The Oregon Legionnaire

Transcription

The American Legion Family
96th Year
Still Serving America
(USPS - 411200)
Issue 4 Fourth Quarter 2014-2015
National Commander Helm to Visit the 97th Annual Convention of
The American Legion Department of Oregon
The American Legion National Commander,
Michael D. Helm will be the guest of honor at our
2015 Department Convention. Commander Helm
of Norcatur, Kansas served in the U.S. Army during
the Vietnam war. He retired as a rural mail carrier
for the U.S. Postal Service. He served as Nebraska's Department Commander 1987-1988.
During his service as Chair of the National VA&R
Commission, Helm Chaired the System Worth Saving Task Force, a team of dedicated and knowledgeable volunteers, providing in-depth and up-todate analysis of the status of VA health care to
Congress and to veterans advocates nationwide.
Commander Helm's wife Debbie, is active in The
American Legion Auxiliary, having served as District President and Department Junior Activities
Chair. They are the parents of five Legion Family
members, Aaron and his wife, Robie, both graduates of the United State Military Academy at West
Point, N.Y.; Rebecca and her husband, Jaron Cox,
both graduates of Kansas State University; Jacob, a
senior cadet at the U.S. Air Force Academy; Matthew, an Army ROTC cadet at Kansas State University and Timothy, a student at Decatur Community High School in Oberlin, Kansas
Commander Helm will be accompanied by his
Aide, Don Suchey (soo-key) and his bride, Debbie.
National
Commander
Mike Helm, The
American Legion
Department of
Oregon Department
Oratorical Contest
winner James
Aldrich, and
National
Americanism
Chairman Richard
Anderson
Congratulations Department
Oratorical Scholarship Winners
Youth Law Enforcement
Career Camp
By Carole Bova-Rice
By Jim Willis
The Department Oratorical contest was held on
the 7th of March, 2015 at ODVA in Salem. It was
a great contest and the judges had a very difficult
time in determining a winner. As most of you know
all the Department Contestants were the 1st place
winners of their respective Areas. Each Area winner was awarded a $500.00 scholarship in addition
to their Department Competition award. Congratulations to this year’s winners:
The American Legion Department of Oregon’s
first ever Youth Law Enforcement Career Camp is
scheduled to be held at the Oregon Public Safety
Academy in Salem, August 9th - 14th 2015.
This program is for young men and women ages
15 to 17, who are in good academic standing in
their schools, have no criminal record and have an
interest in learning more about a career in Law Enforcement.
The Career Camp is being presented in partnership with the Oregon State Police and the Oregon
Department on Public Safety Standards and Training.
The cost of this forty hour course is $222.00 per
student and covers all meals, two polo shirts and
training materials. Applications can be obtained
from your District Commanders or by sending an
email to the Coordinator Jim Willis at
[email protected].
The Youth Law Enforcement Career Camps,
sometimes called Cadet Camps have been held for
many years by various Departments within the
American Legion in concert with the State Police
or Highway Patrols across the nation. While this is
Oregon’s first camp of its kind, we look forward to
adding it to our already successful programs for
Children and Youth in Oregon.
If you know a young person who would benefit
from our new Career Camp, please submit their
application right away as they are due no later than
June 15, 2015. Successful applicants will be notified by July 1, 2015. Thank you in advance for
your support of this new program.
1st Place, $2,000 scholarship, James Aldrich, 10th
grade, home schooled in Mulino; sponsored by
Pioneer Post 149 of Salem.
2nd Place, $1,400 scholarship, Luke Perkey, senior,
home schooled in La Grande; sponsored by
La Grande Post 43.
3rd Place, $1,300, scholarship, Samuel Moore, senior, home schooled in Medford,; sponsored by
Medford Post 15.
4th Place, $1,200 scholarship, Caleb Roth, senior
from Sunset High School, sponsored by
Beaverton Post 124.
James Aldrich represented the Department of
Oregon at Nationals in April and received an additional $1,500 scholarship for participating in the
first round of the contest. James will be one of the
honorees at the Americanism Luncheon on Friday
at the convention in McMinnville in June. Luke,
Samuel and Caleb are all seniors this year and will
not be eligible to compete next year, however
James is still eligible for two more years and with
experience under his belt and mentorship by sponsoring Posts he should do very well next year.
(Continued, page 2)
Proudly
Department Commander
By Andy Millar
With Post, District and Department Elections going
strong for the next couple
months, it’s time for us to start
thinking about our new legion
year resolutions, like we do
for our personal lives in December and January. Here are
a few to think about and incorporate into our “legion lives.”
1: If you are a new Post
leader, sit down with your
new Auxiliary, SAL and ALR leadership and find
out what they want to do during their year and
pledge your support. Likewise, let them know
what you want to do during your year and seek
their support.
2: Warmly welcome new members to your Post.
Introduce them to at least 3 other members and get
them involved in at least one project.
3: Mentor a new member. If you are a past officer, mentor a new officer.
4: Volunteer to chair one project or committee.
5: Visit an ailing veteran in a VA Hospital or one
of our State Veterans Homes at The Dalles or
Lebanon.
6: Attend one District Meeting or Department
Executive Committee Meeting.
7: Visit Boys State or our new Law Enforcement
Career Camp for one day.
8: Volunteer to drive a fellow member to a Post
meeting.
9: Attend a Christmas Gift Shop at the Portland
VA Hospital or one of the state veterans homes.
10: Buy a Raffle Ticket for Lunch with Lars Larson for two on his radio talk show. This raffle benefits the Department President and Commander’s
Project to support our new Lebanon Veterans
Home. We hope to be able to raise enough funds to
furnish them a new barbecue and a shuffle board.
If you accomplish only a couple of these “new
year resolutions”, not only will you feel good about
our organization, but another veteran will benefit
also.
Thank you one and all for being there for our
veterans and one another this past legion year.
Keep on caring! I look forward to seeing you all
in McMinnville at the 97th annual The American
Legion Department of Oregon Convention,
June 24-27 2015!
Lebanon JROTC Captures
National Air Rifle Title
By Jason Virnig
Congratulations to Lebanon High School JROTC for
winning the sporter team
championships in the 2015
American Legion National 3
Position Air Rifle National
Championships. The team of
four, consisting of Alexander
Eikelenboom,
Jasmine
Wiles, Cody Bates, and Michael Langdon, finished
with a score of 2170-69. In addition to the team
award, Alexander Eikelenboom qualified 9th overall
in the sporter division and will advance to the Individual Championships. The Individual Championships will take place July 21-25 at the U.S. Olympic
Training Center in Colorado Springs. Lebanon
High School JROTC, sponsored by Santiam Post
51, entered 13 participants in The American Legion
Tournament this year.
The Oregon Legionnaire, Fourth Quarter 2014-2015
Department 1st Vice Commander
By Michael Jones
Greetings American
Legion Family:
Here we are winding
down to final weeks/days
of our current membership
year. The Department Convention at McMinnville,
OR will be on us before we
know it. We have worked
very hard this year and we
wish to thank you all for
your efforts. While we
need to stay focused on the
current mission, we also need to start looking ahead
to year 2016.
We have several resolutions coming before us at
convention this year that will, we believe, have a
very positive effect on the way we proceed next
year. We believe these changes, if passed by the
convention, will enhance the way we function as a
Department., allow us to be more economical and
improve communications. We ask that you please
read over these resolutions carefully and consider
the possible positive aspects of each one.
While we have had many improvements in our
membership program this year and set some markers for the Department. of Oregon there is always
room for improvement. We have more goal
Districts and Posts than we have had in the past at
this point. We have managed to stay on National’s
short list of Departments actually showing
improvement this year over last, but, as we said
there is always room for more.
So we are going to ask again, if your Post or
District isn’t quite at goal yet, please jump in and
ring the bell before convention. You wouldn’t
want to miss out on the goal Post party and the
drawing for the American Legion watch, would
you?
Thanks for all you do, always forward.
2nd Vice Commander
By Keegan Hodges
The end of our membership year is quickly approaching and convention is right
around the corner. This year
has gone by like a flash. As
this is my last article, I want
to thank all of you for what
you do for our American Legion and for supporting our
programs.
Flag day is on June 14th.
This is a great opportunity to
show your community the importance of our flag
and what it stands for. This is also a great opportunity to hold a flag disposal ceremony and educate
our communities on the proper disposal of the
American Flag.
My final parting thoughts are this: without
membership we would not be able to work our programs, and our programs are what help grow our
membership. This year we have seen growth in
our programs and growth in our membership.
Thank you again for all you do and thank you for
the opportunity you allowed me to serve as your
Second Vice Commander. I look forward to seeing
everyone at convention.
2
National Executive Committeeman
Department Finance Update
By Charles Schmidt
By Bob Huff
The American Legion's
Washington Conference was
held February 22-25, 2015 in
our nation's capital. The annual conference gave our
organization's leadership a
chance to meet with elected
officials to discuss legislative
initiatives and priorities important to Legion members
and their families. It also
provided a forum for Legionnaires to hear from
senators, representatives, and officials from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as they addressed our members at the conference. Legionnaires filled the rooms in support of our National
Commander during his report to Congress.
This year, the Legion shared its deep concerns
about the effects of sequestration on national defense, continued VA reform, the growing VA
claims backlog, opposition to further increases in
TRICARE fees and co-payments, and veterans employment, to name a few. In all, 11 American Legion Legislative Priorities for the 114th Congress
were hand carried to members of Congress by their
Legion constituents.
During a National staff research and review in
2014 of Resolution #2688, submitted by the Department of Puerto Rico to rename their Department, it was discovered that in 1994 when charters
of the Departments of Italy, Canada, and Panama
were cancelled, NEC Resolution #33 (dated May
1994) also directed the Internal Affairs Commission to develop a policy to govern all future decisions concerning the assignment of foreign and outlying Posts to Departments. That was never accomplished. As a member of the newly appointed ad
hoc committee to Study Departments and Posts Located Outside of the Continental United States
(France, Philippines, Mexico), our committee met
on two occasions while in Washington, DC. Our
purpose is to develop a policy to govern all future
decisions concerning the assignment of foreign and
outlying Posts to Department, review foreign Departments for potential cancellation, to develop factors in evaluating Departments for establishment
and administrative charter cancellation. Looking at
the Departments of France, Philippines, and Mexico, there are many differences between the three,
i.e., purposes of charter, serving veterans, Department leadership and functionality, contributions to
American Legion programs, growth potential/
decline, and operational costs. The committee will
meet again in Indianapolis to prepare recommendations for the National Commander and the National
Executive Committee (NEC) at the 2015 Spring
NEC meeting.
