VOLUME 81, NUMBER 4 STILL SERVING AMERICA May 2014

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1 THE SOUTH DAKOTA VOLUME 81, NUMBER 4 STILL SERVING AMERICA May 2014 Pierre to Host 96th Annual SD American Legion Department Convention Tim Jurgens Timothy Tim Jurgens Post #9, Milbank, SD Candidate for State Commander American Legion Family members from across the state of South Dakota will gather in Pierre, SD, June 19-22, 2014, at the Best Western Ramkota Hotel for the 96th Annual Department Convention of The American Legion Department of South Dakota. Highlighting the convention will be the election of the Department Commander for near the end of the General Session of the Convention on Sunday, June 22. Other election Darwin Goodspeed Mr. Darwin Goodspeed Director Sioux Falls VA Health Care System Keynote Banquet Speaker activities will include the election of two State Vice Commanders, the Department Sergeant-At-Arms, and all Delegates and Alternate Delegates to the 96th Annual National Convention of The American Legion which is scheduled to be held in Charlotte, North Carolina, August 22-28, In addition, three Past Department Commander s are candidates for a National Vice Commander position. Candidates for the office of National Vice Commander are PDC Gunner Baatrup of Huron (member of Virgil post), PDC Rod Martens of Piedmont, and PDC Byron Callies of Watertown. The election will be held on Sunday, June 22nd. This year the only candidate running for the office of Department Commander is Timothy Jurgens of Muilbank, SD. This election will also be held on Sunday, June 22nd around 12:00 noon. Dignitaries invited to address the assembly include Dennis Daugaard, Governor of South Dakota; Sen. Tim Johnson, Sen. John Thune, Rep. Kristi Noem (or representatives from their offices); MG Timothy Reisch, Adjutant General and Secretary of Military Affairs; Sarah Bierman, U.S. Department of Labor; William Haggerty, Director, Black Hills National Cemetery; Darwin Goodspeed, Director, Sioux Falls VA Health Care System; Stephen DiStasio, Director, Black Hills VA Continued on Page 6 National Commander Daniel Dellinger Visits Department of South Dakota The American Legion Department of South Dakota was honored to welcome and host American Legion National Commander Daniel Dellinger from the Department of Virginia for his official visit to our department May 18-21, National Commander Dellinger enjoyed a very busy schedule as he traveled throughout western South Dakota visiting with members of the South Dakota American Legion Family. Dellinger and his Aide Bob Renner flew into the Rapid City Airport on Sunday, May 18th, and were escorted by Rapid City Post 22 Legion Riders to the Black Hills National Cemetery for a wreath laying ceremony. Commander Dellinger then toured Fort Meade, attended a social at Sturgis Post 33 and then departed for Spearfish. The Spearfish Post 164 Legion Riders met Commander Dellinger and escorted him to visit Spearfish Veterans Monument and enjoyed a social/dinner at Spearfish American Legion Post 164. The first day Dan Dellinger Daniel M. Dellinger National Commander ended with checking into his hotel in Rapid City. On May 19th, Commander Dellinger was off to Hot Springs where he was met and escorted into town by Hot Springs Post 71 American Legion Riders where he visited the Michael Fitzmaurice State Veterans Home and had lunch at Hot Burke, SD, Youth Wins State Oratorical Contest IMG_1470 here Pictured are the 2014 Oratorical Contest participants with their trophies. Shown from left to right are Department Americanism Chairman Larry Madsen of Gettysburg, 6th Place Kaitlyn Dix of Lemmon; 5th Place Esther Grassmid of Scotland; 4th Place Kimberly Chow of North Sioux City; 3rd Place Abby Boner of Castlewood; 2nd Place Emily Meier of Aberdeen; 1st Place Winner Esther Swift of Burke, and State Commander Rick MacDonald of Hermosa. Springs American Legion Post 71. Dellinger was given a tour of the Hot Springs VA Medical Center and then it was off to visit Crazy Horse Monument. The evening was capped off with an evening visit to Mount Rushmore to witness the night lighting ceremony and then back to Rapid City for the night. On May 20th, Commander Dellinger visited Ellsworth Air Force Base and then were guests at the Box Elder American Legion Post 315 for lunch. The travelling party departed Box Elder for a visit and tour of Camp Rapid National Guard Headquarters in Rapid City. After departing Camp Rapid, Commander Dellinger was taken to the Post 22/320 American Legion Baseball Complex just out the south gate of Camp Rapid for a tour. Then it was off to Rapid City American Legion Post 22 for an evening dinner and awards ceremony. Early the next morning, Commander Dellinger boarded his plane for his trip home. A great visit and thank you to everyone! The American Legion Eligibility Dates An individual is eligible for membership in The American Legion if they have served in the Armed Forces of the United States at any time during any period from: WORLD WAR I April 6, 1917 November 11, 1918 WORLD WAR II December 7, 1941 December 31, *Merchant Marine during this War Era only. KOREAN WAR June 25, 1950 January 31, 1955 VIETNAM WAR February 28, 1961 May 7, 1975 LEBANON AND GRENADA August 24, 1982 July 31, 1984 PANAMA December 20, 1989 January 31, GULF WAR OIF/OEF/OND August 2, 1990 through a date of cessation of hostilities as determined by the U.S. Government. Joining The American Legion is easy. There are 244 American Legion Posts in South Dakota.

2 PAGE 2 SOUTH DAKOTA LEGION NEWS May 2014 South Dakota Legion News (ISSN ) Vol. 81, No 4 May 2014 Official Publication of the American Legion of South Dakota Published quarterly by The American Legion of South Dakota 14 1st Ave SE Watertown, SD Member American Legion Press Association Member South Dakota American Legion Press Association Member South Dakota Press Association Printed at 124 South Second St, Aberdeen, SD Subscription Price: $5.00 a year, send subscription request to: South Dakota American Legion, PO Box 67, Watertown, SD Warren L. Aas, Watertown, Editor Dennis O. Brenden, Watertown, Managing Editor Send all copy for publication to: South Dakota Legion News, PO Box 67, Watertown, SD Office Phone (605) , Fax (605) dso@sdlegion.org Home page: PLEASE REPORT CHANGE OF ADDRESS TO: SD LEGION NEWS, PO BOX 67, WATERTOWN, SD STATE OFFICERS State Commander Richard Rick MacDonald, Hermosa State Vice Commanders Hans Nelson, Veblen; Duane Riedlinger, Summerset National Executive Committeeman Paul Evenson, Sioux Falls Alternate National Executive Committeeman Jim Huls, Madison State Adjutant Denny Brenden, Watertown State Assistant Adjutant Dave Gutzmer, Lake Preston State Americanism Officer Larry Madsen, Gettysburg State Chaplain Dr. Dennis Edwards, Rapid City State Children and Youth Chairman Royce Loesch, Pierre State Finance Officer Gary Wolkow, De Smet State Historian Fred Lee, Sioux Falls State Judge Advocate Tom Adams, Spearfish State Membership Chairman Terry Hanson, Arlington State Sergeant-At-Arms Bill Huntimer, Dell Rapids State Service Officer Warren Aas, Watertown DISTRICT COMMANDERS District 1 Thom Hood, Belle Fourche District 5 Gena Keller, Watertown District 2 Ed Thompson, Hot Springs District 6 Annette Dunham, Iroquois District 3 LeRoy Klinger, Pierre District 7 Gary Henle, Sioux Falls District 4 Paul Douglas, Hosmer District 8 Lee Rist, Centerville Advertising rates upon request; we reserve the right to refuse any advertisement SD Congressional Contact Information Senator Tim Johnson, 136 Hart Senate Office Bldg, Washington, DC 20510, Phone (202) , Fax (202) , South Dakota toll free Phone: , Web site: Senator John Thune, 511 Dirkson Senate Office Bldg, Washington, DC 20510, Phone (202) , Fax (202) , Toll free phone: , Web site: Representative Kristi Noem, 1323 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515, Toll Free Phone (855) , Phone (202) , Fax (202) , Web site: Please send all original s and news materials / articles to SD American Legion P.O. Box 67 Watertown, SD or you may dso@sdlegion.org Four Districts Elect New Commanders *District Vice Commanders and County Commanders Elected Ed Thompson Photo District 2 Commander Ed Thompson Legion Post #71, Hot Springs Annette Dunham District 6 Commander Annette Dunham Legion Post #280, Iroquois EDITORIAL POLICY Paul Douglas District 4 Commander Paul Douglas Legion Post #189, Hosmer Lee Rist District 8 Commander Lee Rist Legion Post #43, Centerville During the 2014 Spring District Conventions, new leadership was elected in the even-numbered Districts along with new leadership in all counties in the Department. Elected to serve as District Commanders and District Vice Commanders were the following individuals: Ed Thompson of Hot Springs Post #71 was elected for a two-year term as the District 2 Commander and Robert King of Hermosa Post #303 was elected for a two-year term as the District 2 Vice Commander during the annual District 2 Spring Convention on March 30th in Hot Springs, SD. Paul Douglas of Hosmer Post #189 and Norman Siebrecht of Redfield Post #92 were re-elected to two-year terms as District 4 Commander and District 4 Vice Commander, respectively April 7th, during the annual District 4 Spring Convention in Hosmer, SD. Annette Dunham of Iroquois Post #280 and James Rentschler of Howard Post #145 were re-elected to two-year terms as District 6 Commander and District 6 Vice Commander, respectively, April 5 th, during the annual District 6 Spring Convention in Arlington, SD. Lee Rist of Centerville Post #43 was elected for a two-year term as District 8 Commander and Ron Hopkins of Tripp Post #142 was elected to a two-year term as District 8 Vice Commander on April 6 th during the annual District 8 Spring Convention in Wagner, SD. Elected as County Commanders were: District 1 at Box Elder on March 29th Henry Mohagen of Reva, Harding County; Kevin Klunder of Spearfish, Lawrence County; Marvin Tisdall of Box Elder, Meade County; and Jens Hansen of Meadow, Perkins County. The other county commanders for counties within District 1 will be elected at the respective meetings of the county organizations and will be reported at a later date. District 2 at Hot Springs on March 30th Gene Mikuska of Hermosa, Custer County; Angela Koch of Hot Springs, Fall River County; Ron Millage of Philip, Haakon County; Ben Huber of White River, Mellette County; Duane Brewer of Pine Ridge, Shannon County; and Ken Orrock of Rapid City, Pennington County. The other county commanders for counties within District 2 will be elected at the respective meetings of the county organizations and will be reported at a later date. District 3 at Colome on April 12th Jeff Hrabanek of Winner, Tripp County; Wayne Monson of Reliance, Lyman County; Steve Stier of Onida, Sully County; Joe Senyak of Gettysburg, Potter County; Ken Brueggeman of The South Dakota Legion News is published four times a year to serve its members and interested parties by informing them of Department activities and other relevant issues concerning the veterans of South Dakota. The South Dakota Legion News is also the voice of the members. We welcome articles and s from members. The news and opinions expressed in this publication does not necessarily reflect the views of The American Legion Department of South Dakota, its Officers, Members, or the Editor. The Editor has the right to edit all articles. Highmore, Hyde County; Gordon Miner of Gregory, Gregory County; LeRoy Klinger of Fort Pierre, Stanley County; and Ollie Redden of Pierre, Hughes County. Hand County will be announced at a later date. District 4 at Aberdeen on April 18th James Beckrich of Redfield, Spink County; Justin Loesch of Mobridge, Walworth County; Derald Mack of Leola, McPherson County; Kenneth Vilhauer of Hosmer, Edmunds County; Steve Schuetzle of Mound City, Campbell County; Albert Gretz of Onaka, Faulk County, and Sam Olson of Aberdeen, Brown County. District 5 at Watertown on April 13th - Gary Watts of White, Brookings County; Rodney Stormo of Hayti, Hamlin County; James Stone of Canby, Deuel County; Bill Luke of Clark, Clark County; Mike Schreiner of Sisseton, Roberts County; Larry Bosse of Britton, Marshall County; Jon Fox of Strandburg, Grant County; Dana Jones of Watertown, Codington County; and Paul Peterson of Webster, Day County. District 6 at Arlington on April 5th Joe Staller of Plankinton, Aurora County; Robert Brodkorb of Wolsey, Beadle County; Lyle DeHaai of Chamberlain, Brule County; Lyle Sunderland of Mitchell, Davison County; Ralph Winegar of Wessington Springs, Jerauld County; Gary Bell of Howard, Miner County; and Tom Fridly of Artesian, Sanborn County. The other county commanders will be elected at the respective meetings of the county organizations and will be reported at a later date. District 7 at Harrisburg on April 4th Courtney VanZanten of Colton, Lake County; Robert Condon of Montrose, McCook County; Dewey Hessaa of Canton, Lincoln County; Harlan Tiedeman of Beresford, Union County; and William Huntimer of Dell Rapids, Minnehaha County. The other county commanders will be elected at the respective meetings of the county organizations and will be reported at a later date. District 8 at Wagner on April 6th Paul Weidenbach of Lesterville, Bon Homme County; Mark Gau of Pickstown, Charles Mix County; Roger Kugler of Vermillion, Clay County; Albert Fink of Armour, Douglas County; Robert Rennolet of Menno, Hutchinson County; Kent DeJong of Lennox, Turner County; and John Darcy of Yankton, Yankton County. Department of South Dakota won their category in the Big Twelve Competition and received $2,000 1st place prize. Thanks Legionnaires!

