Membership is our life line so Please get he membership in before Convention. A great job done by the 9th , 13th and 6th Districts for getting past 100% on membership. Great job gentleman. Also to the 8th District , gentleman nice job turning your District around and being in 4th place in membership .
      Gary has done a great job as well on his raffle of the Harley. Tickets are in and we will be having the raffle Sunday at Convention. Great job Gary.
      To all my Officers, NEC and Committee members what a outstanding job you all have done. For that I say Thank you very much.
      We have had a good year and with Steve coming up it will be better. Special Thanks to Scott for making me look good , Scott Thank you.
      In closing Please say a pray for our Troops and there Families. God Bless America the Land of the Free.

God Bless you all .
Rex M. Buchs


1st Vice Commander
It has been a busy few weeks, I visited the 12th District at their conference on April 17th and was again met with great hospitality. Thanks to Commander Dan Finnell and Tom Getz for their time. I was also in the 5th District for their Convention on April 23rd and Commander Spanky and the Gang sure turned up the atmosphere and made it for an enjoyable time. A Group of us from the Detachment also attended the NEC meetings and training sessions in Indianapolis on April 29th to May 1st. It was informative and taught me quite a bit on helping me as a future Commander.
    Now it is time to get on the ball as May 11th is time to be at 100% of our membership. Those that are holdouts maybe need a little face to face contact to encourage them to pay their dues. If their dues are not paid by then they will lose their continuous years and a new 2012 renewal card will not be printed for them and they will be shown as delinquent on the membership roster for 2012. Let's finish this on a positive note guys and pound the pavement to get the job done.
    I encourage all to attend our Detachment Convention on May 13th,14th, and 15th in Independence, OH and you will find out there is a little work, but there is also some fun. Come meet some new faces and learn a little and also make good friends. Those of you who are holding out for reasons from the past, please bury them and join us, as there are many good people in the Detachment of Ohio.

Thank You,
Steve Honigfort
1st Vice Commander
Sons of the American Legion
Detachment of Ohio

National Convention Delegates
I have not received national convention delegate information from the following districts. Districts 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13. You should have received your notice from headquarters the week of April 18. If you can I would like to have them by Thursday May 12. Thanks.

Dan Sagraves, Chairman
Convention Screening

THE AMERICAN LEGION'S NATIONAL EMERGENCY FUND (NEF)
www.legion.org/emergency
Please help us spread the word that ALL members of The American Legion are eligible for cash grants if left without food or shelter because of a natural disaster? Many of you may know of Legionnaires in Alabama and elsewhere who are without food or a place to shelter. Please remind them of our Legion's long standing "devotion to mutual helpfulness," and have them contact the nearest standing American Legion post, or the Alabama state headquarters at 334-262-6638. We can usually place a check in their hands within 24-48 hours of the application to cover emergency shelter, clothing, and food needs.

VA Benefits
Staff from the Cleveland Regional Office will be available to answer your questions about VA Benefits and submitting a disability claim on Friday, May 6, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Cuyahoga Community College Eastern Campus. The campus is located at 4250 Richmond Rd., Highland Hills, OH.
In addition, staff from the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center will be available to provide basic health screenings to Veterans, and representatives from the Ohio Department of Veteran Services will also offer information on state benefits available to Veterans and their families.
This event is a collaborative effort between Representative Marica Fudge's office (Ohio's 11th District), Cleveland VA Regional Office, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center and the Ohio Department of Veteran Services.

AMERICAN LEGION POST #96

THE SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION INVITES YOU TO JOIN US THIS FRIDAY, MAY 6TH FOR OUR FIRST BBQ OF 2011. THIS EVENT WILL BE HELD AT THE AMERICAN LEGION POST #96 BEGINNING AT 5:00 P.M.

OUR DINNER MENU INCLUDES: RIBS – BBQ OR PLAIN HOMEMADE POTATO SALAD BAKED BEANS GREENS BREAD & BUTTER $7.95

HALF SLAB DINNERS $13.95

FULL SLAB DINNERS $19.95

APPEARING @ 6:00 P.M AND BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND LIMA’S OWN COUNTRY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT ONE WAY COWBOY & COUNTRY STRONG

Forty et Eight
Chef de Gare Ralph Cassidy has scheduled work parties for May 4th and 6th starting at 10:00AM at the ChÃ¢teau.
We should be checking things out at that time. Cleaning and getting stuff ready for the wreck.
Looks like we might have have several folks from out of town with us.

We should start off the wreck with breakfast as cooked by the Raven Rock Hillbillies, , 40-8 and SAL Chefs
We will end the wreck with a picnic by the Post #23 Legion Officers.
Our Conductor, Larry Sieson, has made arrangements to put on the feed bag at the Moose Lodge and Franks Tavern in New Boston during our tour of the city..

Nursing Home Veterans
Hopefully we can feed the Bikers for Charity and get them on their way to work early in the AM. They want to be on the streets by 8:30AM
The ladies and Gentlemen of the Legion and Shawnee Boat Club will start cooking at 6:00AM for the Bikers.
Help is always Needed
The Bikers will be conducting traffic stops throughout the area.
They have reported that their collections will go towards supporting our Annual Picnics and Christmas Parties and Program for our aging and disabled veterans who reside in our area Nursing and Care Homes

National Riffle Association
The Gun Show starts kicking in about 9:00AM in the Grand Ball Room, 1st Floor
Last year the Ball Room was packed .
Wall to Wall with folks, guns and ammo everywhere
Open to the public

Sons American Legion #23
Steak fry starts at 5:00PM ends at about 8:00 PM.
They have a very good steak at a very reasonable price Open to the public
It is a good thing we have lots of good help from our ladies and gentlemen of the Legion family and the Shawnee Boat Club Family
For your listening and dancing pleasure the live band will kick in at about 8:30 PM
The monthly Legion drawing will be a little later in the evening.
Thousands of Bucks up for grabs.
Wow what a day it is going to be

Starts at 6:00AM ends at ????????????

SadMan The FireMan

Legion Riders
American Legion posts and riders chapters nationwide do a world of good in their communities. At the Legiontown USA blog site, http://legiontown.legion.org/, members, Legion Riders and Legion Family are asked to share their stories and photos.

Hutchinson, Minnesota Teen Named The American Legion Eagle Scout of the Year

        INDIANAPOLIS (May 4, 2011) - A Hutchinson, Minn., student has been named The American Legion Eagle Scout of the Year for 2011.
        Robert B. Rasmussen, 17, a junior at Hutchinson High School, earned the award and a college scholarship worth $10,000. The award was announced during The American Legion's board of directors meeting here.
        The award recognizes Rasmussen’s practical citizenship at school, scouting, and his passion and commitment to community service. Rasmussen’s first Eagle Scout project consisted of planning, building and establishing 32 purple martin habitats throughout his area. Working closely with the city’s parks department to select suitable locations for the habitat homes, he then contacted local businesses for material donations. When all construction was completed, he worked with conservation-area personnel to hang the habitats in area parks.
        Rasmussen’s commitment to community service continued with his project of supporting veterans. After soliciting donations from a local cement company, he spent two summers making more than 700, 8-inch by 12-inch concrete markers which were then placed at unmarked veteran graves in the local cemetery. Each included a star-shaped bronze marker and an insert to hold a flag during special veterans events and ceremonies. He continued his support of local veterans’ groups by updating the list of veterans interred in the local cemetery. The project included an alphabetical listing of veterans, a list of veterans for each war and a walking tour of the cemetery, which allows visitors to find where each person is interred. Rasmussen has been an Eagle Scout since 2006.
         In December 2010, he was rewarded for his hard work and leadership at his high school by being their nominee for the Minnesota State High School League’s ExCEL Award, which recognizes students for excellence in community, education and leadership. In February 2011, he was honored as one of 24 Minnesota juniors to receive the state award.
        As an honor roll student, Rasmussen has been on the high school varsity math team since seventh grade; serves as the student council representative for his class; participates in band and choir; plays as junior varsity quarterback and varsity back-up in football; was a five-year starter and all-conference selection for the varsity wrestling team; has been a five-year varsity player and four time all-conference selection in tennis; and participates in Key Club, Link Crew and the National Honor society.
        Rasmussen hopes to enroll at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind., to pursue either a psychology or law degree.
        The American Legion also awarded a $2,500 scholarship to John William “Reeves” Caldwell of Thousand Oaks, Calif., Bradley William Garr of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Baylor Mackenzie Dickerson of Ashland, Va.
        The American Legion has supported scouting since its first national convention in 1919. Legion posts sponsor more than 2,700 scouting units, serving more than 71,500 young people, at a cost of more than $1.7 million.

Outstanding!!!!!!!!!
Two Soldiers who died as a result of their gallant and intrepid actions during the Korean War will be posthumously awarded the Medal Honor during a ceremony, at the White House.

Family Caregiver
Starting May 9th, Veterans may download a copy of the Family Caregiver program application (VA CG 10-10) at www.caregiver.va.gov. The application enables the Veteran to designate a primary Family Caregiver and secondary Family Caregivers if needed. Caregiver Support Coordinators are stationed at every VA medical center and via phone at 1-877-222 VETS (8387) to assist Veterans and their Family Caregivers with the application process.

POST EVERLASTING
William Pecnik, 83, past commander of the American Legion Ninth District and He was Department SAL chairman back in the mid 1970's.

Post Everlasting
It is with deep regret we notify you of the passing of Past National Commander Clifford Smith's (MA) father. Services will be held at the Knotts Colonial Funeral Home, address listed below on Friday May 6, 2011.
Cards and letters of condolences can be mailed to Cliff at 32A Cottage St, Mansfield, MA 02048.

Knotts Colonial Funeral Home
2946 S. Broad St.
Trenton, NJ 08610
Phone (609) 888-4723

Our thoughts and prayers are with Cliff and his family.
John Kerestan
SAL Liaison

Chaplain Candidate
Guy Mingione for Detachment Chaplain
ELIGIBILITY – Guy is a 17 year active member of the Sons of The American Legion.
DETACHMENT OF OHIO EXPERIENCE
Detachment - Sergeant-at-Arms (4 Years)
Detachment - Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms (3 years)
Detachment – Special Olympic Chairman
Detachment – Americanism Chairman

ENDORSEMENTS
Sons of the American Legion Brakeman-King Squadron 336
The American Legion Brakeman-King Post 336
The American Legion Auxiliary Brakeman-King Unit 336
Sons of the American Legion Dynamic Ninth District
The American Legion Dynamic Ninth District
The American Legion Auxiliary Dynamic Ninth District

POW/MIA
KABUL — New footage of US soldier Bowe Bergdahl, who was captured in Afghanistan in June 2009, has appeared in a video on jihadist web forums, the SITE monitoring group said on Wednesday.
The brief shot of Bergdahl shows him clean-shaven, looking lean and anxious, being blindfolded and led away by a man identified by SITE as Mullah Sangin Zadrain, a senior official in the Haqqani network.
The Haqqani network is loyal to the Taliban and has been blamed for some of the deadliest anti-US attacks in Afghanistan.
Bergdahl was captured June 30, 2009, since when the Taliban has released several videos showing him to be alive.

Soldier Missing in Action from WWII Identified
The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a serviceman, missing in action from World War II, have been identified and are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors.
Pfc. Robert B. Bayne, of Dundalk, Md., will be buried on May 7 in his hometown. On March 28, 1945, while patrolling the Rhine River in an inflatable raft, Bayne, a lieutenant and two other enlisted men were attacked near Schwegenheim, Germany. Bayne and the officer were wounded, forcing all four men into the swift waters of the river. The lieutenant was rescued but the enlisted men were not found.

POSTED MAY 3, 2011

2ND VICE COMMANDER
I would like to Thank Vice Commander Ken Millick and the 14th District for There Hospitality at there Spring District Meeting.
and thanks Ken for showing Me The Ohio veterans Memorial what a wonderful place to visit.
Thanks also goes to the 5th District For their Hospitality at their spring district meeting and Congratulations to there
new officers and a Big Thanks For The New TV.
Gentleman its almost state convention time and theirs plenty of HARLEY TICKETS LEFT so lets try to sell as many as
possible To make this a very Big Fundraiser for the Detachment Of Ohio. So lets Remember That in 16 Days Someone Will
Win A 2011 Fat boy Or the cash option or 1 of the 10 $200 prizes. See You at Convention.

GARY LANG
2ND VICE COMMANDER
DETACHMENT OF OHIO
740-749-3263
glang3263@roadrunner.com

As you open your pockets for the next natural disaster, please keep these facts in mind:
The American Red Cross President and CEO Marsha J. Evans salary for the year was $651,957 plus expenses
The United Way President Brian Gallagher receives a $375,000 base salary along with numerous expense benefits
UNICEF CEO Caryl M. Stern receives $1,200,000 per year (100k per month) plus all expenses including a ROLLS ROYCE
Less than 5 cents of your donated dollar goes to the cause
The Salvation Army's Commissioner Todd Bassett receives a salary of only $13,000 per year (plus housing) for managing this $2 billion dollar organization.
96 percent of donated dollars go to the cause.

The American Legion National Commander receives a $0.00 zero salary. Your donations go to help Veterans and their families and youth!

SUMMIT COUNTY STAND DOWN

The next Summit County Stand Down meeting will be May 2nd, 2pm at Firestone VFW Post 3383, 690 W Waterloo Rd, Akron

Hope to see you there..

Laura

VA & R/Canines for Combat Veterans
            By the time you read this there will be less than three weeks left before the opening of Detachment Convention. That means Squadrons and Districts have less than three weeks left to complete their Consolidated Report. Although the entire report is extremely important I am especially concerned with the VA & R section. Remember, any money and time spent raising money for Canines for Combat Veterans or any donations to Canines for Combat Veterans, as well as all monies and time spent doing anything to benefit Veterans is to be included in this section. Once all the submitted Consolidated Reports are combined the totals are reported to Congress as proof of what this great organization actually does.
            As I stated to you last week, we still need to come up with approximately $10,000 to purchase and pay for the training of our third and final dog. Again, please keep Canines for Combat Vets in mind when planning your Spring and Summer activities. I still have shirts, pins and marbles available for sale. Give me a call or email me at the number and email address at the bottom of this article. These items will also be available at Detachment Convention. As an incentive to purchase the Canines for Combat Vets shirts, I will give a free American Legion Auxiliary fine chocolate candy bar with the purchase of each shirt.
            Also, I still have the stuffed dog which I will offer for sale. The first person (or group) to contact with me with an offer of at least $75.00 will own the dog. The dog would make a nice prize for a raffle at your Post.
As always, please contact me for fundraising suggestions or if you need me to attend your function to talk about the program.

James M. (Butch) Badgett
VA & R Chairperson
123 Maple Street
Marietta OH 45750
740/373-6407 (home) or 740/525-2653 (mobile)
dcc@suddenlink.net or k9sal@suddenlink.net

National Veterans Assistance Day
“You served us,” now it’s our time to serve you.
National Veterans Assistance Day
May 21, 2011

NAME CORECTIONS, MAILING ADDRESS CORRECTIONS – We receive many, many requests for name corrections and changing of mailing addresses throughout the year. Often, we receive mail and telephone inquiries informing us of frustrations in trying to get these changes made. There are many ways to correct this data. First, each Squadron should obtain these changes and send in a member data form. Seems simple, but many frustrations continue to plague our membership. Other ways to make changes is through the SAL web page at www.sal.legion.org under contact us. Also, the American Legion web site contains similar information and contact information. Members can email us at "sal@legion.org" and through the web page above. We can even take information on questions, name changes, and address changes by writing to us at The American Legion, PO Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206. Please include this information as well as the Sons National Web site www.sal.legion.org in all your Detachment newsletters and bulletins.

2011 National Convention

Please find the parade and hotel/points of interest maps for our 2011 National Convention in Minneapolis, MN. loaded on our website at www.legion.org/convention/resources.
Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you all very much for your support and assistance.

