Page 1 Alaska Legionnaire Jan/Feb 2013

Another year has come and gone and I would like to wish all of you a belated Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and may the coming year find you with good health and prosperity.

October found me in Indianapolis for the Com-manders and Adjutants Conference, and on the way back I had a stop in Ketchikan for a visitation with Post 3,(I have to apologize to those who showed up as I was not in top form with some kind of bug that put me down for the count). The following Friday found me at Post 20 in Kenai and some of Alvins’ famous Halibut Enchiladas. Saturday I went to Seward Post 5 and had some mouth watering Prime Rib, although compet-ing with all of the Halloween parties a good number of members showed up. November 2nd found me at Post 4 in the in the afternoon competing with the ice cream social so I kept my comments short and the meeting and the social were a success. That evening found me in Palmer Post 15 for a steak dinner that was delicious. The following day found me at Post 1 for the Silver Tea and I even held my pinkie in the right position. The 17th and 18th found me back at Post 1 for the first ever Fall Conference, which I will cover later. November 30th found me at Post 29 and an out of this world Turkey Dinner. Saturday Dec. 1, found me at the Veterans Domicilary, and as I have said before “If you want a good feeling in your heart this is a must do program”. On Sunday 2 Dec. I was in Wasilla Post 35 to honor the WWII and Korea Veterans, and it has been a long time since I have been in the presence of that many of that era veterans. Good show Post 35.

The first Fall Conference was held on the 17th & 18th of November at Post 1 in Anchorage and was deemed a success as valuable informa-tion was passed on in the following areas, Boys/Girls State, Oratorical, American Legion Riders, American Legion Baseball, Gaming, ROTC, Children and Youth programs, Operation Comfort Warriors, and the Fisher House along with an Adjutants Workshop. Sounds like an awful lot to get into two days but we did it and had a good time too. In the DEC meeting held after the Conference it was voted on to continue the Fall Conference in the future.

Commander’s Corner

LEGION NEWS LEGION NEWSLEGION NEWSLEGION NEWSLEGION NEWS

The

1948 POW/MIAs still unaccounted for - Why?

Vol. 94 No. 01

The American Legion

Departm

ent of Alaska1550 Charter CircleAnchorage, AK 99508

Adjutant’s Corner

Inside ...Service Office ........................................................................................................pg. 3S.A. L. & Auxiliary News .............................................................................. pg 6 & 7

LEGION NEWS LEGION NEWS LEGION NEWS LEGION LEGION NEWS LEGION

NEWS ALASKA LEGIONNAIRE

By W.E. “Gene” FranksDepartment Adjutant Good, bad, or indifferent another year has come

and gone. Naturally, if you are reading this and no one has told you yet, you made it through.

As usual, many ups and downs this year. With the Southeast and Western Districts being dis-

solved, the Legion Family held its first Fall Conference in Anchorage during November which seemed to be a success. The Auxiliary has been having one for a few years and it seemed appropriate for the Family to come together. Joe Koss from Alaska Gaming had a very well attended class with numerous hypothetical questions. Seemed like a lot was learned from the “hypothetical” answers.

During the Department Executive Committee (DEC) meeting held at the conference, it was passed that the Department will have an annual Fall Conference to be held at an acceptable time of availability to the Legion Family. The time frame should either be in October or November.

January brings us many more opportunities. This should be your first call for election of officers for your Post. Now would be a good time, should you want to make some changes in your Post, to throw your hat in the ring. You may even want to volunteer a little time to be on one of the committees for either our Oratorical contest, or to interview the young men for Boys State. You may even have some new ideas for fund raisers to help your American Legion Baseball team or other projects around the Post. In addition you should be thinking about the Commander, Adjutant, and Legionnaire of the year. The nominations from your Post are forwarded directly to Department and the winners will be selected at the Department Convention.

By Steven L. Huisman Department Commander

Happy New year

Adjutant Cont on Page 4

Jan/Feb 2013

Post 1Arthur F. BellDavid Young

Post 2Robert Jeffries

Post 11Rich Drinkman

Post 12Tom WardRandell Jackson

Post 15Thomas J. Kennedy

Post 16Robert RudeKevin AndersonGregory Martin Jr.

Post 17Robert Lachowsky

Post 25Mike Dobson

Post 28Kirk Waldhaus

Post 29John R LattinLawrence HicksAngel Waakes

Post 33J. C. Willette

Post 34Henry McKnuckles

Post 57Rob Monteith

Post 75John Clonts

Post 2222Malcom Bailey

Unpaid Officers

Josh CrappsSee Page 2 Baseball News

Page 2 Alaska Legionnaire Jan/Feb 2013

By Ernest L. King Sr.Department 2nd Vice Commander

From the desk of the Second

Vice Commander

THE ALASKA LEGIONNAIRE(USPS 012-100)

OFFICIAL BI-MONTHLY PUBLICATION OFThe American Legion, Department of Alaska

1550 Charter CircleAnchorage, Alaska 99508Member of The National

American Legion Press AssociationW.E. “Gene” Franks, Managing Editor

Peggy S. Bateman, Editor

The Alaska Legionnaire (USPS 012-100) is published bi-monthly for $3.00 yearly subscription. Office of publication is The American Legion, Department of Alaska, 1550 Charter Circle, Anchorage, Alaska 99508. Periodicals postage paid at Anchorage, Alaska.

Printed by Anchorage Printing, a private firm in no way con-nected with The American Legion, Department of Alaska. This newspaper is an authorized publication for members and families of The American Legion, Department of Alaska, and other approved subscribers.The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts and supplements, does not constitute endorsement by The American Legion, The Department of Alaska, or Anchor-age Printing, of the products or services advertised.Everything advertised in this publication shall be made avail-able for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. For information on advertising, call (907) 278-8598, fax to (907) 278-0041 or email to: legion@anch.net.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES PAYABLE IN ADVANCE

Members of The American Legion, Department of Alaska subscription included in payment of annual dues.ALL OTHERS: United States and possessions - $5.00 per year; Foreign - $10.00 per year.

Postmaster: Send address changes to The Alaska Legionnaire, 1550 Charter Circle, Anchorage, Alaska 99508.

