ALASKA Legionnaire VOL. 98 No 05 1606 POW/MIAs Still unaccounted for - WHY? November/December 2017 Honor our Veterans, two legged and four. Happy Veterans Day November 11, 2017 The American Legion Department of Alaska 1550 Charter Circle Anchorage, Ak 99508 Happy Birthday Marine Corps November 10, 2017 SEMPER FI 's Corner By W.E. "Gene" Franks First I would like to thank Spenard Post 28 for hosting the Fall Workshop. The Legion family was represented and some good presentations were given especially by Mike Downs,, Jack Henry Post 1 and Nate Carter, Department 1st Vice and membership chairman concerning the mylegion.org and the benefits and information that is available to the Post. If you as a Post have not signed up for mylegion.org you are missing out. For those of you who did not have a chance to attend, Post 28 had one of the best $5.00 hamburgers on record. Again this year the Sons of the American Legion annual steak feed will be held at Spenard Post 28 on January 27th 4-9 p.m. This is one of the fund raisers that the S.A.L. has and the proceeds go to the Boys and Girls State program. The price is still only $30.00 for their famous 32 oz. T-Bone. There have been a few questions concerning the Paid Up For Life (PUFL) membership. In the good old days you could just go to your Post, get an application, fill it out, give it to your and go from there. Now, the new process is you must go through National, legion.org, request an application, or complete an application on line (while receiving a $100 discount) and then National will complete the process while your Post and Department will only receive the results. As usual, not too early to start thinking about next year's Post elections, the Oratorical Contest, Boys and Girls State and your nominations for the Legionnaire,,, and Educator of the year. With a little time and effort you may even find someone in your area who may qualify for the Law Officer and Firefighter of the year. I know you get tired of "reminders" but one of the most important reports that a Post can submit is the Consolidated Post Report. This includes your activities as a Post and individuals. I would imagine that if you had a few Legionnaires who spent many hours of their time helping the Post, Community, State, and Nation and received no acknowledgement for their efforts, it would be rather discouraging. Don't be shy, beat your own drum and let others know what you do. And the reminder, before you start calling, the next issue of the Legionnaire will have the unpaid officers listed on the front page. HAPPY BIRTHDAY UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS NOVEMBER 10, 1775 * * * * * * INSIDE * * * * * * * Historian's Corner... pg 2 Chaplin Corner...pg 3 Vice s... pg 3 AL Riders... pg 4 TAPS... pg 4 Service Office... pg 4 NEC... pg 5 Happenings... pg 5 Sons... pg 6 Auxiliary... pg 7 COMMANDER'S CORNER By Kirk Waldhouse As I write this I am getting ready to leave for the Fall Meetings at the American Legion National Headquarters in Indianapolis. In addition to the regular sessions for commanders and adjutants, I will be focusing on the preparations for the Legion Centennial activities. While in Reno I picked up a number of ideas for things that we can do to recognize the legacy of the Legion. I would like us to get going on some of these thing, now. Our Alaska Centennial Coin is a good start. Other things include post history, tending early commanders grave, and inviting everyone to our post for Veterans Day dinner. National Rohan has asked posts, that are able, to open their post home, plan and promote this year's "bigger and better" Family First! Veterans Day Dinner in their local communities. The individual Post should invite specific groups/individuals from the community, such as law enforcement officials, school teachers, National Guard families, Military Family Support Groups, Scouts and others. I realize the time line is very short to put a public dinner together, but hey, we are veterans and we know about getting things done. Before the start of the National Convention, Past National Rehbein and several other members of the Centennial Committee located the grave of Thomas Miller. Mr. Miller was one of the founders of the American Legion. His grave marker was overgrown with grass and very dirty. The group trimmed the grass, cleaned the marker and the area held a small ceremony. Out of this small gesture came the idea that to honor our early leaders we should do the same. Each post, particularly the Centennial Posts, should locate their first commander's grave and perform the same honors. I realize that many of our early leaders left Alaska before transferring to Post Everlasting. Maybe we can locate their graves and contact a nearby Post to conduct the service. Now I must say a few words about