3 May 2014 SOUTH DAKOTA LEGION NEWS PAGE 3 Annual Report of the Department Commander Legionnaires, I can t believe the year is nearly gone already. It seems like just yesterday that I was coming home from the Rapid Rick MacDonald City Convention as your new State Commander. Thinking about all the things I wanted to achieve this coming year. The number one item I wanted to achieve this year was to stop the slide and make state goal. We are so close, it is still achievable, just 1000 more members. My year as commander has been filled with wonderful events such as getting to see a new flag pole dedicated in the Rick MacDonald name of an outstanding American Legion member Glenn Green. What an honor to be part of that program. I was able to attend the Youth Trooper Program for 3 days, what a wonderful program we have started here. Last year we had 14 Youth Troopers and this year we had 56 applicants and will be hosting 20 Youth Troopers. Keep up the great work here. Then I was off to the Baseball B Championship in Webster. What a beautiful ball park they have. The Athletic Commission does a great job with all our sporting events. I was unable to join the A Tournament due to the Annual Membership Meeting in Indianapolis. Thanks for allowing me to read the code and throwing out the first pitch. Off to Indianapolis we went to get trained, two entirely full vans of Legionnaires. We had a great group that went this year, even got to take Judy from the office with us; she got to put faces on the phone voices she speaks to everyday for us at state HQ. For those that have never seen National Headquarters it s quite a site. My homecoming went very well for our little town of Hermosa. We held a very nice parade and maxed out the Post home with a couple hundred American Legion Family members. We were able to find one of the only living original post charter members and he told us all how the post was formed. To my Post members, thank you for making my day so special. The next trip was the National Convention in Houston, Texas. We took in a couple of Houston Astros Baseball games, The National Commanders Banquet, and the College Alumni annual meeting just to name a few things. Thanks to my driving crew for all the fun we had down and back in the van. The Fall District meetings were well attended. The first 5 went off with no problems. For the last 3 we left at 5:30am on Friday morning headed to Sisseton in blowing snow and rain. After I drove past Wall it turned into rain for us the rest of the trip. It was a different story back homes, they had had 48 inches of snow on Friday October 4 th. When the 3 rd meeting ended in Reliance on Sunday we had to check to see if the highway was even open yet for the drive home. The next trip was to Indianapolis again for the National Commanders Homecoming as well as National Commander Training. I got to meet all the other Department Commanders and with the help of Adjutant Denny we placed our membership goal for 2014 to National. In May we found out we had won the membership challenge. Thanks to you all, the department won dollars in new electronic equipment. I was asked to do the Veterans Day program in Beresford and part of the Memorial Dedication program for Harrisburg s new memorial. I attended many committee meetings over the next few months; I started to think Pierre was my second home. I sure do like the biscuits and gravy at the River Lodge. We took in 4 Christmas parties at the Soldiers Home and VA Hospitals around the state. Mid-Winter went off in Huron without a hitch. The snow tried hard to stop it on Sunday. We had to delay the start of the Oratory contest so one contestant could get there due to blowing snow. The contest was wonderful as it always is. After the Contest we took off for home in solid whiteout conditions. We had blowing snow going west until we got to Redfield. In February we held the Legislative Reception at the Pierre Post home. We had a very good showing of over 60 Legislator s. Pierre Post put on a great reception as always and is to be commended for a Job Well Done. The National Office sent in two representatives from the System worth Saving committee to look at the shutting down of the Hot Springs VA Hospital and we spent 4 days between Hot Springs and Ft Meade. The report is being finalized at this time. Off to Washington DC we went for the National Commanders Testimony to Congress and Spring meetings. We had a great time visiting places in Washington DC as well as going to Congress and standing behind the National Commander while he testified before Congress. The American Legion made a great showing to Congress; the room was packed beyond standing room only. We just finished the Spring District meetings with no weather problems. Eight great meetings were had and lots of great awards and information was passed out. There are many things I got to do as your commander, but do not have space enough to write about them all. I do want to say thank you to all that made me and my wife welcome everywhere we went. You are a great extended family, we love you all. Thank you to the best office staff in the world. You all have made my year wonderful. You pointed me in the right direction and kept me above water. This organization is blessed to have you all. Thank you Denny, Judy, Warren, and Dave. I also want to thank my entire staff of State Officers, District Officers, and all the Legionnaires that made my year a success. It takes a great TEAM to make it all work. Thank you for allowing me to be your State Commander this year. I will never forget all the wonderful people I met this year. I salute you all, keep up the great work. Remember Together We Can Rick MacDonald, South Dakota American Legion State Commander Resolutions Deadline Approaching *June 16, 2014, Deadline to State Headquarters The deadline is rapidly approaching for submitting general resolutions that are to be considered during the 2014 American Legion Department Convention in Pierre, June 19-22, General resolutions should be submitted to State Headquarters by June 16, The Resolution process is serious business. Resolutions tell those in leadership roles what our members want. A resolution represents a formal expression of the official opinion of your post, district, and department. A resolution is a description of a problem or situation that is then followed by a suggestion as to how to correct it. It might also be a statement or declaration as to the policy of a certain matter in which The American Legion believes. All Resolutions must germane, that is, closely related to the purpose of The American Legion. It is extremely important that all Resolutions be well written with proper grammar, spell-checked for accuracy, and submitted in the proper format. The content of a resolution must be clear and precise. The facts upon which a resolution is based should be very thoroughly researched and verified. A poorly written resolution that fails to express accurate fact, or one that deals with more than one subject, or is determined not to be germane to The American Legion is subject to be amended or rejected. As a reminder, all resolutions must be typewritten, doublespaced, and two copies must be submitted to State Headquarters. Post officials must certify that each resolution was adopted during a regular Post meeting, with the date of the meeting in the resolving clause of the resolution, and the resolutions must be signed by the Post Commander and attested to by the Post Adjutant. All general resolutions will be reviewed and screened by the Convention Resolutions Committee, which will then assign the resolutions to the appropriate convention committee. The Convention Resolutions Committee will have its initial meeting to assign resolutions the morning of Friday, June 20, 2014, during the state convention in Pierre. It cannot be stressed enough that the post submit their general resolutions in the proper format with supporting documents if needed and its intent clearly defined. The resolution should be free of errors of fact and law. Every American Legion Post in South Dakota has a 2013 Officer s Guide. Please refer to pages in the Officers Guide for the proper instruction and guidance on how to write a resolution. PDC Byron Callies Candidate for National Vice Commander Byron Callies PDC Byron Callies Codington County American legion Post #17 of Watertown, SD, has endorsed PDC Byron Callies, Watertown, SD, for the position of National Vice Commander. Currently there are three candidates from the Department of South Dakota who have thrown in their hats for the position of National Vice Commander. The candidates are PDC Byron Callies of Watertown, PDC Rod Martens of Piedmont and PDC Gunner Baatrup of Huron (member of the Virgil American Legion Post). The election will be held on Sunday, June 22, 2014, during the closing moments of the 96th Annual Department Convention in Pierre, SD. FREE Accidental Death Benefit Insurance Coverage Available For All Legionnaires *All Legionnaires Are Encouraged To Enroll Coverage Effective Until August 31, 2016 Legionnaires are you aware that you can be covered with up to $5,000 of Accidental Death protection at absolutely NO COST TO YOU. That s right, the coverage is absolutely FREE to you as a Legionnaire but you need to get signed up (Enrolled) to receive the benefit. This Accidental Death benefit coverage offers Legionnaires $5,000 in coverage if a covered accident occurs while on Official Legion Business or $1,000 for all other covered accidents. This offer expires on August 31, If you are already signed up or if you get signed up today, your Accidental Death coverage is in effect until August 31, Of the almost 22,000 American Legion members in South Dakota, only roughly 6,000 Legionnaires are currently signed up for this FREE benefit. It s very easy to enroll. Contact the Adjutant of your Post for an application (Guaranteed Acceptance Form), fill it out and drop it in the mail. Please remember, this is a FREE Accidental Death benefit. If you are signed up, you will have $5,000 of FREE coverage if the accident occurs while traveling on American Legion Business or $1,000 for all other covered accidents, all AT NO COST TO YOU. Legionnaires are not covered if they don t sign up. This insurance coverage is offered by Legionnaire Insurance Trust (LIT) program and you have the option to purchase additional insurance if you wish. Just to be clear, if you choose not to purchase additional insurance, the $5,000 Accidental Death benefit or the $1,000 Accidental Death benefit will still apply AT NO COST TO YOU but you will still need to sign up for this benefit. Please contact your Post Adjutant for the application (Guaranteed Acceptance Form), sign the form, send it in and you will be covered. Once your form is received by the Legionnaire Insurance Trust Administrator, your LegionCare entitlement will be effective until August 31, Surprising facts about accidents. Accidents are the 5th leading cause of death in the United States today. Accidents cause an injury every 1 second. Accidents are the cause of 1 death every 4 minutes. For clarification, a member of The American Legion, with current year s dues paid, could be eligible for the $5,000 Accidental Death benefit if he/she is traveling to, attending, or returning from an official function at which the Legionnaire represents his/her Post, District, Department, or National Organization in an official capacity. If you have questions about these benefits, you may contact the Legionnaire Insurance Trust (LIT) by calling Toll Free