CHANGE OF ADDRESSUsing this form, provide new address, attach entire address label from recent paper, and mail to:

Alaska Legionnaire1550 Charter Circle

Anchorage, Alaska 99508

____________________________________Name ____________________________________New Address____________________________________City, State, Zip

*** Attach Old Address Label Here ***

THE AMERICAN LEGIONDEPARTMENT OF ALASKA

DEPARTMENT OFFICERS 2012-2013Commander..........................Steve Huisman .......................... 4700 Rivers Street, North Pole, AK 99705 First Vice Commander...........Alvin Diaz............ .................................... ....1112 Walnut Ave., Kenai, AK 99611Second Vice Commander...... Ernest L. King Sr., ......................P.O. Box 141332, Anchorge, AK 99514Adjutant-Finance Officer.......Gene Franks ......................... 1550 Charter Circle, Anchorage, AK 99508

Service Officer.....................Jim Pisa.......................1201 North Muldoon Rd,, Anchorage, AK 99504Sergeant-At-Arms..................Greg Kowatch .............................1628 Adonis Dr., Anchorage, AK 99515 Chaplain.................................Elexzanderia Carr..................... 4300 Ambler Cir., Anchorage, AK 99504Historian............................. Tim Clarke ........................................ PO Box 472, Homer, AK 99603Judge Advocate.....................Wev Shea............................ 1550 Charter Circle, Anchorage, AK 99508.

Executive Committeeman.......Hunter Davis.................................PO Box 23470, Ketchikan, AK 99901Executive Committeeman......Bob Edwards ............................. P.O. Box 71, Delta Junction, AK 99737 Executive Committeeman...... Clare Sullivan .................................. PO Box 2089, Seward, AK 99664

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEMENNEC Committeeman........................Jim Pisa.............1201 North Muldoon Rd,, Anchorage, AK 99504Alternate Committeeman....... Harry Pawson ....................1150 Crowberry Cir., Anchorage, AK 99515

DEPARTMENT COMMANDER’S AIDESDorman H. Baker Post 11 .....................Dave Kent .................................... 1434 Lathrop St , Fairbanks, AK 99701Ninilchik Post 18.................................... Don Ridl ..................................................P.O. Box 74, Homer, AK 99603Ketchikan Post 3 ..................................James Boyd ............ 2417 Tongass Ave Ste 111-238, Ketchikan, AK 99901Susitna Valley Post 35 ..........................Matt Larson ........................................ PO Box 870491, Wasilla, AK 99687

Advertise your business in the

AlaskaLegionnaireand reach 8,000

PEOPLE YOU KNOW

Call Department Headquarters for an advertising rate card at

278-8598

Happy New Year. I found this article on Nationals Web Site and thought I would share it with you. The Programs of the American Legion are very important for us to support.

One of the primary missions of The American Legion is to make sure that our veterans and their families receive the support and recognition they de-serve. Every member of our organization is a wartime veteran. We know how important it is to receive the support of our fellow citizens during and after our military service.

Saying thank you is not always enough to truly honor America’s newest generation of warriors and veterans. Their unique needs require that we support and recognize these needs and take action to make a difference for these brave men and women. Every citizen of the United States benefits from their ser-vice, and should join with The American Legion in supporting them.

We should all be aware that the real and unique issues women veterans face is critical in today’s military environment. We must press to make sure that these issues are addressed during and after their military service.

The unemployment rate of transitioning service members is growing and The American Legion is in the trenches working with employers to hire returning veterans by partnering in job fairs and offering small business workshops for veterans.

Through programs such as Operation Comfort Warriors, The American Legion is involved in numer-ous ways to aid and support wounded, injured and ill veterans and their families. OCW has provided more than $1 million of assistance to wounded war-rior units, VA medical centers and military hospitals around the world. There are many ways you could support a wounded warrior in your community.

The Family Support Network and Temporary Financial Assis-tance programs

Do you have an over abun-dance of lanyards from past conventions?

Turn them into Department for recycling for Boys and Girls State.

See 2nd Vice on page 5

Baseball NewsLove for academics, baseball fuels Josh

CrappsBy Van Williams

alaskalegion.comWhether he’s working on his mechanics on the

bump or in the box, Josh Crapps of Anchorage puts in plenty of sweat and sacrifice to get better.

It’s no different when it comes to studying for a big test in school.

He cares about his GPA just as much as his ERA.Crapps, an 18-year-old pitcher of Post 4 fame,

graduated from South High School in 2012 with a sparkling 4.23 grade point average.

As a result of his academic prowess he won a national American Legion Baseball scholarship worth $2,500, money that went towards his tuition this fall at the University of Dallas.

Crapps was one of only six national winners.He credited his parents, who pressed him to learn

math and science along with baseball when he was growing up.

“They pushed me and it was definitely a good thing,” Crapps said. “I’m getting school pretty well paid for now because of my grades and I’m playing baseball, so it worked out on both fronts.”

Crapps is now at the University of Dallas, a NCAA Division III school in Irving, Texas.

It’s been quite the transition.“It’s exciting … scary, but it’s been a lot of fun,”

he said. “Hard work, a lot of hard work, actually. The workouts are tough and the practices are long, but it’s paid off.”

Crapps pitched in two of three fall-ball games and said he did fairly well.

“We won all three games,” he said.The season starts in the spring.Crapps is part of the South Post 4 player pipeline

to the University of Dallas, joining fellow Alaskans Trevor Allred, Chris Schierhorn and Logan Allred on the 2013 roster.

“It’s good to know guys on the team,” Crapps said. “But it’s also good to meet new faces.”

Van Williams is the Communications Director for the Alliance for Support of American Legion Baseball in Alaska, a non-profit organization headed by Steve Nerland and Don Winchester.

Page 3 Alaska Legionnaire Jan/Feb 2013

1st Vice Commander News By Alvin DiazDepartment First Vice Commander & Memberrship Chairman

Friday, February 15th is the deadline For the March/April issue of the

“Alaska Legionnaire” February 15th is the deadline for all stories and/or photos to be submitted. All material must be into Department Headquar-ters no later than 5:00 pm. Please be reminded that only those articles

that are typed, preferably sent via e-mail or provided on a diskette will be considered for publication. Faxed articles will not be considered. As always, the editorial staff can edit all submissions. Photos are also being sought for publication. They

should be clearly marked and must be originals for good quality camera reproductions. Anyone interested in submitting an article and/or photo, or anyone interested in advertising in an upcoming issue contact the Alaska Legionnaire office at 1550

Charter Circle, Anchorage, Alaska 99508 or call (907) 278-8598 or email us at legion@anch.net. Please request a return receipt for any emails you send to us, in order to verify that it was received

Service Office News A recent news release dated De-

cember 06, 2012 from the VA:VA and Indian Health Services

Announce National Reimbursement Agreement Native Veterans Able to Access Care Closer to Home American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans will soon have increased access to health care closer to home following a recent Department

of VA and Indian Health Services (IHS) joint national agreement. As a result of the national agreement, VA is now able to reimburse the IHS for direct care services provided to “ELIGIBLE” American Indians and Alaska Native Veterans. While the national agreement applies only to VA and IHS, it will inform agree-ments negotiated between VA and Tribal Health programs. VA copay-ments do not apply to direct care services provided by IHS to eligible American Indians and Alaska Native Veterans under this agreement.