Sincerely,
Your Convention & Meetings Team

Whitehouse Post 384

Great News my fellow Golfers, Whitehouse Post 384 has been awarded the opportunity to host the 48th Annual Great First District's Golf Event. Flyers and letters will be forthcoming and if you can't wait for snail mail then contact me via the web and I will get the flyer/signup sheet out to you. Please reserve your team’s entry early on because we are limited to only 17 teams this year. The tournament will be held on July 31st, 2011. I will also need volunteers to work the golf course and the festivities afterwards, thank you and Good Luck!!!!

For God and Country,
Paul E Smith
Commander
American Legion Post 384
Whitehouse, Ohio
(419) 661-2479

Teen Suicide: A Tragic Consequence of Bullying

The tragic double suicide of two teens in Minnesota this past weekend brings to light just how deadly the effects of bullying can be. The escalating issue of bullying requires all of us to step up to protect young people. At Boys & Girls Clubs, staff members are trained to recognize the signs of bullying, whether it occurs in person or online. "Everyone has a responsibility to understand how dangerous bullying is," says Joe Mollner, senior director of Delinquency Prevention for BGCA. "It is as dangerous as other street-related violence. Hopefully, we will all learn from the needless suffering and loss of life we have witnessed in this situation."

You can help protect kids by learning to recognize the warning signs and stopping bullying before it results in tragedy.

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Capt. Joshua M. McClimans, 30, of Akron, Ohio, died April 22 at Forward Operating Base Salerno, Khost province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with indirect fire. He was assigned to the 848th Forward Surgical Team, U.S. Army Reserve, Twinsburg, Ohio.

For more information, please contact the 807th Medical Command (Deployment Support) public affairs office, Fort Douglas, Utah, at 801-656-3667.

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sgt. 1st Class Bradley S. Hughes, 41, of Newark, Ohio, died April 24 of a non-combat incident, in Kandahar province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 528th Sustainment Brigade, Fort Bragg, N.C.

For more information, media may contact the U.S. Army Special Operations Command public affairs office at 910-432-6005.

DOD Identifies Marine Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Cpl. Adam D. Jones, 29, of Germantown, Ohio, died April 27 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

For additional background information on this Marine, news media representatives may contact the 2nd Marine Division public affairs office at 910-378-6193 or http://www.marines.mil/unit/2ndmardiv/Pages/Media/default.aspx .

Missing WWII Airman Identified
The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a serviceman, missing in action from World War II, have been identified and are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors.
U.S. Army Air Forces Pfc. Mervyn E. Sims, 23, of Petaluma, Calif., will be buried Friday in his hometown. On April 24, 1943, Sims and four crew members aboard a C-87 Liberator Express departed from Yangkai, China, in support of "the Hump" resupply mission between India and China. Prior to takeoff, a ground crew determined the aircraft had sufficient fuel for the six-hour flight to the air base on other side of the Himalayas in Chabua, India. Once cleared for takeoff, there was no further communication between the aircrew and airfield operators. Army officials launched a search effort when the plane did not arrive at the destination. No evidence of the aircraft was found and the five men were presumed killed in action.

Posted APRIL 23,2011

DETACHMENT COMMANDER BUCHS

I have to say that this has been one interesting year and it went too fast for me. I still want to come and visit your District and Squadron so please e-mail me or call. (rexbuchs@aol.com), (440-537-9406). I would like to say Thanks to Scott for doing a great job this year.

Membership is still the life line for us so keep up the great job that is being done by all of us. Great job to the Sixth District for being 100% in the membership. Ninth and Thirteenth are very close to be 100% a well. I know that they will be 100% before Convention. Great Job Gentleman. Steve is doing outstanding job on membership. Please lets get the membership in.

Gary"s raffle on the Harley is doing very well. Gary is saying sell the tickets. Great project Gary and a job well done.

In closing hope to see you all at Convention in May 13th,14th and 15th at Independence, Ohio. Thirteenth has put a great package together for us.

God Bless American and God Bless our Troops and their Families.

UNIT 19

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 19 is on Face book. It is new and promises to fill up with lots of photos and our projects. Our In coming President Felicia promises to bring us into this new technology with little pain....we shall see!! HA HA!

If you are on, please take a peek, give Felicia the THUMBS UP on her NEWEST endeavor for our wonderful auxiliary.

Michele

POST 24

American Legion Post No. 24 will hold a golf outing on Saturday, April 30, at the Fairgrounds Golf Course.
It will be a three-person scramble and sign in starts at 8:30 a.m. Cost is $75 per team.
There will be a shot gun start for 18 holes of golf. Tee off time is 9 a.m.
There is a need of 10 teams to play. Those playing should bring Their own drinks and eats.
There will be two holes per round and prizes. The first 18 teams will get to play.
To sign up or for additional information, call Don Taylor at 962-2873.

A Welcome Home Rally!
US Wings® is participating in the National Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War by holding a WELCOME HOME rally from Friday May 20, 2011 to Sunday May 22, 2011 (see "Time" below for details) at our corporate office at 561 E. Hines Hill Road in Hudson Ohio from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. In addition to our new Vietnam 50th Anniversary products, US Wings® will have special WELCOME HOME products and military memorabilia as well as live music and free food & beverages on their picnic grounds. SFC David Hack, US Army (Ret), CEO of US Wings® and a decorated Vietnam vet, welcomes all Vietnam veterans to come to Hudson for a weekend of celebration and brotherhood. For further information, please contact:
Robert Kruty
Vice President Sales & Marketing
800-650-0659
rkruty@uswings.com

Be sure to mark May 20-22, 2011 on your calendar! Join US Wings in this celebration to honor, pay tribute to, and "welcome home" all those who served their country during the Vietnam War!

American Legion Auxiliary members and supporters: Do you know of a deserving military family who could use a new home?
ABC TV's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is in the process of casting an inspiring family for its ninth season, and producers are trying to find the perfect family for the show's military hero episode.
To be eligible, a family must own their own single family home or at least property on which a home can be built. Plus, they must be able to show producers how a makeover will make a huge difference in their lives. Interested families or those who wish to nominate another family should e-mail a short description of their family story to this address: david@emhe.tv
Nominations/submissions must include the following:
The names and ages of each member of the household.
A description of the major challenges within the home.
Explanation of why this family is deserving, or a positive role model in their community.
Photos of the family and a photo of the home.
Don't forget to include a contact phone number.
Hurry - the deadline for hero nominations is April 22.

Let's give back to those giving to our country! Nominate a deserving family today!

!

VA & R/Canines for Combat Veterans
Gentlemen,
            As I reported to you back in February and again in March I am becoming increasingly concerned with our progress as we work towards raising funds for the third dog. Detachment convention is just a few weeks away and we are about $10,000 short. On the bright side I am fully aware that the Sons always get the job done and I am confident this will be the case once again. Please, keep Canines for Combat Vets in mind when planning your Spring and Summer activities. I still have shirts, pins and marbles available for sale. Give me a call or email me at the number and email address at the bottom of this article.
            When this program began I obtained two stuffed dogs (canines) to raffle off with the proceeds to go to the dogs. The first dog was raffled at last year’s Detachment convention. The intent was to raffle the second stuffed dog at this year’s convention. However, since we have been asked not to have raffles this year I will offer the dog for sale. The first person (or Squadron) to contact with me with an offer of at least $75.00 will own the dog. The dog would make a nice prize for a raffle at your Post.
            In a recent weekly update an article appeared offering American Legion Auxiliary candy bars to be used as fundraisers. The candy bars are made by a higher end candy company. Squadrons were encouraged to purchase the candy bars and resell them as a way to raise funds. I purchased a few cases of the chocolate bars and with the help of Squadron members have sold quite a few of them. As an incentive to purchase Canines for Combat Veterans shirts, I will offer a free candy bar at Detachment Convention to all those who purchase a shirt.
As always, please contact me for fundraising suggestions or if you need me to attend your function to talk about the program.

James M. (Butch) Badgett
VA & R Chairperson
123 Maple Street
Marietta OH 45750
740/373-6407 (home) or 740/525-2653 (mobile)
dcc@suddenlink.net or k9sal@suddenlink.net

CANINES FOR COMBAT VETS

Time is running down for donations to this worthy cause. This was a SAL project this year. The SAL Convention is in May. We are still in need of $10,000 for the last dog. Each dog costs $22,000. You can order directly from Butch Badgett or District 14 can contact Kathy Pawlak 330-562-2244 or the American Legion Post 685, Streetsboro, OH. 330-650-9594. This is a very worthy cause which trains dogs for Veterans injured in Combat . Please help show that Ohio has heart!

Thank you for your support.
For God and Country.
Kathy Pawlak
Account Assistant
PHONE 216-520-8800
FAX 216-520-8819
Kpawlak924@gmail.com

Chesterfield, Mo. High School Senior Sweeps to Victory,
Earns $18K Scholarship in American Legion Oratorical Contest

    INDIANAPOLIS (April 18, 2011) – A high school senior from Chesterfield, capped a busy weekend of competition in Indianapolis by earning an $18,000 college scholarship and first place in The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program – “A Constitutional Speech Contest.” Her winning oration was titled “One Parent: The Constitution.”
    Anisha Gururaj, who attends Parkway Central High School, started the weekend as one of 53 state or territorial champions in the 74th annual contest. She advanced to the championship through three rounds of intense competition.
    Grace Marie Pyo, a high school senior from Powell, Ohio, earned a $16,000 college scholarship with a second place finish, while Anastasia Kaiser, of Orinda, Calif., earned a $14,000 scholarship and finished third. The scholarships account for a small portion of the roughly $3.5 million in post-secondary scholarships that The American Legion, the nation’s largest veterans organization, awards annually.
    In her prepared oration, Gururaj compared the United States to a giant family, with the Constitution being the parent. “But a family cannot run simply on love and protection; a family needs every one of its units, every one of you, to stand up for it, take part in it, and win the physical and moral battles for its prosperity. And the parent of this home, the document which protects us and demands responsibility within us, is none other than the United States Constitution.”
    Gururaj mentioned 9-year-old Tucson shooting victim Christina Green as someone who died which performing a responsibility to this country. “Each of us in this room and throughout this land owe it to our Constitution, to our home, this country, to each other, and to the victims of this tragedy and many others, to not only feel our own rights are protected by the Constitution, but to responsibly protect the rights of others. For they are one and the same.”
         In each round of the weekend competition, orators delivered a rehearsed 8- to 10-minute address and a randomly assigned 3- to 5-minute oration on a constitutional topic, each without the benefit of notes and in front of a live audience, including the judges. The 2.4-million member American Legion developed the contest to encourage young people to improve their communications skills and to study the U.S. Constitution. The American Legion has awarded more than $3 million in scholarships over the history of the program.

April 30: Post 449 SAL Reverse Raffle Breakfast – 1090 Kenmore Blvd, Akron – Tickets: 330-745-0245
May 01: All You Can Eat Breakfast at Ravenna Post 331 – 8 a.m.-11 a.m.
May 07: Windham 674 Breakfast - $5 for Big Breakfast – $7 all you can eat – 8-11 a.m.

May 14 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm SAL Squadron 572 Joseph J. Jacubic Post  Welcomes – Detachment Conventioneers and guests
    Join us for: 8 oz Strip Steak, Baked Potato, Vegetable, Salad, Rolls / Butter, Dessert $10.00
    American Legion Joseph J. Jacubic Post 572
    6483 State Rd (at Ridgewood Dr.)   Parma OH 44134              440-845-0572

Webinar on Participating in HMIS for VA Grantees, Community Agencies
Tuesday, May 3
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is hosting a national webinar on Tuesday, May 3, 2011, from 2-3:30 p.m. EDT. In addition to discussing VA’s long-term data collection and management plans, this webinar will provide updates on current Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) implementation for the following programs:
Grant and Per Diem (GPD)
HUD-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH)
Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
GPD grantees, HMIS system administration staff, and Continuum of Care (CoC) leaders are welcome to attend. Participants will receive updated information on VA’s plans to partner with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and participate in HMIS.
Space for this webinar is limited. To register, click here.

DOD Identifies Army Casualties
           The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of five soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
           They died April 16, at Forward Operating Base Gamberi, Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an Afghan National Army soldier attacked them with multiple grenades.
           Killed were:
           Capt. Charles E. Ridgley Jr., 40, of Baltimore, Md. He was assigned to the 17th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 3rd Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Anchorage, Alaska; also,
           Sgt. 1st Class Charles L. Adkins, 36, of Sandusky, Ohio;
           Staff Sgt. Cynthia R. Taylor, 39, of Columbus, Ga.;
           Sgt. Linda L. Pierre, 28, Immokalee, Fla.; and
           Spc. Joseph B. Cemper, 21, Warrensburg, Mo. They were assigned to the 101st Special Troops Battalion, 101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS

State Winter Games On February 2-3, 2011, took place at the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Brandywine Ski Resort, and Kent State Ice Arena. We appreciate the support and dedication provided to the success of the Winter Games. Thanks also goes to the Sons of the American Legion, for their continued support. The tentative dates for next year’s event are February 1-2, 2012. It was great to have good snow this year and appreciate all the volunteers that managed to make it out to help.

2011 State Summer Games

The annual State Summer Games will be held on the Campus of The Ohio State University, June 24-26, 2011. During that weekend, 2800 athletes will be competing for the gold medal in one of the following sports: aquatics, athletics, bocce, bowling, cycling, gymnastics, power lifting, roller skating, soccer, tennis and volleyball. This is by far our largest state event of the year. An event of this size could not happen without the help and support of many volunteers. Please help us in making the 2011 Summer Games one of the best! Join the “Be A Fan” campaign! Come and volunteer.

Missing WWII Airman Identified
The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a serviceman, missing in action from World War II, have been identified and returned to his family for burial with full military honors.
U.S. Army Air Forces Tech. Sgt. James G. Maynard, of Ellenwood, Ga., will be buried on April 22 at Arlington National Cemetery. On March 12, 1945, Maynard and five crew members aboard a C-47A Skytrain departed Tanauan Airfield on Leyte, Philippines, on a resupply mission to guerilla troops. Once cleared for takeoff, there was no further communication between the aircrew and airfield operators. When the aircraft failed to return, a thorough search of an area ten miles on either side of the intended route was initiated. No evidence of the aircraft was found and the six men were presumed killed in action. Their remains were determined to be non-recoverable in 1949.

POSTED APRIL1, 2011

1st Vice CommanderFellow Members,
Its been busy, I have visited the 1st and 2nd Districts and was welcomed with positive influence's by both of those Districts. I want to thank Commander Doug Hancock and all the officers of the 1st District for all of their support as it has been great to work with them as I go through the chairs. Also I want to thank Commander Dennis Blanc and the 2nd District for their invite and the good words they had at their Conference.
      As I have said many times an officer can look good or look bad in a short time. I need everyone to work hard on membership to reach our quotas which the end of the membership year is closing in. I hope you all will make the Detachment of Ohio look good and work hard to finish and reach our goals.
      All of the shirt orders need to be in if you want my Detachment shirt by May Convention. If you need an order form I will E-mail one to you, just let me know. I am proud to serve as a Detachment officer and to work with all the table officers. Please support us all and finish Commander Rex's year on a high note.

Thank You,

Sons Of the American Legion
Detachment of Ohio
1st Vice Commander
Steve Honigfort
Email: shonigfort@yahoo.com   VA&R/CANINES FOR COMBAT VETS
It's been some time since I've written to you regarding the Canines For Combat Vets program. The membership year is going by so quickly. I am writing to encourage any of you who still have money out for our program to get it to me soon so that we can have a good accounting of where we are for the third and final dog. I know some of you still have shirts, pins and marbles which you either have sold or will be selling soon. For those of you who don't have the items to sell please contact me real soon and I can get more out to you.

As always, I thank all of you for the hard work you've put forth for Canines For Combat Vets over the last couple of years and I do encourage you to please keep this program in mind when planning your Spring functions. Once the funds are raised for the third dog (hopefully by the close of Detachment Convention) this part of the VA & R program will come to an end.

