For God and Country Official Publication of the American Legion, Department of VOL. XV. No. 3 • February 2020 • DOVER, DELAWARE 19901 National Commander James W. Oxford to Visit Delaware comes available. The Sadly, service officer support National Commanders and TFA grants often go unnoticed in banquet is scheduled local communities. But their impor - for Friday March 27th tance cannot be overstated. The Veter - at David C. Harrison ans & Children Foundation improves Post 14 in Smyrna, lives for veterans, servicemembers and Delaware. Tickets for their families. It is essential that the the banquet will be foundation remain a resource for our limited so contact your comrades in need in communities post leadership to throughout the nation. place your order. The Whether funds are used to as - Veterans & Children sist Coast Guardsmen who are missing Foundation is the paychecks or a veteran and her spouse Commanders who lost their home to a fire or a mili - fundraiser this year tary family struggling to make ends and he will be person - meet, the Veterans & Children Founda - James W. "Bill" Oxford was ally accepting dona - tion needs your support. elected national commander of The tions at his scheduled post visitations. For the remainder of my term American Legion on Aug. 29, 2019, in Message from the NCDR as national commander, I will be focus - Indianapolis, during the organization's Oxford: ing on my fundraising goal of $25 mil - 101st national convention. He has been Grants from the foundation not lion for V&CF. That may sound like a 1 N 0 9 T O 9

I only provide vital support for military lot of money. Just remember that in 5 I

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U S N - A , ans’ organization since 1986. His r O A m N r e P P G O e v nancial crises, they also support Ameri - original American Legion Endowment R N P o schedule is allowing for a visit to O D Delaware from March 25th to the 27th. can Legion service officers in their Fund by raising $5 million — that’s We are honored that he is taking the tireless efforts to obtain care and due about $72 million in today’s dollars, ad - time from his busy schedule to see all benefits and opportunities for disabled justed for inflation. the great work our veterans do for the veterans and families. These service of - I am confident that with your state. ficers provide free expert assistance to kind contributions, we will indeed assist The schedule for posts visita - more than 700,000 veterans, widows veterans, support military families and tions has not been finalized and will be and families as they navigate the com - build a strong foundation for the future. distributed to post leadership as it plexities of VA benefits and services they have earned through their service.

As always membership is a hot receive a 100% turn in rate on the Consoli - My Fellow Legion - topic. To the posts that are making their dated Report. naires: goals keep up the good work. To the post Finally, the Department is gearing The holiday that are close to their goal keep driving and up and working on the schedule for the Na - season has come and pushing forward. I am positive you will get tional Commanders visit in March. The gone. I hope everyone it done. For the post that have fallen behind schedule will be distributed once it is final - had a good Christmas on your goals please reach out to me or any - ized. I look forward to seeing many of you and that you are still one on the DEC for help. That is what we as we take the National Commander on a on track with keeping your New Year’s res - are here for. To assist you in any way we tour of the First State. olutions. 2019 was a good year for the De - can. When the Posts succeed the Depart - partment of Delaware and I predict that ment succeeds. Yours in Legion Service. 2020 will be an even better year. We will be It is that time of the year to be Michael A. Havel facing new challenges this year and I am working on your Consolidated Post Reports. Commander Department of Delaware confident that we as the Department of Please make sure they are filled out cor - Delaware will face these challenges head rectly and submitted in a timely manner. I on. am sure that once again the Department will 2 DELAWARE LEGIONNAIRE, FEBRUARY 2020