For more information and to view the national agreement, visit www.va.gov. To find out additional infor-mation about American Indian and Alaska Native Veteran programs, visit www.va.gov/tribalgoverment and http://ihs.gov/ Working To-

gether for Alaska’s Veterans: What is Helmets to Hardhats?Helmets to Hardhats places quality men and women from the Armed Forces into promising building and construction careers. The program helps connect you with the building trade’s appren-ticeship programs and the training you need to become a journeyman in your chosen field.

How Do I Sign Up? The first step in finding a great career in a building and construction trade is to register online with the National Helmets to Hardhats program. Once you’ve registered, you can search through the list of career opportunities, post a resume, and express interest in an opportunity. Go to www.helmetsto-hardhats.org

How Can I find Out More? AWP’s Helmets to Hardhats coordinator is Ed Flanagan. Call or e-mail him at: 1-866-993-8181 or eflanagan@alaskaworks.org Art for Senior Veterans (50+) 1PM on Mondays Anchorage Senior Activity Center.

The ASAC Art Room would like to extent and invitation to “ALL SENIOR VETERANS” to join in the fun of painting. Monday’s at 1:00 PM will be set aside for VETER-

AN’S Art (SENIOR’S 50+). Basic supplies are provided and the will be “NO CHARGE” for the lessons.

If you are interested contact the reception Desk at the Anchorage Senior Activity Center and leave your name and phone number for the instructor and reserve seating at 907-770-2000. See you on Mondays in the Art Room.

Military Funeral Honors: Alaska Army National Guard Honor Guard: If the family of a deceased veteran would like to request Military Fu-neral Honors for their loved one, the following steps should be taken to expedite the request:

If there is a funeral director in-volved in the planning and prepara-tion, the director should be provided with the proper documentation rec-ognizing the loved ones military service. Any of the following docu-ments are acceptable:

DD-214 or NGB-22 (Discharge Papers

Honorable Discharge CertificateVeteran’s Service Card Number/

Identification CardDocumentation for an award re-

ceived

Funera l D i rec to r s should call the Head-q u a r t e r s ’ office for the Alas-ka Honor Guard Pro-gram where it will be processed and assigned to the Military Funeral Honors team assigned to the requested area.

If a funeral director is not being used, a family member can contact the Alaska Honor Guard State Coor-dinator at 907-428-6688.

RENDERING TAPS: Of all the military bugle calls, none is so eas-ily recognized or more apt to render emotion then the call of TAPS. The melody is both eloquent and haunt-ing, while the history of its origin is interesting and somewhat clouded in controversy.

A bugle call that beckons us to remember patriots who served our country with honor and valor, it is the most familiar call and one that moves all who hear it.

By Jim Pisa, Department Service Officer

HAPPY NEW YEAR!Greetings!! To all of our veterans,

their families and friends. We have made it through another historic year of trials and tribulations as we look towards the future of 2013, and for the American Legion Department of Alaska there are some changes to look forward to. We have already started with the first Combined Fall Workshop that took place at Post 1 during the weekend of the 17th of November. While in the joint ses-sion of the conference there were five (5) subjects that started the day off. First were the Girls and Boys State chair persons, Debbie Henderson and Kevin Collier that gave us a look to what the 2013 program has in store for our High School Juniors. Then Jan Scott the Oratorical Program Chairperson who gave us a briefing of a couple changes of personal and how the judging of the contestants and where they were going to take place at for each location. Then the American Legion Riders state Presi-dent Don Ridl gave us information on the one of the fastest growing programs for the Legion and a couple of the dates to watch in 2013. Last up to bat were a few guest speakers from

the State of Alaska working with the American Legion Baseball who en-lighten us on some of the legion base-ball program’s status and operation. It was nice to know that there was a New Baseball Field in Southeast Alaska and how some of the older fields were getting some needed TLC in preparation for the next season. Being from the Kenai Peninsula I would like to know what it will take for us to get a new American Legion Baseball Field built for our local teams to play on. Does any one have an idea?? Let me know. Well back on track for the last guest speaker before we broke of lunch was Mr. Joe Koss the representative from the Alaska State Gaming. This is a subject that will always have room for all of the non-profits to improve on one way or other. I am sure that we will invite Mr. Koss to be a guest speaker at another workshop or even for one of the department conventions. On just these subjects there were a lot of new information that you will have to ask your workshop representative and they will get the information to you. Or you can for to the workshop or convention and get this informa-tion first hand. After the lunch there

were a few more vital informative programs such as Sharon Cherrette and our ROTC within some of our schools and Terry Huisman with the American Legion Children and Youth program and the information that she had brought to us from the national fall conference.

The Operation Comfort Warriors, to the Fischer House in Anchorage were also a subject of interest. Then to a subject that all and every post should have a great deal of interest in and that is the Post Adjutant’s Work-shop. Now this is a very informative item that we should always keep up with the new and improved ways to keep our post up and running. Also to get the knowledge to find and retain our new and old members so we can continue to help our veterans from all of the different branches of service. Now in January the target day to get our membership to Peggy at Department is Thursday the 10th and for February it is Thursday the 7th, this will give Peggy enough time to submit the Alaskan membership to Indy so it will show up in the National Barometer. If you didn’t notice on the internet, National is looking for ideas for a new and catchy saying to give

the American Legion a new and up-graded sound, so the public will con-nect this catchy jingle with the American Le-gion. This in turn will hope-fully grab their interest and in-quire what our organiza t ion contributes to our military, veterans and their families. Remember that the membership is the foundation that will keep our legion family alive so we must always find ways to recruit and retain the members that we can. Other that going through the trial and era way, you can come on down to either a workshop or convention and share some of the experience and the knowledge that is spread through the American Legion Family. Heck if anything, meet up with some of the old friends that you haven’t seen in a while and catch up with the latest news. Well hopefully we will see one another here or there and until then have an exciting time recruiting new or old members and enjoy the life that our veteran made possible for us to have.

Page 4 Alaska Legionnaire Jan/Feb 2013

By Elexzanderia CarrDepartment Chaplain

To everything there is a season,a time for every purpose on earth .People ,places,and things were never to

Give us life. These veter-ans served a Fulfilling life for our country.

