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Bill Towns National Children & Youth Chairman
Detachment Judge
Advocate
March 5th. Posted
2011 Squadron Certification Forms and 2010 Squadron Consolidated Report forms were mailed Friday February
26th to Squadron Adjutants. The forms are also available online at www.ohiolegion.com under SAL Forms.
Additionally, District Officer Certification Forms for 2011 are also available
online.
Mike
SAL Past
National Commander Richard Kepler is in the Bob Stump VAMC in Prescott,
Az. Room 421. He has been diagnosed with cancer which has spread all over his boby and is considered terminal. He will probably
be transferred to the Hospice wing in two to three weeks. I'm sure he would appreciate prayers, cards etc. from his friends
all over the SAL.
Northern Arizona VA Health Care System
500
Hwy 89 N
Prescott, AZ 86313
Room 2019
800-949-1005
Benefit for Kara Kovatch
Palmer-Roberts
American Legion Family is having a benefit for Kara Kovatch, a 9-year old girl with brain cancer, on March 13, 2010.
It is a spaghetti dinner from 1:00 -6:00 p.m. and the cost is $10.00 per person. Donations can also be made at any Key
Bank in Kara's name. There will be a basket of booze, wine and other items raffled at 5:00 p.m.. Tickets for that are
3 for $5.00 and are available at the Post, 4304 Center Street, Willoughby. There will also be a 50-50 raffle. The SON's
started this because one of the officer's granddaughter is a friend and classmate of Kara's.
AMERICAN
LEGION SUMMIT COUNTY COUNCIL
AMERICAN LEGION FAMILY ONCE AGAIN IT IS TIME FOR OUR ANNUAL STAND DOWN FOR HOMELESS AND
UNEMPLOYED VETERANS. LAST YEAR WE SERVED 383 FELLOW VETERANS . THIS YEAR, WITH THE ECONOMY IN THE WORST SHAPE IN YEARS, WE
ARE EXPECTING MANY MORE WHO WILL NEED OUR HELP.
BECAUSE OF THE EXTRA VOLUME OF VETERANS WE ARE EXPECTING, WE ARE ASKING
THAT YOUR POSTS BEGIN SENDING IN DONATIONS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. WE NEED TO START ORDERING ITEMS WE GIVE AS THEY COME FROM
FEDERATED WHOLESALE IN GEORGIA AND MUST BE ORDERED QUITE A WHILE IN ADVANCE. PLEASE KNOW THAT YOU MAY USE YOUR CHARITY ACCOUNT
MONEY FROM TICKET SALES TO MAKE DONATIONS.
LAST YEAR OUR LEGION POSTS DID A FANTASTIC JOB OF FUNDING THE STAND DOWN.
THIS YEAR WE WILL HAVE MANY MORE TO SERVE. PLEASE SEND IN YOUR DONATIONS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND MAKE THE CHECKS PAYABLE TO
FEDERATED WHOLESALE. PLEASE SEND THEM TO ME AT MY HOME.
PLEASE PASS THIS ON TO YOUR AUXILIARY AND SAL .
DALE W. LUZADER
222 WOOSTER STREET
LODI, OHIO 44254
dale77@verizon.net
JUNIOR ACTIVITIES
Chairman - Karen Peel - Have your Juniors been working
on patches and prayer books? Junior reports are due April 1
st. Junior District Conference will be held Mar 28th at Unit # 281, 2 to 4 pm. Junior
Dept. Convention will be May 15th -Don Gentile Post #532 Columbus, OH.
Breakfast fund raiser
March 14 th
- Breakfast fund raiser - Post # 281 -
Breakfast - 10:00 am to 11:00 am - Raffle will begin
promptly at 11:00 am
until 12:00 noon - $15. each
BEST RIBS IN DAYTON
Saturday, April 17th 12-6 p.m.
Dayton Post 776 937-252-3216 5350
Burkhardt Ave.
Slabs $17.00 Sandwiches $7.00
SAL 11th District SPRING Conference March
14, 2010 • Zanesville Post 29
NOMINATION & ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Registration opens.....................9:00
a.m.
Opening Ceremonies w/Legionnaires...............10:00 a.m.
S.A.L. Meeting following opening ceremonies
Lunch.....................................12:00
noon
Memorial Service......................1:00 p.m.
(bring Squadron colors if you have them)
William Berg
• District Commander (740) 336-4922
Public Relations Award The nation’s only festival dedicated to honoring military films was the recipient
of The American Legion National Commander’s Public Relations Award during a luncheon at the Renaissance Hotel Wednesday.
In a letter to GI Film Festival President Brandon Millett, National Commander Clarence E. Hill wrote, “The GI Film
Festival was selected to receive this honor because of its support of one of The American Legion’s corporate goals:
promoting the honorable nature of military service. Since 2007, the annual festival has honored works that exclusively celebrate
the successes and sacrifices of the American military through the medium of film. As the GI Film Festival Web site states,
you present films “that honor the heroic stories of the American Armed Forces and the worldwide struggle for freedom
and liberty.”
“Our mission from the beginning has been to honor the service and sacrifice of the American
veteran,” said GI Film Festival co-founder Laura Millett, in a statement from the GIFF. “What a special honor
to be recognized by The American Legion, one of the nation’s most respected veteran service organizations. We’re
very proud of the growing reputation of our film festival and we look forward to building on this success in 2010 and beyond.”
The fourth annual GI Film Festival, www.gifilmfestival.com, will be held May 12-16 in Washington and will feature
a number of first-time film screenings and celebrity panels.
Past recipients of the award include the late Meet the Press
host Tim Russert, entertainer Ben Stein, former NBC anchor Tom Brokaw and former Secretary of Education William Bennett.
With a current membership of 2.5-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.
Recent VA News Releases
Web Site
Offers Single Access Point for Wounded Warriors Three Federal Departments Collaborate on National Resource Directory
WASHINGTON (Feb. 25, 2010) - The federal departments of Veterans Affairs, Labor and Defense unveiled today an improved Web
site for wounded warriors.
"VA is committed to tapping into the full powers of the Internet to provide accurate,
timely, easy to find and easy to understand information that improves the lives of Veterans, service members, their families
and all who care for them," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Eric K. Shinseki.
The National
Resource Directory is a comprehensive, free, online tool for wounded, ill and injured service members, Veterans and their
families. Visitors to the site can find an extensive range of information about Veterans' benefits, including disability
and pension benefits, VA health care and educational opportunities. The site also provides information for those who
care for Veterans, such as access to emotional, financial and community assistance.
The Web site has been enhanced
to provide a single point of access to a wealth of information from more than 10,000 sites by federal, state and local governments
and organizations offering services for wounded
warriors.
"This online directory is an invaluable resource
for those involved in helping service members and Veterans," Shinseki said. "Reliable information about government
and private-sector programs can be a
priceless tool."
A recent addition to the Web site is a specialized
section where users can find help for homeless Veterans. These resources will help end Veteran homelessness over the
next five years.
The new design will help visitors find needed resources easily. Other enhancements
include a fast, accurate search engine; a "bookmark and share" capability that allows users to share valuable resources
on Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites; and a news feature with updates on relevant information and events.
Resources are added daily.
Visit the site at www.nationalresourcedirectory.gov.
SALute DEADLINE CHAIRMEN AND OFFICERS Just a reminder that the deadline for the next issue of the Salute is
February
28th. Please submit your articles. Thanks
Rob Brewer
Public Relations Chairman
Post Everlasting Former Americanism Director and SAL Liaison William
Welsh has passed away. A memorial service for Bill was Saturday February 20th Cards of sympathy and support may be sent to: Lois Jean Welsh6066
Burnley Sq. E. Columbus,
OH 43229-2661
Operation Comfort Warriors With just a few days left in the Pepsi Refresh
grant competition, The American Legion's Operation Comfort Warriors remains near the top position. Staying there
is the goal for midnight, February 28.
Vote again. Let's get this important grant for our wounded
heroes, and get them the comfort and personal items and clothing the government cannot provide. Here's how:
Go
to The American Legion Web site - http://www.legion.org/ - and click on the "Vote Daily" icon on the right. You may also access the site directly at:
www.refresheverything.com/operationcomfortwarriors.
YEAGER-BENSON MEMORIAL POST 199 CYCLONES HOCKEY NIGHT
FRIDAY April 2, 2010
7:30 PM
COST: $12.00 PER TICKET FAN APPRECIATION NIGHT $1.00 NIGHT (BEERS,
PIZZA AND HOT DOGS)
BUS TRANSPORTATION-FIRST 30 PEOPLE TO PAY $22.00 WILL RIDE TO AND FROM GAME - - MEET
AT POST AT 6 PM - -ANYONE ABOVE THE 30 WILL HAVE TO PROVIDE OWN TRANSPORTATION
TICKET MONEY DUE BY MARCH
27TH
A GOOD TIME WILL BE HAD FOR ALL
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL AL BUXTON 513-481-7336/513-225-1489
 Department of Veterans
AffairsVA has many benefits and services to assist homeless veterans. Disability
benefits, education, health care, rehabilitation services, residential care, and compensated work therapy are among the services
we offer to eligible veterans. What Kind of VA Services and Benefit Programs Are Available for Homeless Veterans?· Health Care for Homeless
Veterans Program (HCHV) operates at
135 sites, where extensive outreach, physical and psychiatric health exams, supported housing programs, Drop-In-Centers, compensated
work therapy, treatment, referrals, and ongoing case management are provided to homeless veterans with mental health problems,
including substance abuse. · Domiciliary Care for Homeless Veterans Program (DCHV) provides medical care and rehabilitation in a residential setting on VA medical
center grounds to eligible ambulatory veterans disabled by medical or psychiatric disorders, injury, or age and who do not
need hospitalization or nursing home care. ·
Inpatient & Outpatient Health Care: VA medical centers provide inpatient treatment to thousands
of homeless veterans each year. Hospitals and outpatient clinics provide eligible veterans with comprehensive
physical and mental health care, alcohol and substance abuse treatment, rehabilitation treatment, and other specialized services. · Readjustment
Counseling Centers also called Vet Centers, help veterans through community
outreach. They offer specialized services, such as group, individual, and family counseling, to help eligible
veterans overcome psychological difficulties or to resolve conflicts that may be contributing to their homelessness.
They also provide referral services, connecting veterans to VA programs and community services. · Outreach: The staff from VA regional offices, medical centers, vet centers,
and special homeless programs regularly visit community shelters, agencies, and the streets to help thousands of homeless
veterans each year. ·
Benefits and Entitlements: VA annually awards more than $17 billion in disability benefits to millions of
veterans. In many instances, these payments are the major source of income to veterans and serve to prevent
homelessness. VA's Fiduciary Program provides specialized case management to over 67,000 veterans, many
of whom might be homeless without the services it provides. ·
Acquired Property Sales for Homeless Providers Program makes available properties VA obtains through
foreclosures on VA-insured mortgages for sale to homeless provider organizations at a discount of 20 to 50 percent.