Mem - chairperson or the 1st Vice Commander post. We need to overcome the impres - to work the Buddy Check. It will let bership, who is but it is up to all members to help. I sion that we are old veterans that just sit members know you are thinking about responsible for know it is tough to get members but we around the bar drinking. When you them. Any district or Post needing help recruiting and must keep on trying. At your post plan have a function use social media and with membership please feel free to retaining mem - actives that will involve the family. your local papers to show the commu - contact me at 302-629-5624 I will assist bers? Some Young veterans have families so if we nity what you are doing. This might in any way I can. think it is the try to have functions that involve the spark some interest in veterans that Barry Sauers membership family you might get them to join your would like to get involved. Don’t forget 1st Vice Commander

Since I last Commander, James W. “Bill” Oxford. I with them why they should belong. In located on your motorcycle, or even in shared words got to meet a host of Legion Members our Post there are resource materials those backpack that you carry every - with you, I have from various States, Countries, and that are plentiful that helps get the word where. I challenge you to help your traveled to Indi - Territories. Two weeks later I again out of why a Veteran should belong to Post and Department with meeting their anapolis, IN to traveled to Indianapolis to attend my the Legion. The resource book that I target dates and membership retention attend the Amer - first National Convention. I attended a speak of is called “Why You Should goals. I also challenge you with reduc - ican Legion Na - National Committee meeting, marched Belong”. Those books located in your ing the number of Why You Should tional Membership Workshop. There I in the American Legion Parade carry - Post are not for guest or visitors of Belong books out of your Post and into learned about communications, net - ing our Department of Delaware Le - other Post to read. The books are for hands of new eligible members. working, of new members and how to gion Flag and sat on the convention you the current member in your Post. See you in my travels retain the members we already have. I floor. Wow! We have work to do in re - The number of books in your Post Dwight Lacy, 2nd Vice Commander heard the vision of the Legion from the taining our membership and meeting should be few because you carry a copy Department of Delaware, the American Leading Candidate and now National with new potential members and share of that book in your car, in your packs Legion Inc.

Deadline for next Legionnaire: April 6, 2020 My fellow veterans; of happenings going on every night. As always there Hope all is well as we are several positions from being a volunteer to running start off the New Year; hope that for office to further your ideas and help out your com - THE DELAWARE everyone had a great and joyful munity. Lots of different opportunities for the whole LEGIONNAIRE Christmas and a Happy New family to be involved in. From Halloween, Easter, fam - Year. ily oriented days. Even Santa visits most posts. You can AMERICAN The American Legion is having a membership get involved at any level that you feel comfortable in. LEGION PRESS drive, so if you know of anyone eligible to join, please Some of the American Legions have had a ASSOCIATION direct them to your nearest American Legion: There has few members pass away,, I have had the Honor to offi - been a new law passed that you don’t have to have ciate a lot of them. And they will always have a place OFFICIAL PUBLICATION served in a war time era to be able to join. Just have a in our hearts. OF THE AMERICAN LEGION DEPARTMENT OF DELAWARE Honorable Discharge or under honorable conditions. We have a new home post opening soon in Mil - SUBSCRIPTION: Free to Members Have your DD-214 and sign up for a great experience ford, Delaware in the Hardee’s shopping center on the Send copy and correspondence to: with fellow Veterans young and old alike. north side with lots of facilities and lots of plans to THE DELAWARE LEGIONNAIRE There are several American Legions through help the community, so stop on by and check it out. Jeffrey K. Crouser, Editor out Delaware convenient to most homes. Most Ameri - 1-302-632-8598 email [email protected] can Legions have several programs going on to help For God and Country; Veterans in need to just plain ole comradery. Several Reverend Wayne Hicks PRINTING: DOVER POST CO. locations have a canteen with food and drinks, and a lot DELAWARE LEGIONNAIRE, FEBRUARY 2020 3   - +    "% (

