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1 Page 1 Alaska Legionnaire Sept/Oct The LEGION NEWS LEGION NEWS LEGION NEWS LEGION NEWS LEGION ALASKA NEWS LEGION LEGION NEWS LEGION LEGIONNAIRE LEGION NEWS LEGION NEWS LEGION NEWS NEWS 1642 POW/MIAs still unaccounted for - Why? Vol. 95 No. 5 Sept/Oct 2014 The American Legion Department of Alaska 1550 Charter Circle Anchorage, AK The American Legion National Daniel M. Dellinger issued the following statement in reaction to Monday s passing of comedian Robin Williams: The U.S. military and veterans who served in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan, lost a true friend and supporter Monday. Like the great Bob Hope, Robin Williams used his special brand of comedy to entertain troops stationed in 13 countries, while traveling on multiple USO tours. By all accounts, he was warm, engaging and accessible to every service member who met him. The American Legion does not wish to dwell on how he died, but we want to encourage anyone who is depressed, to seek help immediately. Last year, the United States lost one member of its military every 18 hours to suicide. Veterans and their family members who feel that they may harm themselves should call the Veterans Crisis Hotline, , press 1. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Mr. Williams family and friends. Inside... s Corner By W.E. Gene Franks Department With the National Convention concluded, Kevin Collier is officially the leading candidate for the position of National for the Sons of The American Legion and should take the reins next year during the National Convention being held in Baltimore, MD. Congratulations Kevin well deserved. With the summer about over, State Fair has come and gone, fishing season on its last leg, kids are back in school, and of course the baseball season is over. Russ Baker, our Baseball Chairman, and his crew pulled off another successful season. Thanks Russ for all of your hard work this year. Originally it was planned on having our Fall Workshop at the same time as the Auxiliary which was on the 4/5th of October. Due to scheduling with National Headquarters for the Auxiliary they will now hold their Fall Workshop on the 11/12th of October at Susitna Valley Post 35. The 12th of October is the start of the s and s workshop in Indianapolis. The,, NEC, and Detachment will be in attendance. This does not mean that The American Legion, Department of Alaska can not hold their workshop at the same time, but this will be decided at the Department Executive Committee meeting which will be held at the National Convention, and of course that decision will be made before the distribution of this article, so a follow up on this decision will be forwarded upon return from the Convention. Cont on Page 3 Service Office...pg. 3 S.A. L. & Auxiliary News... pg 6 & 7 By Ernest L, King, Sr., Department Comander s Corner Well, we made it through another National Convention, I hope everyone has had as glorious a summer as I have had. At the time of this writing (mid August) the days are getting shorter, the rains have arrived and the State Fair is fast approaching. Along with that the National Convention is upon us. The end of July and first half of August has been pretty busy for me. I had the pleasure on the 30th of July to watch the championship game of the American Legion Baseball tournament. The young men on both sides proved to be not only good athletes, but also good sports and gentlemen. Unfortunately only one team could win, but I had the honor of handing out the trophy to the players and coaching staff of South High. I congratulate all the players from all the teams for an excellent tournament. September, back to school, fishing is over with, tourist are leaving, snow just around the corner, really something to look forward to. Instead of getting back in the same old rut, why not do something different, get more involved with your Post. There may be some interesting things going on that you are unaware of and would be of interest to you. You may want to get involve with some upcoming events, i.e., early bird dinner, Halloween or Christmas party for the kids, food baskets for Thanksgiving/Christmas, Veterans Day, Get out and Vote, or many other programs of The American Legion. Let s take a minute and talk about our rights and privileges within our own Post. First, you have a right as a member to attend your Post meetings. As an elected officer, you have an obligation to attend Post meetings. You have the right, when recognized by the chair, to express your opinions at these Post meetings. You have the right to make motions or submit resolutions that you feel would better The American Legion whether it is for your Post, District, Department or National. You have the right to run for an office within your Post, District, or Department. These are some of the rights that you have as a current Cont on Page 3