Student applications to attend National American Legion College October 25-30, 2015 are due to
National no later than July 31, 2015. Our Department Convention will be held in McMinnville June
24-27. National Commander Michael Helm will be
in attendance. Hope you will be attending our convention and take the opportunity to meet Commander Helm.
By the time you receive this
edition of the Legionnaire all
of our Posts should have already completed and filed their
2014 Taxes. We have completed our Spring DEC and are
now preparing for our Department Convention. This is the
time for all Posts to be filling
out all their Post reports, Consolidated Post Report, New
Post Officers, Committee Assignments and very
important; your Post delegates for our Department
Convention in McMinnville. On your Post Delegate Form it provides you with the formula for the
number of delegates, alternates, guests and delegates at large if your Post is authorized any. Please
fill out these forms, the delegate form requires that
$15.00 per delegate be sent in with your delegate
form to Department. Remember, if your Post is
authorized four delegates and you are only able to
send two delegates, you must send in the delegate
fee for all four delegates. If this is not received by
our Department Headquarters the delegates attending our Department Convention will not be able to
vote until the total Delegate Fee is paid for your
Post. The Post will also not be in good standing
until the fee is paid. Remember as your District
Caucus is being held, along with electing your District Officers you also need to elect your delegates
for our National Convention. You do not need to
send in a fee. Our Districts must also complete the
new District Officer forms and send those to Department Headquarters. Now let’s address budgets.
Included in this issue of the Legionnaire is a highlight of our proposed 2015-2016 Department Budget. This will be presented at our Department Convention to all of you for your discussion and vote.
We have had to face some very hard reality and
make some hard decisions this year which will be
discussed at our Department Convention. Remember, membership is a big portion of our income in
our Department Budget. We have alternate sources
of income that provide some of our support for our
programs and our four pillars. Currently we have
an ad-hoc team looking at all our areas for improvements. I hope to see all of you at our Department
Convention this year.
(Oratorical, continued from page 1)
The Department of Oregon Oratorical website has been totally reworked and
updated. It’s purpose is to be a one stop shop for all information and forms required for Oratorical. I encourage everyone to go to www.orlegion.org and check
it out and provide feedback for improvements. As soon as next year’s packets
become available they will be added to the website for easy download by Posts
and contestants alike. Dates of next year’s Area and Department Contest will be
posted as well as soon as assigned.
It is never too early to start recruiting contestants and mentoring them now.
The guidelines for the Prepared Oration do not change and can be written and
worked on now and the Assigned Topics can be worked up when released in August or September. It is up to each of us to make this a successful program for
both the contestants and the Legion.
When you shop at smile.amazon.com, Amazon
will make a .05% donation to The Oregon American Legion Foundation. You will be able to use
the same Amazon experience, profile and even receive your great Amazon Prime benefits. Support
The Oregon American Legion Foundation by
starting your shopping at smile.amazon.com.
(USPS- 411200)
Since 1919 The Voices of
Oregon’s Veterans
Official Publication of The American
Legion, Department of Oregon, Member National American Legion Press
Association. Published quarterly by
The American Legion, Department of
Oregon.
Business and general offices:
30450 SW Parkway Ave.,
PO Box 1730,
Wilsonville, Oregon 97070-1730
2014-2015 District Commanders
District 1
District 2
District 3
District 4
District 5
District 6
District 7
District 8
District 9
District 10
Tom Harris
Mike Sowles
Dave Bowman
James Van Allen
Eugene Hellickson
Mike Evans
Terry Brown
Ward Allen
Terry Jones
David Allen
Phone (503) 685-5006
Published four times per year after each
quarterly meeting of the Department
Executive Committee/Membership
Postmaster: Send address changes to
PO Box 1730
Wilsonville, Oregon 97070-1730
Periodical Postage paid at Portland,
Oregon.
Commission
Editor
Don Epperson
Chairman
Don Weber
Members
Kevin Hunking,
Jim Langer,
Amber Stevens
Staff:
Don Epperson,
Dept. Adjutant
Virginia Biddle,
Dept. Auxiliary
District 2 Commander
3
By Mike Sowles
By Jim Van Allen
By Ward Allen
Greetings Legionnaires,
It has been a rewarding and
busy 9 months for me as your
Commander.
District activities, Department meetings, Post activities,
and family obligations have
been keeping me busy. I have
made an effort to use the e-mail
system as my means of keeping
District 2 Posts informed.
Our organization can be proud of the many programs for Veterans, Children and Youth and the
many projects that each of our Posts is involved
with in each community. The American Legion has
42 different programs and District 2 promotes many
of them. The American Legion is truly a (blue collar, boots on the ground, community organization).
The partnerships that we are developing to promote and enhance our programs are very important
to sustain our ability to provide them to our communities. This year our department added the Law
Officer Cadet Program for 15 to 17 year olds, the
Oregon State Police are partners in this new program. Our District 1, Astoria Post is working with
the Boy Scouts to sponsor a summer bike ride from
coast to coast. District 2, and other Districts are
working with incarcerated veterans by establishing
Posts, or membership in existing Posts.
Presently, District 2 Posts are involved in planning for Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, July
4th, summer picnics, Boy’s and Girl’s State, Baseball, Junior Shooting and other local activities.
District 2 has been very fortunate to help sponsor the Oratorical Contest and Pioneer Post #149
has sponsored another State Oratorical winning
candidate. Carlton Memorial Post #173 has sponsored this year’s Department Fireman of The Year.
Capital Post #9 has sponsored a very successful
Junior Shooting Program that continues to compete
at the national level.
McMinnville Post #21 is heavily involved in
planning and organizing our Department Convention in June. Salem Post #136 is involved with the
planning for hosting our Department Baseball
Championship in Salem this summer.
District 2 is still working on membership and
continues to strive to meet l00% membership.
We have made great strides in membership growth
and involvement with programs. Projects at all levels are vital to membership growth. People see active programs want to be involved as members, the
legion family or as volunteers. Americanism can
be and is contagious.
Post 8:No Report/Response.
Post 14: No Report/Response.
Post 15: Between the Post
and District revitalizations we
transferred over 50 members
into the Post. Seven Post members participated in the “StandUp” in Grants Pass helping
local homeless and Veterans in
need. The Post held the District
Oratorical Contest February
28th, the winner was a student sponsored by Post
15. This student went onto the Area 3 contest where
he also won, advancing on to the Department Contest where he placed 3rd. The Post made 100% goal
in March and continues to recruit new members.
The Post hosted the District 4 caucus on April 18th.
The Post will be starting a Jr. Shooting Sports Program.
Post 28: Hosted the Area 3 Oratorical Contest.
From Jan 1st 2014 to Jan 3rd 2015 we transferred 33
members to Post everlasting including Orland
Green with 70 continuous years in the Legion.
Post 50: We have 31 paid up members and are
calling delinquent members to encourage them to
renew. Many Memorial Day events are in the planning stages alone with Post building upgrades/
repairs.
Post 69: The Post helped in the setup and running
the “Stand-up” in Grants Pass helping 350 Veterans
in need. The 2nd annual “Stand-Up” is already in
the planning stages.
Post 70: The Post was closed for 6 weeks due to a
sewage problem but due to members’ diligence it
was repaired, when the weather allowed, the Post
was then re-opened. Due to a very busy Membership Chairman the Post did achieve 100% goal
Membership. The Post Amateur Radio Club is assisting the community with emergency services and
is now taking CERT training for Search and Rescue
training.
Post 84: The Post has resurrected the Auxiliary
Unit and everyone is looking forward to working
together with the Auxiliary on fundraising events.
Post 129: No Report/Response.
Post 192: The Post transferred 11 members to
Post 192 during the District 4 revitalization, 6 of
which had already paid their 2015 dues. The other 5
members have paid their 2015 dues to Post 192. We
have lost a significant number of members this year
due to VA issues and the shortening of time resident patients are allowed to remain; death of members was only 4 this year. Some of the VA SORCC
employees have not renewed their memberships
with the VA issues currently going on.
It has been an honor and
privilege being your District
Commander for the last 3
years, but we need some new
District Officers. Due to old
age and other health issues,
the District 8 leadership is
dwindling. Next year Glenn
Stamm will be stepping down
from a lot of his responsibilities. I will not be able to be
the District Commander due to medical reasons. I
will be able to do and hold other District responsibilities/offices, I just CAN’T be the District Commander. Anyone interested can be at Portland Post
#1 on May 19th at 6:00 p.m. for the social, with
elections at 7pm.
With the help of Don Epperson, Wilsonville
Post #65 just received their Charter. I attended their
first two meetings so they’d recognize that they had
the full support and backing from their District and
Department. It makes me proud to announce that
Wilsonville had their first nominations and will
have a full cadre of officers and are already actively
working their programs. They’re sponsoring a Sea
Scouts Program.
Next year, Post #1 will have their first Gulf War
Era Commander. He has a lot of good ideas and I’m
looking forward to watching the Post grow. They
will be holding a Community Outreach Open
House on May 2nd where they will be introducing
resources of The American Legion and also provide
a place for other veteran support groups, businesses
and community groups to showcase the services of
The American Legion.
Post #5 are still doing the same programs, but
with Rich & Eva’s health they are basically inactive
in reporting all of their programs.
I have two Post Commanders that don’t show up
for the District meetings. One is battling family
health issues. So that is understandable, but the other is from my own Post and does not have a valid
excuse. Milwaukie Post #180 traditionally does not
attend anything at the District or Department level
and has only attended four District meetings in the
last 3 years. I’ve even threatened to pull their charter and they do not show up. Hopefully that will
change with new leadership next year.
Post #150 are working several programs and are
plugging away. They will be holding their Annual
Garage Sale in the beginning of May. They’ve
sponsored a “Relay for Life” team and will have a
booth set up for Armed Forces Game.
Milwaukie’s SQUA DRON 180 was fortunate to
be able to host a fund raising dinner for Charlie
Schmidt. The squadron presented a check for
$1,250. The POST is sponsoring the Vietnam Moving Wall, which will be at Milwaukie High School
July 23-26. Their Honor Guard is very active and
have received many requests to do funeral services
By Mike Evans
By David Allen
With spring just around the
corner and membership closing in a month or two, all is
well with District 10. Thanks
to all the Posts in District 10,
for the third time in The Department of Oregon history, all
the Posts of District 10 have
made their membership goal.
Bravo Zulu! Your hard work
made this possible. All the
Posts are looking forward and making plans for VE Day May 8th, Armed Forces Day May 16th, Memorial Day May 25th, and Flag Day June 14th. District 10 will be sending three boys to Boy's State.