   * % -(   -! )  !% ( !) (!!% &       ( ! ! %  & ! ) % )& (  (    ! %(     % $ (% -,      (  !) (    & " - ! )(%     "%% -)  ! &(   %   

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 ( #  ( (( $ (# % % "      +++ # - ! -& # !  ' &   +++ # - ! -&  %% & # ! #ĄĄĄÜ²ĄãÜsĄ 4 DELAWARE LEGIONNAIRE, FEBRUARY 2020 Impact of Legion Programs DEPARTMENT OF DELAWARE Dear Mr. Brenner, dinator for Rep. Bryan Shipe for Hello, I am Ethan Lang, Boys the 36th District, who went on to BOYS STATE State Class of 2018, and I win election in November. I wanted to update you on my went on to lead my school's Legion Members support your Department Program progress. I remember from the mock election for 2018. I won many workshops and speakers the state championship for Busi - We need your help to defray the cost. that we were asked to remain in ness Law & Ethics and repre - contact, especially with the hon - sented the state in the national The Average cost per student is $570.00. ored veterans within the legion. competition. The student’s application fee covers $100.00 Due to Veterans Day being The skills taught to me through This leaves $470.00 per student to come from somewhere. around the corner, I thought it Boys State have already pro - Right now the Department and a minority of the Posts covers this appropriate to write you. pelled me to great heights and cost. I'm doing well. I am currently wanted to thank you and the enrolled at Dartmouth College, American Legion personally for If you want to individually sponsor a student - $470.00 planning on studying Govern - the service you have provided ment, with possible minors in me. To help defray the cost with smaller amounts please give the fol - philosophy, economics, and pub - lowing. lic policy. After Boys State, I Thank you, went on to be the volunteer coor - Ethan A. Lang Housing - $25.00 per night. (each person has four nights)

Meals – three meals a day – (each person has four days worth of meals) < #4 (each meal is an all you can eat buffet) breakfast per person - $15 per day Lunch per person - $20 per day 62 6#2 Dinner per person - $30 per day ª »šnán [ªššn[ᑪ¥× Transportation 1@ Ó ná /Žªá ì¥× (four days - round trip to Legislative Hall ì¥á‘¥ /Žªá ì¥× @¥e .‘~ n× one round trip to Dover Air Force Base) 3×ne @¥e ì¥× Each round trip, per person - $12.00 ª n ªÓ@á‘ûn× ‘š‘á@Óþ .‘~ n× Boys State Polo (Golf) shirt with Logo. $20.00 per shirt Make out check to " 1 Ñ2 The American Legion, Dept. of DE Boys State 6# #41 # mail to : ¦Û 9Á @[™×ª¥ û nI 컪¥á üþ Delaware Boys State !nü @×ášnb nš@ü@Ón ²¦ÛéĄ c/o Lyman BrennerBoys State chairman ãĄéãés¦ÛƒÛ PO Box 7005 .ªQnÓá Á ‘ššnÓ Wilmington, DE 19803 [ª¥×‘ ¥ n¥á ×@šn× ªÓ ªìáӑ Žá »ìÓ[Ž@×n× #ĄĄĄÜ²ƒã܃Ą DELAWARE LEGIONNAIRE, FEBRUARY 2020 5 6 DELAWARE LEGIONNAIRE, FEBRUARY 2020 Americanism Commission American Legion American - ism Commission meeting Oct 13-0ct 14, 2019 The Americanism Commis - sion members met on the mornings of Oct 13 and Oct 14, 2019. The two day meeting was run by Richard Anderson of Con - necticut, CoChairman of the Americanism Commission. After opening ceremonies and appropriate greetings from the Sons of the Ameri - can Legion and Auxiliary President Nicole Clapp of Iowa, reports were given. The reports had been submit - ted electronically to the members of the commission prior to the meeting. These reports were the result of the combined Americanism meetings in September. Copies of the reports can be gotten from the Department Adjutant or myself if anyone is interested. Proposed resolutions were approved and were submitted to the National Executive Commit tee. Two will effect the Department of Delaware programs. The first will change the application form of the Samsung Scholarship to match the new member - ship requirements of The American Legion. The other resolution changed the amount of the prize money for the Orator ical Contest on the national level. The finale item of interest was the an - nouncement of the Samsung Scholarship winners. The Delaware Boys State student and the Delaware Girls State student each received $1250. DELAWARE LEGIONNAIRE, FEBRUARY 2020 7 American Legion Boys State Combined Americanism Conference The Conference began with a Depart-ment program administra - that have an overall increase. Na - be IT changes.The one recommen - formal opening of the Combined tors of the program do not under - tional is also very aware that our dation was to continue to receive Session of Boys/Girls State and stand computerese and/or did not program, if it gets much bigger, will