OCR | Digital Archive (2024)

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contents
November 2009 • Vol. 167, No. 5

24 The Great Reversal
Woodrow Wilson pledged to keep the
United States out of war, until he saw
no other alternative but to ight.
By James D. Startt
COVER STORY

Legi
g onnaire
and Korean
War veteran
Robe
Ro
bert
rt
Frankenstein
of Beaver
Dam,
Da
m, Wis
Wis.,.,
helped create
a memorial
park
pa
rk tto
o ho
hono
norr
those who
serve in the
nation’
i ’s
armed forces.
Valerie Tobias

32 How the Military Changed My Life
Readers share how the discipline,
camaraderie and sacriice of service
shaped them.

38 Pride and Purpose
In Louisville, Legionnaires celebrated a
year of achievements and planned for an
even better tomorrow. By Steve Brooks

48 A Freedom Problem
Failed states – not powerful ones – pose
a greater threat to our national security.
By Alan W. Dowd

54 The First Generation
World War I ace Eddie Rickenbacker
courted the Legion to buy the
Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
By Philip M. Callaghan

7
12
14
16
22
56
68
72

Vet Voice
Commander’s Message
Big Issues
Living Well
Veterans Update
Rapid Fire
Comrades
Parting Shots

Freedom Car heads to Memphis, Fox to air race
Jerick Johnson, driving The American Legion/David Law Firm 76 Freedom Car, qualiied ninth in the ASA
Late Model Challenge Series race at Iowa Speedway in Newton on Sept. 19. There, Dillon Oliver’s No. 33 car
was the fastest but drew No. 9, moving Johnson into the front-row pole. In the end, he had to settle for a
25th-place inish after engine problems forced him to the garage on the 98th lap of the 100-lap race. The
Challenge Series heads to Memphis, Tenn., for the last race of the season Nov. 7. The 76 Freedom Car will
carry a live-action camera from Fox Television. The race will be broadcast to 52 million homes on Fox Sports
Midwest, Fox Sports Florida and America One television network. James V. Carroll
The American Legion Magazine, a leader among national general-interest publications, is published monthly by The American Legion for its 2.5 million members.
These wartime veterans, working through 15,000 community-level posts, dedicate themselves to God and Country and traditional American values; strong national
security; adequate and compassionate care for veterans, their widows and orphans; community service; and the wholesome development of our nation’s youth.
NOVMEBER 2009

THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE

ATTENTION VICTIMS OF ASBESTOS-RELATED

MESOTHELIOMA
COMMITMENT
SHARED THROUGH
OUR SERVICE.

Bud Coady

Dave Fanikos

Harvard, 1979
USMC, 1979-89, 1991
Gulf War Veteran

Harvard, 1985
USMC 1986-1989
Attorney at Law

Attorney at Law

EXPERTISE
DEMONSTRATED
THROUGH RESULTS.

Like you, we served our country. And like you,
we believe in just compensation for those
diagnosed with Mesothelioma. For 20 years,
Coady Law Firm Attorneys have successfully
represented veterans stricken by Asbestosrelated Mesothelioma, securing millions of
dollars to help pay for healthcare and support
their families.
Coady Law Firm offers free, no-obligation
consultation nationwide, and does not
expect compensation until your suit has
succeeded. Unlike other lawyers, we are
veterans who share your values and are
personally commited throughout your case.
Coady Law Firm. Fellow veterans and
trusted attorneys, who believe in defending
our shipmates.
Call 1-888-802-MESO (6376), and we will
come to you for a free consultation.

Call 1-888-802-MESO (6376)
FOR A NO OBLIGATION CONSULTATION.
205 Portland Street • Boston, MA 02114 • E-Mail: info@coadylaw.com

click here
e

Where to go and what to ind in The American Legion’s electronic media

HOT LINKS
Great places to go online.

www.legion.org

A brand-new American Legion National Headquarters Web site
launches Nov. 9, during the week of Veterans Day 2009. Lively,
frequently changing news items, interactive features, useful links,
access to blogs, videos and social-media connections are all part of
it. New micro-sites within Legion.org include a Veterans Beneits
Center, a Veterans Career Center, a new landing page for Legion
Riders and more.

Legiontown USA
www.legion.org/
legiontown
Log on and tell your post’s
story, upload a photo, or
peruse www.legion.org/
legiontown to ind out
how the Legion is serving
communities nationwide.

Follow the
commander
www.clarencehill.org
National Commander
Clarence Hill records his
travels, makes statements
and posts videos at www.
clarencehill.org. Visitors
are invited to leave their
comments, as well.

The Burn Pit
BETWEEN THE LINES
Additional material from selected American Legion Magazine articles can
be found online. Look for extras from the following stories this month:
www.legion.org/whatsnew/magazine

32 How the Military
Changed My Life
Hundreds of readers share their
memories of how serving in the U.S.
Armed Forces shaped who they are
today. Click on www.legion.org/
militarychange to read more.

Social networks
Follow The American
Legion on:
Twitter
Facebook
Linkedin
YouTube
Flickr
MySpace

38 Pride and Purpose
The 91st National Convention of
The American Legion drew
thousands to Louisville. See videos
at www.legion.org/legiontv.

THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE

burnpit.legion.org
burnpit.l
p
The hottest
stories in
veterans afairs,
national security and
patriotism are found at the
Burn Pit blog site. Log in,
take a look, and have your
voice be heard.

YYou
Yo
ou TTub
Tube
ube

flickr

NOVEMBER 2009

ATTENTION: MEDICARE RECIPIENTS
For years, United States Veterans, like Chet Perkins, have told us that
their new Hoveround Power Wheelchairs gave them back their life.
Here are some of the reasons why:
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maneuvers in spaces that other scooters and
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We’ve simplified the process to help make getting your
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And the best part is that 9 out of 10 Hoveround owners
paid little or nothing to get their Power Wheelchair!*

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we offer a 30 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE!**
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These major accreditation organizations, consumer protection agencies
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“My Hoveround gives me the Freedom and
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—Chet Perkins, Retired US Army & Hoveround Owner

call today! 800.662.2059
Or mail your request to the address below. No obligation.
Please print: Mr. Mrs. Ms.
Name _______________________________________________________________________
Address _____________________________________________________________________
City ____________________________________________ State _________Zip __________
Phone ___________________________ Email _____________________________________
Mail to: Hoveround, 2151 Whitfield Industrial Way, Sarasota FL 34243-9889

Visit us on the web
www.hoveround.com

*Insurance coverage depends on medical necessity which is determined by your insurer. A valid doctor’s prescription is required.
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representative may contact you to discuss any products or services offered by Hoveround.

Yours
Free!
Clarence E. Hill
The American Legion
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR William M. Justis

NATIONAL COMMANDER

Elvis Presley
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EDITOR
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Name_______________________________________________
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MasterCard, Visa or Discover Account Information:
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Expiration Date________________________________________

DESIGNER
PRODUCTION MANAGER

Holly K. Soria
Matt Everett
Tony Heath

THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE COMMISSION
CHAIRMAN
VICE CHAIRMAN

Dennis J. Henkemeyer Bagley, MN
James H. Hall Hopewell, NJ

COMMANDER’S
REPRESENTATIVE Terry D. Lewis Philadelphia

Rodger A. Bennett Thawville, IL
Robert A. Corrigan Bronx, NY
MEMBERS Roger H. Anderson South Windsor, CT
James F. Angell Sedro Woolley, WA
Harold F. Arnold Statesboro, GA
Sam Barney Lancaster, OH
Thomas L. Burns Ocean View, DE
Claude B. Carpenter Little Rock, AR
James W. Conway Charlestown, MA
Philip B. Finley Colby, KS
Richard A. Font Shalimar, FL
Dennis E. Fritz Columbus Junction, IA
Charles E. Hartman Eau Claire, PA
Theodore Hartmann Smithton, IL
Roy L. Kirkham Minden, LA
James J. Leyser Fresno, CA
John J. Michalski New Carlisle, IN
Silas M. Noel Frankfort, KY
Robert E. Vass Sr. Huntington, WV
David R. Walkup Oklahoma City
Frank C. Ward Greenville, SC

CONSULTANT

NEC LIAISON
COMMITTEE

William W. Kile
Chairman, Petersburg, WV
Andrew W. Johnson Honolulu
Salvatore Ruvolo Henderson, NV
Floyd W. Turner Birmingham, AL

ADVERTISING
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Diane Andretti

ASSISTANT
ADVERTISING MANAGER

Amanda A. Harpenau
Laura Edwards
CONTACT (317) 630-1282
(317) 630-1283
The American
Legion Magazine
P.O. Box 7068
Indianapolis, IN 46207
ADVERTISING SALES James G. Elliott
Company, Inc.
NEW YORK (212) 588-9200
DETROIT (248) 530-0300
CHICAGO (312) 236-4900
LOS ANGELES (213) 624-0900

ADVERTISING ASSISTANT

Copyright 2009 by The American Legion
The American Legion (ISSN 0886-1234) is published monthly
by The American Legion, 5745 Lee Road, Indianapolis, IN 46216.
Periodicals postage paid at Indianapolis, IN 46204 and additional
mailing offices.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The American Legion,
Data Services, P.O. Box 1954, Indianapolis, IN 46206.
Canada Post International Publications Mall (Canadian Distribution)
Sales Agreement No. PM40063731. Return Undeliverable
Canadian Addresses to: Station A, P.O. Box, Windsor ON N9A 6J5.
Re-entered second-class mail matter at Manila Central Post Office
dated Dec. 22, 1991.

Printed in USA
Member Audit Bureau of Circulations

‘Monumental Challenge’
The Magazine for a Strong America
HOW TO CONTACT US

For assistance with membership record verification,
membership applications, change of address,
notification of member death or changes to magazine
or Dispatch subscriptions, contact customer service.
CUSTOMER
(317) 860-3111
SERVICE
cs@legion.org
The American Legion
Data Services
P.O. Box 1954
Indianapolis, IN 46206
For change of address by mail, attach old address
label, provide new address and membership number.
NATIONAL
HEADQUARTERS
AMERICAN LEGION
MAGAZINE
E-MAIL
TELEPHONE
WEB SITE
SUBSCRIPTIONS

(317) 630-1200
700 N. Pennsylvania St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
P.O. Box 1055
Indianapolis, IN 46206
magazine@legion.org
(317) 630-1298
www.legion.org
Free with membership
Non-members: $15
Foreign: $21
Post-sponsored and widows: $6
Single copies: $3.50

MEMBERSHIP IN THE AMERICAN LEGION

Veterans who served at least one day of active military duty
during wartime, or are serving now, are potentially eligible
for membership in The American Legion. Members must
have been honorably discharged or still serving honorably.
ELIGIBILITY
Aug. 2, 1990 – current
DATES OF
Dec. 20,1989 – Jan. 31, 1990
MILITARY
Aug. 24, 1982 – July 31, 1984
SERVICE
Feb. 28,1961 – May 7, 1975
June 25, 1950 – Jan. 31, 1955
Dec. 7, 1941 – Dec. 31, 1946
April 6, 1917 – Nov. 11, 1918
(Merchant Marines who served
from Dec. 7, 1941 to Dec. 31, 1946,
are also eligible.)
TO JOIN

Membership Division
ia@legion.org
(317) 630-1321
www.legion.org

PROGRAM CONTACT INFORMATION
VETERANS AFFAIRS (202) 861-2700
& REHABILITATION var@legion.org
ECONOMICS 202.861.2700

econ@legion.org
(800) 504-4098
familysupport@legion.org
(317) 630-1384
cfa@cfa-inc.org
www.cfa-inc.org
LEGION RIDERS (317) 630-1265
www.legion.org/legionriders
wsloan@legion.org
AMERICAN LEGION (317) 630-1249
BASEBALL jquinlan@legion.org
www.baseball.legion.org
BOYS NATION (317) 630-1207
jdruskis@legion.org
JUNIOR (317) 630-1249
SHOOTING SPORTS mbuss@legion.org
NATIONAL (317) 630-1249
ORATORICAL CONTEST mbuss@legion.org
HEROES TO (703) 908-6250
HOMETOWNS heroestohometowns@legion.org
FAMILY SUPPORT
NETWORK
CITIZENS FLAG
ALLIANCE

SCHOLARSHIPS & CHARITABLE TRUSTS
AMERICAN LEGACY (317) 630-1212
SCHOLARSHIP mnovak@legion.org
AMERICAN LEGION (317) 630-1202
ENDOWMENT FUND
CHILD WELFARE (317) 630-1202
FOUNDATION www.cwf-inc.org
NATIONAL (317) 630-1202
EMERGENCY FUND ia@legion.org
AMERICAN LEGION MERCHANDISE
ORDER PLACEMENT (888) 453-4466
AND CATALOG emblem.legion.org
REQUESTS emblem@legion.org
AMERICAN LEGION FAMILY
AMERICAN LEGION (317) 569-4500
AUXILIARY www.legion-aux.org
SONS OF THE (317) 630-1200
AMERICAN LEGION www.sal.legion.org

Steve Brooks’ article (September) provides an
excellent summary of how far judges have
departed from the First Amendment’s language
pertaining to religion. The chief justice should ask
the American Civil Liberty Union’s lawyer what
law Congress has passed that violates the First
Amendment’s words: “Congress shall make no
law respecting an establishment of religion, or
prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” If a law is
cited, ask the ACLU to explain how such a law
respects an establishment of religion. If the
ACLU can’t do that, dismiss the case without
prejudice. If the ACLU refers to the separation of church and
state, tell the ACLU those words are not in the Constitution and that it must
conine its argument to the words of the First Amendment. The First
Amendment’s language prevents Congress from establishing a religion for our
country. The ACLU seems to want courts to do what the First Amendment also
prohibits, i.e. “prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”
– Charles W. Margolf, Boulder, Colo.

I am shocked that a cross
put up 65 years ago to remember World War I veterans is
even a question. What kind of
a person would let a cross in
the desert bother him so much
he would start a lawsuit to
have it removed? What kind of
court would listen to such a
request? What judge would
order the cross boxed? What
are we becoming?
– Kevin O’Donnell, Orlando, Fla.

It appears the words “tolerance” and “patriotic” are absent
from the ACLU’s lexicon, but
the word “offended” must cover
several pages. What are we, a
bunch of wimps who suffer the
vapors whenever someone
utters or displays something we
consider bruising to our fragile
sensitivities? The only ones who
beneﬁt are lawyers.
What’s next? Should all the
crosses and Stars of David be
removed from military cemeteries in Normandy and Belgium
to satisfy the ACLU? Who’s to
guarantee that whatever would
replace them would not be
offensive to someone, somewhere? Or would unmarked
graves be less offensive?
NOVEMBER 2009

Our courts, I feel, have
accumulated power beyond
what our founding fathers
intended. May God forfend my
use of the word “father” if it
offends anyone – or the use of
“God,” for that matter.
I applaud the Legion’s efforts
to defeat this scurrilous suit.
– J. Richard Lebel, South Attleboro, Mass.

I am appalled at all the
controversy over a cross. I’m
a Gulf War veteran, and even
though I am not a religious
person, I feel a memorial to
veterans is a way for people
to say, “Thank you.”
As for religious symbols on
public land, drive through
Montana and you’ll see all the
white crosses of people who
died in car accidents or were
killed by drunk drivers. Yet to
honor people who bravely
fought for our rights seems to
be a thorn for the ACLU. These
memorials are meant to remind
us that greater men in the
armed forces walked before us,
and we have big shoes to ﬁ ll to
be as honorable as they were.
Keep up with your reporting
on this topic.
– David Skranak, Prineville, Ore.
|

THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE

IMAGINE THIS BLISTERING RASH ALONG WITH STABBING PAIN

AND YOU’LL HAVE AN IDEA OF
WHAT IT CAN BE LIKE TO HAVE SHINGLES.

For more information on the availability of ZOSTAVAX through the Merck Vaccine Patient
Assistance Program, visit www.merck.com/merckhelps or call 1-877-9 SHINGLES.

IF YOU HAD CHICKENPOX AS A CHILD,
YOU COULD GET SHINGLES NOW.
The chickenpox virus is still in your body.
It can resurface as Shingles, a painful, blistering rash. The Shingles rash
usually lasts up to 30 days, and for most the pain lessens as the rash
heals. But some people who develop Shingles experience long-term
pain that can last for months, even years.

ZOSTAVAX is a vaccine that can help prevent Shingles.
ZOSTAVAX is used to prevent Shingles in adults 60 years of age or
older. Once you reach age 60, the sooner you get vaccinated, the
better your chances of protecting yourself from Shingles. ZOSTAVAX
is given as a single shot. ZOSTAVAX cannot be used to treat Shingles,
or the nerve pain that may follow Shingles, once you have it. Talk to
your health care professional to see if ZOSTAVAX is right for you.

Important Safety Information
ZOSTAVAX may not fully protect everyone who gets the vaccine.
You should not get ZOSTAVAX if you are allergic to any of its
ingredients, including gelatin and neomycin, have a weakened
immune system, take high doses of steroids, or are pregnant or plan to
become pregnant. Possible side effects include redness, pain, itching,
swelling, warmth, or bruising at the injection site, as well as headache.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription
drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Before getting vaccinated, talk to your health care professional about
situations you may need to avoid after getting ZOSTAVAX. Please see
the Patient Product Information on the adjacent page.

Before you get Shingles, ask about ZOSTAVAX.

www.zostavax.com

Patient Information about
ZOSTAVAX® (pronounced “ZOS tah vax”)
Generic name: Zoster Vaccine Live
You should read this summary of
information about ZOSTAVAX1
before you are vaccinated. If
you have any questions about
ZOSTAVAX after reading this
leaﬂet, you should ask your health
care provider. This information
does not take the place of talking
about ZOSTAVAX with your doctor,
nurse, or other health care provider.
Only your health care provider can
decide if ZOSTAVAX is right for you.

• are allergic to any of its
ingredients.
• are allergic to gelatin or
neomycin.
• have a weakened immune
system (for example, an immune
deﬁciency, leukemia, lymphoma,
or HIV/AIDS).
• take high doses of steroids by
injection or by mouth.
• are pregnant or plan to get
pregnant.

What is ZOSTAVAX and how does
it work?
ZOSTAVAX is a vaccine that is used
for adults 60 years of age or older to
prevent shingles (also known as zoster).

You should not get ZOSTAVAX
to prevent chickenpox.

ZOSTAVAX contains a weakened
chickenpox virus (varicella-zoster
virus).

How is ZOSTAVAX given?
ZOSTAVAX is given as a single
dose by injection under the skin.

ZOSTAVAX works by helping your
immune system protect you from
getting shingles. If you do get
shingles even though you have
been vaccinated, ZOSTAVAX may
help prevent the nerve pain that
can follow shingles in some people.

What should I tell my health
care p rovider before I get
ZOSTAVAX?
You should tell your health care
provider if you:
• have or have had any medical
problems.
• take any medicines, including
nonprescription medicines, and
dietary supplements.
• have any allergies, including
allergies to neomycin or
gelatin.
• had an allergic reaction to
another vaccine.
• are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant.
• are breast-feeding.

ZOSTAVAX may not protect
everyone who gets the vaccine.
ZOSTAVAX cannot be used to treat
shingles once you have it.
What do I need to know about
shingles and the virus that causes it?
Shingles is caused by the same
virus that causes chickenpox. Once
you have had chickenpox, the virus
can stay in your nervous system for
many years. For reasons that are
not fully understood, the virus may
become active again and give you
shingles. Age and problems with
the immune system may increase
your chances of getting shingles.
Shingles is a rash that is usually
on one side of the body. The rash
begins as a cluster of small red
spots that often blister. The rash
can be painful. Shingles rashes
usually last up to 30 days and, for
most people, the pain associated
with the rash lessens as it heals.
Who should not get ZOSTAVAX?
You should not get ZOSTAVAX
if you:
1Registered

trademark of Merck & Co., Inc.
Copyright © 2006 Merck & Co., Inc.
Whitehouse Station, NJ, USA
All rights reserved

Children should not get
ZOSTAVAX.

Tell your health care provider if
you expect to be in close contact
(including household contact)
with newborn infants, someone
who may be pregnant and has
not had chickenpox or been
vaccinated against chickenpox,
or someone who has problems
with their immune system.
Your health care provider can
tell you what situations you may
need to avoid.
What are the possible side effects
of ZOSTAVAX?
The most common side effects
that people in the clinical studies
reported after receiving the vaccine
include:

9815608

• redness, pain, itching, swelling,
warmth, or bruising where the
shot was given.
• headache.
The following additional side
effects have been reported in
general use with ZOSTAVAX:
• allergic reactions, which may
be serious and may include
difﬁculty in breathing or
swallowing. If you have an
allergic reaction, call your doctor
right away.
• fever
• hives at the injection site
• joint pain
• muscle pain
• rash
• rash at the injection site
• swollen glands near the injection
site (that may last a few days to a
few weeks)
Tell your health care provider
if you have any new or unusual
symptoms after you receive
ZOSTAVAX.
What are the ingredients of
ZOSTAVAX?
Active Ingredient: a weakened form
of the varicella-zoster virus.
Inactive Ingredients: sucrose,
hydrolyzed porcine gelatin, sodium
chloride, monosodium L-glutamate,
sodium phosphate dibasic,
potassium phosphate monobasic,
potassium chloride.
What else should I know about
ZOSTAVAX?
Vaccinees and their health care
providers are encouraged to call
(800) 986-8999 to report any
exposure to ZOSTAVAX during
pregnancy.
This leaﬂet summarizes important
information about ZOSTAVAX.
If you would like more information,
talk to your health care
provider or visit the website at
www.ZOSTAVAX.com or call
1-800-622-4477.
Rx only
Issued April 2009
Distributed by:
MERCK & CO., INC.
Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889, USA
20904745(1)(608)-ZOS-CON

Government-run health care
Rep. Raúl Grijalva says health
care is a basic human right (Big
Issues, September). No – life,
liberty and the pursuit of happiness are basic human rights.
Health care is a service. No basic
human right exists where others
have to pay for it.
The representative wants a
single-payer approach to health
care that would give patients
“free choice of providers and
hospitals.” Has he paid any
attention to what happens in
England and Canada? In both
countries, long lines, doctor
shortages and the rationing of
procedures are the norms.
As veterans, we know the
difﬁculties we have in dealing
with VA. Grijalva would force an
even worse system on every
U.S. citizen with no alternative
to form a safety valve, as the
United States does for the failing
Canadian single-payer system.
The idea that such a massive
government bureaucracy will
save money is laughable.
– John S. Duty, Winchester, Kan.