Sincerely,
James M. Butch Badgett
VA & R Chairperson
Detachment of Ohio
123 Maple Street
Marietta OH 45750

dcc@suddenlink.net or k9sal@suddenlink.net
740-373-6457 (home)
740-350-2653 (mobile)    Four Chaplains ProgramMantua Post 193   Mantua Auxiliary Unit 193
Sunday, April 03, 2011
9:30 a.m. Worship Service
Mantua Center Christian Church
4118 State Route 82, Mantua Twp. Open to the public.    14th District Meeting April 12: 7:00 – Streetsboro 685 Speaker Nick Ciofani from Ohio Treasurer’s Office.    WELCOME TO THE 2011 OHIO STATE ROMP ON THE LAKE
DATE- JUNE 10th -11th & 12th   2011
ADDRESS - AMERICAN LEGION POST 397
2713 STATE ROUTE 60
VERMILION, OHIO 44089
440-967-2919
COST -   25.00 PER PERSON INCLUDES- FREE CAMPING, PATCH,   DINNER ON SATURDAY, RIDE, & ENTERTAINMENT.
THE HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS IS ABOUT 500 FT.  DOWN THE ROAD. 440-967-8770
FOR MORE INFO, PLEASE CONTACT
JOAN MCGIRR - DIRECTOR ALR 397
joandahl@roadrunner.com
440-967-1248       REMINDER
The next Armed Services Blood Drive is exactly one month away. It will be held on Sunday, April 10th, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the U.S. Army Reserve Center, 165 N. Yearling Road, next to DSCC. This drive is proudly being sponsored by AmVets Stan Kinney Post 89 and American Legion Gahanna Post 797, supported by the American Legion Ohio 12th District Council, and hosted by the U.S. Army Reserve. This is a historic event, because it is the first time in Ohio that a military blood drive open to the public is being jointly sponsored by two veteran service organizations.

The blood will be collected by the Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP), the military's exclusive blood collection agency, and will go exclusively to military personnel, mostly to help save the lives of American forces deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq. All blood collected will be immediately processed, and then most will be flown directly from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base by priority overseas and in theatre within a week. You cannot ask for a better, more direct way to support our troops.

For a quick guide to eligibility information, please visit our website at http://blooddriveforthetroops.org/22.html.
For a complete list of eligibility details, visit the Armed Services Blood Program webpage at http://www.militaryblood.dod.mil/Donors/can_i_donate.aspx.

Food and refreshments will be provided, including sloppy joes, coney islands, baked beans, chips, pretzels, donuts, cookies, cakes, and other snacks. Drinks will include water, Gatorade, juice and juice drinks, pop, and coffee.

While walk-ins are always accepted, to expedite your donation, donors are encouraged to pre-register for an appointment. Donors can search for this blood drive by zip code (43213) or city (Columbus) to register (add the date too: April 10th).

Please help give a fellow serviceman or servicewoman a chance to live. Give a life-saving gift that literally comes from the heart. For more information, please contact Peter Margaritis, blood drive chairman, (614) 395-0387, or Steve Ebersole, (614) 783-6862.

You've seen the TV. Our forces overseas are heavily engaged in combat operations. And July was the heaviest month for U.S. casualties in Afghanistan since we went in back in October, 2001. So PLEASE - give a wounded GI, Marine, Airman or Sailor a great gift in honor --- a gift that literally comes from your heart. And spread the word.

So many folks still do not know that these ASBP drives are the ONLY way that the public can donate blood to the military. Let's make this one the best one yet.

Thanks.

Peter Margaritis
Blood Drive Chairman
American Legion Ohio 12th District Council
http://www.Blooddriveforthetroops.org
(614) 395-0387

Posted February 28,2011

1st Vice Commander

As we near Spring we have a lot of work to do on membership. It appears the Winter slow down has occurred. Chatter between the Districts and Detachment has really quieted down since Mid -Winter. Let's all SPRING into action and shed the blahs and the boredom. First let's communicate and get the membership cards still outstanding into Department ASAP. A little friendly nudge is needed to promote those holdouts to pay their dues. If our ancestors had sat and done nothing we might all be speaking to a different form of government, if we were allowed to speak. They sacrificed a great deal for our country and us to be free. So hows about all of us taking a little time to thank them, our veterans, by supporting the American Legion Family. The Sons of the American Legion Detachment of Ohio grew by leaps and bounds for a while, but now we are getting jumped over by neighboring Detachments. The economy is bad in those states too, but they are growing?
C'mon let's show our Buckeye Pride and WAKE UP OHIO ! I have faith in The Detachment of Ohio, that we can again spurt back to the forefront. Let's get the membership growing again and I hope to see some of you strangers back at SAL functions.
Also I have not received many shirt orders for my Detachment Shirt for 2011-2012. Please contact me for an order form or info so we can place the shirt order in a timely fashion to get them by Covention in May.

Thank You,
For God and Country,

Steve Honigfort
Sons of the American Legion
Detachment of Ohio
1st Vice Commander

The Ohio SALute

Just a reminder that the deadline for The Ohio SALute is Monday, February 28, 2011.
As of today's date, I have had just one candidate submit information. If that's all I get that's all I will publish. Current Officers are asked to aslo submit candidate information.
Please get your articles, events, photos, etc. to me no later than 12:00 noon on Monday, Feburary 28, 2011.

THANK YOU!
PDC Jeff Vrabel, Sr., Editor
The Ohio SALute

Americanism

No matter what year or time of year it is Flag Education is still important to all. The message is we cannot forget to educate the youth of our country on the flag. The Son’s of the American Legion joins with The American Legion and all the states and an overwhelming majority of citizens in its position that the American flag deserves legal protection from acts of intentional public physical desecration. In 1989, the U.S. Supreme Court declared flag desecration to be a "right" protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution. The American Legion disagreed then and reaffirms now that flag desecration is a form of conduct - not speech - that can and should be regulated by law.
That being said we have the ability to educate our youth on the Flag. For Which It Stands is a good way to educate the youth on Flag education. "For Which It Stands" is a DVD about the history of the flag of the United States, the significance and meaning of our flag, and respecting and caring for our flag.
·         "George Learns The Pledge" - An animated feature explaining the meaning behind the Pledge of Allegiance.
·         "Rally 'Round The Flag" - Students ask a flag expert about specific ways to care for and respect the flag and are given the opportunity to play the "Flag Quiz" game.
·         The "Flag Timeline" activity allows students to learn more about the history of our flag and the rationale behind its design
Here are a few other ways to educate our youth, all of these and the For Which It Stands DVD is available at The American Legion Emblem Sales. Let's Be Right on Flag Etiquette" 16-page "question & answer" booklet on proper flag etiquette. Flag Code Illustrates and describes the correct way to display the American flag, and "Our Country's Flag" Comic Book.
The Flag Replacement Postcard allows you to anonymously tell others how to dispose of their flag.   As a symbol of our nation, the U.S. Flag belongs to the people, who should be given the power to protect it. All of these books and pamphlets and the For Which It Stands DVD can be found thru The American Legion Emblem Sales.
To answer the questions you have about flag, you can go to the American Legion website and click on the U.S. Flag. Any question you have about the U.S. Flag is answered their. The web site is http://www.legion.org/flag/questions_answers, use this site to answer your questions.

Gerald Hammerschmidt
Americanism Chairman

District 14 Reverse Raffle
Reverse Raffle, Side boards, 50/50, Silent Auction & Chinese Raffle also!

American Legion Post 685
10001 Hudson-Aurora Rd
Streetsboro, Ohio 44241

For tickets call your 14th District Officers:
2nd Vice Cmdr, Joyce Hannum 216-392-9752
1st Vice Cmdr, Jim Curly 330-923-5698 or
Commander, Alvin Podboy, 330-998-1091

Raffle ticket with breakfast - $15.00 Breakfast only - $10.00

Proceeds to benefit American Legion District 14

3rd Annual Attica Sons of the American Legion Squadron 260 Gun Raffle
Saturday, March 5th, 2011, 6:00pm Attica Fairgrounds

Guns to be raffled off:
Henry Golden Boy .22 LR
Taurus 9mm revolver
Mossberg Maverick 12ga O/U
Rock Island 1911 .45 ACP
Thompson Center Bone Collector
Taurus Judge .410/.45
Savage 30-06 package / scope
Springfield XDM 3.8 .40 cal. pistol
Savage Edge 223 / scope
Glock Model 17 / 9mm
Remington 1187 (12/20ga) semi auto
Bushmaster AR 15 .223
*For every 80 tickets sold after 800, another gun will be added to this list.

Need not be present to win guns. Guns must be picked up within 6 months at Mountain Man Trading Post, 1741 S. St. Rt. 53, Tiffin, Ohio 44883.                  Phone- (419) 448-4255
Refreshments        Games
Must have ticket to enter!!    DONATION: $10.00

Tickets Available at the Door!! No Admittance under Age 18!!
For Tickets Contact:
Gerald Senn @ 419-426-0081
Ben Stockmaster @ 567-224-0518
Chris Saylors @ 419-426-3404
Larry Lucius @ 419-426-6601

Attica Son’s of the American Legion Tool Raffle
All Proceeds to Benefit the Seneca East Public Library
$5.00 per ticket
Drawing to be held on March 5th, 2011

DOD Identifies Army Casualty
              The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
              Staff Sgt. Bradley C. Hart, 25, of Perrysburg, Ohio died February 17 at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Africa, of injuries sustained in a non combat incident. He was assigned to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, N.C.
              For more information, the media may contact the U.S. Army Special Operations Command public affairs office at 910-432-6005

Cleveland Area Representatives Announce $200,000 for Career Assistance for Returning Veterans

Kucinich, Fudge and Sutton Secure Funding to Provide Training and Job Placement Services for 100 Returning Veterans

Cleveland, OH (February 17, 2011) - Ohio Representatives Dennis Kucinich (D), Marcia L. Fudge (D) and Betty Sutton (D) today announced $200,000 in new federal funds from the Department of Labor for the Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network (MAGNET) program, to provide training and job placement services to 100 returning veterans in the manufacturing job sector.

“We can take care of our veterans and Northeast Ohio’s economy at the same time. Our returning military personnel deserve nothing less than a chance to make a living. They will join the skilled and motivated labor force of Northeast Ohio that makes our area one of the best places to do business,” said Kucinich

“Our veterans have many adjustments to make as they transition from active duty to civilian life. Getting help to find a job should not be one of their challenges. I fully support the initiative by MAGNET, the Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network to train returning veterans. It benefits veterans, their families and our entire community,” said Congresswoman Fudge.

“Honoring our sacred trust with our veterans means doing all we can to help them find work when they come home. I am proud to support the work of MAGNET to provide job training and placement services in the manufacturing sector for our veterans in Northeast Ohio. The success of both our veterans and the manufacturing sector are vital for a strong economy in our region and our country, said Rep. Sutton.”

The primary purpose of this MAGNET program is to identify, train and match returning veterans with existing jobs that are going unfilled due to a lack of skilled applicants. The program will respond to the employment challenges and, by extension, housing challenges faced by veterans.

Contacts:
Kucinich - Nathan White (202)225-5871
Fudge - Belinda Prinz (216) 522-4900
Sutton - Christine Corcoran (202) 225-3401

Posted February 27,2011

Detachment Convention Call

The 2001 Detachment Convention Call as well as the Squadron Consolidated Report and Officer Certification forms were mailed out this week. It is the responsibility of each squadron to have the Officer form and Consolidated Report Form filled out and submitted even if you do not plan to attend the convention.

BELLVILLE SQD 535

SAL SQD 535 of Bellville is having a Spaghetti, & Lasagna Dinner. Sat. Feb.19th. Serving starts at 4:30 to 7:00. This all you can eat for a donation of $6.00, $5.00 Seniors, and Veterans. Following the dinner at 7:30 we have a White Elephant Auction. If you have something to donate to the auction, that would be great! This is a whole lot of fun! Remember, one man's junk, another man's treasure! All the proceeds goes towards the Gift for Yanks. Address of the Bellville American Legion is 77 Ogle St. Bellville Ohio 44813
Thanks
Spanky Sqd. 535

THE GREAT FIRST DISTRICT EUCHRE TOURNAMENT
Sunday March 27, 2011
Albert Bowe Post 338
209 W. Crocker St.
Bradner, OH 43406
419-288-3634
Entry fee $10.00 per team. Two persons to a team.
Must show a 2011 Legion family card.
Registration deadline 1250, Games begin at 1300.
Cash prizes 50/50’s

CornholeTournament

The Third District SAL will be holding a CornholeTournament on Saturday February 26 at 7:00. Contact Dan Sagraves 937-236-4755 for information.

American Legion Post #200

5046 Nebraska Ave

Huber Heights, Ohio 45424

American Legion Steak Fry
March 5TH 2011
Whitehouse Post 384
6910 Providence Street,
Whitehouse, Ohio 43571
$11.00 Special pricing at door 5 to 8 pm
Contact: Paul Smith at 419-661-2479 for any questions.

Breakfast Buffet
American Legion, Post 384, Breakfast Buffet February 20th 2011
6910 Providence Street, Whitehouse, OH
•8 am to 1 pm
•$6 per Adult •$5 per Senior •$3 per Child over the age of 2 to 15
Free for children under the age of 2.
This is will be held the third Sunday of each month.

SUNDAY BREAKFAST
VOITURE 141
1ST& 3RD Sunday of each month 9 am to NOON
$6 per Adult $3 per Child
2232 Airport Highway, Toledo
SUNDAY BREAKFAST
Will be serving Pancakes, Waffles, French Toast, Sausage Gravy and Biscuits, Eggs and sausage.
POC: Paul Smith at 419-661-2479

ALL YOU CAN EAT BUFFET
YEAGER-BENSON MEMORIAL POST 199
10700 CAMPBELL RD.
HARRISON, OH. 45030
FEBRUARY 20, 2011 8:00 A.M. till 1:00 P.M.
FULL BUFFET – EGGS, BACON, SAUSAGE, BISCUITS, GRAVY, PANCAKES AND MORE
$6.00 PER ADULT 12 YEARS OLD AND UNDER $4.00
Raffle Table -- Split The Pot
FOR MORE INFO: 708-1969 or 367-9180
STAY AFTER BREAKFAST FOR NASCAR RACING

Extras Just in: The Auxiliary 2011 Daily Planner with Key ALA Dates!
Look what we have! For years many have asked for a special ALA calendar with key Auxiliary and Legion Family national events and meetings already noted. A few of you recently received a donation appeal that included this attractive pocket-size daily planner book. It was a first for the ALA, and the response was beyond expectations. Unexpectedly, we received some extras from our development partner and are making them available to you. Our hardcover daily planner is a quality tool to carry with you so you can conveniently schedule some time to benefit veterans, servicemembers and their families.

Because time marches on quickly, we are making these available for a minimum donation of $9 each which includes shipping and handling. Please address your check or money order to National Treasurer, American Legion Auxiliary, and send to attention of Development Dept., ALA National Headquarters, 8945 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260. These planners are great for yourself or as your gift to that new member you just recruited. But hurry - supplies are limited

IT'S HAPPENING IN MARCH AT POST 62 CHILLICOTHE
JOIN US ST.PATS NIGHT, MARCH 17, WITH ‘’THE LEWIS BROS.’’BAND, NO COVER, MANY SPECIALS, GREAT IRSH ‘RED HEADED BAND’ THAT REALLY ROCKS, 7-PM TILL ????. MARCH 25TH, REVERSE RAFFLE, PROCEEDS TO CHILD WELFARE FOUNDATION, 13 OPPORTUNITIES TO WIN CASH WITH GRAND PRIZE OF $1,000.00, TOTAL GUARENTEED PAYOUT $1875.00. EACH TICKET HOLDER GET SNACKS, 2 BEVERAGES OF CHOICE, SHAKE N’BAKE PORK CHOP (SHRIMP/LENT) DINNER AND I ENTRY INTO THE DRAWING. ONLY 200 TICKETS WILL BE SOLD, LESS THAT 100 LEFT, 0NLY $20.00 PER TICKET. CONTACT DAIN 740.772.1658 OR dkdc@roadrunner.com. SQUAD 62 IS PLEDGING $5.00 PER OUR MEMBERSHIP QUOTA FROM THIS EVENT TO C.W.F. ($1755). 52 WEST MAIN STREET, CHILLICOTHE,OHIO.