2 Page 2 Alaska Legionnaire Sept/Oct THE ALASKA LEGIONNAIRE (USPS ) OFFICIAL BI-MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF The American Legion, Department of Alaska 1550 Charter Circle Anchorage, Alaska Member of The National American Legion Press Association W.E. Gene Franks, Managing Editor Peggy S. Bateman, Editor The Alaska Legionnaire (USPS ) is published bimonthly for $3.00 yearly subscription. Office of publication is The American Legion, Department of Alaska, 1550 Charter Circle, Anchorage, Alaska Periodicals postage paid at Anchorage, Alaska. Printed by Anchorage Printing, a private firm in no way connected with The American Legion, Department of Alaska. This newspaper is an authorized publication for members and families of The American Legion, Department of Alaska, and other approved subscribers. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts and supplements, does not constitute endorsement by The American Legion, The Department of Alaska, or Anchorage Printing, of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. For information on advertising, call (907) , fax to (907) or to: legion@ anch.net. SUBSCRIPTION RATES PAYABLE IN ADVANCE Members of The American Legion, Department of Alaska subscription included in payment of annual dues. ALL OTHERS: United States and possessions - $5.00 per year; Foreign - $10.00 per year. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Alaska Legionnaire, 1550 Charter Circle, Anchorage, Alaska Advertise your business in the Alaska Legionnaire and reach 8,000 PEOPLE YOU KNOW Call Department Headquarters for an advertising rate card at HAPPY LABOR DAY! HAVE A SAFE AND FUN WEEKEND. CHANGE OF ADDRESS Using this form, provide new address, attach entire address label from recent paper, and mail to: Alaska Legionnaire 1550 Charter Circle Anchorage, Alaska Name New Address City, State, Zip *** Attach Old Address Label Here *** THE AMERICAN LEGION DEPARTMENT OF ALASKA DEPARTMENT OFFICERS Ernest L. King Sr.,...P.O. Box , Anchorge, AK First Vice... Scott Kline Schoenbar Rd., Ketchikan, AK Second Vice... Elexzanderia Carr Ambler Cir., Anchorage, AK Finance Officer...Gene Franks Charter Circle, Anchorage, AK Bill Jacobi Charter Circle., Anchorage, AK Sergeant-At-Arms...Kirk Waldhaus Capr Circle, Anchorage, AK Chaplain... Matt Larson...PO Box , Wasilla, AK Historian... Clare Sullivan...PO Box 2089, Seward, AK Judge Advocate...Ken Jacobus K St, Ste 200, Anchorage, AK Executive Committeeman...Nate Carter Sentry Dr. # 503,Anchorage, AK Executive Committeeman...Marjorie Ream... PO Box , Wasilla, AK Executive Committeeman... Kyle A. Parkerson 5211 Mockingbird Dr., Apt 305, Anchorage, AK NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEMEN NEC Committeeman...Jim Pisa North Muldoon Rd., Anchorage, AK Alternate Committeeman... Harry Pawson Crowberry Cir., Anchorage, AK DEPARTMENT COMMANDER S AIDES Con Miller Post 30...Jim Scott Holmes Rd., North Pole, AK Susitna Valley Post Dave Webster...HC 30 Box 12885, Wasilla, AK Ketchikan Post 3...Hunter Davis... PO Box 23470, Ketchikan, AK Muldoon Post 29...Mark Sledge Deborah Lane, Anchorage, AK Chappie James Post Ruby Stewart E. 5th Ave., Anchorage, AK st Vice News By Scott Kline Department First Vice & Memberrship Chairman Well, National convention is upon us. Seems like I just returned from the National membership conference in Indy. The conference was very good and some brain storming went on, however, the most meaningful words I remember were from the National Vice president that spoke at the opening of the conference. Her words were simple but had a very true meaning. She simply said Be Nice to one another, if we cannot promote our organization from within then it will be a lot harder to attract new members. How true that is, if we have alienation among our ranks we wont look appealing to possible members. We offer a complete package to boost our membership, but without unity, we are paddling up stream. So just Be Nice. One thing I did notice at the conference was that most departments have a Membership chairman that serves more Wednesday, October 15th is the deadline For the November/December issue of the Alaska Legionnaire October 15th is the deadline for all stories and/or photos to be submitted. All material must be into Department Headquarters no later than 5:00 pm. Please be reminded that only those articles that are typed, preferably sent via or provided on a diskette will be considered for publication. Faxed articles will not be considered. As always, the editorial staff can edit all submissions. Photos are also being sought for publication. They should be then one term, something we as a department might want to explore while at the DEC while at National Convention. Looking forward to National, In coming Mike Helm from Nebraska gave us some target membership numbers to aim for and what may seem impossible is actually doable. Retain your current members, get the DMS members, and each post should only have to get 1 new member per post. I think its doable and hope you do also. Remember folks, without membership cards on your person, its very hard to sign up new ones, also, have your spiel in your mind and don t go over two minutes as this will only overflow the bucket of information for them to retain. Looking forward to seeing you all at convention, safe travels to all. From the Desk of the Second Vice By Elexzanderia Carr 2nd Vice Sept 2nd is VJ DAY; the end of WW2 in This would be a very good time to honor any Veterans from that era-which are not many left. The 17th is Constitution Day a good time to have a Citizens Day program.. Present schools with adequate copies of Lets Be Right on Flag Etiquette and need a Lift this pamphlet lists many College Scholarships. They can be ordered from National Emblem Sales. Phone In October launch your member campaign. Planned programs produce results. Dues for 2016 is payable on October 20th. I want to thank all post and individuals who helped make the Hospitality room at our National Convention an enjoyable success. Pass it forward sign up a new member with your permanent fund. clearly marked and must be originals for good quality camera reproductions. Pictures should be sent in a jpeg format as an attachment if ed. Anyone interested in submitting an article and/or photo, or anyone interested in advertising in an upcoming issue contact the Alaska Legionnaire office at 1550 Charter Circle, Anchorage, Alaska or call (907) or us at legion@anch.net. Please request a return receipt for any s you send to us, in order to verify that it was received.