The 26th of April we held our District Caucus at
Post #63. The guest speaker was Department Commander Andy Millar. I would like to thank the following candidates for being at our Caucus, Alternate National Executive Committeeman Robert
Liebenow, Mike Jones for Department Commander
and District 5 Commander Gene Hellickson for 2nd
Vice Commander. Also VA&R Chairman Tom
Weiss. I am heading to Indianapolis in May to support our Oregon Candidate for National Commander. Looking forward to the installation of the Officers of the Post's in my District. See you all at the
Department Convention June 24 thru the 27th.
With spring just around the
corner and membership closing
in a month or two, all is well
with District 10. Thanks to all
the Posts in District 10, for the
third time in The Department
of Oregon history, all the Posts
of District 10 have made their
membership goal. Bravo Zulu!
Your hard work made this possible. All the Posts are looking
forward and making plans for V-E Day May 8th,
Armed Forces Day May 16th, Memorial Day May
25th, and Flag Day June 14th. District 10 will be
sending three boys to Boy's State. The 26th of April
we held our District Caucus at Post #63. The guest
speaker was Department Commander Andy Millar.
I would like to thank the following candidates for
being at our Caucus, Alternate National Executive
Committeeman Robert Liebenow, Mike Jones for
Department Commander and District 5 Commander
Gene Hellickson for 2nd Vice Commander. Also
VA&R Chairman Tom Weiss. I am heading to Indianapolis in May to support our Oregon Candidate
for National Commander. Looking forward to the
installation of the Officers of the Post's in my District. See you all at the Department Convention
June 24 thru the 27th.
Oregon Boys State
By Don Epperson
The annual
American
Legion Oregon Boys State
program is taking place 14-20
June. The members of the
Commission are very appreciative of the efforts by each
Post Boys State Representative. They have done a terrific
job to ensure Oregon’s youth
have this great opportunity to
learn citizenship and leadership. The Commission wants to take this opportunity to thank S.A.L. members, Brian McKinley and
Steve Price of Salem Squadron 9 for training the
alumni, and planning and coordinating the events of
the week. These two gents also give up their day
jobs during Boys State to guide the alumni and students throughout the week to ensure a successful
program. Remember, we still have room for a few
more young men, so don’t hesitate to interview and
send them to Boys State!
4
American Legion Department of Oregon Membership Report as of 5.27.2015
The American Legion
Department of Oregon
2015 –2016
Budget
19,000
District
Goal
Total
Percent
Membership Budget Based On:
7
633
678
107.11
Dues @ $12.50 (per member 7/07)
10
425
442
104
Dues @ $ 1 Oregon Legionnaire
$19,000
4
1512
1475
97.55
Department Convention Income
$1,000
2
2335
2276
97.47
SAL Dues ($11x1860 members)
$20,460
1
3750
3566
95.09
SAL Charitable Donations & Pins
$6,100
5
2116
1963
92.77
Oregon Legionnaire Aux Reimb
$7,500
6
927
847
91.37
Oregon Legionnaire Aux Reimb ($1)
$1, 860
3
3692
3356
90.90
Emblem Sales Royalty
$1,200
8
1480
1305
88.18
TOALF Disbursement to BBS
$3,832
9
1106
953
86.17
BBS Income
$50,850
Headquarters
1524
1384
90.81
AL Baseball Income
$10,000
Totals
19500
18123
93.56
Revenue Enhancement Program
$65,000
Legionnaire Insurance Trust
$40,000
Proposal to Raise National
Membership Per-Capita
By Don Epperson
At the 2015 Spring National Executive Committee (NEC) Meetings in Indianapolis, Indiana the
NEC approved a National Finance Commission
resolution to recommend to the 2015 National Convention that the “National per capita dues for the
calendar year 2016 be fixed in the amount of
$18.50, provided that any 2016 dues paid at the old
rate of $13.50 shall be accepted if remitted by the
Departments to the National Organization by close
of business January 20,2016, which is the mid-year
80% target date…and that rates established for purchase of a paid-up-for-life membership shall remain
at the current rate until June 1, 2016 at which time
the Finance Commission shall adjust the rate to reflect prudent actuarial assumptions.”
The last National membership per capita increase was in 2007 for $4.50. Since 2007, interest
income on investments is down 35%, cost-of-living
has increased 13%, employee health insurance has
increased 13.29%, credit card processing fees increased 300%, and American Legion membership
has declined 16.01%.
What does this mean to local American Legion
Posts? The recommendation will go before the August 2015 National Convention in Baltimore for
delegates consideration. Should the proposal pass,
it means that membership dues you send to Department will increase from $27.00 to $32.00 per member beginning in January 2016. Right now the Post
who charges $30.00 will be required to pay $32.00
just to stay abreast of the per capita. So, those Posts
currently charging $30.00 dues per year, per member will end up in the “red” by $2.00 on each member if they do not raise Post dues by January 1,
2016. Post should also consider “padding” that by
a few dollars when raising your dues to pay for
postage and other administrative costs.
On the positive side, members will see the value
of paying their dues early for the 2015-2016 membership year to keep from getting hit with the increase.
(District 2, Continued from page 3)
Membership is over 95% in District 2, with five
Goal Posts: Delbert Reeves (Silverton) Post #7,
McMinnville Post #21, Stayton Post #58, Mill City
Post #159 and Carlton Memorial Post #173. Our
District has three more Posts within easy reach to
make goal, Capital Post #9, Mt. Angel Post #89 and
Canby Post #122. District 2 has fewer than 100
members to make a goal District.
Membership is vital for our organization to have
influence and promote benefits for all veterans at
the national level. The veterans, present and future
need to have a voice at the national level. Many of
our leaders of this nation have not served and have
no idea what it means to be a veteran. If we do not
keep our message before them, our defenders and
our nation will be forgotten.
Carry the card that
gives back to
The American Legion.
The American Legion
USAA™ Rewards
World MasterCard®
Income
$464,302
Dedicated VA&R Income
USAA Insurance
$15,000
ODVA Rehabilitation Grant
$14,000
Service Office Fund
$86,0000
Total Dedicated VA & R Income
$115,000
TOTAL INCOME
579,302
BBS Expenses
$53,832
AL Baseball Expenses
$10,000
Administrative Expenses
$163,502
Officer & Convention Expenses
$142,888
Other Activities Expenses
Rehabilitation Expenses
Call 1-877-699-2654 www.usaa.com/legioncc
Service Officer Corner: Address
Change Misconception
By Marc Clift
Recently, I had a veteran
contact me about a retroactive
check and what was the delay. I
explained to the veteran that
sometimes it can take a few
weeks for VA to issue the refund. The veteran then informs
me that he has moved since the
initial filing of the claim. I
asked the veteran if the VA had
been notified. The veteran says,
“yes,” that the address had been updated at the local
Community based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC). I
then explained to the veteran the hospital is a section of the Veterans Administration, but it is separate from benefits section that is responsible to pension and compensation and the two sections do not
communicate address changes. This a very common
misconception among veterans and it is not only
important to notify the VA Hospital of address
changes but also to separately notify the benefits
administration as well. This will eliminate any confusion or delays regarding benefits administration
communicating changes regarding potential claims
and any benefits.
The American Legion Department of Oregon
has 2 Service Officers to help veterans receive their
entitled benefits & work with veterans by appointment.
Marc Clift,
Department Service
Officer
(503) 444-1307
[email protected]
Jared R. Dyer,
Assistant Department
Service
Officer (503) 444-1302
[email protected]
$237,500
$39,160
$115,000
Publication Expenses
$28,360
SAL Expenses
$26,560
TOTAL EXPENSES
$579,302
Department Adjutant
By Don Epperson
As I finish up my first two
years as your Department Adjutant the end of June, I want you
all to know how gratifying it has
been to serve each and every one
of you in support of the goals and
ideals of our great organization.
Some of you might not be aware I
have resigned my position effective September 15th, 2015. My
replacement, Legionnaire Jared Dyer, our current
Assistant Department Service Officer, will take the
reins at Headquarters. The Administrative & Advisory Commission made a great choice in selecting
him and I am confident you will find him to be
hardworking and dedicated to serve the needs of the
Department. Please make every effort to support
him and I am sure he return that effort ten-fold.
I want to thank Rob Liebenow, Tom Harris, Dirk
Levy, Larry Wittmayer and Bunny Bigley for their
support at the headquarters, spreading new paint on
the building, cleaning off the roof, wading through
the poison oak to improve the landscaping or working tirelessly making phone calls in support of new
membership and other administrative tasks.
“Thanks”.
To headquarters staff of both organizations, Judy, Amber and Lynn, and Virginia, the Auxiliary
Department Secretary, and Sandy Jacoby, I owe
you a BRAVO ZULU for your support and the ability to keep me focused on the tasks at hand. I have
truly enjoyed our wonderful working relationship as
we have strived to provide quality service to the
memberships of our two great organizations.
Stop by and visit, we always have a fresh pot of
coffee ready to serve.
Department President
Linda Liebenow
Our Auxiliary year
is coming to an end and
soon we will be traveling to
McMinnville for convention.
It has been a great
year! We have worked hard
on “Side by Side, Working
Together to Find the Perfect
Fit”. We have turned our
puzzle pieces this way and
that to find that fit. We have had some successes
and some are still working. Don’t give up, it is
hard work but we can do it.
We have to give and take just like any relationship. We need to respect each other and our
differences. We need to be open to new ideas. We
need to embrace and welcome new members and
help them voice their opinions and their way of
doing things. Our Veterans didn’t get to choose
who they worked next to but they got the job
done—together.
It is not about ME and it is not about YOU,
it is all about our VETERANS. It has been an honor to serve as your Department President and I look
forward to seeing all of you at convention. Keep
working for our Veterans.
TRANSPLANT UNIT THANK YOU
Dear Ms. Weber:
I am the Transplant Program Manager for
the Portland VA. Periodically the social workers
advise me that you and your group make these generous donations on behalf of our Veterans. Additionally I have come to learn that you have been
doing this level of service for over 20 years. In
truth, I am overwhelmed by your generosity and
support, as well as your level of commitment to the
Veterans over these many years.
“Thank you” seems so trivial compared to
the level of dedication that you have shown
through your ongoing support of our Lodging Unit.
However, I do want you to know how very grateful
the surgeons, physicians, nurses and social workers
are to you and your contributors who continuously
fund our Lodge. These Veterans are very worried
and scared when they have to come to our doorstep
for a transplant. Knowing that you and your team
are there, takes away many worries for our Veterans and we have come to rely on you as part of our
extended team.
So from my team to yours….a heartfelt
thank you very much for all of your suppor t and
work on behalf of our United States Veterans. We
are indebted to you!!
Warmest regards,
Deb Bowers
Transplant Program Manager
(Auxiliary Note: Ms. Weber is Carol Weber, from
District 1, who, along with others, works so very
hard for and at the transplant unit to help the Veterans who are there. This praise is well deserved.)