Nurse Scholarships Available
Week of February 14, 2011
Applications for the Eight and Forty Lung and Respiratory Disease Nursing Scholarship are now available for nurses wanting to advance their training in pediatric lung and respiratory diseases or to prepare for positions in clinical practice and management. Applicants are specifically required to have prospects of full-time employment that have a direct relationship with pediatric lung and respiratory disease nursing. Applications must be postmarked no later than May 15, and scholarship recipients will be announced July 1. The scholarship's complete requirements are available in .PDF format on the American Legion website.

9-11 Memorial
Two 22 foot Steel Beams from the Twin Towers are being erected in Indianapolis for a 9-11 Memorial to be dedicated on this 10th Anniversary; 9-11-2011. This memorial will be located at 421 West Ohio Street (Near the canal). Likely dedicated by President Bush. These beams will be coming from New York on April 9th and will arrive in Richmond, Post 65 at approximately noon.

Staging 10am-12pm; Departing at 12:30pm. Assisting the Indiana State Police in escort to Stout Field Military Base in Indianapolis. I-70 is to be closed for this escort.

T-Shirts will be sold by Indianapolis, Post 64 and they are also planning a hog roast dinner for afterwards. They are located across the street from Stout Field.

A website will be up and running soon for more information. You may also contact our State Run Coordinator.

Saturday, April 9 · 10:00am - 3:00pm

LocationAmerican Legion Post 65
109 North 6th Street
Richmond, IN
Created By American Legion Riders of Indiana

New VA Support Line Provides Important Assistance to Caregivers
Benefits and Support Information a Phone Call Away
WASHINGTON (Feb. 8, 2011) - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is increasing its support to caregivers with a new, toll-free telephone line for the caregivers of Veterans of all eras.
    "The families and loved ones who care for severely injured Veterans deserve the highest level of support," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. "At VA, we consider them important partners in our efforts to care for and rehabilitate our nation's heroes."
    The National Caregiver Support Line -- 1-855-260-3274 -- will serve as the primary resource and referral center to assist caregivers, Veterans and others seeking caregiver information.
    The line unofficially started Feb. 1, and in its first week logged nearly 600 calls, including 134 referrals to local VA caregiver support coordinators and 233 calls from caregivers themselves.
    "VA has been providing support for the caregivers of Veterans for more than seven decades," Shinseki added. "We already have more than two dozen successful programs, policies and services that support the caregivers of Veterans of all ages."
    The support line will provide information regarding new caregiver benefits, referrals to local caregiver support coordinators as well as emotional support to those concerned with their ability to provide care to loved ones who are Veterans.
    The National Caregiver Support Line will be open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., Eastern time; and Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Eastern time. Licensed VA social workers and health technicians will staff the support line.
    Local caregiver support coordinators are available to assist Veterans and their caregivers to understand and apply for VA's many caregiver benefits. VA also features a Web page, www.caregiver.va.gov <http://www.caregiver.va.gov/>, with general information on other caregiver support programs available through VA and the community.

Access to the National Caregiver Support Line was also identified as a significant need in a November 2010 study on caregivers of Veterans published by the National Alliance for Caregiving.

For an opportunity to get to know a few of today's remarkable caregivers of Veterans, go to http://www.youtube.com/user/veteranshealthadmin#p/u/0/XRmAwZHYRFE.

HUD, VA Release Supplemental Report on Veteran Homelessness
Marks shift toward interagency data integration
WASHINGTON, Feb. 11, 2011 – The Departments of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) have released Veteran Homelessness: A Supplemental Report to the 2009 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress. The report, released yesterday morning, is the result of ongoing collaboration between HUD and VA to understand the extent and nature of veteran homelessness, and marks the shift toward interagency data integration.
The report determined that on a single night in January 2009, 75,609 veterans were homeless, and an estimated 136,334 veterans spent at least one night in an emergency shelter or transitional housing program between Oct. 1, 2008, and Sept. 30, 2009.
This estimate is different than the VA CHALENG report, which estimated 107,000 veterans were homeless on a given night in 2009. The HUD estimate was based on information from community Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS), which prior to 2011 were not required to report veteran data. Beginning this year, all VA-funded homeless programs are required to report client data to their regional HMIS.
"Good data provides us with real information on the challenges of homelessness so that some critical understanding of these challenges can be determined and viable solutions can be achieved," said Anthony Love, Deputy Director of the Interagency Council on Homelessness. "The Veteran AHAR (Annual Homeless Assessment Report) is essential to having the clearest understanding possible of the scope and breadth of veteran homelessness and to measuring our progress toward ending it."
The report advances the implementation of the Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness by establishing an information baseline acceptable to all the federal agencies working to end veteran homelessness. It includes demographic information, analysis of risk factors, and regional utilization of services by veterans. This document will guide development of effective intervention and prevention policies and programs, and help justify funding requests submitted to Congress.
HUD and VA are currently working together to administer a joint program specifically targeted to veterans experiencing homelessness. Through the HUD-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program, HUD provides rental assistance for homeless veterans while VA offers case management and clinical services. Since 2008, a total investment of $225 million is working to provide housing and supportive services for approximately 30,000 veterans who would otherwise be homeless.

Highlights from the HUD/VA supplemental report include:
    Veterans are 50 percent more likely to become homeless compared to all Americans, and the risk is even greater among veterans living in poverty and minority veterans.
    Most veterans who used emergency shelter stayed for only brief periods. One-third stayed in shelter for less than one week, 61 percent used a shelter for less than one month, and 84 percent stayed for less than three months.
    Nearly half of homeless veterans were located in California, Texas, New York and Florida, while only 28 percent of all veterans were located in those same four states.
    About 96 percent of homeless veterans are single adults; 4 percent are veterans with families. This compares to 66 percent of non-veteran homeless persons who are single.

To read the full report, click here.

House Set to Eliminate HUD-VASH Vouchers
10,000 homeless veterans could be left without housing
WASHINGTON, Feb. 17, 2011 – The U.S. House of Representatives is currently considering H.R. 1, the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act of 2011, which would eliminate $75 million for approximately 10,000 new permanent supportive housing vouchers for homeless veterans.
These HUD-VA Supportive Housing (VASH) vouchers represent a collaboration between the Departments of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) to help chronically ill veterans who are not able to obtain and maintain housing without assistance. A vote on this bill is expected by the end of the day.
The vouchers in question were approved by both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees in the 111th Congress, and would bring the HUD-VASH program to the 40,000 voucher level. That would represent two-thirds of the number of vouchers most experts and federal officials agree are needed to end chronic veteran homelessness.
This morning at a House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs hearing, Ranking Member Bob Filner (D-CA) expressed shock over the elimination of these vouchers, which would provide housing and services to approximately 10,000 veterans who are homeless today.
Committee Chairman Jeff Miller (R-FL) said he was less concerned about the cuts because he has been told about 11,000 of the 30,000 vouchers authorized since 2008 are not yet being used.
The VASH program is one of the most critical elements of the Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness among veterans by 2015. Last year, HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan told Congress that a total of 60,000 vouchers would be needed to end veteran homelessness.
VA had included funding for program expansion in its FY 2011 budget, and the Senate Appropriations Committee inserted funding for 10,000 new vouchers in its HUD funding bill. Both actions spurred hope that the number of homeless veterans – estimated at 107,000 – would continue to decline.
The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) urges all homeless veteran service providers to contact their senators and representatives this afternoon to strongly object to any move that would eliminate approved HUD-VASH program funding for new vouchers.
To contact your representative, click here.
To contact your senator, click here.
You may also call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask for your representative or senator’s office.

POSTED FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18, 2011

Detachment Convention Call

BELLVILLE SQD 535

CornholeTournament

The Third District SAL will be holding a CornholeTournament on Saturday February 26 at 7:00. Contact Dan Sagraves 937-236-4755 for information.

American Legion Post #200

5046 Nebraska Ave

Huber Heights, Ohio 45424

Saturday, April 9 · 10:00am - 3:00pm

LocationAmerican Legion Post 65
109 North 6th Street
Richmond, IN
Created By American Legion Riders of Indiana

2ND VICE
GENTLEMEN
SPRING IS COMING IT'S TIME TO BUCKLE DOWN AND SELL THOSE HARLEY TICKETS.
ALTHOUGH THE SALES HAS BEEN GOOD. WE ONLY HAVE 3 MONTHS TO GO TO MAKE THIS A LARGE FUNDRAISER FOR THE DETACHMENT OF OHIO.SO LETS HELP REXS AND BRING HOME THE GARLAND MURPHY AWARD AGAIN TO OHIO.REMEMBER THAT A NEW HARLEY WOULD LOOK GOOD IN YOUR GARAGE AT HOME. ALSO THE $200.00 PRIZES AINT SO BAD EITHER. SO LETS START PUSHING THE TICKETS THE BEST WE CAN.$5.00 IS a PRETTY CHEAP PRICE TO PAY FOR A NEW HARLEY FAT BOY. I ALSO HAVE PLENTY OF EXTRA TICKETS IF YOU NEED THEM PLEASE CONTACT ME. THANK YOU

GARY LANG
DETACHMENT OF OHIO
2ND VICE COMMANDER
glang3263@roadrunner.com
740-749-3263

Special Olympics
We attended the Winter Games in Cuyahoga Valley National Park February 2nd and 3rd Nearly 200 athletes and 70 coaches traveled to the Cleveland area to participate.
Special Olympics web site has the Winter Games 2011, A Snowy Success. We American Legion members had a great time helping with the events, presenting awards and serving breakfast.
The next upcoming event is Saturday, February 12th “Special Olympics Day” at the Wolstein Center downtown Cleveland as the Cleveland State Viking host Youngstown State men’s basketball at 2:oo PM. There will be two exhibition games involving Special Olympics teams. Contact Allyson Boal at 216-687-5579 or a.boal@scuohio.edu for tickets. For upcoming events in 2011 go to www.sooh.org to see all upcoming event.

God Bless America
Keith Bell

DOD Identifies Marine Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Cpl. Lucas T. Pyeatt, 24, of West Chester, Ohio, died Feb. 5 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 2nd Radio Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

For additional background information on this Marine, news media representatives may contact the II Marine Expeditionary Force public affairs office at 910-451-7200.

DOD Identifies Army Casualty
              The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
              Sgt. Patrick R. Carroll, 25, of Norwalk, Ohio, died Feb. 7 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 319th Military Intelligence Battalion, 525th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, XVIII Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg, N.C.
              For more information the media may contact XVIII Airborne Corps public affairs office at 910-396-5600.

Editors Note: We admire the SAL Officers and Gentlemen Who Continue To Provide Us With Timely Announcements Of Our Brothers-inArms -Bill Kelly

DOD Identifies Army Casualty
                 The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
                 Spc. Nathan B. Carse, 32, of Harrod, Ohio, died Feb. 8 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 2nd Engineer Battalion, 176th Engineer Brigade, White Sands Missile Range, N.M.
                 For more information, the media may contact White Sands Missile Range public affairs office at 575-678-1134.

Armed Services Blood Drive

The next Armed Services Blood Drive is less than a week away. It will be held on Saturday, February 12th, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the U.S. Army Reserve Center, 165 N. Yearling Road, next to DSCC. This month's drive is being sponsored by the Sons of the American Legion (SAL), 12th District, supported by the American Legion Ohio 12th District Council, and hosted by the U.S. Army Reserve. The blood will be collected by the Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP), the military's exclusive blood collection agency, and will go exclusively to military personnel, mostly to help save the lives of American forces deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq.

All blood collected will be immediately processed, and then most will be flown directly from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base by priority overseas and in theatre within a week. You cannot ask for a better, more direct way to support our troops.

For eligibility information, please see the Armed Services Blood Program webpage at http://www.militaryblood.dod.mil/Donors/can_i_donate.aspx

Food and refreshments will be provided, including sloppy joes, coney islands, baked beans, chips, pretzels, donuts, cookies, cakes, and other snacks. Drinks will include water, Gatorade, juice and juice drinks, pop, and coffee.

While walk-ins are accepted, donors are encouraged to pre-register for an appointment. Donors can search for this blood drive by zip code (43213) or city (Columbus) to register (add the date too: February 12th).

Please help give a fellow serviceman or servicewoman a chance to live. Give a life-saving gift that literally comes from the heart. For more information, please contact Peter Margaritis, blood drive chairman, (614) 395-0387, or Steve Ebersole, (614) 783-6862.

You've seen the TV. Our forces overseas are heavily engaged in combat operations. And July was the heaviest month for U.S. casualties in Afghanistan since we went in back in October, 2001. So PLEASE - give a wounded GI, Marine, Airman or Sailor a great gift in honor -- a gift that literally comes from your heart. And spread the word.

So many folks still do not know that these ASBP drives are the ONLY way that the public can donate blood to the military. And this is one of the few places in the country where we can do that. So let's make this one the best one yet.

Thanks.

Peter Margaritis
Blood Drive Chairman
American Legion Ohio 12th District Council
http://www.Blooddriveforthetroops.org
(614) 395-0387

Unit 69’s Sweetheart Dinner

Sunday Feb. 13^th5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

$8.00 adults/$4.00 10 years & under

Post 69 9000 Reading Road

Reading, OH 45215

Pork Chop or Meat Loaf Mashed Potato/Gravy Veggie, Roll and Butter

Desserts for Sale

Posted February 6th., 2011

1st Vice

Gentlemen,
I would like to thank the 14th District for their fine hospitality on Sunday Jan. 30th and they had a very productive meeting. I was happy for the invite and hope they keep up the great work.
    The next Lap Date is Feb. 11th and we should all be at 85% membership. It is also the Blue Jug Lap Date, so if you want to attempt
to win the Blue Jug it is time to step it up. As you know membership is the lifeblood of our organization and putting it off can put you in the back seat. Let's all get into the drivers seat and race to the front!
    I had many good conversations at the Mid - Winter conference and feel "The Sons of the American Legion" are on the right track in the Detachment of Ohio. I hope you all will try hard to make all of our goals and finish on a high note and strive to make each year better.
    I passed out order forms at Mid - Winter for my Detachment Shirt so as to have them for Detachment Convention in May. If you did not get one I can forward one via E-mail or Snail mail. Please contact me and I will be sure to hook you up.

Thank You,
Steve Honigfort
Sons of the American Legion
Detachment of Ohio
1st Vice Commander
shonigfort@yahoo.com
Ph 419-674-1558

VA & R/Canines for Combat Veterans
Gentlemen,

It was with regret that I had to miss Midwinter Conference this year. The DEC meeting was the first one that I have missed since I started attending them. The report that I received back leads me to believe that I really missed a good one this year.
As we reach the half way point of Commander Rex?s year, I regret to inform you that we have a long way to go to purchase our third dog and only until the middle of May to raise the funds to do so. As you will remember our goal was to raise the funds prior to the 2011 Detachment Convention. If we all work together and make raising funds for the dog a priority at all our Post and Squadron activities and donate to the cause we will achieve our goal. Every donation ? no matter how small ? makes a difference. Some funds can be real simple to raise, such as the Kroger Community Awards program, and other take more work ? such as reverse raffles and shirt, pin and marble sales.

As always, please contact me for fundraising suggestions or if you need me to attend your function to talk about the program.

James M. (Butch) Badgett
VA & R Chairperson
123 Maple Street
Marietta OH 45750
740/373-6407 (home) or 740/525-2653 (mobile)
dcc@suddenlink.net or k9sal@suddenlink.net

SALute DEADLINE

The next deadline for the award winning Detachment of Ohio SAlute is February 28, 2011. aA report from each Chairman and detachment officer is required. All detachment candidates can submit a brief bio, picture, and the office desired.

Thanks!

Jeff Vrabel
jeffvrabel@sbcglobal.net

12 District Blood Drive

The 12th District SAL will be sponsoring the next ASBP blood drive. It will be held on Saturday, February 12th, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the U.S. Army Reserve Center, 165 N. Yearling Road, Whitehall.
Specifics can be found at the 12th District Council's Blood Drive website (http://www.blooddriveforthetroops.org/) . All blood donated goes directly to the troops. Please visit the website for more information on this great program.