3 Page 3 Alaska Legionnaire Sept/Oct con t from Page 1 Now we get into your privileges. These privileges are normally extended to you while you are in your social area within your Post. It is a privilege, not a right, for you to be in your social area. It is recommended that each Post have house rules approved and posted. These should be approved by the general membership and should contain, among other things, rules regarding acceptable behavior in the social area and consequences if a member chooses to disregard them. They should also contain provisions addressing who can enforce the house rule s. I have noticed throughout the State that every American Legion Post having a social area extends the courtesy of admittance to The Legion Family regardless of which Post, Unit or Squadron or Department they belong to. This to is a privilege. When you get down to the fine print, a Post does not have to admit you to their social area. I know of some Post in the lower 48, that if you are not a member of their Post, there is a charge to be admitted. Remember, when you are visiting your Post or another, you are a guest and should conduct yourself accordingly. When problems/situations arise within a Post, they become Post problems. Should it be a problem/ situation within the social area your House Committee or Executive Committee will/should be the body to resolve this. Department has no authority to get involved with a Post problem of this nature. The Post is incorporated separately, the same as Department. Each has its governing body. REMEMBER: IT S NOT THE PRICE YOU PAY TO JOIN, IT S THE PRICE YOU PAID TO BE ELIGIBLE. ADJ Cont below phone call to Department once in awhile, you have probably heard the new voice. Diane Berry is now our new Administrative Assistant for Department Headquarters. Diane is still working her way through the maze, so be patient she will take care of your questions. The on line renewal program is going very well. We are a little ahead of the projected National average for renewals. It is very simple to do, when you receive your renewal notice from National Hq., there are instructions on how to accomplish this, very easy and the Post will forward your membership card to you. Our first membership goal will be September 10, 2014 (into National) for 50%. The majority of the Posts will probably have an early bird dinner in October and you may want to check with your local Post to see when it will be. HAPPY BIRTHDAY UNITED STATES AIR FORCE 19 SEP- TEMBER 1947 HAPPY BIRTHDAY UNITED STATES NAVY 13 OCTOBER 1775 By Bobby Dunno Department Legion Riders The 4th of July was as entertaining and fun as it always has been and I would like to thank all the volunteers who busted their butts at all the Post making it another successful 4th of July in Alaska. Here in Seward the ALR had a great time following the crew of the CGC MUSTANG in the parade it was really gratifying seeing the crowd that had gathered cheer and clap as they passed by. Larry looked good carrying the Post Flags and even Don was smiling as we rode in celebration of our nation s birthday. ALRA Pride Ride was a great success we had Riders from Post 1, 5, 16, 20, 28 and 35. There were lots of comments as to this being the biggest turnout for an ALR event in anyone s memory. We visited Post 1 Jack Henry, 28 Spenard, 29 Muldoon and rode out to Peters Creek 33. We would have visited Post 34 Chappie James but not having any phone contact I sent a rider to see what their hours were and he came back saying they had a note on the door Closed Join Us at the Airshow. While at Post 29 Muldoon we had a meeting at the tables out back and Chapter Officers were decided on and we had a Installation Ceremony to begin a Chapter at Post 1 Jack Henry on the 9th of August. The efforts to put initiate a chapter in Anchorage has been a process and I am very proud of the desire and effort put forth by those who promoted and did the heavy lifting in bring this ALR Chapter into being. The ALR Alaska was called on to provide escort services for the funeral of PFC Wallace and some riders rode too to Post 35 to participate. It was a real honor to be able to provide these services for one of our fallen servicemen. It really hit home when the Private s Father and PFC Wallace s Escort from the Air Force came out to thank us after the escort was finished. The Dad hugged each one of us individually and yes tears were shed. Having experienced this for the first time I am thankful that we are not called to perform these services more often and yet willing to provide an escort anytime it may be needed. So the Legacy Run is taking place as I write this. The National ALR is hoping to raise over a Million Dollars this year. There are nearly 600 Riders signed up to ride from Indianapolis, In. to the convention in Charlotte, NC. so the goal is not unrealistic. Our own Scott Dog is once again one of the participants. For those who are curious the Legacy Run is a scholarship program to assist in the education of the children of our servicemen who have fallen since It is a wonderful program and they provided almost $50, in scholarship assistance last year alone. With the Government only providing these children a stipend of just over $ a year all they assistance they can get is highly valued. So there are still several weeks of really great riding weather left before our winter starts in so keep them bikes in tune, tires properly inflated, pray for sunshine and Get On Your Bikes and Ride!

4 Page 4 Alaska Legionnaire Sept/Oct By Matt Larson Department Chaplain Taps Receive, O Father, the soul of our comrades departed, and grant him an entrance into Your heavenly kingdo,, whee he may know the joy of everlasting life according to the promise of our savior Jesus Christ. Amen. Paul Blakeslee Post 1 Imelda Carrera Post 21 Richard Churchill Post 11 Ernest Ford Post 77 Taps Service Office News By Bill Jacobi, Fred Gregory Post 17 Arthur Hern Post 77 Iver Malutin Post 17 John Middleton Post 57 Harold Naughton Post 17 Robert Patterson Post 57 Conrad Rudd Post 1 With all the interest in the VA lately, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald has directed all VA healthcare and benefits facilities to hold town-hall events by the end of September to improve communication with, and hear directly from, Veterans nationwide. Caring for Veterans is a calling, and our first commitment is to provide Veterans and their families the timely, quality care and benefits they have earned and deserve through their service to our Nation, said Secretary McDonald. As we seek