MImichiganlegion.org/assets/march12.pdf · Veterans Service - 12 - Wednesdays only Public Relations - 16 - [email protected] ... May, August, and December by The American Legion

Official Publication of The American Legion Department of Michigan - wwwwww..mmiicchh iiggaannlleegg iioonn..oorrgg - March 2012M

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Michigan Veteran Coalition...........................3District Meetings ................................................4Section 2 Aux. ......................................5,6,11&12

Veterans Services.........................................10Get Out the Vote...............................................13Classifieds..........................................................15

MIPresident George Washington

President George Washington said it best andyet for all the great things we can say aboutAmerica sometimes our actions have been mis-guided and in some cases wrong. Women havebeen serving honorable and with distinction sincethe founding of our Nation. Like our male vet-eran’s we must recognize this and do what wemust to support them and give them the carethey have earned.

The VA is working hard to catch up to thechanging times, women veterans make up 8% ofthe veteran population and in Michigan we have45,000 women veterans. Find out the pro-grams the VA has created just for you.

A full continuum of comprehensive health care,including health promotion and disease preven-tion, primary care, women’s gender-specific healthcare, e.g., hormone replacement therapy, breastand gynecological care, maternity and limitedinfertility (excluding In-vitro fertilization), acutemedical/surgical care, telephone, emergency andsubstance abuse treatment, mental health, home-bound, rehabilitation, and long-term care. VAresearchers at many VA facilities also conductmedical research on women’s health.

Women veterans contact the American LegionVeteran Services Office to start your claimsprocess or enroll in VA Medical benefits. (313)964-6640

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Michigan Legionnaire & Wolverine Auxiliaire Vol. LXXXI No.6

Department of Michigan 2011 Ð 2012

Joint Legion Family Testimonial

State Commander Richard I. ChatmanAuxiliary President Carrie Bowerman

Detachment Commander Dwaine Verville

Saturday, April 14, 2012 - Midland MichiganValley Plaza Resort5121 Bay City RoadMidland, MI, 48642

5:00 p.m.

Tickets $40.00 per personR.S.V.P. Carrie Bowerman

517.256.4080Checks made to Carrie Bowerman, 795 N.

Stewart Charlotte, MI 48813, please includeemail for receipt confirmation

"The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no mat-ter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the Veterans ofearlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation."

Women Veteran’s the VA Wants to see you……..

WWhhaatt’’ss IInnssiiddee

Nominations - Pg 2__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ ____ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

Special Project: HomelessVeterans - Pg 3__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ ____ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

Go Fishing Tightlines- Pg 9

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ ____ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

Finding Work Series- Pg 14

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ ____ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

Legion Riders - Pg 15

Time to Tell the World…The Consolidated Post Report (CPR)

was established in 1975 in order to assistdepartments in the documentation ofthe various activities a specific post hasdone during the twelve-month reportingperiod June 1, through May 31. TheConsolidated Post Report may be themost important document your postwill complete this year. Your post’s infor-mation, combined with that of otherposts, is used when the national com-mander and others testify on CapitolHill on behalf of all veterans. Each posthas a story to tell, and when we speakcollectively our strength is magnified.

Recognizing our most valuableasset, The Legionnaire/Volunteer

The CPR not only gives theDepartment and the NationalLegislative committee’s information topass along to congress, it is also a way torecognize your volunteers. Last year

Consolidated Post Reports

GIVE CREDIT TO YOUR POSTVOLUNTEERS

the Department of Michigan won anational award for the work our volun-teers performed. Unfortunately, theaward did not cover all of our volun-teers, because only a little more than50% of the posts submitted a CPR. Wewant to recognize all of our volunteersand the work they do.

The Post did nothing?Even if your post only did one item

on that report, make it known to thedepartment. However, I would hopeall posts have at least 2 items checked onthe report. Did your post participate orconduct a Memorial Day event and/orVeterans Day event? No matter howmuch the post did sending in the reportis critical to our efforts in Lansing andin Washington, D.C.

Don’t ignore the work your volunteersare doing for the Post. Submit yourConsolidated Post Report ASAP.

1st Place NALPA PublicationWinner 2006 1st Place NALPAWebsite Winner 2008 2nd Place

NALPA Publication Winner - 2007& 2009 3rd Place NALPAPublication Winner - 2008

back we had a blizzard on that day.Since we are all Irish on that day let’scelebrate in our own way, but respon-sibly. I trust it will include prayers fora bountiful year, good health andpeace.

Historically though, spring meantother things than the newness of life.The better weather brought the open-ing of passes made difficult by winterand made troop movements much eas-ier. As an example, Second Samuel 11tells us that, “In the spring, at the timewhen kings go off to war, David sentJoab out with the king’s men and thewhole Israelite army. They destroyedthe Ammonites and besieged Rabbah.But David remained in Jerusalem.”Well, perhaps the Dancing WarriorKing should have gone with his troopsbecause most of us know the story ofhis lust and love for Bathsheba. If youfind the time, this is excellent reading

DEADLINE DATESs

Circulation: 98,039Printed: 2-24-12 • Mailed: 2-27-12

LEGION STATE HEADQUARTERSDIRECTORY

PUBLISHER: PATRICK W. LAFFERTYEDITOR: MARK SUTTON

The American Legion Dept. of Michigan212 N. Verlinden, Lansing, MI 48915

(517) 371-4720 ¥ Fax: (517) 371-2401Web Site: www.michiganlegion.org

Email: [email protected]

Legion and SAL Membership - 24 - [email protected]

Programs, Boys State and Scholarships - 11 - [email protected]

Legion Finance - 17 - [email protected]

Baseball, Website and History - 23 - [email protected]

Veterans Service - 12 - Wednesdays only

Public Relations - 16 - [email protected]

Administration - 13 - [email protected]

Do you have a photo you would liketo submit for the Michigan Legionnaireand/or website use? E-mail it to us [email protected] or mail it todepartment attn: Mark SuttonPlease keep the photo at least 200 dpi orlarger. If you are submiting a hard copyphoto, please note photos printed fromhome printers cannot be used, nor canphotos clipped from newspapers.

We look for photos showing Legioncaps in action whenever possible.

Interested in placing an ad in theMichigan Legionnaire? Please ContactMark Sutton at: [email protected] or by phone at 517-371-4720ext 16.

MICHIGAN LEGIONNAIRE &AUXILIAIRE

(USPS 010637) is published monthlyexcept February, May, August, andDecember by The American Legionand American Legion Auxiliary,Department of Michigan, 212 N.Verlinden, Lansing, MI 48915-1297.Periodical postage paid at Lansing,MI, and additional mailing offices.Subscription $10.00 non-members,members receive the publication aspart of their dues.

APRIL/MAY 2012 - MARCH 1, 2012

I don’t want to wish my life away butI’m really looking forward to spring. Itis a time when every thing feels freshand new. When you feel more ener-gized and want to start the warmerweather off right with spring clean-ing and projects around the house. Atime when the turtle dove sings andbaseball begins (Bless you boys). As I’mwriting this however I know that firstwe have to get through some prettyrough winter days ahead.

Lately, it seems that we have hadsome pretty bad snow storms inMarch. In fact, one of the worse snowstorms I was ever in was at the begin-ning of March in the Memphis area.As much as I appreciate the beautyand pureness of snow, now that I’molder I don’t like having to shovel it orthe extra time it takes to clean off thecars to go to work. In March we haveSt. Patty’s Day, but I recall a few years

ChaplainEddie W. Brown, State Chaplain

“LOOKING FORWARD TO SPRING”(or rent the movie). It is a story ofpassion, great sin, murder and in theend, repentance and restoration. It isuplifting to know that God loves usand knows our hearts. If you are sorryfor doing wrong and your repentanceis true, you will be forgiven. And,“When a king’s face brightens, itmeans life; his favor is like a rain cloudin spring.” Proverbs 16:15. You see,just as the crops need water to growand bear fruit, we need God’s presencein our lives.

It is good to know that spring will behere soon. So let’s enjoy and make themost out of every day that we have,come rain or snow. And in all thingsthat we do, “Let us acknowledge theLORD…(because) As surely as thesun rises, he will appear; he will cometo us like…the spring rains that waterthe earth.” Hosea 6:2-4. God BlessYou All. Chaplin Eddie

2 | MICHIGAN LEGIONNAIRE & AUXILIAIRE | March 2012 | WWWWWW..MMIICCHHIIGGAANNLLEEGGIIOONN..OORRGG

STATE OFFICERSState Commander . . . . . . Richard I. Chatman, Detroit

State Adjutant. . . . . . . . . . . Patrick W. Lafferty, Farwell

1st Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeremy Bell

2nd Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tate McLaughlin

3rd Zone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Steve Striggow

4th Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bob Luxford

5th Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mike Bruntjens

Finance Officer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lyle C. Shanks, Dorr

Historian . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rex Lambert, Grand Rapids

Chaplain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eddie Brown, Southgate

Sergeant-at-Arms . . . . . . . . . Ernest Berry, Woodhaven

Judge Advocate..Hon. James A. Callahan, Grosse Pointe

National Executive Committeeman

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thomas G. Holzgen, Grandville

Alt. National Executive Committeeman

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John H. Skinner, Schoolcraft

Immediate Past Commander

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bill Hafeman, Carney

Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Director

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James Topps, Adrian

Membership Director . . . . . . . . Jim Wallace, Pinckney

Public Relations Director. . . . . . . . Mark Sutton, Eaton

DepartmentFinanceOfficer

The 4th District of the AmericanLegion, Department of Michiganwishes to place the name of LyleShanks, Post 127 of Dorr, Michiganin the nomination for theDepartment Finance Officer for theyear 2012-2013.

Lyle has held this position duringthe current year and we feel that he

has done an excellent job and I more than capable to continuein the upcoming year.

Thank you for your time and consideration for our can-didate.

In God We Trust,

Richard ParksCommander 4th DistrictDepartment of Michigan

Lyle Shanks

Department NominationsDepartmentSergeant-at-

ArmsBy an approved motion of the

Sixteenth District Association at aregularly convened meeting, the16th District proudly endorses andsupports Michael Buda for the posi-tion of Department Sergeant-at-Arms for the 2012-2013 Legionyear. Mike has been an assistant

Department Sergeant-at-Arms for 6years total and has also served the Legion as a State Vice-Commander; District Commander, and Post Commander; wefeel that he will be able to serve as the Department Sergeant-at-Arms in a credible manner.