4 PAGE 4 SOUTH DAKOTA LEGION NEWS May 2014 Gerald Goetzinger Gerald Goetzinger The annual South Dakota American Legion Legislative Committee meeting was held November 4, 2013 at Post 8 in Pierre. Committee members present were PDC Ron Tolrud of White, PDC Phil Anderson of Piedmont, Robert Miller of Kimball, and Chairman Gerald Goetzinger of Martin. Also present were State Commander Rick Mac- Donald of Hermosa, Adjutant Denny Brenden of Watertown, DSO Warren Aas of Watertown, NEC Paul Evenson of Sioux Falls, Lobbyist Royce Loesch of Pierre, PDC Rod Martens of Piedmont, and Don Smith of Clear Lake. Due to the fact there were no Legislative resolutions presented at the 2013 Legion Convention, the Legislative Committee agreed to promote, testify, and support 2014 veteran legislation that would benefit the veterans of South Dakota. Lobbyists Royce Loesch of Pierre, PDC Rod Martens of Piedmont, Adjutant Denny Brenden of Watertown, and Ken Orrock of Rapid City were approved as American Legion Lobbyists for the 89th Legislative Session. DSO Warren Aas of Watertown, who is the President of the South Dakota Veterans Council, informed the committee that 3 Legislative Round Table Sessions would be held in 2013 in preparation for the 2014 Legislative Session. The Round Table Session are scheduled for Watertown on December 6, 2013; Sioux Falls on December 7, 2013, and Rapid City on December 14, The South Dakota Veterans Council is comprised of 6 Veterans Service Organizations: The American Legion, VFW, DAV, PVA, Vietnam Veterans, and Military Order of the Purple Heart. The annual Legislative Reception was held on February 6, 2014, and it was a success because Pierre Post 8 did their usual good job. The Department Legislative Committee met at the Pierre Post just prior to the Legislative Reception. The Legislative Committee and Lobbyists monitored, testified, and supported 7 Veterans Bills during the 89th Legislative Session. I am happy to report that all 7 bills were passed and have been or will become law. The Bills that passed and were signed by Governor Daugaard: HB 1060 An Act to revise certain provisions regarding military specialty plates. HB 1111 An Act to revise certain provisions relating to the design, construction, and equipping of a veterans home near Hot Springs, to make an appropriation and to declare an emergency. HB 1150 An Act to require that the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States be recited at the start of each school day in every public school classroom. HB 1159 An Act to revise the documentation requirements for designation as a veteran on drivers licenses, permits, and non-driver identification cards. HB 1165 An Act to adopt the Uniform Deployed Parents Custody and Visitation Act. HB 1185 An Act to allow certain veterans and family members of residents to obtain nonresident waterfowl hunting privileges, and to establish a penalty. SB 151 An Act to revise the appointment process for the State Veterans Home Superintendent. There was a Senate Commemoration Bill recognizing the South Dakota Girls State and Boys State Governors. SC 4 honored Madison Mead of Sioux Falls and Tyson Mitzel of Westport as the 2013 Girls and Boys State Governors. There was also a House Concurrent Resolution 1004 that recognized Hot Springs as The Veterans Tow. This HCR easily passed both the House and Senate. There are approximately 170 members currently on the Call-To-Action alert notification roster. There was no Legislator of the Year selection this year. Most of you may know by now that I suffered a stroke back in November 2013 but I continue to improve and get better. I still have some issues with the sight in one of my eyes and the doctors are working to get my glasses corrected so I can see better. I am not able to drive at this time due to my current eyesight situation and that is why I had to miss some of the American Legion meetings. I do however hope to be able to attend the State Convention in June. Commander, it was a pleasure for me to serve as your chairman and to be a part of your successful year. Gerald Goetzinger, Chairman, Department Legislative Committee State Commander MacDonald Makes Appointment State Commander Rick MacDonald of Hermosa, SD, has appointed Mike Elsberry of Tyndall, SD, as a member of the Department Education and Loan Committee. Mike will fill the remaining term of PDC Richard McBrayer through Royce Loesch Royce Loesch Earl Schultz Earl Schultz Here it is. Spring that is. Of course as I write this article, it is April which is Children and Youth Month. Spring is the time when boys and girls like to get outside and play and there are activities galore. That is why youth activities for children and youth are so special and important for American Legion members and auxiliary. Now more than ever, you want to talk about children? A lot of our new younger veteran legion members have children and as you and I know, those young new veterans are special, and their children are very special in the eyes of the American Legion. Of course, also very special are the grand children of the older veterans. This is why Children and Youth Programs of the American Legion are so very important. We must take care to see that they are all taken care of according to our capabilities. Currently there are some 30 programs within the American Legion which are being encouraged to improve the lives and health and betterment of our youth. Some of the more important programs that I like are: Catastrophic Illness among children and Children s Organ Transplant Association and Children s Miracle Network. There are others like Mercy Medical Airlift, Immunization Program, School Nutrition Program, Sickle Cell Anemia, Teenage Pregnancy, Alcohol and Youth, and Child Maltreatment. Remember these as you go about your daily lives and some day, you may run across a child of a veteran whom you might be able to make a difference in their life because of a program of the American Legion. The American Legion is required to annually report on what we have accomplished the preceding year. It is responsible to submit timely reports to comply with our Congressional Charter. Therefore, one of the best ways for us to determine what we have accomplished is to fill out a Post Consolidated Report. It provides us with the facts and figures necessary to complete the main report and all posts need to fulfill this important obligation. It is clear to all posts that this is the best way to obtain a high level of response in filling out the Consolidated Post Report because it is the envy of lots of other organizations. Time and money donated to a worthy cause are important and these activities deserve recognition and should be reported. The number of posts reporting these activities is extremely important. Please give some thought and then take some action in presenting or establishing a program for the benefit of our children and grandchildren. Today, many of our children have one or both parents away and serving our country. These children need our help and care more than ever before. This year, I handled several requests for assistance through the Temporary Financial Assistance Program and it was my pleasure to help these veterans and their families at this time in their lives when they needed help. Thank you for your support this past year. Thank you for your attention. We kindly appreciate all the support you can give to Children and Youth. Royce Loesch, Chairman, Children and Youth The past American Legion year is about to conclude and the Employment Committee can report to you a year that we were able to award all the employers awards except one. No nomination was received for the medium size employer for Hiring of Veterans category. The following is the latest national report on veterans unemployment. In the latest Department of Labor jobs report, it was reported that the unemployment rate for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans dropped to 6.9 percent in March, down from 9.9 percent one year ago. For all Veterans, the March unemployment rate was 6 percent, down from 7.1 percent last year at this time. South Dakota veterans unemployment rate is usually about half that of the national average. As for the Hiring of Veterans Award. Black Hills Patrol was awarded the winning nomination for the small employer category (fewer than 51 employees). They were nominated by Rapid City American Legion Post 22. Morris, Inc. was awarded the winning nomination for the large category (201 employees or more). They were nominated by Pierre American Legion Post 8. The winning nomination for The Employer of Older Worker went to Fun After 50 Senior Club in Britton, SD. They were nominated by Britton American Legion Post 80. The winning nomination for the Employer of the Disabled Award went to Sioux Steel Company of Sioux Falls, SD. Not only did they win the state award but they also took first place in the national competition. A representative of Sioux Steel has been invited to the 2014 National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina to receive this first place award. They were nominated by the Sioux Falls American Legion Post 15 and the Sioux Falls Department of Labor and Regulation Office. A job well done that puts the South Dakota American Legion and the state of South Dakota number one in the award category at the 2014 National American Legion Convention. The Employment Committee this past year consisted of Robert King of Hermosa, Leon Josephsen of Arlington, Gary Warne of Aberdeen, Curt Pansch of Sioux Falls, and myself serving as Chairman. Thank you Commander Rick for giving me the pleasure to serve as your Employment Committee Chairman during your year as State Commander for this great organization. Earl R. Schultz, Employment Committee Chairman 2014 State American Legion Golf Tournament Hosted by Henry G. Fix American Legion Post #23, Garretson, SD September 13-14, 2014 at River Ridge Golf Course, Garretson, SD (More information on the 2014 Golf Tournament to follow)

5 May 2014 SOUTH DAKOTA LEGION NEWS PAGE 5 Larry Madsen Larry Madsen It has been an honor to service the Department of South Dakota American Legion during the past year. Americanism is one of the Pillars of the American Legion. It provides our youth with an opportunity to express their patriotism. I am proud to serve as your Department Americanism Officer. This has been an inspiring opportunity to work with Legionnaires from throughout the State. There are so many dedicated Legionnaires who have helped with the Oratorical Contests at the Post, District and Department Levels to assure a successful Program. Youth Participants were made to feel welcome so they were able to compete with excellence. Youth made all of us proud. Our State Oratorical Finals were held at the Crossroads Convention Center in Huron January 26 th. Six of the eight Districts were represented. Two of the contestants were Home Schooled. The weather was not ideal, but everyone got home safely. Scouting, Boys State, Baseball, Flag Etiquette, Flag Disposal and other Americanism programs kept us busy. It is inspiring to see the enthusiasm and competencies of our Youth. The Power Point presentation developed by our Department staff for Boy s State orientation provided and excellent resource for District Legionnaires conducting orientations. Post Americanism Officers, if you have not yet submitted your Post Americanism report to the Department headquarters. Please get it in before May 20 so the Americanism Commission can include it in their report. The South Dakota State Trooper Youth Trooper Academy has been praised by youth who have participated. We have room for more applicants. Details and applications are available on a website ( trooperinfo.htm) This report represents the achievements of the past American Legion year, but it should also signal the time for each Post to activate a plan for next year. Start preparing your new Post Americanism report even before your first event. The Internet is an excellent way to stay connected. I encourage all District Americanism Officers to provide addresses to the Department Americanism Officer. If you are a District Americanism Officer and do not have connections, I encourage you to work with someone who does have Internet and would keep you abreast with correspondence. Thank You Commander MacDonald for giving me the opportunity to represent the Department of South Dakota as the Americanism Officer. Thank you to the Americanism Commission and the Americanism Committee for their direction and support. Larry Madsen, Americanism Commission Chairman Columbia, Missouri Youth Wins National American Legion Oratorical Contest INDIANAPOLIS (April 21, 2014) - A senior from David H. Hickman High School in Columbia, Missouri capped a busy weekend of competition in Indianapolis by earning an $18,000 college scholarship and first place in The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program A Constitutional Speech Contest. Ashwath Kumar started the weekend as one of 53 state or territorial champions in the 77th annual contest. He advanced to the championship through three rounds of intense competition. Brandon Posner, a high school senior from Doylestown, PA., earned a $16,000 college scholarship with a second place finish, while Ellen Joy Densmore of Denver, CO., earned a $14,000 scholarship and finished third. In each round of the competition, orators delivered a rehearsed 8 10 minute address and a randomly assigned 3-5 minute oration on a constitutional topic, each without the benefit of notes and in front of a live audience, including the judges. The 2.4 million member American Legion developed the contest to encourage young people to improve their communications skills and to study the U.S. Constitution. More than $3 million in scholarships have been awarded over the history of the contest. The South Dakota American Legion wishes to congratulate and thank Esther Swift of Burke, SD, for participating and representing the American Legion Department of South Dakota. We are all very proud of her accomplishments and wish her luck in her future plans. District 7 Commander Gary Henle of Sioux Falls, SD, has been appointed to serve as a Vice Chairman on the National Security Council. Paul Evenson Paul Evenson Fred Lee Fred Lee Mr Commander, I would like to thank Commander MacDonald for appointing me as Department Historian. It has been an honor to serve you as your Department Historian. I am working on the Department History for this year so you can remember your year as State Commander. I know its a struggle because it does take some time, but I would encourage all post historians to put together a one-year Post Narrative book and/or a one-year Post Yearbook history even if you do not want to submit it to the state competition. Be sure to submit articles to your local papers to