Of course there are problems
with the U.S. health-care system,
but socialized medicine is not
the answer. The Democrats
simply want government control
over our lives.
We are told we can keep our
present insurance, but private
insurance will be driven out of
existence and we’ll all eventually
come under the “public option.”
The government suffers no
overhead expenses like private
companies, and when is the last
time it operated anything
without losing money? Medicare

and Social Security are great
programs, but they are going
broke, and the same thing would
happen to the public option.
Republican options should at
least be considered or socialized
medicine, care rationing and
insurmountable debt are some of
the “beneﬁts” coming our way.
If this plan is so terriﬁc, let’s
make sure we all have the same
coverage, at the same cost, as
members of Congress.
– W.E. Harbaugh, Cross Junction, Va.

Rep. Devin Nunes tells us the
GOP has a plan to “give every
American access to private
health care.” However, he fails to
share with us any details of this
plan, most likely because no
such plan exists. The GOP is too
busy trying to defeat any attempt
at health-care reform, so as to
keep the power in the hands of
private, for-proﬁt insurance
companies. Unless something is
done, the $2.4 trillion spent on
health care in this country will
balloon to twice that amount in
a decade. By then, our bloated
and inefﬁcient system will
collapse under its own weight.
This will affect care for veterans
as well as Medicare. Maintaining
the status quo is a train rolling
down a track of disaster.
– James Townsend Jr., Clarksdale Miss.

‘Out of the Darkness’
I’d like to thank you for your
article about military sexual
trauma (September). I was raped
multiple times by higher-ranking
men but never told anyone,
afraid of being told I was crazy
or that it was my fault. My cure
was to get out of the Navy, and

after three years I was given a
discharge. I kept it to myself
after getting married and
becoming a dad three times.
I started to drink heavily, and
when my wife got sick of my
mood swings, she sent me to a
mental-health doctor. I was
deemed to be suffering from
PTSD and military sexual
trauma, and with help, I’m
getting better. But I have a very
long way to go.
I think more men out there
are suffering from military
sexual trauma but are afraid
to come forward. Thank you for
a chance to tell someone what
I’m dealing with.
– Paul E. Cowen, Gardner, Mass.

As a former non-commissioned
ofﬁcer-in-charge and assistance
chief for the 9th Infantry Division Inspector General Ofﬁce,
I found this article slightly
unfavorable toward the military.
The Army takes any form of
sexual harassment very seriously. Every major command
and post has an inspector
general (IG) ofﬁce, staff judge
advocate (JAG) and equal-opportunity ofﬁce for all soldiers and
their family members. Most commands also have a 24-hour
hotline to the post or installation
commander. Both my sons are
commissioned ofﬁcers who have
been company commanders, and
they say sexual harassment is
dealt with immediately.
Lastly, one thing you learn
quickly as an inspector general
is that there are always two sides
to every story, and somewhere in
between is the truth.
– Martin Plys, Kent, Wash.

THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE WELCOMES YOUR OPINIONS
Include your hometown and a daytime phone number for veriication. All letters published are subject to editing.
Due to the volume of mail received, not every letter can be acknowledged.
The American Legion Magazine, P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206
magazine@legion.org
NOVEMBER 2009

THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE

An 18-year-old E-3 was born long after the dawn of the Internet era.
She was in the ﬁfth grade when al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked U.S. jets and
slammed them into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, igniting a
war like none other before it – a war that would be fought with global
positioning systems, unmanned drones and high-tech command centers,
as well as pilots, sailors, medics and boots on the ground.
At age 12, she likely had a cell phone, an e-mail account and friends
in online chat rooms. As teens, she and her friends moved to MySpace
and Facebook pages. By 18, she had a long list of favorite Web sites and
blogs, if she had not started one of her own. Her music was purchased
one song at a time – through a USB cable rather than at a record store.
Today, as she serves her country half a world away, this member of our
armed forces knows she is never more than an e-mail, tweet or status
update away from her folks. She can Christmas shop in America, from
Baghdad. She can also join The American Legion online.
Today’s generation of veterans does not wait for the news, answers to
research questions, or driving directions. They click a mouse, expecting
instant results and usually getting them. The nightly news, the morning
paper and the monthly magazine have evolved into forums for analysis
of events, reported in real time to audiences empowered to instantly add
their own thoughts in the comment ﬁelds below. Our young E-3 sees her
telephone as a news channel. Text, to her, is a verb.
These developments present exciting opportunities for The American
Legion. National Headquarters is opening dynamic new channels of
communication, not just for the newest generation of veterans but
those of all eras. I am reminded of the self-described “oldest military
blogger” who posts online his ﬁ rsthand recollections of the Normandy
invasion, fulﬁ lling a niche for World War II veterans in the blogosphere.
Who would have thought? Korean War and Vietnam War veterans have
been reuniting online for years, through Web groups, e-mail, blogs and
social media. For those of the most recent war eras, instant communication and e-commerce are a way of life.
That’s the way it is for me. Within seconds of my acceptance speech
at the 91st National Convention of The American Legion in Louisville,
I alerted my followers on Twitter from the stage. Two hours later, a
new Web site to help me better communicate with you – and vice
versa – went live. The Legion Facebook page, and my own, have been
buzzing in recent weeks, including messages from American Legion
posts reporting how they are using electronic communications to
increase visibility and grow membership in their communities.
That’s what I like to hear.
An all-new national Web site will be up by Veterans Day, with many
opportunities for Legionnaires and prospective members to learn about
and engage in our programs and services. The site aims to be both an
information source and window to one another, with links to Twitter,
Facebook, YouTube, and department and post sites. The goal is to open
all channels of communication.
The new generation of veterans is here now – not coming soon –
and we’re all in it.

THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE

NOVEMBER 2009

Chase Studios

Open the channels of communication

National Commander
Clarence E. Hill
MEMORANDA
COMMANDER ON THE WEB:
Keep up with American Legion
National Commander Clarence
Hill on his Web site.
www.clarencehill.legion.org
Also a blog site, this domain ofers
visitors the opportunity to
comment on the commander’s
oicial visits, join his Facebook
friends and Twitter followers, see
photos and link to videos. The site
also includes an index of his most
recent speeches, videos, press
releases, commentaries and media
contacts. Visitors are welcome to
comment on the site, as well.
THE BURN PIT: The American
Legion’s slightly irreverent new
blog site – the Burn Pit – has been
getting plenty of attention since
its launch in August. Frequently
updated news, commentary,
photos and videos make this a
great place for anyone to let his
or her thoughts be known.
The Burn Pit is a blog site with
opportunities for visitors to
sound of on some of the most
controversial and poignant issues
of the day (generally indexed
under the Four Pillars of The
American Legion).
www.burnpit.legion.org
JOIN ONLINE: It’s easy to join
The American Legion online.
www.legion.org

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Ratify the Law of the Sea Treaty
SUPPORT

OPPOSE

Sen. Lisa Murkowski,
R-Alaska

Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Okla.

Murkowski is the ranking member
of the Senate Committee on Energy
and Natural Resources.

Inhofe is a senior member of the
Senate Armed Services Committee.

Studies show the Arctic is warming at more than
Conceived in the late 1970s and early 1980s to
twice the rate of the rest of the United States. The
govern all activities that occur on and beneath
result is a loss of sea ice that will increase access
the surface of the world’s oceans, the Law of the
to, and activity in, the Arctic Ocean. The United
Sea Treaty threatens our nation’s sovereignty by
States must prepare for an ice-diminished Arctic,
establishing an organization known as the
and one of the ﬁ rst steps is for
International Seabed AuTHE HEART OF THE ISSUE
the Senate to ratify the Conthority – the Authority for
Advocates of the Law of the Sea Treaty,
vention on the Law of the Sea.
short. The job of the Authoror LOST, say U.S. interests in the Arctic
The Law of the Sea Treaty, or
ity is to manage and admindemand we be party to the Convention.
LOST, is the existing internaister the resources of the
Critics say the treaty would tie the hands
tional law for governing the
world’s oceans, including
of our military and undermine our
oceans, including the Arctic.
mining, ﬁshing and marinational sovereignty.
It codiﬁes rights and obligations
time research. With that
for navigation and freedom of
authority comes the power
the seas for military and commercial vessels. The
to tax countries and companies that seek to mine
treaty also provides for cooperative marine scientiﬁc the world’s oceans. Proponents of the treaty call
research and other endeavors, such as deep seabed
these taxes “fees” or “contributions,” but the idea
mining and energy development.
remains the same. U.S. money will ﬂow into the
Our interests in the Arctic provide strong rationcoffers of an international bureaucracy, where it
ale to support ratiﬁcation, as all the other Arctic
has the potential, due to limited or no oversight,
nations are a party to the Convention. Ratiﬁcation
to be misused and mismanaged before being
is necessary to make a continental-shelf claim and
distributed to developing countries.
to be at the table as other nations make theirs.
The treaty also threatens our national security
Critics cite concerns over negative effects on
by tying the hands of our military. For example,
military activities, but those are excluded from
LOST prohibits the boarding of a foreign vessel on
LOST’s provisions for dispute settlement.
the high seas unless there are reasonable grounds
Opponents of ratiﬁcation also say that the Navy
for suspecting the ship is engaged in piracy, slave
has been getting along ﬁ ne by using the “customtrade, unauthorized broadcasting, or without
ary law” that has guaranteed freedom of the seas
nationality or not showing its colors. If a ship
for three centuries. However, relying on customary were suspected of smuggling weapons of mass
international law as the basis for those rights and
destruction or harboring fugitive terrorists, we
freedoms is an unwise risk. Our soldiers, sailors,
would not be justiﬁed in boarding that vessel.
Marines, airmen and Coast Guardsmen deserve to
Currently, no navy can challenge ours. Howbe on the ﬁ rmest legal ground possible with the
ever, through the use of international forums and
certainty that comes from treaty-based rights.
conventions, our adversaries have found a mechaWe have additional maritime interests that need
nism by which to undermine our Navy’s capabilithe beneﬁts the Convention provides. Shipping, oil
ties. If we ratify this treaty, the United States will
and gas, undersea cable and ﬁshing industries, as
one day be forced to decide between fulﬁ lling its
well as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, all support obligations under the treaty or using its overaccession to the Convention.
whelming naval power to ensure security.
CONTACT YOUR LEADERS
The Honorable (name), U.S. Senate, Washington, DC 20510 • Phone: (202) 224-3121
The Honorable (name), U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, DC 20515 • Phone: (202) 225-3121

THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE

NOVEMBER 2009

BY LANCE FRAZER
Blood is a remarkable substance, carrying oxygen throughout the body, removing wastes,
ﬁghting infection, clotting in the
event of a wound and much
more. The problem with blood is
that there isn’t always as much
as you need, and it’s not always
where you need it.
Human blood is made up of
several components, including
red cells (they carry oxygen),
white cells (part of the body’s
infection defense system), and
platelets, which help control
bleeding. Red cells in your body
have a lifespan of 120 days, but
when you donate blood, they
can be stored by refrigeration for
a maximum of 42 days (or frozen
for up to 10 years). Platelets are
stored at room temperature but
must be used within ﬁve days.
For decades, researchers
have been trying to come up
with substitutes for human
blood. Driven by practical considerations, they’re now focusing
on developing drugs that can
duplicate one of blood’s capabilities, rather than act as a complete
substitute.
Dr. Ross Herron, chief medical
ofﬁcer of biomedical services for
the Red Cross in Southern

Media Bakery

LONG-TERM HEALTH
OF VIETNAM-ERA
WOMEN VETERANS
FOCUS OF VA STUDY
BY DR. JOEL KUPERSMITH
A new VA study is expected to
reveal more about the long-term
health of women who served
during the Vietnam War.
As many as 10,000 women, most
now in their 60s, are expected to
take part, making the study the
largest efort to date to look at this
population. Most of the women
expected to participate have
helped in past VA research, mainly
on birth outcomes.
Included will be women who
served in Vietnam and, for
comparison, those who served
stateside or elsewhere in Asia,
such as in Japan, Korea, Guam
or the Philippines. Using mail
surveys, phone interviews and
medical-chart reviews, the
researchers will study the current
and lifetime prevalence of a wide
range of physical- and mentalhealth outcomes.
Among the key questions they
hope to answer is how many of the
women developed PTSD or
depression after their service, and
how many continue to cope with
these conditions. Are these
conditions more common in those
who served in Vietnam?
Physical conditions researchers
intend to focus on include

THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE

cardiovascular disease, diabetes, multiple
sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, brain
cancer, breast cancer and gynecological
cancers. Past research has linked some of
these to exposure to trauma or
environmental toxins. Others are
common among aging women.
Findings will help VA plan services for
older women veterans. The results may
also shed light on what the newest
generation of women veterans – those
returning from Iraq and Afghanistan –
may face in the years ahead.
|

NOVEMBER 2009

Media Bakery

California, says most research
has attempted to replicate human
blood’s capacity for oxygen
transportation.
Research into drugs that would
carry oxygen through the body
has taken two paths. Some
researchers concentrate on
perﬂuorocarbons, chemically and
biologically inert substances with
a strong afﬁnity for gases. Most
continued on page 

Joel Kupersmith, M.D., is chief research and
development oicer for the Veterans Health
Administration.

Living Well is designed to provide
general information. It is not
intended to be, nor is it, medical
advice. Readers should consult
their physicians when they have
health problems.

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continued from page 

BY THE NUMBERS

have a longer shelf life than
blood and can be stored at room
temperature, but more likely for
success are products based on
actual hemoglobin molecules,
Herron says.
“Nature produced a wonderful
oxygen-carrying molecule,” he
says. “It brings oxygen to the
tissues in the body and carries
away waste products.”
The problem with hemoglobin
is that it must be inside a red cell
to avoid serious side effects,
University of Kentucky general
surgeon Andrew Bernard says.
“If you just put the naked
hemoglobin molecule inside the
human body, it will carry oxygen, but it can also trigger things
like high blood pressure and
kidney failure,” he says. “The
challenge is to take the hemoglobin molecule and keep it from
causing negative side effects.”
Northﬁeld Labs has developed
PolyHeme, which takes hemoglobin molecules and links them
into longer strands, preventing
kidney problems. PolyHeme is
being pursued as an emergency
treatment in areas or under

circ*mstances where whole
blood is unavailable – the site of
a natural disaster, for example, or
in combat. Bernard says the body
typically metabolizes PolyHeme
within 24 hours, making it
unsuitable as a long-term therapy. But the drug seems effective
at buying time to allow the
system to recover, and for
critically-injured patients to be
transported to medical facilities.
Other avenues are also being
pursued. But Bernard says that
for the foreseeable future,
nothing can replace human blood
in all its various roles. That’s why
all healthy donors should participate as often as possible.
“I know there are times when
it’s inconvenient or when we’d
rather be doing something else,”
Herron says. “I know we have
problems, especially at holiday
time, when there’s so much else
going on. But the need for blood
never takes a holiday.”
Lance Frazer is a California
freelance writer, specializing in
science, health, nature and
environmental issues.

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annual prostate-speciic antigen (PSA) test to
screen for prostate cancer, compared to
53 percent of men age 50 and older, Duke
University researchers report. That’s a concern,
because some men in their 40s are known to be
at higher risk, including blacks and those with a
close relative who had prostate cancer before
age 65. The American Cancer Society says these
men should discuss PSA testing with their
physicians beginning at 45 – or even 40, if
they’ve had several close relatives with early
prostate cancer. Routine PSA testing is
controversial because it isn’t foolproof; a high
level of PSA in the blood doesn’t necessarily
mean cancer is present, but it does indicate a
need for further tests.

Media Bakery

THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE

NOVEMBER 2009

Percent of eligible blood
donors who give annually

Percent of annual increase
in number of transfusions

Percent of
Americans who will
require blood at
least once in their lifetimes

Number of people
helped by each
donated unit of blood
(through red cells,
plasma and platelets)

43,000
Units of blood used daily in the
United States

2
10

How often, in seconds,
someone requires blood
Units of blood in the
average adult

8 weeks
Time required between whole
blood donations

 million

Units donated in 2004

Estimated U.S. cancer
cases in men (2009)
Of the 766,130 anticipated new
cancer cases in American men
this year, approximately
25 percent were prostate
cancer. Compare that with the
rate of other cancers in men:
Lung 15 percent
Colon 10 percent
Urinary 7 percent
Melanoma 5 percent
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
5 percent
Kidney 5 percent
Leukemia 3 percent
Oral 3 percent
Pancreas 3 percent
Source: American Cancer Society

“Henry rifles will only be
made in America or they
won’t be made at all.”
Anthony Imperato
President of Henry Repeating Arms

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We won’t follow the path of other manufacturers who have their products made
overseas and slap their name on them. When you read the rollmark on the barrel
of a Henry, it’s going to read Made in the USA.
We start with only the ﬁnest ingredients - gun barrel quality steel from Ohio,
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BY MICHELLE GIBEAULT TRAUB
Osteoporosis, a disease characterized by weak, porous
bones, afects more than 10 million Americans. Of them,
2 million are men.
“Numbers alone have persuaded the emphasis of
osteoporosis research and treatment toward women,” says
Dr. Julie Switzer, spokeswoman for the American Academy
of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Such bias is understandable given
evidence that women exhibit a sharp decline in bone
density following menopause. Men, on the other hand,
don’t experience the bone fractures characteristic of
osteoporosis until their 60s, a decade later than women.
However, when osteoporosis does strike males, the
consequences can be severe.
Dr. D. Sudhaker Rao, director of the Bone & Mineral
Research Laboratory at Henry Ford Hospital, notes, “Men tend
to have osteoporotic fractures at a higher bone density than
women.” In addition, the National Osteoporosis Foundation
reports that men are twice as likely as women to die within

HIGH-CALCIUM FOODS FOR BETTER BONE HEALTH
Food/beverage

Calcium (mg)

Fortiied breakfast cereals (1 cup)

250 -1000 *

Fortiied orange juice (1 cup)

500

Plain fat-free yogurt (1 cup)

452

Collard greens (1 cup chopped)

357

Ricotta cheese, part skim (1/2 cup)

337

Sardines (3 oz with bones)

325

Skim milk (1 cup)

306

Spinach (1 cup chopped)

291

Soybeans (1 cup)

261

Swiss cheese (1 ounce)

224

* Calcium content varies per brand. Read labels to be sure.

the year following a fracture.
Although men and women
appear to difer in the incidence
and efects of osteoporosis, they
share many of the same risk
factors. Like other health issues,
having a family history of
osteoporosis increases a
person’s risk. The following
habits are also harmful to bone
health:
Media Bakery
■ Smoking
■ Drinking more than two alcoholic drinks per day
■ Getting too little calcium and vitamin D
■ Consuming large amounts of sodium, cafeine or
phosphorous
■ Being inactive
■ Taking certain medications (steroids, antidepressants and
some antacids)
■ Maintaining low hormone levels (testosterone in men and
estrogen in women)
Diet and exercise are key components of change. The
National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends that adults
older than 50 get 1,200 mg of calcium and 800 to 1000 IU of
vitamin D per day. Limiting the consumption of alcohol,
sodium, cafeine and soft drinks is also advised. In addition,
daily weight-bearing exercise such as walking, jogging, or
jumping rope can keep bones strong and dense.
One of the best things we can do to improve our bone
health is to be advocates. Men, and the women who care for
them, must be especially assertive about sharing information
in order to dispel the bone health bias. Talk about
osteoporosis with your health-care provider, and request a
bone density test – a DEXA scan – if you have risk factors.
Michelle Gibeault Traub is a registered dietitian and health
writer living in Connecticut.

Based on the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 21

NAP TIME
Instead of grabbing a cup of cofee
to recharge yourself in the middle of
the afternoon, try a nap. That’s what a
study published in the Behavioral Brain
Research journal suggests.
The study, reported in The New York
Times, trained a group of 61 people in
motor, perceptual and verbal tasks:
typing speciic sequences on a
computer keyboard, memorizing
certain words, diferentiating between
various shapes and others. Researchers
then divided the subjects into three

THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE

smaller groups: the irst took two-hour
naps, another took 200-milligram
cafeine pills and the third took
placebos. Afterwards, participants
repeated their tasks.
Nappers performed better on the
verbal and perceptual tests. “Those
who had cafeine had worse motor
skills than those who napped or had a
placebo,” according to the Times.
The real challenge is convincing
your boss to replace the cofeemaker
with a cot.
NOVEMBER 2009

Media Bakery

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Everyone eligible
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insurance and service program. It is
not the insurer. Insured by United
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with or endorsed by the U.S.
Government, the Federal Medicare
Program, Social Security, or any
other government agency. All
certificates/plans may not be
available in your state/area.
Policy Form No. GRP 79171
GPS-1 (G-36000-4). In some states,
plans may be available to persons
eligible for Medicare by reason of
disability. Call to receive complete
information, including benefits, costs,
limitations, and exclusions.
*Juliette Cubanski, Molly Voris,
Michelle Kitchman, Tricia Neuman,
Lisa Potetz, & The Kaiser Family
Foundation, Medicare Chartbook,
Third Edition, Summer 2005.
<http://www.kff.org/medicare/7
284.cfm>, (December 6, 2006), p. 32.
This is a Solicitation of Insurance.
AS621 (12/06)

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Rule aims to ease PTSD claims

Media Bakery

BY TOM PHILPOTT
Many veterans ﬁling disability claims
for post-traumatic stress disorder will
have fewer hurdles to clear to show
service connection and receive disability beneﬁts, under a regulation change
proposed by VA.
Published Aug. 24 in the Federal
Register, the draft regulation will
reduce the evidence a veteran must
present to VA if the claimed PTSD
“stressor” is tied to fear of hostile
military or terrorist activity.
PTSD sufferers can have chronic
anxiety, depression, nightmares or
feelings of helplessness.
Affected veterans could include
those who drove trucks in Iraq or
Afghanistan, or those assigned for
long periods to areas exposed to
mortar ﬁre, suicide bombers or
improvised explosive devices, said
Bradley B. Flohr, assistant director
for policy, compensation and
pension service for VA.
The proposed rule is not limited
to veterans of current conﬂ icts. “It
can be any veterans of any period of
service” who have been diagnosed
with PTSD and “experienced, witnessed or was confronted with an
event or circ*mstance that involved
actual, or threat of, death or serious
injury, or a threat to the physical
integrity of the veteran,” Flohr said.
Under current regulations, veterans
who were not in actual combat must
develop evidence, and submit considerable documentation, to show that
fear of injury or death caused their
chronic post-traumatic stress.
The proposed rule would recognize
that servicemembers don’t need to be in
combat to experience intense fear and,
depending on the individual, that fear
may linger and become debilitating,
even when individuals are removed from
a threatening environment.
Today a non-combatant veteran
diagnosed with PTSD must present VA
with a description of the source of stress,
document when and where it occurred,

THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE

NOVEMBER 2009

and provide “buddy statements” and
other evidence to support the claim.
VA also checks DoD records to verify a
fearful event or stressful period of
service. This review process can add an
average of six to eight months to the
claim process, Flohr said.
A discussion that VA Secretary Eric
Shinseki had with his under secretary of
beneﬁts, Patrick W. Dunne, sparked the
proposed change to regulations, Flohr
said. VA claims data showed that most
noncombatants with PTSD are found to
have service-connected stressors. So a
lengthy claims development merely
delays a favorable decision in most
cases, adding to a VA claims backlog
that is approaching the 1 million mark.
Under the proposed regulation, veterans diagnosed with PTSD merely will
have to show they served in places
where hostile military action or terrorist
activity would have caused fear.
Rep. John Hall, D-N.Y., chairman
of the House Subcommittee on
Disability Assistance, hailed the plan
to relax evidentiary rules for many
PTSD claims as a “giant step in getting
veterans the beneﬁts they have earned
faster and easier.”
Hall said he has pressed VA for two
years to relax its requirements for
showing service-connection in PTSD
cases. He introduced the Combat PTSD
Act (H.R. 952), a bill that would be even
more aggressive in easing evidentiary
rules for the anxiety disorder. Hall
predicted the proposed regulation would
allow “major progress” in easing the
claims backlog.
Flohr said he expects a ﬁnal rule
before next April. It will apply to all
pending claims, but not to claims that
have been denied by the Board of
Veterans Appeals or to claims on which
the one-year appeal period for board
review has expired.
Tom Philpott, a former Coast Guardsman,
has written about veterans and military
personnel issues for more than 30 years.