Taps

TapsRobert AndreeEric AnslowCarl Benson

Howard BurnhamMax CarpenterClaudie Cole

Cesar Dela CruzBarry Eldridge

Jake IvanoffNorm Kassahn

Gregory KowatchDennis McKechie

Arthur MollJohn MulliganPatrick Murphy

Edith NelsonRobert NistlerAlton OgardLewis ReedElbert Ross

Thomas SabelOius Schaffner

Ed SchenderlineJohn Scott

Robert StraightWilliam ThornJames ThorntonHenry VersnickLinden Virgin

If you have the de-sire to run for a De-partment position, you “should” have a letter of endorse-ment from your Post or letter of intent in the mail soon. For Department Offic-ers, a copy of your DD214 or appropri-ate paper work must be on file with the

Department. As a reminder,

your LIT free AD&D insurance has been increased from $1,000 to $5,000. Your Post should have the forms needed for this, if not you can go to our web site, alaskalegion.org, scroll down to links then to LIT, and you can complete the form on line. Presently less than 5% of our membership has applied for this FREE benefit.

There are 55 Departments that make up The American Legion. This year, 95% of the time we were in the bottom

5 of these Departments. Although we made our assigned goals during the year, it is embarrassing to see us at the bottom of the barrel. January 16 we need to be at 80% and as usual this time of year getting membership is like pulling hens teeth especially for those members who say “my membership card says 2012 and I will pay my dues at the end of the year”. We still have time to climb out of the cellar and make it to the top by just submitting your membership dues. Three easy ways to do this, stop by the Post, mail in your reminder notice, go on line to

legion.org. The renewals on line have been very successful with about 10% of our membership taking advantage of this program.

For those who might have guessed as to the Legionnaire on the front page of the last issue, ONLY ONE (1) PERSON GUESSED that it was our own Past National Vice Commander, Past Department Commander, and all around good guy JOE CRAIG Ketchikan Post 3. Now, who can this Legionnaire be located on page 4.

ALERT!

LEGIONNAIRE

DEADLINE

February 15th

Adjutant Cont from Page 1

Do you know who this is?

S.A.L.utations By Kevin Collier, Sons of The American Legion

Hopefully the New Years was good to you and re-instilled a shin-ning new vision to you and yours in the belief of this great organiza-tion and everything we do for God and Country.

Remember the Detachment will be doing their 32 oz. T-bone Steak Dinner!

This will be our 17th year do-ing this event. This years STEAK FEED will be held on Saturday, January 26, 2013 at Spenard Post #28, in Anchorage, Alaska. This fantastic dinner will be held from 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm. The price this year will be $25, with the proceeds going toward The American Le-gion Alaska Boys State and the American Legion Auxiliary Girls State programs. See one of your Detachment Officers for tickets.

There will be a Detachment Executive Committee Meeting at 1:00 pm on the day of the Steak Feed at Spenard Post #28.

The Detachment is holding a Money Raffle this year. Proceeds will be used for Children & Youth Programs. 300 tickets sold at $20.00 each. The Drawing will be held April 27, 2013 at the Detach-ment/Department Convention in Anchorage – being sponsored by Spenard Post #28. See your local Detachment Officer for your ticket today before they are all gone!

The Detachment as a whole has 674 members transmitted out of our year-end goal of 1483 (so far). This is equivalent to 45.4% of our goal. Remember that membership is everyone’s responsibility! Keep up the great job.

As of writing this article we have had a total of sixteen Squadrons turn in membership so far for the 2013 Membership year, the other three Squadrons are still stalled out or stuck in the snow/ice. Maybe their tires have been frozen.

The 2013 Membership year the remaining Target Dates are as fol-lows:

60% January 16, 201375% February 13, 2013 80% March 13, 2013 90% April 10, 2013 100% May 8, 2013

105% July 24, 2013The second Membership Post-

card Renewal Notice for the 2013 Membership year will be sent out by National Headquarters in Janu-ary and our members should be sending in their membership dues.

The challenge for you is to send in a transmittal with as many mem-bers as possible prior to the 60% goal on January 16th and the 75% goal on February 13th.

We need your cards into Detach-ment Headquarters about 1 week prior to the Target Dates in order to get them processed at National in time to count as reaching the goal.

Let’s meet or beat each and every one of our goals this year – let us show everyone what the SONS from Alaska can do.

Remember that membership is everyone’s responsibility!

The National Membership Goal is 400,000 Members. The National Membership theme this year is “Sons Bandwagon – 2012-2013.”

Honor our Veteran’s Service whom our membership eligibility came under by renewing your dues or if you are eligible to become a member of the Sons of The American Legion and have not joined – join the SONS and honor the service of the veteran who has sacrificed so much to protect this great country. Remember it’s Cool to be Dual!!!

Who will be our Top Recruiter for the 2013 Membership Year??? Will it be you???

We all need to work on being a top recruiter. This will assist us succeed in reaching all our goals and the 105% challenge that Detachment Commander David Dieckgraeff has posted.

Keep up the great job you are do-ing in membership. Remember the three “R’s” “Renew”, “Recruit” and “Reinstate”. Do not just sit on it! Keep it rolling in.

National Commander Chris Huntsinger has asked every De-tachment to work on what is still being called the “Triple Nickel”

Cont SAL on page 6

Page 5 Alaska Legionnaire Jan/Feb 2013

2012Calendar of Events

JAN/FEB February is Americanism Month

• Jan 1 - 2 Dept Offices are closed• Jan 11 - 12Membership & Post Activities Planning Session-

• Indianaplois• Jan 11 80% Membership Due at Dept

• Jan 26 S.A.L. Steak Feed Post 28 - 4 P.M. • Feb 3 Four Chaplains Sunday

• Feb 9 ORATORICAL –NOON @ PROV. HOSP.• Feb 18 President’s Day - Dept Offices are closed

• Feb 20 - 23 Dept Services Officers School Washington D.C.• Feb 24 - 27 Washington D.C. Conference

• •Jack Henry Post / Unit 1

Wednesday Taco’s 5:30 - 7:30Friday night Steaks 5:30 - 8:00

Tuesday Night Auxiliary Meals 6 - 7:30 Feb 9 - Sweetheart Ball 6:00

•Seward Post 5Taco Tuesday

Friday Night SteaksFood served most nights at Post

•Matanuska Valley Post 15Taco Monday

Friday Night Steak

•General Buckner Post 16 Family1st Saturday Auxiliary Dinner 6 pm

Taco Tues 5 pmFriday Burger & Brew 6 - 8 PM

3rd Friday Steak night 6 PM

Post 20Sunday Breakfast 10 - 1

Sunday Football Monday Night Football meals Thursday Afternoon Football Friday Night Steak night 6 -8

Dec 8 Children’s Christmas party 12:00 Dec 22 Adult Christmas Party Dec 31 New Years Eve Party

•Spenard Post 28Monday night food 6 PM

Wednesday Burgers, Chicken, Tacos 6 - 9 PMThursday Red Solo Cup Night 9 PM

Friday Steak and Seafood 6 - 8 :30 PMSaturday Night Food 6 - 9 PM

Monday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday Karaoke with James 9 PM

•Muldoon Post 29Sunday Brunch 11 - 1

Wednesday Karaoke and FoodFriday Night Steak 6 - 9 with DJ Rico

•Chappie James Post 34Friday Socials 6 PM with Buffet.