Department First Vice President,
Membership Chairman
Angelina McKinney
Since my last article
we have been trying to find
ways to grow membership in
our Units. We realize that
some Units are holding membership for several months
and are not turning it in a
timely manner. This is hurting
our organization; we need
membership being sent in
even it its only one due, so
please send them in as soon as you get them.
Membership is what allows us to help our
veterans and their families. We are seeing veterans
returning home with PTSD, limbs lost, burns all
over their bodies and various other injuries that we
cannot see. We need our dues paid in order to have
the funds to support the programs to help these
young people continue to live their lives as normal
as they can live them.
I have several incentives that I have sent
out in the last few months and I am hoping that you
are all working them. The one that is a special one
to me is the “Dual is Cool” renamed “Honor Our
Female Veterans”. This is an incentive to the Units
to run until June 12th to sign up female Legionnaires to our Auxiliary, giving them dual membership in both organizations. National and Department are waiving their part of the dues as are several of the Units to let our female veterans know we
love and appreciate all that they gave up to serve
and protect our freedom. I am giving $50.00 to the
Unit who signs up the most “Honor Our Female
Veterans”. So please let me know how many of
these treasured members your Unit signs up at:
[email protected].
By the time this comes out in the Legionnaire we will have spent time in doing a Department wide phoning of our non-paying members to
see why they are not paying their 2015 dues. I
would like to see this being a ongoing thing in the
Units to see why our membership is not paying
their dues and so we can see what we can do to get
them to come back to our organization and correct
these things that have kept them away from us.
Please look at the Department website and see all
the Incentives that I have going at this time and
please work towards them and earn some money
for your efforts. Let’s get together and work together to grow our membership and reach our goal of
being a 100% Department. Remember that we need
our membership in order to serve our veterans.
Without it, in 10 years we may not be able to work
with them as we will no longer have an organization. And please don’t forget our Juniors as they are
a very important part of our organization, they are
our future, so use them, teach them and recruit
them as members to insure our future.
Continue to
work your
MEMBERSHIP!!
5
Department Second Vice President,
Chairmen Coordinator
Deby Levy
I would like to take
this opportunity to thank our
Department Chairmen for
their hard work and dedication. I am delighted to have
worked with each of you. We
made some positive changes
during the 2014-2015 year. I
applaud all of you on a job
well done.
I ask those of you that are holding a Chairmanship this upcoming year to focus on our Members and their needs. We sometimes forget the Unit
Chairmen rely on the information we pass onto
them. We all belong to Units, we continue to work
our programs and hold valuable information. Listen
to the Members and their needs. We are here to assist, mentor and support our Units throughout the
year. Be open minded to all new ideas. Listen,
show your passion, value all Members and remember why working our programs is so very important.
I hope to be your incoming Membership
Chairman. Keeping the promise, you will have a
year packed with fun and nothing but a we can do
positive attitude! It is time to change the way we
look and work our membership!
"WE ARE THE MUSIC MAKERS AND WE ARE
THE DREAMERS OF DREAMS"
“WEB CONNECTIONS”
I want to remind everyone to check our
website when you are in need of any forms or information. It may save you time waiting to receive
them in the mail. It’s our goal to get as much as we
can on our site to help you out. If there is something you would like to see on there, just let us
know and we will see if it’s possible.
Take a couple of minutes to check it out,
you might be surprised at what you will find in the
many categories. The President’s Corner and Notices sections ar e constantly changing as new
items are added. We use these sections to try to get
the word out to the members on short notice, so it’s
important to check often.
If you have pictures of special events or
visits by department officers, please email them to
me. I will use them whenever I can. I do need to
have all people in the photo identified to use them.
Remember that we are also using Facebook again. That’s another place you will find
items of interest to all, lots of pictures, and also
information that needs to go out to everyone.
And as always, please contact me if you
would like to see something added to our site:
[email protected].
Sandy
P.S. See you at convention!
Department Chaplain
Dee Sharpes
"As we sow the seeds for our garden, we sow the seeds of God"
SCRIPTURE
"I will cry to God Most High, to God who accomplishes all things for me"
Psalm 57:2
PRAYER
Lord, I come to You today with my burden of sins. I hold each transgression up for a second look at my
humanity. I place them in Your light for a closer look at Your grace. The practice of asking for
forgiveness is important to my relationship with You. First, I am humbled and emptied of self. Then I am
cleansed and filled with Your mercy. In Jesus name I pray. Amen
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
"He does a kindness who lends to his neighbor, and he fulfills the precepts who holds out a helping hand.”
Sirach 29:1
To my American Legion and Auxiliary Family and
Friends:
Thank you so much for all of your cards,
emails, prayers, and donations in the passing of my
husband PDC Mark Cooper in March. Just knowing so many people cared and were ready to lend a
shoulder to do whatever I needed lightened the
grief for our family and is very much appreciated. It wasn’t “my plan” for retirement, but the timing was not in my hands. Thank you all very
much.
Patty Cooper
6
LETTERS OF ENDORSEMENT for DEPARTMENT OFFICES
ANGIE McKINNEY for President
The members of Oregon Trail Unit 150 are proud
to endorse Angelina (Angie)
McKinney for the office of
Department President. Angie
joined the American Legion
Auxiliary in 1987 through her
husband Sam McKinney, a
Vietnam era Veteran. She has
been an active member of the
Auxiliary since the day she
joined Southeast Unit 146. She has held every office and several chairmanships, and is the current
secretary for her Unit. In 1994, Southeast Post 146
joined with 41st Division to become Oregon Trail
Post and Unit 150. Angie was the last President of
Southeast Unit 146, and first President for Oregon
Trail Unit 150.
On the Department level, Angie is currently
Department 1st Vice President and Membership
Chairman. She has served as Dept. 2nd Vice President and Chairmen Coordinator, which was a new
position where she oversaw what the Department
Chairmen were doing, and helped them when needed. She has served as Department Chaplain, Poppy
& Poppy Poster Chairman, Hospital Director twice,
Field Service Chair, Americanism twice, National
Security Chairman three times, and won a National
Citation. She was Education & Scholarship Chairman twice, and won a National Citation. In 2013,
she won the Susie Dannon Lavoie Award for her
outstanding work as District President and the
Chaplains special award for Random Acts of Kindness. At the mid-winter DEC, Angie was awarded
a National Citation from the American Legion National Commander for her work with the Legion to
help with their Revitalization of their membership.
She has served District 8 in every office,
and under Dept. President Rosalie Dannon, she was
appointed to represent the district in a newly created position as the Children & Youth Chairman.
She served as District 8 President in 1993-94, 200304, and again from 2010-13, and is the current
Chaplain for District 8. In 2010-2011, she led her
district to become the first to reach their numeric
goal in Department, and won the Pearl Funk District President Award.
Angie has three daughters who are members of the Auxiliary, along with her 2 granddaughters, who are active in the Juniors and have held
various offices. The American Legion Auxiliary is
a very important part of her life.
Angie has also been an active member of
the 8 & 40, and has gone through all the chairs and
served as Departemental Chapeau in 2006-07. She
is the current Departemental L’Aumonier and Fellowship Chairman. She is also a very active member of her church and has held many leadership
roles. She has recently taken a 12 hour leadership
course given by the Metropolitan Alliance for the
Common Good.
Angie truly believes in giving of herself to
help our Veterans and giving to help others who are
in need. We the members of Oregon Trail Unit 150
are very proud to endorse Angelina (Angie)
McKinney for the office of Department of Oregon
President for 2015-2016.
Beverly Neve, President
Carole Kauffman, 2nd Vice President
Oregon Trail Unit 150
Dear Virginia and Members,
This letter is sent with much regret. I must
inform you that under doctors orders, I have been
asked to slow down my activities. At this time I
am withdrawing my name from the 2015 ballot for
Department 2nd Vice President. I give Cindy Soria my wholehearted support and help when she is
in need.
May God Bless
Dee Sharpes,
Department Chaplain
(Note continued in middle column)
DEBY LEVY for 1st Vice President
CINDY SORIA for 2nd Vice President
The Members
of
American Legion Auxiliary
Bay Area Unit 34 proudly endorse Deby Levy for the office
of Dept. 1st Vice President.
Deby’s eligibility is
through her husband Dirk
Levy, who is a US Army Retired Lt. Colonel, member of
Carl B. Fenton Post 20 and
current American Legion District 2, 2nd Vice Commander. Dirk and Deby have
been married for 20 years and have 2 children,
Brandon &Alex, who both belong to SAL Squadron 110.
During Dirk’s military career, Deby held
multiple leadership roles, working with the Family
Readiness Groups. Deby prepared a Battalion and
their families for deployment. She was awarded the
Family and Child Advocacy Award in 1997 &
2009. Another honor was from Sierra Vista Child
and Welfare for Advocate of the Year in 2011.
Deby’s experience is varied, and her dedication to the American Legion Auxiliary is clear.
In 2012, Deby was instrumental in getting the unit
of Carl B. Fenton Post 20 chartered. As a charter
member of Unit 20, Deby served as it’s first Unit
President for two years, and was elected District 2
President. Deby also held the chairman position for
both National Security and Public Relations for the
Department of Oregon.
In her current position as 2nd Vice President, Deby serves as the Department Chairman of
Chairmen, and has exceeded all performance expectations. She has proven her skills as a leader
and motivator. Deby is able to engage the most
reluctant participant and motivate them with her
positive attitude and creativity.
The members of Bay Area Unit 34 are
proud to endorse Deby Levy for the office of Department 1st Vice President, and we ask for your
support of our candidate.
It is our honor to announce the candidacy of Cindy Soria to Dept. 2nd Vice
President. Cindy is eligible
through her husband Robert
Soria. She has 2 children and
2 stepchildren and 2 granddaughters who are her pride
and joy. Cindy has been a 15
year member of the American
Legion Auxiliary. She was a
member of Mission City Unit 564 in Santa Clara,
CA for 8 years. In 2008, Cindy and Robert moved
up to Cave Junction, Oregon, and she transferred to
Glenn Morrison Unit 70.
At the unit level, Cindy served as president
for 2 years in California, and 3 years in Unit 70.
While in the California, she served as Marshall
(Asst. Sergeant-at-Arms), followed by second vice
president, secretary/treasurer, 1st vice president and
then president. Cindy held the membership chair,
Children & Youth, and education. In December,
special needs children were treated to a Christmas
Party.
Cindy transferred to Glenn Morrison Unit
70 in September of 2008. In less than a year, Cindy was elected to 1st Vice President. She held this
office for 2 years before moving up to President for
3 years. As membership chairman, her unit attained goal several times. Cindy volunteers at the
SORCC with bingo, and working in the office. She
currently is Girls State Chairman for Unit 70.