Bob Vila endorses and recommends
the famous EdenPURE portable heater
®

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A major cause of residential fires in the United
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But the EdenPURE® cannot cause a fire. That is because the advanced infrared heating element
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A. This advanced
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Never be cold again

How it works:

Heats floor to the
same temperature
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Cannot start a fire; a child or animal
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Pictured above is Bob Vila demonstrating the famous
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saves big money on your heating bill while keeping
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A. This infrared heating process was designed
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End of interview.
The EdenPURE® will
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CUTAWAY VIEW

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1. Electricity ignites powerful
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2. The infrared heat without combustion gently warms the or humidity.
cured copper baffles to create energized soft heat.

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______________________________________________________
NAME
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STATE

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Check below to get discount:
■ I am ordering within 10 days of the date of this publication, therefore I get a
$75 discount plus free shipping and handling and my price is only $297 for
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■ I am ordering past 10 days of the date of this publication, therefore I pay
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and $499 for GEN3 Model 1000.
Enclosed is $________ in: ■ Cash ■ Check ■ Money Order
(Make check payable to BioTech Research) or charge my:
■ VISA ■ MasterCard ■ Am. Exp./Optima ■ Discover/Novus
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Signature ______________________________________________________
MAIL TO:
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Authorization Code EHS1120
7800 Whipple Ave. N.W.
Canton, OH 44767

BY JAMES D. STARTT

Getty Images/Hulton Arch
A ive

THE GREAT
REVERSAL
Wilson’s decision for war
Five months after his re-election
as an “antiwar” candidate,
President Woodrow Wilson plunged
the United States into its irst
war in Europe and sent
2 million soldiers to ight it.
24

THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE

NOVEMBER 2009

he irony of the moment was unmistakable. On
the evening of April 2, 1917, President Woodrow
Wilson delivered one of the most famous addresses
in U.S. history; he asked Congress to recognize that
a state of war existed between the United States
and Germany. Only ﬁve months before, he was
re-elected, with many of his supporters chanting,
“He kept us out of war.” Now he asked Congress to
sanction entry into a war of unprecedented dimension. How did this great reversal happen?
Wilson had fended off continuing affronts to the
country’s neutral rights for nearly three years.
British excesses in imposing its naval blockade of
Germany and neutral Europe – and Germany’s use
of submarine warfare – had repeatedly tried the
patience of Americans and their president. Several
times, Wilson’s diplomacy had pulled the country
back from the brink of war, sometimes to the
dismay of his more bellicose countrymen. War
seemed certain in 1915, when a German U-boat
sank the British passenger liner Lusitania on
May 7; 128 American passengers died. Still, Wilson
managed to defend U.S. neutrality.
On March 24, 1916, a German submarine torpedoed the Sussex, an unarmed English Channel
steamer, causing 80 casualties and injuring several
Americans. Wilson threatened to sever diplomatic
relations with Germany unless it abandoned
submarine warfare against passenger and merchant ships. Germany complied with the “Sussex
Pledge” and agreed not to attack unresisting
merchant vessels without warning – provided that
Washington pressure London to observe international law while imposing its blockade.
The pledge held. By the November 1916 presidential election, German-American relations were calm
but estrangement with Britain had grown. Wilson
was frustrated by British resistance to his attempt at
mediating an end to the war. Furthermore, he
shared widespread American resentment of severe
measures Britain used in April to suppress the Irish
uprising in Dublin, and its blacklisting of 87 U.S.
ﬁrms suspected of trading with the Central Powers.
Nevertheless, Wilson renewed his efforts to mediate the war after his re-election; the longer this
titanic struggle went on, the more difﬁcult it
became to preserve U.S. neutrality. The president
felt the belligerent powers might ﬁnd 1916 an
opportune time to end the war. During that year,
the pendulum of war had swept back and forth

THE END OF WORLD WAR I: ST ANNIVERSARY

across the Western Front, but two of history’s epic
battles – Verdun and the Somme – left the battered
armies deadlocked. Both sides suffered huge losses,
and rumors spread that they were exhausted.
Before Wilson could issue his call for mediation,
German Chancellor Theobald von Bethmann
Hollweg took independent action. On Dec. 12, he
proposed a conference between the Central Powers
and the Allies to discuss peace terms.
The German peace move was, in fact, Bethmann
Hollweg’s last chance to provide an alternative to
Berlin’s resumption of all-out submarine warfare,
which the German High Command was then
considering. Despite the stalemate on the Western
Front, peace at this time could beneﬁt Germany. Its
armies occupied most of Belgium and northeastern
France, and its recent campaign in Rumania had
been highly successful.
The High Command believed Germany could
negotiate from its position of relative power, but
there was no guarantee about how long its favorable position would last. In his communiqué to the
Allies, Bethmann Hollweg indicated his government was willing to negotiate to end the ravages of
war, now that their “indestructible strength” had
won “considerable successes at arms,” which
justiﬁed hope for yet others in the future. Berlin’s
announcement caused Wilson to hesitate in
launching his own initiative. Would his planned
invitation to the belligerents to discuss peace terms
suggest he was acting in collusion with Germany?
He decided to risk being misinterpreted, and sent
identical notes to the warring powers Dec. 18. In
an effort to disassociate his note from the German
peace proposal, Wilson assured the powers that he
was proposing neither peace nor mediation.
Instead, he invited them to state their war aims in
a manner that might lead to a conference. He
added that the United States was eager to cooperate in the restoration of peace, and in the formation of a league of nations to secure it.
Germany answered for the Central Powers,
saying they preferred direct negotiations between
the opponents and declined to state any speciﬁc
terms. The work of preventing future wars could
be taken up after the present one was over. The
Allies considered this an evasive response and
used it as a reason to reject the German peace
discussion offer of Dec. 12. They also took the
opportunity to respond more fully than the Central

Powers to the president’s request for a statement of
war aims. Britain answered for the Allies, saying
their objectives included the evacuation of occupied territory, the payment of indemnities, and the
liberation of the subject nationalities of Central
Europe from alien domination. That was more
than the Central Powers had any intention of
accepting. In fact, neither side favored a compromised peace at this time.
Wilson’s hopes for mediation soon suffered
another setback. After the content of the German
note became known, Johann von Bernstorff (the
German ambassador in Washington) met with
Col. Edward M. House, Wilson’s closest adviser.
The ambassador had been disappointed with
Berlin’s reply to Wilson and broached the subject
of conﬁdential negotiations that could lead to a
peace conference.
Of course, negotiations could not proceed before
the German terms were known, and when House
and Wilson received them Jan. 15, they proved
more liberal than expected. However, Bernstorff
informed them several days later that U.S. participation would not be welcomed at the peace
conference, even if Wilson were successful in
arranging it. Only belligerent powers would attend
the conference to agree on peace terms. American
participation, of course, would be welcomed at a
later general conference that would address
reconstruction of the international order. The
president’s hopes for mediation could not have
been dealt a harder blow.
Nevertheless, Wilson moved to a second step in
his peace initiative. He chose to tell the world what
he believed should be the general terms of a peace
settlement the United States would join in upholding. On Jan. 22, 1917, he appeared before the
Senate and delivered what some historians consider his greatest address.
The Peace Without Victory speech was a synthesis of liberal hopes for a lasting peace settlement.
It would be a peace among equals, without annexations and indemnities, and one that provided a
league of nations to guarantee permanent peace.
The address elicited huge responses on both sides
of the Atlantic. Liberals everywhere called it
epochal. Conservatives were more restrained. Some
dismissed it as impractical, even presumptuous.
Regardless, Wilson’s efforts to mediate the war
were fated to fail. Two weeks before his address, the
NOVEMBER 2009

THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE

ADVERTIsem*nT

Free armored safes being doled out to public
Armored Safe giveaway ends public worry for those who rush to buy up hoards of
brilliant, never-circulated U.S. Gov’t issued coins that will never lose their cash value

■ HELP IS ON THE WAY: This never-before-seen photo captures the rapid shipment of free Bankers Armored Safes (left) that
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Grand Armored Safes (right) free to the general public who beat today’s published deadline to buy up the newly released Collection of never-circulated U.S. Gov’t issued coins and currency. Those who get through by calling the National Delivery Hotline at
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By Shawn Oyler

UMS - Imagine finally getting something that will never
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Sounds too good to be true?
Well, it’s true and word is
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that are being stocked full of
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by law will never be minted
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These free Armored Safes
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time to beat the order deadline
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the 7 day shutoff.
“The frantic demand for U.S.
Gov’t coins has caused the U.S.
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the World Reserve Thomas C.
Harris, Retired Deputy Direc-

tor of the U.S. Treasury Bureau
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“Today, the World Reserve
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Eagle 1-ounce silver bullion coin
made from solid .999 fine silver,
250 of the first liberty engraved
Westward Journey Nickels, a
banker’s stack of historic $2
bills and a full vault tube of
the Presidential Golden Dollar
Coins.
Here’s why that is so important. Just think if you would
have saved the same number
of never-circulated Eisenhower

Dollar coins from 1974. Remarkably, they would now be worth
500% more in collector value.
This gives you a hint that
these are not the same grade as
the coins found in loose change,
or from the local bank. In fact,
these coins remain in brilliant,
never-circulated condition if
left sealed and untouched.
U.S. Gov’t Savings Bonds
used to be a favorite way to keep
money safe and popular to give
as gifts. But no one can take a
Savings Bond and go buy something with it.
That’s why this hoard of valuable coins gives everyone the
comfort of having full control
of their money. No matter what,
they will never lose their U.S.
cash value.
If times ever get really tough
any coin in the hoard could be
used to buy anything. But unless it is a good reason, only a
fool would do that because this
personal hoard of money is already worth so much more in

collector value.
“So many people are buying
up these coins. Even for those
people who give away some of
their collection as gifts, they
are keeping the Armored Safe
for themselves,” said Robert
Anthony, Director of the private World Reserve Monetary
Exchange.
“This Safe is one of the absolute best places to keep valuables and important papers.
People will now have a safe
place to store their wills, guns,
jewelry, antiques, keys, coins
and even cash,” Anthony said.
“The only problem the Safe
creates is when it’s time to read
your Will. You need to make
sure everyone knows who you
want to leave it to,” he said.
“When Americans get their
hands on this Safe and their
very own personal hoard of U.S.
Gov’t Coins, they’ll really do a
double take. Everyone will feel
like they just won the lottery,”
he said. ■

ADVERTIsem*nT

How to get the free Armored Safes
All those who beat the 7 day order deadline for each personal hoard of U.S. Gov’t issued coins
and currency from the World Reserve Collection will actually be awarded the Bankers
Armored Safes absolutely free.
Eligibility: Certain restrictions apply: Open
to the public only, sorry no dealers. Those
who miss the 7 day deadline will be turned
away from this free offer and required to
wait for future announcements, in this or
other publications. The entire World Reserve
Collection must be obtained to get the safe
free. For more information about the larger
Bankers Grand Armored Safes please call.

TO GET THE FREE SAFES USE THIS

FREE CLAIM CODE:
US 7272
AND CALL 1-866-964-2951
BEFORE THE 7 DAY ORDER SHUTOFF

Terms & Conditions: To receive delivery of your free Armored Safe and the first
shipment of coins, you’ll only need to cover the first installment for as little as $149,
then cover the difference for the remaining shipments to complete your entire collection
of U.S. Gov’t coins. The No-Worry guarantee ensures that refunds be granted for all
items properly returned, less shipping for 90 days from the day you receive your
safe and first shipment. That means, cancellation will require the return of the free
armored safe. Failure to do so will require remittance for the safe of four hundred
and thirty six dollars. THE WORLD RESERVE MONETARY EXCHANGE, INC. IS NOT
AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, A BANK OR ANY GOVERNMENT AGENCY.
THE INCREASE IN COLLECTIBLE VALUE OF CERTAIN PRIOR ISSUES OF U.S. COINS
DOES NOT GUARANTEE THAT CURRENT ISSUES WILL ALSO INCREASE IN VALUE. OH
AND FL RESIDENT TRANSACTIONS REQUIRE THE REMITTANCE OF APPLICABLE SALES
TAX. SORRY NO SHIPMENTS TO VT AND MA RESIDENTS. ADVERTIsem*nT FOR WORLD
RESERVE MONETARY EXCHANGE, INC. 8000 FREEDOM AVE., N. CANTON OH 44720.
©2009 WRME P4704A OF9139R-1

■ LIKE WINNING THE LOTTERY: Everyone gets the
personal hoard consisting of 267 never-circulated
U.S. Gov’t coins and currency including 12 Presidential Golden Dollar Coins in a sealed Vault Roll, a
heavy vault brick containing 250 of the first liberty
engraved Westward Journey Nickels and, best of all,
a solid .999 fine silver American Silver Eagle and a
banker’s stack of 4 historic $2 bills. If times ever
get really tough, any coin in this collection could
be used to buy anything. Keep it as long as you can
because this hoard is already worth so much more
than face value.

■ NO MORE WORRIES: Carolyn Ford
of Perry Town, OH thought she hit the
jackpot when her free Bankers Grand
Armored Safe was delivered. “I already
have some old coins, but I wanted this
whole hoard of U.S. coins as a nice
nest egg. I’ll also set aside some of
my hoard for my Grandchildren. Now
I don’t have to worry where to keep
my important papers and my Grandfather’s gun since I have my new safe,”
she said.

7 Smart places

to stash your cash

By Aaron Robinson

So you’re still hiding money under
the mattress or in the bread box?
Well, you’re not alone. Ever since financial institutions have been dropping like flies, millions of Americans
have stopped relying solely on their
banks.
1. Be sure your bank is insured. If
you’re not sure if your bank is FDIC
insured find out or get your money out.
With 92 bank failures so far this year
nobody knows how many more might
fail. Recently the FDIC released an
update to their troubled bank “watch
list” with over 400 banks labeled as
“problem institutions”. Pretty scary
stuff, so like your Mama always said,
“it’s not wise to have all your eggs in
one basket.”
2. Start and grow a coin collection.
Coin collections are tangible assets
that will always keep their face value,
instead of just owning stocks that
could depreciate or lose you money.
3. Keep cash safe at home. Cash is
King. Believe it, but remember not
to keep it in a thief’s favorite spot;
like in the bread box or the mattress.
These will never have the protection
that a quality home safe can provide.
4. Savings Bonds, an old favorite.
Savings Bonds are an easy way for
your money to stay safe in the future.
However, if lost or stolen they could
be difficult to replace unless the serial
number was kept in a safe place.
5. Gold and silver still shine. If you
own gold or silver, great, hold on to it.
But if you don’t, one of your best bets
is to try to get as many U.S. Gov’t issued gold and silver coins as you can.
6. Hold on to real estate. With interest rates at historic all-time lows the
market is sure to recover and property values will once again bounce back.
So those who hold on to their homes
for the long term will likely reap the
benefits of these investments.
7. Buy a good safe. Home safes become an absolute necessity during
economic turmoil. But, because of the
huge spike in recent sales, safes may
be hard to come by.
With all this you’ll be much safer, just
in case your bank is the next to fail. ■

THE END OF WORLD WAR I: ST ANNIVERSARY

German High Command convinced Emperor
Wilhelm II to resume unlimited submarine warfare
on Feb. 1, 1917. It was questionable how long
Germany could maintain its vast war efforts, and its
High Command still hoped for a decisive military
victory that would ensure favorable peace terms.
With stalemate on the Western Front, the defeat of
Britain was key to a German victory. Only by
resorting to unrestricted submarine warfare could
Britain be defeated. The order applied to all neutral
and belligerent ships that entered designated, broad
war zones in seas crucial to Germany’s enemies.
According to the High Command’s calculations,
all-out submarine warfare could reduce the British
to starvation within ﬁve months. Germany’s
military leaders realized the order might – probably would – provoke U.S. intervention, but they
dismissed that possibility as irrelevant. Compared
to the huge armies engaged on European battleﬁelds, the U.S. Army seemed small: 107,641 men
and 132,000 National Guardsmen (plus
15,500 U.S. Marines deployed mostly overseas).
The High Command reasoned that the war would
be over before the United States could raise, train
and transport to Europe an army large enough to
be of consequence. “From a military point of view,
America is as nothing,” German Naval Minister
Eduard von Capelle assured a Reichstag leader who
questioned the order. It was a gamble that proved
to be the most fateful miscalculation of the war.
News of the order shocked Wilson and the entire
nation. Here was Germany’s answer to the Peace
Without Victory speech and to mediation, which
had never been a serious part of Germany’s
calculations. Germany had scrapped the Sussex
Pledge and insulted America’s neutral rights and
national honor beyond measure.
The president severed relations with Germany but hesitated to go further, unless German
U-boats attacked U.S. ships. The responsibility for
whatever dire consequences might follow would
be on Germany.
In retrospect, the publication of the German order
marked a great divide in German-American relations. For months, attention had been focused on
mediation and peace. But now, war and darker
times seemed imminent. On Feb. 25, 1917, Wilson
learned of the Zimmermann telegram. In this
famous intercepted communiqué, German Foreign
Secretary Arthur Zimmermann invited Mexico to
enter an alliance with Germany, should war occur
between it and the United States. For joining with
Germany, Mexico would receive “ample ﬁnancial
support” and, pending victory, the return of lost

THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE

NOVEMBER 2009

territory in Texas, New Mexico and Arizona.
When the Zimmermann note was published
March 1, it stunned the American people, especially several days later when the author veriﬁed
its authenticity. Newspapers across the country
labeled it a “villainous” plan and an unmasking of
Germany’s real intentions. Americans resigned
themselves to the fact that war was near. At the
same time, news arrived that a German submarine
had sunk without warning the British passenger
liner Laconia. Two Americans were lost.
Wilson ordered U.S. merchant ships and passenger liners to be armed. Still, he agonized, hoping
that war could somehow be avoided. In the midst
of his struggle to determine the right course to
follow, encouraging news arrived.
A liberal group in the Russian parliament had
overthrown Czar Nicholas II, established the new
Provisional Government, promised a new constitution, and declared its intention to stay in the war.
All along, the Western Allies professed to be
ﬁghting a war for democracy against autocracy,
but Russia’s repressive government called that
claim into question. Some Americans feared
Russian despotism more than German militarism,
but now those fears were allayed.
There was, however, little time to savor the
good news. On March 18, reports arrived that
U-boats had sunk three U.S. merchantmen; on one,
15 crewmen perished. Armed neutrality had failed
to deter German submarines. Two days later,
Wilson convened the most important cabinet
meeting of his presidency to discuss the emergency, only to learn that his colleagues saw no alternative to war. Several believed that a state of war
already existed. Afterwards, the president called
a special session of Congress for April 2.
To ponder the greatest
decision a president must
face, Wilson retreated from
public view. The White
House remained silent
about the paramount
question: would there be
war? But the country was
not silent. Huge demonstrations for war occurred in

Getty Images/Hulton Archive

TO HONOR WWII, VIETNAM, KOREA, DESERT STORM, AFGHANISTAN AND IRAQ VETERANS

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THE END OF WORLD WAR I: ST ANNIVERSARY

THE ELEVENTH HOUR
“And about the eleventh hour he went out,
and found others standing idle,
and saith unto them,
Why stand ye here all the day idle?”
Matthew :
News of the Great War’s end oicially broke in
Washington at 2:30 a.m. Nov. 11, 1918. Still half-asleep,
journalists heard a brief announcement at the State
Department: “The Armistice has been signed. It was
signed at 5:00 a.m. Paris time and hostilities will cease
at 11 o’clock this morning Paris time.”
Why 11 o’clock? Did a chief diplomat crave to
complete the eerie triad of 11th month, 11th day
and 11th hour as the moment when a four-year
bloodbath would end?
On the morning of Nov. 11, meeting in a railroad car
at Compiegne, France, Allied and German
representatives took eight minutes to sign the
armistice. Marshal Ferdinand Foch, the Allies’
supreme commander, suggested an oicial signing
time of 5 a.m. and a cease-ire six hours later. He’d
been up all night and wanted to end the meeting
quickly. After a German delegate read a inal protest
against the treaty’s harsh terms, the French general
replied, “Tres bien,” and left soon after.
If Foch attached some mystical meaning to ending
the war at the 11th hour, he never said so. It seems
that he simply felt six hours would be enough time
to get word of the cease-ire to troops on the front
lines. News of the armistice took more time to reach
soldiers ighting on what was then known as “the
Dark Continent.” German troops in Africa fought long
past “the 11th hour,” surrendering Nov. 23.
On the fourth day of the 11th month of 1921,
Foch visited The American Legion National
Headquarters in Indianapolis and received its irst
Distinguished Service Medal.
Armistice Day was celebrated on Nov. 11 each year
until 1954, when Congress changed the observance to
Veterans Day.

major cities. Former president Theodore Roosevelt
and other Republican party leaders adopted a
resolution declaring that “war now exists.” Numerous newspapers heralded the same message.
The opponents of a military solution also conducted mass meetings and petitioned Wilson to
resist taking the country to war. Their protests
were formidable, but the nation’s majority opinion
now tilted against them.
It was still conceivable that Wilson might decide
against intervention. As he had said on previous

THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE

NOVEMBER 2009

occasions, he would not rush into war. The decision was his to make and, as the world learned on
the evening of April 2, he made it in favor of war.
Early in January, while writing his Peace Without
Victory speech, Wilson told his adviser, House,
“There will be no war.” Now, three months later,
he decided there was no alternative to war, short of
acquiescing to Germany’s terms.
Germany had rejected mediation to end the war,
hoping to achieve victory by force of arms. Its
intransigence over using unrestricted submarine
warfare remained unabated. Wilson had his doubts
about the Allies’ motives in the war, but German
U-boats were destroying American life and property. Moreover, he had come to realize that Germany’s leaders could not be trusted and believed
they wished to establish a new balance of power
after the war. They had become, in fact, an obstacle
to the establishment of a just and lasting peace,
and to the creation of a postwar community of
nations worthy of U.S. support and participation.
The only record Wilson left of his great reversal
from peace to war was the explanation he gave in
his April 2 address to Congress. In that memorable
speech, he focused on Germany’s resumption of
unrestricted submarine warfare. He said that act
convinced him that Berlin’s “autocratic government” could not be trusted. It had disregarded
international law, trampled on the rights of neutral
nations, and engaged in a war against all nations.
The German government, Wilson continued, had
forced war on the United States by attacking its
citizens on the high seas. Unwilling to “choose a
path of submission” to conditions Germany
imposed, the president avowed the nation would
ﬁght to defend its rights and honor. But it would
not ﬁght for that alone.
Germany’s recent actions proved there could be
no “assured security” for democratic nations
without the defeat of German power and all it had
come to represent. Germany had become a menace
to world peace and to “the freedom of its peoples.”
The United States would ﬁght as a champion for
the rights of mankind “to make the world safe for
democracy.” It would ﬁght for the creation of a
“concert of nations.” Since no autocratic government could be trusted to keep its covenants, a
partnership of democratic nations would provide a
durable peace and defend the “interests of mankind.” To these ends, he asked Congress to commit
the full force of the United States.
James D. Startt is a senior research professor in
history at Valparaiso University.