continual improvement and to rebuild trust among Veterans, it is critical that we continue to listen and learn directly from those who use our system. Secretary McDonald has informed the Under Secretaries of Health and Benefits that each VA medical center and regional office should hold at least one town-hall meeting with Veterans between now and the end of September. Meetings are designed to allow feedback from Veterans, family members and other beneficiaries. Each facility will also welcome input from Congressional stakeholders, Veteran Service Organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations, and other community partners. Details of events in each location will be forthcoming from local facilities. When our local VA healthcare and ALERT! L E G I O N N A I R E D E A D L I N E October 15th benefits offices announce times and dates for their meetings, we will have that information. We at the Department Service Office have a partial list of Post s and will them with the information. To insure that we have your current address, send me an to william. jacobi@va.gov with the Subject Post SO . If you have any questions on this, call us at (907) I contacted the Women Veteran Program Manager, Sinnamon M Bovey at (907) , about upcoming events and she provided the following; The VHA Women Veteran Program is looking for volunteers. We have a couple of events coming up and need your help. First, we are starting to plan for the annual Women Veteran Recognition Ceremony (usually sometime around Veterans day) and are looking for staff and Veterans interested in helping plan for this amazing event. It is strictly a voluntary basis. Second, we are also looking at starting a Women s Wellness Group and are looking for input from our women Veterans, if you know of a Veteran who would like to be on out steering committee for starting this group, please give them my contact information(below) and I will set up a meeting with them. If anyone has questions related to the above, you can contact Sinnamon or call me and I will get the information to her. If any Post s have veterans contact them about benefits or healthcare, refer them to the Department Service Office, (907) We have had a change in the Service Office, we had a vacancy in the office and have hired Peggy Bateman as a new. She attended the DSO school in Indianapolis and is now studying the material required to have access to VBA programs. She began with us July 1and is learning the VBA lingo and helping with claims Another change in the Service Office came about quite quickly. I learned that Katie McClain, a former American legion was available. I met with Department of Military and Veteran Affairs, who provide the Service Office Grant, to see if it would be possible to add another Service Officer/Administrative Assistant to our office. They agreed this would give us an added dimension to our office and she is accredited by the American Legion and has also done the necessary testing to have immediate access to VBA programs and files. With the new grant year we will have s traveling to different parts of the state at the same time and have two Service Officers still in the office to handle our By Jan Scott Department Oratorical Chairman The first change is that each post can send more than one qualified contestant. It is the post s responsibility to make sure each contestant has an eight to ten minute memorized speech on the Constitution of the United States. The contestant must know the assigned topics and has prepared and memorized a three to five minute second speech. Also the post is responsible to provide travel cost to the Department Contest in Anchorage. Another change that was generated was if a post has more qualified contestants than they can pay expenses for the post should inform me so I can contact other post that might sponsor a ALASKA LEGIONNAIRE OPT OUT FORM walk in clients. Our staff has one in Kenai and four in Anchorage. Katie joined our staff August 19th. ORATORICAL NEWS contestant. There are posts that would like to participate, but do not have a student. Now is the time to start searching for high school students to experience this program. The places to find a participant might be Boy Scouts, home school programs, 4H programs as well as schools. Be on the lookout for information to be mailed to your post commander or Oratorical Chairman the month of September. Please feel free to contact me with your ideas/questions about this program or for my ideas.janscott1@ alaska.net YES! I would like to view the Legionnaire online at instead of receiving it through the mail. Please permanently remove me from the Legionnaire mailing list. This option will not effect any othe Legion mailings. NAME: Membership No.: Address: City: State Zip Code Signature: Please mail this form to : The American Legion, Department of Alaska, 1550 Charter Circle, Anchorage, AK or fax this form to (907)

5 Page 5 Alaska Legionnaire Sept/Oct Calendar of Events September/October September is National Disaster Preparedness Month September 1st Labor Day Check with your local Post for activities September 11th Patriot Day Check with you local Post for activities September 16th The American Legion Day Check with your local Post for activities September 19th - 21st National Children & Youth Conference Indianapolis, IN. October is National Disability/Employment Awareness Month October 12th Child Welfare Board of Directors Meeting, Indianapolis, IN. October 13th - 16th Fall Meetings Indianapolis, IN October 13th - 14th s & s Conference Commission & Committee Meetings October 15th - 16th National Executive Committee Meeting October 19th Notification of Child Warefare Foundation Grant Recipents for 2015 October 25th - 31st National Legion College Indianapolis, IN October 27th - Nov 3rd National Veterans Creative Arts Festival Indianapolis, IN October 31st Halloween Jack Henry Post / Unit 1 Tuesday Night Meals $8.00 5:30-7:30 PM Wednesday - Taco Night 5:30-7:30 PM Friday Night Steak 5:30 to 7:30 PM Friday night dance September 19th and October 17th All Legion, SAL and Auxiliary members are free 7:00 pm Dance and 8:00pm DJ dance Seward Post 5 Taco Tuesday Friday Night Steaks Food served most nights at Post Matanuska Valley Post 15 Taco Monday Tuesday Pool League Wednesday Dart League/NHL Hockey Thursday Dart League Friday Night Steak Saturday Turkey Shoot General Buckner Post 16 Family 2nd Saturday Auxiliary Dinner 6 pm Taco Tues 5 pm Friday Burger & Brew 6-8 PM 3rd Friday Steak night 6 PM Post 20 Sunday Breakfast 10-1 Every Friday is Steak night with