INblog- SAL Detachment of Indiana

August Pepsi Refresh Project to Push for Job Fairs for Veterans

2010-08-02T18:47:33Z

The American Legion’s Job Fairs for Veterans
Competes for $250K Pepsi Refresh Everything Grant
Votes Needed!

INDIANAPOLIS (August 2, 2010) – The American Legion is demonstrating its commitment to helping military veterans find jobs by entering its career fairs in this month’s Pepsi Refresh Everything Project. If the effort is successful, The American Legion will be awarded a $250,000 grant to sponsor events across the country in which employers are paired with veterans looking for work.
“The unemployment rate among Iraq and Afghanistan veterans exceeds 14 percent. This is a national disgrace!” said American Legion Nation Commander Clarence E. Hill. “Every veteran vowed to defend America and protect our way of life. The least we can do is to allow them an opportunity to support their families and contribute to America’s workforce. Hiring veterans isn’t just the right thing to do, but it is smart business! These talented men and women offer unique skills, discipline and a proven work ethic that would benefit any employer smart enough to hire them. Additionally, job fairs sponsored by The American Legion include Small Business Development Workshops so veterans can pursue the American dream.”
The Legion job fairs are among more than 1,200 charities that are competing for a grant. Pepsi will award $250,000 each to the two charities that receive the most votes on its Web site. Visitors can cast their votes by clicking on and registering at the “Vote Daily” panel at www.legion.org or by visiting www.refresheverything.com/vetsjobfairs .
Voters can also text message their votes (standard rates apply) by texting *101758 to Pepsi (73774).
The American Legion’s Operation Comfort Warriors finished in first place during February’s competition and won $250,000. That money is still being used to provide items such as therapeutic athletic equipment, sweatsuits, DVDs, CDs, duffle bags and other comfort items to wounded and recovering patients at U.S. military hospitals and warrior transition units around the world.
Hill urged Legionnaires, Legion family members, friends and supporters of The American Legion to spread the message to vote for The American Legion’s job fairs.
“Individual voting alone will not win this competition,” Hill said. “We need people to post it on their web sites, Facebook and Twitter accounts. They should use all social media methods at their disposal. Operation Comfort Warriors was able to win because American Legion posts, Auxiliary units, Sons of the American Legion squadrons and American Legion Riders chapters all came together and worked toward a common goal. Spreading the word in newsletters and the mainstream media can also help us replicate our earlier success.”
With a current membership of 2.5-million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.

2010-2011 CWF Per Capita Banner Program Announced

2010-07-11T14:44:15Z

The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation has announced that they are continuing the 100% Per Capita Banner Program again for the 2010-2011 year.

Each post, unit, squadron or salon donating at least one dollar for each member during the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation’s award year will receive a beautiful banner/streamer. The banner/streamer is suitable for display in your meeting room or it may be attached to your organization colors.

The cover letter and application forms are available by clicking on the appropriate link.

Flags to be flown at half-staff for the passing of Sen. Robert Byrd

2010-07-02T10:36:31Z

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release June 30, 2010
Presidential Proclamation–Passing of Robert Byrd

As a mark of respect for the memory and longstanding service of Senator Robert C. Byrd, President pro tempore of the Senate, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset on the day of his interment. I further direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same period at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

I also direct, that in honor and tribute to this great patriot, that the flag of the United States shall be displayed at full-staff at the White House and on all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and Naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions on Independence Day, July 4, 2010. I further direct that on that same date, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at full-staff at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA

State of Indiana wants to sell the Ernie Pyle Museum

2010-07-01T03:36:47Z

The Ernie Pyle State Historic Site is located one mile north of U.S. Highway 36 on Indiana State Road 71. Contact info was: P.O. Box 338; 120 W. Briarwood Ave. Dana, IN 47847-0338 or (765) 665-3633/9312F or erniepyleshs@dnr.in.gov.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources, citing low visitation numbers and state budget cuts, no longer wants to operate the Ernie Pyle museum and birthplace, which they closed several months ago. State officials have given the nonprofit group Friends of Ernie Pyle until 1 AUG to come up with a plan for the museum’s future. The Friends can accept ownership, alone or in partnership with other community or governmental groups. If that doesn’t happen, the state will move the exhibits to the Indiana State Museum and sell the real estate.

The Site consists of a Visitor Center and a Historic House. The Visitor Center exhibits feature life-size scenes based on Ernie Pyle’s writings and experiences as a World War II correspondent. The exhibits include state-of-the-art audio and video stations and contain authentic World War II uniforms, weapons, and gear, including a 1944 Willys jeep donated by local veterans groups . The Historic House from the farm where Pyle was born is furnished as an early 1900s rural Indiana farmhouse. Through the efforts of the Dana residents, the Indiana Department of the American Legion, and a sizeable contribution from the Eli Lilly Foundation, the Historic House was moved from its rural site to its present location. It became a state historic site in July 1976. On 18 APR 95 a new Visitor Center, constructed from two authentic World War II Quonset huts, was dedicated. The center features a video theater, research library, exhibits and a gift shop. This addition was made possible through a grant from the Scripps Howard Foundation and the Paige Cavanaugh estate. The permanent exhibits were completed in 1998.