Some of these properties are available for lease. How Do You Get More Information?Contact
any VA medical center or regional office and a VA representative can provide information about VA benefits and services available
to assist homeless veterans. They can also provide you with the address and phone number of the VA homeless
program coordinator nearest you. NATIONAL COALITION FOR HOMELESS VETERANS
President Signs Veterans Emergency Care Fairness Act
To help veterans with limited health insurance On Feb. 2, President Obama signed the Veterans Emergency Care Fairness Act
of 2009 into law. Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, introduced the bill to help
veterans with limited health insurance afford emergency care.
“For veterans with limited insurance, a trip to the
emergency room should not result in financial ruin. With this new law, VA will be positioned to help veterans who are enrolled
in VA care whose insurance does not cover the full cost of emergency treatment.”
The new law will enable the Department
of Veterans Affairs (VA) to reimburse veterans enrolled in VA health care for the remaining cost of emergency treatment if
the veteran has outside insurance that only covers part of the cost. Previously, VA could reimburse veterans or pay outside
hospitals directly only if a veteran had no outside health insurance.
In addition to reimbursing veterans for emergency
care in the future, the bill allows the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide retroactive reimbursements for care received
prior to the passage of this bill.
Americanism Fellow S.A.L. members,
Every squadron can get its members to be involved in this. You are
asking what this is. This is donating blood, or putting on a blood drive. We are in the middle of winter and the
need for blood is always constant. There is often a shortage of blood across this Nation, including in your local
community.
Volunteer blood donors contribute to nearly all the blood used for patient care in the United
States. Blood supplies vary due to unpredictable demands.
We all expect blood to be there for us, but barely a fraction
of those who can give do. Yet sooner or later, virtually all of us will face a time of great vulnerability in which we will
need blood. And that time is all too often unexpected.
A blood donation truly is a “gift of life” that a
healthy individual can give to others in their community who are sick or injured, as accident victims, people undergoing surgery,
and patients receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer and other diseases. It may not be your neighbor or co-worker or best
friend who needs your blood today. But someone does.
Every two seconds someone in the US needs blood, more than 38,000
blood donations are needed every day and over 10 million transfusions of blood take place every year. Most blood centers strive
to maintain an optimum inventory level of a three-day supply.
In one hour’s time, a person can donate one unit
of blood that can be separated into four individual components that could help save multiple lives. From one unit of blood,
red blood cells can be extracted for use in trauma or surgical patients. Plasma, the liquid part of blood, is administered
to patients with clotting problems. The third component of blood, platelets, clots the blood when cuts or other open wounds
occur, and are often used in cancer and transplant patients. Just one unit of donated blood can help save the lives of up
to three people.
I would like to call upon all the members of the Sons of The American Legion to organize a blood
drive in your community. If all who are eligible to donate would do so on a regular basis (three to four times per year),
blood needs could be met and shortages could become a thing of the past.
The first step in donating or organizing a blood drive is to contact the nearest blood bank or blood donation center, which
can be accomplished by contacting one of the groups below.
American Association of Blood Banks American Blood Resources
Association
117 N 19th Street, Suite 600 P.O. Box 334
Arlington, VA 22209 Annapolis, MD 21403
www.aabb.org www.taxexemptworld.com
American Red Cross Council of Community Blood Centers
17th and D Streets, N.W. 725
15th Street, N.W., Suite 700
Washington, DC 20006 Washington, DC 20005
www.redcross.org
or www.givelife.org
As always be sure to record and report every thing that you do throughout the year. The
Consolidated Squadron Report Form is not only to report what your officers have done but all your members. Be sure to ask
your younger members and your more senior members to report what they have done.
I hope everyone has been in contact
with members of The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program. Getting involved in this program is
very educational.
Gerald Hammerschmidt
Americanism Chairman
Legion asks for a “few moments” of time from fellow Americans this month to help wounded
warriors
INDIANAPOLIS (Feb. 18, 2010) – The nation’s largest veterans
organization is calling on fellow Americans to spend a few moments every day between now and February 28 to help our wounded
service men and women.
The American Legion’s Operation Comfort Warriors
is competing for a $250,000 grant to be awarded by Pepsi Cola, Inc, as part of its Refresh Everything project. 729 charities
are competing for grants, which are determined by the number of votes received at Pepsi’s Refresh Everything Web site.
Operation Comfort Warriors is currently in second place. The top two vote getters will receive quarter-million dollar grants.
Visitors can cast their votes every day between now and Feb. 28 by visiting www.legion.org and clicking on the Pepsi Refresh icon on the right side of the page or by visiting http://www.refresheverything.com/operationcomfortwarriors.
Since December 2008, the American Legion family has raised funds for Operation Comfort Warriors,
a program dedicated to meeting the needs of wounded military personnel, providing them with comfort items not usually supplied
by the government. OCW ensures that patients at U.S. military hospitals and warrior transition units are given items like
sweat suits, DVDs, puzzles, electronic devices, books, calling cards and more.
“The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq
continue. Military service will always include inherent dangers from training and other hazardous duties,” American
Legion National Commander Clarence E. Hill said. “As long as our men and women are in harm’s way,
there
will continue to be wounded warriors. The American Legion needs to be there for our heroes. Operation Comfort Warriors is
an excellent way to show our appreciation for their sacrifices. I urge all Americans to show their appreciation by voting
for it on the Pepsi Refresh Everything Web site.”
All administrative and marketing costs for Operation Comfort
Warriors are paid for by The American Legion, meaning 100 percent of all donations and grants received go to the troops.
With a current membership of 2.5-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.
NEW SQUADRON WEB SITE
Cardington Post
97 We are having our spaghetti supper March 6,at 4:30p.m.-7:30 p.m.
at the Cardington Legion Hall, Post 97. Hope everyone can make it. All proceeds go to National Child Welfare. Cost is free
will donation.
Thank You, Floyd (Tub) Morris,6 District Commander
Post 29 is announcing that we now have wi fi at the Zanesville
Post. If you are ever through Zanesville, stop in at 27 S Third St, bring your laptop and enjoy a beverage at the bar. Bill Dilts
ALL YOU CAN EAT BREAKFAST
BUFFET
YEAGER-BENSON MEMORIAL POST 199
10700 CAMPBELL RD. HARRISON, OH. 45030
FEBRUARY 21, 2010 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
POST 72 American Legion Post 72 Annual Fish
Fry Starts February 19th and every Friday through April 2nd. Fish and Chips Mac and Cheese Fries
AMERICAN LEGION POST
AND AUXILIARY 180 1001 South Main ST. Georgetown, Ohio 12th Annual all you can eat Speghetti Dinner February
20, 5:00 to 7:00
YOUR VOTES ARE NEEDED
Votes needed for Operation
Comfort Warriors in Pepsi grant giveaway
With just 17 days left in the Pepsi Refresh grant competition, The American
Legion's Operation Comfort Warriors remains in the number 2 position. Keeping this position, or better yet, moving once
again into the number 1 position, is the goal for midnight, February 28. On March 1, Pepsi will announce the top two
winners of the $250,000 grants.
Competition is keen and growing intense with other charities vying in the competition.
It is imperative that every member of The American Legion family votes every day, both at the office and at home. Spread
the word to all family members, neighbors, friends, and local community groups who would like to see our wounded warriors
get the comfort items they so richly deserve.
Vote every day, if you can. Let's get this important grant for our
wounded warriors!
Go to The American Legion Web site - http://www.legion.org/ - and click on the "Vote Daily" icon on the right, or access the site directly at: www.refresheverything.com/operationcomfortwarriors AMERICAN LEGION BUCKEYE BOYS STATE REPORT
Interviews
should be under way around the state to identify delegates to the 2010 session of Buckeye Boys State. Sons of The American
Legion members should work with their Post’s Americanism Chairman to help with the selection process if they are able.
In many cases, squadrons have assumed oversight of the Boys State program when their post no longer has Legionnaires in the
position.
Registration fees in the amount of $300.00 per delegate are due to Department Headquarters by February
15th, and the delegate’s BBS Citizenship application is due by April 1st. This year’s session is scheduled
for June 12-20, 2010 at Bowling Green State University.
Buckeye Boys State is one of the Ohio Legion’s signature
projects and the state gets a lot of recognition nationally for it. I encourage you to do all you can to keep it strong
and at the forefront of your Americanism activities.
As always, please contact me with any questions or if you
would like to get involved with the program.
For God and Country,
Scott J. Thornton
Buckeye Boys
State Chairman
Detachment of Ohio
Sons of The American Legion
SAL SQD. 535 Bellville, Oh
is having a Spaghetti & Lasagna Dinner Sat. Feb. 20th
@ The Bellville American Legion. Serving begins at 4;00 to 6:30 Adults $6.00, Seniors, Veterans, Kids 12 and under $5.00.
All proceeds going to Gifts for Yanks program. After dinner at 7:30, we will be having a White Elephant Sale. Stop by and
get someone's junk, and anothers treasures . There will be a whole lot of fun in Bellville. Any questions call 419-565-2314,
or Email me @ spanky535@peoplepc.com MELVIN WAINWRIGHT
MEMORIAL WILD GAME FEED Russell Chadwick Post 389 Beverly,
Ohio Saturday, March 13 5 - 7:30 pm Come
out and try the various dishes Rabbit, Squirrel, Turkey, Duck, Beaver?, Moose, Dove, Elk?, Raccoon and anything else which
comes available. All donations accepted Entertainment
by Sam Clark Legion Riders The American Legion Riders Post 646 OH is selling tickets for; Match your number with the Ohio Lottery daily pick
3 evening drawing throughout the month of April 2010 and win $50.00 Sunday through Friday $100.00 Saturday based on ticket
sales of 400. Otherwise default to a 50/50 $5.00 per ticket. Proceeds benefit Legion charities and programs.
Contact
Tom Bixler P.O. Box 484 Holland, OH 43528 419-868-3916 Or Deanna Walter P.O. Box 951 Holland, OH 43528 419-868-3916
Or
any other ALR member from Post 646 OH www.post646oh.com Vietnam generation begins to fade as death rate rises for war's veterans Special Olympics Special
Olympics has many stories to tell. Stories of triumph and courage, determination and tenacity, joy and hope. And these stories
would not be possible without support of people like you. Thank you again for your support. Say a prayer and hold a good thought for Bowe
Bergdahl
Militants threaten to execute U.S. soldier
By Sandra Jontz, Stars and Stripes European
edition, Saturday, February 6, 2010
Militants in Afghanistan have threatened to execute the American soldier
they’ve held since June if the United States does not release the Pakistani scientist convicted this week of attempted
murder, according to Arab news outlets.
Because
of weather conditions, The American Legion Department of Ohio is closing early today, tomorrow is questionable.
Any
membership received through Thursday morning's mail will count for the Blue Jug. We will run the report on Thursday
afternoon.
Mike
Detachment
1st Vice
Membership , Membership
it just seems that is all I talk about. Yes membership is our life line. We are 75.5%. Not bad , BUT I know we can do better.
I have sent the National report out to all the District Commanders and Ohio is doing not bad. This is comparing all the states
that have the same amount of members as we do. But I know that we all are going out there and work on membership. Lets show
all the other States why we are number one. Not just in donation , but membership as well.