the medical forms directly from the State Directors. Past National Com - read directions soon enough. Also, loose its uniqueness that sets it off stu-dents or their families because mander Dale Barnett of Georgia another issue were the parents who from the other programs. Delaware of the Hippa Laws. was the facilitator of the conference. did not read directions soon enough was used often to show how the The other breakout that was ap - James Baca, Executive Director, and/or Boys/Girls State staff did not small programs can be extremely propriate was putting the programs American Legion Headquarters inform the young people and/or successful and that what works in together by size. There were five gave greet-ings to the Conference their parents early enough. These large departments will not be appro - different groups. Delaware strad - from the National Commander, Bill are not issues that the Delaware priate for the small ones and dled the line between the smallest Oxford. Director Baca is a former Boys/Girls State programs face - vice/versa throughout the confer - group and the next group up. Boys State Counselor and Boys Na - except for participants not reading ence. The evolution of the Boys Na - There were six programs in the tion Counselor from New Mexico directions soon enough. tion participants was not provided group two others were in who served in the One of the issues brought up as the report was not finished. Mr Delaware’s position of fluctuating Coast Guard. Also giving greet - was a question as to who can get Wynn was hired a week before between 90 and 110. The issues ings were Wendy Riggle, the Amer - scholarships children of veterans Boys Nation and is still learning the were the same for all sizes and each ican Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation versus those who were not. If there requirements of the position. of the smaller programs had things Chairman from Iowa and Linda is a change it has to go through both Kelly Meyer, the Regional that made them unique.The major Boone, Acting National Auxiliary the Americanism Commission and Admissions Representative of the gain from this program was to con - Secretary and Past National Presi - the National Executive Committee. University of Evansville, gave a tinue to talk to the schools and work dent from Oregon. PNP Boone lived The evening ended with a presentation on the other end of try - on recruitment from the traditional for a number of years In Delaware. combined presentation of Massa - ing to get students to Boys State. public high schools.Saturday ended The evening’s major presenta - chusetts, Kansas, and Missouri talk - She talked about what the schools with a report from each of the tion was from the Samsung Com - ing about combining the two have to go through during the year groups to the delegates at large - pany about their scholarship for programs and how the different pro - and what The Boys State represen - and finding out that the major prob - Boys State and Girls State. John grams have approached this issue. tatives have to do to get information lems of each size were the same - Hendrick is the Samsung Chief of What was surprising was that the to the students and the families. trying to talk to the schools and de - Staff, Mobility Solutions and Chief Delaware Boys and Girls State pro - Her presentation was followed by clining numbers to recruit from in Advocate of the Samsung Veterans gram was more combined than two Scott Wynn doing a presentation large parts of the country because of Community division. He gave a of the three programs. The combi - about community outreach. Both demographic shifts in population - history of the Samsung company nation is strictly administrative, i.e. had very good information for those some-thing that also effects legion and then talked about some of the getting information about the pro - Legionnaires who are not part of the membership. issues that Samsung was having grams to the schools, working with education field. The Delaware pro - Sunday morning had the Memo - with the drop in applications for the Wesley College about having simi - gram does much of what they rec - rial Service where Boys State staff scholarship. He did not go into the lar contracts, the County Day, find - ommend and what is appropriate for who had joined post ever-lasting history of why the scholarship went ing and passing information back our size state. were memorialized. Delaware’s from a needs scholarship to an aca - and forth