show the communities all the many great activities that we accomplish. It can help with community relations. The narrative and yearbook histories themselves can give guidance to the post from one year to the next as to what major activities the Post had accomplished. Posts can submit a one-year Post Narrative History and/or a one-year Post Yearbook History at the State Convention registration desk by 2 pm on June 20 in order to be judged. The Officer s Guide gives the guidelines for preparing the Post History books. If you are unable to meet this deadline, please contact me at to make other arrangements. Make sure you include a complete copy of the entry form for each entry. Plaques will be presented to the first, second and third place winners in the Post Narrative and Yearbook History categories. Again, I would like to encourage all posts to put together a post history. I would like to thank all the historians and Post members for their hard work and commitment in preparing these books. The Post members at your home post will long appreciate your hard work in the years to come. Fred Lee, Department Historian Commander MacDonald, Congratulations on your year as Department Commander of The South Dakota American Legion. Thank you for committing a year of your life to The American Legion, our veterans, their families and our communities as well as the youth of our state. The programs of the legion are still strong because of the commitment of our leadership and the local posts. Congratulations and thank you to the Department Vice Commanders, the District Commanders and everyone who worked hard to achieve successful membership goals and programs of The American Legion. I believe the 5 Year Membership Committee is very important to our Department s Membership plan and has done a great job of securing and promoting membership across the state. It should be realized though that they cannot be successful without the hard work of the blue cap legionnaires in our local Posts. Membership is always a work in progress and is never finished. My congratulations to the Posts and Districts who have achieved 100% in membership. The programs of The American Legion are important to our communities, our youth and most important to our veterans and their families. As veterans and legionnaires, we need to realize how important The American Legion is to those who are served by our programs. Our communities without legion baseball, scouting sponsorships, oratorical contests, Boys State, shooting sports programs and other Americanism programs, would be a very different place. Our veterans and their families would lack in many services if The American Legion were not in our communities. Our Children and Youth programs go hand in hand with our Americanism programs to insure that our children are taught leadership skills, teamwork and are kept safe. Children and Youth programs such as our Temporary Financial Assistance and the National Child Welfare Foundation help to stabilize the lives of children at risk. On the National level, I continue to serve on the Board of Directors of the Child Welfare Foundation of The American Legion. CWF accepts funding proposals from nonprofit organizations for projects that contribute to the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual welfare of children. Grants are only given to entities that help U.S. children in a large geographic area; they are not awarded for day-to-day operating expenses or special operating expenses. I also serve on the Citizens Flag Alliance for the National American Legion, Chairman of the Committee on Committees, and NEC liaison to The American Legion National Americanism Commission. This past year has been a busy year for me on the National level as well as the Department level. I have attended the fall and spring National Executive committee meetings in Indianapolis. The Washington Conference in March and the National Convention in Houston. On the Department level, I attended five of the Fall meetings and four of Spring District meetings this year and my Alternate NEC Jim Huls attended the meetings that I could not attend. I thank him for his assistance. I also attended the Mid-Winter Conference as well as the Department Convention, Executive Committee meetings, various standing committee meetings and other Legion functions. At the National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, I am happy to announce that Sioux Steel Company, Inc. of Sioux Falls, SD will be recognized as the Employer of the Year of the Disabled. This award is given by The American Legion National Veterans Employment and Education Commission. This Commission recognizes companies who hire veterans, disabled workers and older workers. Congratulations to Sioux Steel Company, Inc. of Sioux Falls. We have a number of National appointments from our state. However, congratulations go to Charemon Dunham of the Iroquois Post #280 on her appointment by National Commander Dellinger as National Historian. Charemon is doing an outstanding job representing South Dakota on the National level. Ken Orrock of Rapid City Post #22 was also appointed by National Commander Dellinger to chair the National Membership and Post Activities Commission. Ken is also doing an outstanding job on representing South Dakota on the National level. Charemon and Ken are committed Legionnaires and deserve our thanks and congratulations. Thank you for the privilege and honor to serve and represent the Department of South Dakota as National Executive Committeeman. I would also like to thank the staff of State Headquarters for their commitment to the Legionnaires and veterans of this state. Remember membership builds activities and an active Post helps build membership. For God and Country, Paul A. Evenson National Executive Committeeman

6 PAGE 6 SOUTH DAKOTA LEGION NEWS May th Annual Convention The American Legion Department of South Dakota Best Western Ramkota Convention Center, 920 West Sioux Avenue, Pierre, South Dakota June 19-22, 2014 State Convention Schedule of Events Thursday, June 19, :30 a.m. 5-Year Membership/Public Relations Committees, Lake Sharpe Room, Convention Center 10:00 a.m. Administrative Committee Meeting, Lake Sharpe Room, Convention Center 1:00 p.m. Executive Committee Meeting, Lake Sharpe Room, Convention Center 4:30 p.m. South Dakota American Legion Foundation Meeting, Lake Sharpe Room, Convention Center 7:00 p.m. Past Department Commanders Social and Dinner, Lake Francis Case Room, Convention Center Friday, June 20, :00 a.m. Department Headquarters Registration Desk Opens, Ramkota Conference Center 10:00 a.m. Resolutions Committee Initial Meeting, Lake Sharpe A Room, Convention Center 11:30 p.m. SDALPA Meeting and Luncheon, Gallery A Room, Convention Center 1:00 p.m. Convention Committee Chairpersons Meeting with Department Commander and Adjutant in the Convention Lobby 1:30 p.m. Convention Committee Meetings, Assigned Rooms Posted in Registration Area, Convention Center 4:30 p.m. *Joint Memorial Service, Ft. Pierre 6:00 p.m. *No Host Cocktail Reception, Ft. Pierre 7:00 p.m. *Joint American Legion/Auxiliary/SAL Banquet, *Community & Youth Involved Center, Fort Pierre Saturday, June 21, :00 a.m. Registration Desk Opens, Pre-Function Area, Convention Center 8:00 a.m. Department Headquarters Desk Opens, Pre-Function Area, Convention Center 8:30 a.m. Concert by SD American Legion Band, Pre-Function Area, Convention Center 9:00 a.m. South Dakota American Legion Convention General Session Convenes, Gallery B,C,D,E **Convention will not recess for lunch. 2:30 p.m. Convention General Session Recesses 3:30 p.m. Convention Parade, Downtown Pierre 6:00 p.m. Go-Getters Reception, Pierre Post #8 7:00 p.m. Go-Getters Dinner, Pierre Post #8 8:00 p.m. Fun Auction Courtyard Area, Ramkota Hotel, *All proceeds to SD American Legion Foundation Sunday, June 22, :00 a.m. Registration Desk Opens, Convention Center 8:00 a.m. Department Headquarters Desk opens, Pre-Function Area, Convention Center 9:00 a.m. SD American Legion Convention General Session Reconvenes, Gallery B,C,D,E 12:00 p.m. Election of Officers, (if all other business of the convention is completed prior to this time, the elections will be conducted at the time the other business is completed), Gallery B,C,D,E 12:30 p.m. Installation of Officers, Gallery B,C,D,E Ninety-Sixth Annual Department Convention Adjourns Post Department Executive Committee meeting following adjournment in Gallery A, B, & C, Best Western Ramkota Convention Center *Conference Schedule of Events is subject to change 96th Annual Department Convention in Pierre Continued from Page 1 Health Care System; Larry Zimmerman, Secretary of Veterans Affairs; as well as the leadership of the other major veteran service organizations in South Dakota. This year, as at recent past conventions, the Department will recognize the State Oratorical Champion, Boys State Governor, and the Department Eagle Scout of the Year. Winners of the South Dakota American Legion Press Association competition will be announced. Winners of the Pride of the Prairie membership awards, the Excellence in Americanism awards and the annual History awards will also be announced during the convention general assembly. Additional activities will include the recognition of all District Legionnaires of the Year and the announcement of the Department Legionnaire of the Year as well as the recipient of the Robert C. Gabrielson Memorial Leadership Award. There will also be presentations of multiple Employer of the Year and Membership Awards. Activities planned for Thursday, June 19th include the 5-Year membership / Public Relations Committees meeting at 8:30 a.m., the Department Administrative Committee meeting at 10:00 a.m., the Department Executive Committee will meet at 1:00 p.m., and the South Dakota American Legion Foundation will meet at 4:30 p.m. All of these meetings are scheduled to be held in the Lake Sharpe Room in the Best Western Ramkota Convention Center. The Past Commander s social and dinner is also scheduled for Thursday evening and that is scheduled to be held in the Lake Francis Case Room of the convention center starting at 7:00 p.m. Activities for Friday, June 20th, starts off with the Resolutions Committee initial meeting at 10:00 a.m. in the Ramkota Convention Center. SDALPA will hold their annual luncheon and meeting at 11:30 a.m. in the Gallery A Room of the convention center. At 1:30 p.m., the meetings of all convention committees will take place followed by the Joint Memorial Service which will be held in the Community & Youth Involved Center in Ft. Pierre starting at 4:30 p.m. At 7:00 p.m., the Joint American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, and Sons of The American Legion Banquet will be held in the Community & Youth Involved Center in Ft. Pierre. Tickets must be purchased in advance for the banquet as no tickets will be sold at the door. The keynote speaker for this year s Joint Banquet will be Darwin Goodspeed, Director of the Sioux Falls VA Health Care System. Mr. Goodspeed is a retired Navy Lt. Commander and took over as Director at Sioux Falls in December Saturday s activities include the General Assembly Session commencing at 9:00 a.m. in Gallery B, C, D & E of the Ramkota Convention Center with several dignitaries scheduled to address and bring greetings to the convention. There will be a convention parade again this year. The convention parade will march through downtown Pierre. The parade is scheduled to kick off around 3:30 p.m. Following the parade, there will be the annual Go-Getter reception and meal. The reception will be held at the Pierre American Legion Post #8 Home around 6:00 p.m. Of course, you may find a few hospitality rooms at the convention hotel after the Go- Getter reception. A great way to socialize, meet and greet fellow Legion Family members, and eat some good food to end your day s activities. Again this year, a fun auction is planned with 100% of the auction proceeds going to the South Dakota 2014 American Legion / Auxiliary / Sons of the American Legion 96th Annual State Convention, Pierre, SD JOINT BANQUET TICKET ORDER FORM Pre-order form for tickets to the Joint American Legion / Auxiliary / SAL Banquet Name Address City State Zip Phone ( ) Number of Tickets $15.00 each Total Amount Joint Banquet meal will feature: Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Corn, Dinner Rolls, Salad, and Dessert. *Advanced Banquet Ticket Sales ONLY. No banquet tickets will be sold at door. PLEASE NOTE Joint Banquet will be held at the Community & Youth Involved Center, 19 N. Main Ave., Fort Pierre. Social 6 p.m. / Banquet 7 p.m. American Legion Foundation. The fun auction is scheduled to be held in the Courtyard area in the convention hotel following the Go-Getter dinner. Sunday s final General Session will include the final various Committee reports as well as the election of Delegates and Alternate Delegates to the 96th Annual National Convention that will be held in Charlotte, North Carolina, August 22-28, 2014, and the Department Vice Commanders, Sergeant At Arms, and finally, Legionnaires will elect their new Department Commander. Legionnaires will get an opportunity to cast their ballots for a future National Vice Commander. There will be a Post-Department Executive Committee meeting immediately following adjournment of the 96th Annual State Convention. State Convention Fun Auction Items Needed Do you have an item or some items that you would like to donate for the 2014 State Convention Fun Auction? This year will be the fourth consecutive year that very nice donated items will be auctioned off at the State Convention. Over the past couple years, several thousands of dollars have been raised in support of the South Dakota American Legion Foundation. Every single penny raised at this auction goes to the South Dakota American Legion Foundation. Please consider donating auction items. Mail ticket request to: Pierre American Legion Post 8 P.O. Box 621 Pierre, SD 57501