I would like to take this time and say Thank You to the Fourteenth District for the great time I had at there District Meeting
last Sunday. It is very nice to see how the other Districts handle there meetings. I have learned a lot from the other
Districts and I did bring some of there ideals to my post. Commander Ken and Officers Thanks. I had the
chance to go to the Winter Games for Special Olympics Thursday. I also had the chance to served
breakfast to everybody. Gentleman this was something I will never forget. Commander Ken drove Commander Dave
, Keith Bell and myself to the Ice skating rink in Kent and we watch the Olympics taken place. It was amazing! I was
very touch. All I can say You have to see these young people do there thing. I have not heard so many Thank You's. It
was touching. I will be back next year.
In closing I would like to say Thank
You to all of you for your membership and for what you do for the Sons if the American Legion. Please remember to say
I pray for our troops and to there families.
GOD BLESS AMERICA
Rex M. Buchs
Detachment 2nd Vice I have been busy getting around with visits to the 1st, 3rd, &4th Districts. The 1st District plans
for the upcoming Detachment Convention in May are coming along nicely. The hotel is a beautiful facility and is a very nice
place to relax, so hopefully all of you consider showing up and enjoy the hospitality of the 1st District. The 3rd and 4th
Districts always open their arms to me when I visit there and I would like to thank them for their invites. The 3rd District
does quite a bit of work with the VA hospital in their area and have brought many smiles to the Veterans there. Keep up the
good work guys as it is appreciated. The 4th District is also very active with upcoming fundraisers such as their Super Bowl
Party on Feb 7th and the Pat Shea Memorial Bowling fundraiser. All monies earned will go towards the Child Welfare Foundation
and will help greatly in Ohio reaching its goal.
Also my fundraiser has picked up steam as
we are entering the final quarter. Those of you still holding tickets , please get them distributed and sold. I do push a
little bit but take it as a friendly nudge as I am a nervous person and only want this fundraiser to go well. I coached football
for 16 years and did a lot of pushing as a coach and it proved to be successful as everyone has a success story inside themselves
and with a little boot you can bring it out. I hope you all help to make my Raffle a great success. Please mail all ticket
stubs to me with the monies at the below address and please make checks payable to me or to SAL Squadron 63.
If you need more tickets contact me and I will get them to you.
Thanks again guys,
Steve Honigfort
SAL Detachment 2nd Vice
11534 TR 205
Kenton, Ohio 43326
Ph 419-674-1558
E-mail: shonigfort@yahoo.com
This is a call to action!
American Legion’s Operation Comfort Warriors
competes for $250K Pepsi grant Your
Votes Needed!
The American Legion’s
Operation Comfort Warriors is competing for a $250,000 grant to be awarded by Pepsi Cola, Inc. at the end of the month.
There are 729 charities competing for grants, which are determined by number of votes received online. As of this morning,
Operation Comfort Warriors just moved into second place. The top two vote getters at the end of the month will receive quarter-million
dollar grants. Rules allow voters to vote for Operation Comfort Warriors once a day through the month of February.
Since
December 2008, the American Legion family has raised funds for Operation Comfort Warriors, a program dedicated to meeting
the needs of wounded military personnel, providing them with comfort items not usually supplied by the government. OCW ensures
that patients at U.S. military hospitals and warrior transition units are given items like sweat suits, DVDs, puzzles, electronic
devices, books, calling cards and more.
“The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq continue. Military service will always include inherent dangers
from training and other hazardous duties,” American Legion National Commander Clarence E. Hill said. “As long
as our men and women are in harm’s way, there will continue to be wounded warriors. The American Legion needs to be
there for our heroes. Operation Comfort Warriors is an excellent way to show our appreciation for their sacrifices. I urge
all Americans to show their appreciation by voting for it on the Pepsi Refresh Everything Web site.”
All administrative and marketing costs for Operation
Comfort Warriors are paid for by The American Legion, meaning 100 percent of all donations and grants received go to the troops.
Although OCW is in the number 2 position on only the
third day of February, we have a long way to go. Competition will be doing all they can to move The American Legion
family out of the winning spot. Please get the word out to all Sons of The American Legion, family members, neighbors,
friends and anyone who has a computer willing to support our wounded warriors. Time is critical.
This is a great way to support our wounded troops by
just spending a few minutes each day to vote to keep OCW in the top two positions through February 28.
Vote at work and vote at home. The Sons of The
American Legion can make the difference.
Thank you. Joe March Director of Public Relations The American Legion
National Hqs.
Special Olympics Ten Things You Can Do to help
Volunteer for Special Olympics
Follow Special Olympics
online through Facebook
Learn about Special Olympics in stories, videos and slideshows
Stay informed with
our newsletter
Make a donation to Special Olympics
Pledge to stop using the word "retard"
Dive
in to our Fan Community
Contact a Special Olympics near you
Consider becoming a coach
Consider
Special Olympics in your estate plans
Unit 685 Streetsboro
Unit 685 Ladies Aux is having a Valentines Day Reverse Raffle Breakfast to assist with the Buckeye Girls State program. Breakfast
and raffle $15.00. Raffle only $10.00. You can call the legion post for tickets at 330-650-9594 or order tickets by mail at
American Legion Post 685, 10001 Hudson Aurora Road, Streetsboro OH 44241.
Our ladies are famous for their good cooking,
so don't be left out in the cold. Come and enjoy the fun with a good cause. Thank you for your support!
For God and Country. Kathy
Pawlak Finance Officer Ladies Aux Unit 685
Summit County Stand Down for Homeless Veterans Committee Mark your calendars committee members and please plan to attend our first meeting March
1st at 2pm Laura Dunlop, Chair..
76 Freedom Car Jerick
Johnson, driver of The American Legion/David Law Firm 76 Freedom Car, and his Team Johnson Motorsports crew are in Florida
this week preparing for the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona International Speedway. The 80-lap race is scheduled to begin
at 4:30 p.m. Saturday and will be televised live on SPEED.
U.S. Armed Forces Symbol Available on Ohio Driver’s License and IDs
Members of the U.S. Armed Forces now have the option of displaying a symbol representing this on their driver’s license
(DL) or state identification card (ID) through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). House Bill 450 of the 127th General
Assembly gave the BMV the authority to place the special symbol on the DLs and IDs. Certain merchants may offer discounts
or unique services to veterans or current members of the Armed Forces and they will now be able to conveniently use their
DL or ID to prove their affiliation for these discounts. This symbol is not intended to be used in lieu of a military identification
card issued by any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. There is no additional cost to have the symbol added, other than the normal
fees associated with applying for or renewing a DL or ID. The Armed Forces symbol can be added to the DL or ID at any Deputy
Registrar. The applicant must submit a copy of his/her DD-214 displaying their military service or honorable discharge from
the U.S. Armed Forces. For more information, log on to: http://bmv.
ohio.gov/faq_Armed_forces.stm
or
call the BMV customer service line at 614-752-7500.
MEMBERSHIP Let’s get going Central Region we need to get ahead of the Southern Region again. We need to get the word
out that we have Recruitment pin to give out to members who sign up 5 new members. We have a little bit of paper work to fill
out and send to me and I will send out the 2010 pin. I received a e-mail from NVC Dennis Theobald and he says that the Central
Region has signed up 10,000 new members so I believe that we must have members that have signed up 5 members and should have
a pin coming. Please get the word out I’ve only sent out 5 pins so far and last year I sent out around 40. Thanks and
have a great day. NATIONAL COALITION FOR HOMELESS VETERANS NCHV Holds Two HVRP Teleconferences in February
Registration now open via email
NCHV
is holding two "HVRP Replicable Models" teleconferences in February. These calls – occurring on Thursday,
Feb. 4, and Thursday, Feb. 25, at 2 p.m. EST – will feature current Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program (HVRP)
grantees who will share their experiences, approaches to collaboration and best practices. Participants will learn how to
capitalize on implementing HVRP funding, and how they can benefit from other grantees’ experiences.
For more information
and to register for these calls, click here. POW/MIA Radio Bad Us - We don’t remind
our reader often enough to tune into POW/MIA Radio on the internet at http://www.americanewsnet.com every Sunday afternoon from 4 – 7 P.M (Eastern Time). Hosted by Rod Utech,
POW/MIA Radio presents interviews with well known members of the POW/MIA community. This week’s guests are
Ms. Kathy Shemeley, President of the POW/MIA Connecticut Forget-Me-Nots, Inc. and Dr. Henry Mark Holzer author of “Archangel,
1918 to Hanoi, 1972 and the Case of Michael Joseph Bosiljevac, USAF.” District
14 District 14 Sons of The American Legion winter conference to be held January
31, 2010. Portage Squadron 496 located at 1945 Mogadore Rd in Kent will host the conference starting at 2:00pm. Each Squadron needs to be represented as Commander Millick
will have the latest information from the recent Detachment Executive Committee meeting in Columbus. Please spread the word
to your membership. Bring your membership
cards as there will be a roundup to help get the district closer to the 85% membership target and return the district to its
rightful leadership place. Finally: a comprehensive list of resources for military families...all in one place.
Do you know a military
family in need of free lawn care and landscaping? How about a deployed servicemember who could use temporary foster care for
their pet? Wondering where to find scholarships for military spouses or pro bono legal aid for veterans? Looking for ways
to help military children cope with a parent's deployment?
These are just a few of the more
than 100 resources you'll find on the brand new Gateway to Services on the American Legion Auxiliary's Web site. The Clearinghouse Committee, part of the ALA Strategic Planning team, has worked diligently with National
Headquarters staff and an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer to introduce this exciting, new online place for servicemembers, military
families and fellow Auxiliary members to find the services and support they need--all in a one-stop shop.
We hope you are as thrilled as we are that the ALA's investment in strategic planning has visibly paid off with
this "beta version" of Gateway to Services, the first launch of an ALA initiative that will certainly grow and change
with new technology. We invite you to check it out! New Item from National Emblem Sales. A
great item I think the SAL membership will really like. Share if you have a chance please. Take care sir. Richard Keith Prayer for Haiti Lord we come to you
on bended knee, heads bowed overflowing with grief for the many people who have been injured and the loss of love ones in
Haiti. Those who are waiting to hear from their love
ones, Father we ask for your comfort and compassion during their time of need and pray for their safety. We ask you Lord, to give courage and strength to those who go to their aid and through
their hearts will be heavy and filled with sorrow we ask Lord that you give them endurance needed to help them through their
difficult task. Please give the people of Haiti the strength Lord to get through
each difficult and devastating day that faces their Nation. And lastly Lord we
ask that you touch our hearts as a nation to provide the needed help both in material supplies and prayers so that we might
help those in there hour of need. Amen. John L Beaver
National
Chaplain American Legion
chaplainjohnbeaver@comcast.net
Get the 2010 GI Bill Guide
Your GI Bill Rate for 2010 is over $49,000. Here are 2 main steps you'll need to take to start
using and understanding your benefits.
1. Find Military Friendly Schools that offer college credit for military
service and flexible schedules.
2. Get the GI Bill Guide to learn how to use your benefits.
Good morning,
VMM-162 (REIN)Commanding Officer sends the
following:
"Please let the families know we are positioned off the coast of Haiti and commenced operations
on the 24th and will continue until we are relieved of tasking. Haitian response to MEU personnel has been positive
and we continue to provide supplies and medical support. VMM-162 (REIN) morale is high and the Marines and Sailors are
working hard and doing great things. From medical, to flying, to maintenance, and providing linguists; VMM-162(REIN) is in
the middle of this operation." - end CO's message
You can also Google "24thMEU in Haiti" to view
media coverage.