about speakers and use of Next were breakout sessions. Stephen Leishman, Boys State pho - demic scholarship. The change was different buildings. Many were aimed at the larger Boys tographer for the last dozen years, done because of the cost of living On Saturday after opening cere - State programs. The one that fit the and Charles Armbruster, Jr. Past differentials from one part of the monies held by PNC Barnett Delaware program was “The Ad - Boys State Chairman and counselor country to another. Richard Anderson of Connecti-cut vantages of Online Registration”. for over 20 years (among every - Scott Wynn, Director American gave greetings. He is the Chairman Brandon Krause of the Department thing else he did for the Legion) Legion Boys Nation, from the of the National Americansim Com - of Indiana gave an overview of how were recognized. Because of plane American Legion National Head - mission. Following Chairman An - Hoosier State Boys State began flights the final session was missed. quarters talked about the present ad - derson Scott Wynn gave a Boys using on-line registration and where ministration of the scholarship. He Nation/State update. Even through they are today. Delaware’s program went over some of the problems of the Delaware Boys State attendance is a hybrid of what he does and will the administration of the program. was down last year overall adopt most of what was recom - Basically, what came out was that Delaware is one of the few states mended. Most of the changes will 8 DELAWARE LEGIONNAIRE, FEBRUARY 2020 Delaware National Guard Apple Scrapple The Department Front row left to 2nd Vice Com - right Roy Lam - mander Dwight berton Post 6, Lacy, Past De - Chuck Werner partment Com - Post 7 mander Jim Back row left to Brady, and Past right Jeff Lath - New Castle Dis - bury Post 39, trict Commander Barry Sauers Don Hutcheson Dept. 1st Vice, attended the Greg Porter Delaware Na - Squadron 6, Steve tional Guard, 37th Annual Prayer Breakfast at the Cavalier Country Barrow Post 17 Club, Newark, DE on November 21, 2019. They where joined at their table by Naval JROTC Cadets of the Delaware Military Acad - I would like to emy Color Guard team and their instructor Commander Sean Easley. thank all who particapted in the Apple Scrapple membership drive Provided by October 2019 Dwight Lacy, Department, 2nd Vice Commander Barry Sauers Kent District News Adopt a FamilyPost 6 It has been a very exciting time in the district. The Holidays are American Legion Auxiliary Unit 6, part of the Nanticoke Post 6 upon us, the district revitaliza - Legion Family adopted the family of SPC Myron Hayes for tion was a great success. The Christmas. SPC Hayes is deployed to the middle east, and his four Turkey has given its best and daughters were facing a Christmas without their Daddy. The kids we are thankful. recieved toys and games, and picked up a whole family of Post 6 The Milford post is trying "grandparents" as well. very hard to be open soon. Dover post is busy with bingo nights and some great meals, (shrimp & ribs) are my favorite. Smyrna is always busy, hum - ming along with one thing or another, Harrington is trying some new ideas and has dedi - cated a Veteran memorial wall, (well done) December 7th was observed at the posts. In all this the district continues to grow thanks to a lot of hard work by a lot of hard working people. Be especially safe during the winter months, continue to do your “Buddy Checks” . The American Le - gion continues to take care and advocate for those who serve and have served. I say “Merry Christmas” and “Happy New Year”

Stephen A. Burge Kent District Commander DELAWARE LEGIONNAIRE, FEBRUARY 2020 9 2020 American Legion Oratorical Contest Applications and sign- place takes home $17,000, and topic as related to the basic mencing with grade 9 and ter - ups for the American Legion third gets $15,000. Each depart - principles of government under minating with grade 12. Oratorical Contest are now un - ment (state) winner who is cer - the Constitution. The assigned •Enrolled in high school derway. District contests will tified into and participates in topics for 2020 are: or junior high school during the be held during the month of the national contest’s first •Amendment XII – time of participation at any January and the Department round receives a $2,000 schol - Electoral College level of The American Legion Contest will be held in Febru - arship. Those who advance past •Amendment XXIV – National High School Oratori - ary, followed