7 May 2014 SOUTH DAKOTA LEGION NEWS PAGE Legislative Results From Pierre The 2014 Legislative Session was another very productive and successful session for the Veterans of South Dakota. Several Bills were passed and signed by the Governor that will help our Veterans and their families. The following are the results of the 2014 Legislative Bills that the SD American Legion monitored during the 89th Legislative Session in Pierre. The SD American Legion monitored a total of 7 bills. 1 Senate Bill which was SB 151 and 6 House Bills which were HB 1060, HB 1111, HB 1150, HB 1159, HB 1165, and HB We also had 1 Senate Commemoration which honored the 2013 American Legion Boys State and Girls State Governors and a House Concurrent Resolution recognizing Hot Springs, SD, as The Veterans Town. All 7 bills the American Legion monitored were passed in this year s legislature and were signed by Governor Daugaard. 1 Senate bill passed which was Senate Bill House Bills passed and they were House Bill s 1060, 1111, 1150, 1159, 1165, and Senate Commemoration Bill was approved and signed as well as 1 House Concurrent Resolution, HCR HB 1060 An Act to revise certain provisions regarding military specialty plates. 01/23/2014 House Transportation Committee PASSED /29/2014 House Floor PASSED /12/2014 Senate Transportation Committee PASSED /13/2014 Senate Floor PASSED /26/2014 Signed by Governor. HB 1111 An Act to revise certain provisions relating to the design, construction, and equipping of a veterans home near Hot Springs, to make an appropriation and to declare an emergency. 01/31/2014 House Appropriations Committee PASSED /24/2014 House Floor PASSED /03/2014 Senate Appropriations Committee PASSED /11/2014 Senate Floor PASSED /28/2014 Signed by Governor. HB 1150 An Act to require that the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States be recited at the start of each school day in every public school classroom. 02/19/2014 House State Affairs Committee PASSED /20/2014 House Floor PASSED /27/2014 Senate Education Committee PASSED /04/2014 Senate Floor PASSED /14/2014 Signed by Governor. HB 1159 An Act to revise the documentation requirements for designation as a veteran on drivers licenses, permits, and non-driver identification cards. 02/04/2014 House Transportation Committee PASSED /06/2014 House Floor PASSED /26/2014 Senate Transportation Committee PASSED /04/2014 Senate Floor PASSED /14/2014 Signed by Governor. HB 1165 An Act to adopt the Uniform Deployed Parents Custody and Visitation Act. 02/24/2014 House Judiciary Committee PASSED Legion testified. 02/25/2014 House Floor PASSED Amended Bill /04/2014 Senate Judiciary Committee PASSED /05/2014 Senate Floor PASSED /24/2014 Signed by Governor. HB 1185 An Act to allow certain veterans and family members of residents to obtain nonresident waterfowl hunting privileges, and to establish a penalty. 02/04/2014 House Ag. & Natural Resources Committee PASSED /06/2014 House Floor PASSED /25/2014 Senate Ag. & Natural Resources Committee PASSED /03/2014 Senate Floor PASSED as Amended /14/2014 Signed by Governor. SB 151 An Act to revise the appointment process for the State Veterans Home Superintendent. 02/07/2014 Senate State Affairs PASSED /10/2014 Senate Floor PASSED CALL-TO-ACTION sent. 02/26/2014 House State Affairs Committee PASSED /27/2014 House Floor PASSED /10/2014 Signed by Governor. SC 4 Honoring Tyson Mitzel of Westport, SD, and Madison Mead of Sioux Falls, 2013 American Legion Boys and Girls State Governors. 02/06/2014 Recognized in House & Senate. Photos with Gov. Daugaard. HCR 1004 Recognizing Hot Springs as The Veterans Town. 01/24/2014 House of Representatives Adopt Resolution /29/2014 Senate Concurred in Resolution, Passed Thank you everyone that contacted the legislators in Pierre in support of Veterans issues. Your voice helped these bills become law. Department 5-Year Membership Council Working to Enhance Membership Goals *All Posts Work To Attain 100% Membership 1WA_5693 Department 5-Year Membership Council, pictured bottom row left to right: State Adjutant Dennis Brenden of Watertown, State Commander Rick MacDonald of Hermosa, Chairman of the 5-Year Membership Council Terry Hanson of Arlington, Vice Chairperson of the 5-Year Membership Council and District 5 Commander Gena Keller of Watertown, National Executive Committeeman Paul Evenson of Sioux Falls (member of Garretson Post #23). Pictured top row left to right: State Children and Youth Chairman Royce Loesch of Pierre (member of Fort Pierre Post #20, State Assistant Adjutant Dave Gutzmer of Lake Preston, Past Department Commander Mark Weinmann of Canton (member of Hudson Post #128), Sioux Falls Post #15 Commander Ken Teunissen of Sioux Falls, Fred Nelson of Spearfish, District 7 Commander Gary Henle of Sioux Falls, and Educational Loan Committee Chairman Hugh Holmes of Mitchell. Not pictured is Past Department Commander Gerald Goetzinger of Martin, SD. THE AMERICAN LEGION Since its founding in Paris, France in 1919, The American Legion has a steadfast advocate for America s veterans, a friend of the U.S. military, a sponsor of community-based programs for young people and a spokesman for patriotic values. With millions of members, it is the nation s largest veterans group, with more than 14,000 locals posts in communities throughout the nation and six foreign countries. It s also the largest organization of Gulf War, Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. Membership is open to all men and women who served honorably in the U.S. military during an official wartime period. Service to Veterans: *Legion officials wrote the original GI Bill in *Provides free, professional assistance for any veteran in filing and pursuing claims before any administrative or judicial body of the Department of Veterans Affairs. *Inspection of VA medical facilities conducted by trained American Legion staff members as part of the System Worth Saving initiative. Service to the Military *The first veterans group to identify Gulf War Syndrome, it earlier led the way in helping service members suffering from Agent Orange and radiation exposure through joint research ventures with Columbia University. *Assists families of deployed active-duty troops through the Family Support Network, (800) *Established American Legion office in the Pentagon to assist severely injured servicemembers transition home in Heroes to Hometowns program. *Spearheaded passage of the GI Bill of the 21st century. Service to Community *Sponsors American Legion Boys State, American Legion Boys Nation, High School Oratorical Scholarship Program A Constitutional Speech Contest, Junior Shooting Sports and American Legion Baseball. *Largest collective donor of blood to the Red Cross (about 100,000 pints yearly). *National Emergency Fund awarded grants totaling more than $7 million to help victims of natural disasters since Service to County *Authored original flag code under federal law. *Founded Citizens Flag Alliance to advocate passage of a flag-protection constitutional amendment. *Provides honor guard at civic events and for the funerals of countless veterans. All veterans of honorable service during a wartime period, and those currently serving on active duty, are eligible to belong to The American Legion. Congress chartered The American Legion in 1919 as a veterans service organization. Since its founding, The American Legion has remained focused on activities that honor God and country. The American Legion is very much a community-based service organization. Among the programs conducted regularly are community Veterans Day and memorial Day observations, Blue Star Salutes honoring local military families and supportive businesses. The American Legion truly is a large organization of men and women who have stood to defend our nation in times of war and who continue to stand for a strong national defense in a changing world. These members steadfastly work to preserve the fabric of the United States of America. If you are not a member, we invite you to join us.

8 PAGE 8 SOUTH DAKOTA LEGION NEWS May 2014 Annual Report of the Department Membership Chairman Terry Hansen Terry Hansen It is time for the Annual Membership Report. Legionnaires, you have made my life GREAT this year. Working membership has been awesome and fun! As of this writing, 70 Posts are at or over 100%, 12 Counties are at or over 100%, Gary Henle and the District 7 team are over 100%. Great Job District 7, but coming up on the backstretch is the District 1 crew, they are just 6 members away from 100% and it looks like we may have a really close race to the finish between these two Districts and a eight way tie at the District level would be a race to remember. We are so close to our National Goal of 20,847. As of April 24 th, we are at 20,566 and that means we are only 281 members away from reaching our National Goal. Many Posts have done such a great job in keeping South Dakota at the top of the National Membership Standings all year, so let s not quit now. It is how we finish that really matters in the end. We can do this. Let s all make a commitment to call or visit that one Veteran we all know and ask them to join or renew for I would like to say CONGRATULATIONS and Thank You to all of our Posts that have reached or exceeded their assigned membership goal this year. I would like to individually mention each of the 70 Posts but due to limited space, I can only mention a few. Sioux Falls Post 15, 114% and they are still going, wow that is 219 members over goal, Ken Teunissen and his go getter crew have put in a lot of hard work. Fort Pierre Post 20, % and they are still going, 51 members over goal GREAT JOB! Royce Loesch and the Post 20 team have also put in a lot of hard work this year. So again, it just goes to show what hard work can do. Gena Keller and her team from Watertown Post 17 is on the move, as is Mike Ball and the Rapid City Post 22 team. These two Posts are in a battle to be the state s second largest Post and it looks to be another close race to the finish. To all our Native American Posts that have achieved their goals and more, GREAT JOB! Keep up the good work on membership. Membership is the life blood of our Great Organization. Now for some bad news, of the 20 largest Posts in South Dakota, only 7 of them has made 100%, plus, if the other 13 would go the extra mile, put in a little more effort, we would have another 388 members, we would meet our National Goal. Eleven of our Posts are below our Constitutional minimum of 15 paid members. These Posts are in danger of losing their Charter and this is not a good thing. Many of these Posts were chartered nearly 100 years ago with the idea of "Veterans Serving Veterans". What would their Founding members think of us if we let them slip away? We still have 6 Posts that have not yet certified their Post Officers for the year and the year is almost over. Certification of Post Officers needs to be done every year in order for a Post to receive their membership packets for the coming year and while I am on the subject of membership year, there seems to be some confusion across the state as to when our membership year actually starts. Our Membership Year starts July 1st and runs to June 31st the following year. Officer Certifications can be as easy as calling State Headquarters and telling them you have the same Post Officers for the coming year, if that is the case. If you do elect new Officers, our State Headquarters needs to know so they know who to mail the membership packets to. The State Headquarters Staff and members of our Membership Council are always available to help. We are just a phone call, or a letter away. All you need to do is "ASK & BELIEVE & YOU SHALL RECEIVE". The mylegion.org program has been a real great tool for some of our Posts. It can be used to look up expired members of your Post and to locate expired members of other Posts that now live in your area. If your Post is not using it, it should to be. It is really user friendly. If you can use , you can use mylegion.org. Last but not least, Commander Rick, I need to say thank you for letting me be the States pep rally leader. It s been great. Thanks to the Headquarters Staff for all the help. Vice Commanders keep up the good work. A big thank you to Dave Gutzmer because he has been my left and right hand man. It is time to use the expired membership lists and let s make a 100% of