Have a great week.
Your FRO,
Bill "Top V" Vornheder
Family Readiness
Officer
VMM-162 (REIN); The ACE for the 24th MEU
Canine for Combat Vets I am happy to report that Midwinter Convention was a great success, especially as it relates
to the Canine for Combat Vets project. I want to thank everyone for their donations. Through your hard work and
generosity we were able to present a check to NEADS for $18,000.00 and another $2000.00 was taken in at Midwinter which
now gives us enough funds to purchase and provide the training of the first dog.
Again, thanks to all Blue
Hats who were involved with this.
Thanks to Dan Sagraves who has been working on and hopefully has found an Ohio
Veteran to receive the first dog.
Now that the first leg of the Canines for Combat Vets project has been completed
it is time to start working on raising the money required for the second dog. Please ? keep ordering the shirts,
pins and the new POW-MIA marble.
Sincerely,
James M. (Butch) Badgett
STARTING 2010 To the Commanders and Adjutants of the Central Region: I was in Ohio last weekend and enjoyed every minute I was there.
I observed how the Detachment there works to raise money for the programs of The American Legion and goes the extra mile to
make each event a success. The time spent by all of the members of Ohio is an inspiration not only to me but the rest
of the Detachments of the Central Region. The work of Commander Dave Young, Rob Brewer, Bill Towns, Scott Thornton,
Randy Eicher, and the rest of the Detachment members shows by example the leadership that Ohio has. I always take a close look at each membership report
that National sends out. Each Detachment Membership Chairman should take pride for the new members they are bringing
in with the economy the way it is this year. At Louisville, I said that if we could match the year before I would be
overjoyed. With the Central Region in 1st place at this time and the momentum that you are showing, we (or I should
say you) have the opportunity to exceed your accomplishments of last year. Some of you have already had your Mid-Winter Conferences so I will ask you to pass these thoughts
on or read them at your upcoming meetings. On January 22nd, National will be sending out renewal reminders. I
would ask each membership person in each Detachment to take the extra time to get in touch by phone, mail, or in person to
get all of the renewals you can. Each of us had a reason that we joined the Sons and it just might take a little reminder
to get that member to renew. Each Detachment has some squadrons that still need to send in membership this year.
Just a phone call to show that you are thinking about them can move them to get going and make a great difference in your
totals this year. Consolidated
Report Forms will be coming out to all of the Adjutants soon. I will be asking each Detachment Adjutant for a copy or
the information on these that is being turned in. I will remark on these reports at National this year and on the accomplishments
and hours the Central Region has done. I know each of us will say that what I do isn't that much but we should be extra
proud of what we do. Showing the totals of the Region by the members will not only make us sit up and take notice but
the rest of the regions as well. Detachment
Commanders: Each of you can take pride in what your Detachment does. Every Detachment contributes to the region
and I am proud to stand with each of you for your accomplishments this year. Each of you shows the leadership that makes
the Central Region a great place to belong to. I only wish that I could shake the hands of each of your members and
thank them in person. A very heartfelt "Thanks" to everyone. Stop to thank a Veteran, it's well worth the time! Dennis Theobald
NVC, Central Region
Sons of The American Legion
Barb Hey After seventeen years of outstanding
service to the Legion family and our members Barb Hey is retiring. Jan. 29th
will be her last day. As a friend and co-worker she will be missed.
Bob Caudell, Deputy Director Americanism
and Children & Youth Division
As some
of you know, I am going to be retiring at the end of January. My last day will be January 29th. It has been a pleasure working with all of you and I am going to miss the conversations and friendships I have built
up over the years, especially the CWF Booth at National Convention. Thanks for all the good memories. Barb Hey
DISTRICT 14 SAL The
next District meeting will be Sunday, January 31,2010 at the Kent Post 496. Gavel down 2:00. Commander Millick reminds everyone that the district needs 234 more members to qualify for the 85% Target date
2-10-10 and requests that each squadron bring membership to turn in.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS STATE WINTER GAMES The annual State Winter Games
will be held on February 3-4, 2010 at Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Peninsula. Competition will be offered in Cross Country
Skiing, Downhill Skiing, Speed and Figure Skating. Volunteers are needed at Brandywine Ski Resort, Ledges Area of the Park,
and at Kent State Ice Arena.
Ohio
Point-In-Time Count 2010
Raising awareness of homelessness DATE:
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
TIME: 12:00am, 1/26/10 – 11:59pm, 1/26/10
PARTICIPANTS:
All rural and urban communities and CoCs
To get the most benefit out of conducting this statewide count,
and to improve the accuracy of Ohio homeless numbers, it is imperative that communities participate if possible and conduct
their counts on January 26, 2010 and submit their data to COHHIO for statewide compilation.
Bill Montague Director, Louis Stokes Wade Park Veterans Affairs
Medical Center will retire Feb 3, 2010 We shall all miss this special
director of our area medical centers & clinics here in northeastern Ohio. If
you wish to send a card this is his address: Louis Stokes Wade Park
VAMC 10701 E Blvd. Cleveland
OH 44106
Army Releases December Suicide Data
The Army released suicide data today for the month of December. Among active-duty soldiers, there were ten potential suicides:
one has been confirmed as suicide, and nine remain under investigation. For November, the Army reported 11 potential suicides
among active-duty soldiers. Since the release of that report, three have been confirmed as suicides, and eight remain under
investigation.
There were 160 reported
active-duty Army suicides during 2009. Of these, 114 have been confirmed, and 46 are pending determination of manner
of death. During 2008, there were 140 suicides among active-duty soldiers.
During December 2009, among reserve component soldiers who were not on active duty, there were six potential suicides. For
the year 2009, among that same group, there were 78 total suicides. Of those, 49 were confirmed as suicides and 29 are pending
determination of the manner of death. For 2008, there were 57 suicides among reserve soldiers who were not on active duty.
"There's no question that 2009 was
a painful year for the Army when it came to suicides. We took wide-ranging measures last year to confront the problem, from
the service-wide stand-down and chain-teach program, to enhanced suicide prevention programs and guidance for our Army units,
and the suicide prevention research through our partnership with the National Institute of Mental Health," said Col.
Christopher Philbrick, deputy director, Army Suicide Prevention Task Force.
Soldiers and families in need of crisis assistance can contact Military OneSource or the Defense Center of Excellence (DCoE)
for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury Outreach Center. Trained consultants are available from both organizations
24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
The Military OneSource toll-free number for those residing in the continental U.S. is 1-800-342-9647. Their website address
is http://www.militaryonesource.com. Overseas personnel should refer to the Military OneSource website for dialing instructions for their
specific location.
DETACHMENT
ADJUTANT'S NOTES
*REMINDER* The Executive Committee of the Detachment of Ohio of the Sons of The American
Legion will meet at 8:00 PM this Friday, January 15, 2010 in the Toledo Room (6th Floor) of the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Conference
Center in Columbus. The Detachment Mid-Winter Conference will begin on Saturday at 9:00 AM in the same room.
Attendees are reminded that the dress code for Saturday is coat and tie. District Officers and Detachment Committee
Chairmen may wear SAL casual shirts and khakis for the DEC meeting on Friday. Elected and appointed Detachment Officers
are expected to wear a coat and tie for all sessions.
All officers and committee chairmen are asked to submit their
reports in writing in advance by email, preferably, to facilitate the preparation of the meeting minutes.
Thanks
in advance and we’ll see you in Columbus!
For God and Country,
Scott J. Thornton
ScottJ.Thornton@Gmail.com
Detachment Adjutant
=====
BUCKEYE BOYS STATE REPORT
The candidate selection and application packets
for the 2010 session of Buckeye Boys State should be in the hands of all the Post Americanism Chairmen around the state.
Director Jerry White also sent packets to all the Detachment Officers, District and Squadron Commanders, and Squadron Advisors.
The big areas where the SAL can help with this program are in working with schools and posts to identify and interview
potential candidates, sponsor one or more boys in cooperation with their post, or sponsor one or more boys by their squadrons
directly. This last option is happening more often as some posts are no longer actively supporting Buckeye Boys State,
but their squadrons are and it is very much appreciated by the Board of Trustees to keep the program strong.
Registration
fees in the amount of $300.00 per delegate are due to Department Headquarters by February 15th, and the delegate’s BBS
Citizenship application is due by April 1st. This year’s session is scheduled for June 12-20, 2010 at Bowling
Green State University.
As in years past, the college ACT exam is scheduled for Saturday the 12th. If you
know any boys who will be delegates to Boys State and they want to take the exam that day at BGSU, please make sure to have
them notify the national ACT registration staff of their intentions so they are scheduled correctly. The exam will finish
in plenty of time for the boys to check in for Boys State.
I received a letter from Director White announcing the
death of Buckeye Boys State Trustee Ed Yorukoff of Cincinnati on December 18, 2009 after several years of ill health.
Ed was a member of the Boys State staff for 24 years and most recently served as the Section Head for the Hetuck, the Buckeye
Boys State newspaper. He will be missed.
As always, please contact me with any questions or if you would
like to get involved with the program.
For God and Country,
Scott J. Thornton
Buckeye Boys State
Chairman
Detachment of Ohio
Sons of The American Legion
OHIO PAST DETACHMENT COMMANDERS CLUB OPDCC President Randy Eicher (PDC 03-04) has called for the
winter meeting of the Past Detachment Commanders Club. Please
assemble outside the Toledo Room on the 6th floor of the Radisson Plaza Hotel at 6:30. Along with the regular order of business, there is
the reverse raffle and important information which must be addressed before the DEC. Baseball
On January 1, the online
registration for the 2010 American Legion Baseball season became available. This is the first time in American Legion Baseball
history that coaches have had the ability to register their team via the Internet through a digital, step-by-step process
that tightens administrative communication efforts and lends additional value for players and fans.
YEAGER-BENSON
MEMORIAL POST 199 ALL YOU CAN EAT BUFFET
10700 CAMPBELL RD. HARRISON, OH. 45030
FEBRUARY
21, 2010 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 Idaho Girls State Hosanna
Kabakoro, a Junior member with Unit 7 in Twin Falls, Idaho, was crowned Miss Idaho Teen USA 2010 at the annual Miss Idaho
USA Pageant and will represent the state at the Miss Teen USA Pageant next summer. A Junior member for three years, Hosanna
attended Idaho Girls State where she was elected mayor and senator. Heroes
to Hometowns is a transition program for severely injured service members returning home from OEF/OIF. Many American
Legion Riders chapters and American Legion posts have established "Heroes to Hometowns" support networks for severely
wounded returning veterans.
If your post or ALR chapter knows of a servicemember or veteran who is returning
home after having been severely injured, please fill out the Heroes to Hometowns assistance request form.
For more information visit http://www.legion.org/heroes Air Force Pilot Missing In Action From Vietnam War Is 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 Vietnam War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial.
Air Force Maj. Russell C. Goodman of Salt Lake City, Utah, will be honored this week at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., home
of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbird demonstration team. At the time of his loss, Goodman was assigned to the Thunderbirds and
was flying with the U.S. Navy on an exchange program. He will be buried in Alaska at a date determined by his family.