membership. It is right there in the rules for commanders, #2 says that each time the commander writes or gives a speech he/she must discuss membership. Anyway, congratulations to all those post that made the 50% of goal by the September cut-off date. Now, 1 or more dates have passed. I look forward to congratulating those post that made the new percentage/date. For those of you that fell a little short. It's time to go to mylegion.org and pull those list of members that haven't renewed and get on the phone and encourage renewal. Finally, if I haven't visited your post yet there is still time to schedule a visitation. A formal dinner or event is not required, a social meet and greet is very appropriate. Just let me or the Department know when you would like me to drop in. I would like to meet as many of you as possible during the next 6 months. For God and Country
Page 2 Alaska Legionnaire November/December 2017 From The American Legion, Department of Alaska DEPARTMENT SPONSORED INSURANCE PROGRAMS The Legionnaire Insurance Trust has been The Department of Alaska s sponsored member benefits program since 1988 and continues to fulfill our members needs while being the only such program to benefit our Department for 26 years. For more information on the products and services provided by the Legionnaire Insurance Trust, Call: 1-800-235-6943 Or visit our web site at: www.thelit.com THE AMERICAN LEGION DEPARTMENT OF ALASKA DEPARTMENT OFFICERS 2017-2018...Kirk Waldhaus...13125 Cape Circle, Anchorage, Alaska 99515 First Vice...Nate Carter... 2250 Sentry Drive, Anchorage, Alaska 99507 Second Vice...Art Bell...100 Bunnell Unit 3A Anchorage, Alaska 99508 -Finance Officer...Gene Franks...1550 Charter Circle, Anchorage, Alaska 99508...Fred Richardson...POB 2934 Palmer, Alaska 99654 Sergeant-At-Arms...Matt Larson...POB 643 Willow, Alaska 99688 Chaplin...Billy Smith...2817 Talkeetna Street, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709 Historian...Ray Hollenbeck..1457 N. Pioneer Peak Drive, Wasilla, AK 99654 Judge Advocate...Ken Jacobus...310 K Street Ste 200, Anchorage, Alaska 99501 Executive Committeeman...Mike Uland...412 Hanes Ave, Fairbanks, Alaska 99701 Executive Committeeman...Kent Winship...POB 257 Dillingham, Alaska 99576 Executive Committeeman...Mark Berg...7913 Arlene Street, Anchorage, Alaska 99502 NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEMEN NEC...Jim Pisa...4043 Hampton Drive, Anchorage, Alaska 99504 Alternative Committeeman...Steve Huisman...4700 Rivers Street, North Pole, Alaska 99705 DEPARTMENT COMMANDER AIDES Con Miller Post 30...Jim Scott...1124 Holmes Road, North Pole, Alaska 99705 Susitna Valley Post 35...Dave Webster...8266 W. Hollywood Rd, Wasilla, Alaska 99623 George H. Plumley Memorial Post 20..Tom Schanrock 53235 Thunder Rd, Kenai, AK 99827 Lynn Canal Post 12...John Newton...POB 393 Haines, Alaska 9982 Spenard Post 28...Arnold Heck...3534 Sherrie St., Anchorage, Alaska 99504 The Historian's Notebook By Ray Hollenbeck ~Department of Alaska History~ Here are a few interesting facts about the History of the Department of Alaska; The First Annual Convention was held in Juneau, Alaska on April 23rd to the 26th, 1920 in room 324 of the Goldstein Building. The Territorial Officers were; John P. Walker of Juneau, 1st Vice Harold F. Daws of Juneau, 2nd Vice, John A. Talbot of Ketchikan, George E. Mann of Juneau,Finance Officer George E. Cleveland of Juneau, Historian/Chaplain Rev. John L. Hughes of Anchorage. Jack Henry Post 1 Valdez Post 2 Ketchikan Post 3 Alford John Bradford Post 4 Isaac Evans Post 5 Merlin Elmer Palmer Post 6 John T. Bossi Post 7 John W. Jones Post 8 Nome Post 9 Davidson Post 10 Dorman H. Baker Post 11 Post in the Department of Alaska in 1920 Anchorage Valdez Ketchikan Juneau Seward Wrangell Ft. Liscum Cordova Nome Haines Fairbanks There was a heated debate between and Valdez and Ketchikan about hosting the Second Annual Convention. Valdez won the vote with 13 members voting. Ketchikan received 12 votes. However, Ketchikan's bid for the Third Annual Convention was approved at the Second Annual Convention. (Minutes from the 1st Annual Convention) THE ALASKA LEGIONNAIRE (USPS 012-100) OFFICIAL Bi-MONTHLY PUBLICA- TION OF The American Legion, Department of Alaska 1550 Charter Circle, Anchorage, Alaska 99508 Member of The National American Legion Press Association W.E. Gene Franks, Managing Editor The Alaska Legionnaire (USPS 012-100) is published bi-monthly for $3.00 yearly subscription. Office of publication is The American Legion, Department of Alaska, 1550 Charter Circle, Anchorage, Alaska 99508. Periodicals postage paid at Anchorage, Alaska. Printed by Anchorage Printing, a private firm in no way connected with The American Legion, Department of Alaska. This newspaper is an authorized publication for members and families of The American Legion, Department of Alaska, and other approved subscribers. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts and supplements, does not constitute endorsement by The American Legion, The Department of Alaska, or Anchorage Printing, of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. For information on advertising, call (907) 278-8598, fax to (907) 278-0041 or email to: legion@anch.net. SUBSCRIPTION RATES ~ PAY- ABLE IN ADVANCE Members of The American Legion, Department of Alaska subscription included in payment of annual dues. ALL OTHERS: United States and possessions - $5.00 per year; Foreign - $10.00 per year. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Alaska Legionnaire, 1550 Charter Circle, Anchorage, Alaska 99508. By the Second Annual Convention, held on April 12, 13, 14, 1921 in Valdez, Alaska we had gained 3 new Post; Harold Anderson Post 12 Nenana, Sitka Post 13, and Petersburg Post 14. A interesting line item on the Financial Statement was $19.45 for telegrams. Ft. Liscum, Alaska 1891 Target Membership Dates to Remember November 15, 2017 65% December 13, 2017 75% January 18. 2018 80% March 14, 2018 85% April 11, 2018 95% May 9, 2018 100%
Page 3 Alaska Legionnaire November/December 2017 1st Vice News By Nate Carter 1st Vice Carter wanted to share some WORDS OF WISDOM from National Headquarters; Who is Responsible for Getting the Word Out? YOU! The Legion Must Not Die on Our Watch! We Owe Growth to Our Predecessors, Current Veterans, and Those to Come How to Recruit & Retain Members 1. Educate yourself as to the Legion's Missions. Know the purpose of The Americans Legion Four Pillars. 2. Educate yourself on the past and present services to our Veteran's, our Children, our Community, and Nation. 3. Form a Membership Recruitment Team. 4. Ask Wartime Vets to Join Your Post. Welcome the New Member 1. Find out His/Her area of interest and expertise. 2. Assign new members to a committee. 3. Continue to mentor and teach new members about the Legion. 4. Elect new members to a Post Office. How to Keep Existing Members 1. Create a District/Post membership Team. 2. Train existing members, and new Officers on membership recruiting and retention. 3. Improve Post Appearance. 4. Recruit from Available Pools of Veterans 5. Review Expired Member list from www.mylegion.org. 6. Keep your Post and Membership in the good eye of the General Public, dress the part at Post Meetings and in Public. 7. Importance's of Welcoming & Mentoring New Members. How to Retain Existing Members 1. Ongoing Mentoring...Good officers just don't fall from the sky armed with the knowledge necessary to do the job. Like new members, officers who have never been mentored remain as wet behind their ears as they were when they first joined the Legion. If they were never mentored or asked to be on a committee, then the office will either go vacant or be held by someone not fit for the job. In either case, the Post will gradually wither away like an unattended garden. 2. Active & Rewarding Committee Assignments. 3. Importance of an Interesting Annual Calendar of Events. 4. Advanced planning to encourage attendance at Post meetings and Post functions. Remember Pearl Harbor December 7, 1941 2nd Vice News By Art Bell In keeping with the Centennial Celebration theme, look at the early history of Jack Henry Post 1 Art had uncovered. The Roaring Twenties; President Woodrow Wilson grants land at 3rd & F Streets to the American Legion. Florence Kolb becomes the first Alaskan Female veteran to join the Post. Unit 1 Ladies Auxiliary is Chartered. Unit 1 Ladies Auxiliary purchases the Auxiliary's first permanent place when they acquire the old Congregation Church property at the corner of 5th & G Streets. First Anchorage 4th of July Parade Organized by Post 1 They called them the Dirty Thirties: The American Legion bought two rail cars from the Alaska Railroad and turns one into a bunkhouse and the other as a mess facility for homeless veterans. This provided a place to live and the Post also assisted veterans in obtaining jobs. Post 1 established the first Armistice Day Dance. Jack Henry forms the Anchorage Acting and Drama Club. American Legion sponsors various radio shows on KFQD. Post 1 sponsored six charitable fund-raisers to support orphans in the Anchorage area. Jack Henry purchases Anchorage Telephone & Telegraph office building and moves it to 3rd & F Streets and becomes the first permanent home. 1937 Unit 1 deeded the old Congregational Church property at the corner of 5th & G streets to Jack Henry Post 1 for the sum of one dollar. The Post then promises to provide a meeting room for Jack Henry Unit 1 from then on. Don't forget about our Centennial Coins. Contact Dept. 2nd Vice Art Bell at Post 1 for more information.