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VETERANS DAY 

How the
Military
Changed
My Life

Photo by Valerie Tobias

VETERANS DAY is a time to honor all
who have served in the U.S. Armed
Forces. Those who swore with their
lives – and those who paid the ultimate
price, as well – share a bond few others
understand. Military service changes
people. Those who see combat death look
upon life diferently for the rest of their
years. Those who enter the service
without direction typically leave with it.
Earlier this year, The American Legion
Magazine asked readers to put pen to
paper and explain how military service
changed their lives. Hundreds of readers
submitted their thoughts on mental
toughness, discipline and education –

Basic training taught me teamwork. My military uniform gave
me pride. Serving in Korea taught me how to defeat fear.
Living in a foreign country taught me tolerance. Orphans of war
taught me compassion. Coming home made me thankful. I live with
a lifelong sense that touching Korea with democracy gave its
people the opportunity to reach for world-class industrial and
technological success.
Some years ago, I was wearing my Korean War veteran cap at a
Labor Day picnic. While enjoying the corn roast, two boys came up to
me in the park and actually asked me if I wasn’t ashamed to let
people know I was a veteran. I was taken aback but quickly realized
they just didn’t know better. That was the day I decided what I would
do in my retirement. I would enlighten children by preserving
hundreds of local veterans’ stories. Soon, that grew into writing a
World War II book, then construction of a memorial park, a veterans
museum and a memorial hall. Children can now research, walk, talk
and volunteer with local living history at the American Legion
Post 146 Veterans Center, at the memorial or the museum.
– Robert Frankenstein, Beaver Dam, Wis.

how the service shaped them. Other
submissions revolved around the lifelong
friendships and unique bonds veterans
have with one another and how
they celebrate that camaraderie through
The American Legion.
Following are just a few of the
responses our readers sent in.
Others can be read online.
w
www.legion.org

THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE

I was 19 years old when I joined the Marines and stayed 20 years. I came
from a segregated town. My life was all white. The irst morning in boot
camp, there we were: all races, colors and creeds standing at attention
together. Shortly afterward, we all went of to the war.
One morning at about 2 a.m., I was attacked by Viet Cong, who threw a lot
of hand grenades at me, and many didn’t go of. My rile was damaged, my
arm was broken, and my head was in a daze. I couldn’t move. But a private
irst class named P.D. Jones came to my aid. Jones shoved live grenades to
the side with his hands to make a path for me. I never even said, “Thank
you.” Things happened so fast. Two things I do know: I saw a real hero push
those grenades aside, and I thank God every day for life.
– Joe Zych, Okinawa

NOVEMBER 2009

At the age of 84, I feel
privileged and honored that
I served in the military as a
WAVE (U.S. Navy Reserve),
Pharmacist Mate 3rd Class. I feel
gratitude for the simple fact
that I can inally say “thank you”
for having had the opportunity
to inish my education, a
bachelor of science degree in
education from the University
of Minnesota.
I had inished my second
year at the university when
I enlisted in the WAVES, on my
birthday. My parents had to
sign for me with a promise from
me that I would go back to
school and inish my education.
Of course, I agreed to that. I got
my degree with the GI Bill.
I kept my promise and inished
my education.
How else did the military
afect my life? That’s where
I met my husband, Earl. He
too served in the military, as a
U.S. Navy Pharmacist Mate
2nd Class. He returned from
the South Paciic in World
War II, where he served with
the 1st and 3rd divisions of
the Marines.
Now, at age 86, having
been married to each other for
63 years, we are still together.
We had six sons, ive living as
productive citizens and great
men. One died in infancy. It has
been a great story and a great
life. Thanks to the military and
our lives together.
– Doreen Nelson Murray,
Nalcrest, Fla.

The morning of Sept. 11, 2001, changed my son’s life. Adam was about to
graduate from high school and was beginning to realize that it was time to
make some very important decisions about his future.
As our family watched in horror at the plumes of dark smoke trailing skyward
from the World Trade Center attacks, we spent the following days experiencing
a universal pain over the enormous loss of life, one we knew we shared with
many people across the
country. I remember breaking
down into tears in front of my
husband and son, saying,
“Those people did not deserve
to die in that way.” The pain
I was feeling for their families
was acute. Looking back on that
conversation, I only now have
come to realize how it would
afect our family as well.
During that time,
I approached my son about his
plans for college. He looked me
in the eye and said, “Mom, I’ve been sitting in a classroom for 12 years. I want to
see what I can do with my life.” That resulted in his acceptance into the
U.S. Army. He served as a fuel transporter (77 Fox) during Operation Iraqi
Freedom, with his father in the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment.
Adam decided to take his commitment a step further. Upon his return to
the States in early 2005, he decided to join the 160th Special Operations
Aviation Regiment as a helicopter repairman. But that was still not enough for
him. He went to his irst sergeant and told him, “I want to do more.”
With determination and a deep commitment, he studied and learned
his craft well. Within two years of graduating from “Green Platoon” and serving
in a heavy combat zone for ive months in Operation Enduring Freedom, my
son was promoted to sergeant and crew chief to Aircraft 472 in October 2006.
Adam chose to answer a higher calling. On Feb. 18, 2007, Sgt. Adam Alexander
Wilkinson and seven other crew members and Special Forces soldiers gave their
lives when their Chinook helicopter crashed in Afghanistan. Because of the
bravery of the crew members in their attempts to land, 14 soldiers survived.
I will never forget my son’s words to me when he returned from basic
training at Fort Jackson, S.C., during a time when I had chosen to go back to
school and challenge myself. He said, “Mom, you just need to focus.” If I have
learned anything from the loss of my 23-year-old son, it is this: through his
experiences in the U.S. Army, Adam believed that with discipline, perseverance
and a belief in himself, he could accomplish anything.
– Felicia V. Young-Wilkinson, Alexandria, La.

I enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps during a time of war, in May 2005. It was
a great experience that has left a permanent, positive mark on my life. I was
injured in Fallujah in October 2006 and spent more than two years in the
Wounded Warrior Regiment before being medically discharged, honorably,
in January 2009.
I met great Americans in the short number of years I was enlisted in the
service, from drill instructors all the way to the men with whom I served in
combat. I learned great life lessons in discipline, leadership, responsibility,
honor, courage and commitment.
I will always treasure my short time in the U.S. Marine Corps. I was
given regular opportunities to lead and develop skills that have translated into
instant success in civilian life.
– Chris B. Traxson, Rogers, Ark.
NOVEMBER 2009

I was no athlete, just a skinny kid
without much energy. The discipline
of morning calisthenics changed that.
I discovered that the morning
workout did not subtract from the
energy I needed for the rest of the
day; it increased it. So now, here I am,
in my 80s. Lots of people my age are
weak, sick or dead. But I am in great
shape and good health. It must be
those morning calisthenics I still do
daily. And I am still skinny.
– Clayton Ross, Walnut Creek, Calif.
|

THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE

ADVERTIsem*nT

Amish mantle and miracle invention
help home heat bills hit rock bottom
Miracle heaters being given away free with orders for real Amish fireplace mantles to announce the invention
that helps slash heat bills, but Amish craftsmen under strain of early Christmas rush force household limit of 2
Save money: only uses about 9¢ electric an hour; so turn down your thermostat and never be cold again
By MARK WOODS
Universal Media Syndicate

(UMS) Everyone hates
high heat bills. But we’re
all sick and tired of simply
turning down the thermostat and then being cold.
Well now, the popular
HEAT SURGE® miracle
heaters are actually being
given away free to the general public for the next
7 days starting at precisely
8:00 a.m. today.
The only thing readers
have to do is call the National Distribution Hotline before the 7-day deadline with
their order for the handmade
Amish Fireplace Mantle.
Everyone who does is instantly being awarded the miracle
heater absolutely free.
This is all happening to announce the HEAT SURGE
Roll-n- Glow® Fireplace
which actually rolls from
room-to-room so you can
turn down your thermostat and take the heat with
you anywhere. That way,
everyone who gets them
first can immediately start
saving on their heat bills.
Just in time for winter
weather, portable Amish encased fireplaces are being
delivered directly to the
doors of all those who beat
the deadline.
These remarkable fireplaces are being called a
miracle because they have
what’s being called the
Fireless Flame ™ patented
technology that gives you
the peaceful flicker of a real
fire but without any flames,
fumes, smells, ashes or
mess. Everyone is getting
them because they require

GENUINE AMISH MANTLES MADE IN THE USA: Everyone wants to save money on heat
bills this winter, so entire Amish communities are working from the crack of dawn to finish.
These fine real wood Amish made fireplace mantles are built to last forever. The oak mantle is a
real steal at just two hundred ninety-eight dollars because all those who beat the order deadline
by calling the National Hotline at 1-866-874-7770 to order the fireplace mantles are actually getting the imported hi-tech Fireless Flame HEAT SURGE miracle heaters for free.

no chimney and no vent. You
just plug them in.
The Fireless Flame looks
so real it amazes everybody
because it has no real fire.
So what’s the catch? Well,
soft spoken Amish craftsmen who take their time
hand building the mantles
have a process that forces a

JUST ANNOUNCED: The
Heat Surge miracle fireplace has
earned the prestigious Good
Housekeeping Seal. The product
has earned the Seal after evaluation by the Good Housekeeping
Research Institute.

strict household limit of 2 to
keep up with orders.
“We can barely keep up
ever since we started giving heaters away free. With
winter just around the corner, everyone’s trying to get
them. Amish craftsmen are
working their fingers to the
bone to be sure everyone
gets their delivery in time
for Christmas,” confirms
Frederick Miller, National Shipping Director.
“These portable Roll-nGlow Fireplaces are the latest home decorating sensation. They actually give
you a beautifully redecorated room while they quickly heat from wall to wall.
It’s the best way to dress
up every room, stay really warm and slash your
heat bills all at the same

time,” says Josette Holland,
Home Makeover Expert.
And here’s the best part.
Readers who beat the 7-day
order deadline are getting
their imported hi-tech miracle heaters free when encased in the Amish built
real wood fireplace mantles. The mantles are being
handmade in the USA right
in the heart of Amish country where they are beautifully hand-rubbed, stained
and varnished.
You just can’t find custom
made Amish mantles like
this in the national chain
stores. That makes the oak
mantle a real steal for just
two hundred ninety-eight
dollars since the entire cost
of the miracle heater is free.
This free giveaway is the
best way to slash heating

ADVERTIsem*nT
™
™

How It Works: The HEAT SURGE miracle
heater is a work of engineering genius from
the China coast so advanced, you simply
plug it into any standard outlet. It uses only
about 9¢ of electric an hour on the standard setting. Yet, it produces up to an amazing 5,119 BTU’s on the high setting. So watch
out, a powerful on board hi-tech heat turbine silently forces hot air out into the room
from the vent so you feel the bone soothing heat instantly. It even has certiﬁcation of Underwriters Laboratories coveted
UL listing. It also comes with a limited full
year replacement or money back warranty less shipping plus a 30-Day Satisfaction
Guarantee. OH and FL resident transactions
require the remittance of applicable sales
tax. Sorry no shipments to MA residents.

How to get 2 free heaters
The National Toll Free Hotlines are now open. All those who beat the 7-day order
deadline to cover the cost of the Amish made Fireplace Mantle and shipping get
the HEAT SURGE miracle heater free.
A strict limit of 2 per household has been
imposed. Since some home woodworkers
want to build their own mantle piece, they are
letting people get the imported miracle heater
alone for just $249. Or, with the Amish made
mantle you get the miracle heater free.
Use the map below to locate the weather
zone you live in and call the Hotline number
for your zone.

Frigid Zone: 1
Cold Zone: 2
Frost Zone: 3

LISTED: E322174

Hot air only
comes out of
the top vent

The hi-ttech sile
entt
heat tu
urbin
ne ta
akes
in cold
d airr

bills and stay warm this
fall and winter. The HEAT
SURGE Roll-n-Glow Fireplace gives you zone heating and all the beauty and
warmth of a built-in fireplace but rolls from roomto-room so it can also save
you a ton of money on heating bills.
Even people in California
and Florida are flocking to
get them so they may never
have to turn on their furnace
all winter. And since it uses

Claim Code: FP9676

฀ ON THEIR WAY: Early
Christmas orders have turned
country roads into pipelines
to the big city delivery system.
Everybody wants a fireplace
that comes fully assembled
with a handmade Amish mantle
in oak or cherry ﬁnish and gets
delivered by truck right to your
door. All you do is plug it in.

EVERYONE LIVING IN THE

Frigid Zone: 1

Cold Zone: 2

Frost Zone: 3

START CALLING AT
8:00 A.M. TODAY

START CALLING AT
8:30 A.M. TODAY

START CALLING AT
9:00 A.M. TODAY

1-866-874-7770

1-866-881-2882

1-866-882-8558

FOR HEAT SURGE, 8000 FREEDOM AVE., N. CANTON OH 44720

only about 9 cents of electric
an hour on the standard setting, the potential savings
are absolutely incredible.
“We are making sure no
one gets left out, but you
better hurry because entire communities of Amish
craftsmen are straining to
keep up with demands. For
now, we are staying out of
the large national retail
stores in order to let readers
have two per household just
as long as they call before the

deadline,” confirms Miller.
It’s a really smart decision
to get two right now because
for only the next 7 days you
get both miracle heaters
free. That’s like putting five
hundred bucks right in your
pocket and you can save
even more money on your
monthly heating bills.
“Everyone’s calling to get
one but those who are getting
their Christmas shopping
done early are surprising
the whole family by getting

EVERYONE LIVING IN THE

two. So when lines are busy
keep trying or log onto
amishfireplaces.com. We
promise to get to every call.
Then we can have a delivery truck out to your door
right away with your beautiful Heat Surge Roll-n-Glow
Fireplace,” Miller said.
“You’ll instantly feel bone
soothing heat in any room.
You will never have to be
cold again,” he said.
On the worldwide web:
www.amishfireplaces.com

Rolls anywhere to throw an instant heat wave with no chimney, no vents, no wood and no smoke

EASILY ROLLS ANYWHERE:
This is the portable Roll-nGlow® Fireplace that easily rolls from bedroom to living room to keep you warm.
No vents, no chimney and no
tools. Just plug it in.

SAVES ON BILLS: Everyone can get low bills and stay
warm and cozy. The Roll-nGlow Fireplace saves a ton
of money and makes your
front room look like a million
bucks.

SAFE FLAME: The Fireless
Flame looks so real it fools everyone but there is no real fire. That
makes the flame window safe to
the touch under the watchful eye
of a parent. It’s where the kids will
play and the cat and dog will sleep.

FREE: Get this $249 miracle
heater free. It is being given
away free to all who beat the
7-day order deadline for your
choice of the oak or cherry finish Amish Mantles. The free
heater comes already encased.

As a teenager, I was the cook at a pancake house, assistant butcher at a
supermarket and the guy who made doughnuts all night at Dunkin’ Donuts.
Therefore, I dropped out of school and joined the Marines at 17.
The Marine Corps sent me to cooks school, then to GITMO, where I was assigned
to be assistant mess sergeant because I was the only cook who had taken typing in
high school (even though I failed the course). My CO ordered me to take a ive-day
GED course, and two months later my high-school diploma arrived. Back in the
States, I received orders to Headquarters Battalion and was assigned to be a
personal steward for a commanding general. I worked for the commissary, driving
a food and beverage truck out to the ninth hole of the oicers golf course and the
pizza man of base. I was totally enveloped in the food and beverage industry.
Upon receiving my honorable discharge, I used the GI Bill to graduate from
college. To date, I have performed as executive chef, general manager and CEO of
more than 400 restaurants/hospitality establishments. The military gave me this
career and changed my life.
– Thomas F. Sas, New York

Photo by Amy C. Elliott

The son of an Idaho logger in the early 1960s, I knew life was tough. I went to
work before dawn and worked all day. I worked with elderly men who believed in
doing a day’s work for a day’s pay.
Dad’s war stories from the Philippines and Okinawa enamored me. I had uncles
in the Big War and other kin in the Korean War. So I joined the military – irst, to
emulate my dad and family; second, to receive a paycheck the bank would cover;
and third, an opportunity for retirement.
Twenty-ive years later, I did. In that time, I lew 225 combat missions in the
F-4 Phantom, missed my family from Korea, and admired America’s inest before
retirement at the Air Force Academy. I was, and am, blessed. I have no regrets about
my decision to serve my country, and now, thank God, I have my health and
retirement – things I wish could have come for my dad and others long gone, my
fellow lumberjacks.
– Retired Lt. Col. James Burkholder Jr., Bonners Ferry, Idaho

As I left for basic training, my dad,
a World War II 8th Army Air Force
veteran, said, “Son, learn to take orders
because one day you may be giving
them.” I learned to take them. A lot
was said in those few words. A few
years later, I was giving orders in 1968,
as a commissioned oicer.
We became men at 17, 18 and 19
years old. I learned teamwork, how to
move smartly, that color has no
bounds, and that the blood of black,
red and yellow men could, and did,
save lives of white men, and vice versa.
I learned that life is precious to
all my fellow troops and that taking
an enemy life is not pleasure, but
cheating death and saving one was a
pleasure. I learned to listen and to let
my words be few.
After 40 years of marriage, I am still
reminded of all this by my wife, who
looks at my Navy photo and says,
“That boy left and never came back.”

In May 1960, I was 20 years old, single,
with no children. The military draft
would be knocking at my door very soon
if I did not go back to college. Financially,
I wasn’t sure I would be able to. This
seemed like a good time to fulill my
military obligation. A friend and I joined
the U.S. Army in Oklahoma City on June
6, 1960. The signiicance of that date was
not lost on us.
A few years prior to joining the Army, I
had developed a very bad habit of
quitting. I quit sports in high school.
I almost quit high school. I quit
relationships. I quit college twice. If I
didn’t like the way things were going,
instead of digging in and working my
way through the problem, I just quit.
The funny thing about the Army is
you can’t just quit, honorably. It wasn’t
easy on me or the Army, but I inally got
the message. The Army taught me
discipline, determination, organization,
pride and loyalty.

– Bill Pelozzi, Spokane, Wash.

– James W. Smith, Stigler, Okla.

THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE

NOVEMBER 2009

“You will get out of the service
what you put into it, son.”
These were the words of my
World War II veteran father,
when he said goodbye to me
Aug. 24, 1965.
On my way to basic training at
Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., I was
kind of scared, somewhat
reluctant, and not at all sure
what the future would bring.
What an adventure the military
served up to me! Comradeship,
esprit de corps and lifelong
friends were some of the
positive aspects that the Army
presented to me. Oicers
Candidate School converted my
academic record from
mediocrity to achievement.
The ability to accept challenges
in leadership and scholarship
later allowed me to pursue a
civilian career in education, as
well as serving 28 years as a
reserve oicer.
And the travel the military
provided took me to places only
Gulliver could dream of. A tour
as an intelligence oicer in
Europe opened possibilities a
Missouri farm boy could hardly
imagine. Places like Fort
Benning, Ga.; Fort Riley, Kan.;
Fort McClellan, Ala.; and Fort
Hood, Texas, presented our
country’s history to me.
I am better for having worn
our country’s uniform.
– Retired Lt. Col. Anthony J.
Yates, Monroe City, Mo.