On Feb. 20, 1967, Goodman and Navy Lt. Gary L. Thornton
took off in their F-4B Phantom from the USS Enterprise for a bombing mission against a railroad yard in Thanh Hoa Province,
North Vietnam. They were struck by enemy antiaircraft fire and their plane exploded. Thornton was able to eject at just 250
feet altitude, but Goodman did not escape. Thornton survived and was held captive until his release in 1973.
Search and rescue attempts were curtailed because of heavy anti-aircraft and automatic weapons fire in the area of the crash.
Between October 1993 and March 2008, joint U.S.-Vietnamese
teams led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) investigated the crash site twice and conducted two excavations,
recovering human remains and pilot equipment. The aircraft debris recovered correlates with the type of aircraft the men were
flying.
Among other forensic identification
tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial
DNA – which matched two of his maternal relatives -- in the identification of Goodman's remains.
For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO Website at
http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call (703) 699-1169
2nd
Vice Commander I recently returned from the 2nd District
Conference and had a good time there as always. I want to thank Commander Dennis and his group
for their hospitality.
I passed out many more raffle tickets and I know they will sell all of them. The guys there are hard workers and want me to
be successfull in my fundraiser. The tickets are slowly coming in and I hope many will be turned in at Mid Winter Conference
in Columbus. I will be glad to take in all sold tickets and monies that weekend if you bring them with you. Don't stop trying
to sell, I know times are tough, but there are many buyers out there willing to buy, we just need sellers. This is a very
worthwhile cause that needs attention and when you research where the monies go you'll know it was worth the effort. District
Commanders , please get tickets to everyone ready to sell and do not sit on them. Also I want to hear from you so I can stop
in and pay a visit to your District or Squadron.
For God and Country,
Steve Honigfort
SAL Detachment
of Ohio
2nd Vice Commander
Ph 419-674-1558
E-mail: shonigfort@yahoo.com
PDC
RAFFLE Just a reminder that
the PDC's will be holding their annual Reverse Raffle on Saturday January 16th, at Post 164 in Grove City. Tickets are
available from the PDC's and the table officers. We will have some at the Mid-Winter conference also. Cost is still $10.00,
which includes the chance to win the $1000.00 grand prize, along with food.
Look forward to seeing you there.
PDC Rob Brewer
Canines for Combat Vets T-Shirts Just a reminder that we still have plenty of the Canines for
Combat Vets T-Shirts for only $10.00 each (regardless of size ? we don?t charge a penny more for the plus sizes ? 1X,
2X and 3X). We also still have the NEADS pins ($5.00 each) and a limited supply of the POW-MIA marbles ($5.00 including
the plastic display case). Shipping to you is free. However, if several orders can be combined it would save us
on shipping costs.
I would be happy to deliver shirt, pin or marble orders to Midwinter next weekend (January 15-17,
2010). Please contact me as soon as possible with your order. If you will not be attending Midwinter I will ship your
order to you in the usual manner.
Thanks for your overwhelming support of the Canines for Combat Vets project and
I look forward to seeing all of you at Midwinter.
James M. ?Butch? Badgett
Detachment of Ohio VA & R Chairperson
749-373-6457 dcc@suddenlink.net
1st District
Members of District 1 visited Mercy
Children's Hospital on Dec.11th with 36 Josh kits. Detachment Commander Young (Stoney) joined in for a very heartwarming visit.
Doug Hancock got to sit and read the "I'll Be OK" book to two of the kids who were available while the
other guys went room to room with the rest of the kits.
We have a visit planned for Jan.9th at Toledo Children's Hospital with 32 kits to hand out. Stoney, Rex, and I heard rumors
Coakley might show up. We have post visits scheduled after our visit. Reading
the Josh book to an ill child, what a warm fuzzy feeling!
See you in Columbus, Doug Hancock
14Th District 14th District American
Legion Winter Conference will be Sunday January 10, 2010 at Charles Faust Post 281. Located at 1601 Front St. Cuyahoga Falls.
The next 14th District SAL
meeting will be Sunday,January 31, 2010 at the Kent Post 496. Located at 1945
Mogadore Rd. in Kent.
POST 193 COMMANDER JOYCE HANNUM HAS CANCELED THE POST 193, MANTUA, SOUP SUPPER FORMERLY
SCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY, JANUARY 8TH, DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS. PLEASE
PASS THE WORD! THANKS. Virginia Gharky
Summit County God &
Country Program Sat. Feb. 6, 2010 Acker-Moore
Memorial Post 3733 Fishcreek Rd, Stow OH. Reservations $15. Contact Jack Ryan at 330-724-4786 for details.
Letters
to the editor - Jan. 6
A veteran's pride
I am an Army veteran who served during the Vietnam War, from
1971 to 1975. I served my country with pride, ready to die in her defense. But after my discharge, I fell on hard times,
which caused me to seek help through various organizations. Most seemed unable or unwilling to help me. One place
I don't want to name made me feel as though I'm a pest, so I don't ask them for more help. I had reached the conclusion
that we as vets are forgotten and on our own, which caused me to lose my pride in being a vet, until I went to a stand down
for veterans in September. While there, I had
my blood pressure taken, and was told that I was on the verge of having a stroke because it was so high. The nurse sent
me to the VA clinic on Waterloo Road, where I met some of the nicest people I have ever met. They have been treating
me for health problems, supplying my medication free of charge, and are currently working on getting me back on my feet. These
people make me feel as though I'm part of their own families. They did what I thought would never happen; they made me
feel proud to be a veteran again.
I don't want anyone to feel sorry for me, just appreciate me and my fellow veterans,
and if any of us bother you by asking for help, then tell us you value our service.
So, to all of you angels who
care about us and want to help, I say thank you and may God bless and keep you and yours safe.
Eddie L. Gulley
Akron
DISTRICT 14 COMMUNICATOR Dept. Website - www.alaohio.org Please use our new site. It will enable you to secure a copy
and invaluable information needed for any program.
Mid Winter Conference - Please attend Jan.15 th & 16 th, airport Marriott, Columbus, OH. Our guest speaker will be our National President
Rita Navarette. She will distribute her pin to all in attendence. Membership Chairman and Dept. First Vice Linda Close will
present the membership skit involving the Dist. Presidents at the Saturday meeting. There will also be a basket raffle. Our
theme for the 14 th Dist. will be HOT! HOT! HOT! for membership. Donations derived are to support the National Candidates
Fund.
Please contine to work on your Constitution & By Laws update. Remember your $6.
bonding fee to Department. Continue to work diligently on your membership and send to Dept. promptly. See you at Mid Winter
Conference Jan. 15 th & 16 th. Stay well and have a very safe and enjoyable 2010. Please remember our service men and
women serving our great country and each of their families in your daily thoughts and prayers. Jean Patrick,
14 th Dist. President
Please
Contact Congress
National Health Care ReformMore Info
Impact on America’s Veterans and Their Families
On August 24, 2009 The American Legion National Executive Committee adopted Resolution 1, The American Legion
Policy on VA and National Health Care Reform, ( http://www.legion.org/documents/resolutions/2009p001.pdf ) and Resolution
2, The American Legion Policy on DOD's Medical Health System and National Health Care Reform, ( http://www.legion.org/documents/resolutions/2009p002.pdf
). The goal of these resolutions was to make sure that neither the Department of Defense's or the Department of Veterans
Affairs' health care delivery systems were adversely impacted by legislation introduced and passed in each chamber.
Very early in the process, The American Legion received assurances from key congressional leaders and the President of the
United States that nothing in the national health care reform legislation would adversely impact either the DoD or VA health
care systems. Both the House and the Senate have passed their versions of national health care reform legislation.
Both bills are literally over 2,000 pages of legislative language. In a review of each bill, it appears neither DoD
or VA health care systems will be adversely impacted; however, the current on-going negotiations between House, Senate and
the White House are being conducted in "closed sessions" with little to no detailed information being officially
released or reported.
The American Legion will continue to closely monitor developments and keep The American Legion
family informed as specifics are revealed. Clearly, changes to Medicare's reimbursement rates to participating health
care providers could possibly have an impact on TRICARE and TRICARE for Life beneficiaries. This is just one of the
many provisions The American Legion has publicly expressed concerns over.
Another concern deals with any requirement
for mandatory public or private health care insurance. Neither TRICARE nor VA health care is an insurance provider,
but rather a health care provider. So The American Legion has publicly expressed its concerns with "cookie cutter"
approaches in mandating health care insurance coverage with the threat of fines or penalties for noncompliance. Both
DoD and VA health care are earned benefits for honorable military service and the thanks of a grateful nation.
In
keeping with the constitutional intent of the democratic process, the voice of We, the people remains absolutely critical
in the representative form of government we enjoy; therefore, you are encouraged to ask your two Senators and your Representative
specific questions you may have on the issue of national health care reform as it relates to veterans, servicemembers and
their families.
Please feel free to share any responses you may receive from your elected officials with The American
Legion National Legislative Commission, so we can follow up as necessary.
Find your elected officials: http://capwiz.com/legion/dbq/officials/
A CHRISTMAS GIFT Bill Towns (Detachment Judge Advocate) proudly announced the birth of his 12th grandchild. Steven Wayne Towns was signed to Squadron 281, December 16, 2009 within minutes of his birth. Both mother and baby are doing well. Grandpa wishes everyone a Merry
Christmas and hopes the New Year brings as much joy to you and your family. Thank you for all your support in submitting articles making this weekly update a worthy project this past
year. Detachment Judge Advocate
Bill Towns Canines for Combat Vets If anyone is holding on to money for Canines for Combat Vets, please send it to Headquarters.
It seems that we need approx. $2,000.00 to purchase the first dog for an Ohio Vet. The dog cost approx.
$20,000.00. So as you see we are not that far away from are goal. Butch would like to have all the money that was raise
for this project so he could Proudly give a report at Mid-Winter that we are purchasing a dog . So I am asking Please send the money raised to Headquarters the first week in January by the
8th. Thank you and God Bless America. Rex Buchs Maybe
you can put this on your web sites.
We the Sons of the American Legion have a project to get as many people in Ohio that have
a Kroger to help us out it dose not cost anything to the ones that have Kroger cards every time you use your Kroger card a
portion of your purchase of it go to the SAL for Combat Dog for Veterans to Purchase a Dog to train for a Veteran, these Dogs
Cost approximately 20, 000.00
The Kroger Community Awards
program as it relates to Canines for Combat Vets will last until April 30,2010. I urge those of you who have not yet
done so to please sign up. You can register online or at the customer service desk the next time you shop at Kroger’s.
It would be good to do this as soon as possible so that your holiday food purchases can be included in our next award.
Follow these
steps to register online at krogercommunityrewards.com:
Click on sign-in/register
Click on sign up today in the “new customer” box
Sign up for a Kroger Rewards
Account by entering your zip code, click on your favorite store, enter your email address and create a password.
You will receive an email. Click on the link within the body of the email.
Click
on Edit Kroger Community Rewards information and input your Kroger card number.
Update
or confirm your information.
Enter the Canines For Combat Vets NPO number 84473.
You should see your organization’s name on the right side of information page.
Purchases
will only count after your Kroger Plus card is registered.