by the National the first round receive an addi - Citizens right to vote shall not cal Contest. contest in March, 2020. The tional $2,000 scholarship. The be denied by the United States •Either legally domi - specific dates are listed below. American Legion’s National or any State by reason of failure ciled within or attending an ed - Organization awards the schol - to pay poll tax or other tax. ucational institution within the •New Castle District arships, which can be used at •Amendment XXVII – department where they enter Contest: January 14, 2020, VA any college or university in the No law, varying the compensa - competition. Contestants can Hospital, Wilmington United States. tion for the services of Senators enter competition through only •Department of High school students and Representatives, shall take one department. Delaware Contest: February under age 20 are eligible. Com - effect, until an election of Rep - High school students 11, 2020,VA Hospital, Wilm - petition begins at the district resentatives shall have inter - that graduate early during the ington level and advances to a state vened. school year are eligible to com - competition. Legion department •Amendment XX – pete if they are not enrolled in a The American Legion representatives certify one win - terms of President and Vice college, university, trade school Oratorical Contest exists to de - ner per state to the national President. When Congress or other institution of higher velop deeper knowledge and contest, where department win - shall assemble. Articles of Pres - learning at the time of the de - appreciation for the U.S. Con - ners compete against each other idential succession. partment finals contest. stitution among high school in two speaking rounds. The All contestants at each students. Since 1938, the pro - contest caps off with a final Students interested in contest level are required to gram has presented participants round that decides the three top applying and participating speak in the English language with an academic speaking finishers. on the same assigned topic. challenge that teaches impor - The subject of the pre - Eligible participants The three finalists of the tant leadership qualities, the pared speech must be on some must be: national contest are ineligible history of our nation’s laws, the aspect of the U.S. Constitution, •Citizens of or lawful for further participation at any ability to think and speak with some emphasis on the du - permanent residents of the level. clearly, and an understanding of ties and obligations of citizens United States. Interested students the duties, responsibilities, to our government. Speeches •Bona fide student - should contact a post member rights and privileges of Ameri - are to be eight to 10 minutes herein described as any student to receive a recommendation can citizenship. long. Additionally each contest - under the age of 20 years on the and fill out the application on Young orators earn ant will be asked to deliver a date of the national contest who the Department website and re - some of the most generous col - three to five minute speech on is presently enrolled in a high turn it to their host post or ad - lege scholarships available to one of four assigned topics. The school or junior high school dress on the application. high school students. Over purpose of the assigned topic (public, parochial, military, pri - $188,000 in scholarships can be discourse is to test the speaker's vate or home school). Richard W. Browne awarded each year. The overall knowledge of the subject, the •Be in a school whose Oratorical Chair national contest winner gets a extent of his or her research, curriculum must be considered Department of Delaware $20,000 scholarship. Second and the ability to discuss the to be of high school level, com - 10 DELAWARE LEGIONNAIRE, FEBRUARY 2020