In 2001, Cindy was elected District 4 Vice
President, and in 2012-13 was President for 2
years. She received the UD&R Award 2 years in a
row. She chartered a new unit and oversaw the
revitalization of a unit having difficulties. In 2014,
she received the Pearl Funk District President
Membership Trophy. With the fine work of all the
units, District 4 received 1st place. She currently
serves as District 4 Vice President, and is a member
of the Department Finance Commission.
Cindy works for the Three Rivers School
District, working with multi-handicap children. As
you can see, Cindy has done many things during
her 15 years of serving our Veterans, children, and
community. We hope you will join us in electing
Cindy Soria to Department 2nd Vice President.
Millie Box, President & Paula Miller, Secretary
Glenn Morrison Unit 70
Alison Bingham, President
Rebecca Fields, Secretary
Bay Area Unit 34
Note cont.: By way of explanation, Dee had sent
in her endorsement letter, intending to run for Dep.
2nd Vice President, & has withdrawn.
AUXILIARY CONVENTION AGENDA 2015
1:00 PM
3:00 PM
6:30 PM
8:00 AM
9:15 AM
11:45 AM
1:15 PM
6:00 PM
7:00 AM
8:30 AM
11:00AM
11:45PM
5:00PM
8:30 AM
1:00 PM
5:00 PM
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
All Convention Sessions are being held at the McMinnville Community Center.
Incoming & Outgoing Dept. Chairmen meet with Chairmen Coordinator
Flag Bearers and Page practice
JOINT OPENING OF THE 97TH AMERICAN LEGION AND
95th AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY DEPARTMENT CONVENTION
CALL TO ORDER
Procession and welcome
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Joint Memorial Service - American Legion, SAL, & American Legion Auxiliary
Department Service Report
VA & R/ALVS Volunteers Luncheon– All delegates welcome
AUXILIARY OPENING CEREMONY
JOINT BANQUET
Friday, June 26, 2015
DELEGATE BREAKFAST – all Auxiliar y member s welcome
CALL TO ORDER
Reports from Officers and nomination of Department Officers
Nomination of Candidates for Department Officers
Americanism Luncheon—All delegates welcome
BBQ at McMinnville Post #21
Saturday, June 27, 2015
Reconvene Business Session
Presentation of Budget for 2015-2016
INSTALLATION OF DEPARTMENT OFFICERS FOR 2015-2016
Post DEC to follow
Victory Party
(A more complete agenda will be in the convention book in your packet when you register.)
District Three President
District Five President
Karol Satterfield
Claudine Layman
DISTRICT #3 recently
had their Caucus and the following were chosen as the new district officers for the year 20152016; Sue Driver President, from
Unit #10 in Albany, and Karol
Satterfield Vice President, from
Unit #83 North Eugene/Santa
Clara.
District # 5 Caucus was
held April 2nd at Redmond
Unit #44. Thank you for a great
lunch and hospitality. New officers were elected. Congratulations to Louise Carter, incoming President.
We had a difficult time
keeping our membership flowers from freezing in our area
even though I used the fertilizer I received.
District Four President
Donna Hartwell
I just want to say a big
thank you and a job well done,
to all the Units in District 4.
The year is ending, and
soon summer will be here,
but that doesn't mean that we
forget about what we are here
for. We need to keep our organization alive and strong. Go
out and volunteer, get new
membership. Those new memberships are our future. Again a big thanks.
For GOD AND COUNTRY
SORCC
Ilene Kiser, Representative
Donna Hartwell, Deputy
VA SORCC has needs as we are growing a
lot. We have more than 450 Veterans right now
and we are getting more each week. We give out
personal care items as they need them; underwear,
socks and T-shirts every 6 weeks; soap pods,
enough for 2 loads once a week. All of this costs
about $250-300 a month. Since we get $1000 a
year, it makes it hard. All your donations for needs
will be greatly appreciated.
One idea to take to your units is to have a
(continued next column)
District Six President
Maggie LaMont
District Six has two goal
plus Units out of the 9 Units.
Ione Unit 95 is at 108.434% of
their membership goal and La
Grande Unit 43 is at 101.493%
of their membership goal. At
81.434%, District Six’s is third
in the Department’s membership
goal of “growing membership to
one million”.
Ione Unit 95 and La Grande Unit 43 have
been busy assisting their Posts make improvement
to their buildings. George St. Dennis Unit 140
meets jointly with their Post and is working on reviving their Unit and Post. Milton-Freewater Unit
24 elected new officers who are excited about revitalizing their Unit.
The Units in District Six are preparing for
the Memorial Day activities. La Grande Unit 43
and Athena Unit 130 participate in the Avenue of
Flags.
(SORCC continued)
drive for any of these items mentioned above and
bring them to convention. I will bring them down
to White City. Thanks for all the units who have
donated this past year; it is appreciated.
Department Secretary/Treasurer
Virginia Biddle
YEARLY PLAN OF WORK/HELPFUL MONTHLY HINTS
Congratulations to all New Unit Officers and Chairman, (and those who ar e willingly
doing another year), with all the changes of a new year we want to be the best help we can be
to all the Units and members. There will be a lot information coming out, please share with
your members when received. Please pay special attention to the deadlines we need material
back from your Unit, most information is needed by Department officers, including your District Presidents and of course National and is used to make sure information gets to the Units
and members.
JULY:
1. Send to Department the names, addresses, and phone numbers of your Officers, and Chairman, your meeting
place and time when you meet. IMPORTANT-NOTE: Any special instructions on what address you want used for
your mail. We have bulletins and other important information that the Units and members need and need correct
addresses to mail items to, as well as your District President needs to have this information.
AUGUST:
1. Write INVITATIONS TO DEPARTMENT PRESIDENT/DISTRICT PRESIDENT to attend a Unit meeting or special functions, at separate times, during the year. Give them at least two dates to choose from.
IMPORTANT DONATIONS SUGGESTED BY NATIONAL AND DEPARTMENT: SEND ALL
CHECKS TO DEPARTMENT
National President's Project - Spirit of Youth - Auxiliary Emergency Fund (suggested $.10 per member)
Department Scholarship Fund - Department Nurses Scholarship Fund – Dept. Junior Scholarship Fund
Department President's Project Department Check-A-Month Fund (patient needs)
Department Christmas Cheer Fund (buys a gift for each veteran in the Hospital at Christmas)
Christmas Gift Shops –need by October 1st or earlier.(Por tland, Rosebur g, SORCC, Or egon Veter ans Home & Lebanon Veterans Home)
The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation.-Junior President to National Junior Meeting-All VA
Hospitals Needs & Transplant Unit.
SEPTEMBER - MUSIC MONTH:
1. Emphasize music, make it an integral part of your meeting. Learn The American Legion Auxiliary song; sing
the National Anthem, God Bless America, or other favorites at each meeting.
2. Place Scholarships and the Americanism Essay and Poppy Poster Contest rules in the schools now so they will be
included in the curriculum.
3. Select a Public Relations Chairman and submit items to the local newspapers and "Oregon Legionnaire". Send
publications to Dept. P.R. Chairman.
4. Order "The Dispatch" - Published twice monthly. Send $15.00 for 22 issues. To: The American Legion,
"Dispatch", National Headquarters, PO Box #1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206. Helpful for Legislative and Americanism. Share information at meetings.
5. Have Delegates returning from Department Convention make a report to members on Convention.
6. Update your Unit Constitution and Bylaws to any changes from the Department and National Conventions. Send
one copy to the Department Office, one copy to the Department Constitution and Bylaws Chairman, and one copy to
the Department Parliamentarian.
7. Kick off membership drive by inviting prospective members to attend meeting. Divide up into teams and have
competition.
8. Make sure Unit Historian receives a copy of each month’s minutes to compile history.
(continued in next column)
7
District Eight President
Trudie McGriff
District #8 has been a
great supporter of each of our
Units. Working together you
accomplish more. Each Unit
President has given me much
joy by turning in reports and
staying in touch just to talk, use
me as a sounding board, and
being a friend. The Units have
worked our programs with zest
and go get them attitude. Looking forward to the
awards they will be receiving at convention so we
can yell loud and proud. I appreciate all y’all have
done and this President was more than proud of all
of you. I will be there to support you Units and also
the incoming District #8 President and officers.
Next year I know District #8 will work hard and
make everyone notice that we are a District to contend with.
District Ten President
Linda Schmidt
As the 2014 – 2015
year draws to a close, I want to
thank all the great ladies of District 10 for their hard work on
their programs this year, and
“working together to find the
perfect fit”. We finished this
year with a lot of awesome
things to report and we have
done well with our membership. I believe all the Units have also sent in their
updated Constitution & Bylaws.
I attended the Spring NEC in Indianapolis
with other Oregonians and we held open houses for
our candidate for National Commander, our own
Charlie Schmidt. All of the O-Team who were
there did a fantastic job supporting Charlie and
hosting three nights of reception rooms for hundreds of visitors. Charlie and I can’t say thank you
enough to all the members of the entire Legion
Family for their generous contributions to this journey for Oregon.
For those of you who couldn’t attend the
District 10 Caucus, we had no nominations for District President or Vice-President, so Sharon Jones
and I tabled it and decided to caucus on the Convention floor, hoping someone will step up in the
meantime. Any takers?!
We are all looking forward to Department
President Linda Liebenow’s visit to our District in
June, we appreciate her coming and know she is a
very busy lady. I will be seeing you all soon!
(HINTS continued)
Don't forget to include Juniors.
1. If you don’t have an active Junior group – START
ONE - , attend the Department Junior meetings with
your Juniors, they are our Future.
2. Select a Miss Junior Poppy, so she is available all
year for publicity.
OCTOBER: EDUCATION AND SCHOLARSHIP
MONTH
1. Visit your schools, DELIVER SCHOLARSHIPS,
POPPY POSTER CONTEST, GIRLS STATE INFORMATION.
2. Order Poppies-Deadline Oct.1st. Order form will
be mailed to each Unit Secretary. Poppies cost is $85.00
per 1,000.
3. Work on Membership.
4. Plan Halloween festivities for youngsters.
5. Special Rehab Assessment -$.20 per Senior member
at the time of latest Department Convention. (For Transplant Unit) DUE NOV. 15TH.
6. National Bonding Fee ($5.50 per Unit) DUE NOV.
15TH. This is a National assessment and is MANDATORY (Bonds Units)
7. Make donations to VA Hospital Gift Shops, handmade, and new items. Be specific on your donations
Portland VA Hospital and/or Roseburg VA
Hospital and/or SORCC. Need donations early in October as gift shops are held last of Nov first of Dec.