Remember to swipe your Kroger
Plus card when shopping for each purchase to count.
The
following is a list of Kroger Stores participating in the Program: Athens, Bellaire, Bellefontaine, Bowling Green, Bucyrus,
Canal Winchester, Chillicothe, Circleville, All Columbus stores (Columbus, Delaware, Dublin, Gahanna, Grove City, Hilliard,
Marion, Marysville, Pataskala, Pickerington, Reynoldsburg, Upper Arlington, Whitehall, Worthington), Finlay, Fostoria, Fremont,
Galloway, Jackson, Lancaster, Logan, London, Mansfield, Martins Ferry, Marysville, McConnelsville, Mt. Gilead, Mt. Vernon,
Nelsonville, New Albany, New Lexington, Newark, Oregon, Perrysburg, Port Clinton, Portsmouth, Powell, Sandusky, St. Clairsville,
Steubenville, Sunbury, Swanton, Sylvania, Tiffin, All Toledo stores, Urbania, Washington Court House, Waverly, Wellston, Wheelersburg,
Wintersville and Zanesville. Also Weirton , Wellsburg and Wheeling in West Virginia . If you
live in or near any of these Kroger Stores you can participate in the Kroger Awards Program and designate our program as the
recipient of your rewards.
American Legion Legacy Run Registration is NOW OPEN for the 2010 American Legion Legacy Run.
Registration
for The American Legion Legacy Run, August 22-26, 2010, is now open.
You will find the 2010 registration/waiver
form at www.legion.org/riders/legacy, or contact legionriders@legion.org.
This year the Legacy Run will travel approximately 1300 miles in an indirect route from Indianapolis
to the convention city of Milwaukee.
The general 2010 route into the Milwaukee area will be announced in the Spring
of 2010. A final, fixed route with all stops and hotel accommodations will be announced later in the year.
Register early to be placed back into your 2009 groupings.
In 2010, The American Legion Legacy Run will be joined
by a group of Royal British Legion Riders, who will travel from Great Britain to be a part of our annual run. To learn more
about the RBLR, visit their website at www.rblr.co.uk
See you all in late summer!
POST
19
The article below was in Jewell C's Beacon column
This is a great need--if you can help
with anything at all--please do so.
If you need me to pick things up and transport to Haven of Rest--just let me know.
My American Legion Post (783 W Market Street--opens at 2pm weekdays, Noon on Saturdays) can also serve as a drop off
point. Our Legion will make sure the Haven gets them ASAP.
Thank you so very much!
Michele Sandridge <michele_sandridge@sbcglobal.net>
email me with any questions
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Winter
clothes needed
The Haven of Rest has a real need for winter clothes.
I have InfoCision Management Corp.'s
Matt Feltrup to thank for the heads-up:
''We heard through Angela Collier, director of InfoKids Early Learning Center
(InfoCision's child-care facility for the children of employees), who recently toured the Haven of Rest's facilities on Market
Street and was touched by the dire need for warm winter clothing among those served by the Haven of Rest. She decided right
then and there that InfoKids would hold a holiday drive to collect jackets, hats, mittens, scarves and other warm clothing
to donate. . . .
''I'm not sure if many people in the community realize this need. They have a convenient drop-off spot
right at their facility — and they'll even unload your donated items.''
The Haven of Rest is at 175 E. Market
St., Akron
“555” Award Beginning
this year, the Triple Nickel (“555”) award has been established by the National Organization to reward those Detachments
that achieve each of these three membership goals:
1) Charter 5 new Squadrons
2) Achieve 105% of prior year’s
membership
3) 85% retention rate At the 2010 National Convention in Milwaukee,
WI, Detachments that achieve all three levels will receive an Emblem Sales certificate of $555 in recognition of their hard
work. A warm welcome to the Squadrons who have joined our ranks since July 1st:
| George
H. Hohman, Jr. Squadron 10, AK | Murphy-Johnson Squadron 94, MN | | Hayes-Smith Squadron 137, AR | Walthall County Squadron 56, MS | | Yolo Squadron 77, CA | Maywood Squadron 272, NE | | Twin Cities Squadron 313, CA | Dwight Squadron 110, NE | | Trujillo-Sheets Squadron 28, CO | Leigh Squadron 302, NE | | Gulf Breeze Squadron 378, FL | Viking Memorial Squadron 611, OH
| | Thomas Edwin Wall Squadron 191, GA | Melvin
Mayfield Squadron 806, OH | | L.C. Pace-Eugene Brown Squadron 328, GA | Steever R Day Squadron 326, PA | | Two Oakes Squadron 254, IA | Pelzer-Williamston Squadron 121, SC | | Urbandale Squadron 263, IA | Needville Squadron 350, TX | | David R Berry Squadron 414, KS | Spokane Squadron 9, WA | | Lansing Memorial Squadron 411, KS | Pewaukee Squadron 71, WI | | Harristown Squadron 202, KY | St. Albans Squadron 73, WV | | | |
Outstanding work by the Detachment of Nebraska! They have chartered 3 squadrons and lead the race to be the 1st
Detachment to get the 1st “5” in this category. The Detachment of Mississippi received the 1st “5”
by achieving 105% membership! Senator
Brown Senator Brown would like you to be aware that Ohio veterans are currently
the target of a phone scam. Fraudulent callers identifying themselves as U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) officials
have solicited credit card numbers and other personal information under the guise that prescription dispensing protocols have
changed. To learn more about this scam and tips to avoid identity theft please click here. Auxiliary National Headquarters
'Tis the season! All of us at your American Legion
Auxiliary National Headquarters wish you a joyous and blessed Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year. As we celebrate this
season of gift-giving, please continue to remember our troops, service members, veterans and their families with your prayers
and good deeds. We live in freedom and can celebrate our holiday traditions only because of the price our veterans have paid.
Peace be with you and yours as you gather with family and friends. In observance of the holidays, American
Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters will be closed Dec. 24-25, Dec. 28-31 and Jan. 1.
Remember: We're open 24
hours a day on the Web.
Visit us - and stay tuned for an improved Web site coming next year! Special Olympics
We would like
to extend a heartfelt wish to you and your families during this holiday season. Special Olympics Ohio is fortunate to have
the support of thousands of individuals who donate their time and resources to help enrich the lives of those with intellectual
disabilities. Even during tough economic times, your generosity has enabled us to continue to provide quality programs and
services for the 23,000 athletes in Ohio.
It’s almost time! Don’t forget to pick up your Sunday
paper on December 27th which contains the Special Olympics and P&GbrandSAVER coupon booklet! With more than $88 in savings
in each insert, you won’t want to miss this great money-saving opportunity.
Of course, we can’t forget the
other great P&GbrandSAVER promotion benefit: for every coupon redeemed, Special Olympics will receive 3 cents. It’s
like shopping for a good cause. The more you save, the bigger the gift to those individuals whose lives are changed by Special
Olympics.
Thanks for your support!
Sincerely,
Special Olympics Ohio
End
of the Year Benefit Alert for Navy Veterans:
You may have more than $49,000 in education benefits. This
money is not a loan and if you don’t use it, you lose it forever. Jump-start your New Year’s resolution and do
a quick search to find Military Friendly Schools who offer classes in:
Information Technology
Construction
Physical
Sciences
Health Care
Automotives
And More
Don't let another year go by --
Start using the benefits you've earned. Find Military Friendly Schools Now.
Detachment Of Ohio 1st Vice Commander
I would like to take this time a say Thank you for working on the zeros. We are looking
good ,but we still have some left. I do know that we can work on those . Central Region is doing so much better. Ohio is in
20th place. That is a long cry from 40th. place. Thanks . I new that we can show the Central Region what it up. If you look
at the membership in the Central Region we have 30,000 strong and to be in 20th place that is great. This is comparing
to the other states above us that only have 10,000 members and less in the Central Region. We should be proud , but like
I said we need to work on the other zeros. Commander
Dave and I are still planning to visit The First District in January. If you wish for one of the table Officers
to come to your District please feel free and call us and we will work it in.
Please remember to say a pray for our TROOPS and their Families. God Bless America.
Also I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Thank You Rex Buchs
Detachment Of Ohio 2nd Vice Commander
My wife Gitti and I would
like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year !
With the holidays we all think about family
and friends. I have made many new friends in the Detachment
of Ohio, Sons of the American Legion, and I hope to make
many more. Let us never forget the people in our areas that have had bad luck mess with their good times. Many SAL Squadrons
do so much to help the unfortunate and will continue to do more in the future. Don't forget to toot your horn for all you
do as it is deserving.
I also would like again to thank you all for your
support for me and my fundraiser. I am open to any ideas you may have and have an open ear. Please keep the lines of communication
open and we can make successes of all the programs running to date.
OH by the way - SELL, SELLL, SELLLL, my Detachment
Raffle Tickets.
Again Happy Holidays,
Thanks,
Steve Honigfort
Detachment Of Ohio
2nd
Vice Commander
Detachment of Ohio Chaplain
I
recently attended the 9th district conference on December 6, 2009 at Post 719 in Orwell, Ohio.
I would like to thank
Commander Charles Hawn for his welcome into the 9th District. It appears that their membership is looking good which
puts them at second place in the state and the members at the District meeting were in great numbers.
Please
don't forget to send me the names of members who have gone to the Squadron everylasting so I may sent condolence cards.
Also send the names of any members that are currently sick I can send them a getwell card.
Let's not forget our
troops that our serving our country while we are at home with our families enjoying the holidays. Please keep them in
your thoughts and prayers.
I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year. Look forward to seeing
everyone at Mid-Winter in Columbus.
Happy Holidays.
Gary Lang
1501 Watertown Road
Waterford, OH
45786
12th District SAL
The 12th District SAL
will be holding its winter conference on January 10, 2010 at Bexley Post 430 at 11am. I am extending an open invitation
to anyone that wishes to attend.
For God and Country Dan
Finnell 12th Dist. SAL Commander
Canines for Combat Vets Orders:
I recently received another
shipment of Canines for Combat Vets t-shirts.
Those of you interested in submitting your orders for the Canines for Combat
Vets T-Shirts and pins and/or the POW-MIA marbles can save the program shipping costs by submitting your combined Squadron
orders prior to Midwinter and your orders can be delivered to you at Midwinter. Please leave a note with your order
indicating that the order will be picked up and I will bring your items with me. If the person submitting the order
will not be the person attending Midwinter, please let me know who will be picking the order up for you.
If you
would rather have your order shipped to you, please let me know that also.
Thanks for all your help!
James
M. Butch Badgett
VA & R Chairperson
Oratorical
Contest
Dec. 09 Web Article
I had the privilege of being asked to help with this program of the American
Legion in Kansas last year. I really enjoyed being a part of the Kansas American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship
Program. The youth were really amazing with the knowledge of their subject. I’m looking forward to being
a part of the Oratorical contest in Kansas again this year.
This contest is usually held in January
through March at the Department level, with the National completion being held in April in Indianapolis, Indiana. High
school students are eligible to compete, subject to the rules established by the National American Legion Americanism Commission.