Donation of Thanksgiving Baskets for Local Children and Their Families perishable items from members and gram. visitors to the Post. With the gen - 8)From left to right, Auxiliary volun - erosity of collected food and the Le - teers stack turkeys for Love Creek Ele - gionnaire’s 12 donated turkeys, mentary. Pictured are Sandy Keen, Auxiliary members gathered on No - vember 25, 2019, to collectively sort and package these families’ Thanksgiving dinners. Boxes in - Photos in order of story placemnt: cluded all the traditional favorites— 1)Love Creek staff accepting the do - mashed potatoes, stuffi ng, gravy, nated cookie tray are Janet Davis (left) vegetables, applesauce, rolls, pies— and Susan Reynolds (right). Auxiliary member Debbie Simms is in the center. along with cooking pans and nap - 2)Auxiliary member Barb Catts points out to Shirley Davis (forefront) where the turkeys are being held. Other Aux - iliary volunteers are (left to right) Sandy Keen, Debbie Simms, Pat Schneider, Shay Nipper and Julie How - At this—the season of giv - ington. ing—the Auxiliary of Unit 17 came Sonya Davis, and social worker Dr. 3)Pictured are some of the turkeys and Brittany Hazzard Ed.D. together once again for an internal roasting pans awaiting transport to local food drive. It began when Judi schools. Hammond and Debbie Simms (co- 4)SUVs are being packed for delivery chairs of the Children and Youth to local schools. Pictured are auxiliary kins. Once assembled, the Auxiliary Program) ordered and delivered members Sandy Keen and Kellie Unit caravan of packed SUVs per - cheerful cookie trays to Love Creek Bergen (Department Chaplain.) sonally delivered these meals to 5)Boxes and turkeys are ready to go to Shields and Love Creek Elementary Schools. Social workers from these schools greeted and accepted deliv - ery, and later distributed to the fam - ilies. The American Legion Post 17 Family welcomes the opportu - nity to help our community and do 9)Left to right, Auxiliary member our part in keeping the Thanksgiv - Sonya Davis, Dr. Brittany Hazzard of Love Creek Elementary, Kellie Bergen ing spirit alive and well. Shields elementary. (Department Chaplain) and volunteer 6)Auxiliary members gather outside and Shields Elementary Schools to Sandy Keen. American Legion Post 17 before deliv - recognize teachers for National Ed - Submission by:Cindy Butler ering Thanksgiving baskets to local Publicity Chair ucation Week (Nov. 18-22). This schools. From left to right, are Sonya American Legion Auxiliary Unit 17 opened up the conversation with so - Davis, Kellie Bergen (Department Lewes, Delaware cial workers about families who Chaplain), Cindy Butler, Debbie Simms needed a little extra help this year, (Co-Chair Children and Youth Pro - due to no fault of their own (i.e., gram), Barb Catts, Shay Nipper (hold - lost job, surgery). Twelve unnamed ing turkey in pan), Pat Schneider and families were suggested to receive Sandy Keen. Not pictured is Auxiliary assistance in the form of Thanksgiv - President Murt Foos (photographer). ing meals. All that was known was 7)Pictured are some of the turkeys de - livered to Shields Elementary. From each family’s size. left to right, Barb Catts, Social Worker Next, the Auxiliary promi - Lovell Hemphill and Debbie Simms nently put out boxes to collect non - (Co-Chair of Children and Youth Pro - DELAWARE LEGIONNAIRE, FEBRUARY 2020 11 American Legion Riders Chapter 14 visitors building at the cemetery, ing in action while fighting in Korea flanked by the American and on November 27, 1950. POW/MIA flags. October 19, 2019 This Chair of Honor was The Legion Riders rode to A to Z donated by Patrick J Hughes, a for - Cycles to participate in the Wel - come Home Parker Ride”. Parker is a young man that was injured in a bad motorcycle accident a few weeks ago when a vehicle was on the wrong side of the road and hit Saturday, September 14, 2019 available. him almost head on. POW/MIA Chair of Honor Friday, October 18, 2019 - October 19, 2019 Legion Riders attended the The Legion Riders from Post 14 at - The Legion Riders from Post 14 in dedication of a POW/MIA Chair of tended a memorial dedication at the Smyrna joined forces with Del Vets Honor at Washington Crossing Na - Route 9 Library and Innovation Post 2 and participated in the 10th tional Cemetery in Newtown, Penn - Center in New Castle, Delaware. Annual Monster Mile walk benefit - sylvania. Many people from around The memorial was placed at the foot ing the Breast Cancer Coalition at of the flagpoles outside of the li - Dover Downs Speedway. brary in memory of PFC Samuel Photos in order of story: Lawrence Crawford, US Army, (1)John Rowe- Safety ALR Post 14, Company L, 3rd Battalion, 15th In - mer United States Marine and Viet - nam Veteran. Mr, Hughes is part of Rolling Thunder, Inc. Thursday September 19,2019 Chair of Honor Dover Place Legion Riders from Post 14 the region attended the ceremony in Smyrna attended a POW/Chair of and listened to Ralph Galati, Cap - tain, USAF and former POW speak about the significance of the Chair Steve Kellam- Director ALR Post 14 of Honor. After the Chair was un - (2)John Rowe- Safety