8. Contribute to Christmas Cheer.
(other months will be in next issue of Legionnaire)
No reports from Districts 1, 2, 7, or 9.
8
ENDORSEMENTS FOR DEPARTMENT OFFICERS
The Executive Board
and general membership
of Baird-Heaton Post 152
proudly and without reservation endorses the candidacy of Immediate Past
Department First Vice
Commander Lawrence D.
(Larry) Hill for the high
office of Department
Commander.
Larry is a 13 year member of the Legion and is a
PUFL. Larry retired from the U.S. Army after a
twenty year career in 1984. He was then employed
at San Francisco State University as an Employee
Relations Specialist. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree
in Management.
Larry served as Post Adjutant for a number of
years. He was named Department of Oregon Adjutant of the Year for the 2009 – 2010 year. Larry
served as District 9 Vice Commander for one year,
Commander of District 9 for three years. In his
third year District 9 was a goal district. In 2013 he
was appointed Chair of the Membership and Post
Activities Commission and as a result of his and all
Legionnaires, Oregon became a goal department for
the first time in a number of years and our Department stood at 13 in National Standings. As 1st Vice
Commander, under his leadership our Department
was ranked 13 in National Standings even though
we were not a goal Department. He now sits as
Post 152’s 1st Vice Commander.
Larry is presently Area 3 Oratorical Chair and sits
on the Permanent Finance, National Security and
Foreign Relations (ROTC), Information Security
Commissions. He previously held appointments on
the Membership, Convention, and Public Relations
Commissions. He is a certified LEAD instructor.
He has worked the 4 Pillars and wholeheartedly
believes in the mission of The American Legion
and has continuously worked to improve the Legion. Larry is a member of other veterans’ organizations but devotes 100% of his time and efforts
with The American Legion.
In the past year Larry has been very active working four Pillar programs. He worked Hiring our
Heroes and local job fairs, stand downs, oratorical
contests as Area Commissioner, recruited for Boys
State, and presented ROTC awards. He sits on the
QUEST Committee at the Roseburg VA Medical
Center, was reappointed to the County Veterans
Advisory Committee and is active in the Douglas
County Veterans Forum.
Immediate Past First Vice Commander’ Hill’s
devotion to duty, honesty, drive and determination
to make the Department of Oregon a better organization bodes well for him to lead us towards his
stated goal of making the Department of Oregon a
better organization than when he assumed the mantel of its leadership. He reiterated he will support
all the components of The American Legion family.
Therefore, it is with great pride that Baird-Heaton
Post 152 submits the name of Larry Hill for the
high office of Department Commander of the Department of Oregon.
Legionally Yours,
Tom Adams, Commander Baird-Heaton Post 152
Don Adams, Adjutant Baird-Heaton Post 152
Sons of The American Legion
By Del White
Hello fellow SAL members, things have been
going well as we now have a new Adjutant. His
name is Brandon Levy and he was voted in at the
DEC in Hood River. It will take some time for him
to get the hang of it, so please be patient with him
as he learns his new role. Willy and I will be working closely with Brandon to make sure he has all
the support he needs to be successful.
Donations for CWF and NEF are a little below
normal, but with all that is going on with respect to
membership,
it
doesn't
surprise
me.
Sisters Post 86 and District 5
are equally honored to endorse
Eugene (Gene) G. Hellickson
for election to the high office
of Department 2nd Vice Commander for The American
Legion Department of Oregon.
As a proud veteran and
Legionnaire Gene continues to
serve his Post, District and
Department with dedication
and unwavering commitment.
Gene’s eligibility in The American Legion is
derived from his service in the United States Air
Force serving from 1965 to 1969. He later went on
to enlist in the Oregon Air National Guard until his
retirement in 1988. His experiences in the Air
Force and Oregon Air National Guard provided
him the opportunity to demonstrate his leadership
skills. Rising from Radar Maintenance Technician,
Radar Maintenance Supervisor, and Quality
Control Supervisor to Maintenance Support Superintendent.
Gene’s next job was with the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration. During his time
with NOAA he served as the Quality Assurance
Specialist for the NOAA fleet of research ships. He
was also a member of the Fleet Inspection team,
ship electronics modification and upgrade team and
fleet safety.
Gene is a member of the Sisters Post 86 in the 5th
District. He has served The American Legion as a
Post Service Officer (2 years), Post Vice Commander (1 year), Post Commander (5 years),
District 5 Vice Commander (2 years), and is
currently the District 5 Commander. He has served
his Post on the Membership and Post Activities,
Oratorical, Children and Youth and Americanism
Committees. He has been instrumental in the revitalization of the Sisters Post and has seen it grow to
an all time membership high the five years he was
Post Commander.
We are pleased to say that Gene further serves
Veterans and the Sisters community by initiation of
several community events sponsored by the Sisters
Post 86, and has gotten the Post involved in many
additional community functions.
Gene also serves the Legion and community by
his past and present participation in the 40 & 8, the
Boy Scouts, Little League, Portland Air Base
Federal Credit Union as a board member, the US
Postal Service Federal Credit Union as a board
member, the Friends of the Sisters Library board,
the Deschutes County Library advisory board, the
Central Oregon Veterans Council, The Central
Oregon Band of Brothers, the Sisters Military Parents, and the Oregon Air National Guard Retirees
Association.
Gene has proved to be an effective leader problem solver and mentor in his years of service in
both the military and civilian occupations.
Without reservation, Sisters Post 86 and District
5 present to you a candidate whose leadership, dedication and commitment of The American Legion
will continue to serve our Department in the highest manner. We proudly endorse Eugene (Gene) G.
Hellickson for the high office of 2nd Vice Commander for The American Legion Department of
Oregon.
Lance Trowbridge, Commander Sisters Post 86
Vandee Mauser, Vice Commander (North) District5
Lara Chan, Vice Commander (South) District 5
At round up this year in Prineville, I stepped up
to run for SAL Detachment Commander again next
year. As the year comes to a close, think back
about your accomplishments throughout the year. I
know that everything we do for our veterans and
children
comes
from
the
heart.
I hope this next year we can focus on membership more, as this is the foundation of the four pillars that the Sons was founded on.
Our convention is in McMinnville this year, and
our meetings are as follows; Friday morning June
Pioneer Post 149 proudly
supports Carole Bova-Rice for
the office of Department of
Oregon Second Vice Commander. Carole has served our
Post in several offices and held
the office of Post Commander
for eight years. She is enthusiastic and energetic in supporting the programs of The American Legion, recruiting new
members wherever she encounters veterans.
Carole has held offices in District 2 and has
served the Department of Oregon as Department
Chaplain for the past several years. She also serves
as the Chair of the Oratorical Commission and conducted the High School Oratorical Contest in Oregon for the last two years. She has volunteered her
time and talents for Stand Down, Hire Our Heroes,
and membership revitalization programs, contacting
at-large Legion members to encourage them to join
a local Post. When help is needed, she is there!
Recently widowed, Carole now has the time and
enthusiasm to serve our Department well. Because
of her years as Post Commander and holding positions of responsibility as a District officer, she has
the knowledge and experience to be an exceptional
Second Vice Commander.
Seaside Post 99 is proud to
announce that we unanimously support the candidacy of Post 99 member and
current
District
ViceCommander Lou Neubecker
for the high office of Department 2nd Vice Commander
for the Department of Oregon.
Lou’s eligibility in the American Legion comes
from his service in the United States Marine Corps
from 1966 to 1986. Lou is a Paid Up For Life
Member (PUFL) of 22 years.
Lou has served Post 99 three years as Post Commander, 5 years as Adjutant, 1 year as Junior ViceCommander, and 2 years a Senior ViceCommander. He is currently chairing the Post
membership, scholarship and Boys State programs.
At the District level he has served 1 year as District
Commander, 1 year as Vice-Commander, 2 years
Chaplain and 2 years as Adjutant. At Department
level he has served on the Constitution By-Laws
and Internal Affairs Committee for 2 years, and
Membership Committee for 1 year, and he was the
Post Chairperson for the 2 successful Conventions
held in Seaside.
Lou is a graduate of the 1st American Legion
Department of Oregon Legion College, The American Legion Extension Institute and he has been
trained in the LEAD program.
Lou will bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and energy to the office of Department 2nd
Vice-Commander.
Lou is also a life time member in the VFW, DAV,
VVA, Marine Corps League and Knights of
Columbus.
Please join us in support of his candidacy and
elect him to the high office of 2nd ViceCommander.
26th at 10:00 am we have our Pre Convention DEC
meeting at The McMinnville Community Center
located at 600 NE Evans St. room 203. The Convention meeting starts at 1:00 pm sharp in the same
room.
I hope we have a good turn out, as we need more
members involved at the state level. It is quite rewarding as you get to meet many great veterans,
and
make
many
new
friends.
Thank you for letting me be your Commander
this last year and keep up the good work for our
country. And thank you Legion members for all
your support this last year.
Serving
Those
Who
Serve
97th Department Convention of
The American Legion, Department of Oregon
McMinnville June 24-27, 2015
Resolution No. OR C-01-15
Title: Constitution and By-Laws
Origin: Commission and Committee Realignment Ad Hoc Committee
WHEREAS, That The American Legion, Department of Oregon,
Department Executive Committee during the Mid-Winter Department Executive Committee (DEC) in Brownsville Oregon on January 12, 2014 assigned
an Ad Hoc Committee to develop a plan, process and make recommendations to the DEC on realigning the Department of Oregon Commissions
structure with the new National Commission and Committee structure; and
WHEREAS, The Commission and Committee Realignment Ad Hoc
Committee has researched the National Organization alignment, best practices, and has reported to the DEC in Redmond, April 13, 2014; and
WHEREAS During the Oregon American Legion College in Canby,
Oregon in July 2014 the appointed Chairmen of the Department of Oregon
Commissions met and reviewed their Commission Code of Procedures and
made changes which will support a transparent transition to the new commission and committee alignment; and
WHEREAS Department of Oregon Constitution By-Laws, Article
IX – Department Standing Commissions, Section 1 does not support the new
National Commissions Committee structure and requires changes which have
been submitted under separate resolution (s), and those changes make the
Constitution and By-Laws Committee a committee under the Internal Affairs
Commission; and
WHEREAS, Department of Oregon Constitution, Article VII – DEPARTMENT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, Section 5, Sub-section (1), first
sentence states: A dispute arising among the members within a Post which
threatens its proper Functioning and lawful activities shall be channeled by
the Department Executive Committee to the Constitution, By-Laws and Internal Affairs Commission for a hearing, consideration and counsel; and
WHEREAS, The newly formed Internal Affairs Commission would
be the appropriate body
for resolving issues of this nature; therefore be it
RESOLVED, Department of Oregon Constitution, Article VII – DEPARTMENT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, Section 5, Sub-section (1),
first sentence be changed to read: A dispute arising among the members
within a Post which threatens its proper functioning and lawful activities
shall be channeled to the District for resolution. Disputes that are not
resolved at District shall be channeled by the Department Executive Committee to the Internal Affairs Commission for a hearing, consideration
and counsel.