an added Special Dish 6 pm to 8 pm Every Sunday Breakfast menu dishes 10 am to 1 pm Every Friday Aux. Unit 20 sponsors the Friday Night Raffle 12 pm to 8 pm Post 20 drawing (sign up once a day to enter) every Saturday must be present 4 pm Post 20 membership drawing (no sign ups) every Sunday must be present 2 pm Spenard Post 28 Monday night food 6 PM Wednesday Burgers, Chicken, Tacos 6-9 PM Thursday Red Solo Cup Night 9 PM Friday Steak and Seafood 6-8 :30 PM Saturday Night Food 6-9 PM Monday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday Karaoke with James 9 PM Baseball News By Van Williams Alaska Legion Baseball Media Director. Jake Crapps and Nick Jensen combined on a four-hit shutout Thursday as South Post 4 blanked Dimond Post 21 by a 6-0 score in the championship game of the Alaska Legion State Baseball Tournament at Mulcahy Stadium. Crapps started and pitched seven innings before Jensen closed it out with two innings of one-hit relief, giving South its third state title in school history. The other two came in 2007 and Crapps and Jensen also made history by helping to produce the first shutout in the state title game since Pitching may have been a twoheaded monster, but the South lineup had multiple tentacles. Six of nine batters banged out hits, five different players scored and four knocked in runs. Alec Valdez and Jensen each had two hits and two stolen bases. Nick Lopetrone had two RBIs and Spencer Floyd scored two runs. Valdez was named tournament MVP after hitting.588 for the week and Jensen was named the top pitcher. Don t forget, the Wolverines were the eighth seed and needed to win the final game of the regular season just to qualify for the state tournament. Then they had to knock off the No. 1 seed in the first round. Now they ve won seven straight to stay hot at the right time. South [19-12] will represent Alaska at the Northwest Regional next week in Eugene, Oregon. The team did well against Lower 48 talent at the BP Invitational, beating Colchester of Vermont and playing to a tie with Columbia Post 19 of Tennessee. The Wolverines started strong in Thursday s state championship game right off the bat, taking a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning. After that Crapps and Dimond starter Grant Remmer exchanged goose eggs on the scoreboard to keep it 1-0 after five innings. Then in the sixth, South took advantage of some walks to clog the base paths and plate three runs to make it 4-0. Jordan Clevenger relieved Remmer and held South in check until the ninth inning. Dimond s Mahlon Cleveland had two of his team s four hits. It was South s third win over Dimond on the season, including a 14-1 victory in a semifinal game two days ago. Dimond s season isn t over. The Lynx [21-12] qualified for the NWCART championships. This is also a regional tournament that includes teams from Oregon, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana plus three Alaska teams [Fairbanks Post 30 and Juneau Post 25]. The NWCART is held in Alaska every seven years. Support Our Troops!!!! Chappie James Post 34 Friday Socials 6 PM with Buffet. Pinochle, Dominoes, Music Saturday Dinners 3 PM - 8 PM Catfish, BBQ Ribs, Fried Chicken. Prk Steak, Pigs Feet s night every Thursday, starting at 6:30 pm. Susitna Valley Post 35 Wednesday is Taco Night 6-8 pm Texas Holden at 7 pm ALR Rides at 6 pm Friday Night Steak, Ribs, Fish, burgers and more nights 6-8:00 pm ALR rides at 11 am Senior s Dance and Social Last Thursday of he month 2 PM - 4 PM Everyone invited, Come enjoy, dance sing and meet new and old friends. July 4th Celebration at 2 pm BBQ, Games, Camping and more July 19 ALR Assualt on Anchorage Ride, starts at Post 1 at 11 am, Music by Estrada Entertainment on July 11, 18, 25 and Aug 15 Burgers by Lori on July 1, 21 and August 4, 18 from 5-8 pm

6 Page 6 Alaska Legionnaire Sept/Oct By Mike Jimmerson Detachment Greetings from beautiful Kachemak Bay! I cannot believe that it has been two months since my last letter, where did the summer go? Saturday, I was honored to carry the SAL Banner during the opening ceremony at the new Homer High School Football field. I am looking forward to the upcoming visitations in Kodiak, Homer and Ninilchik. By now your officers have returned from National Convention with the new plan of S.A.L.utations By Kevin Collier, Sons of The American Legion Detachment September brings several holidays to take time to remember the significances behind them besides just being an extra day off. Remember that September is National Disaster Preparedness Month go to pdf/disaster_07.pdf for a booklet on how your Squadron/Post/Unit can be prepared for an emergency. Did you know that Labor Day (The first Monday in September) has been celebrated as a National Holiday since 1894? We should remember that it was created and dedicated to the social and economic achievements of the American Workers and the contributions they have made to the strength and prosperity of our country. Labor Day is on September 3rd this year National Grandparents Day is celebrated every year on the first Sunday after Labor Day. This has been celebrated since 1978 (September 7th this year). This is the time for grandchildren to show how much they love and cherish their Grandparents and to tap the wisdom and heritage their grandparents can provide. September 11th - Patriot Day is observed in honor of the individuals who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks against the United States that occurred on September 11, Please remember that everyone should display their flags at Half-Staff. September 17th Citizenship Day The roots of this holiday go back to I Am an American Day, which was established in 1940 by Congress as the third Sunday in May. In 1952 President Harry Truman moved and renamed this day to Citizenship Day to coincide with the signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, Citizenship Day celebrates being a citizen of the United States of America, the greatest country the world has ever seen. Our great country (and it's people) is something every American should be proud of, America is filled with outstanding citizens, many of whom have played a direct or indirect role in making this country and what it stands for, a beacon of hope, promise and success! This special day is for all citizens, to appreciate being a citizen of this country and the rights and freedoms it brings. As American citizens we should never take for granted the rights, freedoms, and privileges afforded us, as citizens of the United States of America. National POW/MIA