Dan Finnell
12th District SAL Commander
CWF Chairman Detachment of Ohio

BLOOD DRIVE
AMERICAN LEGION POST 384
Whitehouse, Ohio
February 16th 2011 NOON to 6:00 PM

PICKER’S NIGHT OUT
American Legion Post 468 Sylvania, Ohio 43560
1ST AND 3RD Tuesday of every month.
PICKER’S NIGHT OUT & TACO NIGHT
Bring an instrument and pick with us, it’s FREE
Taco’s - $.75 EACH
Margarita's - $2.00 EACH

SQUADRON 62

JOIN US ST.PATS NIGHT, MARCH 17, WITH ‘’THE LEWIS BROS.’’BAND, NO COVER, MANY SPECIALS, GREAT IRSH ‘RED HEADED BAND’ THAT REALLY ROCKS, 7-PM TILL ????. MARCH 25^TH, REVERSE RAFFLE, PROCEEDS TO CHILD WELFARE FOUNDATION, 13 OPPORTUNITIES TO WIN CASH WITH GRAND PRIZE OF $1,000.00, TOTAL GUARENTEED PAYOUT $1875.00. EACH TICKET HOLDER GET SNACKS, 2 BEVERAGES OF CHOICE, SHAKE N’BAKE PORK CHOP (SHRIMP/LENT) DINNER AND I ENTRY INTO THE DRAWING. ONLY 200 TICKETS WILL BE SOLD, LESS THAT 100 LEFT, 0NLY $20.00 PER TICKET. CONTACT DAIN 740.772.1658 OR dkdc@roadrunner.com. SQUAD 62 IS PLEDGING $5.00 PER OUR MEMBERSHIP QUOTA FROM THIS EVENT TO C.W.F. ($1755). 52 WEST MAIN STREET, CHILLICOTHE,OHIO.

Adams Township Post 553

What’s For Lunch on Wednesday’s?
Beginning January 5th, 2011 Adams Township Post 553, 206 South Bryne Rd, Toledo Is Proud to Host a Lunch Program to benefit The American Legion Family of Veterans.
Soup of the, Day: Sandwich of the, Day:
TomatoGrilled Cheese
Chili Hot Dog
Vegetable BeefHot Ham and Cheese
Chicken Noodle Hamburger
Cream of Potato Ground Bologna
MENU CHANGES WEEKLY BUT NOT THE PRICE OF $3.50
11 AM To 1 PM OPEN TO ALL VETERANS and Public.

Chili Mac Dinner
PRZYBYLSKI UNIT 642
2810 Airport Hwy.
Toledo , OH 43609
Is Proud to Host A Chili Mac Dinner
Cost is $7.00 Menu includes: Chili Mac Salad French Bread Dessert Coffee or Tea
February 12, 2011 Will be serving 4p.m. -7p.m.

DANCE, DANCE, DANCE, DANCE

American Legion Post 468 Sylvania, Ohio 43560

FISH FRY 1ST AND 3RD Friday of every month5:00 to 7:00 PM .

Cash Bar and the Public is Welcome

$5.00 Cover Charge per person

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

2011 Learning & Listening Conference Details

What: Leadership training for members of the American Legion Auxiliary, provided by four national chairmen, two Past National Presidents, the National Vice President and National President Carlene Ashworth.

Who: Members of all ages and levels of responsibility within the American Legion Auxiliary, including members at large.

When: Saturday, April 16, 8:45am to 4:45pm and Sunday, April 17, 9am to 1pm

Where: Howard Johnson Hotel, 3841 E. Washington Ave., Madison, WI 53704. Dane County Regional Airport is about 10 minutes from the hotel. Hotel is very convenient off the interstate system.

Download an informational flyer and registration form today!

Deadline for registration/hotel reservations is March 15.

VA Publishes Final Regulation to Aid Veterans Exposed to Agent Orange in Korea
Will Provide Easier Path to Health Care and Benefits

WASHINGTON - Veterans exposed to herbicides while serving along the demilitarized zone (DMZ) in Korea will have an easier path to access quality health care and benefits under a Department of Veterans Affairs
(VA) final regulation that will expand the dates when illnesses caused by herbicide exposure can be presumed to be related to Agent Orange.

"VA's primary mission is to be an advocate for Veterans," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki "With this new regulation VA has cleared a path for more Veterans who served in the demilitarized zone in Korea to receive access to our quality health care and disability benefits for exposure to Agent Orange."

Under the final regulation published today in the Federal Register, VA will presume herbicide exposure for any Veteran who served between April 1, 1968, and Aug. 31, 1971, in a unit determined by VA and the
Department of Defense (DoD) to have operated in an area in or near the Korean DMZ in which herbicides were applied.

Previously, VA recognized that Agent Orange exposure could only be conceded to Veterans who served in certain units along the Korean DMZ between April 1968 and July 1969.

In practical terms, eligible Veterans who have specific illnesses VA presumes to be associated with herbicide exposure do not have to prove an association between their illness and their military service. This
"presumption" simplifies and speeds up the application process for benefits and ensures that Veterans receive the benefits they deserve.

Click on these links to learn about Veterans' diseases associated with Agent Orange exposure <http://www.publichealth.va.gov/PUBLICHEALTH/exposures/agentorange/disea ses.asp> at
http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/diseases.asp and birth defects in children of Vietnam-era Veterans <http://www.publichealth.va.gov/PUBLICHEALTH/exposures/agentorange/birth
_defects.asp> at http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/birth_defects.asp.

VA encourages Veterans with covered service in Korea who have medical conditions that may be related to Agent Orange to submit their applications for access to VA health care and compensation as soon as
possible so the agency can begin processing their claims.

Individuals can go to website http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/AO/claimherbicide.htm <http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/AO/claimherbicide.htm> to get a more complete understanding of how to file a claim for presumptive conditions related to herbicide exposure, as well as what evidence is needed by VA to make a decision about disability compensation or survivors benefits.

Additional information about Agent Orange and VA's services for Veterans exposed to the chemical is available at www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange <http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/> .

The regulation is available on the Office of the Federal Register website at http://www.ofr.gov/.

POSTED JANUARY 27,2011

THINK ABOUT IT

Take out your wireless device. Read the last text message you received out loud. Would reading or responding to that text message from behind the wheel of a moving vehicle be worth the risk of getting into a car accident or worse? Chances are, the text message could wait.

DETACHMENT CONVENTION CALL

The 48th Annual Sons of The American Legion Detachment Convention will be hosted by SAL District 13 at the Doubletree Hotel, Independence on May 13-15, 2011.

The Convention site is the Doubletree Hotel Cleveland South, 6200 Quarry Lane, Cleveland, OH 44131.

The convention call and housing form for the 2011 Detachment Convention is available on the website. you can download and fill out the form, scan it then email it with your credit card info or just mail it to detachment headquarters

American Legion Child Welfare Foundation 100% Per Capita Banner Program
Each post, unit, squadron or salon donating at least one dollar for each member during the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation‟s award year will receive a beautiful banner/streamer.
To qualify a post, unit, squadron or salon must donate one dollar per member based upon its official membership total as of June 1, 2010. The post, unit, squadron or salon has from June 1, 2010 to May 31, 2011 to complete its donation to the Child Welfare Foundation.
You will need to fill out the CWF 2010 - 2011 Per Capita Banner Request form from the National Web Page.

For more information Contact the
American Legion Child Welfare Foundation
PO Box 1055
Indianapolis, IN 46206
317-630-1202 or 317-630-1369 fax
rcaudell@legion.org
www.cwf-inc.org

Freezin' for a Reason

Want to take The Plunge for Special Olympics Ohio? Sign up today for Freezin' for A Reason 2011 online today. All Plungers are asked to raise donations in exchange for jumping, running, walking, or crawling into Ohio's frigid winter waters. Check our one of our 11 events in 2011:

January 22—Mosquito Lake, Cortland
January 29—Thirsty Pony, Sandusky
January 29—Caesar's Creek, Waynesville
February 5—OH/KY, Newport, KY
February 12—Ohio University, Athens
February 19—Columbus Zoo, Powell
February 26—Geneva State Park, Geneva
March 5—Grand Lakes St. Mary's, Celina
March 12—The Greene, Beavercreek
March 19—Indian Lake, Lakeview
March 19 – Maumee Bay , Oregon

Too Chicken To Plunge? Don't worry, we have an event just for you! For a $30 donation you can participate in a Plunge event of your choice without touching the water. Click here to sign up for our Chicken Plunge.

2011 State Event Schedule
February 2-3, State Winter Games -Cuyahoga Valley National Park
March 25 – 26, State Basketball Tournament - Bowling Green
June 24 – 26, State Summer Games - Columbus
September 10, State Team Softball - Oregon
September 20 – 21, State Golf Tournament - Cincinnati
October 22 – 23,State Team Bowlingt - Columbus
December 17 – 18, State Aquatics - Columbus
Questions?
Call us at 614-239-7050 or visit us at www.sooh.org

American Legion women veterans survey deadline is Jan. 31
WASHINGTON (Jan. 25, 2011) - The American Legion is encouraging women veterans to participate in an online survey about health-care issues before it ends on Jan. 31.
"We've already received an excellent response," said Verna Jones, director of the Legion's veterans affairs and rehabilitation division. "But we'd like to get even more women who have served our country in uniform to take part in this survey.
The American Legion launched the survey Jan. 5 as a method to further improve its understanding of health-care issues and treatments that affect women veterans, and their satisfaction level on how VA accommodates their needs.
According to The American Legion, only about 25 percent of nearly two million women veterans in the country are using medical services provided by VA.
"In the coming years, our population of women veterans is going to increase substantially," Jones said. "We need to find out why more of them are using private health care instead of using VA medical benefits they've already earned through their service."
Jones said The American Legion will analyze data collected from the survey (conducted by ProSidian Consulting in Charlotte, N.C.) to strengthen its congressional testimony and recommendations to VA and other federal agencies, and to provide more effective assistance to women veterans who seek the Legion's help.
"The survey will help to identify unmet needs among women veterans, and guide the Legion's development of specific remedies and recommendations," said Denise Williams, the organization's assistant director of health policy. "Then we can offer them to VA as specific actions to eliminate specific health-care problems faced by women veterans."
Women veterans can participate in the survey by clicking on the "Take Our Survey" icon on The American Legion's home page at www.legion.org.

Media contact: Marty Callaghan at 202-263-5758/202-215-8644 or mcallaghan@legion.org.

Ask the Advisors!
National Commander Foster recently named five riders from several states to be members of a special national advisory committee to the Internal Affairs Commission. Register on the Forum and post your questions or send your questions directly to legionriders@legion.org.
The 2011 advisory committee members:
Bill Kaledas (MI)
Terry Woodburn (IL)
Mike Kirchoff (FL)
T.J. Haynes (TX)
Everett Freel (IA)
Legacy Run ad hoc advisory members:
David Gough (WI)
Bob Sussan (VA)
www.legion.org/forum

Jan 30: Sons of The American Legion District 14 Commander Greg Peel has called for the Winter Conference of the district to be held 2:00 pm Sunday January 30, 2011 at Post 281. Charles Faust Post 281 is located at 1601 Front Street in Cuyahoga Falls. Each squadron in the district is encouraged to send a representative to hear Detachment Vice Commander Steve Honinfort as the guest speaker who will bring us up to date on detachment information.

Feb. 06: Mantua Post 193 and its Auxiliary Four Chaplains Program at Lord of Life Lutheran Church at 12:00 Noon.

Feb. 19: Akron Post 209 Steak Fry – 5-8 p.m. – Garfield Memorial Post 566 on Cormany Rd. - $8.50 – Rib Eye Steak, Potato, Vegetable, Salad, Bread, Butter, Coffee or Milk.

Feb 26: SAL reverse raffle Sat. Feb 26, 2011 at Brook Park Post 610 5:30pm $10.00 ticket ! All proceeds go for the AL State commanders project Juvenile Diabetes !
For tickets contact Rob Brewer or Jim Dombrose at jdombrose@wowway.com or call 440-336-3212

Airman Missing in Action from Korean War is Identified
The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a serviceman, missing in action from the Korean War, has been identified and returned to his family for burial with full military honors.
Air Force 1st Lt. Robert F. Dees, 23, of Moultrie, Ga., will be buried Jan. 22 at the Longstreet Historical Cemetery in Ozark, Ala. On Oct. 9, 1952, he was flying an F-84 Thunderjet, attacking several targets in North Korea. After he and three aircraft from the 430th Fighter-Bomber Squadron completed their attack on their primary target, they began their bombing run against enemy boxcars on the railroad near Sinyang. Other members of his flight reported seeing an explosion near the target they were attacking. They believed it to be the crash of Dees' aircraft and could not raise any radio contact with him. Airborne searches over the battlefield failed to locate him or his aircraft.

Remember our POWs in Iraq and Afghanistan – Spec. Ahmed Altaie and Pvt. Bowe Bergdahl

POSTED JANUARY 9th.

I'd like to start this message with a big Thank You to the members of the SAL Det. of Ohio and the Ohio American Legion Family for the cards, prayers and condolences that were shared with my family during the recent loss of my father. Your support helped to ease the burden that we were experiencing over the last 30 days, my heartfelt Thanks go out to everyone!

Now to the business at hand. We have a couple of things that need to be announced. First, in yesterday's edition of the SAL News, Det. Adjutant Scott Thonton made mention two forms that are posted on the Department web site. The National Organization instituted a new policy last year that requires members that are interested in fulfilling positions on Nat'l Committees/Commissions to complete a form(resume per say)and for their respective Detachments to forward these form(s)onto a committee that has been appointed by the American Legion Internal Affairs Committee for review. Our Detachment has established a similar committee, our purpose is to assist the "incoming" Det. Commander with his selections for committee/commission appointments for the upcoming year. Members of this committee are myself(or current NEC), ANEC Brewer & PDC's Smith, Sutterlin & Voorhees. If you are or know an individual that is seeking a Det/Nat committee/commission appointment they will need to print, complete and submit the necessary paperwork to Det. Adjutant Scott Thornton or myself prior to Friday's meeting. I realize that this is very short notice of a very important piece of paperwork and I apologize for the timing but I did loose track of things over the course of the last 30 days.

Secondly, next Friday evening at the Detachment of Ohio's annual Mid-Winter meeting, our Guest Speaker will be PNC Joe Mayne from the Det. of Minnesota. Joe will be sharing some very valuable information with us Friday evening after our DEC meeting and if you are able to attend, I encourage you to do so. So please take the time to visit the Ohio American Legion web site, download the necessary Committee/Commission consideration template and make plans to attend next weekends meetings, you will not be disappointed!

For God & Country,

Randy Eicher
Ohio NEC

POSTED JANUARY 7, 2010

HAPPY NEW YEAR !

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DETACHMENT ADJUTANT'S NOTES
The Detachment Committee on Committees is responsible for reviewing recommendations for appointments to Detachment and National Commissions and Committees. In order to make those recommendations the Committee needs to have some information about the qualifications of our members, and we have developed two one-page forms to gather the details.

Please visit the Ohio SAL website at http://www.ohiolegion.com/sal/about.htm and click on the Forms link on the right-hand side. From there you can download the two recommendation forms. They are in Adobe PDF format, so you will need a compatible viewer to open them. I can provide Microsoft Word versions if you would prefer that.

The Committee would like to have all recommendations submitted by the the Mid-Winter Conference for consideration. This is particularly true for National recommendations, as NEC Randy Eicher must submit them by March 1st.

Please contact me with any questions.

For God and Country,

Scott J. Thornton
Detachment Adjutant, Ohio
Sons of The American Legion
ScottJ.Thornton@Gmail.com

NAME CORRECTIONS, MAILING ADDRESS CORRECTIONS – We receive many, many requests for name corrections and changing of mailing addresses throughout the year. Often, we receive mail and telephone inquiries informing us of frustrations in trying to get these changes made. There are many ways to correct this data. First, each Squadron should obtain these changes and send in a member data form. Seems simple, but many frustrations continue to plague our membership. Other ways to make changes is through the SAL web page at www.sal.legion.org under contact us. Also, the American Legion web site contains similar information and contact information. Members can email us at "sal@legion.org" and through the

web page above. We can even take information on questions, name changes, and address changes by writing to us at The American Legion, PO Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206. Please include this information as well as the Sons National Web site www.sal.legion.org in all your Detachment newsletters and bulletins.