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Pride and
Purpose
Legionnaires convene in Louisville
to relect on a year of accomplishment
and plan for a year of growth.
BY STEVE BROOKS

Tom Strattman

hen David K. Rehbein was elected national
commander of The American Legion in
August 2008, he said “pride and purpose” would be
his motto. Looking back on his year as leader of the
nation’s largest veterans service organization,
Rehbein identiﬁes a number of reasons Legionnaires
can be proud of the purposes they carried out.
It was a year in which The American Legion
stood up against a VA proposal to start billing
insurance companies of service-disabled veterans
for care they’re supposed to receive at no personal
cost. As national media cast a spotlight on the
Legion’s opposition to the idea, Rehbein became a
regular guest on national television news programs, and the White House withdrew the plan.
It was also a year in which the Legion took
exception to a baseless Department of Homeland
Security report that associated the homecomings of
U.S. war veterans with a risk for domestic terrorism
and right-wing extremism. A swift reaction by
Rehbein and the Legion led to an apology from DHS
Secretary Janet Napolitano and a better working
relationship between the Legion and DHS.
From active involvement with the new Post-9/11
GI Bill to a record fundraising year for the Legacy
Run, 2008 is a year to be proud of, Rehbein said.

THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE

NOVEMBER 2009

“We made sure we upheld the honor of the
young men and women serving this country,” he
told thousands of Legionnaires in Louisville, Ky.,
at the 91st National Convention of The American
Legion Aug. 21-27. “We stood up this year. We
were counted this year. We showed, I believe, the
people of this country that The American Legion
has remained true to its principles. That The
American Legion, when the time comes, will stand
up and say, ‘Sir, that’s a bad idea.’ We need to keep
showing them that lesson. This organization, 90
years later, still has that strength to stand up and
be counted, still has that strength to inﬂuence the
debate in this country on veterans issues. And I
believe, because of who you are, that this organization will still be that way 40 years from now.”
Rehbein praised Legionnaires’ generosity, noting
that during the Legacy Run and the convention,
$550,000 were raised for The American Legion
Legacy Scholarship Fund, $92,000 for the National
Emergency Fund, $30,000 for the Child Welfare
Foundation and $16,000 for Operation Comfort
Warriors. And on the convention’s ﬁnal day, a
visibly moved Rehbein thanked Legionnaires for
the opportunity to lead them. “You gave me this
job, and I did the best I could,” he said. “Now it’s

our responsibility – all of us – to
make next year better. Every
year needs to be better than the
one before.”
Big Names, Big Words. National
security and veterans issues
dominated the convention.
Speaking on the subjects were
some of the biggest names in
government. Adm. Mike Mullen,
chairman of the Joint Chiefs of
Staff, said that trust and a
partnership borne of understanding – not simply military might
– are needed to quell conﬂicts
and establish rules of law in the
Middle East.
“Despite all that’s been done to
bring stability to that region,
really since the end of World
War I, we are still learning about
the various cultures that shape
the region’s landscape,” he said.
“Because understanding takes
time and without consistent
engagement – a willingness to
see things from another’s perspective – there will always be a
trust deﬁcit. And where trust is
lacking, partnerships falter.
“The Pakistanis likewise are
waging their own war against
extremists, for Pakistanis in
Pakistan. And in Afghanistan,
the war being waged, to defeat
al-Qaeda and its extremist allies,
is led by an international security force, with Afghans, for
Afghans, in Afghanistan. We’ve
got to help them. That’s why I
ordered the establishment of a
Pakistan-Afghanistan coordination cell, inside my own staff, to
work exclusively on the issues of
that region, to stay engaged.”
Mullen also talked about
public opinion regarding the war.
“I’ve seen a lot of discussion
these days about whether this is
a war of choice or a war of
necessity,” he said. “I’ve seen
public opinion polls saying that a
majority of Americans don’t

support the effort at all. And I
say, ‘Good. Let’s have that
debate. Let’s have that discussion. Let’s take a good, hard look
at this ﬁght we’re in, what we’re
doing and why we’re doing it.’
Gen. David H. Petraeus,
commander of U.S. Central
Command, received the Distinguished Service Medal, The
American Legion’s highest
award. Rehbein quoted critics
who had questioned Petraeus’
strategies. “Yet, Gen. David
Petraeus, the chief advocate of
the military troop surge and
commander of Multi-National
Forces Iraq, refused to share this
pessimism,” Rehbein said. “He
never lost faith in America’s
ﬁghting men and women. He
would be the ﬁ rst to tell you that
the credit for the success in Iraq
belongs to those who served and
are still serving over there.”
Petraeus said it was an award
he couldn’t accept solely on his
own, saying he would accept it
only “on behalf of the 235,000
soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen
deployed in the Central Command area of responsibility.”
Petraeus gave an overview on
U.S. military efforts in Iraq and
Afghanistan, noting that the
number of insurgent attacks in
Iraq dropped from 160 per day in
June 2007 to below 20 per day in
recent months. The planned
reduction of U.S. forces in Iraq
will go forward, Petraeus said.
“Innumerable challenges
remain,” he explained. “Resilient
Sunni and Shia extremists,
approaching national elections,
lingering ethno-sectarian mistrust, increasing budget pressures, improving but still inadequate levels of basic services,
the release of thousands of
detainees, the ongoing return of
hundreds of thousands of Iraqis
displaced by the sectarian
NOVEMBER 2009

James V. Carroll

Legacy Run breaks
fundraising record
Legionnaire Rollie Otte rode his
Harley-Davidson nearly 800 miles to
Indianapolis on Aug. 16-17, just so he
could ride another 1,200 miles
through Ohio, Pennsylvania, West
Virginia and Virginia before ending
up in Louisville, Ky.
Otte was one of 251 motorcyclists
who pulled into Highland Post 201
in Louisville on Aug. 21 because he
believes in the Legacy Run and The
American Legion Legacy
Scholarship fund that provides
scholarship money for the children
of servicemembers who have died
on active duty since Sept. 11, 2001.
“Our children are the ones who are
going to be taking care of our
country in the future – we need to
take care of them,” said Otte, a
member of Post 85 in Columbus,
Neb. “These kids deserve to go to
college.”
The 2009 Legacy Run generated
nearly $550,000 in donations – an
all-time high. The departments of
Georgia, Virginia and New York all
donated more than $20,000 each.
William M. Randolph Post 593 in
Converse, Texas, raised more than
$32,000 itself.
The Legacy Scholarship fund has
accrued more than $3 million,
including $1 million from the irst
three Legacy Runs.
“We have a phrase in the military:
‘Look out for your buddy,’” Otte
said. “We’re looking out for their
children.”
See a video of the 2009
Legacy Run
www.legion.org/legiontv
w
|

THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE

A BEAUTIFUL DAY FOR A PARADE
violence, and unresolved internal boundary
PHOTOS BY JAMES V. CARROLL
disputes ... Iraq has a tough road ahead. But again,
the progress over the past two years has been
signiﬁcant. Needless to say, our troopers are
working hard to support our Iraqi partners as they
confront their country’s many challenges.”
Complicated challenges also remain in Afghanistan, Petraeus said. “The security trend there in
recent years has been a downward spiral in many
areas of the country, with levels of violence at
record highs in recent weeks in particular. The
Taliban and the other elements of the so-called
extremist syndicate have, without question,
expanded their strength and inﬂuence. Our
fundamental objective in Afghanistan remains
very clear: to ensure that transnational extremists
like al-Qaeda are not able to re-establish the
sanctuaries that they enjoyed there prior to the
9/11 attacks. Accomplishing our mission in Afghanistan, though, requires more than just killing
or capturing terrorists and extremists; it requires a
robust, comprehensive counter-insurgency campaign. And that is exactly what our troopers, along
with their Afghan, NATO and other international
partners, are intent on executing.”
VA Secretary Eric Shinseki gave what he termed
a seven-month report of VA and promised to end
homelessness among veterans within the next ﬁve
years.
VA’s backlog of disability claims, which Shinseki
says is about 400,000, is a high and challenging
priority. “In July, we closed out 85,000 claims and
received another 89,000 new ones,” he said.
“Regardless of how we parse the numbers, there is
a backlog, it is too big, and veterans are waiting
too long for their checks.”
Shinseki also pledged to target more than
15 million veterans who are not enrolled in the VA
health-care system. “VA will continue reaching out
to them to explain our beneﬁts,
services, and the quality of our
health-care system,” he said. “A
KEY RESOLUTIONS OF THE ST NATIONAL CONVENTION
major initiative that will expand
The following are key resolutions
ECONOMIC
access is the president’s decision
passed
at
the
91st
National
Convention
to welcome back some 500,000
6 Supports full funding and staing
in Louisville, Ky. For the full text of
of Veterans Employment and Training
Priority Group 8 veterans who
resolutions, contact The American
Services programs
lost their entitlements in 2003.
Legion National Headquarters Library
We began registering them in
7 Supports transfer of Disabled
at (317) 630-1366, e-mail library@
Veterans’ Outreach Program and the
July, and we expect 266,000
legion.org or visit www.legion.org.
Local Veterans’ Employment
enrollments this ﬁ rst year,
Send a written request for a booklet of
Representative program to the
through 2010.”
all approved resolutions to The
supervision and control of the
Napolitano told Legionnaires
Library, The American Legion, P.O.
Veterans Employment and Training
Box
1055,
Indianapolis,
IN
46206.
that her department intends to
Services
be identiﬁed as a resource for
40

THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE

NOVEMBER 2009

ABOVE: A young Sons of The American
Legion member enjoys both the parade and
the day’s great weather.
BELOW: Miss America Katie Stam was a
special guest at the parade and later spoke
to the national convention.

ABOVE: National Commander
David K. Rehbein and his wife, Ann,
lead the national oicers down the
parade route.
LEFT: The delegation from the
Department of Iowa enthusiastically
waves corn stalks, a tradition at the
annual parade.
RIGHT: Jerick Johnson drives The
American Legion/David Law Firm
No. 76 Freedom Car down Louisville’s
Main Street.

8 Seeks legislation to
provide every National
Guardsman and reservist
who is activated for 12
months or longer a period of
active duty of ive days,
within 90 days of separation,
in order to attend a
Transition Assistance
Program employment
workshop

13 Supports legislation to
prohibit discrimination and
acts of reprisal by employers
against veterans who seek
treatment for serviceconnected disabilities
26 Urges the Department of
Housing and Urban
Development to provide
afordable housing to
qualiied and honorably

discharged veterans and
their dependents

Small Business
Administration

66 Supports veterans
preference in public
employment

72 Supports legislation to
reauthorize the Service
Members Occupational
Conversion and Training Act

67 Supports reasonable
set-asides of federal
procurements and contracts
for veteran-owned/operated
businesses

73 Calls for full funding and
staing of the Veterans
Employment and Training
Service

69 Supports eforts of the
NOVEMBER 2009

THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE

preparedness rather than a
purveyor of fear. With its
disaster-preparedness education
programs already in place, “the
Legion is in a unique position to
help,” she said.
Napolitano appealed for the
Legion’s assistance in meeting
not just threats posed by terrorists, but by weather and disease,
such as the expected outbreak of
H1N1, or swine ﬂu, this fall.
“The Legion and its Auxiliary
(have) been supporters (of our
efforts) in the past, and I am
asking you to re-energize that
participation and that partnership with us,” she said
Napolitano also committed to
employing 50,000 veterans at
DHS by 2012. Her department
hired some 3,000 veterans
through the ﬁ rst eight months of
2009 and now employs more
than 46,000 – including 2,100
service-disabled veterans.
Karen Gordon Mills, administrator of the U.S. Small Business
Administration, said her agency
is available to help veteranowned small businesses. As part
of the Recovery Act, SBA was
able to make billions of dollars
in loans with reduced or eliminated fees and federal backing.
“I’m very proud to say that in
the ﬁ rst six months of the
stimulus, more than 2,500 of
these SBA loans have gone to

Legionnaire R. Sonny Farrand helps
distribute sweatshirts and sweatpants
to soldiers in the Warrior Transition
Battalion at Fort Knox. The clothing
was provided through Operation
Comfort Warriors. Tom Strattman

America’s veterans,” she said.
“It’s $588 million – well over
half a billion dollars – in
lending support to veteran
entrepreneurs and small
business owners. We’re particularly proud of the SBA’s
Patriot Express Loan pilot
initiative. It is only for the
military community – and it
has our lowest interest rates.
Under the stimulus, we’ve
issued more than 1,200 Patriot
Express loans totaling $90
million. And it’s called ‘Express’ for a good reason. After a
bank approves a loan, the SBA
can often approve the application within 24 hours.”
Mills said outreach efforts will
continue to target veteran
entrepreneurs. “Over the next 90
days, our procurement partners

Sen. Jim Bunning, R-Ky., receives The
American Legion’s James V. Day “Good
Guy” Award. A strong supporter of the
lag amendment, Bunning promised to
continue to push for the measure until
he retires next year. Tom Strattman

will be part of outreach events
around the country. They’ll be
matchmaking, helping to put
contracts in the hands of small
businesses and those owned by
veterans, women, and minorities,” she said.
“We will encourage veteranowned businesses to actively
market their products and
services to those agencies. With
both lending and contracting in
the Recovery Act ... we will get
there.”
Congressmen at Convention.
American Legion delegates also
heard from two members of the
House Committee on Veterans’
Affairs – chairman Bob Filner,
D-Calif., and Tim Walz, D-Minn.
– as well as Rep. Chet Edwards,
D-Texas, chairman of the

RESOLUTIONS CONTINUED
85 Supports strengthening
the Servicemembers Civil
Relief Act
95 Supports amending the
IRS tax code to delete the
requirements that state
veterans home loans only
be made to veterans within
25 years of their date of
discharge
101 Sponsors and supports

legislation to allow surviving
spouses to a veteran eligible
for the VA loan program to
the same entitlement

Republic of China and the
Republic of China to engage
in peaceful dialogue
regarding the Taiwan Strait

111 Supports legislation
granting all active Guard
and reserve members
Post-9/11 GI Bill beneits

20 Supports increased
personnel and funding for
the Joint POW/MIA
Accounting Commander,
Defense POW/Missing
Personnel Oice, Life
Sciences Equipment

FOREIGN RELATIONS
3 Encourages the People’s

THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE

NOVEMBER 2009

Laboratory and the Armed
Forces DNA laboratory
21 Supports construction of
a new Joint POW/MIA
Accounting Command
33 Supports eforts to
provide assistance to the
Canadian and Mexican
governments to stop drug
traicking across U.S.
borders

LEGION REAFFIRMS TROOP-SUPPORT EFFORTS

National Commander David K. Rehbein, Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander, U.S. Central Command, and Adm. Michael Mullen,
chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staf, sign the Armed Forces Community Covenant. Tom Strattman
The U.S. Army’s Community
Covenant is an initiative designed to
invite communities across America to
demonstrate their support for
servicemembers and their families
during the wars in Iraq and
Afghanistan.
At its 91st National Convention, The
American Legion reairmed its
support for the program during an
Armed Forces Community Covenant
signing that included Adm. Michael
Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of
Staf, and Gen. David H. Petraeus,
commander, U.S. Central Command.
The agreement reads, in part, that
the Legion pledges to “create and
encourage a strong relationship
between those communities and the
military personnel who live and serve
in them.”
“We shall continue to stand proudly
and at your side for as long as

necessary to assist you in your
missions,” National Commander David
K. Rehbein said. “We support our
troops ... and we shall do whatever we
can to involve every citizen in every
community in that mission.”
Mullen praised the Legion for its
part in the program.
“I recognize how ... this covenant
between our people and their families
and the communities can improve
their morale,” Mullen said. “I thank you
for being an anchor in this efort. Being
that anchor, you’ll be able to take care
of so much of what we need to support
our men and women who serve, and
their families.”
National Guard Maj. Gen. Edward
Tonini, U.S. Army Reserve Maj. Gen.
Paul Hamm, and U.S. Reps. Ed
Whitield, R-Ky., and John Yarmuth,
D-Ky., also participated in the signing
ceremony, along with Past Department

55 Urges the lying of the
POW/MIA lag, when
possible, at all American
Legion national conventions

121 Urges the president,
Congress and Department of
State to increase the number
of foreign service oicers

118 Urges worldwide
reduction of carbon-based
emissions

INTERNAL AFFAIRS

120 Urges Congress and the
president to continue to
pursue a “Smart Power”
strategy

48 Supports creation of the
American Veterans Disabled
for Life Memorial without
inancial obligation
79 Supports POW/MIA

of Puerto Rico Commander Luis
Figueroa-Ramirez, representing all 55
Legion departments. The oicial
document has signatures from all 55
Legion department commanders.
Representing communities across
the United States, Miss America Katie
Stam signed the Community Covenant
agreement, too, at Fort Knox.
“Nothing means more to our
troopers – especially our deployed
troopers – than knowing that their
sacriices are appreciated and that
their fellow citizens support them,”
Petraeus said. “We’re all very grateful
that The American Legion is on point,
through this covenant, ensuring great
support in the communities that our
troops call home.”
www.acsim.army.mil/
w
Community_Covenant/index.htm

Forever Stamp
88 Endorses creation of a
Purple Heart Forever Stamp
90 Supports increase in
mileage rate for charitable
miles to equal the rate
approved for medical and
moving purposes
94 Calls for secretary of the
Interior to study designating
the National D-Day
NOVEMBER 2009

Memorial as a unit of the
National Park System

NATIONAL SECURITY
23 Calls for nuclear warhead
modernization
41 Supports Armed Services
Blood Program
50 Supports full funding for
the U.S. military

THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE

2009 AWARD WINNERS
Distinguished Service Medal
Gen. David H. Petraeus
The American Legion
Patriot Award
Retired Lt. Col. Michael Strobl
National Recruiter of the Year
R.V. Martin
Post 112, Department of Mississippi
O.L. Bodenhamer Trophy
No. 1 in membership at the June 14
membership report
Department of Maine
Gen. Henri Gouraud Trophy
First to reach 100-percent membership
Departments of Maine (Category V)
and Puerto Rico (Category VI)
Consolidated Post Report Winners
Departments of Arizona, California,
Georgia, Idaho, Maryland, Mexico,
Montana, Nebraska, Virginia,
Washington, West Virginia,
Wisconsin, Wyoming
National Law Enforcement Oicer
of the Year
Oﬃcer Christopher Biron
Manchester, N.H., Police Department
Frank N. Belgrano Jr. Trophy
For support of Boy Scouts
Department of North Carolina
Ralph T. O’Neill Education Trophy
For showing the greatest activity
in use of The American Legion School
Medal Awards
Department of Vermont
William Randolph Hearst
Americanism Trophy
Department of Virginia

Fourth Estate Award for
Outstanding Journalism
Blake Morrison and Brad Heath
USA Today
Employer of the Year
For companies and businesses
dedicated to hiring veterans
Small Business
Millennium Security Services LLC
Roswell, Ga.
Mid-Sized Business
Industrial Maintenance Services
Inc.
Escanaba, Mich.
Large Business
URS, EG&G Division
Germantown, Md.
Employer of the Disabled Award
Black Hills Service Inc.
Box Elder, S.D.
Employer of Older Workers Award
Maule Air Inc.
Moultrie, Ga.

Homeless Veterans Outreach Award
Department of Idaho
William F. Lenker National
Service Trophy
For best supporting and implementing
programs to beneit veterans and
their families
Department of Minnesota
Garland D. Murphy Jr. Award
Presented to the most active department,
based on actual contributions received
during the 2007-2008 American Legion
Child Welfare Foundation
Department of Ohio
U.S. “Udie” Grant Legacy Award
Presented to the top department, based
on combined total donations of Legion,
Auxiliary, Eight & Forty and SAL to the
Child Welfare Foundation
Department of Ohio
James V. Day “Good Guy” Award
Sen. Jim Bunning, R-Ky.
Color Guard Contest Winners

Local Veterans Employment
Representative of the Year
Michael S. Dembowski
Binghamton, N.Y.

Military Class
Lynn C. Weeman Post 
Color Guard
Post 514, Ida, Mich.

Outstanding Disabled Veteran
Outreach Program Specialist
of the Year
Steve Lord
Meridian, Idaho

Open Class
Lady Liberties Color Guard
Post 1830, Chili, N.Y.

Outstanding Employment
Service Oice of the Year
WorkSource (Southside) Career
Center
Jacksonville, Fla.

Military Open Class
Harrisburg Post 
Houston

Concert Band Contest
American Legion Band of
the Tonawandas
Tonawanda, N.Y.
Spirit of Service Award Winners
Army Sgt. Michael Allen Ross
Aviation Electronics Technician
rd Class Matthew A. Stroup
Marine Corps Sgt. Nikolai N.
Atkinson-Pettigrew
Coast Guard Boatswain’s Mate
nd Class Stephen G. Diggs
Air Force Staﬀ Sgt. Tony M.
Jacobsmeier
Youth Program Honorees
Oratorical Champion
Andrew Dykstal
Lafayette, Ind.
Eagle Scout of the Year
Brad Jencks
South Jordan, Utah
Junior Shooting Sports
Precision Champion
Emily Quiner
Brooklyn Park, Minn.
Boys Nation President
Christopher Andrews
Green River, Wyo.
2008 American Legion Baseball
Player of the Year
Patrick S. Singletary
Hendersonville, N.C.

Advancing/Retrieving Colors
Contest
American Legion Post 
Color Guard
Post 468, Greece, N.Y.