Recognition Day is September 19th is a day to remind the nation of those Americans who have sacrificed so much for their country. Observances of National POW/MIA works, so I look forward to hearing my NEC s reports. This is the beginning of the new membership year, so pay your dues early because many Posts offer an early bird dinner. I would like to thank my Post away from home, Post 20, for putting up with me and my cohorts during red season. Fishing Recognition Day are held across the country on military installations, ships at sea, state capitols, schools and veterans' facilities. It is traditionally observed on the third Friday in September each year. Did you know that this observance is one of six days throughout the year that Congress has mandated the flying of the POW/MIA flag? The others are Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day. The last Sunday in September is designated as Gold Star Mothers Day (September 28th - this year). On Gold Star Mother s Day we should all show our expression of the love, sorrow, and reverence for Gold Star Mothers and the sacrifices their loved ones have made in keeping the United States of America as the Greatest Country there is. National Veterans Creative Arts Festival will be held October 27-November 02 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This is one form of rehabilitative treatment used to help Veterans recover from and cope with physical and emotional disabilities. The key purpose of the National Veterans Creative Arts competition and Festival is to recognize Veterans for their creative accomplishments and to educate and demonstrate to communities throughout the country the therapeutic benefits of the arts. Election Day is November 4, 2014 this year. Did you know that since Election Day in the United States is the day set by law for the election of public officials? It occurs on the Tuesday after the first Monday of November. The earliest possible date is November 2 and the latest possible date is November 8. Elections to the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate are held every two years; all Representatives serve two-year terms and are up for election every two years, while Senators serve six-year terms, staggered so that one-third of Senators are elected in any given general election. Elections for the President and Vice President are held every four years. This is the year that we elect our and Chief of this Great Nation. Voting is one of the rights and responsibilities of citizenship of the United States of America. I encourage everyone to learn where each of the candidates stand on the issues and then Get Out And Vote!! Only by our active participation in our form of government will our Nation remain the Greatest Nation, of the People, by the People and for the People. Remember November 11th we all need to stop and pay tribute to our veterans by celebrating our freedom and the men and women who fought for country. With out the sacrifices of our veterans this country would not be the great Nation that it is. They have given of themselves so that we all may live in peace and enjoy all the rights and privileges we have being an American Citizen. All veterans gave something of themselves; some even gave all to ensure our blessings of life, liberty, freedom and the pursuit of happiness. Take a moment out of your day to say Thank You!! to our veterans. Honor our Veteran s Service whom our membership eligibility came under by renewing your dues or if you are eligible to become a member of the Sons of The American Legion and have not joined join the SONS and honor the service of the veteran who has sacrificed so much to protect this great country. Remember it s Cool to be Dual!!! Last year the top recruiter for the Sons of The American Legion - Detachment of Alaska was Bill Null from Squadron #28 - he was submitted for the Blue Brigade award and recruiter jacket. Congratulations Bill! Who will be our Top Recruiter for the 2015 Membership Year??? We all need to work on being a top recruiter. This will assist, as we will succeed in reaching all our goals and the 105% challenge that Detachment Mike Jimmerson has posted. Currently we have a current membership of 1391 out of goal of 1489, or 93.4% for the 2014 membership year. We only need 98 more members to be transmitted to achieve our 100% goal. Remember that membership is everyone s responsibility! Keep up the great job. FEB. 2-4 Southeast Dis was tough, but the beer was cold. Please remember my special project this year so the Wounded Warrior Project. I am over 20 of the 100 donations goal. If you have donated and haven t let me know, please inform me at your visitation. Sons of the American Legion Detachment of Alaska Mike Jimmerson 1st Vice Dave Dieckgraeff 2nd Vice Rhett Apiki Adj/Finance Kevin Collier Chaplain Rolph Aaraseth Sgt. At Arms Douglas Blair Historian Jim Kemphill Exec. Committeeman Dave Webster Alan Dykstar Jeff Axhelm NEC Howard Fruhwirth Jr Alt. NEC John Whitlock THE ABOVE AD IS A PAID ADVERTISEMENT The Detachment as a whole has 75 members transmitted out of our year-end goal of 1396 (so far). This is equivalent to 5.4% of our goal. Remember that membership is everyone s responsibility! Keep up the great job. As information comes out on the National Membership Theme we will make sure to get it out to you. Let s all aim for 100% membership and 100% renewal as soon as possible. The earlier we start the easier it will be. For the 2015 Membership year the Target Dates have been set follows: 10% September 10, % October 08, % November 13, % December 10, % January 21, % February 11, % March 11, % April 08, % May 13, % July 23, 2015 The first Membership Postcard Renewal Notice for the 2015 Membership year will be sent out by National Headquarters on September 19, The challenge for you is to send in a transmittal with as many members as possible prior to the 10% goal on September 10th and beat the renewal notice. We need your cards into Detachment Headquarters about 1 week prior to the Target Dates in order to get them processed at National in time to count as reaching the goal. Let s meet or beat each and every one of our goals this year let us show everyone what the SONS from Alaska can do. Remember that membership is everyone s responsibility! Again this year we will have a