Respectfully,

Joe CallahanDistrict 16th CommanderDepartment of Michigan

Michael Buda

HeadquartersWWWWWW..MMIICCHHIIGGAANNLLEEGGIIOONN..OORRGG | MICHIGAN LEGIONNAIRE & AUXILIAIRE | March 2012 | 3

The MichiganVeterans Coalition(MVC) was formedin April 2010 as adirect response tothe increased needsof Michigan veter-ans and their fami-lies, as well as thenew economic real-ities that we all havebecome far to accus-

tom to. The MVC is comprised ofthe following organizations: TheAmerican Legion (AL), DisabledAmerican Veterans (DAV), MarineCorps League (MCL), Military Orderof the Purple Heart (MOPH), andthe Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)

As we all learned during our mil-itary service, it is sometimes requiredto do more with less. In the case ofthe MVC, we have actually been ableto do a great deal more. Throughour coordinated outreach efforts, divi-sion of labor, and maximization of

resources, the MVC has continued toprovide service to an ever-increasingnumber of veterans, dependents, andtheir survivors.

As we have had to realign andredistribute assets and personnel,some veterans have expressed con-cern that they do not have access toa particular resource as much as theyused to, or even not at all. The lead-ership of the MVC certainly under-stands the anxiety that is sometimesfelt by a veteran who has historical-ly relied on a particular individualor Veterans Service Organization(VSO) for claims assistance. Pleaseunderstand that under the MVC’steaming agreement, we have essen-tially formalized the “CourtesyClaim” process. Any service officeraccredited by an organization with-in the MVC can assist you in thefield, and then submit that claim onyour behalf to the organization cur-rently holding your power of attor-ney. Michigan’s County Veteran

Patrick W. Lafferty, State AdjutantService – Teamwork – Dedication

The Michigan Veterans Coalition

Patrick W. LaffertyState Adjutant

Counselors already have a long tra-dition of working in concert with theVSOs in this fashion. Please bepatient as we continue to makeadjustments to our scheduling andthe unprecedented demands on thosewho serve you every day.

The MVC has also made greatstrides on the technology front. Everyprofessional service officer associatedwith the MVC has access to a state ofthe art, internet-based case manage-ment system called VetraSpec. Thissystem allows your service officer toremotely and instantly access infor-mation relevant to your claim, and toupdate and complete forms requiredfor the VA claims process.

The MVC also continues to workclosely with the Department ofMilitary and Veterans Affairs.Former Senator Jason Allen, a longtime friend to veterans in the State ofMichigan, and leader the VeteransAffairs Directorate, has continued topublicly express his pleasure with the

veterans served during the Vietnam era.Two-thirds served our country for at leastthree years, and one-third were stationed ina war zone.

Roughly 56 percent of all homeless vet-erans are African American or Hispanic,despite only accounting for 12.8 percent and15.4 percent of the U.S. population respec-tively.About 1.5 million other veterans, mean-while, are considered at risk of homelessnessdue to poverty, lack of support networks,and dismal living conditions in overcrowd-ed or substandard housing.

The American Legion coordinates aHomeless Veterans Task Force (HVTF)among its 55 departments worldwide. Itsgoal is to augment existing homeless veter-an providers, including VA's NetworkHomeless Coordinators, and the Departmentof Labor's Homeless Veterans ReintegrationProgram (HVRP).

The Department of Michigan’s HomelessTask Force coordinator is Craig Tillman. Itis our goal for any Michigan Legionnaire tobe able to assist in some way any homeless

My fellow legion-naires I would like tohighlight my specialproject for the year,“Homeless Veterans”.The U.S. Departmentof Veterans Affairs (VA)states the nation’shomeless veterans are • Predominantly male• Roughly five percentare female • The majority of

them are single• Come from urban areas• Suffer from mental illness, alcohol

and/or substance abuse, or co-occurringdisorders.

• About one-third of the adult homelesspopulation is veterans.

America’s homeless veterans have servedin World War II, the Korean War, Cold War,Vietnam War, Grenada, Panama, Lebanon,Afghanistan and Iraq (OEF/OIF), and themilitary’s anti-drug cultivation efforts inSouth America. Nearly half of homeless

Richard I. Chatman, State Commander

Special Project – Homeless Veteransveteran who requests assistance.

At present our Legion Family is activelyinvolved and engaged in volunteering theirtime, donating materials and money to manyhomeless veterans causes state wide. Whilethis effort is lauded and appreciated, from adepartment point of view it could be muchmore effective.

We need your help and input…

On the Department of Michigan level wedo not have a list of resources scatteredaround the state. We need your help inestablishing a reliable and accurate list ofcredible sources that can help homeless vet-erans. We also want to know what you do onthe Post, District, SAL, Auxiliary, and Riderlevel to help homeless veterans. Please con-tact Craig Tillman or Kim Siedelberg ([email protected] – (517) 371-4720).We want to compile a ConsolidatedDepartment of Michigan Homeless VeteransReport that reflects the tremendous job ourLegion Family is doing on behalf of ourHomeless Veterans and yes we are going tobrag about it.

Our Mission Legionnaires

• Visit with homeless veteran providers. • Contact your local city or county office

for a list of providers• Involve others. If you are not already

part of an organization, align yourselfwith a few other people who are inter-ested in attacking this issue.

• Participate in local homeless coali-tions. Chances are, there is one in yourcommunity. If not, this could be thetime to bring people together aroundthis critical need.

• Make a donation to my special proj-ect, I collected $550.00 from UP postson my recent tour of the UP (Checksmade out to Department of MichiganTAL – in memo section write“Homeless Veterans”.

• Contact your elected officials.Discuss what is being done in your com-munity for homeless veterans.

Please visit:www.michiganlegion.org/homeless

or more details and information

increased level of coordination andcooperation by Michigan’s VSOs.He has been receptive to many ofour suggestions related to outreachefforts and has assured us thatGovernor Rick Snyder favorablyviews the advances we have made.

As we continue to move forwardwith this bold initiative, please knowthat we always appreciate your sup-port. The level of selflessness demon-strated for our Department, Districtand Post Service Officers is com-mendable. The dedication to servicedisplayed by our professional serviceofficers is both infectious and com-mendable. Please take any opportu-nity you have to thank them for theircontinued service to our Nation andits warriors.

Please always remember that theprimary goal of the MVC is to reachevery Michigan Veteran that wishesassistance with obtaining VA Benefitsfor themselves and their families. Wewon’t rest until that is a reality!

Richard I. Chatman,State Commander


DDiissttrriicctt MMeeeettiinnggssMembership

By Jim Wallace,MembershipDirector

I would like to con-gratulate 54 PostCommanders, mem-bership directors and

teams that have obtained or surpassedtheir 100% membership goal incentiveprior to December 31, 2011. For thisthey have received $2.00 per memberand a 100% poster to display at theirpost or meetings. They should be veryproud of their accomplishment.However, that is only 12.5% of the

total posts within the Department ofMichigan. What does it take to inspiremembers and posts to work toward agoal that will return monies to them?They could use it for legion programs,helping veterans and families in need,post activities or the community.

The second and final membershipgoal incentive is from January 1, 2012to March 15, 2012 (American Legion’sBirthday). If you have already reachedyour 100% goal as of this article, con-gratulations. If not, you still have time.Your post will receive $.50 (50 cents)per member and a 100% poster. Ifyou are not able to obtain 100% untilafter March 15, 2012 and prior to theMay 29, 2012 (State Membership Cut-off date) you will receive a 100% poster.

KEY THEME OF THIS ARTICLE– 100%

As a department of veterans weunderstand goals and challenges toobtain the final result. We all had thatinstilled into our training with theMilitary Services. The Departmentof Michigan is close to reaching orsurpassing that 100% goal. Check ourMembership Gauge and Report. Butit is up to you to make it happen. Ifyou already have your 100% don’t rest

DEPARTMENTS 100% GOAL IS IN SIGHT

on your laurels. There are still sever-al thousands of veterans within thestate that are eligible to join theAmerican Legion. “JUST ASK!”

Membership is similar to your ances-try. Without current and new membersto continue recording your Posts past,present and future history it willbecome ancient history. Let’s all worktoward making this organization aneverlasting historical success.

That 100% goal is in sight andachievable for the Departmentand every Post.

WE CAN DO IT!

1st District Spring 3/5/12-7PM Joe Louis Post #375Summer 6/4/12 - 7PM Fred BeaudryPost #126

2nd DistrictMarch 18th 2012 Rose City Post #324(Jackson)May 20th 2012* T e c u m s e h -Underwood-Orr Post #34 (Tecumseh)SAL meets at 12:00 pm, Service Officer Trainingat 1:00 pm, Legion meets at 2 pm *MemorialService starts at 12:30

3rd DistrictExecutive Board Meeting at 11:00 A.M.Luncheon at 12:00 P.M.Regular Post and Auxiliary Meetings at 1:00P.M.March 4, 2012- Reading Post No. 360 May 6, 2012- Battle Creek Post 298

4th DistrictMarch 4th, 2012 Constantine Post 223May 6th, 2012 Baroda Post 345

5th DistrictMeetings begin at 7 p.m.March 8th, 2012 Grand Rapids Post179May 10th, 2012 Grand Haven Post 28

District 6Meetings start at 1pm (check minutes for serv-ice officer training)March 11, 2012 Pinckney Post 419May 6, 2012 Davison Post 267

7th DistrictMarch 11th, 2012 Port Huron #8 2pmMay 20th, 2012 Port Huron #8 2pmJune 2012 Summer Convention

8th DistrictMarch 4th, 2012 Hubbarston Post 182May 6th, 2012 Owosso Post 57

District 9thMarch 10, 2012 Manistee Post 10

May 12, 2012 Croton Post 381

Schedule remains: Executive Committee Meetingat Noon; Service Officer infoat 12:30 p.m.; Lunch 1:00 p.m.; GeneralMembership Meeting at 2:00 p.m.

District 10March 3, 2012 Mikado Post 254 1 pm(Lunch at 12 noon)May 6, 2012 Linwood (Memorial Meeting)June 2, 2012 TBA

District 11 & 12June 8 & 9, 2012 White Pine Post #462

District 16Meeting starts at 7:30pm* Denotes Service Officer School 6:30PM** Memorial Service 6:30PMMarch 13, 2012 *Southgate Post 478734-946-5398April 10, 2012 *Allen Park Post 409May 8, 2012 Lincoln Park Post 67 Dual313-388-2088** Memorial Service & ElectionsJune 12, 2012 * Garden City 396 313-381-2245

District 17March 21, 2012 Livonia Post 32 7 pmApril 18, 2012 Livonia Post 32 7 pmMay 16, 2012 Memorial Service at 6:30PMMeeting at Post 32 7 pmJune 6, 2012 Meeting at Post 32 PreConvention 7 pm

District 18

March 11th, 2012 Oxford Post 108May 6th, 2012 Chief Pontiac Post 377Memorial Service at 1 p.m. Election ofOfficers 2 p.m.June 10, 2012 Clarkston Post 63

District 19March 11th, 2012 12 p..m. Harbor SpringsPostMay 2012 TBA

AMERICAN LEGION, AUXILIARY & S.A.LDEPARTMENT OF MICHIGAN

JOIN US FOR THE MEMBERSHIP ROUNDUPMARCH 10-11, 2012

MARCH 10, 20120800 hours start at Grand Rapids FurnitureCity Post #258, 401 N. Park N.E., Grand Rapids, MI TX: 616-530-0142. (Breakfast- $6.00)Stay time: 45-60 minutes. Leave approx. 0900 hrs.