RESOLUTIONS CONTINUED
52 Urges full funding of a
national ballistic missiledefense system
60 Urges reversal of the
decision to close
Guantanamo Bay detention
facility
86 Supports extending
stop-loss bonus payments
to personnel retained under
Title 32 orders

97 Sponsors and supports
legislation to change the
Selective Service
Registration Program to
include registration of
females ages 18 to 25
112 Encourages use of all
North American energy
resources
114 Calls for improved
services for TRICARE

THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE

NOVEMBER 2009

standard beneiciaries
115 Increases support for
military families through
various methods
116 Urges Congress to
establish a congressional
joint committee on military
health care
117 Supports the Uniformed
Services University of the
Health Sciences

VETERANS AFFAIRS &
REHABILITATION
11 Seeks to amend Section
110, Title 38, U.S. Code, to
provide that disability
evaluations continuously in
efect at the same
evaluation rating be
protected after a period of
10 years
12 Supports legislation to

tary Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee.
Filner drew applause when he said the VA
health-care system should not be a part of any
national health-care reform program. “They’re
going to have to pry the VA health-care system
from our cold, dead hands before anything happens ... with health-care reform,” Filner said.
Filner and Edwards called on VA to work to
reduce its backlog of beneﬁts claims, while Walz,
also a strong veterans advocate, expressed optimism about progress toward a seamless transition
for servicemembers leaving the military and
entering the VA health-care system.
“I am optimistic because we’ve got Congress on
board, we’ve got the administration on board, and
we’ve got two secretaries, Secretary Gates and
Secretary Shinseki, on board and who seem
committed to working together in an unprecedented way,” Walz said. “We need your help to tell us
what our newest veterans need, and to tell us how
to do it right. The Legion speaks with the voice of
experience and has the vision to propel this
initiative to completion in the very near future.”
Walz, a Legionnaire and retired National Guard
sergeant major, said veterans deserve America’s
very best effort. “We understand we may never
reach perfection,” he said. “But when it comes to
taking care of our veterans, it must be our goal.”
The New Leadership. Florida Legionnaire Clarence
Hill was elected 2009-2010 commander of The
American Legion. Sworn in by Past National
Commander John “Jake” Comer, Hill vowed to
increase membership in the organization.
“I’ve only been working membership since I
retired from the Navy in 1996, and there have only
been two years of growth in that time,” Hill said.
“Every other year, we’ve lost members. We cannot

repeal the secretary of
Veterans Afairs’ authority to
impose a deductible for
service-connected disabled
veterans from the amount
payable for beneiciary
travel pay for medical
examination, treatment or
care
29 Supports legislation to
extend indeinitely the

presumptive period for
service connection to
Persian Gulf War veterans
with undiagnosed illnesses
35 Supports legislation to
change the VA means test
policy to allow adjusted
gross income to be used for
eligibility criteria in Priority
Groups 5, 7 and 8
51 Calls for developing a

National Commander Clarence Hill’s daughter, Nicole, pins
the Commander’s Medal to his lapel following his election.
A former Navy captain and Gulf War veteran, Hill is the
irst-ever national commander from the Department of
Florida. Tom Strattman

keep getting smaller and be effective at serving
our veterans, nor be successful lobbying Congress.
We’ve got to turn this around and put programs in
effect that will result in long-term growth for the
organization, programs that our successors can
build on and make better.”
Reaching out to America’s younger veterans
requires forward thinking, Hill said. “We need to
... be more creative in what we offer in our posts
and think of some non-traditional uses for them:
day care, after-school programs, setting up computer work stations as an Internet café or wiring
our posts for wi-ﬁ. Consider hosting adventure
activities in which they’re interested,” he said.
“Their experiences growing up were far different
than what we experienced, and we need to take
that into account when dealing with and trying to
recruit the youth.”
Steve Brooks is senior editor of The American
Legion Magazine.

suicide prevention and
outreach referral program
53 The American Legion
policy on accreditation of
representatives by VA

107 Withdraws support for
Commission on the Future
for America’s Veterans
108 Supports Veterans of
Valor program

105 Supports legislation for
a family member caregiver
training pilot program

109 Supports the veterans
housing program of
Rebuilding Together Inc.

106 Supports Habitat for
Humanity volunteer
opportunities

110 Supports Operation
Homefront

NOVEMBER 2009

THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE

Roster for a new Legion year
EUGENE A. SCHUMACHER
National Vice Commander – Midwest Region
Home: Aberdeen, S.D.
Membership: 43 years, Post 24
Military service: U.S. Air Force, 1961-1965
Occupation: Area manager, Northwestern Public Service Co.
Legion highlights: Post Cmdr., Post Adj., Dept. Vice Cmdr., Dept. Cmdr.
National positions: Employment Cmte., 2002-2009; Legislative Cncl., 2005-2009
Region: Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas
JAMES C. MORRIS
National Vice Commander – Central Region
Home: Cardington, Ohio
Membership: 39 years, Post 97
Military service: U.S. Army, 1962-1964
Occupation: Retired
Legion highlights: Post Cmdr., Post Adj., Dept. Vice Cmdr., Dept. Cmdr.
National positions: Distinguished Guests Cmte., 1994-1995; Counter-Subversive Activities Cmte.,
1998-2002; Public Relations Cmsn., 2004-2009
Region: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, West Virginia, Wisconsin
DR. GORDON B. BROWNING
National Vice Commander – Southeast Region
Home: Chestertown, Md.
Membership: 32 years, Post 36
Military service: Army National Guard, 1958 and 1961-1962;
U.S. Army Reserve, 1962-1969
Occupation: Schoolteacher, professor, administrator, retired
Legion highlights: Post Cmdr., Post Adj., Dept. Historian, Dept. Sgt. at Arms, Dept. Vice Cmdr., Dept. Cmdr.
National positions: Americanism Cncl., 1989-1997; Aerospace Cmte., 1997-2006; Legislative Cncl.,
1999-2000 and 2001-2009; Nat’l Executive Cmte., 2006-2008; Foreign Relations Cncl., 2008-2009
Region: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina,
Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia
MARK A. AVIS
National Vice Commander – Northeast Region
Home: Palmer, Mass.
Membership: 26 years, Post 130
Military service: U.S. Army, 1971-1973; Army National Guard, retired
Occupation: Veterans service oicer, retired
Legion highlights: Post Cmdr., Post Adj., County Cmdr., Dept. Vice Cmdr., Dept. Cmdr.
National positions: Americanism Cncl., 1996-2002; Alt. Nat. Executive Cmte., 2001-2003; Nat’l Executive
Cmte., 2003-2005; Legislative Commission 2002-2003; Legislative Cmsn. Liaison Cmte., 2003-2005; Aide to
Nat’l Cmdr., 2006-2007; Americanism Cmsn., 2007-2009
Region: Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, France, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New
Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont
MORRIS M. BENTLEY
National Vice Commander – Western Region
Home: Grangeville, Idaho
Membership: 42 years, Post 37
Military service: Idaho National Guard, 1966-1968; U.S. Army, 1968-1969 and
1975-1978; U.S. Army Reserve, 1978-1996
Occupation: Licensed clinical social worker
Legion highlights: Post Cmdr., Post Adj., Dist. Cmdr., Area Cmdr., Dept. Cmdr.
National positions: Nat’l Executive Cmte., 2008-2009; Veterans Afairs & Rehab. Liaison Cmte.,
2007-2009; Americanism Cncl., 1988-1989 and 2006-2008
Region: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Mexico, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon,
Philippines, Utah, Washington, Wyoming

THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE

NOVEMBER 2009

JAMES T. HIGUERA
National Historian
Home: Arcadia, Calif.
Membership: 43 years,
Post 270
Military service: U.S.
Army, 1963-1966
Occupation: Senior
detention oicer, Los Angeles County Probation
Department
Legion highlights: Post Cmdr., Post Adj., Dept.
Sgt. at Arms, Dept. Vice Cmdr., Dept. Historian
National positions: Legislative Cncl.,
1976-1990 and 2003-2008; Distinguished
Guests Cmte., 1999-2000; Trophies, Awards &
Ceremonial Cmte., 1999-2006; Convention
Cmsn., 2006-2009
JOHN L. BEAVER
National Chaplain
Home: Mobile, Ala.
Membership: 20 years,
Posts 250 and 76
Military service: U.S.
Air Force, 1961-1982
Occupation: Pest
control supervisor/training director
Legion highlights: Post Cmdr., Post Adj.,
Dept. Chaplain
PAUL MARTEL
National Sergeant-at-Arms
Home: Pierson, Fla.
Membership: 44 years,
Post 367
Military service: U.S.
Army, 1963-1966
Occupation: Retired
Legion highlights: Post Cmdr., Dist. Cmdr.,
Dept. Historian, Dept. Vice Cmdr.
National positions: Distinguished Guests
Cmte., 1994-1996; Security Cmsn., 2002-2009
LAWRENCE J. WHITE
Aide to the National Commander
Home: Crystal River, Fla.
Membership: 29 years,
Post 155
Military service: U.S.
Air Force 1958-1962
Occupation: Retired
Legion highlights: Post Cmdr., District Cmdr.,
Area Cmdr., Dept. Vice Cmdr., Dept. Cmdr.
National positions: Americanism Cncl.,
2001-2004; Nat’l & Homeland Security Cncl.,
2004-2009

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A Freedom Problem
Where there’s a failed state, liberty is usually a victim.
BY ALAN W. DOWD

n decades past, Washington looked across the
oceans and worried about threats posed by
powerful states: the British Empire, the Kaiser’s
Germany, Imperial Japan, Hitler’s Reich, the
Soviet Union.
In an ironic twist of history, what occupies most
of Washington’s attention today is the very opposite: weak states, failed states, countries that are
poorly governed or ungoverned. Indeed, we
overlook failed states at our own peril. It pays to
recall that, after the defeat of the Soviet army, a
crumbling Afghanistan was considered unimportant to the United States – until Sept. 11, 2001.
Foreign Policy magazine and the Fund for Peace
monitor these countries by maintaining a Failed
States Index (FSI), where the likes of Somalia and
Sudan rank at the top by being the worst. Failed
states face refugee and demographic pressures,
“uneven economic development” or severe economic decline, and/or a range of political problems, such as human-rights violations, deteriorating public services and unchecked
internal-security machinery.
Thousands of U.S. troops have died and billions
of dollars have been spent in these failing states
over the past several years: feeding the hungry in
Somalia, uprooting tyranny and planting democracy
in Haiti and Iraq, hunting for mass murderers in
Afghanistan and Pakistan, promoting stability in
Yemen, ﬁghting drug cartels in South America,
ending genocide in Bosnia and Serbia.
What all of these basket-case regimes have in

THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE

NOVEMBER 2009

Interested in national security and foreign relations
issues? Then check out “The Landing Zone” on The
American Legion’s new Web site in mid-November.
“The Landing Zone will feature articles written by Alan
Dowd, contributing editor for The American Legion
Magazine. Coverage includes everything from
detainees in Cuba to Russia’s oil claims in the Arctic.
The page also features links to several well-known
think tanks that focus on such issues.
www.legion.org/landingzone

common, from totalitarian North Korea to lawless
Somalia, is a freedom problem. The connection
between a lack of freedom and state failure comes
into focus when the 2008 FSI is overlaid against
various measures of freedom. (See Page 50.)
Failure in Focus. Failed states can be dominated
by tyranny or anarchy. In either case, liberty is in
short supply. Consider how our FSI focus countries
rate on the Fraser Institute Economic Freedom of
the World index (EFW), which measures “the
degree to which the policies and institutions of
countries are supportive of economic freedom,”
deﬁ ned as “personal choice, voluntary exchange,
freedom to compete, and security of privately
owned property.” The EFW takes into account
government size, rule of law and property rights,
access to sound money, freedom to trade, and
regulation of credit, labor and business.
Somalia, Sudan, Iraq, Afghanistan, North Korea
and most of the ex-Soviet Central Asian states
aren’t even ranked on the 141-nation EFW index
(due to a lack of data). Zimbabwe is ranked last.
Pakistan is 104th, Colombia 105th, Haiti 106th, and
Egypt and Iran are in the bottom half of the survey.
A similar picture emerges in the Heritage Foundation/Wall Street Journal Index of Economic Freedom
(IEF), which measures the degree to which people
are “free to work, produce, consume and invest in
any way they please,” and the degree to which this
behavior is constrained or encouraged by the state.
The IEF’s components include degrees of freedom in

business, trade, ﬁnance, money, budgets, investment, labor and property rights. Government size
and levels of corruption are also considered.
Again, Somalia, Sudan, Iraq and Afghanistan
don’t even make it into the ranking. North Korea is
last, just behind Zimbabwe. Haiti is 147th and Iran
is 168th. Pakistan and Yemen don’t crack the top
100. Egypt ﬂounders in the IEF’s bottom half.
As inputs for the EFW and IEF surveys underscore, property rights are an integral part of
freedom. The great 20th-century economist
Friedrich Hayek called private property “the most
important guarantee of freedom.” John Locke, the
Enlightenment thinker who inspired Jefferson and
other founding fathers, argued that every man has
a right to “preserve his property – that is, his life,
liberty and estate, against the injuries and attempts of other men.”
The International Property Rights Index (IPRI)
ranks 115 countries. Not surprisingly, among those
not included are the worst of the failed states:
Somalia, Sudan, Iraq, Afghanistan, Haiti, North
Korea, Syria, Iran and most of the Central Asian
states. Colombia, Egypt, Pakistan and Zimbabwe
all languish in the bottom half of the ranking.
The Freedom in the World survey, conducted by
Freedom House, measures “the opportunity to act
An Islamist ighter stands guard as hundreds of Somalians
watch amputation punishments carried out in Mogadishu. The
Shebob group, responsible for such acts, is also to blame for
Somalia’s extreme lack of freedom. Mustafa Abdi/AFP/Getty Images
NOVEMBER 2009

THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE

A picture of failure
ECONOMIC
FREEDOM OF THE
WORLD INDEX

INDEX OF
ECONOMIC
FREEDOM

INTERNATIONAL
PROPERTY
RIGHTS INDEX

POLITICAL

PRESS

 Somalia

not ranked

181/195

 Sudan

not ranked

170/195

 Zimbabwe

141/141

178/179

109/115

6.5

186/195

 Chad

133/141

161/179

109/115

6.5

161/195

 Iraq

not ranked

153/195

130/141

173/179

not ranked

5.5

175/195

 Afghanistan

not ranked

157/195

 Cote d’Ivoire

107/141

119/179

not ranked

144/195

 Pakistan

104/141

102/179

90/115

5.5

144/195

 Central African Republic

134/141

156/179

not ranked

5.5

132/195

 Haiti

96/141

147/179

not ranked

4.5

119/195

 North Korea

not ranked

179/179

not ranked

195/195

 Lebanon

not ranked

95/179

not ranked

4.5

117/195

 Nigeria

111/141

117/179

104/115

110/195

 Yemen

not ranked

103/179

not ranked

170/195

 Uzbekistan

not ranked

148/179

not ranked

189/195

 Syria

125/141

141/179

not ranked

6.5

179/195

 Colombia

115/141

72/179

60/115

124/195

 Tajikistan

not ranked

122/179

not ranked

5.5

168/195

 Kyrgyzstan

60/141

74/179

not ranked

4.5

156/195

 Egypt

75/141

97/179

71/115

5.5

124/195

not ranked

169/179

not ranked

193/195

80/141

168/179

not ranked

185/195

FSI

COUNTRY

 Dem. Republic Congo

 Turkmenistan
 Iran

See more information online. www.fraseramerica.org, www.fundforpeace.org,
www.internationalpropertyrightsindex.org, www.freedomhouse.org, www.heritage.org/Index/Ranking.aspx

spontaneously in a variety of ﬁelds outside the
control of government,” especially relating to
political rights and civil liberties. On the political
rights/civil liberties survey, countries scoring
between 5.5 and 7 are considered “not free.”
Countries scoring between 3.0 and 5.0 are
considered “partly free.” Somalia, Sudan, North
Korea, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are consigned to the very lowest category. Iran, Iraq and
Zimbabwe are just a shade better. Pakistan and
Egypt also fall into the “not free” category. Finally,
Afghanistan, Haiti, Colombia and Yemen are
considered “partly free.”

THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE

NOVEMBER 2009

The Freedom House press index adds further
detail to this sad portrait of failed states. North
Korea is dead last. Uzbekistan, Zimbabwe, Iran,
Somalia, Syria and Sudan aren’t much better.
Pakistan, Iraq, Afghanistan and Haiti also are
cellar-dwellers.
Ingredients of Success and Failure. What this
survey of surveys tells us is that failed states are
not free, and countries that embrace freedom are
generally not failed states.
There is no more exquisite proof of what makes
a failed state and what makes a successful state

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than the Korean peninsula. Here is one nationality
divided into two countries, two forms of government and two economic systems. One is free and
connected to the world, the other enslaved and
isolated. The difference is breathtaking.
NORTH KOREA

SOUTH KOREA

GDP

$40 billion

$1.27 trillion

GDP growth rate

-2.3 percent

2.5 percent

$1,700

$26,000

$1.68 billion

$419 billion

Per capita GDP
Exports
Life expectancy

Infant mortality
rate/1,000 births

51.34

4.2

“The average 7-year-old North Korean boy is
8 inches shorter, 20 pounds lighter and has a
10-year-shorter life expectancy than his 7-year-old
counterpart in South Korea,” observed James
Morris when he was director of the World Food
Program (WFP).
Between 1995 and 2005, the WFP shipped some
4 million metric tons of food into North Korea.
With U.S. help, the WFP had planned to distribute
another 630,000 metric tons of food aid by last
November. But North Korea blocked food shipments ahead of its latest ﬁt of missile tests and
nuclear brinkmanship.
A government that cannot feed its citizens, and
is unwilling to accept the help of others, is the
very deﬁ nition of a basket-case regime.
Modern Problems. “In ancient times, the opulent
and civilized found it difﬁcult to defend themselves against the poor and barbarous nations,”
Adam Smith observed in the 18th century. “In
modern times, the poor and barbarous ﬁnd it
difﬁcult to defend themselves against the opulent
and civilized.”
The 21st century, it would seem, is more ancient than modern. After all, we can virtually
plot U.S. intervention around the globe by
glancing at the FSI.
The United States has engaged in signiﬁcant
military operations in ﬁve of the bottom 15 failed
states since 1994: Somalia, Iraq, Haiti, Afghanistan
and Pakistan. Plus, the United States is still
technically at war with North Korea.
U.S. forces also have bombed Sudan, intervened
in Yemen, deployed to Chad and Nigeria for
“training” missions, and engaged in operations
inside Syria.
In addition, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan

THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE

NOVEMBER 2009

and Turkmenistan have seen – or soon will
see – U.S. assets deploy through their territories to
support the war in Afghanistan.
We should remember these countries are not
broken because the United States intervened;
rather, the United States intervened because these
countries were broken. In fact, when not one
U.S. soldier or Marine was deployed within their
borders, Somalia, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq
were already failed or failing states:
• In 1992, the United States was sucked into
Somalia by anarchy and a man-made famine.
• In 2000, after ﬁve years of Taliban rule and
decades of war, Afghanistan was universally
considered a failed state.
• By the late 1990s, as Leon Hadar of the Cato
Institute observed in 2002, “the growing consensus among American policymakers and lawmakers
was that Pakistan was … becoming an unreliable
‘failed state.’” To underscore Pakistan’s haphazard,
cobbled-together existence, essayist Christopher
Hitchens reminds us, “It is not a real country or
nation but an acronym … it stands for Punjab,
Afghania, Kashmir and Indus-Sind.”
• A 2000 report by the Center for International
Development and Conﬂ ict Management concluded
that Saddam Hussein’s Iraq had experienced
several “state-failure events” and rated miserably
on measures of state effectiveness and state
legitimacy. As Johns Hopkins scholar Fouad Ajami
observed, U.S. forces found in Iraq “a country
wrecked and poisoned” by dictatorship.
However, Iraq is on the road to recovery. By
many measures – political reconciliation, regional
cooperation, economic growth, democratic governance – Iraq appears to have turned the corner. In
fact, according to The Economist magazine’s Index
of Democracy, Iraq rates above such countries as
Jordan, Egypt, Kuwait, China and Iran.
Likewise, it’s worth noting that while Afghanistan is far from mended, it is better today than it
was in 2001 for no other reason than this: it is
no longer ruled by the Taliban and no longer
a sanctuary for al-Qaeda to plot against the
United States.
If nothing else, Iraq and Afghanistan remind us
that the advance of freedom, while ﬁtful and even
painful at times, is in America’s interest and in the
interest of every person on Earth – aside from a
handful of jihadists, warlords and dictators.
Alan W. Dowd is a contributing editor for The
American Legion Magazine. He writes on defense
and security issues.

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Eddie Rickenbacker
The race-car driver became World War I’s “Ace of Aces.”

welve years. That was Eddie Rickenbacker’s age when his father
died. Long before he battled in dogﬁghts over the Western
Front, the son of German-speaking Swiss immigrants had to ﬁgure
out how to help support his mother and four siblings.
Rickenbacker quit school and took on various jobs, including a
few with the new automobile industry. Soon, he was designing
engines for a car manufacturer in Columbus, Ohio. Then he
became a successful race-car driver, competing at the Indianapolis
Motor Speedway and other big racing venues.
Then the United States declared war on Germany.
Rickenbacker joined the Army on May 25, 1917, as a sergeant.
In France, he was assigned to Gen. John “Blackjack” Pershing’s
staff as a driver. No surprise there, but the former racetrack competitor had set his sights on becoming a pilot. In March, Rickenbacker transferred to the 94th “Hat in the Ring” Aero Squadron
with a captain’s rank. Eight months later, he had shot 26 enemy
aircraft out of the sky; the U.S. press dubbed him “Ace of Aces.”
The kid from Ohio came back to America as one of its greatest
war heroes. He soon joined The American Legion and became
quite active in the organization, serving on its committees for
military affairs, aeronautics and legislative matters. He even
wrote an article, “Let’s Keep Out,” for the June 1940 issue of
The American Legion Magazine.
The air ace of World War I thought the United States should stay
out of World War II: “I am not a paciﬁst in any sense of the word.
I believe in preparedness to insure against foreign invasion .... But
it was the very nature of my experiences that has brought to me
the realization that American soldiers and billions of American
dollars have no place on foreign soil.”
Rickenbacker had become a national ﬁgure in the worlds of
aviation and car racing. He owned and managed Eastern Airlines
and also owned the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where he used
to race. During World War II, he closed the track and put it up for
sale. An American Legion Forty and Eight group, Voiture 145, put
together a plan to buy the racetrack and make it a Legion operation. The proposal came up for discussion at the National Executive Committee meeting in November 1944 but failed to get approval. Rickenbacker ﬁnally sold the racetrack in 1945 to Tony
Hulman, a Terre Haute, Ind., businessman.
After the Pearl Harbor attack, Secretary of War Henry Stimson
recruited the venerable pilot for special missions. On Oct. 21, 1942,
the B-17 bomber carrying Rickenbacker over the Paciﬁc ran out of
gas and crashed. He and six crewmen survived; they drifted 24
days in life rafts before rescuers found them.
“Courage is doing what you are afraid to do,” Rickenbacker once
said. “There can be no courage unless you are scared.”
– Philip M. Callaghan

68
54
68

TH
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THE
HE
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AM
AMER
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ME
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CAN
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LEG
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N MAGA
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MAG
MAGAZINE
AGA
AG
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SEPTEMBER
SEPTE
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NOVEMBER
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The dossier
Born to parents William and
Elizabeth in Columbus, Ohio,
on Oct. 8, 1890.
Married Adelaide Frost Durant,
with whom he had two sons,
David and William.
Successful career as race-car
driver from 1910 to 1917.
Awarded the Croix de Guerre,
Legion of Honor, Distinguished
Service Cross and Medal of Honor.
Scripted the popular comic strip
“Ace Drummond” from 1935 to 1940.
Severely injured in DC-3 plane crash
Feb. 26, 1941.
Survived 24 days adrift in the Paciic
after another plane crash in 1942.
Wrote “Seven Came Through”
and “Fighting the Flying Circus.”
His cousin, Adolph, co-founded
Rickenbacker Guitars, used by
the Beatles and other groups.
Died in Zurich, Switzerland,
on July 23, 1973, age 82.