Pinochle, Dominoes, Music Saturday Dinners 3 PM - 8 PM

Catfish, BBQ Ribs, Fried Chicken. Prk Steak, Pigs Feet, Liver & Onions

Susitna Valley Post 35Friday Night Steak Nights 6-8:30 pm

Every Sunday Turkey Shoot, Starting at 1 pm. Ammo and Guns supplied or bring your own 12ga shotgun

Legion Riders Sunday Pancake Breakfast 10 am - 2pm Senior’s Dance Last Thursday of he month 2 PM - 4 PM Every-

one invited, Come enjoy, dance sing and meet new and old friends.

Past Commander Club Meeting JAN 19 @ 10 amPost 1.

Bring your checkbooks, membership is $100 for a Life Membership.

National Executive Committeeman

Foreign and Outlying Depart-ments and Post of The American Legion (FODPAL):

Do you know what FODPAL is and what they do? FODPAL is just a small part of The American Legion. With over 15,000 members and 250 active post located around the world. We have post located in several countries such as Aus-tralia, Canada, England, France, Germany, Guatemala, Ireland, Mexico, Philippines and several other countries. A listing of Post and locations can be found on The American Legion website at www.legion.org/postlocater . If you have plans on traveling outside the United States to one of these countries, check out the post locater and visit one of the Posts.

The purpose of FOD-PAL is to:

1.To promote the 4 pillars of The American Legion

2.To advocate a closer spirit of cooperation among the FODPAL membership and the national or-ganization, departments and posts.

3.To improve and maintain open communications, to keep FODPAl members better informed about national and international policy changes germane to the overall mission of The American Legion.

FODPAL has just recently had a website come on line at www.le-gion.org/FODPAL . Take the time and visit it.

ALASKA LEGION RIDERS: The Alaska Legion Riders is growing by leaps and bounds. At the recent Fall Conference held at Jack Henry Post 1, the Riders held their fall meeting. Reports were made on the National Rid-ers Legacy Scholarship Ride from Niagara Fall, NY to Indianapolis, by Jim Petitino and Jim Scott who made the ride this year. Also mak-ing the ride were Jan Scott and Jay Cole. Letters of Appreciation from National HQ were presented to the Chapters for their contributions to the Legacy Scholarship Fund. This year the Alaska Legion Riders donated over $7500.00. BRAVO ZULU Riders.

THE CHALLANGE: A chal-

lenge has been made by Wasilla Chapter 35 Riders for next year’s Legacy Scholarship Donation. Chapter 35 Riders have committed to raising $5000.00 and challenge all other Alaska Legion Riders Chapters to “MEET IT or BEAT IT”. I know the other chapters are going to give it their all out best to meet the challenge.

Discussion was held on the up coming elections for next year. Remember that the Riders are now holding their annual elections in

April at the Department Convention. Any inter-ested Rider who would like to run for office, contact your local chapter for more info and support.

Remember tha t the Alaska Legion Riders Annual Romp (Fun Run) will be hosted by North Pole Chapter 30 June 15- 17. There will be several

rides, games and a lot fun. Make plans to attend.

Call to All American Legion “Anchorage” Motorcycle Riders: One of the topics of discussion at the Riders sessions of the con-ference was “Why there is not a Legion Riders Chapter in the An-chorage Bowl”?

I know that if a post were to per-suade the idea of forming a Chap-ter, there would not be a shortage of help from the other chapters in assisting. The challenge has been made to at least one Post in the Anchorage Bowl to get one started.

The Winter Conference will be held in Washington D.C. in late February. This is where your Alas-kan Senators and Congressmen will get a visit from us to discuss Veteran’s issues. This is an annual trip that we make to insure that our representatives are on the same page as The American Legion.

This is where the Consolidated Post Report (CPR) comes into the picture, when Congress gets to see all the activities and volunteer hours that The American Legion members do in support of the Veteran.

Reminder to all Post to submit their annual Consolidated Post Report

By Jim Pisa National Executive Committeeman “From the Doghouse”

support military families during times of deployment when help can be need-ed most. What can YOU do to support the families of our military personnel?

It is the responsibility of all Ameri-cans to support our troops and their families during and after service.

With 2.4 million members, The American Legion is working every day to ensure valuable and free ser-vice is available within their commu-nities for this purpose. The Legion asks all Americans to join their effort in this important area.

2nd Vice Cont From Page 2

Page 6 Alaska Legionnaire Jan/Feb 2013

– to push membership to retain at least 85% of their current members, reach 105% by National Convention next year (2012) and charter at least 5 new Squadrons.

If you still have not taken the op-portunity to turn in your Certification of Officers, please do so as soon as possible. This helps the Detachment Commander, David Dieckgraeff and I in having points of contact at your Squadron so we may arrange official visits or send important information from the Detachment and from Na-tional to your Squadron.

Again this year we will have a Consolidated Squadron Report Form, there will be some changes on the form from last year and will be coming out somewhere around February or March. As soon as I receive them I will be sending them out to the Squadrons. In the mean-time remember to keep track and record everything that you do so it can all be put on the Consolidated Squadron Report Form by Detach-ment Convention.

As we start out a new year remem-ber to gather all of the information from the appropriate sources such as from your membership for hours, returned checks or bank statements for the donations so that next year’s Consolidated Squadron Report Form is easier to fill out and perhaps more

detailed on what you actually accom-plished throughout the year.

We need to do better in reporting what we do on the “Consolidated Squadron Report Form”. This is perhaps the most important docu-ment your Squadron can complete. We only had about 3 of the 19 active Squadrons fill out the Consolidated Squadron Report Form.

The information that you enter on the “Consolidated Squadron Report Form” is combined with that of all of the other Squadrons and reported to The American Legion to show what we as the Sons of The American Legion have done and accomplished throughout the year. The American Legion subsequently sends this on to Congress to show what the American Legion Family has done throughout our Communities, our State and the Nation. All this information of what we do as a Family helps maintain our non-profit status.

Let’s see if the Detachment of Alaska can get 100% reporting this year.

It is never too early to start organ-izing your activities for each month, get started as soon as possible in order to ensure success.

February is the month that The American Legion Family has dedi-cated as Americanism Month. Be sure to start planning your American-ism activities for your Post, Unit and

Squadron.Several American Legion Posts

will be having a Four Chaplains Ceremony. This solemn ceremony pays tribute to the World War II Heroes. For more information on this go to www.legion.org and look under Americanism – Publications for “Saga of Four Chaplains”

The Four Chaplains Ceremony is normally held on the first Sunday in February although I have heard that some of the Post may postpone the Ceremony until the second Sunday due to not wanting to compete with the events around the Super Bowl. Be sure to check with your local American Legion Post to find out when it is scheduled.