[Source: The Tribune-Star Sue Loughlin article 26 Jun 2010 ++]

American Legion Veterans Benefits Seminar

2009-09-24T04:39:12Z

American Legion Veterans Benefits Seminar: When: Thursday, October 15, 2009,10:30 AM; Where: Grand Oak Banquets, 13109 South Wicker Avenue, Cedar Lake, Indiana 46303;

Event:

Learn about federal, state, and local veterans benefits. Specific topics will include medical benefits, disability compensation, non-service connected pension, education, home loan, survivors’ compensation and pension, burial benefits, veterans’ license plates, government life insurance, discharge upgrades, department of defense concurrent receipt and combat related compensation benefits, and veterans benefits for the spouse and children. An American Legion Department of Indiana Service Officer will stay after the presentation to answer individual questions. The Legion offers VA accredited representation to claimants needing appeals assistance with a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) claim. This free service is open to all Veterans of the United States Armed Services, their dependents, and survivors. American Legion membership is not required. Your attendance will likely benefit you or someone you know.

Homeless Veterans Stand-Down

2009-09-24T04:34:30Z

Homeless Veterans Stand-Down: A Homeless Veterans Stand-Down will take place at AMVETS Post 99, 2840 Lafayette Road, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46222 on Thursday, September 10, 2009 between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Services will be available for homeless veterans, near homeless veterans, and their families including health screenings, assistance with food, clothing and housing needs, and access to VA counselors and American Legion Department of Indiana Veterans Service Officers. Please past this information along to your American Legion post members and veterans in your local communities. For further Stand-Down information, please call 317-951-0688.

Department Service Officer September Business Hours

2009-09-24T04:32:30Z

Department Service Office September Business Hours: The Department Veterans Service Office will be closed on Labor Day, Monday, September 7^th. The office will otherwise be open each Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM until 4:00 PM during the month of September. Appointments are necessary for client visits. You may contact the Department Service Office by calling our direct number of 317-916-3605; calling a long distance toll free number of 1-888-723-7999, extension 3; faxing us at 317-226-6645; or by using the following e-mail address: vsohickj@vba.va.gov.

House joins Senate in proclaiming Sept. 16 “The American Legion Day”

2009-09-17T13:34:02Z

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

House joins Senate in proclaiming Sept. 16 ‘The American Legion Day’

WASHINGTON (Sept. 15, 2009) – The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a resolution designating September 16, 2009, as “The American Legion Day.” The measure, House Resolution 679, was sponsored by Rep. Debbie Halvorson, D-Ill., and passed this afternoon with wide bipartisan support.

Halvorson praised the 90-year old veterans service organization, the largest in the nation, for its continuing work to aid wounded warriors and military families, for Legionnaires’ legacy of community volunteerism and for the organization’s significant role in establishing important national legislation.

“On September 16, 1919, The American Legion was granted their federal charter by Congress, and 90 years later, they have kept their commitment to serve not only as a resource and a voice on behalf of veterans across America, but also as an organization dedicated to the betterment of America through community service,” said Halvorson on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. “Since their founding charter, The American Legion has not wavered from the guiding principles and vision that can be found in their Four Pillars of Service.

“(House) Res. 670 helps to recognize this extraordinary organization, whose members not only fought to protect our country, but chose to continue to serve it long after their military service ended,” Halvorson added. A similar resolution, SJR 260 introduced by Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, was passed in the Senate last week.

Clarence E. Hill, the National Commander of The American Legion, expressed great pleasure upon hearing of the resolution’s passage. “We are honored and humbled that Congress is recognizing the contributions members of The American Legion have been making for this nation for nearly a century now. I am very grateful to all who supported the congressional resolutions and especially to Rep. Halvorson and Sen. Snowe for sponsoring the measures. I encourage all American Legion posts to remind their communities why Sept. 16 has been designated ‘The American Legion Day.”

With a current membership of 2.5-million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.

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Legislative Alert - Flag Amendment Cosponsors Needed

2009-08-29T16:44:50Z

Flag Amendment Cosponsors Needed Patriotic Holidays Perfect Time to Contact Members of Congress

Since the 1989 Supreme Court decision, Texas v. Johnson, The American Legion and the other members of the Citizens Flag Alliance (CFA) have worked tirelessly over the past twenty years towards the goal of a constitutional amendment to protect Old Glory from acts of physical desecration.

The latest initiative began with the introduction of House Joint Resolution (H.J. Res.) 47 by Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO). The text of the resolution states, “The Congress shall have power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States.” As of June 5, H.J. Res. 47 has 36 cosponsors. A companion bill, Senate Joint Resolution (S.J. Res.) 15, was introduced by Senator David Vitter (LA); that measure currently has 22 cosponsors. Both bills have been referred to their respective Judiciary Committees for action.