our goals. Terry Hanson, Membership Chairman Please check out The American Legion Department of South Dakota s new website at Legionnaires of the Year Recognition During the 2014 Spring District Conventions, the leadership within each District chose one of the local Post Legionnaires of the Year as the District Legionnaire of the Year. One of the 8 District Legionnaires of the Year will be selected to be the Department Legionnaire of the Year at the annual Department Convention. The 2014 District Legionnaire of the Year must attend the Department s Convention in Pierre to be eligible to be selected as the Department s Legionnaire of the Year. The selection committee for the Department Legionnaire of the Year will be comprised of the Department Commander and the two State Vice Commanders. Congratulations to all the District Legionnaires of the Year. District 1: Fred Nelson of Spearfish District 2: John Wheeler of Rapid City District 3: David Wonnenberg, Colome District 4: Charles Koerner of Eureka District 5: Richard Halbert, Veblen District 6: Rodney Anderson of Lake Preston District 7: Daniel Devaney of Dell Rapids District 8: Mark Wiechmann of Wagner New District Commander Seminar Held in Watertown, SD The Annual District Commander Seminar was held May 3-4, 2014, in Watertown, SD, to help assist the new American Legion District Commander s with their duties. District Commander s and District Vice Commander s attending the seminar were from District 1, Thom Hood; District 2, Robert King; District 5, Gena Keller; District 6, Annette Dunham; District 7, Gary Henle and District 8, Lee Rist. Attendees heard presentations from on Terry Hanson on Membership; DSO Warren Aas on Legislation, VA&R, & Resolutions; Ass t Adjutant Dave Gutzmer on MyLegion; Gary Wolkow on Finance; Alt. NEC Jim Huls on Media/ Public Relations; Dick Vohlken on the 100th Anniversary Celebration; and Adjutant Denny Brenden on Constitution and Bylaws and Policies. Together We Can By Rick MacDonald State Commander Rick MacDonald The District meetings are done and another great road trip is complete. We started the trip in Box Elder for District 1 and Hot Springs for District 2 s meeting. They both had very nice turnouts and great meetings. The new 100 th Anniversary Committee informed us of the need for a 100 th Anniversary Committee member from each post; this person s job is to keep in touch with the committee on what your post plans are for during the anniversary year. The new PR Committee also asked for a member of your post to be the post PR person, this person s job is to be your post representative to all the local newspapers and radio stations and the contact point with the state PR Committee. Please contact the state HQ with the names ASAP. The second weekend was a busy one with 4 meetings and a lot of driving. We traveled to Harrisburg for District 7, Arlington for District 6, Wagner for District 8, and finally to Hosmer for District 4. The meetings were all well attended and we had a great time at each one. After the Hosmer meeting we headed home in Caravan style. We only got to Pierre and had to call it a day as we were exhausted. We made it home the next morning. For some strange reason there seems to be many more deer on the road at night. They do keep you on your toes as you come around corners. The next weekend we traveled to Colome for District 3 and Watertown for District 5. The last weekend s meetings were also well attended and we had a great time at them also. It was a long ride home back to Hermosa after Watertown s meeting and we didn t get back home till 11:30pm. It was so nice to sleep in my own bed again. I want to thank all the Post s that put on meetings. Your hospitality and friendship are what makes this organization the best. My wife and I thank all of you for being so nice to us both. I just got back from the final Youth Trooper meeting. We had 56 applications to choose from this year. Each District had great applicants and got at least 2 selections. Unfortunately District 3 only had one applicant and wasn t chosen. The total chosen this year was 20 applicants and 3 alternates. Having so many applicants this year made the selection process very hard. Lots of good applicants were so close to being chosen. Please remind them all, that if they were just a junior this year to reapply next year. What a great 3 rd year this will be. Please plan to visit the program if you re in the area. The new State Commander will speak to the class on Wednesday. We are doing so well on membership this year. We just need just a little over 300 more to meet national goal. Chairman Terry is doing a fantastic job. You are all doing a great job of recruiting. It is all of you that do the work; we just give you the tools to do it. For those that did not make the District meetings, Chairman Terry made a challenge to all. If we can make it to the State goal of 100 percent by the end of the State Convention in Pierre on June 22 nd. That s just 1000 more members; both Chairman Terry and I will let Dakota Barber Royce Loesch remove all the hair on our heads during the final day of the convention. This includes the Commanders mustache (it hasn t been off since he attended Senior NCO Academy in 1990). Please help us stop the slide; let s make State Goal this year. Just Ask and Together we can and will meet this Goal. VA Issues New Identification (ID) Cards WASHINGTON (Feb. 21, 2014) -- The Department of Veterans Affairs is issuing new Veteran Health Identification Cards (VHICs) to about 4 million veterans and family members enrolled in VA s health-care system. The new cards provide a more secure means of identification for veterans due to Social Security numbers and dates of birth no longer contained in the card s magnetic strips or bar codes. Instead, the cards now display an Electronic Data Interchange Personnel Identifier number as the "member ID" on the front of the card and embedded in the magnetic strip. These numbers will be unique to each cardholder. According to VA, mailing of the cards "will begin soon. Because we will be reissuing 4 million cards, we ask for your patience during this time." A new VHIC will be automatically mailed to veterans who have the old Veteran Identification Card (VIC). Cards were scheduled to be mailed out beginning in April It may take up to three months to replace all cards.

9 May 2014 SOUTH DAKOTA LEGION NEWS PAGE 9 Warren Aas Warren L. Aas Thanks to State Commander MacDonald for the appointment as Chairman of the V.A.V.S. Committee this year. The commander is a dedicated leader for the Veterans programs along with our Sioux Falls VA Hospital VAVS Rep. Darwin Wahlert of Sioux Falls; Hot Springs VA Medical Center and State Veterans Home VAVS Rep. Kerwin (Pee Wee) Douthit of Hot Springs; and our Ft. Meade VA Medical Center VAVS Rep. Larry Rounsevell of Nemo, SD. At the annual meeting in Pierre it was decided again to furnish money for our Veteran s daily needs, for outing activities, and for the annual Christmas parties at each center. Each VA medical center representative asked for special needs, they were dental hygiene kits and personal hygiene supplies. There is always a need for coffee and popcorn donations. It is best to send monetary donations for these items. Thanks to all the V.A.V.S. Committee members for their dedicated work for Veterans. Thanks to all the Legion Posts, Auxiliaries, S.A.L. and the American Legion Rider Chapters for your time and monies that go for a very good cause, the Veterans! Please continue to volunteer and keep the donations coming! Ken Van Kekerix, V.A.V.S. Committee Chairman On behalf of the Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Committee, which consists of Chairman DSO Warren Aas, Harry Huffman Jr. of Ethan, Loyson Carda of Lemmon, Ron Hoffer of Roscoe and Jerry Lolley of Sturgis, it gives me great pleasure to present the following VA&R report. The American Legion continues to sustain very good numbers in terms of Power-Of-Attorney (POA) representation at the Sioux Falls Regional Office. The American Legion Awards for the calendar year 2013 (CY 2013, Jan-Dec), which consists of total one-time retro and running awards for veterans was in excess of $48 million dollars. These dollars paid to our veterans with American Legion POA is fairly consistent with previous years. The Fully Developed Claim (FDC) Program is a new and innovative program designed to rapidly process VA compensation or pension claims. It is the fastest way to get your VA compensation or pension claim processed. By choosing to participate in the FDC Program, a Veteran or survivor with an eligible claim will have his or her claim expeditiously routed through the claims process for a swift and accurate decision. The FDC claims get processed far more quickly than claims going through the traditional claims process. In September 2013, The American Legion Department of South Dakota started accepting applications from the County and Tribal Veterans Service Officers for American Legion Accreditation to prepare and prosecute claims for The American Legion. All applications are reviewed by our State Headquarters in Watertown for approval or denial. The American Legion National VA&R Division in Washington, D.C. supports the accreditation of County and Tribal Veterans Service Officers and encourages the Departments to consider providing accreditation to the CTVSO s. The Department of South Dakota has been accepting applications since September 2013 and retain the right to approve or deny applications on a case by case basis. State Headquarters in Watertown works very close with the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs Claims Division in Sioux Falls with the verification, training, certification, and accreditation of all TCVSO s and other advocates that apply for American Legion Accreditation. The VA is in the process of issuing the new Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) to all new VA health care enrollees and to all veterans currently enrolled in the VA health care system. If you are a veteran and have not filled out the application to get enrolled into the VA for healthcare, we encourage you to stop in and see your local Tribal or County Veterans Service Officer in your county or contact my office at for assistance. Thank you Commander MacDonald for allowing me the privilege to serve as the Chairman of the Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Committee during your year. Please take the time to attend your next post meeting. Ask your fellow post members if they need a ride to the meeting. You will be glad you did. Warren L. Aas, DSO, Chairman, VA&R Committee Ken Van Kekerix Ken Van Kekerix Hats in The Ring Birch-Miller American Legion Post #9 of Milbank, SD, has endorsed Tim Jurgens of Milbank, SD, for the position of State Commander for Codington County American Legion Post #17 of Watertown, SD, has endorsed Byron Callies of Watertown, SD, as a candidate for endorsement for National Vice Commander. Schmidt-Barnes American Legion Post #268 of Virgil, SD, has endorsed Gunner Baatrup of Huron, SD, (member of Virgil Post 268), as a candidate for endorsement for National Vice Commander. Piedmont Valley American Legion Post #311 has endorsed Rod Martens of Piedmont, SD, as a candidate for endorsement for National Vice Commander. Wheeler-Brooks American Legion Post #173 of Philip, SD, has endorsed Philip Pearson of Philip, SD, for the position of State Vice Commander representing Districts 1 & 2. Stanley American Legion Post #20 of Fort Pierre, SD, has endorsed Royce Loesch of Pierre, SD, (member of Fort Pierre Post #20), for the position of State Vice Commander representing Districts 3-8. George A. Fitzgerald American Legion Post #65 of Dell Rapids, SD, has endorsed Bill Huntimer of Dell Rapids, SD, for the position of Department Sergeant-At-Arms for The American Legion 100 Years Centennial Celebration Every American Legion Post in South Dakota has a history worth sharing. Whether your post was chartered in 1919 or 2009, every post has a story and legacy that has contributed to the overall identity of The American Legion. The Department of South Dakota 100th Anniversary Committee encourages all posts to research their post history and post that history on The American Legion Centennial Celebration web page for all to see and enjoy. Dick Vohlken, Chairman of the South Dakota American Legion 100th Anniversary Committee, encourages all posts to go to and post their history. Share your post history for everyone to enjoy. Gene Tornow Gene Tornow I would like to thank Commander Rick McDonald for appointing me to serve as the Chairman of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee for The Constitution of The American Legion, Department of South Dakota, provides in Article XV, Section 1, that Any amendment to this constitution may be proposed by any Post, or by the Department Standing Committee on Constitution and Bylaws. Any amendment proposed by a Post shall be submitted in writing to Department Headquarters at least six weeks prior to the annual Department Convention. The Department Adjutant shall present it immediately to the Department Committee on Constitution and Bylaws. At