February also is when The Ameri-can Legion Oratorical Contest is usually held (unless you are in Anchorage then it starts at the local level in January). This Contest is a great event in which High School Students give an 8-10 minute speech on some aspect of the Constitution of the United States, which also gives emphasis to the duties and obliga-tion of citizenship. Then each of the Contestants will present a speech from an assigned topic that usually tests their knowledge of that topic which is also on some phase of the Constitution of the United States. Check with your local Post, District and Department Oratorical Chair-

men to see how you might be able to assist them with the program.

Another one of the Americanism programs is The American Legion National Emergency Fund. The National Emergency Fund (NEF) has provided over $3,000,000 in direct financial assistance to Legion family members and posts. The National Emergency Fund has kept posts from closing and enabled Legion family members to begin to rebuild their homes and their lives. Eligibility is open to Legionnaires, Auxiliary ** and Sons members, Legion Posts. (** If Auxiliary membership is less than 5 years continuous. Otherwise, the request will be forwarded to the National American Legion Auxil-iary for consideration.). The Legion Family member has to be in good standing – in other words they have to be current with their membership and it has to have been processed at National Headquarters – yet another reason to transmit your membership timely. There were Legion Family members in New York that did not receive assistance from the National Emergency Fund because their membership was still at their Post/ Squadron or Unit – thus it had not been sent into their Detachment or Department to be processed and sent to National – they were not members in good standing.

One other area that we should

By David DieckgraeffDetachment CommanderI hope that every member of our Alaska Legion

had a Happy Thanksgiving and your holidays continue to be merry and bright with the sights and sounds of the season!

I have been traveling and visiting as many posts as time allows, and have recently attended visitations in Palmer, Kenai and Seward. Thanks to all of you for the hospitality and generosity you have shown during my visits. We have formed some strong friendships and strengthened connections throughout the Legion family.

I would like to take a moment to thank all our Detachment Officers and Members for their help and support in making our Detachment Fall Conference such an overwhelming success. A job well done!

I had the opportunity to attend my first Silver Tea in early November. I was once again very impressed with all the coordination that happens behind the

FEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention in SitkaFEB. 2-4 Southeast District Convention

Notes from the S.A.L. National Executive CommitteemanBy Austin Diaz Sons of The American Legion National Executive Committeeman

Cont SAL from page 5

The time is going fast, it seem like it was last week that we were at the Domiciliary in Anchorage wrapping presents for some of our vets to be sent off to the families. We are now to that saying, “it is the time for all good Sons to come to the aid of their squadrons. With 2013 now here and all of the holidays gone by, we must think of our membership and how to find a way to keep the SAL strong. Keep looking for the new members and refresh our ways with new ideas to renew and retain our existing ones.

Watch for your post news letter and go to your meeting with your input of new ideas to help the American Legion Family as a whole. Remember the SAL 32oz. T-Bone Dinner (with Fries, Garlic bread, Corn on the Cob and a Toss Salad) is on the 26 of January. So buy a $25.00 ticket from your squadron member that has the dinner tick-ets or Kevin Collier, and come and join us for the FUN night of food and fellowship while supporting the SAL and Girls and Boys State Programs. Remember this is a

New Year and we need New Ideas, New Members, and a whole bunch of FUN NEW ATTITUDES! Let’s not forget those important dates like Martin Luther King Jr. Day on the 21st of January. Then in Febru-ary there is Lincoln’s Birthday on the 12th then Valentine’s Day on the 14th as we all Know not to forget, and Washington’s Birthday on the Monday the 18th which we know as President’s Day and a national holiday. So let’s show our support to our Legion Family and keep the Sons of the

American Legion strong.

Detachment Commander

scenes to guarantee another successful event. But most importantly, I was thankful that I wasn’t tasked with wash-ing all the tea cups at the end. Let’s just say I’m not the most careful person when it comes to handling dishes and breakable items. Well, at least that’s the excuse I give my wife Shirley so I can get out of working in the kitchen!

I would also like to take a moment to thank all our members who donated money, gifts, and contributed their time to coordinate and facilitate the over-whelmingly successful annual veteran’s gift wrapping event held at the Domi-ciliary in Anchorage. My daughter, Teri, and I were deeply moved by the number of members who participated in this event and its inspirational cause. The Sons of American Legion’s strong support for our veterans and for those in need was especially evident during this event. We know that many hearts were touched, and we look forward to an-other successful event next December.

I also had the opportunity to attend Wasilla’s Post 35 for the Honoring of WWII and Korea Veterans earlier this month. This memorial was very heartfelt, and reminded me what a great organization we are in and what a great country we serve. We must remember daily to pay tribute to our veterans by celebrating our freedom and the men and women who fought for our country. As we turn our focus to the busy holiday season, please be mindful and remem-ber those who are less fortunate than us. Keep in your thoughts and prayers the troops that are away from their families during the holidays. Wouldn’t it be nice to gather a few members together and visit your local Veterans Home or Nurs-ing Home to share some holiday spirit?

Membership needs to be on the forefront of our minds as we begin this new year. We all are busy during this holiday season, but please remember to renew your membership and help remind those around you.

And please remember my door is always open. If you have any ideas on how to continue to make this year a success, or simply just want to say hello, please feel free to email me at mauler@gci.net. Thanks again for be-ing a part of this great organization as we preserve American traditions and values, improve the quality of life for our nation’s children, care for veterans and their families, and teach the funda-mentals of good citizenship.

As we look ahead to the 2013 hori-zon, coordination is underway for the Detachment Convention at Post 28 in Anchorage. Your squadron will be receiving more information as the time drawers nearer.

In closing, I want to wish everyone safe holiday travels, and a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from my family to yours! And remember, visit a vet!

Page 7 Alaska Legionnaire Jan/Feb 2013

From the Desk of the Auxiliary President

By: Beverly EadsDepartment President

“Angels All Around You”Happy New Year may you all

have a healthy, happy and pro-ductive New Year! January is National Security Month. Our Units need to reach out to military families during and after deploy-ment for assisting in their needs. The National Guard has an agree-ment with the American Legion to meet with them, for “what needs do they have this year?” So get together with the Legion, and the Sons of the American Legion for a meet and greet with your local National Guard as “what can we do for you?” Be a part of their Welcome Home activities.

January is also Legislative Month. This is the time when lawmaking bodies of our country working on important issues per-taining to the American Legion, we need to contact our representa-tives. As our soldiers are fighting for us we need to fight for them!!