Page 4 Alaska Legionnaire November/December 2017 ALRiders ~ Mark Berg~Director Hello Legion Family, Well, as we all are quickly becoming aware, our riding season is over up here in the frosty north. Take time to go through and winterize your motorcycles, make a list of the things you want to work on over the winter. But, also remember as our riding season ends we have the time to dedicate more of ourselves to work on projects such as fund-raising for the Legacy Scholarship Fund. We can also be more active in our home posts. We have a small but enthusiastic group of Riders that can make a difference in our communities. Let's see, this summer we held our statewide ROMP we encompassed 2500 miles of our beautiful state doing "The Loop" from Homer to Fairbanks and back to Anchorage, with a great amount support from all the posts along the way. We held our first Peninsula Patriot ride from Homer to Seward. We escorted our bus of Wounded Heroes down to Soldotna for their annual fishing trip. Some of us had an opportunity to go down to San Louis Obispo in California for the Western District ROMP. We recently in October welcomed another Honor Flight back from their journey to Washington D.C. Each group has held rides for pies, ice cream and just plain fun. We have changed the way the community looks at motorcycle rider to a good extent. Keep up the awesome work you do for your post, our vets, and our communities. If you see someone who could use a hand, lend one. Many hands make light work. Until next time, I hope you have a safe and wonderful Fall and Holiday season. One last thing, please say a prayer for those that are serving their country in foreign lands and their families. That they will soon be reunited safe and sound. For God and Country-- Chapter 35 presents the colors at Houston HIgh School Football! fff TAPS ff Phillip A. Hanna Post 29 Vietnam Eugene E. Gardner Post 11 Vietnam Gordon Depue Post 57 Korea Anthony J. Gutowski Post 11 Henry Goldstein Post GU01 WW II Albert J. Charlton Post 77 James D. Lewis Post 35 Persian Gulf Thomas G. Gollwitzer Post 30 Vietnam Diane Keller Post GU01 Grenada/Lebanon Harry A. Smart Post 11 Vietnam The Service Office By Fred Richardson fffffffffff Happy Winter everyone, ready or not, it is on its way in full swing! From the American Legion Service Office here in Anchorage we continue doing outreach all over the State of Alaska this last month alone we have reached out to Craig, Ketchikan, Nome, Kenny Lake, Valdez, Glenn Allen, Nikiski, Seward, Homer and Anchor Point-if any communities out there need Veteran assistance please feel free to contact the office to request a visit. President Donald Trump signed into law, the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017, creating a new claims and appeals process for disagreements regarding VA Benefits. Some of the advantages of this Act include: potentially faster decisions and early resolution of disagreements, and the same potential effective date for your benefits regardless of the review option that you choose. The Forever GI Bill has updated some changes to include ending the 15 year limit on GI Bill usage, allowing all veterans who exited service in 2013 or after go to school anytime, Increases GI Bill payments by $2300 per year for Veterans with less than 12 months of active service and creates pilot program for high-technology and computer programming courses. The formally known BDD and Quick Start Programs have changed and have been combined into one. The redesigned program requires service members to submit a claim 180-90 days prior to discharge and be available for an examination 45 days from the date of the claim submitted. The goal of the redesign is to ensure each service member receives a VA examination while still in service and a rating decision prior to discharge. The American Legion Service Office wishes everyone a sage, blessed and happy holiday season! Thank you everyone for your time and service!