Detachment Assistant Sgt-At-Arms Larry Frantz's new address, if anyone would like to send him letters or packages

Sgt. Larry K. Frantz
Co.B 36th ID
Unit 124 Chaplain sect.
APO, AE 09374

American Legion Post 685
The Streetsboro Ladies Auxiliary will be having a dinner to benefit the Military Families Assistance program. This is our Department president, Linda Close’s, special project this year. We will be serving an old fashion Meatloaf, Mashed potatoes & corn dinner. 5:30 to 7:30 on January 25, 2010. Donation is $6.00 adults & $4.00 children 10 & under. Call 330-650-9594 for reservations. Our ladies are known for their great cooking. It will be held at:
American Legion Post 685
Home of Steve Masowick Department 2nd Vice
10001 Hudson Aurora Road
Streetsboro, OH 44241

Thanks

Kathy Pawlak

Chairman VA&R ALA Post 685

PHONE 216-520-8800

FAX 216-520-8819

kpawlak@pinkerton-ins.com

SUPPORT AN UPCOMING RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE NEAR YOU

January 17th, 2011 1:00pm - 7:00pm
Acker Moore Memorial Post
3733 Fishcreek Rd
Stow, OH 44224

Please call 1-800-RED-CROSS to schedule an appointment

January 26, 201111:00 AM - 5:00 PM
American Legion 166
141 W. Main St
Alliance, OH 44601
Please call 1-800-RED-CROSS to schedule an appointment

January 26, 20111:00 PM - 6:00 PM

American Legion #221
427 Lincolnway E
Massillon, OH 44646
Please call 1-800-RED-CROSS to schedule an appointment

$500 for Ohio residents who have served

I know some of you have also served and might be interested in this program. It’s a bonus of $500 for Ohio residents who have served. Check it out and see if you qualify.

https://veteransbonus.ohio.gov/odvs_web/

Dave

Military Appreciation Night

The Toledo Walleye are proud to announce our second annual Military Appreciation Night on Saturday, January 22! Join us as we pay tribute to the brave men and women who have proudly served our country! This is a great opportunity to donate tickets for area military members and their families.

The night will include:
·         Pre-game ceremonies
·         National anthem performance
·         Color Guard
·         Special recognition of military members

The Walleye will be wearing special camouflage jerseys when they take on the Elmira Jackals. Post-game, there will be an auction for those jerseys. All proceeds will go to Heroes in Action. “HIA” is a non-profit organization, committed to supporting service members and their families. They send care packages overseas and also help military families right here in the Toledo area.

To purchase your Military Appreciation Night tickets, you can:
·         Call (419) 725-9257
·         Visit www.toledowalleye.com/military

To donate tickets to military families please contact Heroes in Action: www.heroesinaction.org - PO Box 352046, Toledo, OH 43635 - (419) 699-3439

Any donations you can give will be much appreciated!

Have a great day,

Adam Haman
Season Ticket & Group Sales Associate
Toledo Walleye Hockey Club
406 Washington St
Toledo, OH 43604
Visit us at www.toledowalleye.com/tickets for more information!

For God and Country,
Paul E Smith
Vice Commander
Lucas County Council
(419) 661-2479

The American Legion to launch women veterans survey
        WASHINGTON (Jan. 3, 2011) – As more women serve in the armed forces, the number of women veterans – currently about 2 million – will also grow. Yet only about 25 percent of that population is using the VA health-care system.
        The American Legion is launching a two-month, worldwide online survey Jan. 5 to find out why.
        “Conducting this kind of survey is very important to us,” said Jimmie Foster, national commander of The American Legion. “After analyzing the data we’ve collected, the Legion will be better qualified to make specific recommendations for congressional appropriations, VA programs and facilities, and to increase public awareness of issues facing women veterans.”
        Verna Jones, director of the Legion’s division of veterans affairs and rehabilitation, added, “In order to strengthen our advocacy role, we need to conduct a comprehensive survey of women veterans about their experiences and attitudes concerning health care provided by VA, private practitioners, and other health-care providers.”
        Jones said that results from the survey will be used to refine The American Legion’s outreach methods, enhance its written and oral testimony to Congress and federal agencies, and to ultimately improve the delivery of women veterans’ benefits, programs and services.
        “The survey will also help to identify unmet needs among women veterans, and guide the Legion’s development of specific remedies and recommendations,” said Denise Williams, the organization’s assistant director of health policy. “Then we can offer them to VA as specific actions to eliminate specific health-care problems faced by women veterans.”
        The survey will be conducted by ProSidian Consulting in Charlotte, N.C., which specializes in strategic business issues. Its list of clients includes the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and other federal agencies.
        Survey questions will cover ten aspects of health-care service quality: reliability, responsiveness, competence, access, courtesy, communication, credibility, security, tangibles and understanding the customer.
        The survey was developed by American Legion specialists on women veterans issues. “We understand the sacrifices of women and their role in serving America,” Jones said. “We recognize that women, like their male counterparts, are returning home with illness, disease, injuries and the invisible wounds of war.”
        Jones said The American Legion believes the survey’s results “will be a major component in being able to understand the needs of women veterans, and allow us to assist in providing the services needed.”
        Women veterans are encouraged to participate in the survey by visiting www.legion.org. It becomes active on Jan. 5 and will remain online until early March, after which analysis of the results will begin

DOD Identifies Marine Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Cpl. Jacob A. Tate, 21, of Columbus, Ohio, died Jan. 2 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

For additional background information on this Marine, news media representatives may contact the 2nd Marine Division public affairs office at 910-378-5920 or http://www.marines.mil/unit/2ndmardiv/Pages/Media/default.aspx.

Where u at

"Where u at." Those three words made up the last text message Mariah West read before her car crashed into a bridge, ending her life. Approaching one of the most dangerous days on the road - New Year's Eve - AT&T* today announced the release of a powerful new documentary featuring stories from individuals, including Mariah's parents, whose lives have been altered by texting while driving.

view the video at

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=2964

The documentary is supported by:
National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS)
CTIA - The Wireless Association,
The National Safety Council (NSC), and
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA).

POSTED DECEMBER 24, 2010

M E R R Y C H R I S T M A S

MERRY CHRISTMAS

I hope this Holiday Season finds you and your family well.

Please remember to take a moment to thank our Veterans, for which without their sacrifices, our way of life and celebration would not be possible.

If you know of an individual currently serving make sure his/her family has everything they need to make it through till their loved one returns.

Honor our Veterans, Their Families and our Community

Bill Towns

Detachment 2nd Vice
I would like to take this time to thank Bill Towns for the weekly information he puts out for everyone to read and enjoy.

Last weekend I attended The Special Olympics Swim Meet. What a good time we had. Especially
when I was giving out their metals or ribbons. They were all winners, no matter what place they had won.

And lets not forget about the Harley Raffle. Those Tickets would make a very nice Christmas Gift for someone. Lets try an sell as many as we can before the year end.

Also Nancy and I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Gary Lang
2nd Vice
Detachment Of Ohio

Operation Homefront - Ohio

Any veteran (or veteran's family) with a need for food to feed their family may get assistance from Operation Homefront - Ohio. Canned goods, and meat are available along with toys for Christmas. Operation Homefront - Ohio's office is located at 6425 Busch Blvd., Columbus. Their phone number is: 614 - 844-6300. All the veteran (or family) needs to do is call the office and request their needs and they can either pick up the package or they can have it delivered to them. The office is usually open until 5 pm each evening, and later by appointment.

Thanks
Dave

Larry Frantz (D4 SAL Commander) has let Kathy know that he will be moving to another location after Christmas. He asks that we not send any packages until his new address is released. He sends his thanks to all of you that have sent the many packages, and cards so far. We'll forward his new address, as soon as it's available.
Thanks

Rob Brewer

12th District Blood Drive

The new blood drive date will not be until Feb.12th. Information is on the 12th Distict web site. http://www.blooddriveforthetroops.org/

Dan Finnell
12th District SAL Commander
CWF Chairman Detachment of Ohio

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from National Headquarters!
All of us at your American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters wish you a joyous and blessed Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year. In this season of giving, please continue to remember our troops, servicemembers, veterans and their families with your prayers and good deeds. While our holiday traditions have origins around the world, our freedom to celebrate them openly is a debt we forever owe to our veterans. Our desire for peace is spiritual and everlasting; our living in peace in the United States is a lasting gift from our veterans.

As you gather with family and friends to celebrate this Season of Hope, may peace and happiness be with you and yours. In observance of the holidays, American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters will be closed through the Christmas and New Year holiday season. Comfort and Joy to all of you, and Godspeed and Safeguarding to all our troops around the world.

National Vice President Kris Nelson is utilizing an online application process to find the next group of ALA national committee leaders. Click here to apply!

2011 National Convention

Ladies & Gentlemen,

We wanted to give each of you a quick update on venues we are working on for our attendees’ enjoyment at the 2011 National Convention. Most of these venues are tentative and are provided to you for your information and planning as necessary. We are very excited about the possibilities if we can make all of these things happen so stay tuned as we progress to Minneapolis, MN and our 93rd National Convention.

*Friday, August 26, 2011 – American Legion Family night with the Twins. Game time is 7:00PM and we are working on several items at this point. More to follow.
*Saturday, August 27, 2011 – American Legion Racing at Elko Speedway in Elko, MN. The Freedom Car races at approximately 7:00PM with a concert being held prior to the featured race at 7:00PM. We are working on several items at this point. More to follow.
*Sunday, August 28, 2011 – 2011 national convention parade. Great parade route going right through the heart of the city on Nicollet Mall and finishing at the Minneapolis Convention Center. More to follow.
*Monday, August 29, 2011 – “free concert” at the Minneapolis Convention Center featuring entertainment which all of you will find to be superb. More to follow.
*Tuesday, August 30, 2011 – National Commander’s Banquet. Nitty Gritty Dirt Band is confirmed as our entertainment. Tickets are $45.00 per person and each table is a round for 10 people. Departments may send their checks to this office, payable to National Treasurer of The American Legion, on or after January 1, 2011.

We are confident our American Legion Family members will enjoy the events we have planned for them as well as the business sessions of The American Legion and other aspects of our 93rd National Convention. We should have shuttle transportation, off-site bus transportation and airport ground transportation options as well as tour options to you on or before February 15, 2011. We thank each of you for your continued support and assistance. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to You and Yours.

Sincerely,
Your Convention & Meetings Team

CONSOLIDATED SQUADRON REPORTS

The new SAL consolidated Squadron report forms 2010-2011 is scheduled to be printed in December. We expect to have these mailed to each Detachment Adjutant (some sent to Departments designated) in late January 2011. The reporting data and forms will basically be the same except for dates, etc. Enough forms are being printed to provide one to each Squadron. Last year (2010), many reports were received and exceeded that of 2009. Please alert your Squadrons leadership during your upcoming meetings on the importance of this annual report. Detailed instructions are contained on the cover of this report form and they should not be completed and mailed until the summer months after the Squadron elections have taken place. More information will be provided in the early part of 2011 on this Squadron report form.

WASHINGTON CONFERENCE

The sixteenth annual Washington conference will be held March 20-23, 2011, at the Renaissance Washington DC Hotel, 999 9th Street, NW, Washington DC. For those attending this year’s conference, we will once again schedule a chartered bus for the laying of a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and several other memorials by National Commander David L. Dew. More information will be forthcoming from Mr. Kevin Collier, Chairman, Legislative Commission on this event and the availability of bus tickets for this event.

American Legion Post 468 Sylvania, Ohio 43560
1ST AND 3RD Tuesday of every month.
PICKER’S NIGHT OUT & TACO NIGHT
Bring an instrument and pick with us, it’s FREE
Taco’s - $.75 EACH
Margarita's - $2.00 EACH

VOITURE 141
1ST & 3RD Sunday of each month 9 am to NOON
$6 per Adult $3 per Child
2232 Airport Highway, Toledo
SUNDAY BREAKFAST
Will be serving Pancakes, Waffles, French Toast, Sausage Gravy and Biscuits, Eggs and sausage.
POC: Paul Smith at 419-661-2479

What’s For Lunch on TUESDAYS?
Adams Township Post 553, 206 South Bryne Rd, Toledo Is Proud to Host a Lunch Program to benefit The American Legion Family of Veterans.
Soup of the Day: Sandwich of the Day:
Tomato Grilled Cheese Chili Hot Dog Vegetable Beef Hot Ham and Cheese Chicken Noodle Hamburger Cream of Potato Ground Bologna

MENU CHANGES WEEKLY BUT NOT THE PRICE OF $3.50
11 AM To 1 PM OPEN TO ALL VETERANS and family members.

Lame Duck Session

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

(December 21, 2010) Congress is in the waning days of a busy lame-duck session, taking up a string of weighty issues — tax cuts, spending, a nuclear arms treaty with Russia, the military's ban on open service by gays — struggling to close out the session in time for Christmas.

Last week the Senate approved legislation (S. 3447) to improve and expand the Post 9/11 GI Bill. It was then sent to the House which passed the bill last Thursday. The President is expected to sign it shortly. The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act makes a number of modifications to the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Most importantly, S. 3447 expands the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill beyond covering college courses by allowing veterans to use the more generous benefits of this program to cover vocational and technical education at non-degree granting institutions nationwide. This will help more veterans get the skills they need to get back in the work force quickly and help get our economy back on track. It also expands eligibility for the new G.I. Bill to certain members of the National Guard and Reserve forces activated under Title 32 for domestic emergencies or homeland security missions, or who serve full-time under the Active Guard and Reserve (AGR) program and who were inadvertently left out of the original legislation passed in June 2009. The measure also streamlines the program making it less complex.

On December 18, the Senate held a special Saturday session to take two critical votes of importance to the Legion. The Senate voted 65-31 to repeal the ban on gays in the military, marking an impending end to the 17-year old "don't ask, don't tell" policy. The repeal, which will not take effect for many months, ushers in a major cultural shift for a military that has operated under the "don't ask, don't tell" policy since 1993.

Another issue of critical importance to The American Legion in the Senate was the DREAM Act, which, by a 55-41 procedural vote, failed to advance the House version. Sixty Senators were required to end debate on this bill, and in the end, amnesty supporters came up five short.

Thanks to all who over the past days and weeks contacted their Members of Congress in support of the Legion's positions on these issues.

This week, work continues on a "clean" NDAA. The House bill has been reduced to "only" 904 pages after deleting the controversial repeal of "don't ask, don't tell" and the provision to allow abortion in military hospitals. This is a significant improvement on this essential measure and we will continue to work behind the scenes to make sure of its passage. Both chambers could pass the bill in the next several days.

The START Treaty -- a nuclear arms pact with Russia -- is still being debated. Current wisdom is that enough senators support ratification to meet the 67 vote requirement to adopt. The American Legion has no firm position on this matter but continues to monitor debate.

As no appropriations bills have been passed all year, the federal government has been operating since October 1 on a series of continuing resolutions, the latest of which expires today, December 21, 2010. The Senate voted, 82-14, this morning to end debate on a continuing resolution to fund the government through March 4. A final vote on the measure is expected this afternoon. The bill will then head to the House where a vote is expected before the existing continuing resolution expires at midnight. The 36-page resolution provides a small increase of $1.16 billion over 2010 spending levels.

Finally, as we remember our many personal blessings this holiday season, we should also take a moment to remember how truly fortunate our country is to have the remarkable men and women of our Armed Forces who serve so courageously and so selflessly. I urge you to seek ways to pass on some holiday cheer to one or more of them and above all else, let them know how grateful we are for their service.

The American Legion wishes all our readers a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We very much appreciate your support of our advocacy efforts during the past year and look forward to continuing our work together in the 112th Congress.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and yours. May you have a blessed holiday season.

VA Urges Veterans to Sign Up for Direct Deposits

Treasury Publishes Final Regulation to Phase Out Paper Checks by 2013

WASHINGTON (Dec. 21, 2010)- The Department of the Treasury announced a new rule that will extend the safety and convenience of electronic payments to millions of Americans and phase out paper checks for federal benefits by March 1, 2013. Officials at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) urge Veterans to sign up for electronic payment of their benefits.

"Receiving VA benefits electronically will increase the security, convenience and reliability of these vital payments," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. "VA encourages Veterans who are now
receiving their benefits in paper checks to set up direct deposits before the deadline."