The contest has two phases: prepare orations of eight to ten minutes in length and an assigned topic presentation of from
three to five minutes. The purpose of The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program - "A
Constitutional Speech Contest" is to develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States
on the part of high school students. Other objectives of the contest include the development of leadership qualities, the
ability to think and speak clearly and intelligently, and the preparation for acceptance of the duties and responsibilities,
the rights and privileges of American citizenship. The information about the Oratorical Contest should be out in the
schools for the youth to view and get involved in. Remember to check with your Department American Legion for how to
be included with your Departments Oratorical Contest. We need to ask to help with this contest, if not approached for
help. This is a program of the American Legion in which we need to assist if we are not already assisting. For
how to find The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program go to the American Legion web site (legion.org),
go to Programs / Events. Scroll down to Oratorical Contest. Once there click on it and it will take you
to The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program information web site, which has a lot of good information
about the oratorical contest. I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and the best
of wishes for a Happy New Year. Gerald HammerschmidtAmericanism Chairman
Terror
Monitor: Tape of Captured US Soldier Due
Terrorism tracking group: Taliban to release new video of US soldier
captured in Afghanistan
By DEB RIECHMANN Associated Press Writer
KABUL December 16, 2009 (AP)
The
Taliban have announced they will release a new video of a U.S. soldier captured in Afghanistan, a U.S.-based terrorism monitoring
group said Wednesday.
SITE Intelligence Group, a U.S.-based terrorist tracking organization, said the media arm
of the Afghan Taliban made the announcement Wednesday on their Web site.
The video is said to be titled, "One of
Their People Testified." The Taliban did not name the American.
The only U.S. soldier known to be in captivity
is Pfc. Bowe Bergdahl of Hailey, Idaho, who disappeared more than five months ago in Afghanistan.
Bergdahl, 23, was
captured June 30 in the eastern province of Paktika province near the Pakistan border. His Taliban captors released a propaganda
video of him about two weeks later. In the July 19 video, Bergdahl appeared downcast and frightened. No subsequent videos
have been released.
U.S. military officials have searched for Bergdahl, but it is not publicly known whether he is even
being held in Afghanistan or neighboring Pakistan.
A spokesman for the Idaho National Guard, Lt. Col. Tim Marsano, confirmed
he notified the parents about the video this morning after learning about it through news reports.
"They're standing
by waiting to see what happens just like everybody else," Marsano said.
He said nothing has changed in the parents'
approach with media, preferring to maintain their privacy rather than talk about their son's capture.
"It's been
a difficult time for them and their family," he said.
Blaine County Sheriff Walt Femling said he talked to the
trooper's mother, Jani Bergdahl, this morning: "I talked to Jani. They're kind of anxiously wanting to get some kind
of information at this point."
Pakistan is off-limits to the thousands of U.S. forces based in Afghanistan.
When militants captured a reporter for The New York Times in a dangerous region of Afghanistan last year, he was transported
to Pakistan and held for months there. The reporter, David Rohde, eventually escaped.
--
Lynn
Lynn
O'Shea
VA Summit Frames Plan to End Veteran Homelessness WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) held a historic three-day conference
in the nation's capital last week to signal the beginning of a new mission for the agency – to end veteran homelessness
in five years.More than 1,300 VA clinicians and health care specialists, representatives of federal agencies invested in providing
support for homeless and low-income veterans, and community- and faith-based service providers represented by the National
Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) assembled to provide input on strategies that will shape the VA's five-year plan."My
name is Shinseki, and I am here to end veteran homelessness," said VA Secretary Eric Shinseki in his opening address.
"Many of you have been working the issue of veteran homelessness for a long time. ... I'm the newcomer here today, so
let me reiterate that this is not a summit on homeless veterans – it's a summit to end homelessness among veterans.
That's our purpose."President Obama and I are personally committed to ending homelessness among veterans within the next
five years. I learned long ago that there are never any absolutes in life, and a goal of zero homeless veterans sure sounds
like an absolute. But unless we set ambitious targets for ourselves, we would not be giving this our very best efforts. No
one who has served this nation as veterans have should ever be living on the streets."Dr. Gerald Cross, VA Acting Under
Secretary for Health; Peter Dougherty, Director of the VA Office of Homeless Programs; Paul Smits, Associate Chief Consultant
of Homeless and Rehabilitation and Treatment Services; and Vincent Kane, National Coordinator of the HUD-VASH Program and
Director of the National Call and Referral Center, discussed several significant focuses of the Secretary's five-year plan.For
more on the VA Summit, including NCHV President and CEO John Driscoll’s opening address, click here
MEMBERSHIP I would like to take this time and say Thank You for a good job on membership. Every District
has done a great job working on the zeros. I receive today the report on membership and all districts our doing better. I
need to work on the Eighth District but there are coming along as well. I am setting a date to travel to the Eight District
as we speak. Gentleman I know without a doubt that times are tuff and we all know that membership is number one in our eyes
to survive. With out a doubt I know that we can show the Central Region that we are the best. Donations and membership!
Special Thanks to the Fourteenth District for doing a great job on there membership round-up. Commander Ken Great
job.
Commander Young and I are planning a trip to the First District in January for membership again Please
give me a call or e-mail and we will try to plan a trip to your District as well.
Thanks Rex Buchs
From Steve Honigfort, SAL Detachment of Ohio 2nd Vice Commander:
I attended the 6th District Conference
in Marion on Dec. 6th and was welcomed with open arms. The membership there seems to be getting things going. I want to thank
Commander "Tub" Floyd Morris for inviting me there and all his officers and the membership of the 6th for making
me welcome. The gentlemen there are really selling the Detachment Raffle tickets and have to date sold over 300+ tickets.
Thanks Guys! The 6th is one of the smaller Districts but have the BIG hearts. I would like to challenge the balance of the
Districts in the Detachment of Ohio to match or exceed the 6th District in their ticket sales. I gave out 250 tickets to each
District Commander and not to many have asked for more tickets to sell. So I again ask you all to show a little Heart and
push the raffle tickets hard. I know there are buyers out there if they are asked, please do so! ASK, ASK, and ASK again!
I will send or deliver tickets if asked to do so. So contact me soon ! We are half way through the year and I wish we had
half the tickets sold. Let's "GET ER DONE"
Thanks Again Guys!
Steve Honigfort
SAL Detachment
of Ohio
2nd Vice Commander
11534 TR 205
Kenton, Ohio 43326
Ph 419-674-1558
E-mail : shonigfort@yahoo.com
DETACHMENT ADJUTANT'S NOTES Happy Holidays, Everyone! In the spirit of the season, I have a veritable cornucopia of topics to address
in this update…
CLEARING MEMBERSHIP ZEROS As
of the December 2nd (50% Lap) Membership Report, we still have 45 squadrons that have not turned in any 2010 membership cards.
How is this possible? By district, the breakdown is: D1: 8, D2: 4, D3: 3, D4:
1, D6: 2, D7: 5, D8: 8, D10: 6, D11: 4, D12: 1, D13: 3. Compliments are due to Districts 5, 9 and 14 for
having something from all of their squadrons. For everyone else: Let’s get going!
2009 membership cards will be no good soon and posts can choose to deny entrance to members without 2010 cards.
SQUADRON PAPERWORK I also need to point out that there are still some squadrons without Officer Certifications filed
for this year. D3: 619; D7: 590; D8: 229 and 342; D10: 396; D11: 578.
2010 DETACHMENT MID-WINTER CONFERENCE The Mid-Winter Conference will be held on January 15-16 at the Ramada Plaza
Hotel, 4900 Sinclair Rd., Columbus, OH 43229-5407. The Detachment Executive Committee will meet at 8:00
PM on Friday night and the general session will be at 9:00 AM on Saturday. Everyone is welcome and encouraged
to attend. Hotel reservations must be made with the Ramada directly at (614) 846-0300 by December 29th.
The
Past Detachment Commanders will be holding a Reverse Raffle at Grove City Post 164 on Saturday evening. The
top prize is $1,000 and there will be only 150 tickets at $10 each in the drawing. You do not have to be
present to win, but it is a fun evening with some good food and worth attending if you are nearby or staying overnight.
Please contact any of the PDCs to purchase your tickets.
2010
NATIONAL WASHINGTON CONFERENCE Anyone wishing to attend the Washington D.C. Conference on February 28 to
March 3 should contact Detachment Legislative Chairman Bill Towns to coordinate your travel and activities.
2010 DETACHMENT CONVENTION YEARBOOK As in recent years, the yearbook for the 47th Detachment Convention
in Perrysburg will feature advertising spaces with proceeds to benefit the Child Welfare Foundation.
The
pricing schedule based on 8 ½ x 11 pages is:
- 1st $500+ donation
gets outside back cover in color - 1st $300+ donation gets inside front cover in color -
1st $200+ donation gets inside back cover in color - All $150+ donations get a full page
in black & white - All $100 donations get a ½-page in black & white - All $50 donations
get a ¼-page in black & white - All $30 donations get a business-card size ad in b/w
We
would like to have a page from each district to showcase your officers, squadrons and events. The deadline
for all submissions is April 14th.
PDC Rob Brewer is the 2010 National
CWF Chairman and Ohio’s goal is $65,000 by May 31st. Let’s drum up some big ad sales
to support the SAL's signature program and blow that goal away!
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR! Please remember our troops serving around the world, their families, our
veterans and the children of this great nation in your thoughts and prayers.
For
God and Country, Scott J. Thornton Detachment Adjutant
=====
AMERICAN
LEGION BUCKEYE BOYS STATE REPORT I would
like to begin by recognizing Chris Robison, 2nd Vice Commander – District 11, for representing the Detachment
in my place at the Fall Meeting of the Board of Trustees on Saturday, October 10th.
My responsibilities
as Detachment Adjutant required that I be in Indianapolis for the Fall Detachment Commanders and Adjutants Conference that
weekend and Chris stepped up as a fellow SAL member and 2008 BBS delegate to help out. He is a freshman
at Kent State University and was able to give up part of his weekend to support this important program. Most
of this update is based on his notes. Thank you, Chris!
From the Trustees meeting, some of the items
of interest are:
- The 2010 session will be held June 12-20 at Bowling Green State University. -
We will be unable to use the BGSU Rec Center this year, so the Recreation
Section will be developing alternative plans for the delegates. -
There are some issues in negotiating a new conferencing agreement
with the school that have carried over from last year; BBS is now considering a move to a new location for future programs.
Five alternative colleges were mentioned, including Kent State University. -
We are expecting Jim Morris (WV), National Vice Commander of The
American Legion, to visit the program again this year. Jim is also a member of the Mountaineer Boys State
Staff. - Our liaison with the Ohio Highway Patrol, Staff Lt. Lance Mathess, retired from the force after the
2009 program. Lance has been a big supporter of Buckeye Boys State and we wish him well in his retirement.
Our new OHP liaison is Danny Springs. -
The Constitution and By-Laws Committee is preparing a revised Constitution
with the removal of duplicate content. -
Several new staff appointments were approved, including the granting
of “Consultant” status to Detachment Adjutant Scott Thornton and assigning him to the State Government Section
of the BBS Staff. - Director Jerry White will be mailing out the candidate selection and application packets to all the
posts in Ohio in the first two weeks of December.
The packets going to the home posts of our four elected Detachment
table officers will include a letter informing them that they may name a delegate to be sponsored by the Detachment in their
honor. That delegate may be either in addition to or in place of one of the post’s delegates.