Page 5 Alaska Legionnaire Happenings at your Post Jack Henry Post 1 Monday - Homemade Pizza 5:00-7:30 Tuesday - Cribbage 4:30 Wednesday - Tacos 5:30-7:00 Thursday - Burgers & Brew 5:30-7:00 Friday - Steaks 5:30-7:30 Saturday - LOL Drawing 3:3 Seward Post 5 Taco Tuesday Friday Night Steaks Food Served most nights at Post Matanuska Valley Post 15 Taco Monday Tuesday Pool League Wednesday Dart League/NHL Hockey Friday Steak Night General Buckner Post 16 Family 2nd Saturday Auxiliary Dinner 6 pm Friday Burger & Brew 6-8 pm 1st Friday of the month Special 3rd Friday Steak Night 6 pm George H. Plumley Memorial Post 20 Sunday Breakfast 10am - 1pm Every Friday is Steak Night 6-8 pm with an added Special Dish Every Sunday Breakfast Menu Dishes 10am-1pm Every Friday Aux Unit 20 Sponsors The Friday Night Raffle 12 pm - 8 pm Drawing (sign up once a day to enter) Every Saturday must be present 4 pm Membership drawing (no sign ups) Every Sunday must be present 2 pm Spenard Post 28 Monday, s Night~Burgers & Brew 4-8 pm Tuesday, Taco night 6 pm Wednesday Chicken Wings 6 pm Thursday, Baked potato~all the fixins 6 pm Friday Steak Night with Live band 6-8:30 pm Saturday, Karaoke 8 pm Sunday, Make your own ~ Waffle bar & Bloody Mary s 10-2 pm Muldoon Post 29 Tuesdays, Taco night 6pm - 8:30pm Wednesday Night Dinners 6pm - 8:30pm Catfish, Chicken Wings, Pork chops Friday Night Steak Night 6pm - 8:30pm Chappie James Post 34 s night starting at 6:30pm every Thursday Susitna Valley Post 35 Open Daily @1pm NON-SMOKING Meeting Nights: Legion: 1st and 3rd Tuesday 7:pm Auxiliary: 1st Tuesday 7:pm Sons: 1st and 3rd Monday 7:30 pm Riders: 1st Saturday 6:pm Wednesday: Taco Night 6pm - 8pm Texas Hold em 7pm -? Fridays: Steak Night 6pm - 8:00pm Senior Appreciation Dance: Last Thursday of Every Month 2pm - 4pm C.R. Huber Post 57 Sunday Breakfast 10-2 FOOTBALL & NASCAR Every Sunday Monday night Football Thursday Burger Night 5:30-9 PM Post 28 donates cases of water to the USO at the Ted Stevens International Airport November/December 2017 From The DogHouse By Jim Pisa, NEC I just returned from fall meetings in Indianapolis where it was a full four days of meetings. I will go into more detail on the meeting in my next article. With Veteran's Day fast approaching I wanted to share the story of Alaska's only Medal of Honor Recipient; Archie Van Winkle Colonel Archie Van Winkle was born in Juneau, Alaska March 17, 1925 and passed away on his boat in Bar Harbor near Ketchikan May 22, 1986. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions as a Marine Corps Staff Sergeant during the Korean War. Ret. Marine Lt. Col. Pat Carothers who grew up with Van Winkle played a integral role in having Archie's Memorial placed in Juneau, Alaska near the base of the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway. It reads; "Conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a Platoon Sergeant in Company B-1-7, 1st Marine Division. S/Sgt Van Winkle boldly spearheaded a determined counter-attack through numerically superior enemy forces, grenades and automatic weapon fire. Wounded, he organized the remnants of his platoon and succeeded in enabling them to hold their portion of the front-line. While single-handedly rescuing a flank element that was pinned down, he was wounded a second time by enemy hand grenades. Refusing medical evacuation again, he maintained command and control until he was carried unconscious from the field with the other two survivors of the platoon." HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!