In December I was able to participate in the Domiciliary Gift Shop in Anchorage what a

heartfelt experi-ence. The Aux-iliary provides gifts for the vet-erans loved ones, they wrap and package them for mailing. A big thanks to all for their hard work and to Peggy Bateman what a great job for putting it all together and making it so successful!!

Februa ry i s Amer ican i sm Month. What a wonderful op-portunity to celebrate “American-ism” and promote membership at the same time! We can achieve “Americanism” by going out and teaching the youth and adults about the true meaning of liberty and freedom. They will become aware of our veterans sacrifices and contributions for our free-dom. They will receive valuable information as to how and why the American Legion Auxiliary was founded and why. An also a opportunity to recruit a new

member.

From the SECRETARY’S DESK

By Linda Schmitt, Auxiliary Secretary

2012-2013National Membership

Goal, Objectives and MilestonesMembership Goal: By demonstrating Service

Not Self and engaging members in meaningful mission delivery, the American Legion Auxiliary will retain current members and attract new members.The future success of membership organizations de-pends on a clear purpose, strong values, and

engaging opportunities for people to form meaningful relationships as they work together for a common purpose.Amid the chaos of rapid change, meaning and purpose are the enduring qualities that attract and retain members.

Meaning matters most.American Society of Association Executives2013 Numeric Objective: To maintain 2012 membership totals at

30 days prior to the 2012 National Convention. All departments who maintain will be recognized. Departments that grow their member-ship by 1% over their total 2012 membership at 30 days prior to the 2012 National Convention will receive special recognition at the 2013 National Convention and in publications.

Milestones:(formerly known as target dates)Milestone 1: 55 % by Veterans Day (November11, 2012)Milestone 2: 70% by Valentine’s Day/Salute to Hospitalized Vet-

erans (February14, 2013)Milestone 3: 85% by Armed Forces day (May17, 2013)Milestone 4: 100% by 30 days prior to National Convention

First of all, let me wish you all Happy Holidays! I can’t believe that we are just a couple of weeks away from a New Year already – seems like 2012 just started. For those of you who attended the Fall Workshop I hope that you learned something you didn’t already know about the American Legion Family of organizations. We were very encouraged by the turnout and hopefully next year even more of you will be able to attend. There is a lot of information that we try to put out to benefit everyone and the hope is that those of you who did attend will be able to take what you learned back to your Units and members. I finished typing the minutes from the Department Executive Committee meeting and the Girls State meeting this past weekend and e-mailed them out, if you have not received them send me an e-mail and I will make sure you get a copy of them.

January is approaching and with it will come the Call to Department Convention. The Convention is always held in April, this year from the 25th – 27th and it is being hosted this year by Spenard Post, Unit and Squadron 28. For those Auxiliary members wishing to run for a Department office, January is the time to get your letters of endorsement written and voted on by your respective Units for their support of your efforts. Don’t forget to give me a call or drop me an e-mail requesting permission to circulate your endorsement letters prior to sending them out. When

you do begin t o c i r c u l a t e your le t ters , don’t forge t to send copies t o me at Depart-m e n t H e a d -quar ters , a l l Units, and all Past Department Presidents.

February 14 is our second mem-bership milestone and it would be wonderful if we could make this goal of 70%. We have yet to make the first milestone that was 55% on Veterans Day in November. Come on membership chairman, we really need you to work your membership programs. Start call-ing those members and reminding them that there is no time like the present to pay their 2013 dues. Our veterans and our programs to benefit our veterans need their support. The second and final batch of 2013 renewal notices will be mailed out by National on January 15th.

Finally, please take a moment to say a special prayer for our troops still in harms way and for their families who will miss hav-ing them home this Holiday sea-son. If you’re fortunate enough to live with your vet give him/her a big hug and thank them for their service. It is another testa-ment to their service that you and I have the freedom to worship the Holidays in our own way. God Bless you and yours in the coming New Year.

Just a reminder that Poppy Orders are due by January 7, 2013. This year they are $100.00 a 1000. Please be prompt in getting your orders in.

Top 5 Benefits of At-tending ALA Mission Training Workshops:

Learn simplified ways to put the Auxiliary’s outreach programs into action.

Become re-energized in supporting the Auxiliary’s mission.

Get a chance to interact with na-tional leaders and ask all of your questions face to face.

Share ideas and best practices with other Auxiliary members.

Go home excited and ready to share all of the valuable information with your unit.

Purpose of Mission TrainingThe purpose of Mission Training

is to help members better understand how to serve our mission and sim-plify the way the ALA operates at all levels so that more members feel welcomed and included. In this two-day workshop, members will learn simplified ways to put the ALA’s outreach programs in action, plus ask questions, voice concerns, and interact with national leaders.

The structure will include inter-active presentations by each of the ALA’s new “pods,” a simplified way any Auxiliary unit with limited resources can work programs effec-tively. “Pods” are groups of similar ALA mission delivery programs:

Veteran/Military Support and Advocacy – Legislative, National Security, Poppy, Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation

Youth Development – Children & Youth, Liaision to Child Welfare Foundation, Juniors, ALA Girls State

Family Support Programs – Amer-icanism, Education, Community Service, National Chaplain

Membership Development – Mem-bership, Auxiliary Emergency Fund, Leadership, Public Relations, Long Range Strategic Planning, Ameri-can Legion Auxiliary Foundation, Advisory

Organizational Support – Constitu-tion & Bylaws, Finance, Cavalcade, Past Presidents Parley, Audit, Parlia-mentarian, National Historian

Page 8 Alaska Legionnaire Jan/Feb 2013Jack Henry Post 1

Meets 1st Thursday

CommanderJim Grant

1st Vice CommanderArt Bell

2nd Vice CommanderVacant

Adjutant - Greg KowatchFinance Officer -Kevin French

HistorianService OfficerSam Shields Jr.