7 Page 7 Alaska Legionnaire Sept/Oct From the Desk of the Auxiliary President By Penny Mazonna Department President Hello Everyone! Leaves are beginning to change. Temperatures are getting cooler. Salmon are spawning. Berries are ripening. School has begun. Crops are being harvested. The Fireweed has almost reached the top of the stalk around the state. Hunting season is around the corner. Our Department of Alaska Delegation is preparing to attend the American Legion Auxiliary National Convention. These signs are telling us that we are at the end of the first quarter of our fiscal year. What programs has your Unit been working on? Have you been keeping a record of hours, monies and activities? This is just a heads up our Fall Workshop that was originally scheduled for October 4-5 at Jack Henry Post 1 has been rescheduled for October and relocated to Susitna Valley Post 35 in Wasilla. These changes were necessary to facilitate this training due to blackout dates at National for Mission training in Las Vegas on October 4-5 and Jack Henry being booked with another event on October You may recall that I sent out an asking for a show of hands regarding these changes so as to allow us to take advantage of some Department training seminars that is being offered free of charge from National. National is going to fly the folks here Have you been sending in your transmittals weekly? Are you planning for the months ahead? I had the honor of visiting with Units 11 and 57 in July. We had a wonderful weekend of sharing and spreading the word around Fairbanks that the American Legion Family is active and committed to serving our Veterans, their families and our community. Thank you to all of the ladies for opening your doors and schedules to permit me to visit with you. We have had to change the dates and location of our Fall Workshop and Department Executive Committee Meeting. The Workshop will be held October 11-12, 2014 at Susitna Valley Unit 35, in Wasilla. This was done so that we can have a few members of our National Training Team come to Alaska and share a wealth of information and enthusiasm with our Department. I strongly encourage and highly recommend that every Unit have representation at this Workshop. The topics and information to be presented with give us all guidelines and answer any questions that you may have concerning our organization. I promise that you will all walk away from the Fall Workshop wanting more. All Unit and Department Chairmen should have already read through the Plan of Action for your programs. From the SECRETARY S DESK By Linda Schmitt, Auxiliary Secretary to Alaska to present these seminars and they are also paying for their lodging while they are here. This is a fantastic opportunity for some training geared to all members and Units. I hope that every Unit in our Department will be represented at this training. I guarantee that you will not go home disappointed that you attended this training, so please mark the dates on your calendar and plan on attending. I will advise you of further developments regarding the workshop upon my return from National Convention. Speaking of National Convention, the office of the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of Alaska will be closed from Wednesday, August 19 through Friday, August 29. I will be back in the office on Monday, September 1, As usual I will not be totally out of touch, if you need me for anything you can reach me at The one and only time my cell is ALWAYS on is when I am travelling. I will also have my ipad with me so feel free to me if you need to. I would request that you hold any transmittals until my return as they will just sit the Post Office and risk getting misplaced. But after I return it would sure be a nice surprise for me to receive a transmittal from every unit in Department! (At least one)! Finally, I would like to remind all of you to check out our Department If you have not done so, please do. All of the Plan of Actions can be found on both the Department and National websites. The Plan of Action can be a bit overwhelming. You don t have to do all that is outlined in the Plan of Action. I suggest that you choose a couple of the areas of interest that you believe pertain to your Unit. Than plan the work and work the plan. Involve all of your members. Use your creative resources. Have fun! Remember to record and report! I look forward to seeing all of you soon. Thank you for all you do. website for important information pertaining to happenings in Department. Most importantly, please check out the page devoted to VAVS where the Needs List for the VA is posted. The website is The most recent requests are for hats, scarves, gloves and mittens donations for Fisher House. They also need gift cards. Winter is just around the corner and now is the time to help them get a stockpile going for the upcoming cold weather. I think that s all for now if you have any questions, please let me know. VA & R by 1st Vice President Sharon Cherrette THE AMERICAN LEGION VA&R Don t you just love acronyms? The Federal Government loves acronyms. What is VA&R? VA& R is short for Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation. What does VA&R do? This is the oldest American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) program and was founded on the concept that it s our obligation to provide the means for assisting veterans and their families. This is accomplished in several ways. 1) The VAVS-(another acronym) Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service. This program supports the VA (the Veterans Administration) through the VHA (Veterans Health Affairs). These individuals volunteer to assist the VA in whatever area the VA allows-- drivers from local communities to the VA facilities, Front/Information Desk, within the clinics, StandDown, etc. 2) Field Service (added to the Auxiliary program in 1964) provide service to an UNRELATED sick or injured veteran outside a VAMC (Veterans Affairs Medical Center) or assisting with a veteran s burial or gravesite upkeep. 3) Home Service (added in 1974) is for those individuals who volunteer their time sewing, cooking or shopping for UNRELATED active-duty military/veterans and/or their families. Track your hours and expenses (travel, supplies). These need to be reported to your UNIT. Some units have a monthly get together and crotchet/ knit lap blankets and donate these to the CBOCs (Community-Based Outpatient Clinics) or to the VA Hospitals/ Clinics (doesn t have to be just the Anchorage facilities). At the end of the fiscal year (MARCH for Alaska), these hours are reported to Department and then compiled and sent to National. The hours volunteered along with the expenses are provided to Congress. The American Legion Family was established to help the veteran and his/her family; Service not Self. Thanks for all your volunteer hours assisting veterans and their families. ATTN: VETERANS THE AMERICAN LEGION SERVICE OFFICE SATELLITE OFFICE KENAI VET CENTER SOLDOTNA Red Diamond Center Monday Friday 8:00 4:00 will be available to provide FREE assistance: Understanding Veterans Administration Benefits & Entitlements Assistance in filing claims for Disability Compensation and Pension For questions please call Alvin Diaz Anchorage Service Office