On March 1, 2013, VA will stop issuing paper checks. People who do not have electronic payments for their federal benefits by that time will receive their funds via a pre-paid debit card. Called the Direct
Express card, it is issued by Comerica Bank as the financial agent of the U.S. Treasury.

Another deadline affects people receiving VA's compensation or pensions for the first time after May 1, 2011. Those people will automatically receive the benefits electronically.

Anyone already receiving federal benefit payments electronically will be unaffected by the changes. To learn more about the federal government's switch to direct deposit - or to change VA benefits to direct deposit -- visit www.GoDirect.org. Information about the federal government's "Go Direct" campaign is also available at 1-800-333-1795.

Along with payments for VA benefit, the change will also affect recipients of payments from Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, Railroad Retirement Board,or Office of Personnel Management.

For more information about VA benefits and programs, go to http://www.va.gov/ or call toll free 1-800-827-1000.

Posted December 21,2010

Tonight is the first night of winter.

As winter's cold hand grips tightly around us lets remember when possible to give a warm helping hand to the Homeless Veteran and their families. Below is a list of organizations devoted to helping Angels 'n Camouflage, Inc.
Contact Name:Melissa Harrison
Address:P.O. Box 525
City/State/Zip:Mc Arthur, OH 45651
Email:admin@angelsncamouflage.org
Web:http://www.angelsncamouflage.org

Coalition on Homelessness & Housing in Ohio
Contact Name:Bill Faith
Address:175 South Third Street, Suite 250
City/State/Zip:Columbus, OH 43215
Phone:614-280-1984
Email:billfaith@cohhio.org
Web:http://www.cohhio.org/

Community Shelter Board
Contact Name:Barbara Poppe
Address:111 Liberty Street, Ste 150
City/State/Zip:Columbus, OH 43215
Phone:614-221-9195 Ext. 105
Email:bjpoppe@csb.org
Web:http://www.csb.org

Goodwill Industries of South Central Ohio, Inc.
Contact Name:Tracy Brown
Address:462 E. Second Street
City/State/Zip:Chillicothe, OH 45601
Phone:740-702-4000
Email:tracy.brown@gwisco.org
Web:http://www.gwisco.org

Greater Cleveland YMCA's Y-Haven
Contact Name:Chip Joseph
Address:6001 Woodland Avenue, 4th Floor
City/State/Zip:Cleveland, OH 44104
Phone:216-431-2018
Web:http://www.yhaven.org/

Hamilton Co. Job & Family Services
Contact Name:David Krings
Address:222 E. Central Parkway
City/State/Zip:Cincinnati, OH 45202
Phone:513-946-1000
Web:http://www.hcjfs.hamilton-co.org/

Joseph House
Contact Name:Bill Malone
Address:P.O. Box 14608
City/State/Zip:Cincinnati, OH 45250
Phone:513-324-2321
Email:bill.malone@josephhouse.com
Web:http://www.josephhouse.net

Joseph's Home
Contact Name:Georgette D. Jackson
Address:2412 Community College Avenue
City/State/Zip:Cleveland, OH 44115
Phone:216-685-1551
Email:georgette.jackson@josephshome.com
Web:http://www.josephshome.com/

Lorain CO Task Force/Homeless
Contact Name:Ronald Ramsey
Address:201 W Erie Avenue
City/State/Zip:Lorain, OH 44052
Phone:216-244-4030

Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry
Contact Name:Ronald Register
Address:2100 Lakeside Avenue
City/State/Zip:Cleveland, OH 44114
Phone:216-566-0047 Ext. 129
Email:rregister@lutheranmetro.org
Web:http://www.lutheranmetro.org/

Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries
Contact Name:Charles Blythe
Address:10600 Springfield Pike
City/State/Zip:Cincinnati, OH 45215
Phone:513-771-4800 Ext. 6345
Email:cblythe@cincigoodwill.org
Web:http://www.cincinnatigoodwill.org/

Paladin Knights Inc. Chapter 3
Contact Name:David Corbin
Address:P.O. Box 528
City/State/Zip:Lorain, OH 44052
Phone:440-320-4267
Email:paladinknights-ch3@adelphia.net

Salvation Army Booth House
Contact Name:Jane Brenner
Address:624 S. Main Street
City/State/Zip:Dayton, OH 45402
Phone:937-228-8210

The Salvation Army in Greater Columbus
Contact Name:Christine Burkons
Address:966 East Main Street
City/State/Zip:Columbus, OH 43205
Phone:614-221-6561
Web:http://www.salvationarmycolumbus.org/

Veterans Community Foundation
Contact Name:Charles Kreis
Address:2300 Ashland Avenue, Room 229
City/State/Zip:Toledo, OH 43620
Phone:419-242-4293

Veterans First Foundation Clothing Store
Contact Name:John Schmenk
Address:1205 W. Broad Street
City/State/Zip:Columbus, OH 43201
Phone:614-284-0329
Email:jaschmenk@ds.net
Web:http://www.veteransfirst.us/

Vietnam Veterans of America, Ohio
Contact Name:Joe Jennings
Address:65 S Front Street, Suite 21
City/State/Zip:Columbus, OH 43215
Phone:614-228-0188
Email:vvado@aol.com

Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio
Contact Name:Dennis Kresak
Address:8225 Brecksville Road - Ste. 206
City/State/Zip:Cleveland, OH 44141
Phone:440-717-1500
Email:dennis.kresak@voago.org
Web:http://www.voago.org/

Volunteers of America/Central OH
Contact Name:Terri Power
Address:1776 E. Broad Street
City/State/Zip:Columbus, OH 43203
Phone:614-372-3110
Web:http://www.voago.org

I would like to thank the members of The American Legion Family which have made this weekly news letter a success.

Please review the following chart. This is a list of the Posts and Squadrons which as of December 17, 2010 are holding Ohio hostage by not turning in membership or having limited membership turned in this late in the year.

If you know someone from any of these Posts or Squadrons, please ask them to step up to the plate.

Post	Post Name	Location	Quota	Members	% Quota
22	HAROLD B. HARRIS (M)	CLEVELAND	25	1	4.00%
54	ARMY-NAVY-SHAKER (M)	CLEVELAND	25	1	4.00%
315	WESTERN RESERVE	CLEVELAND	113	17	15.04%
443	UPPER ARLINGTON	COLUMBUS	41	7	17.07%
445	PETTISVILLE	PETTISVILLE	25	3	12.00%
770	SGT. DONALD R. LONG	COLUMBUS	26	6	23.08%
806	WATERLOO WONDERS	AID	97	2	2.06%

Squadron	Post Name	Location	Quota	Member	% Quota
6	CULTICE-WARD	SPRINGFIELD	34	0	0.00%
21	K. T. CROSSEN	ATHENS	44	0	0.00%
31	GEORGE F. Mc BANE	EAST PALESTINE	20	0	0.00%
65	RALPH COURTRIGHT	COSHOCTON	83	0	0.00%
72	STUART G. LUGINBUHL	MT. CARMEL	89	0	0.00%
82	COLUMBUS	COLUMBUS	30	0	0.00%
134	HALL-ADKINS	CIRCLEVILLE	10	0	0.00%
143	JOHN DALE	FAYETTE	51	0	0.00%
179	MARION	BLANCHESTER	16	0	0.00%
227	BRIDGEPORT	BRIDGEPORT	10	0	0.00%
228	SANER	POWHATAN POINT	81	0	0.00%
229	GLENFORD DUGAN	NELSONVILLE	10	0	0.00%
240	TROY-WEBSTER	LUCKEY	22	0	0.00%
241	NEW BREMEN	NEW BREMEN	225	0	0.00%
245	LAROY FARST	NEW MADISON	25	0	0.00%
253	COTTRELL-BOYLAN	ANTWERP	30	0	0.00%
254	JOHNSTOWN	JOHNSTOWN	15	0	0.00%
261	KENT-METZLER	OAK HILL	77	0	0.00%
262	WARREN L. MC INTIRE	HAMLER	65	0	0.00%
268	COMMEMORATIVE	DELPHOS	66	0	0.00%
274	DAVID WALKER	STEUBENVILLE	19	0	0.00%
279	COMMUNITY	ELMORE	35	0	0.00%
305	NORCROSS-MEYERS	CUSTAR	21	0	0.00%
307	AGNEW-SHINNABARGER	PIONEER	8	0	0.00%
311	BUEHRER-LAUBER-WECKESS	ARCHBOLD	33	0	0.00%
316	DESHLER	DESHLER	64	0	0.00%
339	FIRE FIGHTERS	CLEVELAND	32	0	0.00%
342	EDGAR A. ORR	THORNVILLE	10	0	0.00%
373	A. E. E. E. W.	DELTA	31	0	0.00%
387	MINSTER	MINSTER	20	0	0.00%
396	BURRISS-SMITH	SMITHFIELD	10	0	0.00%
420	MURRAY	MURRAY CITY	25	0	0.00%
431	THOMAS C. MONTGOMERY	NEWCOMERSTOWN	107	0	0.00%
442	JOHN ADAMS	SALINEVILLE	28	0	0.00%
446	HEILAND	ANNA	21	0	0.00%
469	THEODORE ROOSEVELT	CLEVELAND	31	0	0.00%
508	GLEN D. ECKHART	ROCKFORD	73	0	0.00%
520	LEWIS-WHITAKER	HAMILTON	18	0	0.00%
525	GILBERT KOONTZ	ADENA	69	0	0.00%
539	NORTH BALTIMORE	NORTH BALTIMORE	123	0	0.00%
544	WALLACE C. ANDERSON	CEDARVILLE	10	0	0.00%
545	ARGONNE	TOLEDO	23	0	0.00%
551	MELVIN Mc CLURE	HOLMESVILLE	36	0	0.00%
568	LEESBURG	LEESBURG	25	0	0.00%
571	MARIA STEIN	MARIA STEIN	52	0	0.00%
573	BRILLIANT	BRILLIANT	27	0	0.00%
578	BEAVER	BATESVILLE	14	0	0.00%
590	DOWNEY-POGUE-SCOTT	IRONTON	10	0	0.00%
594	THOMPSON-WALLINGFORD	PEEBLES	29	0	0.00%
611	VIKING MEMORIAL	AKRON	22	0	0.00%
619	TONY STEIN	DAYTON	21	0	0.00%
648	ST. HENRY	ST. HENRY	61	0	0.00%
653	HOMER LAWSON	WASHINGTON C.H.	11	0	0.00%
665	PRIDDY-WALTERS	WEST MANCHESTER	15	0	0.00%
675	SOUTH PARK MEMORIAL	DAYTON	68	0	0.00%
699	ELMER DADE MEMORIAL	LEAVITTSBURG	23	0	0.00%
735	GWYN ALLEN	PINEY FORK	25	0	0.00%
738	FAIRVIEW	FAIRVIEW PARK	14	0	0.00%
744	HYDE PARK-MT. LOOKOUT	CINCINNATI	13	0	0.00%

POSTED DECEMBER 18th. 2010

VA & R
Gentlemen,
As we very fast approach the big day (CHRISTmas) my Dad, WWII Veteran Jim Badgett, and I would like to take this opportunity to wish a heartfelt MERRY CHRISTMAS to all of our friends out there reading this email. It is our hope that each and every one of you have the very best Christmas possible. I ask each of you to pause and consider the real meaning of this holiday.
It is also important that we all remember those brave soldiers still out there fighting and to continue to remember Veterans. The last paragraph of a famous poem written by Robert A. Hall comes to mind, ?So take a moment from your festive joys, To think of soldiers who were young and true, And say a prayer on Christmas Eve for boys, Who gave up all their Christmases for you.? Remember the Veterans when it comes time to make your New Year?s Resolutions. Resolve to do more for Veterans this year than you ever have before. That?s what this great organization is all about ? to Assist in carrying on for God and Country.

Merry Christmas!

James M. (Butch) Badgett
VA & R Chairperson
123 Maple Street
Marietta OH 45750
740/373-6407 (home) or 740/525-2653 (mobile)
dcc@suddenlink.net or k9sal@suddenlink.net

Charles A. Eicher, 74, of Chatfield, passed away at 1:30 a.m. Monday at home.
Charles was born March 19, 1936 in Ashley, OH to the late Earl and Rella (Hoffman) Eicher. He was married June 3, 1956 to Vera (Pfleiderer) Eicher who survives.

Mr. Eicher is also survived by children, Marsha (Nick) Marks, Dallas, TX, Randy (Barb) Eicher, Bucyrus, Lisa (Terry) Leonhart, New Washington; seven grandchildren, Nichole (Toby) Speck, Dawn (Matt) Carey, Shawn Marks, Crystal (Bobby Joe) Blackley, Chris Eicher, Lindsey (Roger) Johnson, and Lauren Leonhart; eight great grandchildren; brother, Richard Eicher and Carl (Mary Lou) Eicher both of Crestline; one sister, Irene (General) Lee of Siler, KY.

Charles worked for North Electric in Galion for 11 years and prior to retirement for several years worked for Bucyrus Road Materials and Farmed. Following retirement he worked as a Chatfield Twp. Roadman. Mr. Eicher attended several area schools growing up and was in the Ohio National Guard for 6 years. He was of the Lutheran Faith and member of the American Legion Post 181 as well as being an associate member of the Cr. Co. Trustee Assoc.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. in the Munz-Pirnstill Funeral Home with S.A.M. Gene Luidhardt officiating, burial will be in Nazareth Lutheran Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday where the family will receive friends from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.

Contributions may be made to the Am. Red Cross Central Ohio Chapter for blood bank use or the Chatfield Twp. Fire Dept. Expressions of sympathy can be left at munzpirnstill.com

Published in the Telegraph-Forum on December 14, 2010

Special Olympics

"A rewarding life is filled with challenge, so do not pity me. Give me a chance!"
Thomas Gatu, Special Olympics Athlete

VA's Homeless Intervention Program Nears Roll Out Provider Groups Sought for Applications, Training

WASHINGTON (Dec. 16, 2010) - A homeless-prevention program by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which seeks to help Veterans and families who are on the verge of becoming homeless, has moved closer to implementation. The program marks the first time that VA will fund services for the spouses and children of Veterans at risk of becoming homeless.

"The problems that lead to homelessness begin long before Veterans and their families are on the streets," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. "By putting more resources into intervention programs for people at risk of becoming homeless, we can reduce suffering and increase the opportunities for turning around these lives."

Shinseki's comments came as VA formally announced that it is taking applications from private non-profit organizations and consumer cooperatives interested in providing needed services to at-risk Veterans
and their families.

With funding from VA for the program, called Supportive Services for Veterans Families, community organizations will be better able to provide counseling, training, education assistance, direct time-limited
financial assistance, transportation, child care, rent, utilities, and other services to participating Veterans and family members.

In January, VA is sponsoring free grant-writing workshops for community organizations interested in applying for funds under this program. The workshops will be held in Chicago, Los Angeles, Seattle, Houston and New York City.

When the "Notice of Funds Availability" applications are available, they will be posted on the VA Web site at www1.va.gov/homeless/ssvf.asp.

Details about the workshops and other information about the program are available on the Internet at www1.va.gov/homeless.

Community organizations can also contact VA at 1-877-737-0111 or at SSVF@va.gov.

Military Members and Veterans with Disabilities Learn Life-Changing Skills
VA to Offer Educational Breakouts

WASHINGTON - This week more than 120 wounded military personnel, disabled Veterans and their families are traveling to Walt Disney World in Orlando for the 6th Annual Road to Recovery Conference. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is providing on-site counseling and information about VA programs.

"VA is honored to work with our partners in the private sector and Veterans service organizations to help America's heroes and their families, particularly Veterans who are facing unique challenges," said
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki.

The week-long event is presented by The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes and the American Legion.

VA will have counselors on site to provide one-on-one counseling. Other VA employees will be available to provide participants with information about health care and financial benefits available to injured military personnel, Veterans and family members.

Participants will attend more than 40 hours of seminars, workshops, and panel discussion devoted to enhancing personal relationships and providing information on benefits, services, insurance, health care,
financial support and employment opportunities. Experts from government, the private sector and other non-profits groups will also be on hand to offer advice and guidance on resume rewriting, career
counseling and many more topics.