And be it further
RESOLVED, That this amendment be adopted and implemented upon
the approval of the Resolution OR B-01-15 and the approval of this
resolution by the Department of Oregon Convention at McMinnville,
Oregon June 24, 25, 26, and 27, 2015.
9
Resolution No.C-02-15
Submitted by: Constitution, By-Laws, and Internal Affairs Commission
WHEREAS, Article XV – AMENDMENTS, Section 2 of the Department Constitution By-Laws reads:
Section 2. This Constitution may be amended at any Department Convention by affirmative vote of two-thirds of the delegates present and voting,
provided that such proposed amendment shall have been presented in writing to
the Department Adjutant not less than sixty (60) days prior to the opening of
such Department Convention; and, provided that the proposed amendment shall
have been read at said Convention the day before the vote thereon. The Department Adjutant shall, not less than forty-five (45) days prior to the opening of
such Convention, forward a copy of each proposed amendment to each Post in
the Department and shall cause each proposed amendment to be published in
the Oregon Legionnaire prior to such Convention, and be posted on the Department Website. A copy of each proposed amendment shall be furnished to each
delegate with his Convention package. All proposed amendments shall be in
the form of written resolutions and shall specifically refer to the Article and
Section sought to be amended. And,
WHEREAS, The Oregon Legionnaire publication is produced following the
Spring Department Executive Committee meeting held in mid-April, and often
is consequently published in mid-May; and therefore difficult to ensure receipt
to Oregon Legion members prior to a 45-day requirement; and
WHEREAS, the other notifications of mailing to Posts and publication on the
Department website provide adequate and timely access to the proposed Constitution amendments; therefore be it
RESOLVED, The American Legion Department of Oregon at it’s annual
Convention to be held in McMinnville, Oregon on June 24th, 25th, 26th,
27th, 2015 change Article XV, Section 2 to read as follows:
Section 2. This Constitution may be amended at any Department
Convention by affirmative vote of two-thirds of the delegates present and
voting, provided that such proposed amendment shall have been presented
in writing to the Department Adjutant not less than sixty (60) days prior to
the opening of such Department Convention; and, provided that the proposed amendment shall have been read at said Convention the day before
the vote thereon. The Department Adjutant shall, not less than forty-five
(45) days prior to the opening of such Convention, forward a copy of each
proposed amendment to each Post in the Department and post the proposed amendment on the Department Website and Facebook. The Department Adjutant shall cause the proposed amendment to be published in The
Oregon Legionnaire prior to such Convention. A copy of each proposed
amendment shall be furnished to each delegate with his Convention package. All proposed amendments shall be in the form of written resolutions
and shall specifically refer to the Article and Section sought to be amended.
And be it further
RESOLVED, that this change take effect upon its adoption.
The North Salem Home Depot donated a top of the line barbeque to
Stayton Post # 58 for the Lebanon Veterans Home
Amanda Carter, Manager of North Salem Home Depot receives an award of appreciation from
Stayton Post #58 Commander Vern Hart and Adjutant Mike Sowles.
Resolution No. OR B-01-15
Title: Constitution and By-Laws
Origin: Commission and Committee Realignment Ad Hoc Committee
WHEREAS, That The American Legion, Department of Oregon,
Department Executive Committee during the Mid-Winter DEC in Brownsville, OR on January 12, 2014 assigned an Ad Hoc Committee to develop a
plan, process and make recommendations to the Department Executive
Committee on realigning the Department of Oregon Commissions structure
with the new National Commission and Committee structure; and
WHEREAS, The Commission and Committee Realignment Ad Hoc Committee has researched the National Organization Alignment, best practices,
and has reported back to the DEC in Redmond, April 13, 2014; and
WHEREAS, During the Oregon American Legion College in Canby in July
2014 the appointed Chairs of the Department of Oregon Commissions met
and reviewed their Commission Code of Procedures and made changes in
parentheses of the new Commission and Committee name which will support a transparent transition to the new commission and committee alignment if approved; and
WHEREAS, By-Laws of The American Legion Department of Oregon,
Article IX – Department Standing Commissions, Section 1 and Section 4 do
not support the new National Commission/Committee structure and require
changes to Section 1 and Section 4 and additional Sections to be added to
provide alignment of committees to Americanism, Internal Affairs, Media
and Communications, National Security, and Veterans Employment and
Education Commissions; and
WHEREAS, Article IX – Department Standing Commissions, Section 1.
Currently reads: These shall be, in addition to the Permanent Finance Commission as set out in Article VIII of this By-Law, the following Commissions of the Department of Oregon:
(1) Americanism Commission
(2) Beaver Boys State Commission
(3) Boys Scout Commission
(4) Children and Youth Commission
(5) Constitution, By-Laws and Internal Affairs Commission
(6) Convention Commission
(7) Economics Commission
(8) Information Technology Commission
(9) Legion Baseball Commission
(10) Legislative Commission
(11) Membership Commission
(12) National Security-Foreign Relations and Homeland
Security Commission
(13) Oratorical Commission
(14) Oregon Legionnaire Publications Commission
(15) Public Relations Commission
(16) Rehabilitation Commission
(17) Department Administrative and Advisory Commission
(18) Rituals and Ceremonials, Trophies and Awards Commission
(19) Sons of The American Legion Commission
(20) Oregon Legion Riders Commission
(21) The American Legion Junior Shooting Sports Commission
(22) Training and Development Commission; and
WHEREAS, Article IX-Department Standing Commissions, Section 4. The
Department Rehabilitation Commission shall have a subcommittee to be
known as The American Legion Volunteer Services Committee (ALVS).
This subcommittee shall operate under the supervision of the Rehabilitation
Commission. The Chairman of this subcommittee shall be a member of the
Rehabilitation Commission, ex-officio, without power to vote. The ALVS
Chairman and committee shall be appointed in the prescribed manner by the
Department Commander, subject to the approval by the Department Executive Committee. The Veterans Affairs Volunteer Service (VAVS) fund, in
existence at the time this Section is adopted shall be continued as a segregated fund to be used for ALVS purposes only and a specified sum obtained
from the sale of Christmas cards and Rehabilitation Stamps shall be allocated annually to the ALVS fund, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, To realign Department or Oregon Commissions to support our National Organization alignment; Article IX-Department
Standing Commissions, Section 1 is changed as follows: These shall be,
in addition to the Permanent Finance Commission as set out in Article
VIII of these By-Laws, the following Commissions and Committees of
the Department of Oregon:
(1) Americanism Commission
(2) Internal Affairs Commission
(3) Membership and Post Activities Commission
(4) Administrative and Advisory Commission
(5) Legislative Commission
(6) Media and Communications Commission
(7) National Security Commission
(8) Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation (VA&R) Commission
(9) Veterans Employment and Education Commission
(10) Convention Commission;
10
and be it further
RESOLVED, To provide alignment of Committees to Commissions, Article
IX of these By- Laws Section 4 is rewritten, Section 5 is renumbered Section
10. Section 5 is Americanism Commission, Section 6 is Internal Affairs
Commission, Section 7 is Media and Communications Commission, Section
8 is National Security Commission, Section 9 is Veterans Employment and
Education Commission; and be it further
RESOLVED, Section 4. The Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation (VA&R)
Commission shall have a Committee to be known as American Legion Volunteer Services Committee (ALVS). The Committee shall operate under the
supervision of the VA&R Commission. The Chairman of this Committee
shall be a member of the VA&R Commission. The ALVS Chairman and
Committee shall be appointed in the prescribed manner by the Department
Commander, subject to the approval by the Department Executive Committee; and be it further
RESOLVED, Section 5. The Americanism Commission shall have Committees to be known as Children and Youth Committee, Baseball Committee,
Boy Scouts Committee, Boys State Committee, Oratorical Committee, and
Jr. Shooting Sports Committee. These committees shall operate under the
supervision of the Americanism Commission. The Chairman of these committees shall be a member of the Americanism Commission. The Committee Chairman and committee shall be appointed in the prescribed manner
by the Department Commander, subject to the approval by the Department
Executive Committee; and be it further
RESOLVED, Section 6. The Internal Affairs Commission shall have Committees to be known as Constitution and By-Laws Committee, Sons of The
American Legion Committee, American Legion Riders Committee, Resolution Assignment Committee, Trophy and Awards Committee, and Training
and Development-Legion College Committee. These Committees shall operate under the supervision of the Internal Affairs Commission. The Chairman of these Committees shall be a member of the Internal Affairs Commission. The Committee Chairman and committee shall be appointed in the
prescribed manner by the Department Commander, subject to the approval
by the Department Executive Committee; and be it further
RESOLVED, Section 7. The Media and Communications Commission shall
have Committees to be known as Legionnaire and Public Relations Committee, Leadership, and Information Technology Committee. These Committees shall operate under the supervision of the Media and Communications
Commission. The Chairman of these Committees shall be a member of the
Media and Communications Commission. The Committee Chairman and
committee shall be appointed in the prescribed manner by the Department
Commander, subject to the approval by the Department Executive Committee; and be it further
RESOLVED, Section 8. The National Security Commission shall have
Committees to be known as Law and Order and Homeland Security Committee, Military Benefits and Quality of Life Committee, National Guard
and Reserve Forces Committee and Foreign Relations Committee. These
Committees shall operate under the supervision of the National Security
Commission. The Chairman of these Committees shall be a member of the
National Security Commission. The Committee Chairman and committee
shall be appointed in the prescribed manner by the Department Commander, subject to the approval by the Department Executive Committee; and be
it further
RESOLVED, Section 9. The Veterans Employment and Education Commission shall have Committees to be known as Employment and Veterans
Preference Committee, Vets Education, other Benefits and Homelessness
Committee and Hire our Heroes Committee. These Committees shall operate under the supervision of the Veterans Employment and Education Commission. The Chairman of these Committees shall be a member of the Veterans Employment and Education Commission. The Committee Chairman
and committee shall be appointed in the prescribed manner by the Department Commander, subject to the approval by the Department Executive
Committee; and be it further
RESOLVED, That The American Legion, Department of Oregon Realign
our Department of Oregon Commission structure with the new National
Commission and Committee structure; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the appointed Chairs of the Department of Oregon Commissions and Committees for Membership Year 2016 revise their Department of Oregon Commission and Committee Code of Procedures to reflect
the new Commission and Committee alignment and present for approval at
the Fall DEC; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the changes to Department of Oregon By-Laws, Article
IX Department Standing Commissions in Section 1 and renumbering Section 5 to Section 10 and addition of Section 5,6,7,8 and 9 be accepted; and
be it finally
RESOLVED, That this Resolution to Realign the Department of Oregon
Commissions structure to support National Commissions and Committee
Realignment and changes to Article IX, Department Standing Commissions,
upon approval at the Department Convention in McMinnville, Oregon June
24 to 27, 2015 is so implemented.