least 30 days prior to said convention, the Department Committee on Constitution and Bylaws shall transmit to all Posts, through Department Headquarters, a full copy of all amendments submitted by Posts, together with the favorable or unfavorable recommendation of the committee thereon, with a brief statement of reasons for such recommendation, and at the time the committee shall, in like manner, distribute to all Posts, full copy of any proposed amendment originating with the committee itself. Any resolution pertaining to changes of the constitution and bylaws of the Department of South Dakota American Legion should have been submitted to State Headquarters by 07 May 2014 for consideration by the Constitution and Bylaws Committee. No amendment shall be in order for consideration at any convention unless it shall have been so submitted or unless one day notice of a proposed amendment is given and there is then unanimous consent of all delegates to such consideration. If such unanimous consent is given, the Commander shall, immediately and without debate, refer the resolution to the committee on Constitution and Bylaws for consideration and recommendation to the proposing convention, for final action. The only way The American Legion will change and grow is with resolutions submitted by the local Posts within the Department. Respectfully submitted Gene Tornow, Chairman, Constitution & Bylaws Committee Ron Millage Ron Millage Thank you Commander MacDonald for selecting me to be chairman of the National Cemetery Committee this year. Members of the National Cemetery Committee are Bill Bielmaier of Wall, John Antar of Box Elder, Ron Schuttler of Spearfish, Jerry Lolley of Sturgis, and Ron Millage of Philip chairman The Director of the Black Hills National Cemetery William Haggerty has accepted a position in St Louis and started in January of We thank Mr. Haggerty for all the effort he put into the cemetery, and wish him well in his new appointment. Terry W. Corkins has been acting director for the last few months. Shrey Auston has been selected to be the new director at the Black Hills National Cemetery; she will take over that position in early May. We wish her the best, and welcome her to the area. Four temporary caretakers will be hired for the summer. There were 728 burials at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Section K, the south edge of the cemetery, has double vaults that are 20 inches below the ground level. This area has been in use since July of The Columbarium will hold 2500 cremation urns, and it is about 20 percent full. The blizzard in October 2013 did some damage to the cemetery, not a lot to the buildings, but about 40 trees were damaged. Some had to be taken down, and some just trimmed. In the future there are about 10,000 headstones that will be raised and or realigned. About 700,000 square feet of sod is to be renovated. Vehicles and equipment are in good shape. A new National Tribal Cemetery was dedicated recently near Rosebud. It is about 10 miles south of White River South Dakota. This is the first National Tribal Cemetery in the United States. The setting is beautiful with cedar draws in the background. If you get a chance be sure to stop and see the Cemetery. There is another National Tribal Cemetery under construction about 8 miles east of Kyle South Dakota. Respectfully, Ron Millage, Chairman National Cemetery Committee It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed. - Theodore Roosevelt

10 PAGE 10 SOUTH DAKOTA LEGION NEWS May 2014 Gene Opbroek Gene Opbroek The Trust Fund continued to have a good year and appears to be strong in Company earnings were strong and unemployment is down slightly. The current interest rate and environmental issues continue to help in the economic recovery. Consumer sentiment has approved. The year end market value as of April 30, 2014 was $405,330.59, compared to a year end market value on April 30, 2013 of $387, The current asset allocation for the trust is as follows: Money Market is 6% which currently yields 0.01%; Fixed Income with an average yield of 2.7%; Equity Market is 35%; Real Assets is 11%; and Complimentary Strategies is 11%. The total investment income for the period of May 1, 2013 through April 30, 2014 was $7, The total cost for this period was $4, The portfolio is diversified helping to keep The American Legion Trust fund secure. Ron Tolrud, Chairman, Trust Committee The 72 nd session of the South Dakota American Legion Boys State Program will be held on the Northern State University Campus from 1 June through 6 June Once again our session will begin with the Boys State Corporation meeting at 3:00 P.M. on Sunday 1 June followed by the Boys State Board of Directors meeting at 4:00 P.M. This year our staff training will include portions of the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program. Staff will also complete the initial paperwork for Federal Background Checks. Background Checks are requirements for certain programs within the American Legion and also a requirement for adult staff at Northern State University. Northern State University is undergoing upgrades the Johnson Fine Arts Center so this year some of our city, county and state meetings will be held at the Student Center in the Centennial room and also in the Krikac Auditorium. As always, Dr. Smith, Allen Vogel and the NSU staff have made changes to accommodate our program. These improvements will continue to benefit Northern State University and the Boys State Program. Thursday June 5 th is designated as Veterans Day. We encourage all of our Veterans to attend. The Staff and Boys State participants always look forward to meeting our Veterans. Boys Nation representatives Joe Morgan and Lucas Bartl scored very well at Boys Nation. Mr. Bartl scored an average of 4.4 out of a possible 5 and demonstrated leadership potential, Lucas ran for various elected positions and although he was defeated still showed much resolve and used the experience as a learning tool. Mr. Morgan scored a 4.2 and was very committed to the program and successfully pursued an elected position. I would like to thank the South Dakota American Legion, the Adjutant and staff at Legion Headquarters and all the local posts for the outstanding support we receive to continue the Boys State Program. We continue to see the Best of the Best young Americans attend the Boys State and Boys Nation Programs. This would not be possible without their support and hard work. The Board of Directors, Staff and I are very proud to be part of Boys State. Respectfully submitted; Eugene Opbroek, Director Ron Tolrud Ron Tolrud Lemieux Resigns as District 3 Commander Nancy Lemieux of Pierre, SD, has notified State Commander of her resignation as District 3 Commander following the District 3 Spring Conference in Colome, SD. District 3 Vice Commander LeRoy Klinger of Pierre will fill the position of District 3 Commander. American Legion Memorial Bridge to be Dedicated in Chamberlain Potter American Legion Post #3 in Chamberlain, SD, would like to cordially invite everyone to Chamberlain on Friday, June 13, 2014, for the official dedication of the bridge in Chamberlain which will now be officially known as American Legion Memorial Bridge. The dedication will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the bridge downtown Chamberlain. All are invited to attend the dedication. Hugh Holmes Hugh Holmes Mr. Commander: The South Dakota American Legion Athletic Commission would like to thank all the Posts who hosted athletic events this past year and the upcoming events this year and also the support giving by Commander McDonald and his staff who was at a lot of our events and all our commission meetings. Last year s State B baseball tournament was hosted by Post 40 in Webster and was won by Groton. Webster was a wonderful host and treated me, my staff and all the teams very graciously. Our State Championship Tournament was hosted by Rapid City Post 22 and was also won by Post 22 of Rapid City. Congratulations to the hardhats. The hardhats went onto the National Regional Tournament but were unfortunately eliminated from competition but had a great season under the leadership of Mitch Messer. Our Jr. State Tournament Was Cohosted by American Legion Post 15 and the VFW Post both of Sioux Falls. Sioux Falls West was the eventual winner and Watertown the runner up. We did send both of these teams to a Jr. Regional tournament in MO and Watertown ended up as runner up, congratulations to the Watertown Jr. program. We also sent a State B representative, Flandreau, to a Division II tournament in Kansas who eventually won that tournament. Congratulations on being a fine representative for SD. A quick note on the American Legion World Series in Shelby, NC, Shelby again set record attendance for the series of about 120,000 people. I think the right decision was made on having a permanent site to host the American Legion World Series. This past year golf tournament was hosted also by Post 40 of Webster and they again did a great job. I was unable to attend because of our annual meeting in Indianapolis. I missed out on a good time as noted by fellow commissioners Elton Blemaster and Gene Gillen who played and helped run the event. At this years Mid-Winter meeting the following cities were awarded State Tournament bids for the 2015 year. The State B Tournament will be hosted by Post 140 of Salem and the State Championship Tournament was awarded to Post 74 of Brookings. Some final details are being worked out yet for the procedure on awarding the bid for our Jr. Legion State tournament. We will award the Jr. Legion State Tournament bid for 2015 at our January 2015 meeting. Some dates to remember for the 2014 year are as follows: The State B tournament will be hosted by Post 183 in Tabor from July 25 th thru July 29th. The State Championship Tournament will be hosted by Post 7 of Huron from July 30th thru Aug 3 rd. The State Jr. Legion Tournament is being hosted by Post 24 of Aberdeen from July 24 th thru July 27 th. Also this year Post 9 of Milbank will be hosting the Division II tournament for small schools from Aug 7 th thru Aug 10 th. This year Golf Tournament will be sponsored Post 23 of Garretson. The golf tournament is tentatively scheduled for the 2 nd weekend after Labor Day. Updates: The first year of our cosponsored Jr. Legion program between the American Legion and the VFW was a huge success. We had great enthusiasm with all the teams that participated in the program with a nice reward at the end of the season by being able to send 2 teams out of state to a National tournament. This will be a strong feeder program for the senior teams because now both groups are under the guidance and supervision of the same coaching staff and philosophy. I think the number of teams this year should be stable. At this point I have had a number of new team inquiries for this year in both the A & B levels. Interest in baseball this year seems a little stronger than in years past, next year might be a trying year for our B class of baseball because eliminations of the college age player. Not totally sure if National will make any further changes to this ruling but there has been rumors of a change back again. I will keep you posted. I know it will affect our B program some but not totally sure on how much yet. Only time will tell. I hope we can make a slight adjustment to the ruling for the benefit of our small programs. that concludes my report and on the behalf of the Athletic Commission, it is our pleasure to continue to serve on the South Dakota American Legion Athletic Commission. Respectfully Submitted Dan Sudbeck, Chairman, Department Athletic Commission In December 2013, we lost Chairman Richard McBrayer as a long time member of this committee. His proven leadership provided guidance on how we reviewed education loan applications. His idea was to approve all loans as long as they met the requirements. Our condolences to the McBrayer s family for there lost of a great individual, working for the betterment of The American Legion. During the year, the Department Education Loan Committee met in July 2013 to review the fall semester applications and again during January 2014 to review the spring semester applications. The committee reviewed Teacher of the Year nominations during April A total of eight reviewed and approved for funding in the amount of $12, The majority of the applications were for grandchildren of wartime veterans. The education loans offered by the Department of South Dakota, The American Legion, are in the amount $ each. A student is eligible for two loans with a maximum total amount of $ The loans are for secondary education, college or technical school, for veterans, children of veterans, and grandchildren of veterans who meet the requirements as set forth in the Education Loan brochure. In all cases, the veteran must be eligible to join The American Legion. The student must attend a higher education school in the state of South Dakota unless their plan of study is not taught in any South Dakota school. The interest rate is 3% if the student starts repayment with 90 days of termination of school; otherwise, the rate is 8%. More specific details can be obtained from State Headquarters, your District Education Loan Chairperson, or a member of the state Education Loan Committee. The state committee consists of Jerry Mencke, Huron, Mike Elsberry, Tyndall, and Hugh Holmes, Mitchell. The Education Loan Committee expresses our appreciation for the various memorials and donations received this pass year. We also thank the Department Executive Committee, State Headquarters, American Legion Posts, Auxiliary Units, and individuals throughout our great state. Respectfully Submitted, Hugh W. Holmes Chairman, Education Loan Committee Dan Sudbeck Dan Sudbeck