Representatives from the U.S. Olympic Committee's paralympic program will be on site to discuss the new joint VA-Paralympic program for disabled service men and women who may be interested in representing their country as a U.S. Paralympian.

For more information about the Road to Recovery Conference, visit www.saluteheroes.org <http://www.saluteheroes.org/> , or contact Jose Llamas, VA public affairs coordinator, at (202) 461-7549.

Posted December 9,2010

EDITORS NOTE

As we come up on another Christmas Season I would just like to say thank you to everyone which over the last four years has made this weekly update a success. From announcing local fund raisers to national legislative alerts, the information you have submitted keeps Ohio American Legion Family members informed.

I would like to encourage more of you to submit your Legion events. Two simple rules

1. No flyers or attachments. Simple email text only.

2. Only current events of interests to American Legion Family Members no jokes or chain messages.

To have your event published or to sign up for the weekly update just drop a line with your name and Post affiliation to DOCBILL@NEO.RR.COM.

1st Vice Commander

Greetings,
With the upcoming holidays I know we are all very busy and little time seems available. I hope we can all spend some time eliminating the zeros throughout the Detachment of Ohio. The first of the year is almost here and some Squadrons do not have as yet their officers dues paid. This for one would get rid of the zeros and for another get the membership closer to the 50% margin we all should be at. Let's all try a little harder and get Ohio to the top of the list.
    Gary Lang and I visited the 6th District at their conference in Cardington and were treated to a great time. They are serious about eliminating the zeros and boosting their membership. I want to thank Commander Ted Kohler and his officers for a job well done!
   Also attended 1st District SAL Commander Doug Hancock's homecoming and had a great time there also. Doug is a serious SAL member and believes in all the goals set forth for the year. Let's all show a little Buckeye Pride
and meet or beat are goals. Membership building will help all goals come easier.

For God and Country,
Steve Honigfort
Sons of the American Legion
Detachment of Ohio
1st Vice Commander

Mid-Winter Luncheon

Again this year Franklin Squadron 1 will be hosting a luncheon prior to the Mid-Winter DEC meeting. It will be held on Friday, January 14th from Noon to 4PM. We will serve hot dogs & chili . The cost is a free will donation. Proceeds from meal and raffles held during the luncheon will be donated to CWF & the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The luncheon will be held at Malcolm Jeffrey Post 465, 1441 North Grant Ave. 614-299-5380. From the Ramada take I-71 South to 11th Avenue and turn right (west). Go past the fairgrounds, under the RR overpass, and then take a left on Grant. The Post is on the right, on the corner of Grant & 9th . For more information check out the flyer posted on the events page at www.alohio001.org , email alohio001@columbus.rr.com , or call Squadron Advisor Glenn Hickman

Seasons Greetings to all Legion members!
The deadline to get your teams entered in the Department bowling tournament is 12/9/10. If you need registration forms contact Brenda McGowan at mcgowan@ohiolegion.com and she should be able to assist you. Lets see as many riders here for the tournament as possible (646 Holland is the host post).
Happy Holidays to ALL!
Bix

www.post646oh.com

Veterans History Project

Today is a day of remembrance, allow me to say thank you to all those who made the ultimate sacrifice and to those who survived the war that was to end all wars. We can ensure that their sacrifices never die by immortalizing them into the Library of Congress. How you may ask, well through the Veterans History Project that the American Legion Auxiliary ladies are doing. Please go to the link if you truly want to save the stories of our fellow veterans so that generations to come will be able to understand the sacrifices that were made on their behalf.

“Let’s Do This”
http://loc.gov/vets/

Citizens Flag Alliance

A revamped Citizens Flag Alliance website (http://cfa-inc.org/) is now available online. The new CFA site features breaking news regarding the U.S. flag, a Frequently Asked Questions section about the CFA and flag amendment, a chronology of events since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down flag-protection laws in 1989, and a history of congressional testimony presented in favor of a flag amendment.
The new CFA site also provides the opportunity to either donate to the CFA or reach out to members of Congress to urge their support of a flag amendment. Site visitors are provided step-by-step instructions for writing letters to Congress, or writing editorials or letters to the editor in their local newspapers.
The American Legion is a member of the Citizens Flag Alliance, a broad-based, nonpartisan, nonprofit, national organization formed to persuade Congress to pass a constitutional amendment that would return to the American people the right to protect their flag.

Facts about homeless veterans
On any given night, about 107,000 veterans nationwide are homeless.
About 63,000 veterans nationwide are counted as “chronically homeless.”
The largest number of homeless veterans are those from the Vietnam era.
Women are the fastest-growing segment of the homeless veteran population; many have dependents.

Common causes of homelessness among veterans are lack of employment or under-employment, inadequate family and community support, scarcity of affordable housing, and mental or physical illnesses and disabilities.

American Legion Post 685
The Streetsboro Ladies Auxiliary will be having a dinner to benefit the Military Families Assistance program. This is our Department president, Linda Close’s, special project this year. We will be serving an old fashion Meatloaf, Mashed potatoes & corn dinner. 5:30 to 7:30 on January 25, 2010. Donation is $6.00 adults & $4.00 children 10 & under. Call 330-650-9594 for reservations. Our ladies are known for their great cooking. It will be held at:
American Legion Post 685
Home of Steve Masowick Department 2nd Vice
10001 Hudson Aurora Road
Streetsboro, OH 44241

Super Bowl Party

SAL Post 703 will be having their annual Super Bowl Party Super Bowl Sunday Tickets $65 includes Steak Dinner,OPEN BAR,Pizza at half time 3 winners of Big Screen Tvs and $1,000 winner for final score per Board,for tickets Contact Post SAL Commander Dale Anderson II 440-554-8388 Hurry these always sells out

SQD 23

SAL at Post 23 just mailed 16 boxes of goodies to Iraq and Afganastan.
They are planning to mail out at least one box per month starting in January
SadMan

XEROX IS DOING SOMETHING COOL
If you go to this web site, www.LetsSayThanks.com   you can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq. You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to a member of the armed services.
How AMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one!!!    It is FREE and it only takes a second.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if the soldiers received a bunch of these?    Whether you are for or against the war, our soldiers over there need to know we are behind them.
This takes just 10 seconds and it's a wonderful way to say thank you.    Please take the time and please take the time to pass it on for others to do. We can never say enough thank you's.
Thanks for taking to time to support our military!

Soldier Missing in Action from World War I Identified
The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from World War I, have been identified and returned to his family for burial with full military honors.
Army Private Henry A. Weikel, 28, of Mt. Carmel, Pa., will be buried on Dec. 9 in Annville, Pa. On Sept. 16, 1918, as part of the 60th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 5th Infantry Division, his unit encountered heavy enemy artillery barrage and machine gun fire near Jaulny, France, in a wooded area known as Bois de Bonvaux. Weikel was killed during the battle and his remains were buried with two other soldiers in a wooded area between Bois de Bonvaux and Bois de Grand Fontaine. Attempts to locate his remains by U.S. Army Graves Registration personnel following the war were unsuccessful.

DOD Identifies Marine Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Cpl. Derek A. Wyatt, 25, of Akron, Ohio, died Dec. 6 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

SAL membership $25
SAL Squadron Cap $40
SAL e-mails PRICELESS!

Posted November 26, 2010

THANK YOU

This is the time of year when we reflect on why we're grateful. What we are most thankful for can be summed up in one word:

YOU.

You see, the root of our success comes from dedicated American Legion Family Members like you. Without your unending generosity and compassionate spirit there would be no Child Welfare Foundation, no Legacy Fund, no Legion Baseball, or no Gifts For Yanks Program. Just to name a few.

I hope this Thanksgiving finds you and your family well with all you need. Please remember our Veterans and the Families of those currently serving which may need some assistance, but will not ask.

We are "The Proud Possessors of a Priceless Heritage".

Bill Towns

Sons of The American Legion

2010-11 National Historian

VA & R/Canines for Combat Veterans

Gentlemen,

It is my wish to all of you that you have the very best Thanksgiving Day possible. This holiday is yet another opportunity to think about Veterans. Although it is hard to believe, there are many Veterans out there in this country that won't have a Thanksgiving meal. It saddens me to think that these men and women who put their lives on the line for this country are still struggling in the United States, the most prosperous country in the world.

I would also like to take this opportunity to ask (or beg) all of you to be sure you have re-enrolled in the Kroger Community Rewards program and have selected SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION OF OHIO VA&R as the recipient of the rewards. Kroger requires that all participants must re-enroll each year to continue earning awards during the coming year. With this program a percentage of all your purchases made at Kroger's using your Kroger Plus card is returned to us. The last check, which we just received this week, was for only $112.00 and only nine (9) households participated. This program is one of the very easiest ways to raise money for the Canines for Combat Vets dog. Please do your part. A year ago we were receiving checks for almost ten times that amount with a very long list of participants. According to the Kroger website "It's Easy, just shop, swipe your card & earn!"

James M. (Butch) Badgett
VA & R Chairperson
123 Maple Street
Marietta OH 45750
740/373-6407 (home) or 740/525-2653 (mobile)

Please be careful out there this holiday season, I want each and every one of you to be back home safe and sound. Enjoy the time given to you with family and friends and have a very Happy Thanksgiving.

For God and Country,
Paul E Smith
Security Chairman
The Great First District
(419) 661-2479

American Legion helps make Thanksgiving happier for wounded warriors
WASHINGTON (Nov. 23, 2010) – American Legion teamwork and the generosity of a Connecticut-based non-profit organization are making this Thanksgiving a happier day for a great number of wounded warriors.

The American Legion has distributed $60 gift checks to 2,000 wounded veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. The funds were provided by the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes (CSAH), a non-profit organization that identifies itself as “the leading non-governmental provider of emergency financial relief to wounded soldiers from Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom and their families.”

The Coalition partners with corporate sponsors, individual contributors, and volunteers “to provide a simple and meaningful way for individuals and corporations to help these veterans and their families rebuild their lives.”

Verna Jones, director of the Legion’s veterans affairs and rehabilitation division in Washington, said the Legion’s involvement began with a call from the Coalition to D.C. headquarters offering gift money for distribution to wounded warriors. “We, in turn, passed the word along to our network of department adjutants, commanders and service officers, asking them to identify veterans who would most benefit from a holiday gift.”

National Guard and reserve units, the Department of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) and Walter Reed Army Medical Center were also asked to participate. “The response was overwhelming,” Jones said, “with literally thousands of emails and phone calls pouring in.”

The American Legion’s national headquarters in Indianapolis administered the preparation and mailing of the gift checks, each with a letter attached from Roger Chapin, president and founder of CSAH, who explained: “In 2005, the Coalition started distributing checks and gift cards to severely wounded service members just before special holidays, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas.

“These can be especially difficult times for disabled veterans who are struggling to make ends meet,” he continued. “Thanksgiving, in particular, is all about spending time with family, so we wanted these veterans and their loved ones to be able to truly enjoy the occasion and be reminded of how much their sacrifices are appreciated by the American people."
Chapin continued, “We are delighted [that] The American Legion is assisting us in the distribution of the holiday checks. This will make them appreciated even more since our veterans hold the Legion in such high regard.” Chapin says, as of this season, 10,000 deserving disabled servicemen and women will have been awarded holiday checks or gift cards worth collectively more than $2.3 million.

Media contacts: Craig Roberts at 202-263-2982 or croberts@legion.org

Marty Callaghan at 202-263-5758 or mcallaghan@legion.org

Event to raise money for Valor Home

About $475,000 needed to build Akron shelter for homeless veterans

By Jim Carney
Beacon Journal staff writer

Published on Sunday, Nov 21, 2010

Plans are under way to begin raising the funds needed to establish the Valor Home shelter for homeless veterans in Akron.

The kickoff party will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 4 at VFW Post 1070, 641 E. Tallmadge Ave.

The event officially begins the effort to raise about $475,000 needed to match a Department of Veterans Affairs grant of $903,338 to build a 30-bed shelter.

The grant would cover 65 percent of construction costs for the shelter as well as the cost of a van for transportation.

The shelter will be across the street from the new Summit County Veteran Services Commission building at 1060 E. Waterloo Road and near the Akron VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic at 55 W. Waterloo Road.

In addition to the VA grant to construct the building, Family & Community Services of Portage County, which will operate the shelter, will receive $38.90 per night per veteran from the VA.

Construction is expected to begin in the spring, with completion by the end of next year.

Habitat for Humanity of Summit County has committed about $80,000 of the local match in volunteer labor and materials, said Bob Wilkinson, a Marine Vietnam veteran and chairman of the Valor Home committee.

An anonymous donor has committed $12,000 worth of exercise equipment for a fitness room, Wilkinson said.

Local contributors can sponsor entire rooms, purchase commemorative bricks, offer services or donate cash.

To donate or volunteer, go to http://www.valorhome.org. Donations can be mailed to Valor Home Committee, P.O. Box 7498, Akron, OH 44306.

For information, call Wilkinson at 330-289-8650.

VA Begins Paying Benefits for New Agent Orange Claims
VA Encourages Affected Vietnam Veterans to File Claims
WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has begun distributing disability benefits to Vietnam Veterans who qualify for compensation under recently liberalized rules for Agent Orange exposure.
“The joint efforts of Congress and VA demonstrate a commitment to provide Vietnam Veterans with treatment and compensation for the long-term health effects of herbicide exposure,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki.
Up to 200,000 Vietnam Veterans are potentially eligible to receive VA disability compensation for medical conditions recently associated with Agent Orange. The expansion of coverage involves B-cell (or hairy-cell) leukemia, Parkinson’s disease and ischemic heart disease.
Shinseki said VA has launched a variety of initiatives – both technological and involving better business practices – to tackle an anticipated upsurge in Agent Orange-related claims.
“These initiatives show VA’s ongoing resolve to modernize its processes for handling claims through automation and improvements in doing business, providing Veterans with faster and more accurate decisions on their applications for benefits,” Shinseki said.
Providing initial payments – or increases to existing payments – to the 200,000 Veterans who now qualify for disability compensation for these three conditions is expected to take several months, but VA officials encourage all Vietnam Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange and suffer from one of the three diseases to make sure their applications have been submitted.
VA has offered Veterans exposed to Agent Orange special access to health care since 1978, and priority medical care since 1981. VA has been providing disability compensation to Veterans with medical problems related to Agent Orange since 1985.
In practical terms, Veterans who served in Vietnam during the war and who have a “presumed” illness do not have to prove an association between their illnesses and their military service. This “presumption” simplifies and speeds up the application process for benefits.
The three new illnesses – B-cell (or hairy-cell) leukemia, Parkinson’s disease and ischemic heart disease – are added to the list of presumed illnesses previously recognized by VA.
Other recognized illnesses under VA’s “presumption” rule for Agent Orange are:
·         Acute and Subacute Transient Peripheral Neuropathy
·         Chloracne
·         Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
·         Diabetes Mellitus (Type 2)
·         Hodgkin’s Disease
·         Multiple Myeloma
·         Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
·         Porphyria Cutanea Tarda
·         Prostate Cancer
·         Respiratory Cancers
·         Soft Tissue Sarcoma (other than Osteosarcoma, Chondrosarcoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma, or Mesothelioma)
·         AL Amyloidosis
Veterans interested in applying for disability compensation under one of the three new Agent Orange presumptives should go to www.fasttrack.va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000.

DOD Identifies Army Casualty
            The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation New Dawn.
            Sgt. David J. Luff Jr., 29, of Hamilton, Ohio, died Nov. 21 in Tikrit, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with small arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
            For more information, media should contact the 25th Infantry Division public affairs office at 808-655-6361 or 808-655-6343.

DOD Identifies Army Casualties
            The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
            They died Sept. 26 at Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked their military vehicle with an improvised explosive device on Sept. 25 at Forward Operating Base Frontenac, Afghanistan. They were assigned to the 20th Engineer Battalion, 36th Engineer Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas.
            Killed were:
            Sgt. Mark A. Simpson, 40, of Peoria, Ill.
            Spc. Donald S. Morrison, 23, of Cincinnati, Ohio.
            For more information the media may contact the Fort Hood public affairs office at 254-287-9993.

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