Page 6 Alaska Legionnaire November/December 2017 SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION DETACHMENT COMMANDER Dave Dieckgraeff Fall is here. Hope you had a good summer. I hope the fall conference was meaningful for you. I want to thank Post 18 in Homer, for the hospitality you showed me and my family. It was a great visitation. People looking in, don't understand how much time it takes for volunteers to put on some- thing like this. The heart of the American Legion and its family is the volunteers. It takes so many hours just to keep the doors open. Thank you very much for all you do. Veteran's Day will be here November 11th, which is a good time to go visit a home bound veteran. Some of these veterans really enjoy a visit. And, there is always a little something you can do to help them out. There is a Veteran's Parade being planned in Anchorage. They are looking for a lot of help. This time of the year, we are working toward membership. With large membership, it gives us a large voice. There are several squadrons that have not sent any in for 2018. If you have any lying around, please sent them to Kevin. Many posts have the 100th year coin available for $15 each. They're good collector's item. Something to pass on to your grandchildren. If you need anything please feel free to contact me. That's all for now, visit a Vet Dave The 11th Annual Convention was held in Anchorage, Alaska September 1930. Besides the fact that the LEGION BALL started at 10pm, The visitors were also treated to the Empress Theatre screening of "Chasing Rainbows" starring Bessie Love and Charles King. It was an all-talking high class comedy specially arranged for the Legion Convention by the Empress Theatre. detachment adjutant Kevin collier All proceeds from the SAL Steak Feed are used to benefit Alaska Boys and Girls State. Last year the SAL was able to donate $1800. 00 to each group. Lets see if we can bump that to $2000.00 this year!! Contact a SAL member for tickets. Fun Facts Did you know a new law was created in 1971 to observe Veteran's Day on the 4th Monday in October? This law led to much confusion and many States refused to honor this change and in fact continued to honor the original date. In 1975, President Gerald Ford, seeing that the actual date held great historical and patriotic significance, signed a new law changing Veteran s Day back to November 11th. Don't forget to set Your clocks back On November 5th!
Page 7 Alaska Legion November/December2017 AUXILIARY NEWS From the desk of President, Barbe Wolkoff "Focusing on Service" in November starts with Veterans Day. You can offer so much, much service to veterans and their families during this holiday season. Membership for 2017 can be collected until 12/31/17. 2018 dues can be collected now, but only after 2017 dues have been paid. Any questions regarding membership may be directed to Membership Chair Jane Larsen or Department Secretary Barb Nath. Do not forget how vital retaining members, renewing lapsed members and recruiting new members is to keeping this organization alive. I want to thank and comment ALA Unit #28 Spenard for a wonderful Department Fall Workshop, DEC and Girls State meetings; held September 30th and October 1st. A special thanks to PDP Sue Waldhaus and Department Kirk Waldhaus for mentoring me and giving me confidence. It was a productive and enlightening weekend. The team spirit and camaraderie was heartfelt and appreciated.. We hope to see many of you at the Silver Tea, the Domiciliary and/or for the Christmas Gift Project. I am looking forward to making visitations to as many Units as possible before this year is over. Remember, make a veteran's day better, everyday. Make Veterans Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas a bit better with the ALA spirit and some community service/americanism. Military families could use an extra hand around the holiday season too! Please keep them in mind too. Have a safe and blessed holiday season. Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas and may God Bless American. For God and Country ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ORATORICAL NEWS BY, Jan Scott Department Chairman The American Legion Oratorical Contest exists to develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for the United States Constitution among high school students. Since 1938, the program has presented participants with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation's laws, the ability to think and speak clearly, and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges and American citizenship. The program has featured numerous politicians and prominent contestants over the years, including former president candidate Alan Keyes and CNN anchor Lou Dobbs. Speaking subjects must be on some aspects of the United States Constitution, with some emphasis on the duties and obligations of citizens to our government. Speeches are eight to ten minutes long: three to five minutes speeches on an assigned topic are also a part of the contest. High School students under the age of 20 are eligible. Competition begins at the post level and then directly to the department competition. Legion department representatives certify one winner to the National Contest, where department winners compete against each other in two speaking rounds. The contest caps off with a final round that decides the top finishers. The overall national contest winner gets an $18,000 scholarship. Second place takes home $16, 000 and third gets $14, 000. The Department of Alaska will hold their contest on March 4, 2018 in Anchorage. The winner will receive $1,500 for participation at the National Contest on April 13-15, 2018 in Indianapolis. In Alaska each post can send more than on contestant to the Department Level of the contest. If you need more information, contact me at 460-4706 or janscott1.js@gmail.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ From the Desk of Secretary, Barb Nave My name is Barbara Nath. I am the oldest of eight children. I have a second job with Hope Community Resource, Inc. (an organization that supports individuals who experience intellectual disabilities). I have been employed with them sine 1981 and have worked my way through a variety of positions with ever-increasing responsibilities. Currently, I am the paralegal for that agency. I've been a member of the American Legion Auxiliary since 2003. I have served as chairman of the Children and Youth Committee, as well as two years as the Americanism Chairman. Many of you have met me over the years, as you saw me in the back of the room meetings taking minutes. I anticipate a year of new experiences. The first of these was the privilege of attending the National Convention in Reno, Nevada. This was my very first time at a National Convention and it was an incredible busy time, full of fun and learning. With my mentor, Linda Schmitt, I learned about the responsibilities of the Department Secretary while at Convention. Everything from getting credentials to being responsible for the voting devices to making sure that all delegates had to the most current information, as well as attending many meetings. Our delegates repre sented us well in Reno. They learned lots which they brought home to share with all of us. I am honored to be selected as your new ALA Department Secretary. I am humbled by your trust in me. I have some big shoes to fill and with Linda as my mentor, I know I will succeed. I promise to give you more then 100% For God and Country Happy Birthday American Legion Auxiliary 11/10/1919
Page 8 Alaska Legionnaire November/December 2017 Jack Henry Post 1 Meets 1st Thursday @ 7 PM Art Bell 1st Vice Mark Berg 2nd Vice James R. Grand, Sr. - Michael Downs Finance Officer - Ray Untiet Chaplain - David Mazack Steve Untiet Sergeant At Arms Nicholas Knowles Executive Committeemen Richard Crook A.J.Davies Jim Sartin 272-5242, FAX 272-5792 P.O. Box 91285 Anchorage, AK 99509 JOSEPH T. CRAIG POST 3 Meets every Monday, 7pm Potluck every 3rd Saturday Scott Kline Jim Van Horn Hunter Davis 225-2021, P.O. Box 5121 Ketchikan, AK 99901 www.americanlegionpost3.com SEWARD POST 5 Meets 2 ND Tuesday 7p.m. Bobby Dunno Michael Calhoon Tom Sears Taco Tuesday ~ 4 p.m. Steak night