Travel approx. 2.5 hours to Detroit Joe LouisPost #375, 19486 Sherwood St. Detroit, MI

TX: 313-366-6904. Arriveapprox. 1130 hrs. (159 miles)Stay time: 45 minutes. Leave approx. 1215 hrs.

Travel approx. 24 minutes to Auburn HillsHill-Gazette Post #143, 96 Churchill Rd., Auburn Hills, MI TX: 248-852-4880.Arrive approx. 1245 hrs. (31miles) (Lunch

– No Charge)Stay time: 60 minutes. Leave approx 1345 hrs.

Travel approx. 2.5 hrs to St. Helen Post#416, 10062 Ford Dr., St. Helen, MI TX:989-389-4630. Arrive approx 1615 hrs.(151 miles) (Dinner - $6.50)Stay time: 1-2 hours

Travel ? hr. to Houghton Lake for overnightstay. (At your own expense) (23 miles)

MARCH 11, 2012Leave Houghton Lake approx. 0900 hours.

Travel time approx. 5 ? hrs, to Iron MountainUren-Cooper-Johnson Post #50,

916 River Ave, Iron Mountain, MI TX:906-774-5797. (W/1hr+ lunch, arrive approx 1545 hrs) (308 miles) (Dinner- $6.50)

Spend the night in Iron Mountain (at yourown expense) or proceed home at your ownpace.

PLEASE REFUEL AS NEEDED ATANY STOP.

Thank you for traveling with theDepartment of Michigan American Legion,Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legionon this very important Family MembershipRoundup.

Page 5 March 2012

AAUUXXIILLIIAAIIRREEFrom the Desk of the President 22001111 -- 22001122 DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt PPrreessiiddeenntt,, CCaarrrriiee BBoowweerrmmaann

Congratulationsto all of you thathave made the Goalof 70% in member-ship. This was agreat feeling to beable to say thatMichigan made it.

We are well on our way to the nextgoal and I am hoping that we do justas well with that. Membership is thekey to success, and I think we will bevery successful this year.

The last two months have been verybusy, first in January with the UP Tour.What a great time I had with the Ladiesand the Legion family up in the UP. Westarted with a quick trip to theCanadian Branch of the Americanlegion this was special to me as I havenever been there and with my SonDwayne and Sue, and Mary Ann andJudy and Jerry it was a time to remem-

ber. A special thanks to Jerry Lynch forbeing our guide, even though he didget lost. We will have lots of stories andmemories of our time there. TheLegionnaires in Canada made our shortstay there special. Even with the weath-er below zero most every morningthroughout the UP, we enjoyed our-selves and appreciate all of the peoplethat entertained us and came out to visitwith us. The hospitality that wereceived in the Upper Peninsula keptus plenty warm. Special thanks to theWagon master Mike and his wife, andthe UP district president Pam and herhusband, both went out of there wayto make it a time to remember. All ofyou in the UP treated us special and itwas a time we all will remember.Thanks again for the fun and the tourof your posts and what makes yourtowns special.

Then we rolled right into February

with the Legislative reception, and thenthe Mid- Winter meeting followed upby a visit to Washington DC and visit-ing the Capitol. When meeting with theLegislators, and staffers at WashingtonDC, it was our intent to just informthem that we are watching and hopingthat each of them keeps the veteransand their families in mind when theyare passing budget cuts and benefitcuts. This is where all of you Ladies arethe most valuable, writing and talkingto all the representatives that we haveelected and keep the pressure on themto be as fair and vigilant, keeping inmind we are watching them as theyvote on veterans issues. This is the bestway to keep the Auxiliary on theirmind, we are a force to be reckonedwith when we band together. Keep upthe good work, with the phone callsand the letters and mailings and all ofour veterans will benefit from it.

BBoonnnniiee OOllssoonn,, SSeeccrreettaarryy--TTrreeaassuurreerr

It’s Award Season—PARTICIPATE!!“The first and foremost step to accomplishment is showing up.”

SCHOLARSHIPS: Scholarshipapplications are on the websitewww.michalaux.org Be sure thatyou, or encourage your relative, to

apply as soon as possible. The department scholar-ships are:

1. Girls State Samsung Scholarship: Applicant mustbe a high school junior and a direct descendantof a wartime veteran. Applicant also must haveparticipated in and completed Girls State.

2. National President’s Scholarship “EducatingChildren of Warriors”. For children of veterans.

3. Spirit of Youth Scholarship. Available to Juniormembers of the American Legion Auxiliary.

4. Memorial Scholarship. Available to daughters,granddaughters, and great-granddaughers of vet-erans. Must be a Michigan resident. Do NOThave to major in a specific field.

5. Past President’s Parley Medical CareerScholarship. Applicant must be entering into ora continuing student of a medical career programand must be a direct descendant of a veteran.

There are also national scholarships available;check out the national website:

www.ALAforVeterans.org

UNIT AWARDS: The forms for the annual UnitAwards have been sent out. National also has PODswhich have been explained in previous Auxiliairesand Unit Mailings. If you need refreshment, go to thewebsite on the Home Page at the left side under “UnitMailings” and refer to the page 3 of the NovemberUnit Mailing. It explains what PODs are, and thereporting process.

If your unit is reporting by the Annual Reports, sendthe completed committee form to your respectiveDistrict Chairman for that Committee. If your Districtdoes not have one, send it to the District President.Due to personal reasons, the District 6 and District9 Presidents have resigned, and the District 1President is undergoing some medical rehabilitation.Therefore, if you are a unit in one of those districtsand find it necessary to send your forms to theDistrict President, send it to the District 1st VicePresident. In the October Unit Mailing, I sent out toEVERY unit their respective District roster. Checkwith whoever gets your unit mailing, they shouldhave it. If they don’t, callme at the depart-ment…517-267-8809 ext.21 and I will e-mail orsend it to you. However,CHECK FIRST, I wouldrather not have 282 units

Also it was great to see all of you atthe Mid-Winter meeting. I think thatyou will agree it was very informativeand a great time was had by all. I hopethat the Americanism program staysat the winter meeting and is a contin-ual program where lots of awards canbe given out. Also I would like to thankthose that entered the centerpiececompetition. It was a different way toraise funds for my special project theMichigan Creative Arts fund and it wasgreat to see the people enjoying thefundraiser. The Girls State auction wasanother event that is always a fun time.I hope you all enjoyed yourself asmuch as I did.

I will be visiting a lot of districts inthe months coming up. I hope to meetsome of you there, and to hear all thegood things that you are doing in yourcommunities.

God bless you all.. President Carrie

Events Are Keeping the President Very Busy

SECTION TWO212 N. Verlinden Ave, Ste. B, Lansing, MI 48915 New Phone: (517) 267-8809

AUXILIARY HEADQUARTERS DIRECTORY 517-267-8809

Auxiliary Administration - 21 - [email protected] Membership/Girls State - 19 - [email protected] Poppies/Scholarships/Bookkeeping - 22 - [email protected]

calling me for their district roster. Also, please do notsend your unit reports to me. If your unit is vying fora particular award, don’t forget to send in your greensheet to the District Chairman if it is necessary (yourGuide will be helpful in these circumstances). TheDepartment Guide is also on the website or may bepurchased for $5.00.

The other mode of reporting is the National formwhich is a condensed version. National is ONLY con-cerned with those items which it needs to report toCongress in terms of veteran donations and veteranservices. It is a one page form. Either way…reportSOMETHING. Unit Annual Reports and the NationalUnit Condensed report are all due to the respectivedistrict committee or president by March 31, 2012.Your unit must have made a donation, or participatedin a portion of at least one committee program dur-ing the year…if not, maybe your unit needs to rethinkits mission.

GET UP, SHOW UP….you’re on the way towardyour goals….they’re worth it.

6 | MICHIGAN LEGIONNAIRE & AUXILIAIRE | March 2012 | www.michalaux.org

At a regular scheduledmeeting of the AmericanLegion Auxiliary, 18thDistrict and Walter FraserUnit 108, Ellen Jackson wasendorsed for the office ofDepartment Historian for theyear 2012-13.

At the Department level, Ellen is presently serv-ing as the Americanism Chairman and has pre-viously served on the Americanism andCommunity Service Committees.

ELLEN JACKSON ENDORSED AS HISTORIAN

At the regularly sched-uled meeting of AlfredBranchini Unit #17 held onOctober 11, 2011 and theUpper Peninsula Associationof Auxiliaries district meeting

held on October 22, 2011, Susan (Mrs. Dwaine)Verville was endorsed for the office of DepartmentChaplain for 2012-2013.

Susan (Sue) became eligible for membershipin the American Legion Auxiliary through theservice of her father George Rymkos, who servedin the US Navy in WWII. Sue has been an activemember for 25 years.

On the Unit level, she has held the offices ofunit President (12 years), Secretary (4 years), andHistorian (2 years). She has been chairman ofmany committees for the Unit. Chairmanships asfollows: Jr. Activities, Girls State, Constitution &By-Laws, Americanism, Legislative, NationalSecurity, Publications and Public Relations, VA&R,Leadership, Community Service, Education,

SUSAN VERVILLE ENDORSED ASDEPARTMENT CHAPLAIN

Children & Youth and Auxiliary Emergency Fund.On the District level, she has served as the

Upper Peninsula Association of Auxiliaries DistrictPresident (2 yrs), 1st Vice (2 yrs), 2nd Vice (2yrs), Chaplain (1 yr), and Historian (2 yrs). She hasbeen chairman for the following committees:Americanism, National Security, Legislative,Leadership, Constitution & Bylaws (6 yrs), GirlsState (10 yrs), Girls State Bus (12 yrs), andChildren & Youth (2 yrs).

On the Department Level, Sue has served asChairman for Citizens Flag Alliance (1 yr), UpperNorthern Area Membership Chairman (3 yrs),Auxiliary Emergency Fund Chairman (1 yr),Legislative Committee member (1 yr), Children& Youth Chairman (3 yrs), and DepartmentHistorian (1 yr).

We ask for your support of our candidate forDepartment Chaplain for the year 2012-2013.

Penny McPherson Julie RumcrimUnit #17 1st Vice President Unit #17 Secretary

Pamela Lajewski-Pearson Krystal OberleUPAA President UPAA 1st Vice President

At the District level Ellen has held the follow-ing offices: President, 1st and 2nd Vice President,Chaplain and Historian, and is currently actingSgt-At-arms. She has held many chairmanshipsincluding Girls State and Past President’s Parley.

At the Unit level, she has dutifully held theoffice of President, 1st and 2nd Vice President andSgt-At-Arms, and currently holds the office ofChaplain. She served as chairman of VA&R,Americanism, Community Service, Membership,Past President’s Parley, Girls State, and Education.

Ellen is a dedicated, active Auxiliary member

Department President Carrie Bowerman presenting the staff atFlagstar Bank, Lansing-Saginaw Ave. Branch a certificate in recog-nition of flying the most flag cards during the “Fly-a-Flag” dona-tion drive.

SAL Detachment Commander Dwaine Verville; Department CommanderRichard Chatman; Department President Carrie Bowerman; andHonorary Junior President Chelsea Kovacs at the Cedar Springs Post287 Early Bird Dinner.

who joined under her deceased father, a KoreanWar Veteran. She is committed to serving theVeterans and their families and has shown her loy-alty over a 14-year period of unselfish giving.

Ellen’s husband, Carnie Jackson, served asDepartment Commander for the year 2009-2010.

It is with great pleasure that the 18th Districtask for your support of Ellen for the office ofDepartment Historian, 2012-13.

Janice Rollin Brenda DeesPresident, 18th District Secretary, 18th District

The “Time is Now” to visitthose members that cannot get toa meeting due to their health,

finance reasons, or other problems they maybe facing. Remember these members are just asimportant to our Units as those who are active.We cannot forget these members; they are thebackbone of our membership. They continual-ly pay their dues every year. Just when we getcomfortable with their dues coming in is whenthey suddenly they don’t pay. Remember tokeep them in the loop what is happening inyour Unit so they don’t feel left out in the cold.The holiday seasons has just passed, go visitthese members and make them feel that they arestill wanted and a part of your unit.

Have you ever felt forsaken, forgotten, or over-looked? Have you ever had your closest friends,and even family, let you down? This could behow our members feel, remember God speaksthis unalterable, unmistakable promise: even ifyour own mother were to turn against you, or for-get you, yet He will never forget you. What acomfort to hear these words from our heavenlyFather! Though circumstances may deteriorate,though fathers may disappoint, though friendsmay forsake, God will never let you go. He is aperfect, protective parent.

There is no trial that faces you, no temptationthat overtakes you, no problems that afflicts youwithout God’s loving hand embracing you. Fallinto His ever-present, compassionate embracetoday and rest in the fact that He will neverleave you or forsake you. Let our inactive mem-bers know that this is exactly how we feel aboutthem.

Thoughts for you: Our desire is to show thevery “Thoughts from God” to be relevant inyour life and today’s world.

I told the Lord I wouldn’t witnessI had never let anybody push anything on meand I wasn’t going to push anything on others.

But the Lord taught methat we talk about what’s on our minds

and what’s on our hearts

Nancy L. Knox, Department Chaplain

“The Time isNow”

WWWWWW..MMIICCHHIIGGAANNLLEEGGIIOONN..OORRGG | MICHIGAN LEGIONNAIRE & AUXILIAIRE | March 2012 | 7

We will be approaching spring of 2012 in the verynear future. It is now time to increase our effortsto make Boys State numbers bigger this year. Wehad 268 boys last year and I would like to have atleast 300 this year. There were 217 boys in the veryfirst Boys State class in Illinois when it all began in1935. A few years later, Michigan had 838 boysin their first class. This year in Michigan, we arecelebrating our 75th the Boys State anniversary.This anniversary is a good reason to really push fora larger class in 2012.

We had a lot of positive reaction to our programin the second Legion district. Many schools havebeen contacted by myself and committee membersand there seems to be a lot of interest in the BoysState program. I have visited several Legion Postsand have made presentations to the membership.Hopefully, these contacts will result in scholar-ships to send boys to the Boys State program June17-23, 2012 at Northwood University in MidlandMichigan.

We are planning to have past national com-mander Bob Turner at our opening ceremony.Mr.Turner assists in hosting the Boys StateInternational Directors Conference held inIndianapolis, IN. and also the International Boys

CELEBRATING 75 YEARS+BOYS STATE

By Ron Geiger, Children& Youth DepartmentChairman

April is Children & Youthmonth. Annually, Posts areasked to set aside April to con-duct a special activity whichplaces emphasis on theChildren & Youth program andinforms our members and thecommunity of the AmericanLegion's accomplishments onbehalf of young people. Thereare many ways a Post canobserve "April is Children &Youth month". The followingare just a few suggestions;Sponsor a community projectfor or with children, such as, atalent show featuring youngpeople to raise money for spe-cific community projects, or,you could organize youth pan-els to discuss teenage problems

in your communities, or, organ-ize visits to children's hospitals.

A special brochure high-lighting April as Children &Youth month is available fordownload in the Children &Youth section at www.legion.org(Click Media, then Publications)

If Posts participate in any ofthe above programs, or any pro-gram involving Children &Youth, be sure to report it in theConsolidated Post Report alongwith everything else you havedone throughout the year. OurNational Commander is ask-ing for 75% of Posts in eachDepartment to submit theirConsolidated Post Reports bythe deadline. Let's make thishappen! As a team we can dothat! Remember our core pur-pose: A square deal for everychild.

APRIL IS C & Y MONTH

CHILDREN & YOUTH

Total Responses: 118Legion License Plate: 65 Yes 53 No 12 Option 1 21 Option 2Flag Amendment: 91 Support 27 Do not SupportWomen in Combat: 68 Support 50 Do not Support

RESULTS FROM JAN/FEB

WHAT YOU THOUGHT……Nation Program in Washington, DC. It is indeedan honor to have him visit our Boys State Programin Michigan and to share his expertise/experi-ences of the Boys State Programs.

Boys State has been the American Legion's bestkept secret. Not enough of our Legion membersknow much about the Boys State program andwhat it actually accomplishes. One of the bestways to learn more about this program is to invitea recent Boys State graduate to an event at yourpost. The Boys State committee would be happyto arrange a visit to your post and provide this infor-mation. For more information and resources to pro-mote Boys State visit www.legion.org/boysna-tion/resources , or call Deanna Clark atDepartment HQ (517) 371-4720.

Please feel free to give me a call (734) 482-1920and come up for a day visit in Midland during June,to see this great program in action yourself. Lunchwill be on us!

Thank you,

Nelson O'BryanDirectorMichigan Boys State

TThhee AAmmeerriiccaann LLeeggiioonnCCeelleebbrraatteess iittss 9933rrdd BBiirrtthhddaayy

MMaarrcchh 1177tthh,, 22001122March 7th, 1919 the Stars and Stripes newspaper carried a frontpage announcement.. “Veterans of A.E.F. in Liberty League”will hold a “Conference on Organization….In Paris Beginningthe 15th “

March 17th, 1919 – The first caucus adjourned at 5:27 p.m.With haste and heart, the spirited gathering of citizen-sol-diers had launched a vessel of new design.

March 28th, 1919 Stars and Stripes – “The A.E.F- doughboy,colonel, and general working together – organized the AmericanLegion this month as its postwar association.

CHECK OUT WWW.MICHIGANLEGION.ORG/UPDATES

Joe Renis, 19th District CommanderI am half way in my visits to the Posts in

my District. If I haven’t been to your Postyet, it is because of my work schedule or theweather. I will visit you! I am impressedby the Posts I have visited. Each one is dif-ferent, but with that each one has itsstrengths and weaknesses. In saying thatwith your strengths, you are all focused onveterans and in donating to the bettering ofprograms in your area and those sponsoredby The American Legion. In helping withyour weaknesses, I suggest coming to theDistrict meetings, networking with Poststhat have great ideas and programs in placeas well as getting information that can be

used by your Post. Electronic communi-cation is becoming the norm so a lot ofthe information is via the internet. Wehave geeks (sorry Brian) that can help withthat in our District…talk to them at theDistrict meetings or contact me and I canget you in touch with them. In my obser-vations, the Posts that participate fully bybroadening their informational horizonspast their Posts are the more vibrant andsuccessful Posts. Again, as I have said in myletter to the Commanders, I am here tohelp! The District meetings are a goodstart. The next one will be March 11th inHarbor Springs. Please plan to be there. I’llbe looking forward to seeing you.

19TH DISTRICT NEWS

Need Supplies?

National Emblem Sales

www.emblem.legion.org

888-453-4466


Veterans remember 9-11: The 9-11 memorial event at the WestMichigan Healing Field at Cannonsburg Ski Lodge included 3200 U.S.Flags. Pictured (L-R) Garnet Lain, Harold Huist, Lyle Shanks, and LewisKoster.

The Legislative Reception held WednesdayFeb 8th, 2012 at the Lansing Center River SidePub, gave an opportunity to discuss the leg-islative issues facing veterans in the State ofMichigan. Pictured: Alternate NationalExecutive Committee John Skinner talks toRep. Mike Callton from the 87th District andmember of the Dept of Military and VeteransAffairs Committee.

William Mellgren, seated at left, and Clyde Devine, both residentsof the Oscar G. Johnson, Veterans Administration Medical Centerin Iron Mountain, were each presented with a gift of money fromthe American Legion Department of Michigan. Each veteran at themedical facility received a gift. Making the presentations are: stand-ing from left, Raymond Hamm, Marine Corps League, Detachment1239 representative; Art Mitchell, Uren-Cooper Johnson AmericanLegion Post 50 of Iron Mountain and American Legion represen-tative at the Iron Mountain VA; and Frank Rodman, Floriano-Stecker American Legion Post 340 of Hermansville and deputy rep-resentative.

Working together for Veterans: American Legion Post 44 in Marquettewants to thank all of the organizations, VFW and Auxiliaries, DAVChapter 22 and Auxiliary, the Marine Corps League, Elks and Knightsof Columbus, VVA Chapter 380, and the business , banks and cred-it unions who all raised money for the purchase of a SPA Bed forphysical therapy department of the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans.In Pic: Tom McCarthy (Standing) and Ron Heikkila (laying down)

Members of Vietnam Veterans Chapter 133 donated $10,000.00 to Wilwin CEO Carnie Jackson

Veterans Day in Wolverine, Michigan members of Post 122 and the ladies Auxiliary rededi-cated and laid a wreath at the War Memorial in Silver Lake Cemetery. The memorial is a ded-ication to the veterans of the G.A.R, the Spanish-American War, the Great War, the Women’sRelief Corps, and the Auxiliary to the G.A.R.

Post Adjutant Ford was presented the flag to fly overPost #138 in White Pigeon Michigan, the flag wasgiven to John Appuhn son of Maurice Appuhn from VFWPost 1114 Evansville Indian.

American Legion Post 57 in Owosso, Michigan sufferedfire damage on December 10, 2011. No one injured inthe fire

Watch for your 2012 return mailing labelsin the mail soon.

WWWWWW..MMIICCHHIIGGAANNLLEEGGIIOONN..OORRGG | MICHIGAN LEGIONNAIRE & AUXILIAIRE | March 2012 | 9SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY

QUILTS FOR HOMELESS AMERICAN VETERANSMSGT Thomas Baggs, US Army

retired with 23 years of highly deco-rated service and the oldest activemember of the Deal-RidgewayAmerican Legion Post #289 ofWilliamsburg, Michigan, presents a$500 check to the Sewority Sistersat Renee's House of Quilting to con-tinue their work providing quilts tohomeless American Veterans.Sewority Sisters' work with homelessAmerican Veterans and have com-pleted 16 quilts for our veterans andare currently working on two addi-tional quilts. Their work is com-pletely funded by contributions andall of the Sewority Sisters are volun-teers. Fran Butler/Sewority Sistersc/o Renee's House of Quilting, 8995M72 East, Williamsburg, Michigan49690

L /R: Beverly Cox, Carol Livingston, Renee Savage, Fran Butler, and Master Sergeant ThomasBaggs

A day of great fishing“Tight Lines for

Troops”Do you know a

WWII or disabledveteran who could usea day on the lake? Aveteran who mightneed a day of fun,who maybe suffering

from the “Invisible Wounds”?NOTE: If the veteran does not

think they can afford to go, contactthem they have scholarships.

The 3rd Annual Veterans CharityTrout Fishing Tournament – ManisteeArmy National Guard Armory ,Manistee, Michigan; MandatoryCaptains Meeting is May 18th,Tournament, BBQ, Classic Car Show,River Walk, and Awards Banquet isSaturday, May 19th. The car showand weigh-in show are “Open to thePublic” from 12 noon to 3:00 pm.Please visit www.tightlinesfortroops.com for Registration andSponsorship Forms and more infor-mation.

In honor of Team Army’s victoryin the Governor’s Cup competitionwith the other branches, the third ver-sion of the Tight Lines coin will bedone in the old fashion olive drab col-ors. Read more about “Tight Lines”and the other upcoming Veteransevents in the Troops Activities area atwww.biami.org under the events sec-tion.

Legionnaire Mailing LabelsWatch for your 2012 return mailing labels

in the mail soon.


By James C. “Jimmy” Topps. Director

Greeting legionnaires, I just want to let all Michigan LegionPosts that we have sent out the Post Service OfficersCorrespondence Course and test. We sent these directly to thePost Service Officer that the Department had listed on each PostOfficers List that was to be sent into Department. If the PostAdjutant sent in the correct listing of each of their Officer for the2012 year then the test was sent to the Post Service Officer thatthey had listed on their sheets.

We have gotten some 12 of this Correspondence test back stat-ing that the individual has moved and it cannot be forwarded. Sowe need to know how many Post Service Officers.

DID NOT GET THE CORRESPONDANCE COURSE?

If you did not please contact our DETROIT OFFICE @(313)964-6640 identify yourself as a Post Service Officer; we willneed your Name, Address, Phone Number so that we can assureyou are added to our Department Post Service Officers List. Wewill then send you a copy of the Correspondence Course and Testto complete and get sent back to our Detroit Office.

We are now in the process of getting each of the Post ServiceOfficers Certification Cards completed and sent back to you.This well take some time to complete so please be patient.

POST SERVICE OFFICERS REPORTS

When we sent out the Correspondence Course we also sent ablank copy of the Department Post Service Officer report toyou! We also sent a self-addressed envelope with this mailing sothat you could complete the report and send it to Mr. RaymondMoore our State VA&R Chairman, I hope that you have allcompleted these reports and sent them off. We had to send themto Ray due to the fact the Department did not have a listing forour 16 District Service Officers so we were unable to have themsent to the District as we had no one’s names or address to sendthem to! I’m hoping that next year our District Commanders willsupply a list of all of their District Officers to include their DistrictService Officer to the Department Headquarters so this infor-mation is available to the VA&R Division.

Please remember that these reports are very important to theAmerican Legion Department of Michigan VA&R Division.With the State mandating our funding we must now more thanever be able to show our State Legislators what every Post inMichigan is doing for our Veterans, their families and theirCommunities.

If you have any questions or have not received one of thesereports, please contact our DETROIT OFFICE – 313-964-6640and one will be sent you immediately.

Remember that all Service Officers awards will be presentedat our State Convention to be held in June in Kalamazoo.

Update on Agent Orange - shiplisting as of Jan. 2012www.michiganlegion.org/veteranservices

Post Service OfficerCertification Testing 2012!

Veterans’ Service American Legion Veterans Affairs & RehabilitationOur staff is dedicated to providing the very best veterans’ advocacy to Michigan veterans and their families. They can assist

with claims preparation, presentation, and appeal counsel in veterans’ benefits, services, and activities.

Detroit OfficePatrick V. McNamara Federal Building,

Rm. 1210477 Michigan Ave., Detroit, MI 48226Monday – Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

Phone: 313-964-6640 or 6641 or 6642 Fax: 313-964-5697 Email: [email protected]

James C. Topps, VA&R State Director - [email protected] Rasche, Veterans Service Officer - [email protected] Cantwell, Veterans Service Officer - [email protected] Thomas, Veterans Service Officer - [email protected]

Suzette Price, Veterans Service Officer - [email protected] Smirnes, Veteran Service Officer – [email protected]

Field Veterans Service James Topps - Director

Branch County OVA – 570 Marshall Rd.-Coldwater - 1st Friday 1 pm-4 pmCass County OVA – 120 N. Broadway, Suite 215, Cassopolis – 1st Friday 8am-12 pm

Hillsdale County OVA – 61 McCullum, Rm 200 –Hillsdale – 2nd Friday 9am to 12:30 pmLenawee County OVA – 1040 S. Winter St. Ste 2023, Adrian – 3rd Friday 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm

Monroe County OVA – 29 Washington St. 3rd Floor, Monroe – 3rd Friday 9 am to 1 pmSt. Joseph County OVA – 612 E. Main – Centerville – 4th Friday 9 am to 1 pm

Robert Rasche – Genesee County Office of Veterans Affairs – Flint, MI

810-257-3068/Mondays 9:00 am to 4:00 pm [email protected] Saginaw, 1500 Weiss Street, Saginaw, MI 48602 Tuesday 8am to 4pm

John D. Dingell VA Medical Center on Wednesdays 8:00 am - 4:00 pm - room 3401- Red Section - [email protected]

Tommy Simpkins, Veterans Service Officer Cell Phone 269-330-6539 – [email protected] Holland AL Post 6, 10820 Paw Paw Dr, Holland, MI 49242 3rd Wednesday 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Kalamazoo County OVA, 3299 Gull Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49074 1st Wednesday 9:00 am to 4:30 pmGrand Rapids VA CBOC, 3019 Coit Street. N.E. , Grand Rapids, MI 49505 Tues & Thurs 9 am to 4:30 pm

AL Post 554, 2560 Northland Drive, Morley, MI 49336, 2nd Wednesday 1:00 pm to 4:30 pmMuskegon County OVA, 165 Apple Ave. Suite 201, Muskegon, MI 49442 Monday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

AL Post 381, 6812 Corton Hardy Drive, Newaygo, MI 49349 2nd Wednesday 9:00 am to 12:30 pmAL Post 28, 700 South Haven Drive, Grand Haven, MI 49417 3rd Wednesday, 1:30 pm – 4 pm

VAMC Saginaw, 1500 Weiss Street, Saginaw, MI 48602 Friday’s 9:00 am to 4:00 pmSouth Haven AL Post 49, 129 Michigan Ave. South, South Haven, MI 49090, 4th Friday 9:30 am to 1 pm

Patrick J. Kline, Veterans Service Officer Cell Phone 989-280-3009 – [email protected] Co OVA – 890 Island Lake Road - Room 8 - 1st Monday of Each Month – 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Cadillac CBOC - 1909 North Mitchell Street - 1st & 4th .Tuesdays - 989-497-2500 x 15701 - 9:00 am - 4:00 pmCheyboygan Co OVA - 870 South Main Street - Room 122 – 1st Friday Each Month – 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Gaylord VA CBOC – 806 S. Otsego - 2nd Monday Each Month – 9:00 am to 4:00 pmClare VA CBOC – 11775 N. Isabella Rd – 2nd& 4th Wednesday Each Month – 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Grand Traverse Co OVA - 3271 Raquet Club Drive – 2nd & 4th Thursday Each Month – 9:00 am to 4:00 PM Alpena VA CBOC – 180 N. State Street – 2nd Friday Each Month – 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Oscoda VA CBOC - 5671 Skeel Ave – Suite 4 – 1st Thursday Each Month 9:00 am to 4:00 pm 3rd Monday Each Month – Grayling Crawford – 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

3rd Tuesday Each Month – Manistee Post 9:00 am to 12:00 pm 3rd Tuesday Each Month – Benzie Post –1:00 pm to 4:30 pm

1st & 3rd Wednesday Each Month – Bay City OVA – 9:00 am to 4:00 pm3rd Thursday Each Month – Gladwin OVA – 555 West Cedar Ave - 9:00 am to 12 pm

3rd Thursday Each Month – Standish Post 104– 1pm to 4 pm3rd Friday Each Month – Alpena VA OPC - 9:00 am to 12:00 pm3rd Friday Each Month – Prequeisle OVA – 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm

Charlevoix County Office of Veteran Affairs - 301 State Street - 4th Monday - 9:00 am - 4:00 pmRoscommon Co. Office of Veterans Affairs - 500 Lake Street - 2nd Tuesday Each Month – 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Emmett Co Office of Veterans Affairs - 200 Division St, Petoskey - 2nd & 4th Friday - 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Phillip “Phil” McCaskey, Cell Phone 269-330-6543 – [email protected] Arbor VA Medical Center – Room B-156 First Floor Every Monday and Thursday Each Week

8:30 am to 4:00 pm - 734-845-5924 PLEASE NOTE YOU MUST CALL THE AA VAMC OFFICE NUMBER CELLPHONE WILL NOT WORK IN THIS LOCATION

Jackson County Office of Veterans Affairs - 1714 Lansing Ave - Room 252 – Every Tuesday – 8:00 am to 4:00 pmLansing Headquarters Office – 212 N. Verlinden Ave Every Wednesday Each Week

9:00 am to 4:00 pm - 517-371-4720 extension 12 or Cell 269-330-6543 Battle Creek VA Medical Center – Every Friday – 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

Building 2 – Cell Phone 269-330-6543

Please Call to Assure Times and LocationsPLEASE NOTE SCHEDULE TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE

www.michalaux.org | MICHIGAN LEGIONNAIRE & AUXILIAIRE | March 2012 | 11

Judy Lynch, Past President Parley Chairman

Our medical scholarships are one of the mostoutstanding contributions of our program. As youare aware there is an extreme shortage of medicalprofessionals across the nation. Many of our VAHospitals have had to curtail services due to short-age of staff. We encourage students to pursue acareer in ANY medical field and will providefinancial assistance to as many as possible. Theseapplications must be to Department Chairmanby April 15, 2012 so that the Committee will havetime to review the applications and awards schol-arships.