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[VERBATIM]

[HISTORY]

This war is just getting
“
started. Everything up

A monument to courage

to now has just been
a warm-up.

BY GEORGE E. HIJAR

”

Traveling north on Interstate 95, around mile-marker 149, passersby
will see a 210-foot-high spire that evokes the historic image of the
ﬂag-raisers at Iwo Jima.
This is the National Museum of the Marine Corps, which opened to
the public three years ago this month and since then has welcomed
over 1 million visitors.
The museum is on a 135-acre site off of U.S. Highway 1 South, next to
Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia. Paid for mainly through private
donations and some public funds, the
museum was ofﬁcially dedicated Nov.
10, 2006, the 231st birthday of the U.S.
Marine Corps. Three days later, it
opened to the public.
When visitors walk into the museum, they are greeted by Marines and
ushered into a spacious central gallery
The National Museum
that includes World War II and Korean
of the Marine Corps
War exhibits and several suspended
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
vintage aircraft. From there, they can
Admission: free
visit other period galleries or head to
www.usmcmuseum.org
the second ﬂoor, where a cafeteria and
the Tun Tavern Restaurant are located.
(877) 635-1775
The best place to start a visit is in
the theater, where a 14-minute ﬁ lm on
what it means to be a Marine is shown every 24 minutes; this sets the
stage for what visitors will see throughout the museum.
Other galleries include “Making of a Marine,” about boot camp;
“Uncommon Valor,” the World War II gallery; “Send In the Marines,”
which covers 1946 to 1953, including the Korean War; and “In the Air,
on Land and Sea,” covering 1954 to 1975 and the Vietnam War.
“An interesting display is the Iwo Jima ‘immersion,’” said Jim Kyser,
a retired Marine master gunnery sergeant and docent at the museum.
There, visitors hear a brieﬁng Marines received the night before the

War correspondent Michael Yon,
assessing Afghanistan

We’re not going to
“
make an atomic bomb,
so don’t bother us like
with Iran. We’re going
to develop nuclear
energy with peaceful
purposes.

”Venezuela President

Hugo Chávez, announcing that
Russia has agreed to help his
country’s nuclear-energy program

An overwhelming
“
portion of the intensely
demonstrated
animosity toward
President Barack Obama
is based on the fact that
he is a black man.

”

Jimmy Carter, 39th U.S. president,
on critics of Obama’s health-care
reform plan

I said, ‘Oh my God,
“
you’re alive, I love you,
I love you, I love you,
you’re alive.

”’

Ray Jasper of Niagara Falls, N.Y.,
who received a call from his son in
the Army, Jesse, who was reportedly
killed in action in Afghanistan

We’re completing
“
their journey.”
Ken Nacke, on participating in

[THANKSGIVING]

TALKING TURKEY
 percent of Americans eat turkey on Thanksgiving.

a cross-country motorcycle ride to
honor Flight 93 victims. His brother,
Louis, died in the crash on 9/11.

Turkey consumption has increased  percent since 1970.
Only  percent of the turkey we consume is eaten during the holiday season.

The United States is like
“
a giant boiler. Once the

The average weight of a Thanksgiving turkey is  pounds.

ire is lighted under it,
there is no limit to the
power it can generate.

An estimated  million turkeys are eaten
each Thanksgiving.

U.S. farmers produced  million turkeys in 2008.

Oddly, June – not November –
is National Turkey Lover’s Month.

”
Lord Grey, British statesman

THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE

Source: University of Illinois

NOVEMBER 2009

[STATEMENT]

This lifelike
exhibit in the
museum’s
Leatherneck
Gallery
depicts
U.S. Marines
and an LVT-1
amphibious
tractor
landing on
the island of
Tarawa in
November
1943.

“

Nothing describes the
role of The American
Legion more beautifully
than its preamble to its
constitution, which is
recited by its members at
the beginning of every
oicial meeting .... I think
we all would agree that
these are extremely
lofty goals for any
organization, but
amazingly, The American
Legion continues to work
towards these objectives –
not for themselves, but
for America ....
Congress presented
The American Legion
its federal charter on
Sept. 16, 1919. Therefore,
I think it only itting that
we proclaim Sept. 16,
2009, ‘The American
Legion Day.’
y I sincerely
y
hope that my colleagues
will join
oin me in supporting
this well-earned
measure,
ure,
demonstrating
onstrating our
mutual
al esteem and
reverence
ence for this
outstanding
anding
organization.
nization.

landing, followed by actual ﬁlm footage shot there: “If you were
getting wet by sea spray, you’d think you were actually making the
landing.” The movie is projected on a surround screen above a mockup of a Higgins boat, the landing craft used during the invasion.
Also showcased are aircraft, uniforms, weapons and land equipment
dating back to the beginning of the Marine Corps. There’s also the
Legacy Wall, which features artifacts and lists signiﬁcant events that
occurred in the world and in the Marine Corps from 1775 to 2006.
The next construction phase is now under way and will include
galleries highlighting the 20th and 21st centuries; an art gallery,
studios, storage and a large-format theater; and “From the Halls of
Montezuma” (1775-1865), “The Age of Expansion” (1865-1914) and
“The War to End All Wars” (1915-1918) exhibits. Completion is
scheduled for next spring.
“We try to accommodate everyone,” said Patrick Mooney, a Marine
Corps veteran and manager of Docent and Visitor Services. “We have
plenty of free parking, wheelchairs, audio tours and a museum store
where visitors can get patches, pins, stickers and other mementos.”

“

George Hijar retired from the U.S. Marine Corps as a master gunnery
sergeant, after more than 32 years of active and reserve duty. He also
retired from the federal civil service in July 2004. Currently, he is a docent
for the National Museum of the Marine Corps.
[NATIONAL SECURITY]

”

AMERICA’S NATURAL SECURITY
The Center for a New American Security warns that “natural resource challenges”
are afecting U.S. national security. “In the 21st century, the security of nations will
increasingly depend on the security of natural resources, or ‘natural security,’”
according to the CNAS report. These include:
Dependence on

hydrocarbons for
energy, which empowers
unstable and sometimes
hostile Middle Eastern
regimes as well as Russia.

Dependence on minerals mined
overseas, including those essential to
automotive manufacturing and cell
phones. Many of these are plentiful
in China and/or in countries where
China has invested heavily.

Sen. Olympia
Olympia Snowe,
R-Maine,
aine, introducing
Senate
enate Resolution 260
on Sept.
Sept. 11. Rep. Debbie
Halvorson,
son, D-Ill., introduced
a similar
lar measure, House
Resolution
tion 679, in July.
Both
th passed with
wide bipartisan
support.

Dependence
on water for
basic human
needs and
farming.

Read the report online. www.cnas.org
NOVEMBER 2009

THE AMERICAN
R ICAN LEGION M
MAGAZINE
AGA
A
G
GA
AZ
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ZINE
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NE

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[AMERICANISM]

Midland wins
Legion Baseball
World Series

Midland, Mich., Post 165 beat
Medford, Ore., Post 15 on Aug. 18 to
capture The American Legion Baseball
World Series in Fargo, N.D. The only
undefeated team in the 14-game series,
Midland won its inal game 11-4.
Besides Midland, seven other
regional champions competed in the
ive-day, double-elimination
tournament: Medford, Ore., Post 15;
Las Vegas Post 76; Festus, Mo., Post 253;
Mount Airy, Md., Post 191; Rowan
County, N.C., Post 342; Berlin, Conn.,
Post 68; and Texarkana, Texas, Post 25.
Midland scored early and often in the
championship game, building an 8-0
lead by the fourth inning. Medford
struck back with three runs in the
bottom of the sixth, but Midland
erupted again in the eighth for another
three runs to win the 83rd edition of
the annual series.
For the irst time, The American
Legion Baseball World Series was
webcast via live video stream.
By the end of the series, more than
18,000 people had tuned into the
Legion’s Web site to watch the games.
They visited the games 73,000 times
during the ive-day event, logging
nearly 2.5 million viewing minutes.
“The American Legion should be
extremely proud of these numbers.”
said John Servizzi, president of
WebStream Productions, the
Indianapolis company that produced

the webcast. “For an initial efort to
produce this kind of impact is
remarkable. We are quite impressed by
these outstanding results and the
consistently high-quality programming
of the webcast.”
Next year’s Legion Baseball World
Series, scheduled for Aug. 13-17 at Avista
Stadium in Spokane, Wash., will also be
featured in an exclusive webcast.
www.legion.org/baseball
w

TOP: Midland, Mich., Post 165 players

celebrate after winning the American
Legion World Series on Aug. 18.
ABOVE: A Midland player takes a throw to
second base at Newman Outdoor Field in
Fargo, N.D. Photos by Becky Burch

o t
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[MEDIA]
[WAR ON TERRORISM]

Iraq’s changing coalition

Editor’s note: Following is a letter to the editor of The Houston Chronicle
from Jeannine Maughmer Miller, following Associated Press President
Tom Curley’s decision to publish a photo of a U.S. Marine dying of
combat wounds despite requests from the family and from DoD to
withhold it. Miller is a Gold Star mother. Her son, Lance Cpl. Ryan A.
Miller, was killed in action in Operation Iraqi Freedom on Sept. 14, 2006.

2003
150,000
U.S. troops
25,000 troops from
37 other countries

2007
430,000 Iraqi
security forces
171,000
U.S. troops
11,500 troops from
20 other countries

2009
589,000 Iraqi
security forces
130,000
U.S. troops
Sources: Brookings Institution, Associated Press, Reuters

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Gold Star Mother disgusted by AP decision

N5025

When did the news media become the voice of America?
When did they decide what was best for the American public? In their thirst for
power, Pulitzers and prize-winning photos, they have sorely misrepresented this
country in one-sided, often misleading reports of the facts.
They clamor to be the irst to bring breaking news to the public even when
they have no facts. And if they misstate the facts, they can always apologize later.
Or never mention the story again.
Publications pay big bucks for stories and photographs that will give them the
edge of exclusivity. Frenzied reporters crowd suspects asking for their admissions
of guilt. Heartless journalists ask traumatized victims and witnesses to describe in
detail their feelings at the time of tragedy.
Tom Curley, president of the Associated Press, made a decision to publish a
photo of a young Marine lance corporal, Joshua Bernard, as he lay dying. He went
forward with it even after the young man’s father asked him not to, and against the
pleading of Defense Secretary Robert Gates to have the decency not to make the
photograph public. Curley claimed he published the photo because he wanted to
show the American public the grimness of war. He wanted us to appreciate the
sacriices these young men and women are making for our country.
If Curley is so conscientious as to want to inform the American public as to life’s
grimness and garner their appreciation for sacriice, then why doesn’t he show the
broken and beaten bodies of children to show the grimness of child abuse? Why
doesn’t he show the crushed and bloodied bodies of accident fatalities to show
the grimness of driving while intoxicated? Why doesn’t he show the falling bodies
from the World Trade Center to show the grimness of terrorism?
I think Mr. Curley is putting his degree in political science to use. It’s either for a
political agenda that he published that photograph or for the pure sensationalism
of it, because the American public knows the atrocities of war and the sacriices
men and women have been making for this country since its inception.
While addressing journalists at the University of Kansas, Curley said, “We are the
only force out there to keep the government in check and to hold it accountable.”
He went on to say, “So now is the time to renegotiate the rules of engagement
between the military and the media. Now is the time to insist that the First
Amendment does apply to the battleield.” He went on to add, “This is how you
improve the standing of America around the world, by taking the universal human
rights we enjoy as Americans and ensuring them for everyone.”
Who does he think fought for those basic rights? And what about Joshua
Bernard’s rights? Did Curley insure the Bernard family’s human rights by exposing
to the world their most precious loved one in his inal hours, against their wishes?
The reality is Curley used that young Marine’s death to make his own posturing
political statement to Defense Secretary Gates, to commanders in the military, and
to the world. He thinks he is unstoppable and hides behind freedom of the press.
This crosses the line. We cannot allow him or anyone else to get away with this.

National commander’s response
to AP decision
http://clarencehill.legion.org/
commanders-desk/

The Burn Pit blog lights up
T
after AP decision
http://burnpit.legion.org/2009/09/
two-wishes/

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[CAPITOL HILL]

Commander calls for greater focus on needs of female veterans
the needs of this newest generation of wartime veterans.
In his congressional testimony, the newly elected leader
Hundreds of thousands of OIF and OEF veterans are now
of The American Legion called upon lawmakers to
using their VA health-care beneits, increasing the workload
“compassionately address” the needs of women veterans.
of a health-care system that was overburdened
National Commander Clarence Hill,
before the war began,” Hill said. “It is a sacred
speaking to a joint session of the
and time-honored obligation of The American
U.S. House and Senate Veterans’ Afairs
Legion to make sure those veterans have the
committees, urged lawmakers to
services they need and timely access to the
acknowledge that servicewomen
care they have earned and deserve.”
deployed to today’s theaters of war are,
The 40-page American Legion presentation
in fact, serving in combat zones.
contained proposals for the Department of
“The demographic of the American
Veterans Afairs’ iscal 2011 budget and
veteran is changing,” Hill said. “We now
applauded House Committee on Veterans’
have a much more diverse veterans
Afairs Chairman Rep. Bob Filner, D-Calif., for his
population than in past generations. This
proposal to require Medicare to reimburse VA
includes a growing and signiicant
for the treatment of eligible veterans’ injuries,
number of women veterans who sacriice
illnesses and conditions. The Legion also urged
no less than their male counterparts. In
Congress to take steps to increase access to
this war without a front there are no safe
veterans health care, especially in rural areas,
areas. As such, women who historically
and to redouble eforts to address the issues of
were not severely wounded in previous
an aging veteran population as well as veterans
conlicts are returning home with limbs
sufering the efects of Gulf War illness,
missing, terribly burned, or blinded.”
National Commander
traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress
Close daily contact between male and
Clarence Hill speaks to a joint
disorder, and exposure to toxic substances such
female servicemembers has
session of the U.S. House and
as Agent Orange.
“unfortunately led to military sexualSenate Veterans’ Afairs
The enormous backlog of unprocessed and
trauma issues that must be addressed
committees. Craig Roberts
partially processed veterans claims was noted
compassionately,” Hill added.
in the Legion presentation, with potential
He also noted that changing the
solutions advanced. Also, suggestions were made to
military’s makeup will require meeting new iscal and
improve and make more equitable the terms of the newly
logistical challenges in the service of those coming home.
enacted Post-9/11 GI Bill that is now providing education
“Timely access to quality health care, the new GI Bill and
beneits to military veterans.
other veterans beneit programs must adjust and adapt to

[MEMBERSHIP]

[LEGIONNAIRES IN ACTION]

New posts

Post celebrates 240th ‘Veteran of the Month’ service

Travis Moothart
Post 184,
Brownsville, Ore.:
Chartered Sept. 15
(15 members)
L.C. Pace-Eugene
Brown Post 328,
Flowery Branch,
Ga.: Chartered
Sept. 1 (15
members)
Post 2010,
Montbello, Colo.:
Chartered Sept. 1
(15 members)
Post 535,
Unionville, N.C.:
Chartered July 29
(30 members)

Since October 1989, American Legion Post 44
in Bantam, Conn., has conducted Veteran of the
Month services that honor deceased veterans
and fallen warriors by lying their burial lags.
On Oct. 3, the post marked its 240th
consecutive service – a record that may be
unequaled by any post of any veterans service
organization in the United States.
“We’ve conducted these services on the
irst Saturday of every month without a
single vacancy in the schedule for 20 years,”
said Arthur G. St. John, past department
commander for Connecticut.
He has coordinated the VOM program since
January 1990, and says it was the brainchild of
two past Post 44 commanders: Arthur Shaw
and Francis Fabbri, who realized that lying
burial lags would be an ideal way to honor the
service of deceased veterans.

THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE

NOVEMBER 2009

Adjutant Leah Clark and Commander John
Aucoin of Bantam Post 44 salute during a
ceremony. John McKenna
The irst honoree was Allan O’Dell, a World
War II Navy veteran and Bantam resident.
“This is one of the most important programs
an American Legion post can conduct,” said
John Aucoin, Post 44 commander. “It takes a lot
of dedication and efort to do this for so long.”

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[CAREERS]

Online
professional
networking
When it comes to a job search,
online professional networking can be
a powerful tool. Be sure to create
online proiles that are personal, yet
professional, to
post on all of
your sites. Just
remember,
potential
employers will
see everything
THE JOB FRONT you post, so
BY WENDY S. ENELOW
use discretion.
If you’re
20-something, your audience is on
Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and
YouTube. Think how you can use these
networks to advance your job search.
What one unique professional
attribute can you showcase to
position yourself as a great hire?
If you’re 40-something and looking
for a mid-level management job, the
best site is LinkedIn. Create a proile
that’s 100-percent complete and
devote the hours necessary to
building your network.
There are other job-search tools:
face-to-face networking, ad responses, recruiter e-mail, job fairs and more.
Use every tool to create an integrated
and winning search campaign.
Wendy Enelow is co-author of “Expert
Résumés for Military-to-Civilian
Transitions” and “Executive Résumé
Toolkit.” www.wendyenelow.com

[EDUCATION]

Beneits may extend to those with general discharges
MY GI BILL

VETERANS & EDUCATION
BY VALERIE VIGIL

Q: After serving four years, I left the
Marine Corps in July 2006 with a
general discharge (under honorable
conditions). Am I eligible for veterans
education beneits under the GI Bill?
A: If you are applying for the Chapter
33 Post-9/11 GI Bill, you must receive an
honorable discharge from the military
or have been released for an injury
existing prior to service, a condition
that interfered with duty, or hardship.

THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE

NOVEMBER 2009

If any of these conditions apply, you are eligible for the
Post-9/11 GI Bill. Otherwise, you must have an honorable
discharge to establish eligibility.
Currently, if you are applying for the Chapter 30
Montgomery GI Bill, you must have an honorable discharge.
If a new House bill, H.R. 1336, were to become law, it would
make veterans with general discharges eligible for GI Bill
beneits (efective Sept. 1, 2010).
Valerie Vigil is vice president of the National Association of
Veterans Afairs. GI Bill questions can be directed to her by
e-mail. askvalerie@legion.org

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[HOMELESS VETERANS]

HGTV special spotlights Pennsylvania Legion’s Romain House

Project volunteer Rich Belz, left, and Romain House resident
Lonnie Bowen, center, enjoy a break with HGTV host Carter
Oosterhouse. Bowen is an Air Force veteran. Photos courtesy HGTV
In March, Home and Garden Television announced
that, as part of its “Change the World, Start at Home”
campaign, it would renovate two veterans group
homes: the Windsor Transitional House in St. Louis,
and the Romain Street townhouse in Philadelphia,
operated by the Pennsylvania American Legion
Housing for Homeless Veterans Corp.
Thousands of online voters, including many from
The American Legion family, chose the winning sites
from eight historic veterans homes across the country.
In June, both facilities received $40,000 in repairs and
energy-eicient improvements from HGTV and its
partners: Rebuilding Together, the National Trust for
Historic Preservation and the Natural Resources
Defense Council. The inished products can be seen in
HGTV’s special “Change the World: American Heroes,”
set to air Nov. 11, Veterans Day, at 8 p.m. EST.
Co-hosting the show will be Carter Oosterhouse of
HGTV’s “Carter Can,” who talked with The American
Legion Magazine about the projects and the volunteers
who made them possible.

An updated dining room is just one improvement at the
Romain Street townhouse, along with new insulation and
windows, a durable loor and a second bathroom.

THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE

NOVEMBER 2009

Q: What was your goal at the Philadelphia and St. Louis
veterans homes?
A: The two facilities rehabilitate veterans and get them back on
their feet. What we really wanted to do was make sure they are
able to perform that function a little easier. Of course, they’re
trying to put a little style into each home, but at the same time
it’s really about function, about giving them a comfortable
space to live in. It’s about having a durable loor; they have a lot
of loor traic. They want to have an oice where they can do
some of the day-to-day tasks. We had to make sure they have
that. They want to have a bathroom that’s fully functional.
Those are things
I think a lot of
people end up
taking for granted.
Q: How much
support did you
receive from the
communities?
A: In both places,
we had hundreds
of volunteers –
almost like a
rotating crew.
People would
come in, and we’d
get new people
the next day. I felt
bad because the
houses were only
so big. But we
Volunteers, including many Legionnaires,
were able to have
work with HGTV crews to renovate the
so many hands on
Romain Street townhouse in Philadelphia.
deck, which was
fantastic – people willing to help because they know a veteran,
they’re veterans themselves, or maybe they don’t know any
veterans but they just wanted to help out. I don’t want to say it
made for easy work, but it made for a little bit lighter of a load.
It’s so interesting to come to a veterans home like this,
because they appreciate what we’re doing so much. But how
much more do all the volunteers appreciate what they’ve done.
I’ve worked on hundreds of makeovers, but there was really
something special about this one, because the entire mindset
was, “Whatever we have to do for these guys, we’ll do it.”
Q: Do you think this special will inspire similar projects?
A: Especially with veterans, people are a little unsure of how
they can help. This Change the World campaign gets people
involved in their own communities, saying, “I’m proud of where
I live. I want to make it a better place. Maybe there are some of
these places within my community where I can help.” To see the
amount of people who supported this was truly amazing. I was
hoping that feeling was going to be there but never fully
intended it to be as powerful as it was. It’s deinitely going to
afect the people watching.
– Matt Grills

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How to submit a reunion
The American Legion Magazine publishes reunion notices for veterans.
Send notices to The American Legion
Magazine, Attn: Reunions, P.O. Box
1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206, fax
(317) 630-1280, e-mail reunions@legion.org
or submit information via our Web site,
www.legion.org/veterans/reunions.
Include the branch of service and complete
name of the group, no abbreviations, with your
request. The listing also should include the
reunion dates and city, along with a contact
name, telephone number and e-mail address.
Listings are publicized free of charge.
Your notice will appear on our Web site within
a week and will remain available online until
the final day of your reunion. Upon submission,
please allow three months for your reunion to
be published in print. Due to the large number
of reunions, The American Legion Magazine

AIR FORCE/ARMY AIR FORCES
815th TCS, North Little Rock, AR, 3/25-28, Jim
Elmer, (501) 771-4106, jimelmer@swbell.net; 6911th
Elec Sec Sqdn (Metro Tango), San Antonio,
5/13-16, Cherish Shinners, (828) 256-6008,
mtreunion@hotmail.com; Webb AFB Pilot Tng
Class 65F, Cocoa Beach, FL, 3/2-4, John Mc Namara,
(904) 373-0583, msvickie56@yahoo.com

ARMY
1st & 2nd Bn 2nd Rgt, Pigeon Forge, TN, 5/13-16,
Dominic Mish, (864) 348-2057, mishdominic@
yahoo.com; 40th Armd 172nd Inf Bde
(Anchorage, AK, 1966-1968), Shreveport, LA,
3/5-7, Rich McCarty, (573) 893-4516, rmccarty@
embarqmail.com; 56th Army Postal Unit (Long
Binh, Vietnam, 1967-1971), Ocean Springs,
MS, 5/14-15, Steve Barbknecht, (228) 872-3056,
steveloisbarb@aol.com; 94th Inf Div, Charleston,
SC, 5/17-23, A Hubner, (845) 297-5498,
renbuhalgin@aol.com; 519th MP Bn, Branson,
MO, 4/24-25, Karen Steele, (800) 237-4466, karen@
bransongreyline.com; 629th Ord Co Supply
Parts (Qui Nhon, Vietnam), Laughlin, NV, 6/10-13,
Gary Matthews, (712) 485-2422, gmatt41347@
aol.com; 803rd Eng Avn Bn, Branson, MO, 6/10-12,
J. Barcikowski, (209) 825-4451, b80rdeabbiz@
verizon.net; 8605th AAU 5th ASA FS Det 5th &
2nd Sig Svc Bn, St. Louis, 4/29-5/2, Dick Dixon,
(601) 485-7567; Army Counter-Intel Corps Vets
(ACICV), Linthicum, MD, 4/29-5/4, Dick Snyder,
(813) 634-4489, rsnyder63@tampabay.rr.com

COAST GUARD
Icebreaker Muster, Nashville, TN, 5/12-16,
Louis LaRiccia, (623) 434-6805

MARINES
1st Bn 27th Mar (Hawaii & Vietnam, 1967-1968),
Dallas, 5/13-16, Felix Salmeron, (469) 563-0191,
mar462@aol.com; Mar Det (Mexico, 1974-1976),
Jacksonville, NC, 4/23-27, George Cleveland, (910)
346-3866, gnclev@earthlink.net

NAVY
3rd NCM & 30th, 31st, 32nd NCR, Hampton, VA,
2/26-28, Dan Stuart, stuart8824@bellsouth.net;
ACB-1, Hampton, VA, 2/26-28, Skip Nelson, (516)
379-6562, seabeeskip@verizon.net; Amphion
AR 13, Philadelphia, 4/29-5/2, Lloyd Stagg,
mcaanreunion@yahoo.com; Arcadia AD 23,
Philadelphia, 4/29-5/2, Cherish Shinners, (828)
256-6008, mcaanreunion@yahoo.com; Bataan
CVL 29/LHD 5, Newport News, VA, 5/19-22, Sando
Cosenza, (480) 753-4771, scosenza1@cox.net;
Cadmus AR 14, Philadelphia, 4/29-5/2, Robert
Baschmann, (716) 655-5415, mcaanreunion@
yahoo.com; Cambria APA 36, Boston, 5/15-18,
Andrew Henry Jr., (703) 660-8602, usscambria@
gmail.com; Castor AKS 1, Norfolk, VA, 4/22-25, Ray
Kelley, (919) 557-7071, castor_reunion@yahoo.com;
CBMU 301 & 302, Hampton, VA, 2/26-28, Dave
Schill, (609) 410-5969, dwschill@comcast.net;
Chambers DER 391, Philadelphia, 4/16-18, Curt

THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE

will publish a group’s listing only once a year.
Notices should be sent at least six months prior
to the reunion to ensure timely publication.

Other notices
“In Search Of” is a means of getting in touch
with people from your unit to plan a reunion. We
do not publish listings that seek people for
interviews, research purposes, military photos or help in filing a VA claim. Listings must
include the name of the unit from which you seek
people, the time period and the location, as well
as a contact name, telephone number and e-mail
address. Send notices to The American Legion
Magazine, Attn: “In Search Of, ” P.O. Box 1055,
Indianapolis, IN 46206, fax (317) 630-1280 or
e-mail reunions@legion.org.
The magazine will not publish names of individuals, only the name of the unit. Listings are
published free of charge.
Life Membership notices are published for
Legionnaires who have been awarded life memSpangler, (716) 861-0455, spang1039@verizon.net;
Cranford C-1-11 (Vietnam, 1965-1966), Branson,
MO, 4/19-23, Jim Cranford, (407) 425-4480,
jocranford1@aol.com; Dahlgren DLG 12 & DDG
43, Charleston, SC, 4/21-24, James D. Maddox,
(704) 922-8480, jjmaddox@charter.net; Diphda
AKA 59, Charleston, SC, 3/14-18, Ron Campagna,
(360) 692-7002, r.hideko@earthlink.net; East
Coast Seabees, Hampton, VA, 2/26-28, Bruce
MacDougall, (804) 921-4753, seabeemacd40@
comcast.net; Gurke DD 783, Washington,
4/8-11, Thomas Stephenson, (408) 263-2836,
dd783_reunion@tstephenson.com
Kalamazoo AOR 6, Jacksonville, FL, 4/22-25,
Frank Taylor, (352) 210-0230, usskalamazoo@
gmail.com; Knudson APD 101, San Antonio,
5/4-6, Wayne Reynolds, (386) 789-8612, wjr502@
cfl.rr.com; Marias AO 57, Philadelphia, 4/29-5/2,
Larry Eckard, (828) 256-6008, mcaanreunion@
yahoo.com; Moale, Lake Zurich, IL, 4/29-5/2, Cal
Muth, (321) 729-9915, cmuth@cfl.rr.com; Muliphen
AKA 61, Baltimore, 4/22-25, Ron Wiant, (302)
727-1751, rwiant@ussmuliphen.com; New Orleans
CA 32, Austin, TX, 4/14-17, Henry Wristen, (603)
882-3951, hwdive32@aol.com; NMCB 1, Hampton,
VA, 2/26-28, Peter Dowd, (781) 837-0393,
nmcb1reunion@verizon.net; NMCB 5, Hampton,
VA, 2/26-28, Felix Costa, (843) 655-0426; NMCB 9,
Hampton, VA, 2/26-28, Bruce MacDougall, (804)
921-4753, seabeemacd40@comcast.net; NMCB
10, Hampton, VA, 2/26-28, Bill Annett, seabeebill@
cox.net; NMCB 23, Hampton, VA, 2/26-28, Dave
Preston, (804) 512-7746, dpreston11@yahoo.com;
NMCB 40, Nashville, TN, 4/29-5/2, Ed Holston,
(856) 358-2009, nmcbfighting40@aol.com; NMCB
62, Hampton, VA, 2/26-28, Price Richardson,
price_richardson@howellmotors.com; NMCB 74,
Hampton, VA, 2/26-28, Gordon Spence, seabeeg@
aol.com; NMCB 121, Hampton, VA, 2/26-28, Mike
Wilson, wmike121@sbcglobal.net; NMCB 128,
Hampton, VA, 2/26-28, George McDanel,
mcdanelgk@aol.com; NMCB 133, Hampton, VA,
2/26-28, Jim White, jimw133@aol.com; NSA
Da Nang All Det, Hampton, VA, 2/26-28, Jerry
Hubbs, (502) 491-8794, gghubbs@msn.com;
Pawcatuck AO 108, San Antonio, 5/4-7, David
Willis, (623) 214-9835, dwshs53@aol.com; Power
DD 839, Chattanooga, TN., 5/15-19, John Pinto,
(352) 527-2352, loosecannon839@yahoo.com;
Purdy DD 734, Savanna, GA, 4/21-24, Larry
DiPasquale, (610) 433-4787, chiefdi@juno.com;
Stephen Potter DD 538, Washington, 5/9-13,
Bob Hegel, (727) 376-4625, rhegel@verizon.
net; Tappahannock AO 43, Richard W. Fleming,
(850) 537-1918, oldfolks12499@yahoo.com;
Tarawa CV/CVA/CVS 40, Philadelphia, 4/15-18,
Cliff Gardner, (401) 539-1149; Thomas E. Fraser
DM 24, Nashville, TN, 5/3-6, Larry Saxon, (412)
384-2775, Lssedm24@aol.com; VR-21, Nashville,
TN, 5/19-22, Martin Wells, (901) 372-8123,
martin_wells2@yahoo.com; Vreeland DE/FF
1068, New Orleans, 6/10-13, Mark Smith, (817)
571-4858, mlsmith100000@aol.com

NOVEMBER 2009

berships by their posts. This does not include a
member’s own Paid-Up-For-Life membership.
Notices must be submitted on official forms,
which may be obtained by sending a selfaddressed stamped envelope to The American
Legion Magazine, Attn: Life Memberships, P.O.
Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206.
“Comrades in Distress” listings must be
approved by the Legion’s Veterans Affairs &
Rehabilitation division. If you are seeking to verify
an injury received during service, contact your
Legion department service officer for information on how to publish a notice.
To respond to a “Comrades in Distress” listing,
send a letter to The American Legion Magazine,
Attn: Comrades in Distress, P.O. Box 1055,
Indianapolis, IN 46206. Include the listing’s CID
number in your response.
“Taps” notices are published only for Legionnaires who served as department commanders
or national officers.

LIFE MEMBERSHIPS
Post 277, CA: Al Alvarez, George Arroyd, Ed
Alvarez, Porfirio Duarte, Elwood Murphy,
Antonio Range
Post 164, FL: Lester A. McKinzie
Post 89, ID: J.L. Pence, Richard Swanstrum
Post 44, MI: Robert Constance
Post 93, PA: Thomas J. Archer, Don Bak, Stephen
H. Baker, William H. Bridge, R. James Burns,
Norman G. Diggins, Robert l. Dimond, Delfino R.
Dinunno, Thomas M. Gibson, Vincent C. Norman
Jr., Samuel R. Gross, Edward T. Kane, Walter
Macky, John F. Mitchell, David E. Pergrin, John F.
Schultz, H. Weston Tomlinson
Post 90, VI: Alfred O. Heath, Morris Nicholson,
Warren C. Todman
Post 41, VT: Walter F. Berry, Maurice Frechette,
Glenn J. Halpin, Edward Holt, Kenneth Lewis,
John Morin, Harold Morton, Howard Nichols,
Dennis Smith, Edson Thomas Jr., Leon Trattler
Post 103, WA: John J. Krokosz, Gary A. Nagy, Brett
T. Williams
Post 204, WI: Doug Raehsler, Roland Thom,
Ronald W. Willett
Post 247, WI: Ronald B. Turner

IN SEARCH OF
4th MSL Bn 4th Arty (Seattle, 1965), George
McMakin, (859) 623-7307, gmcmakin@att.net
5th Rgt Cbt Team C Co 3rd Plt & 3rd Sqd (Korea,
1952-1953), Don Roush, (618) 281-5782, jodon@
htc.net
66th Intel Corp Grp (Wallace Brks, 1963-1966),
John Wetzel, (610) 696-4978, jwetzel@
swartzcampbell.com
94th MP Bn (Baumholder, 1974-1976), Denny
Weir, (405) 246-6060, taznpk@sbcglobal.net
97th Grp AAA Baseball Team (Okinawa,
1951-1953), Brud Coombs, (845) 264-5067
207th Sig Co, TROPO 379th Sig Bn (Camp
Friendship, Korat, Thailand, 1967-1968), Gary
Goodrich, orbie@psouth.net
439 Co Great Lakes, IL, Nav Tng Ctr (1952),
Frank Hopkins, (336) 627-9830
520th Med Co Clearing (Fort Sam Houston, TX,
1966-1967), Wayne Walling, (615) 294-2854,
wwalling@bellsouth.net
651st Med Co 52nd Med Bn (Murphy Brks,
Ludwigsburg, Germany, 1960-1962), Gene
Manon, (301) 790-0113, agmanon@myactv.net
6593rd Test Sqdn (1966-1970), Ralph Turner,
drabrone1@aol.com
Army Chem Depot (Korea APO 76, July 19611962), John Chance, (423) 837-7667
Army ROTC Boot Camp, A Co 9th Bn
3rd Tng Bde (Fort Knox, KY, 1966), Bob Feick,
(412) 600-2195, bfeick1@msn.com
B Btry 2nd Bn 83rd Arty (Bundigen, Germany,
1965-1967), Gerald Chamberland, (860) 9777048, gchamberland5384@sbcglobal.net

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Boxer CV/CVA/CVA 21 & LPH 4 (1945-1969 &
Dec 1994), Dick Yanko, (610) 356-4874,
jdyanko@comcast.net
C Co 37th Sig Bn (Chu Lai or Da Nang, July 19671968), Gordon Joslyn, (207) 965-8163
C Co 385th MP Bn (Karlruhe, Germany,
1966-1967), Cecil Roberts, (214) 796-8092,
crr41@att.net
Classes 66A & 67A, Dennis Ybarra, (575) 622-3675,
odybarra1@yahoo.com
Co 246 Navy Boot Camp (San Diego,
1948), Dale White, (217) 533-4590,
megnicmo@consolidated.net
CV/CVA/CVS 21 (April 1945-Dec 1969) and LPH
4 (1994), Dick Yanko, (610) 356-4874, jdyanko@
comcast.net
Depot Honor Plt, David McLaughlin, 478 Thames
St., Hagerstown, MD 21740
HQ Mar Corps-Henderson Hall Guard Co
(1956-1959), Kenny Adams, (540) 272-1039,
kadams106@comcast.net
India Co 21st (Boot Camp, Alameda, CA,
1957-1958), Gary Roraback, (206) 365-1877,
gjr363@msn.com
John W. Thompson DD 760 (1962-1966),
Jack Gardner, (660) 727-2151, jmgardner@
centurytel.net
LCT 1072 (Leyte, Philippines, 1944-1945), Paul
Gattinella, (401) 274-4341
Mender ARSD 2 (WWII), Joseph Golonka,
(530) 529-1606, jwoolyboy@aol.com
Nav SEC GRU Activity T Branch (Kami
Seya, Japan, 1967-1969), Paul Steinhauer,
(609) 214-2430, scharpaul@comcast.net
Navy Millikin Univ (Decatur, IL, 1941-1942),
Bill Clark, 408 Blue Creek Ranch, Dripping
Springs, TX 78620

Nui Soc Lu Banana Quarry 544th Eng 20th Eng
C Co (Vietnam, 1970-1971), Larry Raygoza,
(559) 707-6507, larryraygoza1948@sbcglobal.net
Ord Co 1st Bn, 333rd Arty (Wachernheim,
Germany, 1961-1964), Wayland Kuydendall,
(479) 997-8351, gordonk@mynewroads.com
Plt 25 (Parris Island, SC, May 1961) & USS
Enterprise Mar Det (1961-1963), Ralph Potter,
(508) 252-3682, ralphpotter329@yahoo.com
USS Guam OI Div (1967-1971), W. Lepage,
(315) 353-8827, wlepage@twcny.rr.com
VF-24 (Korea, 1973-1975), Dale Asten, (209) 7364228, gizmouse@live.com
VT-3 Torpedo Sqdn (Feb-Aug 1945), Bill
Flanagan, (256) 768-0105, bil4747@comcast.net

Cmte. Memb. 1977-1980, Nat’l Law & Order
Cmte. Memb. 1977-1978, Dept. Cmdr. 1980-1981,
Nat’l Distinguished Guest Cmte. Vice Chmn.
1980-1981, Nat’l Rehab. Advisory Board Memb.
1980-1981, Nat’l Legis. Cncl. Memb. 1981-1990,
1993-1994, 1999-2000 and 2001-2009, Nat’l
Cmsn. on Children & Youth Advisory Board
Memb. 1981-1982, Nat’l Historian 1982-1983,
Nat’l Foreign Relations Cmsn. Memb. 1983-1986
and Nat’l American Legion Magazine Cmsn.
Memb. 1985-2009.
Wayde F. Earl, Dept. of New York. Nat’l
Distinguished Guests Cmte. Vice Chmn.
1978-1989, Nat’l Legis. Cncl. Memb. 1979-1990
and 1993-1994, and Nat’l Conv. Cmsn. Memb.
1994-1995.
Charles L. Larson, Dept. of Wisconsin. Nat’l
Education of Orphans of Vets Central Area
Director 1948-1951, Dept. Cmdr. 1949-1950, Nat’l
Distinguished Guests Cmte. Memb. 1949-1952,
1954-1964, 1967-1969 and 1980-1984, Nat’l Exec.
Cmte. 1950-1952, Nat’l Foreign Relations Cmsn.
Liaison Cmte. Memb. 1950-1952, Nat’l Foreign
Relations Cmsn. Vice Chmn. 1952-1954, Nat’l
Internal Affairs Cmsn. Chmn. 1953-1954, Nat’l
Law & Order Cmte. General Memb. 1960-1961,
Nat’l Americanism Cncl. Gen. Memb. 1966-1967
and1969-1971, and Nat’l Foreign Relations Cncl.
Vice Chmn. 1986-1987.
John P. Tipping, Dept. of New York. Nat’l
Distinguished Guests Cmte. Memb. 1972-1973,
Nat’l Law & Order Cmte. Memb. 1976-1977, Dept.
Cmdr. 1977-1978, Nat’l Resolution Assignment
Cmte. Memb. 1977-1979, Nat’l Legis. Cncl. Vice
Chmn. 1976-1978 and 2000-2009, Nat’l Exec.
Cmte. Alt. Memb. 1978-1979, Nat’l Legis. Cncl.
Memb. 1979-1990 1993-1994, Nat’l Foreign
Relations Cmsn. Memb. 1979-1982, Nat’l Internal
Affairs Cmsn. Memb. 1980-1988, Nat’l Vice Cmdr.
1988-1989, Nat’l Merchant Marine Cmte. Memb.
1989-1997, Nat’l Legis. Cmsn. Memb. 1999-2009
and Nat’l Merchant Marine Cmte. Vice Chmn
1997-1999.

TAPS
Joseph V. Adams, Dept. of Pennsylvania.
Nat’l Sec. Training Cmte. Memb. 1961-1963,
Dept. Cmdr. 1976-1977, Nat’l Exec. Cmte. Alt.
Memb. 1984-1986, Nat’l Americanism Cncl. Vice
Chmn. 1968-1970; 1974-1976 and 1977-1982,
Nat’l Cemetery Cmte. Memb. 1982-1985, Nat’l
Counter-Subversive Activ. Cmte. Memb. 19711972, Nat’l Exec. Cmte. Memb. 1986-1992, Nat’l
Foreign Relations Cncl. Vice Chmn. 1970-1972
and 2005-2009, Nat’l Legis. Cmsn Memb.
1993-2005, Nat’l Legis. Cncl. Memb. 1975-1976;
1983-1988 and 1991-1994, Nat’l Legis. Cncl. Vice
Chmn. 1989-1990, Nat’l Mbrshp. & Post Activ.
Cmte. Memb. 1972-1973, Nat’l & Homeland Sec.
Memb. 1963-1969, Nat’l Rehab. Cmsn. Advisory
Board Memb. 1973-1974 and 1981-1984, Nat’l
Resolutions Sub-Cmte. Memb. 1990-1992, Nat’l
Sec. Cmsn. Liaison Cmte. Memb. 1987-1992, Nat’l
Veterans Affairs & Rehab. Cmsn. Liaison Cmte.
Vice Chmn. 1986-1987, Nat’l Veterans Affairs &
Rehab. Cmsn. Liaison Cmte. Vice Chmn. 19901992, Nat’l Veterans Preference Cmte. Memb.
1980-1981 and Nat’l Vice Cmdr. 1992-1993.
James W. Conway, Dept. of Massachusetts.
Nat’l Veterans Preference Cmte. Memb. 19761977 and 1980-1981, Nat’l Distinguished Guests

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THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE

The aging process could be slowed if it had
to work its way through Congress.
AN ELDERLY MAN was on the operating
table awaiting surgery. He insisted that his
son, a renowned surgeon, perform the
operation. As he was about to receive
anesthesia, he asked to speak to his son.
“Yes, Dad, what is it?”
“Don’t be nervous. Do your best. And
just remember, if something happens to
me, your mother is going to come and live
with you and your wife.”

“I’m sorry for your loss. Will you want burial, cremation or a light breading?”
AFTER PUTTING her children to bed, a
mother changed into old slacks, a
droopy blouse and proceeded to wash
her hair. As she heard the children getting more
and more rambunctious, her patience grew thin.
At last she threw a towel around her head and
stormed into their room, putting them back to bed
with stern warnings.
As she left the room, she heard her 3-year-old
ask with a trembling voice, “Who was that?”
THE FIRST-TIME FATHER, beside himself with
excitement over the birth of his son, was determined to do everything right.
“So, tell me, nurse,” he asked as his family
headed out the hospital door, “what time should
we wake the little guy in the morning?”
THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY stared at the jury,
unable to believe the “not guilty” verdict he’d just
heard. Bitterly, he asked, “What possible excuse
could you have for acquitting this man?”
The foreman answered, “Insanity.”
The attorney responded, still incredulous,
“I could understand that. But all 12 of you?”

A MINISTER announced that admission to a
church social event would be $6 per person.
“However, if you’re over 65,” he said, “the price
will be only $5.50.”
From the back of the congregation, a woman’s
voice rang out: “Do you really think I’d give you
that information for only 50 cents?”
A FATHER of ﬁve children won a toy at a rafﬂe. He
called his kids together to ask which one should
have the present.
“Who never talks back to Mommy?” he asked.
“Who does everything she says?”
Five small voices answered in unison. “OK,
Daddy, you get the toy.”

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THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE

NOVEMBER 2009

“THE GOVERNMENT of California is holding a
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sale, ladies and gentlemen. Now, folks, even if you
don’t really need anything, this may be your only
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References