All members of The American Legion family are asked to contact their U.S. senators and representatives. Ask them to become cosponsors of the flag protection constitutional amendment; if they are already cosponsors, thank them for their support of Old Glory. Many elected officials will be attending Flag Day and Fourth of July celebrations in their home states and districts. These are perfect opportunities to invite your elected officials to a function at your local post. Ask them to attend a Flag Day ceremony, or to speak at a local Independence Day picnic or similar celebration. Then, ask your congressional member to make a principled stand to protect this nation’s most treasured symbol. Let “We, the People” decide!

We thank the current sponsors and cosponsors as of 6/5/09:

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 47 - introduced by Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (MO)

Judy Biggert (IL) Marsha Blackburn (TN) Charles Boustany (LA)

Henry Brown (SC) Mike Conaway (TX) Chet Edwards (TX)

Mary Fallin (OK) John Fleming (LA) Phil Gingrey (GA)

Bart Gordon (TN) Steve Kagen (WI) Peter King (NY)

Tom Latham (IA) Robert Latta (OH) Frank LoBiondo (NJ)

Don Manzullo (IL) Jim Marshall (GA) Mike McCaul (TX)

John McHugh (NY) Mike McIntyre (NC) Michael Michaud (ME)

Candice Miller (MI) Jerry Moran (KS) Randy Neugebauer (TX)

Erik Paulsen (MN) Todd Platts (PA) Bill Posey (FL)

Bill Shuster (PA) Mike Simpson (ID) Ike Skelton (MO)

Christopher Smith (NJ) Harry Teague (NM) Todd Tiahrt (KS)

Joe Wilson (SC) Frank Wolf (VA) C.W. Bill Young (FL)

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 15 - introduced by Sen. David Vitter (LA)

Evan Bayh (IN) Sam Brownback (KS) Jim Bunning (KY)

Richard Burr (NC) Saxby Chambliss (GA) Tom Coburn (OK)

Thad Cochran (MS) Mike Crapo (ID) Jim DeMint (SC)

Michael Enzi (WY) Chuck Grassley (IA) James Inhofe (OK)

Johnny Isakson (GA) Mike Johanns (NE) Richard Lugar (IN)

Lisa Murkowski (AK) James Risch (ID) Pat Roberts (KS)

Richard Shelby (AL) Debbie Stabenow (MI) John Thune (SD)

Roger Wicker (MS)

Legislative Alert - Legion Day Cosponsors Needed

2009-08-29T16:40:34Z

Legion Day Cosponsors Needed Tell your Representative to Support H. Res. 679

On July 24, a resolution was introduced in the House of Representatives that honors The American Legion’s 90 years of service to America by recognizing September 16 as American Legion Day, a national day of observance of The American Legion’s goals and ideals in which the country may celebrate, with appropriate programs and activities, the long history of The American Legion and its steadfast and patriotic service to the community, state and nation.

House Resolution (H. Res.) 679 was introduced by Congresswoman Debbie Halvorson and is currently cosponsored by 20 Members of Congress.

In a letter to her colleagues requesting cosponsorship, Rep. Halvorson writes:

Since their Congressional charter on September 16, 1919, The American Legion has worked tirelessly to serve American veterans and communities across the nation. I ask you to honor The American Legion’s legacy by becoming an original cosponsor of a resolution to designate September 16^th as “American Legion Day.”

Every year members of The American Legion donate thousands of hours of community service in veterans’ medical facilities and homes to care for our nation’s heroes. They support active service members’ families, support struggling service families financially, and try to improve the overall quality of life to our nation’s service men and women. Additionally, they sponsor many youth organizations, donate millions of dollars in college scholarships, and provide a high level of service to our nation’s youth.

“American Legion Day” would help to recognize this extraordinary organization, whose members not only fought to protect our country, but continue to serve it long after their military service has ended.

All members of The American Legion family are asked to contact their representative and ask them to become cosponsors of H. Res. 679; if they are already cosponsors, thank them for their support. With Congress out of Washington and in their congressional districts for the full month of August, it is a prime opportunity for you to make contact with your Member of Congress and urge passage of this resolution upon their return to Washington and before September 16.

We thank the current sponsor and cosponsors as of 7/28/09:

H. RES. 679 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Halvorson (IL)

Alexander, Rodney [LA-5]	Altmire, Jason [PA-4]
Bishop, Timothy H. [NY-1]	Bordallo, Madeleine Z. [GU]
Burgess, Michael C. [TX-26]	Burton, Dan [IN-5]
Cao, Anh “Joseph” [LA-2]	Courtney, Joe [CT-2]
Emerson, Jo Ann [MO-8]	Grayson, Alan [FL-8]
Lamborn, Doug [CO-5]	Lance, Leonard [NJ-7]
LaTourette, Steven C. [OH-14]	McMorris Rodgers, Cathy [WA-5]
Murphy, Tim [PA-18]	Perlmutter, Ed [CO-7]
Reichert, David G. [WA-8]	Rodriguez, Ciro D. [TX-23]
Teague, Harry [NM-2]	Westmoreland, Lynn A. [GA-3]