11
Douglas County Veterans’ Viewpoint
Agenda Convention Schedule of Events
DATE
TIME
EVENT
LOCATION
June 23, 2015
Tuesday
10am – 4pm
AL Registration
Post 21
10am – 4pm
ALA Registration
Post 21
3pm
Committee on Committees
Post 21
4pm
Resolution Assignment Committee
Post 21
________________________________________________________________________________
June 24, 2015
Wednesday
10am – 4pm
AL & ALA Registration
Post 21
7am – 1pm
Golf Tournament
Bayou Golf Course
12 pm – 1:30pm Lunch
Post 21
3pm – 4:30pm AL Pre-Convention D.E.C. Meeting
Post 21
6:30pm – 8:30pm Joint Opening Ceremonies
McMinnville Community Center
________________________________________________________________________________
June 25, 2015
Thursday 6:45am – 7:45am
White Tops Breakfast
Post 21
6:45am – 7:45am
Delegates Breakfast
Post 21
7:30am– 12:30pm
Post 21
8am – 9am
Joint Memorial Service
Evergreen ASM Chapel
9:15am – 11:30am
Joint VA & R Session
Evergreen ASM Chapel
11:45am – 1:15pm
VA&R/ ALVS Luncheon (All Welcome)
Post 21
1pm – 4pm
1:30pm – 4pm
AL Convention Meeting
1:30pm – 4pm
ALA Convention Meeting
4pm – 6pm
“Thank You American Legion”
Hillside Community Center
All Welcome
Wine and Hors d’oeuvre
6:00pm – 10pm President & Commanders
McMinnville Grand Ballroom
Banquet
________________________________________________________________________________
June 26, 2015
Friday
7am - 8am
Delegates Breakfast
Post 21
8am – 4pm
8:30am – 4pm ALA Convention Meeting
9am – 4pm
AL Convention Meeting
9am – 4pm
SAL Convention Meeting
McMinnville Com. Center Rm 203
11:45am– 1:15pm Americanism Luncheon (All Welcome) McMinnville Elks 1283
4:15pm
Past Department Commanders
Comfort Inn Meeting Room
5pm – 8pm
Post Convention BBQ
Post 21
________________________________________________________________________________
June 27, 2015
Saturday
6:45am – 8am G-Nuts Breakfast (Adjs & Cdrs)
Post 21
8am – 10am AL & ALA Registration
8:30am – 4pm ALA Convention Meeting & DEC McMinnville Community Center
9am – 4pm AL Convention Meeting & DEC McMinnville Community Center
5pm – 8pm Victory Party
Post 21
McMinnville Post 21
126 NE Atlantic St
McMinnville, OR 97128
503-435-2218
600 NE Evans St
503-434-7315
By John McDonald
I had the great pleasure of talking with Post Commander Roy Brogden of The American Legion
Fallin Post 123. Originally chartered in Canyonville
after World War II, Post 123 serves Canyonville,
Myrtle Creek, Riddle and Tri City. The organization meets on the third Thursday of the month at the
Veterans Memorial Building, 252 S. Pacific Highway, in Myrtle Creek.
On Friday, May 8, members of Post 123 and
other veterans posted flags around these communities to recognize Victory in Europe Day
(VE Day), which was fir st celebr ated on May 8,
1945 as the official announcement of the end of
World War II in Europe.
“We post flags 12 times a year,” said Brogden.
“We post on Armed Forces Day and will post again
on Memorial Day.”
We also provided a free breakfast for veterans on
Memorial Day, at the Veterans Memorial Building.
Families attended and made a donation to help defray meal costs.
Brogden was eager to share all the good The
American Legion does in the community. Every
Pearl Harbor Day, The American Legion conducts
a flag retirement ceremony.
“We are very respectful and observe appropriate
protocols,” said Brogden. “Last year, we retired
about 200 flags. People are welcome to bring their
flags to us for an appropriate disposal.”
Brogden said Post 123 works closely with local
businesses on fundraising activities and community
events, like the Myrtle Creek Summer Festival and
Canyonville Pioneer Days.
“Local businesses have been very generous in
helping us with our activities, from posting flags
and the veterans breakfast, and even just keeping
the lights on at the post,” said Brogden.
To join the American Legion or support their volunteer activities, contact Brogden at 541-863-3857
or [email protected].
Hillside Community Center
300 hillside Park Way
McMinnville Grande Ballroom
325 NE 3rd St
McMinnville Elks # 1283
333 NE Evans St
Pictured are World War II Veterans who celebrated the 70th D-Day Anniversary in Normandy, France last June. The French have not
forgotten our men’s harrowing deeds and are still celebrating their country’s liberation each year on June 6th. Witnessing the appreciation
shown towards our veterans is truly a sight to see – they are treated like movie stars!
These veterans were part of a group that traveled on a WWII Battlefields Tour of Europe.
They were accompanied by family and friends, and many other persons interested in the history of World War II. The group visited Paris,
walked on Omaha and Utah Beach, continued on to Reims in France, paid respect at General Patton’s grave in Luxembourg, and explored
the Battle of the Bulge area in Belgium. In Germany they visited the Remagen Bridge, Nuremberg, the former Dachau Concentration
Camp, and Hitler’s Eagles Nest in the beautiful Bavarian Alps.
The tour was designed by WWII veteran and historian Dr. Brooks Ranney of Yankton, SD
and was conducted by Rupiper Tours. This tour was immensely enjoyed by all 112 tour participants. Visiting these places where our veterans fought is a great way to grasp the significance of the Allied Victory in Europe!
2015 tours are scheduled for June and August. For more information, you may contact Mrs. Brooks Ranney at 605-665-3596 or toll free
at 888-414-4177.
Rolling Veterans Memorial Float
12
The American Legion Remains Active for Memorial Day Events
By Jay Pitman
By Don Weber
Each year the Seaside Elks # 1748 has its hands
full around the time of Miss Oregon and July 4th
weekend. They also hosted The American Legion's
Convention dinner in their main Lodge this year.
So as the years annual entry for a float came along
member Jay M. Pitman took on the task of design
and development of a float worthy of a standing
ovation. His patriotism and membership in the Seaside American Legion Post 99 and The Legion Riders gave him an idea. Put the two clubs together
and have a joint venture in this years float, one that
can be continued yearly and used at other functions.
It is also one that can and will be added to and promoted by both organizations as that of our commitment to our troops and those who have served and
those who are no longer with us, and Not Forgotten.
Using his talent, he decided a well known symbol
(the Iwo Jima Memorial) would be a mainstay of
the float, and then he added the military flags of all
branches of the Armed forces surrounded by a very
patriotic array of colors and symbols. Once this was
done, he talked with fellow member Barry Gordon
as to what they could do to add to the float each
year in regards to those who are no longer with us.
They discussed the topic of the fallen soldier symbol. Barry offered his extra boots from his time in
service to help with putting the symbol together. So
the next step would be to have the rest of the items
done for easy installment for the following year.
With all the design and building of the float coming together it was with a sad heart that on the 20th
of June, 7 days prior to completion Barry D. Gordon passed away from medical complications. Jay
went back to the design and this years float took on
a new meaning, he added a photo of Barry and that
of fallen soldier James Trebor to the front display
of the float.
On July 3rd, another member of the Seaside
American Legion Post 99 Post, Vice Commander
Gary Heller, a close friend of Barry's passed away,
His name was added along with the two others in a
memorial tribute displayed on the front of this years
float entry. Jay said his idea was made possible by
support from several local business's donations and
that of members from Seaside American Legion
and the Elks. He plans on entering it in this years
Astoria Regatta Parade, and has been asked to light
it up and enter it in the Seaside Chambers Parade of
Lights. He'll continue the rolling memorial, and
enter it this year into Long Beaches Loyalty day
Parade, Miss Oregon Pageant, Seaside, and Warrenton's Independence Day Parade, as well as the
Astoria Regatta Parade. As The float progresses in
development He is also hoping to make it available
for other venues. Looking forward, (Wakan Tanka
Kici Un) May God Bless.
Posts around the state participated in, hosted, and supported Memorial Day events. Beaverton Post 124
conducted a very moving tribute with the assistance of Musicians Post 185, The Sons of The American
Revolution, and Battery B, 2nd Battalion 218th Field Artillery. For more information see the article in the
Beaverton Valley Times at http://www.pamplinmedia.com/bvt/15-mews/261583-133810-beaverton-turnsout-to-honor-its-best-on-memorial-day.
Aloha Post 104 partnered with Hillsboro Post 6, VFW Post 2666, DAV, and the Military Order of the
Purple Hearts to host an all-day Memorial Day remembrance at Hillsboro Stadium including a road rally
extending to 12 Veteran Memorial Sites in Washington County, a car show with more than 100 classic
cars, Veteran speakers, and patriotic music by two of the Washington County High Schools.
Vernonia Post 119 hosted a memorial at the local cemetery, with assistance from Aloha Post 104. Del
White, SAL Detachment Commander and member of Squadron 104 was the master of ceremonies, while
Dianna Stoffer, Unit 104 sang the National Anthem, and a soldiers song that brought tears to all attending.
Legionnaires, you have
earned a great benefit as a
member of The American
Legion. The Department of
Oregon is committed to
protecting American Veterans and their families, so
we've worked with the Legionnaire Insurance Trust
to arrange this benefit opportunity for you.
As a Legionnaire, you are
automatically
authorized
for LegionCare. This Accidental Death benefit coverage offers Legionnaires
$5,000 in coverage if a covered accident occurs while
on Official Legion Business
or $1,000 for all other covered accidents, all at NO
COST TO YOU until it
expires August 31, 2016.
That's right: Absolutely NO
COST TO YOU.
For more information or to
register for your free earned
LegionCare benefit, please
contact your Post commander or call Headquarters at (503) 685-5006.
Aloha Post 104 Honor Guard with Sons of The American Legion Detachment Commander
Del White, Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs Deputy Director Ed Van Dyke,
Vocalist Dianna Stoffer
Department Commander Andy Millar attended Beaverton Post 124
Memorial Day Services, Musicians Post 185 played for the ceremony

The Oregon Legionnaire

Transcription

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