Friday ~ 4 p.m. P.O. Box 306 Seward, AK 99664 907-224-5440 DORMAN H. BAKER POST 11 Walter E. Crary Billy M. Smith Chad Avery Petsch Pull tab sales at the club 452-2228, 129 First Ave. Fairbanks, AK 99701 LYNN CANAL POST 12 - John Newton - Ralph Strong - Terrance Pardee First Vice - William Rostad 766-2530 amerlegion@aptalaska.net MATANUSKA VALLEY POST 15 Edward Jarma Donald Maupin Bill Kennedy Jr. Meets 1st & 3rd Mon., 6 p.m. P.O. Box 1146, Palmer, AK 99646 745-4440 www.akpost15.org General Buckner Post 16 Family Michael Morawitz Bill Shedon SAL Chip Dugan Meetings - 6 PM SAL - 2nd Monday Legion - 3rd Wednesday Aux - 3rd Thursday ROBERT G. BLAIR POST 17 Walter Sargent Pamela Cawley Mike Nichols 318 Center Ave., Kodiak, AK 99615 Office: 486-3258 / Bar: 486-5757 NINILCHIK POST & UNIT 18 Robert E. Self David Behm President Chris Calabrese Sec/Treas Betty Randall Mile 136.5 Sterling Hwy Phone 567-3918 GEORGE H. PLUMLEY MEMORIAL POST 20 Gregory Fite Al Diaz Ron Engebretson 283-3222, 902 Cook St. Kenai, AK 99611 AURORA BOREALIS POST 21 All Female Post - Katherine Andrews -Ayanna Santiago - Elexzanderia Carr Meeting 3rd Saturday @ 2 pm Sept - May P.O. Box 91116 Anchorage, AK 99509 MULDOON POST 29 Meeting 3rd Tuesday @ 6:30 pm Jeffrey M. Read 1st Vice Sharon Cherrette Kenneth Holmes 1467 Muldoon Road Anchorage, AK 99504 907-338-3550 Fax 907-338-0756 muldoon29@gci.net JACK HENRY UNIT 1 President Susan Stepsics Secretary Jill Pawson Meetings: 1st Thursdays @ 7 p.m. Mailing Address: 2208 Romig Place Anchorage, AK 99503 Spenard Post 28 Nathan Carter 1st Vice Trace Henderson 2nd Vice Erik Dufford Arnold Heck Finance Nathan McKay Chaplain Gary Schade Historian Phil Parks Martin Carlton Sgt-At-Arms Victor Shelton Judge Adv. Kenneth Jacobus Exec.Committeemen: Mike Bloom Richard Kazaitis David Coleman Annual Sponsors of Boys & Girls State AL Baseball Service High Boys Scout Troop 214 Cub Scout Pack 214 Dimond High JROTC Post 28 Scholarship Program 7001 Brayton Drive Anchorage, AK 99507 907-344-3841 Con Miller Post 30 Harold Schuster Terry Huisman Canteen Manager Harry Schuster 3614 Old Richardson Highway - Moose Creek 907-490-6830 P O Box 56615 North Pole AK 99705 SUSITNA VALLEY POST 35 - Matt Larson - Ron Travis - Patrick Tilbury Monthly Meetings Legion & Aux - 1st Tues 7pm ALR - 1st Sat 6pm SAL - 1st & 3rd Mon 7:30pm P.O. Box 870370 Wasilla, AK 99687 907-376-3500 Mile 46 Parks Hwy www.facebook.com/post35ak SUPPORT OUR FLAG! GRANDE DU ALASKA GRANDE CHEF DE GARE Dave Webester (907)376-8880 GRANDE CHEF DE TRAIN Bob Myles (907)690-1951 GRANDE CONDUCTEUR Tom Schanrock 907-283-6192 GRANDE CORRESPON- DENT Billy Smith C. RUSSELL HUBER Post 57 Linda Boisseau Ruben Iorga Jimmy L Russell Jr 1st Vice Mark Fraley Sunday Breakfast 10-2 followed by: Football & NASCAR Monday Football Thursday Burger Night 5:30-9 PM C. RUSSELL HUBER SQUADRON 57 Dale Toenies Thomas McClelland Finance Officer Mike Moutoux 1634 S. Cushman St. Fairbanks, AK 99707 Sons of the American Legion 2016-2017 Detachment of Alaska Officers Dave Dieckgraeff 1st Vice Dale Toenis 2nd Vice Rolf Aarseth /Finance Kevin Collier Chaplain Jamie Weeks Sargent-at-Arms Chris Bedel Historian Shane Rupe Exective Committeemen Bill Bolling Nick Kotovick Sterling Estranda NEC Howard Fruhwirth, Jr. Alt. NEC Loren Estrada, Jr. Where great Cooks Shop 701 S. Goose Bay Road Suite H Wasilla, Alaska 907-376-3177 ALERT! ARTICLES DUE (For LEGIONNAIRE) December 15 Cannot guarantee placement if you delay Please put your name in the subject line when you email your Keep a good thing going!!! Become a Paid Up For Life PUFL Avoid the effects of inflation by never having to pay a dues increase. And, if you carry American Legion Life Insurance, You'll never risk its lapsing because You forgot to pay your dues one year ALASKA LEGIONNAIRE OPT OUT FORM I would like to view the Legionnaire online http://www.alaskalegion.org instead of receiving it through the mail. Please permanently remove me from the Legionnaire mailing list. This option will not effect any of the Legion mailings. NAME: Membership No: Addre ss: City: State Zip E-mail: Signature: Please mail this form to: