2012 - 2013 legion leadershipmichiganlegion.org/assets/julyaug12.pdfl-r national commander fang...

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2012 - 2013 LEGION LEADERSHIPMichigan Legionnaire & Wolverine Auxiliaire Vol. LXXXII No.1

Remember to submitIRS Form 990.Don’t lose your

non-profit status!

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

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

SAL Commander Rodney Tolbert Department Commander Thomas Brown Auxiliary President Mary Anne Yuncker

L-R National Commander Fang Wong, 2012 State Oratorical ChampionAaron Mukerjee, and National Americanism Chairman Joseph Caouette

Register for ServiceOfficer School p. 10

Free Boat Rides forVeterans p. 9

Convention Pictures p. 8

Made in the USA p. 7

Legionnaire ReceivesMedals p. 13

Send in Your Resume p. 14

Wilwin Lodge OpenHouse July 14, 2012 p. 15

See You at Boyne Highlands Sept. 20-23, 2012

Michael Kerrigan,age 62 of Little Rock,IA, formerly ofLansing, MI diedMonday, June 4, 2012at the Avera HeartHospital in Sioux Falls,SD.

Michael F. Kerriganwas born on July 6, 1949, the son ofLeo F and Mary Genevieve (Frappier)Kerrigan in LaCrosse, WI. He wasraised in LaCrescent, MN and at ayoung age he moved with his family toSuperior, WI. Later his family moved toRochester, MN. Michael graduatedfrom the Aquinas High School inRochester, MN in 1968. He enlisted inthe United States Air Force serving asan MP from 1970 to 1974. InDecember of 1973, he was united inmarriage to Susan M Lynch at the St.Stanislaus Catholic Church in Winona,MN. Twins were born of their union.Living in Winona, he continued hiseducation and received his Bachelor’sDegree in Business Management atWinona State College. Mike’s wifeSusan died in November of 1977. InSeptember of 1978, Michael was unit-ed in marriage to Jane M Flynn inPreston, MN; to this union three chil-dren were born. In the mid 1980’s heand his family moved to Indianapolis,IN, where he worked at the NationalHeadquarters of American Legion. Hetraveled the U.S. meeting and workingwith Local and National Leaders. Twoyears later he took the job of Adjutantof the American Legion of Michiganand moved to Lansing, MI. After leav-ing the American Legion, he becameself-employed as an IT consultant. OnDecember 31, 2005, he married LynnD. McShannon in Sergent Bluff, IAand later retired to Little Rock, IA in2006. Michael was a member of the St.Andrew’s Catholic Church, the Buss-Johnson American Legion, the WilliamF. Allard VFW, the Disabled Veterans,the Knights of Columbus; he was alsoa member of Cornelia de LangeSyndrome Foundation. He was cur-rently a member of the Little RockCity Council. Mike will be remem-

DEADLINE DATESs

Circulation: 97,687Printed: 7-6-12 • Mailed: 7-9-12

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.

JULY/AUGUST 2012 - JUNE 1, 2012

2 | MICHIGAN LEGIONNAIRE & AUXILIAIRE | July/August 2012 | WWWWWW..MMIICCHHIIGGAANNLLEEGGIIOONN..OORRGG

STATE OFFICERSState Commander . . . . . . . . . . . . Tom Brown, Oscoda

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

1st Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eddie Brown

2nd Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lynn Jolink

3rd Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brett Holt

4th Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wilson Coomer

5th Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jack Koivisto

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

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

Chaplain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jennifer Smith, Lansing

Sergeant-at-Arms . . . . . . . . . Michael Buda, Dearborn

Judge Advocate... . . . . . . F. Garrit Veldman, Muskegon

National Executive Committeeman

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

Alt. National Executive Committeeman

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

Immediate Past Commander

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Richard I. Chatman, Detroit

Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Director

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

Membership Director . . . . . . . Larry Money, Buchanan

Public Relations Director . Mark Sutton, Eaton Rapids

SSeerrvveedd aass SSttaattee AAddjjuuttaanntt

Former State Adjutant Michael Kerrigan Passes

Michael Kerrigan

bered for his sense of humor, givingnature, and his advocating for and sup-port of special needs children. He hada special love for God, family, and coun-try! Mike was an eye cornea donor,which has given sight to two recipientsin need of sight.

Michael is survived by his wife LynnKerrigan of Little Rock, IA; three sons,Patrick Kerrigan of George, IA,Thomas (Kara) Kerrigan and JohnKerrigan both of Lansing, MI; threestep-children, Heather (Brett) Nelson ofPonca, NE, Aaron (Niki) Murray ofManhattan, KS and Amy (Justin) Beller

of Carlisle, IA; four grandchildren,Kayla, Thomas, Delaney and Stella;four step-grandchildren, Zachary,Makayla, Lacey and Carley; eight sib-lings, Patricia (Paul) Ronnenberg ofByron, MN, Cynthia (Joe) Donahue ofOnalaska, WI, Daniel (Karen) Kerriganof Holmen, WI, Dennis Kerrigan ofRochester, MN, Donald (Renata)Kerrigan of Louisiana, Debra (Gordon)Reberry of Onalaska, WI, Deanna(Thomas) Stower of Minneapolis, MNand Danita Kerrigan of Byron, MN;several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephewsand cousins.

HeadquartersWWWWWW..MMIICCHHIIGGAANNLLEEGGIIOONN..OORRGG | MICHIGAN LEGIONNAIRE & AUXILIAIRE | July/August 2012 | 3

The American Legion Departmentof Michigan has had a relationshipwith the Legionnaire Insurance TrustProgram for more than 40 years. Theoffer competitive rates on many insur-ance products, but the best product forLegionnaires offered FREE of charge.They offer every Legionnaire a $5000(upgraded from $1000) accidentaldeath benefit; if a cover accident occurswhile on Official Legion Business or$1000 for all other covered accidents.

Sign up today and you will be protected until August31st, 2016. Watch for the form in the mail or visitwww.thelit.com to sign up. Get the protection you deservewhile doing good works for the Legion.

L.I.T offers other products as well, like EmergencyAssistance programs in case you are hurt or become sickwhile traveling. Car insurance from GMAC, checktheir rates, they just might save you some money.

Our relationship with L.I.T is over 40 years old andgoing strong, please have a look at their products todecide for yourself. In 2012 L.I.T presented a check forover 100,000 to the Department of Michigan to assistthe programs the department sponsors throughout theyear.

Patrick W. Lafferty, State AdjutantAccidental Death Benefit of $5000

Take Advantage of Legion Care Upgrade

Patrick W. LaffertyState Adjutant

and expand them. There has been a lot of rhetoric

about the four pillars of the AmericanLegion; they are the reason that thisorganization exists.

Pillar number I: VeteransAffairs and Rehabilitation (VA & R).It is our duty to insure that everyVeteran all the benefits that they haveearned through their military service.Our VA & R program is one of thebest in the nation and has the nation-al awards to prove it. Our ServiceOfficers are well trained and gen-uinely care about the folks that cometo them for assistance. Thereforeeach and every one of us needs tocontact our legislators and insist thatthe funding for VA & R be restoredimmediately so that we can continueto provide help for the veterans ofthis state.

Greetings to allmy fellowLegionnaires inevery Post andDistrict across thegreat State OfMichigan. What ayear we had.C o m m a n d e rChatman was verydiligent in his

efforts to breathe some life back intoour programs as was CommandersJackson and Hafeman before him.Their diligence has not gone unre-warded. Our programs have shownimprovement and are getting strongerevery day.

It is my belief that our AmericanLegion programs are our reason forbeing and as your Commander Iintend to continue to seek to improve

Tom Brown, State Commander

Tom Brown Named 2012 - 2013 Department CommanderPillar number II: National

Security. The American Legion hasalways been in the forefront to insurethat nation’s security is strong. It isour obligation to keep a strong forceready to defend our country. At thenation security commission meetingswe address all the issues involvingthe armed forces, including training,quality of life and most importantlytheir security. There are other con-cerns as well, such as disaster pre-paredness. In short we need a well-funded and well trained force readyto respond to anything and we needto let Congress know this.

Pillar number III:Americanism. Our Americanism isreaching out to the posts and theposts to the communities to promoteAmericanism. That being the careand respect for our flag, respect for

our troops and the emergencyresponders (police, firemen, para-medics etc.). We honor law enforce-ment and firemen every year at ourConvention. We also honor our edu-cators with the teacher of the yearawards. American Legion baseball,Boys State, Oratorical and StudentTrooper are also programs coveredunder Americanism.

Pillar number IV: Children andYouth. The purpose of this pillar isto provide for the wellbeing of theyoung people of our communities.We support charities that includeChildren’s Miracle Network, SpecialOlympics and Ronald McDonaldHouse.

I look forward to serving as yourcommander this year and meetingyou along the way. For God andCountry.

Tom BrownState Commander


DDiissttrriicctt MMeeeettiinnggss

Membership

The new membership year hasbegun, are you ready?

Membership is what keeps theLegion growing, without membershipthere is no Legion. Keeping recordsstraight and monitoring the renewalprogress is challenging at times. That’sall changed now with MyLegion.org,the online membership managementtool created by The American Legion.What can you do withMyLegion.org?

• Check the status of your Post mem-bers

• With online renewals check to see

WWW.MYLEGION.ORG

BE SURE TO SIGN UP TO USEMYLEGION.ORG

who renewed via the web• Look up members at large (DMS)

who live in your area and invitethem to transfer to your Post

• Post your Newsletters for mem-bers to read

• Submit your Consolidated PostReport

How do you get started?• Go online to www.mylegion.org• For Post’s Click On the

Authorization Form follow theprompts to gain access

• Members can update their per-sonal information on file withNational

1st District9/10/12 Fred Beaudry Post #12610/1/12 Joe Louis Post #37512/3/12 Joe Louis Post #3753/4/13 Fred Beaudry Post #1265/6/13 * Joe Louis Post #3756/3/13 Fred Beaudry Post #126* Memorial Day Observance - JointLegion Family.

Other Events Scheduled include: Installation ofDistrict Officers (7/9/12) at Fred Beaudry Post#126; 1st Zone Picnic (8/4/12) in Taylor,Michigan; Veterans Day Parade (11/3/12) inDetroit.

Guests are welcome - those planning to attend andspeak should notify the District Adjutant, JohnBurke at [email protected] so you may beincluded in the meeting agenda.

6th DistrictSept. 9 Mackinder-Glenn Post 510Nov. 4 Devereaux Post 141January 13 Pinckney Memorial Post 419March 10 Chas. N. Skellenger Post 267May 5 Jesse B. Cooley Post 235

10th DistrictSeptember 8 Oscoda 274November 3 Mikado 254January 5 Bay City 18March 2 Sanford 443

RENEW ONLINE NOW

It’s Fast, Easy, and Secure

Legionnaires renew your 2013 Legion membership now atwww.legion.org/renew

FAQ’s from members:How do I receive my new card? – When you complete the onlineprocess they will have a temporary card for you to PRINT. Take that printversion to your Post or mail it to your Post so the Adjutant can send you thenew card. The sheet is your receipt that you have renewed with National.The Post might not automatically send it to you. Your membership card isat the Post.

FAQ from Adjutant/Membership Officers:What do I send to Department for Online Renewals? - The Post sendsnothing to Department when a member renews online. Simply give theOnline Renewing member their New Card and shred the left portion of thecard. For online renewals Department does not receive anything from the Post.

When will the Post be paid for online renewals? – When Departmentreceives the report and check from National for online payments we will quick-ly return your portion of the payments.

Can the Post Adjutant/membership officer see who has renewedonline? - Yes sign up to use www.mylegion.org for your Post and all thatinformation will be there.

DistrictCommanders!!!

Submit yourmeetings to

Mark Sutton at: [email protected]

ASAP!!!

May 5 Harrison 404 (Memorial)June 1T.B.A. (incoming commander Post)Lunch at noon, meetings at 1pm all dates.

16th DistrictSept. 11 Lincoln Park Post 67*October 9 Melvindale Post 472November 13 Flat Rock Post 337*December 11 Southgate Post 478January 8 Stitt Post 232*February 12 Fort Dearborn Post 364March 12 Wyandotte 217*April 8 Allen Park Post 409**May 14 Lincoln Park Post 67June 11 Garden City 396

Meeting begins at 7:30 * Denotes Service OfficerSchool at 6:30 PM ** Memorial Service at6:30 PM

July/August 2012

AAUUXXIILLIIAAIIRREEFrom the Desk of the President 22001122 -- 22001133 DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt PPrreessiiddeenntt,, MMaarryy AAnnnnee YYuunncckkeerr

Thank you forallowing me theprivilege of stand-ing before youtoday as yourD e p a r t m e n tPresident. It is trulyhumbling to be in

this position, so in awe of and yethonored by the trust you have placedin me. Because of your confidencein me, I accept the responsibilitiesof this office with a deep faith inGod's guidance and a devoted com-mitment to the American LegionAuxiliary.

No one achieves this position bythemselves. Throughout the years Ihave had wonderful mentors and sup-porters within the American Legionfamily. I hardly know where to beginto thank all of you for your support.I believe it all began about ten yearsago when I asked Past DepartmentPresident Jackie Skinner and "Pic"Webster what I would have to do to"move up" in this organization. Theyadvised me to work on many com-mittees. I took their advice and spentyears learning about our programsand what could be accomplishedthrough them. However, it was theKnapp ladies who really persuadedme to throw my hat in the ring.Thanks to all of you for your encour-agement. The road has been bumpydue to illness and death, but today isa new day. I'm eager and excited tobegin our new year.

I would like to thank the membersof my Unit #287-Cedar Springs.Would the members of the Post,Auxiliary, Sons of the AmericanLegion and the Juniors please standfor recognition? Would the mem-bers for the Fifth District please jointhem? These fine folks have beenmy support group, encouraging andhelping me every step of the way.It's not easy to adopt a full grownchild, a new member who thenalmost immediately steps up to aleadership position. Please remainstanding. I would also like to recog-nize the members of Unit #267 andthe Legion family from the SixthDistrict. Would you please stand?This is where my journey began. Imade many of my mistakes andlearned the ropes here. These are

the folks who taught and nurturedme on my way. They are also verydear to me. Without you I wouldn'tbe here today. Thanks to all of you.You may be seated. You have all pro-vided support, encouragement, andfriendship for my personal growthand preparation for the steps to takethis highest office within theAmerican Legion AuxiliaryDepartment of Michigan.

Would the past DepartmentPresidents please stand? Each of youhas influenced my path to this office.Your willingness to advise and coun-sel me is a large part of why I'm heretoday. Thank you all so much. Youmay be seated.

Congratulations to the new officersand District Presidents. I'm sure aswe work together this year we willhave a good time and also a verysuccessful year. Thank you to mynew committee chairmen and com-mittee members. There is not one ofyou who I agreed to reluctantly orwith reservation. Each one of you hasdemonstrated your abilities in thepast and I am very excited to watchyour performance and see your suc-cesses this year. I am not in the officeof President to impress you. Rather,I am here to be impressionable. I'mwaiting to be impressed by you, themembers of this wonderful, capableand dedicated organization.

The American Legion family isvital to our success this year. I'mlooking forward to working with theLegion and Sons of the AmericanLegion this year. Also part of ourfamily is our Juniors. Traveling withthe commanders and me will be theHonorary Junior President AlexusChampion. Having watched Alexusgrow up into the lovely young womanshe is today, I'm excited to have herwith me as we travel this state togeth-er.

My greatest appreciation for thisday goes to my husband, best friendand greatest supporter, Bill. (comesforward) Over the years, many ofyou have called him "the invisibleman", as he has stayed behind thescenes, keeping things going at home,taking care of the dogs and enablingme to donate my gift of time. But thisyear it will be different. He will bevery visible as he plans to travel with

me.Now sitting behind me is my fam-

ily. Introduce. For the many eventsthat I've missed, for times when I'vebeen preoccupied, on the phone andout of town, thank you for yourunderstanding. This is the year we'veworked for. Thanks especially to mysister, who has helped me preparefood, sew kerchiefs, and come upwith many ideas I have used.

My theme for this year is "TheSky's the Limit for Our Veterans". Thelogo is a hot air balloon as we soar tonew heights in our efforts to help vet-erans and their families through ourmany programs. My special projectis part of this: the woman veteran.The funds collected over this yearwill be distributed to several pro-grams within our state as they providesocial and medical benefits to ourreturning service women. I like to callour association with the woman vet-eran "Sisters in Service". I'm hopingyou will be there as a sister; true,generous, and supportive in this oftenoverlooked and so needed cause.

Thank you to Theresa Wheelerand Betty Rhodes Machen for carry-ing my Fifth District colors and MargeKnapp and Sheila Young for present-ing my Unit #287 colors. It was aspecial joy to share this ceremonywith you.

Before I close, I also want to thankmy friend, your newest NationalCommitteewoman, CarrieBowerman. Together we have cov-ered many miles across this country.She has coached, mentored, yelled atand looked after me. We have com-plemented each other and forged avery special bond throughout upsand downs over the past two years.Thank you for being there and prom-ising to continue to be a resourcefor me.

As you leave, be sure to get yournew membership pin. Wear it proud-ly all year to show your pride in andallegiance to this the premierwomen's veterans organization inthe wonderful state of Michigan.

May God bless you, our Auxiliary,and May God bless America !!

Mary Anne Yuncker Elected 2012 - 2013 Department President

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

VISTA volunteer Joshua Schreier; Department Secretary-Treasurer Bonnie Olson; and Legion PublicRelations Director Mark Sutton

AUXILIARY HEADQUARTERS DIRECTORY 517-267-8809

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

6 | MICHIGAN LEGIONNAIRE & AUXILIAIRE | July/August 2012 | www.michalaux.org

Hello, my name is Richard Aaron Jones. I am 63years old and I am a Navy veteran of 12 years. I havebeen living at the Grand Rapids Home for Veteransfor 3 years and let me tell you--it has been anexperience that I will never forget.

First off, if it were not for the GRHV, I would beliving on the streets or in a shelter. There are so manythings that keep us busy each and every day of theyear. I am still overwhelmed and surprised as towhat the various organizations do for veterans.

We have 3 meals a day, activities and trips to dif-ferent places throughout Michigan. We have aclothing room to supply us with under garments andouterwear for the summer and winter seasons. Ourfood is prepared with the utmost attention, justlike home. We have a lot of social gatherings withvarious organizations. We go to movies, volunteerour service to other organizations for car washes etc.

We are the main Distribution Center for theAmerican Legion Auxiliary Poppy Program, where

New Poppy Supervisor at Gr. Rapids Homeveterans can earn money for savings or other thingsthat they might want or can’t receive from theHome.

I want to thank the American Legion and theAmerican Legion Auxiliary for all that you have beendoing for the veterans. Thank You for caring. Wehave Bingo, go to baseball games (Detroit Tigers),golfing, fishing and hunting trips.

During the holidays, there are a lot of functionsgoing on here at the Home. At Christmas time, wehave a “wish list”, where we can send our lovedones gifts, too. There are lots of donations given tothe Home from a lot of people and organizationsand it never stops.

I am proud of my America and I want to thankyou for all that you have done. There are so manythings to do year round, that I can’t list them all. Youshould come here and witness it for yourself--you’llnot believe it. My family is still overwhelmed withthe Grand Rapids Home for Veterans.

UPAA women holding the quilted flags made by Krystal Oberle. Each flag represents a goal unit. There were 16 goal units in the UPAAfor 2011-12. Congratulations to all of the goal units!!

Department Staff: Sandy Vandlen, LeAnn Knott and Bonnie Olson withthe VISTA, ALA Call to Service Corps volunteer Joshua Schreier sent fromnational to observe the Department of Michigan and how it operates ona day-to-day basis. He is writing a guidebook for the national secretaries,and our department was recommended by the National Secretary to visit.

As we start a new year ofservice in this great organiza-tion, please give our new offi-cers, chairman and all of ourmembers the support and help

needed this coming year. PRAYER: Lets us pray for all our veterans,

both Men and Women who are serving athome or aboard. Please watch over all of ourVeterans and their families and give them thestrength, the wisdom and the faith to meet thedemands that are being asked of them. Keep usever mindful of the sacrifices made by ourservice men and women for the betterment ofothers. We pray for the safe return of thosewho are defending our country. Lets us pledgeto honor and respect the Flag of the UnitedStates of America. Lets us encourage our Junior’smembers to become our future leaders. Give

Susan Verville, Department Chaplain

Chaplains Cornerus the wisdom, the faith and the courage tomeet all of the demands of the coming year.Give us guidance and strength to meet ourresponsibilities as members of this great organ-ization. We ask a special blessing for all ofthose who have fought and for those who havedied for us. AMEN

“THE SKY’S THE LIMIT FOR OUR VETER-ANS” means that there is NO limit to howmuch we as Auxiliary members can do to helpour Veterans. We can reach high in the sky byshowing our appreciation, our loyalty, and ourdevotion to the principles of freedom anddemocracy of this great nation to all of ourVeterans, their families and our communities.Remember that we are a volunteer organizationand only we as members can make this organ-ization “The American Legion Auxiliary” thevery best that it can be.

Order Your Shirt Today!

G

WWWWWW..MMIICCHHIIGGAANNLLEEGGIIOONN..OORRGG | MICHIGAN LEGIONNAIRE & AUXILIAIRE | July/August 2012 | 7

Legislative Updates

Public Act 167 of 2012 is now law. Governor Rick Snyder signed Senate Bill 640; a law sponsored byState Senator Roger Kahn. This bill amended the Act’s title and added Sec 2a to the Act.

TITLEAn act to adopt and prescribe the design of a state coat-of-arms and state flag, and their use; to prohibit the use of thesame for advertising purposes; to prescribe standards for the manufacture, sale, and display of certain flags of the UnitedStates and the state flag; and to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state agencies and officials.

Sec. 2a. (1) This state, including all branches, departments, offices, boards, commissions, authorities, or other agenciesof this state, shall not purchase a flag of the United States or a state flag of Michigan for display upon a building orproperty owned, or entirely leased, or operated by this state, including all branches, departments, offices, boards, commis-sions, authorities, or other agencies of this state, unless the flag was manufactured in the United States or a territory ofthe United States.

MADE IN THE USA

On May 30th, 2012 the State House and Senatevoted on A Omnibus bill that included the budgetfor the Department of Military and Veterans Affairsfor FY2013. Within that budget included itemsaffecting the Veterans in Michigan. ManyLegionnaires and other members of the VeteranService Organizations in Michigan (VFW, MOPH,MCL, VVA,DAV) met with and wrote letters tomembers of the legislature to lobby for severalissues throughout the year to help veterans. Beloware the results.

The Good News

For years the 2 Veterans Homes in Michigan havebeen growing older. With the economic climatethere has been little money for capital improve-ments on the Homes. This year both Homes willreceive one time appropriations to make improve-ments. Grand Rapids Home 1.6 million and D.J.Jacobetti Home will receive 516,000 dollars forimprovements. At D.J. Jacobetti the money willbe used to upgrade a 45+ year heating and coolingsystem, roof repairs, and improve access to a courtyard on the grounds.

A one-time appropriation for Veteran ServiceEnhancement of 434k was passed to bring 2 itemsto veteran services. One to help the VSO’s andCounty Service Officers purchase software servicethat allows better communications between theCounties Service Officers, the VSO Field Officersand the Veteran Service Organization’s DetroitOffices when helping veteran’s. The remainingmoney will be used to train and hire veterans with-in the vocational rehabilitation program to work oncollege campuses to bring veteran services to thoseveterans’s attending school.

The Bad News

The Veteran Service Grants have been cut foranother year. The grants have been decreasedagain from 3,029,000 last year to 2,904,000 this year.The operating budget for FY2012 was only 2.9million because money allocated to the grant wasused to hire a Certification Officer for the DMVA.We pressed to have that money brought back intothe grant system, but it was decided by the legisla-ture and executive branch to remove the 125,000completely. We will continue to educate and pressthe legislature for additional funding. Much hasbeen said about the gross domestic expenditurereport placing the State at number 53 (even behindGuam and Puerto Rico), but with continued cuts infunding that number may not change anytime soon.

LEGISLATIVEACTIVITIES FOR THE

YEAR PRODUCEDMIXED RESULTS

L-R State Commander Richard Chatman, State Adjutant Patrick Lafferty, Gov. Rick Snyder, MOPH Legislative Chairman Lino Pretto , StateSen. Roger Kahn, Sen. Kahn’s Chief of Staff Jon Cool, and American Legion Legislative Chairman Doug Williams

L-R State Sen. Tom Casperson, Senior Deputy Director Jason Allen, State Rep. Matt Huuki, and American Legion Chairman Doug Williams ata press conference on June 9th announcing the Jacobetti allocation.


94TH STATE CONVENTION - KALAMAZOO, MICHIGANJUNE 28 - JULY 1, 2012

2012 - 2013 ELECTED OFFICIALS

Michael Buda State Sergeant-at-Arms

Rex LambertState Historian

Lyle ShanksState Finance Officer

Thomas BrownState Commander

OUR NEW COMMANDER TOM BROWN

VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA, LANSING - HOMELESS VETS OUTREACH AWARD

NATE GROSS, LAKE ORION, 2012FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR

GARY TANNER WITH MRS.SHUTZE AND FAMILY, PRESENT

POST 459 THE FIRST JAMES W.SHUTZE AWARD FOR THEIR

RECONNECT PROGRAM

NASER PROPANE, POWERS -SMALL EMPLOYER

OFFICER RONALD KOSKI, ROCK2012 LAW OFFICER OF THE YEAR

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THEWILWIN LODGE

STEWART MANUFACTURING, HERMANSVILLE -MEDIUM EMPLOYER AWARD

WASHTENAW COUNTY MICHIGANWORKS - EMPLOYMENT SVC

LOCAL OFFICE

CONGRATULATIONS TEACHERS OF THE YEARJIM GARRISON, FARWELL - ENHANCELIVES OF DISABLED PERSONS AWARD

OUR 2012-2013 JUNIORS

TTHANKHANK YYOUOU TTOMOM FORFOR ALLALL YYOUOU DODO

JIM BISHOP, BATTLE CREEK -LOCAL VETERANS EMPLOYMENT SVC

FRED PITTMAN, YPSILANTI - DISABLEDVETERAN OUTREACH AWARD

VA&R AWARD

FFASTBASTBALLALL FFLAKESLAKES TTHANKHANKYYOUOU DDETRETROITOIT TT IGERIGER JJUSTINUSTINVVERLANDERERLANDER ANDAND MMEIJEREIJER ’’ SSFORFOR SUPPORSUPPORTINGTING VETERANSVETERANS

BEVERLY JO LIST 2012 LEGIONNAIRE OF THE YEAR

ANDY KNAPP 2011-2012 TOP RECRUITER


Tight Lines For Troops

REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM THE ROYAL OAK PATCH

EARTH TO ROYAL OAK: RESIDENTS TIDY UP PARKS IN TIME FOR EARTH DAYMEMBERS OF FRANK WENDLAND AMERICAN LEGION POST 253 GAVE A CITY PARK SOME TLC TODAY AS PART OF THE CITY'S PARK CLEAN UP DAYS.

By Judy Davids April 21, 2012

Sunday is Earth Day, when the cit-izens of Planet Earth mobilize foran eco-celebration, but here in RoyalOak residents with with rakes andtrash bags started early.

Saturday morning, groups takingpart in Adopt a Park for a Day tooktime to give Mother Nature a littletender loving care by sprucing upmore than 50 city parks.

At Wendland Park, on the city'ssouth side, about 25 members of theAmerican Legion raked leaves and

L-R Post Commander Ron Volmering,Leonard DeFrain, Post AdjutantArnold H. Koehn

Member for 68 YearsAmerican Legion Post 197

Commander and Adjutantpresented LegionnaireLeonard DeFrain a years ofservice award for his 68 yearsof membership in theLegion.

picked up debris for almost twohours.

"This is an example of how thecommunity gets together to makeRoyal Oak the great city," CarolHennessey said.

After the group raked all the leavesto the curb they were treated to abarbeque at the park courtesy of theAmerican Legion.

Labor of loveThe cleanup was a labor of love for

one resident."This park is the city's oldest park,"

John Wendland said. "It used to becalled Sunset Park, but it wasrenamed for my uncle."

Frank Wendland was just 20 yearsold when he was killed Oct. 4, 1918,in World War I just weeks before itended.

In 1919, the Frank WendlandAmerican Legion Post 253 wasfounded in Royal Oak by veteransreturning home from the war.

Wendland, who friends call the besthistorian in town, will be the GrandMarshall of this year'sMemorial DayParade.

THIS IS ALL FREE TO ALL VETERANS.VETERANS JOIN BOAT4VETS

JULY 14TH 2012Mike Shawl, CEO and Founder

Hello to our friends, old and new! 2012 is hereare and we are growing again!

Last year, our Third Outing on Harsen's Islandwas a great success with over 200 guests. Vet'scame back to see us and more important, manyattended for the first time and brought their fam-ilies. Following our time on the water, we joinedtogether on shore for great food, great prizes andbetter friendship. We had nine World War II Vetswho shared stories of their time in service andreminisced about their time on local waters.Boat4vets was honored to receive "The PresidentsVolunteer Service Award." I know in my heartthat 2012 will be even bigger than last yearAlthough Tashmoo Marina was a great host site,we have outgrown their facilities. We are movingour Lake St. Clair event to the beautiful groundsof the Idle Hour Yacht Club. This year, it will beheld on July 14. They have more room for ouractivities and can handle more veterans and boats.

We have arranged a second outing. For the first

year on August 11, Skipper Bud's facility onLake Fenton will be our hosts. Lake Fenton is abeautiful site. With the increase in the potentialnumber of guests, we will need more volunteersand more boats, most of all we want to see moreveterans for each event. Most of our volunteers willnot be able to bring their boats from Lake St.Clair and so we will need help from new people.We also need people to help and eventually takecharge of the Lake Fenton outing. In October of2011, the Internal Revenue Service awarded 501(c)(3) nonprofit status to boat4vets. Cash and goodsdonated to the group are now tax deductible. Weask that you pray for help so we can get the jobdone. Pray for all of our veterans and pray that ourgovernment can fix the economic problems facingthe Country. The USA is the greatest country inthe world, may God bless it always.

Join us at Lk. St. Clair or Lk. FentonFor more information or to get involved: Mike

Shawl 810-742-0173 or 810-241-8025, email:[email protected] or visitwww.boat4vets.com

Jimmy Topps, Veteran Service Office Director joined Veteransfrom all over the State for a free fishing day on Lake Michiganat the Tight Lines for Troops event May 19th, 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. Assist

you and your Dependents in getting the Benefits that you have earned by your service to your Country

American Legion Veterans Affairs and RehabilitationMr. James C. Topps, Director

Patrick V. McNamara Federal Building Room 1210477 Michigan Avenue Detroit, MI 48226

Office Phone – (313)-964-6640 or (313)-964-6641Office Fax (313)-964-5697

Cell Phone – (269)-312-2239 - e-mail –[email protected] – [email protected]

Monday thru Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

Erna LaBeau, Director’s Secretary – [email protected] Thomas, Department Service Officer – [email protected] Rasche, Department Service Officer – [email protected] Tripp Cantwell, Department Service Officer – [email protected]

Suzette Price, Department Service Officer – [email protected] Chris Smirnes, Department Service Officer – [email protected]

Call the Detroit office for sevice officer schedule.

James C. ToppsDirector

Honorable Secretary Shinseki,

This letter will be brief, but pointed to some current concerns that affect the delivery or non delivery of benefitsto incompetent veterans or their fiduciary. It has come to the attention of this organization that far too often vet-erans as wells as dependants who have been awarded benefits and due are not being paid in a timely manner. Dueto a ever increasing backlog or hindered processing time these people die before they are paid. There is no doubtthat you have heard people say that “they are just waiting for me to die so they won’t have to pay” As a veteransadvocate for The American Legion since 1983, I would hope that you agree that this problem needs your atten-tion; as while we cannot prevent the veteran from dying, we can do whatever it takes to make sure benefits are paidin a more expeditious manner in situations like this. An example is it should not take in excess of twenty (20) monthsto assign a fiduciary so that benefits which have already been awarded and authorized paid to the veteran or theirfiduciary. We were under the impression that with the recent development of the fiduciary hub this proposed improve-ment would address this problem. It has not. I am not sure exactly where the problem lies, what I do know is thatveterans as well as their survivors are dying before payments are released even after they have responded with allof the administrative requirements involved in the fiduciary assignment process. It is extremely frustrating as anadvocate each time we are faced with situations like this. I really do like having to respond to that question, “Arethey waiting for my mother to die so they won’t have to pay her?” In all honesty, I don’t think I should be com-pelled to answer that question; it should never have to be asked, in my opinion.

Mr. Secretary, I have the utmost respect and admiration for you, the responsibility, the dedication and commit-ment you have for our nation’s veterans and their survivors. Your continuing efforts to bring the Department ofVeteran Affairs in to the twenty first century by creating a system which is now more user friendly than ever beforeis a fantastic accomplishment which has been long overdue. With all the improvements, initiatives and changes, wecannot and must not allow ourselves to ignore the elderly institutionally disabled veterans or survivors who are justas, or more, in need than our newer veterans today.

I ask you Mr. Secretary to take a moment to ask the questions, that need to be asked, find out how we can fixthis problem so we don’t have to answer that question ever again.

Thank you, Mr. Secretary for your attention to this matter, I look forward to your response and what I’m surewill be a resolution to this problem.

Respectfully,

Lannie R. ThomasDVSO

Open letter to Eric K. Shinseki, Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs

Fix the Back Log

http://emblem.legion.org/

Patriotic Items, Fundraising,Accessories, Shirts, Flags & More!

www.michalaux.org | MICHIGAN LEGIONNAIRE & AUXILIAIRE | July/August 2012 | 11

2012 Department Convention AwardsAmericanismPam Lajewski-Pearson 44/UPAA Donna Baley Citation-District Chrm-mostOutstanding Americanism ProgramNortheastern Unit 459/5th Eva Spaulding Citation- Unit- most OutstandingAmericanism ProgramEvan Swanson 123/5th Mary Ripley Citation- Unit with Greatest Percentage ofActivityKendra Weber 150/8th 1st Place Class 1 Department EssayJade Perez 381/9th 2nd Place Class 1 Department EssayMadyson Visscher 381/9th 1st Place Class 2 Department EssayMadisyn Karwalt 150/8th 2nd Place Class 2 Department EssayAutumn Kreps 150/8th 3rd Place Class 2 Department EssayTrevor Conklin 108/18th 1st place Class 3 Department EssayCharles Willekes 459/5th 2nd Place Class 3 Department EssayMadison Vasher 108/18th 3rd Place Class 3 Department EssayHunter Bengry 44/UPAA 1st Place Class 4 Department EssayMirada Jones 377/18th 2nd Place Class 4 Department EssayDouglas Anderson 44/UPAA 1st Place Class 5 Department EssayJake Garcia 550/ 2nd 2nd Place Class 5 Department Essay

Auxiliary Emergency FundBaroda Community 345/4th Margaret Rohrer Citation- Unit Contributing the Mostper Member (Group 1)William G. Haan 151/6th Margaret Rohrer Citation- Unit Contributing the Mostper Member (Group 2)Victor I. Rieck 351/7th Margaret Rohrer Citation- Unit Contributing the Most perMember (Group 3)Chief Pontiac 377/18th Margaret Rohrer Citation- Unit Contributing the Most perMember (Group 4)Edward C. Headman 217/16th Margaret Rohrer Citation- Unit Contributing themost per Member (Group 5)

Children and YouthRichard M. Jopling 44/ UPAA Louise Ferguson Citation for best program in theMonth of AprilRichard M. Jopling 44/UPAA Lynn D. Allen Citation for Best All-around ProgramPinkney-Memorial 419/6th Helen Hodges Citation for the Largest Contributionthe Children and Youth Dept. Special Project

Community ServiceVictoria Medendorf, Northeastern 459/5th Betty Cline Citation to a Unit over 200members for a single programVictoria Medendorf, Northeastern459/5th The Lida Murphy Cup to the Unit withthe greatest number of Hours ReportedDonna Anderson Edward C. Headman 217/16th Wilbur M. Brucker Cup tothe Unit with the best all-around

EducationCarla Pohl, Chrm. Durkee-Seager 550/2nd Virginia Van Coverden Citation- Bestall-around report by a UnitJoanna Maria Kolkman, D.W. Cassard 208/5th National Winner of the Childrenof Warriors National Presidents Scholarship

Girls State

Junior ActivitiesCedar Springs 287/5th Amelia Muth Award for the Junior Group with the mostoutstanding activity reportKasie Jeffery, Walter Fraser 108/18th Junior Member of the Year

LeadershipPatricia Laine, Richard M. Jopling 44/UPAA My Mentor Award for encourag-ing another member to become a Good ALA member or Officer

LegislativeArlene Shanley Chrm, 16th District Alice Thomas for the District with the MostLegislative Bulletin SubscriptionsMazie Williams, Chrm Dorie-Miller 306/6th Romaine Roethel Citation for the

best year-round Report

MembershipCharles A. Conklin 28/5th and Charles A. Hammond 8/7th TIED OrlenePenning Citation for the Unit having the Most new JuniorsCharles A. Conklin 28/5th Chloe O’Neal Citation for the Unit with the greatestnumerical increaseEvelyn Hull, Chrm 19th District Elizabeth Lyons Citation for the District with theHighest percentage increaseStamnitz-Lindeman 293/7th and Kalamazoo 134/3rd TIED Doyle Citation forUnit having the highest percentage of goal on April 119th District Ethel Stitt Citation for District with greatest numerical increaseStamnitz-Lindeman 293/7th Gladys Taylor Citation for the Unit having thehighest percentageStamnitz-Lindeman 293/7th Esther V. McCoy Citation for the Unit having thepercentage of increase over last yearChief Pontiac 377/18th Patricia Donalson Citation for Units over 200 with thegreatest numerical increase

MusicDonna Anderson, Chrm. 217/16th Goldie Brooks Citation to the Unit Chrm sub-mitting the best monthly reportsDonna Anderson, Chrm 16th District Hildegard Korff Citation to the DistrictChrm submitting the best monthly reports

National SecurityBetty Shaw 44/UPAA Agnes Dunn Citation to the Unit with the Best all-aroundreport

Past Presidents Parley

PoppyCody Bredeweg 33/5th Class 2 1st Place Poppy Poster ContestMegan TenFlshof 459/5th Class 3 1st Place Poppy Poster ContestRoss Martin 305/5th Class 4 1st Place Poppy Poster ContestNicholas Rozegrol 305/5th Class 4 2nd Place Poppy Poster ContestChelsea Kovacs 32/17th Class 4 3rd Place Poppy Poster ContestCody Rodriquez 305/5th Class 5 1st Place Poppy Poster ContestAnna LaBreche 44/UPAA Class 5 2nd Poppy Poster ContestHassan Williams 459/5th Class 7 1st Place Poppy Poster ContestTerry Evans II 377/18th Class 7 2nd Place Poppy Poster ContestCassidy Kovacs 32/17th Class 7 3rd Place Poppy Poster ContestShaunia Martin 108/18th Junior Miss Poppy Ages 6-12

Public RelationsLynda Trickey 44/UPAA Ivy Lee Reinhardt Citation to the Unit with the bestall-around Press BookLynda Trickey 44/UPAA Leslie R. Kefgan Citation for the Unit with the mostinches in a daily newspaperChris Moore 459/5th Viola Starkey Citation to the Unit with the best “Unit ofthe Month” articleDeborah Williamson 258/5th Best Unit PublicationPamela McVeigh 5th Best District PublicationDeborah Williamson 258/5th most innovative Public Relations Activities

Veterans Affairs and RehabilitationMyron H. Beals 32/17th Nan Shepard Citation for the most referrals to the Legion,Contributions and most Outstanding activities Richard M. Jopling 44/UPAA Dorothy Pearl Citation for the greatest participa-tion in the Department Program

Homeless VeteransSandra Snyder Chrm. 32/17th Certificate for Most outstanding Unit ReportMarian Belaire Chrm 346/18th Certificate for most Outstanding Unit ReportIvy lee Reinhardt Chrm 377/18th Certificate for most Outstanding Unit ReportHelen Camilli Chrm 16th District, Certificate for most outstanding DistrictReportIvy Lee Reinhardt 18th District, Certificate for most outstanding District Report

12 | July/August 2012 | MICHIGAN LEGIONNAIRE & AUXILIAIRE | www.michalaux.org

2012 – 2013DEPARTMENT OFFICERS AND CHAIRMEN

June 15, 2012OFFICERSPresident Mary Anne Yuncker .#287-5th1st Vice President Sandra Snyder . . . . .#32-17th2nd Vice President Nancy Knox . . . . . .#351-7thSecretary-Treasurer Bonnie Olson . . . . .#225DChaplain Susan Verville . . . . .#17-UPAAHistorian Ellen Jackson . . . . . .#108-18thParliamentarian Sandra Knapp . . . . . #4-7thNEC Carrie Bowerman . .#42-3rd

DISTRICT PRESIDENTS1st District Mable Midgett . . . .#1262nd District Krystal Hall . . . . . .#5573rd District Corina Kramer . . . .#424th District Donna Mapes . . . . .#1385th District Mary Tyler . . . . . . .#1546th District Janice Hodges . . . .#127th District Betty Cline . . . . . . .#88th District Marcy Jorae . . . . . .#1539th District Georgia Downs . . . .#41110th District Vivian Avery . . . . . .#274UPAA District. Pam Lajewski-Pearson #4416th District . Darlene Walker . . . .#21717th District Connie Kovacs . . . . .#3218th District Janice Rollins . . . . .#6319th District Merilee Walter . . . .#281

DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENTS1st District Veronica Germany .#1262nd District Loretta Gestwite . . .#5573rd District None4th District Binnie Price . . . . . . .#170 5th District Deborah Chambers #1546th District Susan Hilgris . . . . .#127th District Kathleen Copeland .#48th District Sheila Dittenber . . .#1539th District Carole Perkins . . . . .#41110th District Dora Freeborg . . . . .#274UPAA Krystal Oberle . . . . .#29016th District Francis Babbage . . .#21717th District Claudia Barber-Martin #3218th District Angela Galbraith . . .#6319th District Evelyn Hull . . . . . . .#281

DEPARTMENT COMMITTEESAdministrative Advisory BoardChairman Priscilla Kelsey . . . .#184-1stMembers Patricia Laine . . . . . .#44-UPAA

Judy Gregory . . . . . .#557-2ndCarrie Bowerman . .#42-3rd

AmericanismChairman Claudia Barber-Martin #32-17thMembers Kathleen Copeland .#4-7th

Victoria VanWyk . . .#47-5thAuxiliary Emergency FundChairman Judy Lynch . . . . . . . .#43-UPAA

Children and YouthChairman Deborah Chambers #258-5thMembers LeAnn Knott . . . . . .#238-6th

Bonnie Holt . . . . . . .#314-8thCommunity ServiceChairman Kim Frazier . . . . . . .#232-16thMembers Christine Merlington#287-5th

Kay Bauer . . . . . . . .#16-7thConstitution and By-LawsChairman Donna Fuelling . . . .#232-16thMembers Gloria Williams . . . .#59-5th

Sharon Futey . . . . . .#40-2nd

Distinguished Guest ChairmanChairman Suzanne Knapp . . . .#4-7th

EducationChairman Deanna Cortwright .#52-3rdMembers Veronica Germany .#126-1st

Bonnie Schuitema . .#33-5thFinanceChairman Shari German . . . . .#154-5thMembers Sharon Schulte . . . .#347-1st

Norma Wojack . . . .#52-3rdJanice Hafeman . . . .#244-UPAA

Girls StateChairman Deborah Williamson #258-5thCo-Chairman Beryl Robbins . . . . .#426-16thMembers Veronica Finch . . . .#419-6th

Rysta Brown . . . . . .#274-10thCyndi Hacker . . . . .#559-UPAA

Junior ActivitiesChairman Darlene Jones . . . . .#377-18thMembers Carrie Belle Crigier .#42-3rd

Melissa Townes . . . .#287-5thLeadershipChairman Linda Dick . . . . . . . .#165-10thMembers Patricia Jewell . . . . .#87-UPAA

Donna Anderson . . .#217-16thLegislativeChairman Sandra Snyder . . . . .#32-17thMembers Kay Mishler . . . . . . .#153-8th

Bobby Jean Stevenson #59-5thMembershipChairman Linda Wallace . . . . .#419-6thLow Northern Sherry Losinski . . . .#94-9thUp Northern Marilyn Bruntjens . .#71-UPAAEastern Susan Svacha . . . . . .#351-7thWestern LoraLee Nauta . . . . .#123-5thSouthern Rose Callahan . . . . .#478-16th

MusicChairman Phyllis Corner . . . . .#258-5th

National Candidates FundChairman Anita Mennel . . . . .#45-4th

Donna Fuelling . . . .232-16thShari German . . . . .#154-5thSandra Snyder . . . . .#32-17th

National CemeteryFort Custer Eleanor Shelley . . . .#465-3rd

Great Lakes Del. Pauline Bickersteth .#342-6thAlt. Dolores Smith . . . . .#413-6th

National SecurityChairman Nancy Knox . . . . . .#351-7thMembers Harriet Sturim . . . . .#459-5th

Krystal Oberle . . . . .#290-UPAA

Past Presidents ParleyChairman Janice Kintz . . . . . . .#426-16th

Members Nancy Sagorski . . . .#2-5th

June Holley . . . . . . .#141-6th

Personal ScrapbookChairman Marcy Jorae . . . . . . .#153-8th

PersonnelChairman Diana Bancroft . . . .#50-UPAAMembers Nedra Beal . . . . . . .#479-7th

Theresa Wheeler . . .#2-5thPoppy

Chairman Deloris Fuller . . . . .#528-5thMembers Patricia Johnson . . .#381-9th

Betty Lou Ware . . . .#4-7th

Public RelationsChairman Margo Forrester . . .#459-5thMembers Mary Dubay . . . . . .#4-7th

Mazie Williams . . .#306-6thResolutions

Chairman Kim Champion . . . .#377-18thMembers Anne Michel . . . . . .#349-UPAA

Sheilah Dittenber . .#439-8th

Veterans Affairs and RehabilitationChairman Terri Brodock . . . . .#528-5th

Hospital Director Carol Parks . . . . . . .#362-4thField Service Sharon Therrien . . . .#108-18thHomeless Coord. Robin Puckett . . . . .#377.18th

Ann Arbor VAMCRepresentative Krystal Hall . . . . . . .#557-2nd1st Deputy Betty White . . . . . . .#322-2nd

Battle Creek VAMCRepresentative Barbara Parks . . . . .#26-4th1st Deputy Carol Parks . . . . . . .#362-4th2nd Deputy Christine Reed . . . . .#26-4th

Detroit VAMCRepresentative Artensia Wynn. . . . .#126-1st1st Deputy Glendora Trotter . . .#389-16th2nd Deputy Marie Miller . . . . . .#232-16th

Grand Rapids Home for VeteransRepresentative Sarah Brooks . . . . . .#59-5th1st Deputy Pamela McVeigh . . .#2-5th2nd Deputy Carolyne Bianchi . . .#258-5th3rd Deputy Rachel Granstra . . .#2-5th

Hamilton Nursing HomeRepresentative Veronica Germany

Iron MountainRepresentative Barbara Larson . . . .#50-UPAA1st Deputy Shirley Cuyler . . . . .#50-UPAA

D.J. Jacobetti Home for VeteransRepresentative. Wanda Westman . . .#114-UPAA

1st Deputy Diana Peterson . . . .#44-UPAA

Saginaw VAMCRepresentative. Bonnie Holt . . . . . . .#314-8th1st Deputy Barbara Rulason . . .#416-10th2nd Deputy Donelda Joseph . . . .#370-10th


Published: Saturday, June02, 2012, 7:58 PMUpdated: Sunday, June 03,2012, 10:58 AMBy Amanda Emery |[email protected]

LINDEN, MI – ALinden veteran got the sur-prise of a lifetime Saturdaywhen his friends and fami-ly gathered to give him along overdue honor. KenMaxwell, 82, of Linden, served in the Armyduring the Korean War as a Medic. Maxwellwas injured in the Battle of Pork Chop Hill andstill to this day has flecks of shrapnel in his leftleg, that work their way out from time to time.

At the time of his injury, Maxwell was offeredthe Purple Heart for being injured during bat-tle, but declined to take it because he was afraidit would worry his mother. Maxwell said attimes a soldier may have just received a smallscratch to the arm and receive the honor, butthe Army would mistakenly send the families thewrong letters, so he said he didn't want to puthis mother through that.

Saturday, Maxwell's family came together atthe Masonic Lodge in Linden to give him thesurprise he didn't see coming – his PurpleHeart. Maxwell's nephew, Kevin Cattran,worked with him to get some of the VA bene-fits that he was eligible for. It was at this timeCattran learned that his uncle refused his PurpleHeart. "He recently asked if he could get it, soI started looking around for the right contact to

find who I needed to get theinformation to since he waswounded and earned thisPurple Heart." Cattran said.

From there Cattranworked with the AmericanLegion in Detroit to helphis uncle. It was inDecember when Cattranlearned his uncle would beable to claim his PurpleHeart and the surprise plan-

ning began. Cattran contacted George Dolan,a member of The American Legion, and Dolansuggested they have a get together with coffeeand cake at the Masonic Lodge where TheAmerican Legion has their meetings. SherryMaxwell, Ken Maxwell's wife, said the familyhad to "lie through their teeth" to keep thesecret from Maxwell.

"I just found out about this two weeks ago,"Sherry said. "I was worried he was going to findout somehow, but he never did."When Maxwellentered the hall to a standing ovation, he saidhe didn't know what was going on. He said henever gets emotional, but when he realizedwhat was going on he felt tears come to his eyes."I was surprised, and it means so much to havemy family here." Maxwell said. "To go throughsomething like a war, it means a lot to have thiskind of honor."Reprinted with permission: Amanda coversSwartz Creek and Clayton Township and canbe reached at 810-875-2208 [email protected].

LINDEN VETERAN FINALLY RECEIVESSURPRISE PURPLE HEART AFTER 59 YEARS

By Matthew Woods [email protected] -Midland Daily News

CRUMP - Family, friends andfellow veterans gathered at theAmerican Legion Post 239 tohonor a man who pushed his waythrough many battlefields inFrance and Germany during theSecond World War.

On Saturday, John J. Miller IIwas honored by the French gov-ernment with their Legion ofHonor Chevalier medal for his

actions while in the war. This medal was created byorder of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802 to honor thosewho have aided or protected France in some significantway. Current French president Nicolas Sarkozy is the lat-est French leader to decree the presentation of thesemedals.

Jerry Sylvester, First Vice Commander of the post, saidthis is the first time the chapter has seen this type ofhonor awarded. Along with his newest commendation,Miller has received numerous accolades for his work inhonoring his fellow service men.

"John has been the representative for his unit innumerous trips to Germany, France and Washington,D.C., to receive awards," Sylvester said.

On hand to help present Miller the honor was DickChapman, state Legion Commander for the AmericanLegion.

"I can't tell you how honored I am to meet you,"Chapman said of Miller. "You wanted France to befree and you liberated its people."

Miller was drafted just before his 18th birthday in July1944, requiring a deferment because he was not of serv-ice age. After his basic training, Miller was assigned tothe 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Division, 7th Army.

"I served for exactly 23 months and 3 days," Millersaid with a smile.

Saturday's presentation ceremony was not the firstmedal earned by the Army rifleman and eventual techsergeant. Miller is the recipient of many medals and com-mendations, including two Overseas Service Bars, theCombat Infantry Badge, the Good Conduct Medal,the Bronze Star Medal and the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal.

Miller recounted how he won the Bronze Star Medal.While clearing an area of land, Miller and his fellow sol-diers came upon a house that caught their attention.

"We saw wires running to the building," Miller said."We knew something was going on in there."Miller said that gun fire suddenly came from one ofthe windows and his commanding officer quickly lostinterest in the building.

"He told me if I wanted to go in there, I was goingin by myself. Since it started snowing I wanted to sleepindoors, so I went in," he said.

Miller charged inside with his 19-pound Browningautomatic rifle. He said several grenades thrown by hiscomrades did not roust the enemy troops from thehouse.

Miller made it inside and ordered the enemies to sur-render. They yelled something back, and he answered,with automatic rifle fire.

"I shot up the door to their room. That brought themout," Miller said.

When the smoke cleared, five SS troops marched out

FRENCH GOVERNMENT HONORS RETIRED DOW VET, WWII HEROwith their hands up. Although many shots were fired,Miller managed to take all of the enemy soldiers alive.

Miller also detailed an eye-opening event that near-ly took his life early. While crossing a river, enemy sol-diers fired on Miller and his buddies.

"A bullet tore through my shirt sleeve," Miller said,holding his hands as if he cradled a rifle. "The bullet wentthrough my left sleeve below my wrist and completelymissed everything else," he said. "I was in the right spotat the right time."

Miller's adventures did not end there. Miller and hiscompany were said to be the first American soldiers toreach the Kehlsteinhaus, also known as the Eagle's Nest.This large structure was one of Hitler's retreats inBerchtesgaden, a region in the German Bavarian Alps.

The buildings were empty and their contents inshambles when the troops arrived, but their missionwas accomplished.

We were there when they raised the American flag,"Miller recalled.

After his service in the Army ended, Miller returnedto his home state and enrolled at the University ofMichigan where he studied chemical engineering onthe GI Bill. When he graduated he went to work for TheDow Chemical Co. in Midland and also worked forDow Corning Corp. in several different capacities.Miller worked 33 years for Dow, finishing up his careerat a Bay City facility. He retired in 1986. He was mar-ried to his wife, Isabel, for 37 years until her passing in2000. Miller is the father of five children and has 10grandchildren.

When asked what he wanted people to remember fromthe day's event, the 86-year-old hero simply said: "Theother guys (American soldiers) did their jobs, too."

By Nick Pulver, Post 392

On Memorial Day again thisyear a fly over of WW II aircraft inDeerfield was organized by KeithDiver (member post 392) ofMeyers/Diver Airport, TecumsehMI. Tragedy struck after their cus-

tomary stop after doing paradeflyovers when one of the planescrashed near Perry,MI when it wasleaving for home, killing the pilotswife and seriously injuring him.Thank you for the many pilots thatrisk their lives to make our paradesbetter.

TRAGEDY STRIKES AFTERFLY OVER

14| MICHIGAN LEGIONNAIRE & AUXILIAIRE | July/August 2012 | WWWWWW..MMIICCHHIIGGAANNLLEEGGIIOONN..OORRGG

GUEST WRITER/HR SPECIALIST

IF YOU NEED A JOB, WENEED YOUR RESUME!!!

Uponarriving inAfrica andconnectingwith ourguide, it wasintriguing tolisten to himc o m mu n i -cate withothers in

their native tongue of “Africance”.Which of course, made me think tomyself, “Hmmmmm….I wonderwhat are they saying? I wish I couldcommunicate with them in their lan-guage.” So, I said to our Guide,“Hendrick, would you please teachme how to say ‘hello’ in Africance?”Young Hendrick looks at me andwith a silly smiles says, “Hello” whichput me in stitches laughing as we saythe word ‘hello’ the same!

This story brings us to the topic ofresumes because resumes are ourway of speaking our language aboutwhat we do to the hiring company inwhat they are seeking. We createour own ‘language’ when we talkabout what we did, when we did itand how we did what we did! Wethen submit our resume hoping thatwe said things in the ‘language’ thatwill intrigue the hiring manager towant to speak with us and/or meetwith us to discuss their job opening;sometimes it appears hard (like learn-ing Africance) and yet sometimes it iseasy as was evident in learning to

say “Hello” in Africance. But what ISimportant is that we do our best to“…speak in terms of the other per-sons interests.” ~Dale Carnegie andwhat IS important that if you arelooking for a job and/or a differentjob that you let people know by send-ing them your resume!

That being said, Rock StarWarriors, is now working directlywith the armed forces to forge col-laboration between government andbusiness groups to support Michigan’sveteran employment initiatives. Thisbeing said, we have companies con-tacting us saying that they would liketo hire a veteran so we need to be ableto find you!

Therefore, send us your resume assoon as you can to my attention!Thanks and thank you for your serv-ice! Julie

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].

Beverly Jo List, Department Coordinator,Female Outreach Program

Did you know?Women are the fastest growing cohort

within the Veteran Community. In 20111.8 million or 8 percent of the 22 Millionveterans were women. It is estimatedthat female veterans will increase from1.8 million in 2011 to 2 million by 2020,making up 10.7 percent of the total pop-ulace, while the male veteran populacewill decrease from 20.2 million to 16.7million in 2020. The median age forfemale veterans is 48 compared to malesat 62. This information is all from theVeteran Affairs vet data site.

For this reason the VA is activelydeveloping a campaign to further assistfemale veterans. Through it’s “BecauseI CARE, I will” program, which standsfor professionals who seek to embodythe values of Integrity, Commitment,Advocacy, Respect and Excellence inservice to our veterans. To piggyback onthis program The American Legion isdeveloping a Female outreach programwhich for the Department of MichiganI am the coordinator. Our goal is todevelop a brochure that will be goodthroughout the State of Michigan tohelp point female veterans to resourcesavailable for care. VA studies show thatfemale veterans are diagnosed 22 percent

Female Veterans Growing inNumbers

higher than their male counterparts.One in five female veterans has sufferedMilitary Sexual Trauma. 19 percentfemale veterans from OperationEnduring Freedom (OEF) OperationIraqi Freedom (OIF) and OperationNew Dawn (OND) have reported MSTcompared to males with a .9 percent.It is our duty to assist these women infinding appropriate care throughout ourstate. This brochure will list all VA facil-ities, CBOCS and Vet centers in additionto services offered through various citiesand counties that a specific to femaleveterans. If you know of a resource forfemale veterans in your area pleasecon-tact me to include it in our brochure.

Partnering with VA&R’s ServiceOfficer School in Higgins Lake offeringspecific training to the officers aboutfemale veteran’s and some of the uniqueneeds they have due to their experiencesin the military. We have 2 great DVSOfemale veteran’s on staff and their expe-rience will make for an informative class.Don’t miss it.

Lastly we will be working with theHomeless veterans Task Force. While thenumber of homeless veterans is decreas-ing, we see the numbers rising for femalehomeless veterans. I wish everyone asuccessful year for their programs andappreciate any support given to this newcommittee.

•Aug. 20 – Assembly for The American Legion LegacyRun Home at American Legion Post 1451, Sanborn, NY(near Niagara Falls).

• Aug. 21: Depart Post 1451 for Nagara Falls State Park.45 minutes on Goat Island for photo shoot of the LegacyRun Home with Niagara Falls in background. Depart forgas stop and lunch at American Legion Post 535 inSalamanca, NY. Continue on to Vermillion, OH and end

of day dinner event at Vermillion American Legion Post 397.

STOPPING IN GARDEN CITY, MICHIGAN

• Aug. 22– Depart from Post 397 for lunch event and tribute at the ALR FoundingChapter at Garden City Michigan Post 396. Continue through Michigancountryside to end of day dinner event at American Legion Post 157, Quincy,Michigan and hotels in Coldwater, Michigan.

• Aug. 23 – Depart Coldwater, Michigan for Indianapolis, Indiana, with refu-eling stop in Warren, Indiana. Arrive mid-afternoon at Speedway Post 500.Marshall into a large formation and conduct, under police escort, movementto the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and a lap of the famous Indianapolis 500racetrack.

For more information visitwww.legion.org/riders. Registration is $50 for riders,and $25 for passengers. Expo registration alone is $25. The National ConventionParade is open to all ALR members free of charge.

AUG 20-23RD

LEGACY RUN ROUTE


Are you a part owner? If you are a member of the Michigan American Legion,you certainly are. The Department of Michigan is the sole owner of this subsidiarycorporation. And the Auxiliary, SAL, and Legion Riders are true partners in theplanning, operation, and upkeep. This 600 acre remote property is less than an hourNW of the UP end of the Mackinaw Bridge. With an original value of $1.5 mil-lion that has now increased to $2.0 million, we are dedicated to first serve the heroesreturning from the combat areas and needing a time and a place to recuperate. Allmembers of the Legion family of organizations are eligible for stays and should con-tact Lou Oberle to check for costs and open times at the Lodge. (www.wilwin.org/con-tact_us)

OPEN HOUSE: July 14, 2012.

FUNDRAISER: On July 21, 2012 Chief Pontiac Post 377 is holding a major fund raising event

for the Wilwin Lodge. This huge event will begin about 2:00 PM and they are accept-ing donations of money and items for raffles, various types of auctions, and maybeprizes for fun contests. Those bringing items should arrive by about noon to havethem included in the setup. You may call the Post or Bob Jones for other informa-tion at 248-613-3023.

It is a rain-or-shine event as good weather will allow some activities to be out-side. A DJ with karaoke will begin at 3:00 PM and by 7:00 PM there will be musicby keyboard artist Brian Bosman. Post 377 will contribute 100% of all profits toWilwin, so come and enjoy the fun and know that the money goes to a good cause.This Clarkston area Post is approached by exiting I-75 at Sashabaw Road south.

NATIONAL COMMANDER Will Be Visiting:Commander Fang Wong learned of Wilwin at the Winter Conference and was

so impressed that he is paying a personal visit to the facility this summer. Webelieve that this is proof that Michigan has an investment up there that we all canbe proud of. Representatives from the National publications department will beattending and later this summer we could see articles about the Commander’s Wilwinvisit.

A BETTER LOOKING LODGE:On May 18 a motor home arrived from Clarkston Post #63 with 6 hard work-

ing guys to paint the Lodge exterior. They completed 2/3 of this big building, includ-ing the white windows and trim. It really looks great and another group will be ableto complete the job later this summer. (Post 63 is also paying $500.00 of the paintcost.) Barney Schoenfeld organized these guys and provided transportation. Theyare Gerry Grzyinski, Charles Easton, Rennie Saigeon, Frank Sanders, and DonCarter. Not only were these guys hard workers but they did a terrific job and it wasreally appreciated. The Board of Directors thanks Post 63 and these workers.

Attn: Wilwin Owners and Partners

Delegates to Michigan’s Sons of The American LegionState convention held in Houghton Lake, Michigan onSunday, June 3, 2012, elected Rodney Tolbert of theEdward W. Thompson Sons of The American LegionSquadron 49 in South Haven, Michigan as the 2012 –2013 State Commander.

Tolbert, a 20 year member of the Sons of TheAmerican Legion is the son of a Korean War veteran whoserved in the United States Army. Tolbert himself is alsoa veteran who served in the United State Army from 1976

to 1979 as a special weapons expert.Commander Tolbert has been a Michigander all of his life. Born is

Ypsilanti, he moved to Benton Harbor at the age of seven. Rodney has 2children and 1 grandchild with another one on the way.

The Sons of The American Legion Detachment of Michigan representsover 19,000 members in the State of Michigan. The Sons of The AmericanLegion was founded in 1932 as a program of The American Legion. TheSons of The American legion follows closely and supports “The Four Pillars”of The American Legion; veteran rehabilitation, Americanism, child welfare,and national security. For more information visit our website at www.michi-ganlegion.org

Sons of the American Legion

Rodney Tolbert Elected Commander

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

ClassifiedsSSAAFFEE MMOONNEEYY!! 8% Annuity Yr 1

3% Lifetime Minimum GuaranteeWWhhyy sseett tt llee ffoorr lleessss iinn aa BBaannkk CCDD??

FFRREEEE CCOONNSSUULLTTAATTIIOONNSS800-720-4142

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

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

BBUUYYIINNGGSSttaammpp && CCoovveerr

CCoo ll lleecctt iioonnssCall or write:

WWeess lleeyy AA.. KKeenntt(Member)

1410 Hillcrest NWGrand Rapids, MI 49504

(616) 791-2243

Volunteers of the IronMountain VA Hospital accepta $100 check from VFW Post#2998 for patient activities.

Post 63 workers help to beautifythe Wilwin Lodge

Honorably DischargedVeterans

The Camp Curnalia CottageOwner Association is a commu-

nity established for Veteranswho have received an honor-

able discharge from any branchof the United States Armed

Forces.All residents share access to

the sandy beaches located onthe northern shore of beautiful

Higgins Lake in NorthernMichigan. You would love call-ing this your vacation retreat or

even your primary home.For more information about cot-tages for sale in this VeteransCommunity call 989-390-4208

or Visit: www.campcurnalia.com Camp Curnalia Cottage

Owners Association P.O. Box462 Higgins Lake, Michigan

48627-0462

Pictures of Commander Chatman and Jim Austinat Southgate Post 478 Memorial Service onThursday May 24th

The Cub Scouts of pack 3175 and Boy Scouts of Troop 175help American Legion Post 45 of Hastings, Michigan with theannual Flag Disposal Ceremony.

The Robert Vroman Post 122 of Wolverine Post Adjutant JoeWildberg gives the commands to Ready, Aim and FIRE! in a gunsalute during ceremonies at Vanderbilt.


Around the State...

At our June post meeting 28 new members are sworn in asLegionnaires at American Legion Charles A. Conklin Post 28 ofGrand Haven, MI.

Legionnaires from Montrose Post #367 made andinstalled 625 flag holders in the Montrose TownshipCemetery for the Memorial Day celebration.

Dexter Post 557 presented Dexter High School studentJake Claflin with the American Legion High School Awardat their May meeting. Jake participated in the AmericanLegion Boys State program in 2011.

Herman Bushnell of American Legion Post 178 pre-sented the Americanism Award to Austin Cattley, LansingChristian High School on Friday, June 1st.

50 YEARS OF SERVICE: Edgar Rupp was recognizedat the May meeting by the Blumfield AmericanLegion Post #229 for his 50 years of service tothe organization.

Beverly List with Wounded Warrior Chris Ochs of Flat Rockat the Flat Rock Memorial Day Parade.

The Color Guard of the Croswell CecilField Post 255 recently met EddieMurray, the former kicker of the DetroitLions (1980-1991)

Veteran of the Year, Post 32's RonChapman with the Plaque

Post 32 Honor Guard (salute ready)

2012 - 2013 legion leadershipmichiganlegion.org/assets/julyaug12.pdfl-r national commander fang...

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