Sergeant-At-ArmsElizabeth Ipsen

Chaplain - Myron JensonExecutive Committeemen

Mark BergTim BenintendiDavid R. Young

272-5242, FAX 272-5792P.O. Box 91285

Anchorage, AK 99509

Spenard Post 28

Commander Wes Lancaster1st Vice Ernest L. King Sr.2nd Vice Michael BloomAdjutant Arnold HeckFinance Richard GingrasChaplain Ken Jacobus

Historian George TillmanService Officer Nathaniel CarterSgt-At-Arms Jeffrey HoehnerJudge Adv. Kenneth JacobusExec.Committeemen Kirk Waldhaus Jack Appoloni

Robert Marquez

Annual Sponsors of• Boys&GirlsProgram• AL Baseball Service High• BoysScoutTroop214• CubScoutPack214• DimondHighJROTC• Post28 Scholarship Program

7001 Brayton DriveAnchorage, AK 99507

907-344-3841

GRANDE DU ALASKA

GRAND CHEF DE GARETed Williams

GRAND CHEF DE TRAINBilly Smith

GRAND CONDUCTEURTom Schanrock

Muldoon Post 29Meets 3rd Tuesday 6:30 PM

CommanderFred Stier

Service Officer, Carol Gross1467 Muldoon Rd

Anchorage AK 99504(907) 338-3550

FAX (907 338-0756

Aurora BorealisPost 21

All Female Post

CRIS VRABELCommander

Marjorie Ream AdjutantElexzanderia Carrs Service

OfficerMeeting 3rd Saturday @ 2 pm

Sept - MayP.O. Box 91116

Anchorage, AK 99509

C. Russell HuberPost 57

John MagmoreCommanderService Officer

Darrell PetersonPete Duchscherer, Ajutant

1634 S. Cushman St.Fairbanks, AK 99701

452-5757

C. Russell HuberSquadron 57

Thomas McClellandCommander

Bill Malkuch, First Vice

Adjutant & Finance OfficerDarrel Williamson

P.O. Box 70448Fairbanks, AK 99707

Jack HenryUnit 1

Peggy BatemanPresident

Jill Pawson, Secretary

Meets 1st Thursdays @ 7 p.m.

P.O. Box 92747, Anchorage, AK 99509

George H. Plumley Memorial

Post 20

Neil Duperron CommanderAl Diaz, Adjutant

Herb Stettler, Service Officer

283-3222, 902 Cook St.Kenai, AK 99611

NINILCHIK POST & UNIT 18Gary Jackinsky

CommanderDave Shandy.

Adjutant

PresidentKathy Belcher

Sec./Treas.Betty Randall

Mile 136.5 Sterling HwyPhone 567-3918

Robert G. BlairPost 17

Maurice BurumCommander

Tom SaundersAdjutant

Perry PageService Officer

318 Center Ave., Kodiak, AK 99615

Office: 486-3258 / Bar: 486-5757Susitna Valley

Post 35

Commander Dallas MasseyAdjutant Ronald Travis

Service Officer James Francois

MONTHLY MEETINGS, 1st and 3rd Tuesday’s

@7:00 PMFriday Night Steak 6:00 - 8:30 PM

PO Box 870370Wasilla, AK 99687

always keep in mind is the education of our communities and our youth in Proper Flag Etiquette, The proper presen-tation and proper folding of the Flag of our Country.

Remember that if you have a nomination for Eagle Scout of the Year, their ap-plication needs to be into The American Legion Depart-ment Headquarters before March 1st.

The American Legion was formed in the spring of 1919 between March 15-17. Hope-fully everyone will help his or her Post celebrate the 94th Birthday of The American Legion.

As you prepare to go into elections for this upcom-ing year and select your Squadron Officers it would be greatly appreciated if you would take the opportunity to turn in your Certification of Officers. Please do so as soon as possible after your elections! This helps the Detachment Commander and myself in having points of contact at your Squadron.

It is also time to start think-ing about running for an Of-fice at the Detachment level. If you are interested in run-ning please be sure to get the support of your Squadron and Post and send a copy of your letter of intent and support to the Detachment Headquarter as soon as possible. The ad-dress is 1550 Charter Circle Drive, Anchorage, Alaska 99508. The letters of intent for Detachment Officers need to be received no later than 5:00 pm Monday March 12, 2013.

Conventions are a great way to learn not only what is going on in the state but also the nation as far as The American Legion Family goes. You also get the op-portunity to see some of your longtime friends and to meet new ones. Hopefully you will be able to attend at least one of these Conventions and we will see you there. We are looking forward to having the National Commander of

the Sons of The American Legion – Chris Huntsinger, out of Pennsylvania at the Detachment Convention in Anchorage.

Every day we should pay tribute to our veterans by celebrating our freedom and the men and women who fought for our country. Al-ways remember that with out the sacrifices of our veterans this country would not be the great Nation that it is. They have given of themselves so that we all may live in peace and enjoy all the rights and privileges we have being an American Citizen. All veterans gave something of themselves; some even gave all to ensure our blessings of life, liberty, freedom and the pursuit of happiness. Take a moment out of your day to say “Thank You!!” to our veterans.

As a reminder: Please be sure to record and report eve-ry thing that you do through-out the year. Again we will be using a Consolidated Squad-ron Report Form, which will be sent to Detachment Headquarters sometime in January or February. If you want to preview this three (3) part carbonless form it can be found on the web page www.sal.legion.org.

Keep up the great job you are doing in membership. Remember the three “R’s” “Renew”, “Recruit” and “Re-instate”. Do not just sit on it! Keep it rolling in.

I would like to personally thank each and every one of the veterans for their service and sacrifices that they made. God Bless you and God Bless America.

If there is anything that any of your Detachment Officers can do to assist you or answer any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. My email is kcollier@alaska.net. Hope to hear from you soon.

General BucknerPost 16 Family

Richard TurnerCommanderChip Dugan

SAL CommanderNora Anderson

President

Meetings - 6 PMSAL - 2nd Monday

Legion - 3rd WednesdayAux - 3rd Thursday

Come Play Pull Tabs!

Ketchikan Post 3Meets every Monday, 7pmPotluck every 3rd Saturday

Dan Ball, CommanderJim Van Horn, AdjutantHunter Davis, Serv. Off.

225-2021, P.O. Box 5121Ketchikan, AK 99901

www.americanlegionpost3.com

SEWARD POST 5Meets 2ND Tuesday 7p.m.

Claire SullivanCommander

Taco Tuesday ~ 6p.m.Steak night Friday ~ 6p.m.

P.O. Box 306Seward, AK 99664

907-224-5440

Dorman H. BakerPost 11

Dave KentCommander

Billy Smith AdjutantRick Brown

Service OfficerPull tab sales at the club

452-2228, 129 First Ave.Fairbanks, AK 99701

Haines AlaskaPost 12

CommanderPat Murphy

First Vice - Bill McRobertsSecond Vice - Wayne StreetsFinance Officer - Pat Murphy

Adjutant - Rick Riker

Matanuska ValleyPost 15

Jerry HoskinsCommanderJesse Sawyer

.Adjutant

Club ManagerMary Roeser

Meets 1st & 3rd Mon., 6 p.m.P.O. Box 1146, Palmer, AK 99646

745-4440

Cont SAL from page7

Matanuska ValleyUnit 15

Kelly Sawyer, PresidentRuth Hodsdon

1st Vice President Barbara Ray, 2nd Vice

Sharon Bower, - TreasurerRegina Meyer, Secretary

Meets 1st Monday, at 6:00 p.m.P.O. Box 541,

Palmer, AK 99645Pull Tabs Available

Visit us on the web at http://www.mat-valleypost15.org

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