The Past President Parley has three main areasof focus, Medical Career Scholarships, Member ofthe Year, and Recognizing and Awarding FemaleVeterans for their service.

We need to also recognize female veterans thatmembers of our organization. There are so manywonderful veterans who are members of our organ-ization who, after giving of themselves duringtheir active military service continue to go onworking and volunteering in our communities.They are still giving of themselves and they needto be recognized and rewarded. Recognizefemale veterans during you regular meetings andspecial events. Ask them to join your Unit throughtheir tour of service to our Country.

Every Unit has a member who goes above andbeyond the call of duty….she organizes events, isthe first to volunteer to chair the parties for our kidsor thinks up the great project to honor our veter-ans…………..have you written her up for theMEMBER OF THE YEAR? These entries are dueto Department Past President Parley Chairman byApril 15, 2012. The three areas of awards are:

1. Past President Parley medical scholarships.2. Salute to Service Woman.3. Unit member of the Year

Give a Gift of Time

Suzanne M Knapp, Community ServiceChairman

Report time is just around the corner. Time tocollect all those things that your Unit has doneunder Community Service and make a list beforeyou start to complete those report forms and thatway nothing will be missed. Think back, howmany times has your Unit forgotten to put some-thing on the annual report form. Think about youraccomplishments before you start filling in thosereport forms so that nothing is missed.

Random Acts of Kindness week is February 13-19, 2012 followed by National and Global YouthService Week, April 15-21, National VolunteerWeek, April 15-21 and National AmeriCorpsWeek, May 2012.

Check you guides for all of the Awards that are

TIME FOR ACTION-REPORT TIME NEARSavailable for your Unit to apply for. Be sure thatit has the required "green slip" attached before theentry is sent on to me. Adhere to the deadlinedates for each entry.

The Volunteer applications for both Junior andsenior entries were in your guide. All of yourdepartment Awards were also in your guides. Inboth classes you need to complete the applica-tion along with narrative of 300-500 words typedor handwritten by the volunteer explaining theproject and her involvement. I will need to havethose completed applications by May 15 in orderfor me to get them to the National Chairman inher time frame. If you have any questions, pleasefeel free to contact me.

The committee and I are here to serve you. Soif you have questions, please feel free to contacteither of us for assistance.

Craig Tillman, a Legionaire from the 16th; Guest Speaker Master Sergeant Jeff Rector; DepartmentCommander Dick Chatman and Department President Carrie Bowerman at the Americanism Dinner.

By Sue Verville Department Historian

Our HISTORY is our memories and our GIFT OFTIME. What better way is there then keeping a his-tory of what we have done, where we have been,when it was done and who was there with us.Unless we as Historians do our job, the WHO,WHAT, WHERE and WHEN will soon be forgottenand never passed on to our future members. Onlyby doing our job as Historian, can we make ourmemories our gift of time for others to share.

One way of sharing our events over the years iswith Cavalcade of Memories. Having a specialplace for our memorabilia, our scrap books, ourwritten history and our awards will help others tosee what we are about. This is a great way to storeour memories and preserve our GIFT OF TIME.Remember our Juniors, help them with a place fortheir history memorabilia also. Our Junior memberscan help promote the Veterans History Project. Helpthem with interviewing a veteran and placing it in

History Making Memories The Gift of Timethe Library of Congress. Check the website at www:loc.gov/vets/kits for more information.

One way of keeping our memories is with a nar-rative. Narrative histories are a written record ofwhat your Unit or District has done over this year.Such as meetings, fund raisers, dinners and eventsthe Unit participated in . Please READ your guidecarefully when writing your narrative or doing thescrapbook. The scrap book is a type of historywith pictures, letters, news clippings and corre-spondence the Unit or District has received. All ofthese things need to be in order of how they hap-pened. Starting from the day your Unit or Districtofficers were installed, till the end of the year. Besure to follow the guide and adhere to the deadlineswhen submitting your written history.

Only by working with and for our Veterans, theirfamilies, our communities and our members inkeeping a history we will be able to save the mem-ories of the GIFT OF TIME and HONORINGTHOSE YOU HAVED SERVED.

Pictured: ALA National Secretary Dubbie Buckler; National Commander Fang Wong; National ALA PresidentKris Nelson; and National SAL Commander James Roberts.

Our National Leadership

12 | March 2012 | MICHIGAN LEGIONNAIRE & AUXILIAIRE | www.michalaux.org

Michigan Girls State 2012By Brenda J. Dees, Girls StateChairman

The 72nd Girls State session willbe held from June 17 - June 23,2012 at Michigan State University.Registration will be held on Sundaythe 17th from 9:00 am to 11:00 amin Holden Hall.

If you have yet to choose a dele-gate, please do so now! Your GirlsState committee is in full swing coor-dinating the 2012 session, and weneed to know how many girls wewill have attending.

When talking to your delegates,let them know this will be their onlychance to attend the Girls State pro-gram. Please make sure she is com-mitted to attending the full session.There is a sample letter on our website to have the delegate and parentssign to ensure that if they cancel atthe last minute, they are responsiblefor the Reservation Fee back to theSponsoring Unit. Delegates MUSTcomplete the full session to receivetheir certificate of completion andthe college credits. I continue tohear how our Girls State program

has changed the lives of former del-egates, because this is such an awe-some program.

I would also like you to encour-age your delegate to attend a Districtorientation. We find that the girlswho attended an orientation knowmore of what to expect and are ableto ask needed questions at the ori-entation. It is important you keep inconstant contact with your delegate.Make sure she has your telephonenumber, so if she has questions orconcerns, she is able to reach you.This way, she also should know whoher sponsor is.

Contact your local women's busi-ness groups, Rotary, Lions Club andetc. These organizations have schol-arship monies available, but are notaware of our Girls State program. Ifyou are unable to find a delegate foryour Unit or District, let Sandy knowat Department Headquarters, asthere are many girls wanting toattend.

If you have any questions, pleasecontact the Girls State chairman orany Girls State Board member.

2012 Americanism NewsletterEllen Jackson, Americanism Chairman

Every one of us has several thingsin common ... One -we are patriotic.Two -we promote American idealsin our daily lives ... and Three -wethink we know what "Americanism" is.To the latter point, I venture to say thateach of us would give a somewhat dif-ferent interpretation of Americanism,and that is the beauty of the word.

Those varied interpretations derivefrom the fact that Americanism ismore than a word ... it is a conceptand therefore open to interpretation.

No matter what specific descriptionanyone of us may give, Americanismis a personal, loving reaction to themandate of individual freedom ascodified by our forefathers in theDeclaration of Independence, the Billof Rights, and in the United StatesConstitution.

Americanism is an elusive term andits expression is as varied as the facesof our citizens. Is Americanism mere-ly the act of flying the American flag... is it seeing a tear stream downone's face while saluting the flag ... isit taking up arms to defend our free-doms ... is it taking every opportuni-ty to promote freedom of expression?---It is all these and more. It is what-ever personal act one does to showrespect, love, and support for our free-doms which are so denied to so manyin the world.

Any action that promotes a respectand love of our nation's freedomsqualifies as Americanism. Again ... assimple as flying the flag ... as simpleas saluting the flag ... as simple asshedding a patriotic tear when appro-priate.

But, beyond these obvious actsdirected toward the symbol of ourfreedoms, the American flag, thereare so many other ways to promoteAmericanism.

Every gesture of kindness andrespect shown to another in our dailylives is Americanism. Every donation,whether monetary or a labor of love,

in support of freedom, isAmericanism. And, yes, even takingup arms when necessary to defendfreedom is Americanism.

Every veteran knows sacrifice tosome degree in defense of freedom ...in defense of America. To each of you,thank you. Likewise, always bear inmind that for every troop, every vet-eran, there is an American citizendonating, volunteering, and support-ing America's freedoms on the homefront.

We are perhaps a strange nation ...One that has been called "The GrandExperiment". That experiment found-ed on one's fundamental right to free-dom, is perpetual and is as poignanttoday as when first put forward morethan 200 years ago.

Like any experiment, however,there have been challenges ... therehave been setbacks ... there have beenreadjustments. But, never has thebasic premise been discarded.Because of that fact, America remainsa true symbol of freedom. Because ofthat fact it will always be so. Why? ...Because no one can defeat a princi-ple. Americanism is an instinctive,unquenchable human "feeling" to befree no matter in what the cost. Wemust actually personally and collec-tively promise to continue to tell free-dom's story to all ... young and oldalike ... and to act on its behalf. So,whether you fly the flag ... whetheryou salute the flag ... whether youshed a patriotic tear. .. whether youvolunteer or donate to help anotherperson ... its all the same ... It'sAmericanism. And, it will not go awayas long as there's people like you andme to demonstrate and defend itsprinciple.

Please remember to enter the essayspresented at the Fall ConferenceNational's and Department's and alsodon't forget your reports are also dueto your Districts by March 30th andDistricts are due to the DepartmentChairman by April 15th.

LEADERSHIP SCHOOLS OFFERTOOLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Rysta Brown, Leadership Committee Chairman

We have been blessed to have hadeight leadership schools at as manydifferent locations all across the statethis year. This allowed more than60 Auxiliary members to attendclasses along with the Legion andthe Sons. They received certificatesof completion and hopefully walkedaway with tools and knowledge thatwill make them better leaders. Ifthey in turn take this informationback to their Units, it will help allthat they share it with to developmore leadership skills.

I would like to thank CarrieBowerman, Brenda Dees, DonnaFuelling, Sue Verville, Pat Laine andLinda Dick. These ladies provided ahistory of the Auxiliary andanswered questions pertaining toour programs. They exemplifiedLeadership and showed profession-alism while providing valuable infor-mation and tips to aid those in atten-dance to hone their leadership skills.

I would also like to recognize the

Legion instructors. They covered allaspects of leadership and allowedparticipation from everyone in atten-dance. I believe that everyonewalked away with something thatwill help them at all levels of theirorganization. At the school inGaylord on January 15, Brett Holt,Ron Runyan and Bud Hasbargerconducted themselves with confi-dence and took pride in sharingtheir knowledge with all partici-pants.

And of course, let’s not forgetabout the Sons of the Legion thatshared information about their pro-grams. Thanks to Dwaine Vervilleand Greg Price.

If I have forgotten anyone, pleaseaccept my apology in advance andthank you all that you have done tohelp make these classes a success.

These schools were a family affair,the American Legion family. I feelthat we need to continue havingthese Leadership Schools in order toprepare our future leaders with toolsto make our organization substantialwith the national organization.

On November 19, the American Legion Auxiliary, Glen Hill Unit 287 Auxiliary Juniors hosted an overnightevent, where Juniors from around the state gathered for fun activities and worked on Americanism proj-ects. Some of the projects were flag etiquette and making things to send to the troops. Our honorarystate Junior President Chelsie Kovacs was in attendance and was given $67.00 towards her ElmobilityProject. They were also honored to have the state Department President Carrie Bowerman, along withother Department members, join them for the activities and fellowship.


As Legionnaires itis our duty to exer-cise the right to vote.We fought for it, weearn and we under-stand the importance

of voting. As we see time and again,YOUR VOTE COUNTS.Remember Florida in 2000, everyvote matters. How many local elec-tions have been decided by just a cou-ple of votes?

AS A POST YOU CAN PARTICIPATE

Some members believe that as Postof the American Legion we can notparticipate in the election process.That is just not correct. We mustremember a couple of key points, inorder to keep the status of theAmerican Legion as a 501 c (19)organization is never called into ques-tion.

1. As a Post you may host a townhall meeting and invite ALL of

the candidates in your area. Holda meeting and discuss veteranissues with the candidates to seewhere each of them stand.Maybe you use it as a way toinform them of the issues inMichigan.

2. A Post, District, or Departmentcannot endorse any candidate.We can support veteran issues andlobby, but we do not endorse can-didates.

Does that mean as an individual youcannot support a candidate? NO…What it means is that if you as anindividual want to support a candidateyou are free to do so, BUT do notwear your Legion cap when you do.

Learn more about Getting Outthe Vote from the National GOTVProgram. Download a copy on theLegion website at www.legion.org/publications/161191/get-out-vote-brochure or call Mark Sutton, PRDirector at 517-371-4720 ext 16, wehave a limited supply at theDepartment office.

2012 IS A PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION YEAR!!GET OUT THE VOTE!!!

Willard “Bill” Coffey PDC and F. Gerrit Veldman PDC

The Grand Rapids Home for Veterans was cre-ated by Public Act 152 of 1895 (The Old SoldiersHome) to care for the homeless and indigent CivilWar Veterans. The Statute created the Board ofManagers and gave them certain regulatory andGovernance authority regarding admissions andmember affairs at the Home. The Board ofManagers is appointed by the Governor with theadvice and consent of the Senate. Each serves a six(6) year term and can be reappointed. The originalstatute was amended to provide for two (2) BoardMembers from The American Legion; two (2) BoardMembers from the Veterans of Foreign Wars; one (1)Member from the Disabled War Veterans; one (1)Member from the AMVETS and one Member torepresent the other veteran organizations (to beknown as an Independent) They represent allMichigan veterans in both advisory and advocacyroles.

During the 1980”s, the veterans in the UpperPeninsula lobbied for an extension of the veteranshome in the U.P. Under the leadership of “Kenny”Kent, the old St. Mary’s Hospital in Marquette waspurchased and converted into what is now known asthe D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans.

The Board of Managers, employees,Administrators and the annual budget are current-ly under the umbrella of the Department of Militaryand Veterans Affairs commanded by MG Greg

Vadnais, the Adjutant General of Michigan. GeneralVadnais was appointed by Governor Rick Snyder inJanuary 2011. The Deputy Director for VeteransAffairs is retired State Senator Jason Allen fromTraverse City.

The Board of Managers and the two (2) StateHome Administrators has been challenged to devel-op a long range mission and to project a major cap-ital outlay for the future of the Residents (Veterans)of our Homes. The economy of the State is caus-ing the operating budgets of the Homes to be dimin-ished and the challenge is to cut down to bare oper-ational costs without endangering the Quality ofCare our residents are entitled to. The Board is tak-ing this very seriously and is endeavoring to respondto the challenge. The Deputy Director is allowingthe Board to play a major role in the issue at hand.

The original statute was amended once again withthe passage of SB-799 signed by Governor Snyderwith an effective date of 1 January 2012. TheAmerican Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Warswill be reduced to one (1) representative each and one(1) from the Disabled War Veterans. The Governorwill appoint the remaining four (4) members as inde-pendents. It is our understanding that each managerwill be limited to two (2) three (3) year terms. Thereduction in managers from the VFW, AmericanLegion and Amvets will be through attrition.

Members of the Board of Managers consist ofseven (7) members. The officers of the Board areelected in the month of March from within theBoard itself.

REPORT BY THE BOARD OF MANAGERS

MICHIGAN STATE VETERANS HOMESDid you know….

• The Grand Rapids Home for Veterans is config-ured for just over 700 residents.

• Domiciliary-140 beds available. 81 occupied.(58%)

• Nursing Care-618 beds available. 467 occupied.(76%)

• There are 24 members that are 70-100% ServiceConnected (The VA funds their full cost of care.)

• The 472 nursing beds varies from day to day. • The Home is currently reducing the four (4) bed

rooms to two (2) bed rooms. This provides for a bet-ter quality of life for our veterans.

• The D.J. Jacobetti Home in Marquette is config-ured for 189 residents.

• Domiciliary-22 beds available. 50% occupied. • Nursing Care-182 beds available. 97.25% occupied. • There are 18 members residing at this Home that

are 70-100% Service Connected. • The D. J. Jacobetti Home is proud to report that

from a VA Survey conducted in November theyreceived “0” citations.

Special Note: The Board of Managers is aware that ourState has a $1.8 billion shortfall for next year and we are con-cerned how this will affect the Homes. Although the Boardof Managers is aware of the fiscal austerity, we are dedicat-ed to protecting the Veterans in the Homes to the best of ourability. We will endeavor to maintain quality care for all res-idents.

The administrators of both Homes keep theBoard advised of the number of volunteer hours anddollars that pour into both Homes. From All BoardMembers---A big THANK YOU.

By Lavern SpolarichAt the 2012 Winter Meeting in

Flint, Michigan, NationalCommander Fang Wong, DepartmentCommander and I made a presenta-tion to two Legionnaires, RichardGrovom and James “Woody”Wlodarczyk who were outstanding intheir contributions to the blood donorprogram.

Department Chatman and I wouldappreciate it if anyone else who hasdonated a significant amount of blood

to let us know and you may qualify forone of the awards that have beenestablished for the Blood, Eye, & VitalOrgan Program.

At the start of the year I also chal-lenged every Post to facilitate at least2 blood drives this year. I wouldappreciate it if any Post that has metthis challenge to let me know throughDepartment on how many was doneso that I can make a final count reportat the Department Convention inKalamazoo in June.

BLOOD, EYE, & VITAL DONOR

GIVING BLOOD

14| MICHIGAN LEGIONNAIRE & AUXILIAIRE | March 2012 | WWWWWW..MMIICCHHIIGGAANNLLEEGGIIOONN..OORRGG

GUEST WRITER/HR SPECIALIST

FINDING WORK SERIES

By JulieMann

Are youc u r r e n t l ylooking for ajob? Do youknow some-one who islooking for ajob? Most

likely, everyone reading this articlewill be able to answer one of thesetwo questions with a ‘Yes!” With theveteran unemployment rate morethan double that of the civilian pop-ulation unemployment rate; our vet-erans hit many challenges whensearching for a job. Therefore, begin-ning with this edition, we will begina series of articles to discuss/addressand help our veterans with job seek-ing challenges which is, and shouldbe, drawing national attention.

This being our first in a series, ifyou would allow, let me tell a quickstory. As a little girl, my grandfatherused to tell me his stories from 1918while he was aboard the SS Tuscaniaand, as a survivor, he would tell ofhow a German U-boat sent theTuscania to the bottom of the NorthChannel Sea. My grandfatherreceived honors for his efforts whileaboard the SS Tuscania as he steppedforward and blew the whistle (yes, Istill have the whistle!) to bring themen to calm. His actions, as well asthe actions of all of you reading this,have impacted the future of many. Itis with great honor to myGrandfather to be involved in writingthis series. Thank you all for yourservice and thank you for allowing meto share my 25+ years of experiencein the field of Human Resources withyou. OK, here we go!

Let’s first talk about what is goingon out there in the job market and inthe workforce and important to statethat we are in the most unique labormarket that many of us will see in ourlifetimes. It is the first time in histo-ry that four generations are workingtogether in the workplace.Unemployment rates are at all-timehighs yet finding people to fill jobs isnot easy; how can this be? The per-ception of companies looking to hireis that hiring is “easy” because of thehigh unemployment rate - yet the

reality of actually trying to hire qual-ified talent is not so “easy.” Theemployment situation since the reces-sion began has increased the numberof long-term unemployed which pro-duces both perceived and real chal-lenge for companies seeking to hireand for our veterans seeking to breakback into the job market.Organizations, when hiring, are look-ing for a mixture of new skills andsimilar skills to the predecessor in thejob as they continually look to domore with less yet training budgetshave sharply declined in recessionarytimes. Our veterans are returningwith bucket loads of skills but yet it isnot easy to translate what was donewhile serving our country into ver-biage that makes sense to the hiringcivilian company.QUESTION: Do you really haveto do a cover letter?ANSWER: YES! Whereas theresume talks about your backgroundand what job experiences and skillsyou have, the purpose of the coverletter is to tell the person hiring whyYOU are a good fit for this job. Thecover letter helps the person hiring getto the “Ah-hah! THIS is why I wantto talk to THIS person for THISjob!”

If you have a question that youwould like us to answer in our nextedition, let us know by submitting itto: [email protected].

Julie Mann is the CEO & President ofJMann Consulting Group, The Rock StarFactory and newly launched Company,RockStar Verified. The Rock Star Factoryis a professional placement firm specializ-ing in matching companies with rock starquality employees, while JMann ConsultingGroup provides on-call HR Manager serv-ices for small & medium sized businesses.RockStar Verified provides candidate employ-ment/skills verification services for both jobseekers and employers.

Offices are located downtown at 216 N.Chestnut Street and Julie can be contactedat 517.507.7568 or via email [email protected].

To learn moreabout the impor-tance of a COVERLETTER, visit

www.michiganlegion.org/radio.

The Fifth District is back with abelated wish to all our legion family fora great new year. You can take pridein what you have and are accom-plishing: WW II veteran FreedomFlights to DC memorials, theChristmas Gift Shop at the GrandRapids Home for Veterans, care boxesto active deployed troops, awesomepublic programs like the 8th AnnualFour Chaplain Service, plus extensiveservice hours at the GRHV, the KentCounty Honor Guard, the Habitatveteran home, hosting blood drives,and countless smaller individual postprojects. The programs you are con-tinuing to work on as we proceedthrough the year ahead show moreand better is yet to come. Well doneto all for all you do.

The hospitality for the last two dis-trict meetings could not have beenfiner. Commander Lance at Post 47 inComstock Park on November 8th host-ed our farewell to last year, andCommander Tyler at Post 154 inWyoming on January 12, helped uswarmly begin the new year on a rathersnowy night. At Comstock Park, wehad a presentation by Veterans Affairs& Rehabilitation Chairman RayMoore, a membership address byDirector Jim Wallace with delivery ofhis Legion Family recruitment appsto each person present, and TomBrown, one of the two endorsed can-didates for Department Commander2012-2013 was present. As Chairmanof Education and Scholarship, Tomtook the occasion to encourage poststo get the word out on the Legionsponsored scholarships and other pro-grams. At the Roger B. Chaffee Post154 on January 12, we were visitedby 2nd Zone Commander Cratis McLaughlin and had presentations onthe Injured Soldier Program and theGerber Scout Camp Merritt LambHonor Field. Our next district meet-ing will be on March 8, 2012 at NealE. Fonger Post 179, home post ofPDC Tom Holzgen, our National

From the 5th District Executive Committeeman. Districtnominations are on the agenda, and allare encouraged to see that their post isrepresented.

Let me close with a special thank youor two. The first thank you is for allthose posts that are achieving mem-bership goals. As a district, we havemet all membership target percent-ages on time with the Clark-Ellis Post152 in Lowell leading the parade of5thDistrict posts reaching the 100%membership goal for 2012 followedclosely by Byron Center Post 292, andFurniture City Post 258. Nothing couldbe better than seeing all 26 posts of thedistrict at 100%. If possible, make ithappen by the 2nd DepartmentMembership Round-up that kicks-offin Zone 2 on March 10th at the Boatand Canoe in Grand Rapids. Calltime is 8:00 AM. Plan on turning overthe final surge of renewals and recruit-ments to Membership Director JimWallace and enjoying a great breakfast.The Boat and Canoe will sponsor afree breakfast for the DistrictCommander and Post Commanderfrom Zone 2 turning in the largestnumbers to Membership DirectorWallace. The second thank you isfor those attending and the staff effortsat the Winter Conference. These areuncertain times with budget wranglingshowing veteran issues will need broadand unwavering support. Conferenceattendance helps focus the needs withthe recent GRHV occupancy issuebeing just one benefit concern. A thirdthank you is to members from the dis-trict posts who completed the Zone 2Leadership College course in BattleCreek: Post #154, Post #179, Post#258, Post #459, and Post #532. Itindicates that the future looks bright forsupport in the district being strong forveterans and their needs. Finally,thanks to all for determined recruitingefforts to keep The American Legionmembership growing. May all postshave continued success in the yearahead.

Tabs for tots donation to the Helen Devos for new pediatric equipment on December 21st,2011.

we do. If we tell others what wedo, it will be a great way to get oth-ers to want to join our GREATorganization.

Again we are stressing the impor-tance of filling out the ConsolidatedSquadron Report, which showswhat your squadron does. Yoursquadron may think they do not domuch but when added to the rest,the totals are amazing.

The Detachment membershiphas been achieving the goals thathave been set. I would like to thankmembership chairman Dave alongwith the zone commanders fordoing a great job. NationalCommander Jim Roberts theme is“Back to Blue”. We are now askingthe main workforce- the BLUECAPPERS, to once again help outyour Detachment Officers and workon getting 100% membership. Withrenewals at about 60%, just makingsure everyone is paid will get anoth-er all time high.

Try to make a Positive Differencein somebody’s day. It may just be aVETERAN.


TAPS are located on ourwebsite to be viewed or

printed at: www.michiganlegion.org/

pages/taps.html

By DwaineVerville, DetachmentCommander

It is reallyhard to believethat well overhalf the year has

gone by and we only have a shorttime to achieve the goals we set forourselves. Working withCommander Dick, President Carrieand when possible Junior PresidentChelsea is making this year fly by. Imay have to borrow some ofPresident Carrie’s Gift of Time tocomplete my projects.

As the Legion Family is gettingready to celebrate The LegionBirthday I think it is time to remindourselves why we were started. TheSons were formed to assist theLegion in caring for the Veterans,their families and to promote goodcitizenship in our communities, stateand nation. I believe we do a greatjob at these programs but we donot let others know the great work

Sons of the American LegionDetachment of Michigan

ters involved. What is the program?Your chapter comes up with aplaque small enough to fit into asaddle bag; then you wait for anoth-er chapter to come and get it, after24 hours your chapter can go get itback. I have a copy of all the rulesif anyone out there is interested.The Onstede Post started this superfun program and they will be ableto give anyone a better explanationof how it works. The whole thingis about meeting more riders at yourpost and you going to their post.Camaraderie is the name of thegame, let’s get out there and get toknow your fellow riders. Still try-ing to get all the names of the zoneALR liaisons, if anybody has vol-unteered or been appointed pleaseget that info to me. If you try to getout and do some early riding pleasebe extra careful; most cage pilotsdon’t see you in July they sure won’tsee you in March. I can’t wait to seeyou on the road.

By Jim“Big Daddy”Austin

The 2012Legacy Run has

been announced: Online registra-tion is available atwww.legion.org/riders/registration-Dates to remember: Aug 21-23National Commander’s Ride: Aug23-25 American Legion RidersExpo: Aug 25-30 NationalConvention.

FIND A LEGION RIDER CHAPTER NEAR YOU

Visit www.legion.org/riders clickon Chapter Locator on the rightside of the page.

We had a good turnout for theALR winter meetings in Flint. Thebig topic was the new ride and grabprogram. We have about 12 chap-

Legion Riders Update

The Michigan Volunteer Defense Force is a group ofprior service and non-prior service men and women thatare serving the State of Michigan. . One of our missionsin CERT (Community Emergency Response Teams).For more information contact MAJ Harold Wilson Jr.XO,1st Bn. at 517-290-8301or visit www.mivdf.org. We pro-vide an opportunity to serve our State to those that stillwant to serve!!

Mission• The Michigan Volunteer Defense Force (MIVDF) at the direction of

the Adjacent General provides reliable personnel support to local andState agencies during declared emergencies.

Essential Tasks• Support MI's Receipt, Store and Stage (RSS) of the Strategic National

Stockpile (SNS)• Support MI with certified Community Emergency Response Teams

(CERT)• Support the MING with county Liaison Officers (LNO)• Support the MING with Joint Reception, Staging, Onward Movement

and Integration (JRSOI) staffing• Support the MING with Cyber Network Defense staffing

National Security: Legionnaires continue to serve

Michigan Volunteer Defense Force

PRIVATECOLLECTOR

BUYINGGerman, Japanese, U.S.military items from allwars. Top cash paid for

Airborne, Aviation, Pilot,Seal, Special Forces, OSS,

Ranger, Marine items. AlsoGerman medals, daggers,swords, guns, personalityitems and billion flags.

Also Japanese swords, hel-mets and guns.

Call for top cash offerCombat wounded vet

James Leslie (member),1217 Griswold St.,

Port Huron, MI 48060(810) 982-4203

ClassifiedsTThhee BBeesstt TThhiinngg ffoorr YYoouu MMiigghhttNNoott BBee MMoonneeyy IInn tthhee BBaannkk!!

Annuity rates up to 4.00% WWhhyy sseett tt llee ffoorr lleessss iinn aa BBaannkk CCDD??

FREE CONSULTATIONS880000--772200--44114422

Retirement / Ins / Investment PlanningFinal Expense Insurance

Biblical Based Investments

P.J. Harper, RIA, CSA, RegisteredInvestment Advisor, National Association

of Christian Financial ConsultantsMember, Legion Member

www.harper-enterprises.comManchester, MI

"The contents of advertisements which appear in theLegionnaire are solely the responsibility of the advertis-ers. Appearance of any advertisement in the Legionnairedoes not constitute either a recommendation, nor anendorsement of the goods and services offered therein."

WAR RELICSWANTED

Private collector payingtop dollar for daggers,swords, medals, uni-

forms, etc. Call or write:William Harbowy (Life

Member)7247 Weddel Street, Taylor,

MI 48180(313) 386-2384

BBUUYY IINNGGSSttaammpp && CCoovveerr

CCooll lleecctt iioonnssCall or write:

WWeess lleeyy AA.. KKeenntt(Member)

1410 Hillcrest NWGrand Rapids, MI 49504

(616) 791-2243

View our selection of Michigan Legiongear, including: Team Michigan

National Parade shirts, Jean shirts,Polos, and Wilwin Shirts & Coins

www.michiganlegion.org/store

The Carl Stitt Post 232 Early Bird Dinner whichwas held on Nov. 8, 2011 with Guest of Honor,Mrs. Elizabeth Haines ®, Junior Guardian in1934, whose mother, Mrs. Minnie Mahoney, wasAuxiliary President in 1934 and whose father,Adam Mahoney, was Chaplain the same year.Post Adjutant Fred Koch (L)

The American Legion Family was present at the Four Chaplainsservice in Grand Rapids on January 28th, 2012. (L-R) DwaineDeville (SAL Dept Commander), Carrie Bowerman (Aux DeptPresident), Chelsea Kovacs (Juniors Dept President), DickChatman (Department Commander).

Tony Trovato is a 67-year member of Furniture City Post#258, and was recruited into the American Legion by pre-vious Post #258 Commander Maurice C. Chadwick (1932-33),a World War I veteran now deceased. Shipmate Trovato isa World War II sailor who served aboard the LST 601 in theAtlantic and Mediterranean Fleets. He is a native of GrandRapids, Michigan, and will celebrate his 100th BirthdayMarch 13, 2012.


Around the State...

World Class Hunter Jim Shockey took Michigan National Guardsmen huntingin November. Pictured(L-R) Eva Shockey, Jon French(Sgt.,MING), Jim Shockey,Derek VanBuren (Sgt.,MING), Louise Shockey, and General Jim Anderson(Ret.).

Singers sing at the 8th Annual Four Chaplains Service at the Westend Church in Grand Rapids.American Legion Post 459 hosts this event.

Supporting the community: American Legion Post 186 inHancock, MI presents Capt. Brown, Hancock Salvation ArmyCenter a $500 donation. (L-R) Capt. Brown Salvation Army,Post Commander Dan Watrous, Post Senior Vice Cmdr. RichardHausworth, member Bob Durocher .

The members of Post 84 of Otsego gathered to celebrate former 1st Lt. Everett Alton's 97thBirthday. Everett still makes the monthly meetings when possible, and the Wednesday morn-ing breakfast at the Post. Everett served in the U.S. Army during WWII as a radar maintenance& repair officer in the South Pacific Theater areas. He later went on to teach Physics &Electrical Engineering as a professor at the University of Iowa. The members of Post 84 thinkthe world of Everett, and salute his service during time of war. Happy 97th.

Frank Flores (center), presents check to John Bushart (L),President (& Gold Star Father) of the Fallen HeroesMemorial Foundation. Tim Rollin (R), 18th DistrictCommander. Mr. Bushart and his wife Lee Cavanaugh spokeabout the proposed Fallen Heroes Memorial to be con-structed in Pontiac, at Farmington American Legion Post 346on Jan. 8, 2012

MImichiganlegion.org/assets/march12.pdf · Veterans Service - 12 - Wednesdays only Public Relations - 16 - [email protected] ... May, August, and December by The American Legion

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