11 May 2014 SOUTH DAKOTA LEGION NEWS PAGE 11 SOUTH DAKOTA AMERICAN LEGION EDUCATIONAL LOAN COMMITTEE FINANCIAL REPORT Balance, $74, RECEIPTS: Loan Repayments $24, Interest $23.67 Memorials and Donations $ $25, $25, TOTAL $99, DISBURSEMENTS: Service Fees $ Educational Loans $12, Refunds $0.00 TOTAL $12, $12, Balance, $87, VAVS COMMITTEE FINANCIAL REPORT Balance, $7, RECEIPTS: From General Fund $0.00 Interest $3.01 Memorials and Donations $3, $3, $3, TOTAL $11, DISBURSEMENTS: Service Fees $4.50 VA Facilities $5, Committee & Rep Expenses $ TOTAL $6, $6, Balance, $4, ATHLETIC COMMISSION FINANCIAL REPORT Balance, $7, RECEIPTS: Entry Fees $11, Interest $1.39 $11, $11, TOTAL $18, DISBURSEMENTS: Tournament Registrations $1, Background Checks $ Print Em Now Books $ Commission Expenses $4, Refunds to Teams $2, TOTAL $9, $9, Balance, $9, South Dakota American Legion Website Gets a New Colorful Look On Friday, May 16, 2014, The American Legion Department of South Dakota officially switched over to their new department website. For several years, State Commander Rick MacDonald of Hermosa was gracious enough to volunteer his time and expertise as the webmaster to keep our department website current. Commander MacDonald can now sit back and rest because his work is over. The new department website is now in the hands of the State Headquarters Staff that will keep the website updated. The newly updated department website offers a new colorful patriotic look that we hope will be user friendly for all users that visit the website. The Headquarters Staff will be under somewhat of a learning curve for a while as they work with the website updating information and events so they ask for your patience. Items of information, s and events will be added on a continual basis as needed and if you would like to see something added or changed, please let us know and we will work to make the website even better for you. You can visit the department website at CHILDREN AND YOUTH FINANCIAL REPORT Balance, $21, RECEIPTS: Interest $5.61 Memorials and Donations $75.00 TOTAL $80.61 $80.61 $21, DISBURSEMENTS: To General Fund $0.00 TFA s $5, TOTAL $5, $5, Balance, $16, Summary of Assets as of April 30, 2014 Description of Assets Market % of Value Assets Cash (Money Market) $24, % Bonds (Fixed Assets) $149, % Common Stock (Equities) $141, % Real Asset Fund $44, % Complementary $44, % TOTAL $405, % MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN FINANCIAL REPORT Budget Amount $8, Membership Award from National $0.00 Total $8, DISBURSEMENTS: Committee, Travel & Awards $5, Balance in Fund, $2, Calendar of Events June : Boys State, Northern State University, Aberdeen, SD 3: Election Day (Primary) 5: American Legion Day at Boys State, NSU Campus, Aberdeen 5-8: VFW State Convention, Custer, SD 6: Deadline for State Convention Resolutions at State Headquarters 14: Flag Day 14: Flag Day Event. FREE Concert, S. Falls Veterans Park, 10 AM 15: Father s Day 17: Deadline for 2019 State Convention & MidWinter Bids 19-22: 96th Annual State American Legion Convention in Pierre, SD 21: Fun Auction. State Convention, Pierre, SD 22: G. I. Bill signed into law : National Convention Packets Mailed to Delegates & Alternates 23-27: Youth Trooper Academy, Pierre, SD July : Independence Day 7: Deadline for National Convention Packets to State Headquarters 7: Black Hills National Cemetery Unaccompanied Memorial Service 9: FREE Patriotic Concert, S. Falls Veterans Park, 147th Army Band 16: South Dakota Veterans Council Meeting, DAV, Sioux Falls, SD 18-26: Boys Nation, Washington, D.C : American Legion B Baseball Tournament, Tabor, SD July 30-Aug 3: State Championship Baseball Tourney, Huron, SD July 31-Aug 2: DSO School Indianapolis, IN July 31-Aug 2: Membership Workshop Indianapolis, IN August : DOL Veterans Job Fair, Augustana College, Sioux Falls, SD 7-11: Central Plains National Regional Baseball Tourney, Fargo, ND 15-20: American Legion World Series Baseball Tourney, Shelby, NC 22-28: 96th Annual Legion National Convention, Charlotte, NC 2014 American Legion Baseball Tournaments Baseball Logo here The 2014 American Legion Baseball Tournament location and dates are set. The B American Legion Baseball Tournament will be held July 25-29, 2014, in Tabor, SD, and this tournament will be hosted by Kortan -Hatwan American Legion Post #183 in Tabor, SD. The State Senior Championship American Legion Baseball Tournament is scheduled to be held July 30 -August 3, 2014, in Huron, SD, and this tournament will be hosted by William F. Reaves American Legion Post #7 in Huron, SD. The Central Plains National Regional Senior American Legion Baseball Tournament is scheduled to be held August 7-11, 2014, in the Jack Williams Stadium in Fargo, ND. The th Annual American Legion Baseball World Series Tournament will be held August 15-19, 2014, at Keeter Stadium in Shelby, North Carolina. Legionnaires are encouraged to support the American Legion Baseball program by coming out and attending the games. Wear your Legion cap and enjoy the games! Gunner Baatrup

12 PAGE 12 SOUTH DAKOTA LEGION NEWS May 2014 South Dakota American Legion Legislative Reception Held in Pierre The American Legion Family of South Dakota from across the state gathered in Pierre on Thursday, February 6, 2014, for the Annual South Dakota American Legion s Legislative Reception. The day commenced with a noon luncheon with the 2013 Boys State Governor Tyson Mitzel of Westport, SD; Madison Maddie Mead of Sioux Falls; the leadership of The American Legion and The American Legion Auxiliary. Both Tyson and Madison were accompanied by their fathers. Following the luncheon, everyone gathered in the State Capitol Rotunda for the official presentation of the Senate Commemorations to the Boys/Girls State Governors by State Senator Reid Holien of Watertown, the primary sponsor of the commemorations. Several s were taken to commemorate the day (See s below.) South Dakota Secretary of Veterans Affairs Larry Zimmerman took time out of his busy schedule to congratulate and take a few s with Tyson and Madison. One of the highlights of the day for the Boys/Girls State Governors was greeting and posing for several pictures with Governor Daugaard. Governor Daugaard spent a few minutes congratulating them on their accomplishments, shaking hands with their parents and members of the Legion Family present for the event. Next on the agenda was being recognized in the Senate and House. In the Senate, Lt. Governor Matt Michels introduced Tyson and Madison as well as several American Legion Family Boys State and Girls State leaders to a standing ovation by the Legislators on the Senate floor. From there, we immediately went over to the House side where the Speaker of the House, Brian Gosch did the introductions with another standing ovation from the Representatives on the House floor. The day continued with the Department Legislative Committee meeting at 3:00 p.m. at the Pierre American Legion Post 8 Home to review and discuss the current bills before the 2014 Legislative Session that pertains to veterans issues. State Commander MacDonald welcomed Secretary of Veterans Affairs Larry Zimmerman to the meeting. During the day, several Legionnaires had the opportunity to visit the State Capitol and witness the Legislators in action in both the State House and Senate. The Legislative Reception kicked off at 4:30 p.m. and was very well attended by Legion Family members and Legislators alike. Again this year, as in the past years several years, the members of Pierre American Legion Post 8 did an outstanding job preparing a great meal and providing some outstanding hospitality for the Legislative Reception. This American Legion Legislative Reception was a great success. Legislators and Legionnaires had a chance to visit, renew acquaintances, enjoy a great meal prepared by Pierre Post 8, and discuss legislative issues that concern our veterans. These successes don t happen without your support. Everyone enjoyed a good time. IMG_2354 Tyson Mitzel, State Senator Reid Holien and Madison Mead IMG_2368 Madison Mead, Governor Dennis Daugaard and Tyson Mitzel Department 100th Anniversary Committee Meets in Chamberlain The 100th Anniversary Committee members met in Chamberlain, SD, on March 8, 2014, to discuss establishing events to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of The American Legion. Members of the 100th Anniversary Committee are State Commander Rick MacDonald of Hermosa; Richard Vohlken of Watertown; John Harper of Watertown; Mark Mills of Custer; Bobbi Jean Jarvinen of Rapid City; Jeff Wilkes of Sioux Falls; Jerry Mencke of Huron; Ronald Hopkins of Tripp; and Charemon Dunham of Iroquois. State Commander MacDonald appointed Richard Vohlken of Watertown as chairman of the committee. One of the priority items discussed during the meeting was to have every post in the Department of South Dakota write a brief history of their Post. Once their post history is compiled and written, it needs to be put on the National Headquarters Centennial website at for everyone to view. A copy of the post history should also be sent to State Headquarters in Watertown, SD, so a workbook can be assembled with all the Post histories. All Posts are encouraged to start working on their Post histories. Membership Ask, Believe, and You Shall Receive By Terry Hanson State Membership Chairman Terry Hanson WOW: What a year! We are so close to making our national goal of 98.35%. Now let s get to work on the State goal. We are at 95.04%. Commander Mac- Donald and Membership Chairman Hanson are both in need of a haircut and you know you are. You are the only people that can make this happen. You are the Membership Team! Just make the 100% Department goal and we will have are heads shaved at the State Convention in Pierre!! Also, Commander MacDonald will shave his growth under his nose one side each day. I am not going to preach a lot on membership. All of that is in my annual report but I will bring up the retention and the expired members list that are available on mylegion.org. If you are not using a computer in your Post, you need to find someone that is. Everyone in the American Legion knows someone that can be a member, brother, sister, cousin, uncle, aunt, best friend, or the people next door, employer, or a fellow workers. All you have to do ASK. BELIEVE, AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE. May 20, 2014 In State Headquarters State Vice / District Commanders Membership Standings State Vice Commander Goal Mbers Percent Dist. 1-2 Duane Riedlinger 3,575 3, % Dist. 3-8 Hans Nelson 17,732 16, % District Commander Goal Mbers Percent Dist. 1 Thom Hood 1,506 1, % 2 Dist. 2 Ed Thompson 2,069 1, % 4 Dist. 3 LeRoy Klinger 2,027 1, % 6 Dist. 4 Paul Douglas 2,471 2, % 8 Dist. 5 Gena Keller 3,808 3, % 7 Dist. 6 Annette Dunham 2,942 2, % 5 Dist. 7 Gary Henle 4,119 4, % 1 Dist. 8 Lee Rist 2,365 2, % 3 Post State Totals 21,575 20, % Bradley Richardson Named Superintendent for Michael J. Fitzmaurice State Veterans Home PIERRE, S.D. Larry Zimmerman, Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, has announced that Bradley Richardson has been named the superintendent of the Michael J Fitzmaurice State Veterans Home in Hot Springs. Bradley has more than 29 years of leadership, experience and knowledge in military healthcare and has vast expertise in healthcare management, said Secretary Zimmerman. Richardson will be an outstanding leader for our State Veterans Home. His education and military experience will be a great asset as we construct and transition into our new veterans home. Richardson, a South Dakota native, is anxious to return to his home state and continue to work and support the healthcare needs of our veterans. We are fortunate that an administrator of Richardson s stature will be leading our great team at the state veterans home and look forward to his arrival on June 11, said Zimmerman. Dellinger Calls for the Resignation of VA Secretary Eric Shinseki and Others On May 5, 2014, National Commander Dan Dellinger held a press conference that called for the resignations of VA Secretary Eric Shinseki as well as VA Under Secretary of Health Robert Petzel and the VA Under Secretary of Benefits Allison Hickey for failed leadership with a pattern of scandals that have infected the entire VA system. Dellinger said that the VA has a widespread problem that goes beyond the misbehavior of a few VA Medical Center directors and senior executives. The VA has also dragged its feet in dealing with the backlog of disability claims and modernizing its records.