8 Page 8 Alaska Legionnaire Sept/Oct Jack Henry Post 1 Meets 1st Thursday Art Bell 1st Vice Jim Grant - Tim Benintendi Finance Officer -Ray Untiet Chaplain David Mazack John Pendrey Sergeant At Arms Elizabeth Ipsen Executive Committeemen Mark Berg , FAX P.O. Box Anchorage, AK Joseph T. Craig Post 3 Meets every Monday, 7pm Potluck every 3rd Saturday Deborah Davis, Jim Van Horn, Hunter Davis, Serv. Off , P.O. Box 5121 Ketchikan, AK SEWARD POST 5 Meets 2 ND Tuesday 7p.m. Claire Sullivan Michael Calhoon DG John Christensen Taco Tuesday ~ 6p.m. Steak night Friday ~ 6p.m. P.O. Box 306 Seward, AK Dorman H. Baker Post 11 Dave Kent Frederick Bacorn John Lyle Pull tab sales at the club , 129 First Ave. Fairbanks, AK Haines Alaska Post 12 Jim Moran First Vice - John Newton Finance Officer - Tom Quinlan - William McRoberts Matanuska Valley Post 15 Jerry Hoskins Craig Christensen. Bill Kennedy Sercive Officer Club Manager Theresa Page Meets 1st & 3rd Mon., 6 p.m. P.O. Box 1146, Palmer, AK General Buckner Post 16 Family Fred Yenny Chip Dugan SAL Nora Anderson President Meetings - 6 PM SAL - 2nd Monday Legion - 3rd Wednesday Aux - 3rd Thursday Robert G. Blair Post 17 Walter Sargent Tom Saunders Mike Nichols 318 Center Ave., Kodiak, AK Office: / Bar: NINILCHIK POST & UNIT 18 Ray DeMoss David Behm. President Kirsten Lewis Sec./Treas. Betty Randall Mile Sterling Hwy Phone George H. Plumley Memorial Post 20 James Herrick Al Diaz, Herb Stettler, , 902 Cook St. Kenai, AK Aurora Borealis Post 21 All Female Post Marjorie Ream Cris Vrabel Elexzanderia Carr Judge Advocate Meeting 3rd 2 pm Sept - May P.O. Box Anchorage, AK Sponsors Diamond Baseball Team Muldoon Post 29 Meets 3rd Tuesday 6:30 PM William Timmons, Carol Gross 1467 Muldoon Rd Anchorage AK (907) FAX ( Jack Henry Unit 1 Wenda Suddeth President Jill Pawson, Secretary Meets 1st 7 p.m. P.O. Box 92747, Anchorage, AK st Vice 2nd Vice Finance Spenard Post 28 Kirk Waldhaus Jason Paugh Erik Dufford Arnold Heck Mike Bloom Chaplain Sam Grady Historian Robert Sparks Nate Carter Sgt-At-Arms Jeff Welch Judge Adv. Kenneth Jacobus Exec.Committeemen Robert Marquez Trace Henderson Matrin Carlton Annual Sponsors of Boys & Girls Program AL Baseball Service High Boys Scout Troop 214 Cub Scout Pack 214 Dimond High JROTC Post 28 Scholarship Program 7001 Brayton Drive Anchorage, AK Susitna Valley Post 35 James Petitio Ron Travis James Francois Monthly Meetings Legion & Aux- 1st Tues 7pm ALR - 1st Sat 6pm SAL - 3rd Mon 7:30pm P.O.Box Wasilla, AK Mile 46 Parks Hwy C. Russell Huber Post 57 Cary Toenies Linda Boisseau Ruben Iorga Ajutant 1634 S. Cushman St. Fairbanks, AK C. Russell Huber Squadron 57 Thomas McClelland Bill Malkuch, First Vice & Finance Officer Darrel Williamson P.O. Box Fairbanks, AK GRANDE DU ALASKA GRAND CHEF DE GARE Billy Smith GRAND CHEF DE TRAIN Ken Bartlett GRAND CONDUCTEUR Tom Schanrock GRAND CORRESPONDANT Alvin Diaz Cont SAL from page 6 Consolidated Squadron Report Form, there will be some changes on the form from last year and will be coming out somewhere around February or March. As soon as I receive them I will be sending them out to the Squadrons. In the mean time remember to keep track and record everything that you do so it can all be put on the Consolidated Squadron Report Form by Detachment Convention. We need to do better in reporting what we do on the Consolidated Squadron Report Form. This is perhaps the most important document your Squadron can complete. We only had about 3 of the 19 active Squadrons fill out the Consolidated Squadron Report Form. Let s see if the Detachment of Alaska can get 100% reporting this year. As we start out a new year remember to gather all of the information from the appropriate sources such as from your membership for hours, returned checks or bank statements for the donations so that next year s Consolidated Squadron Report Form is easier to fill out and perhaps more detailed on what you actually accomplished throughout the year. The information that you enter on the Consolidated Squadron Report Form is combined with that of all of the other Squadrons and reported to The American Legion to show what we as the Sons of The American Legion have done and accomplished throughout the year. The American Legion subsequently sends this on to Congress to show what the American Legion Family has done throughout our Communities, our State and the Nation. All this information of what we do as a Family helps maintain our non-profit status. Support Our Troops!!!! Support OUR FLAG! Once again the Detachment will be doing their 32 oz. T- bone Steak Dinner! This will be our 19th year doing this event. This year s STEAK FEED will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2015 at Spenard Post #28, in Anchorage, Alaska. This fantastic dinner will be held from 4:00 pm 9:00 pm. The price this year will be $25, with the proceeds going toward The American Legion Alaska Boys State and the American Legion Auxiliary Girls State programs. See one of your Detachment Officers for tickets. There will be a Detachment Executive Committee Meeting at 1:00 pm on the day of the Steak Feed at Spenard Post #28 to discuss what has happened since our last DEC meeting and what is planned for the remainder of the year. If you still have not taken the opportunity to turn in your Certification of Officers, please do so as soon as possible. Please do so as soon as possible. This helps the Detachment, David Dieckgraeff and myself in having points of contact at your Squadron so we may arrange official visits or send important information from the Detachment and from National to your Squadron. Keep up the great job you are doing in membership. Remember the three R s Renew, Recruit and Reinstate. Do not just sit on it! Keep it rolling in. I would like to personally thank each and every one of the veterans for their service and sacrifices that they made. God Bless you and God Bless America. If there is anything that any of your Detachment or District Officers can do to assist you or answer any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. My is kcollier@alaska.net. Hope to hear from you soon.