Should those posts not have a suitable delegate, then one from another post in their home district will be selected.
We are
always seeking new ideas to attract more delegates to attend the program. With all the other activities
these young men are involved in, it is increasingly difficult to entice them to choose to spend nine days
of their summer at Boys State.
The
other big subject of concern is funding and the budget for Boys State. We are trying to hold the delegate
fees stable and reduce program expenses wherever we can. Getting a new conferencing agreement in place
will help in this area – right now it is a big unknown and operating on a year-to-year basis makes budgeting difficult.
As always, please contact me with any questions
or if would like to get involved with the program. We can always use more help.
For God and Country, Scott
J. Thornton Detachment
Buckeye Boys State Chairman ===== OPERATION COMFORT WARRIORS Dear Departments,
It's that time of year again. Time when The American
Legion usually outdoes itself in the normal 100 percent support it shows the troops. Last year at about this time, Operation
Comfort Warriors was born. By the end of December, $100,000 was raised to purchase comfort items ranging from hooded
sweat shirts to socks to small electronics for our troops in military hospitals and warrior transition units around the world.
These donations helped brighten the holidays for many of our wounded warriors.
Back in August, National Commander
Hill set a goal to raise another $100,000 by the end of the year. We were at $189,000 at the time. Today, we have
raised $227,938 since OCW's inception. That means we need just more than $61,000 to reach this goal. I know that
with your help, we can reach that goal.
Many worthy requests come from the various hospitals and units. One
that sticks out is the request from the Fort Carson, Colorado, Wounded Warrior Battalion, to purchase 50 "Tens Units"
at $31.48 each. Tens units are pain management devices. They are effectively used in the management of extreme
debilitating headaches, often associated with head trauma, severe TBI and repeated blast concussions. Many of our wounded
have these issues, and even with the abundant medications they are given, still suffer the head pain. The company which
manufactures the devices will provide them at a 50 percent discount if we purchase them.
Other needs from Fort
Carson include "barracks kits" filled with personal toiletries, bed linens, bathroom linens, pillow, pajamas, socks,
books, phone card and other items for the room.
As most of you are aware, The American Legion spends no money on
marketing or overhead for OCW. 100 percent of the donations go to the troops. Your National Security Division
has been very efficient at responding to the needs of the bases worldwide and there is rarely more than $20,000 in the account
at any given time. Other items purchased and future needs include DVDs, CDs, books, duffle bags, backpacks, gift cards,
puzzles and even laptops for common areas. We have already helped Walter Reed, Landstuhl, Bethesda, Camp Pendleton,
Fort Hood, Camp Lejeune, Fort Lewis, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Bragg and more places than I can mention here.
Operation Comfort Warriors will be contributing to just about every U.S. military hospital or warrior transition unit in the
world.
Donations can be made online at www.legion.org/ocw or by mailing checks to Operation Comfort Warriors, PO Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206. Thank
you for your continued support on this.
John Raughter
Communications Director
The American Legion
Squadron 503 "Wings, Rings
and Things" will be on the menu at American Legion Post 503, Shiloh, from 6:00 - 9:00 pm on Saturday, December 12th.
The meal is open to the public and is being sponsored by Sons of the American Legion Squadron 503.
Thank
you,
Richard Russell
Adjutant
S.A.L. Squadron 503, Shiloh
Legion
Applauds Resolution of Flagpole Dispute
WASHINGTON (Dec. 9, 2009)
– Calling the decision of the Sussex Square Homeowners’ Association Board in Va. to withdraw legal action against
a WWII hero, “a great decision,” the leader of The American Legion congratulated all parties involved. “This is a victory for reason and I applaud
the board for making the correct decision to permit this American hero to honor Old Glory in such a fitting way, every day,
on his property,” said National Commander Clarence E. Hill. “I also commend Legionnaires and all Americans
across the country who flooded Col. Barfoot, the association and The American Legion with letters, emails, phone calls and
messages of support and tribute.”
Because of the controversy involving the 90-year-old Medal of Honor recipient, Rep. Howard P. “Buck” Mckeon (R-CA)
and Republican Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA) introduced a resolution, H. Res. 952, allowing Congressional Medal of Honor recipients
to properly display the United States flag on their property at all times.
“I thank the law firm of Marchant, Honey & Baldwin for their pro-bono efforts in resolving
this issue. There is always room for discussion and solutions to be achieved within the system,” Hill added.
“In this case, the homeowners’ association recognized the remarkable sacrifice and devotion of this true hero
and acted wisely within the boundaries of their authority to do the right thing. We understand and appreciate the important
role homeowners’ associations play in local communities. The American Legion encourages all homeowners to continue
to properly display Old Glory.”
60th JOSEPH A. ANNICK MEMORIAL BOWLING TOURNAMENT
This year's 60th Bowling Tournament
packet has been mailed out from The Department Bowling Commission It contains Bowling Entry information, housing information,
and Bowling Rules and additional information. If you are interested in bowling please obtain this information from your Post/Squadron
Adjutants.
It is the responsibility of all Bowlers to read, understand, and abide by the rules. We urge you to
read
them carefully. PLEASE READ AND NOTE THE INFORMATION SHEET THIS YEAR.Thank you for your cooperation.
Brenda
McGowan
Tournament Director By RAYMOND L. SMITH Tribune Chronicle
POSTED:
December 7, 2009
WARREN - The American Legion here is conducting a door-to-door campaign in an attempt to revive Warren's
American Legion Post 564, where membership has declined to an almost non-existence state.
But while officials involved
with the Warren Post can speculate on the reduction in membership numbers to less than 20, other posts in the area and even
around the state are experiencing booms in numbers.
''This post has, over the years, provided many services to the community,"
said James Fiedler, a representative of the national American Legion office. ''Through this revitalization effort, we hope
to regenerate membership and programs.''
The gradual decline in activity at American Legion Post 564 is not symptomatic
of what is happening nationwide, Fiedler said.
"We have posts where there is an increase in memberships," he
said. "There is a renewed need and support for the veterans.
Sean Sparks, a member of the national American Legion
and Warren native, said the local post's declined in membership and activity was gradual.
''Growing up here in Warren,
the perception of the American Legion was it was a bar for veterans,'' Sparks said. ''People did not know there was a lot
of opportunities for the community. Young people did not know they could get scholarships. We did not know about American
Legion baseball or the Boys Nation program.''
Councilman Bob Dean, a veteran, says the city will provide space for the
legion to have meetings.
Conversely, the Howland Post is experiencing the highest membership in its history.
Jim
Campbell, commander of Post 700 in Howland, said his organization is up to 86 members, after starting three years ago with
53.
''We want people to recognize their service to their country and we want them to be Legionnaires,'' Campbell said.
Creating programs that assist veterans was the basis for formation of the American Legion. It is designed to provide services
for veterans and their families, as well as conducting patriotic programs in the communities where posts exist.
''Active
American Legion posts also provide educational assistance for young people through grants and scholarships," Fiedler
said.
Nationally, the American Legion provides $135,000 in scholarship for one oratory contest alone. Some state colleges
provide free tuition.
''The American Legion also provide services for injured military personnel returning to the United
States from Iraq and Afghanistan," Fiedler said. "We must not forget we are a nation at war. The American Legion
has many programs that are designed to help the families of active duty military members, including temporary financial assistance,
troop support program, and programs for current benefits."
There are 11 American Legion posts throughout Trumbull
County.
For information on the American Legion or on joining the Warren post, call 317-408-8532 or 317-693 4180.
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!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING 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 and 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 PDC
1999-2000
THE
AKRON CBOC NEEDS OUR HELP!!
THE AKRON CBOC IS IN NEED OF $2000.00 TO PURCHASE ITEMS SO THEY CAN BUY CHRISTMAS
AND THANKSGIVING GIFTS FOR OUR VETERANS WHO VISIT THE AKRON CBOC. HOPE WE CAN COUNT ON YOU FOR A DONATION!!
THEY WOULD
NEED THE MONEY BY NEXT THREE WEEKS
All checks are to be written to Diane White the Director of Akron Community outpatient
clinic. The address is:
Akron V.A. Outpatient Clinic Voluntary Service
55 West Waterloo Rd.
Akron, Ohio 44319
330-724-7715
Another topic under discussion is the purchasing of baseball hats as gifts for our veterans when they
walk in the door. We have a vender who will sell us the hats for $1.50 with the veteran’s logo on the front. This would
be an additional cost and they are looking at giving away 200 right before Christmas.
New 5th District Website Please be advised that the new 5th District website is now available for your viewing.
Click on: http://www.ohfifthdistrict.org
Being in our very early stages, this website will be tweaked to improve or correct listed information.
There are many posts in our district which I show having no POST email addresses. If your POST has one, and it is not
shown, please let me know. Plus, I
only know of just a few district posts that currently have a website and I need to
have your website address if not shown under
District Websites.
The website will be updated weekly. Refer
to Contact Us on website for weekly submissions.
This will be a very exciting addition to help our Posts
and members be kept better informed as to what is happening at the District, Dept or National level. Would appreciate
your comments and recommendations to better improve our website. If you haven't yet noticed, the Legion national website
has been updated and much easier to use. Has a wealth of news and helpful hints in the operation of your Posts and membership.
Go to: www.legion.org.
Look forward to seeing you at our District Executive Board Meeting this coming Sunday
at Post 83 Sandusky at 1 P.M.
Mike Davey
5th District Public Relations Chrm
mike0876@hotmail.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
American Legion assisting Ft. Hood shooting victims
INDIANAPOLIS (November 23, 2009) – The American Legion’s
Operation Comfort Warriors program is donating gift cards to the men and women who were wounded at Ft. Hood earlier this month.
“Americans everywhere have reached out to these victims,” American Legion National Commander Clarence E. Hill
said. “It’s only appropriate that The American Legion family does its share. We have sent $3,800 so each of the
38 wounded can receive $100 gift cards to use at the Ft. Hood AAFES (post exchange). This is on top of the $10,000 of electronic
games and instruments we sent in Operation Comfort Warriors donations to Ft. Hood just prior to the shootings. These gifts
won’t make the injuries go away, but they do show that we care.
“The
government does a good job of providing the necessities,” Hill continued. “Through Operation Comfort Warriors
we have been able to provide gifts to troops in military hospitals everywhere. These are items that usually don’t appear
in government budgets, such as personal sweat suits, I-Pods, DVDs, phone calling cards and other comfort goods. The American
Legion is challenging its members and friends to continue giving to those who have already given us so much.”
The American Legion has already raised more than $217,000 for Operation Comfort Warriors since its inception last December.
Upon taking office in August, Commander Hill set a goal to raise an additional $100,000 by year’s end. Donors can make
online contributions by visiting www.legion.org/ocw or by sending a check to Operation Comfort Warriors, PO Box 1055, Indianapolis,
IN 46206. Administrative and promotional costs for Operation Comfort Warriors are paid by The American Legion, allowing 100
percent of the donations to be spent directly on the troops.
“Some
people think that expecting $100,000 during an economic recession is too lofty a goal. I don’t,” Hill said. “Americans
are generous and what better way is there to show our holiday spirit than to remember those who have served and are still
serving?”
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