ALR Post veiled, it was moved and placed in 14,Two attendees , Steve Kellam- Di - its permanent position inside the rector ALR Post 14(3)Chair of honor (4)Jay Gomme and Retired Brigadier General Terry Wiley unveiling chair, Bill Numphreys in background- ALR Honor dedication at Dover Place, an Post 14(5)Jay Gomme, Retired assisted living facility in Dover, Brigadier General Terry Wiley and fantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Divi - Delaware. Dover Place became the Steve Kellam- Director ALR Post 14 sion enlisted in the Army at 17 first facility of its kind in Delaware (6)Vendor Registration crew (7)Essy years old when he was a junior in to place a Chair of Honor. Rowe- ALR 14 Safety, Steve Kellam- high school. He was listed as miss - Friday September 20,2019 Veterans ALR14 Director (8)Breast cancer walk- Stand Down Larry Marion- ALR 14 Road Captain, Steve Kellam- ALR 14 Director, Lester Members of the Legion Link- ALR 14 Treasurer, Back row family volunteered for Veterans Janet Link- ALR14 Public Relations Stand Down. Veterans were able to (9)The entire group that made the ride take advantage of help with Legal including Steve Kellam and Larry Mar - services, employment opportunities, ion housing as well as medical, dental Submission by: Janet Link, PR and behavioral health. Haircuts , a American Legion Riders Post 14, warm lunch and flu vaccines were Smyrna, DE 12 DELAWARE LEGIONNAIRE, FEBRUARY 2020 Delaware Veterans Stand Down 2019 Veterans Organization. If they said no, they were provided with a “Why You Should Belong” booklet with the location of the closest Delaware Legion Post contact infor - mation. If they said yes to being a Legion member they were then provided

This year’s Delaware Veterans Stand with a Department 2019 Convention pin. Down was held at Shute Park, Dover, DE, All Districts had representation at this September 20, 2019. Department Vice year’s Stand Down as either Provider, Vol - Commander’s Sauers and Lacy facilitated unteers, or a Veteran. The Department re - a table during the Stand Down. Volunteer ceived a Certificate of Appreciation from assistance to the Department was provided the President of the Stand Down for the by Mrs. Cindy Sauers, Nanticoke Post 6, Delaware Legion support to Veterans dur - Seaford, Burton Turnbull. Robert L. Tay - ing Stand Down 2019. lor, Post 13, Delaware City and Jermane Article By Walker (Barber) also of Robert L. Taylor, Department 2nd Vice Commander, Dwight Post 13, Delaware City. The Department Lacy greeted all Veterans who stopped by their table by asking if they were a member of a DELAWARE LEGIONNAIRE, FEBRUARY 2020 13 Expanded Millitary Installation Access Information Veterans need VHIC for in-person 877-222-8387 Monday through Friday Accessibility – Braille “VA” helps vi - must stop at the visitor control center. Commissary, Military Exchange, from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. Eastern. You sually impaired Veterans to recognize Depending on the type of installation, MWR access Expansion to start Jan. can also apply for VA healthcare bene - and use the card Veterans may enroll for recurring ac - 1, 2020 fits online at www.va.gov/healthbene - Anti-Counterfeiting – Microtext helps cess, which would allow them to pro - Veterans Health Identification Card fits/enroll, or in person at your local prevent reproductions ceed to the gate for entry upon Posted on Tuesday, November 26, 2019 VA medical facility. Once your enroll - Lost or stolen? subsequent visits without having to stop 8:30 am Posted in #VetResources, Vets ment is verified, you can have your pic - If your VHIC is lost or stolen, contact again at the visitor control center. Experience by Adam ture taken at your local VA medical the VA medical facility where your pic - As with all other individuals seeking The Defense Department has an - center, and VA will mail you a VHIC. ture was taken to request a new card be access to DoD installations, all eligible nounced expanded Commissary, Mili - ID needed to get VHIC re-issued, or call 1-877-222-VETS Veterans must pass a basic on-the-spot tary Service Exchange and MWR To ensure a Veteran’s identity, en - (8387). Veterans will need to provide background check prior to enrolling, access Jan. 1 and established a standard rollees must provide one form of pri - identification information, when report - and an automated check each time they for physical access to military installa - mary identification when requesting a ing lost or stolen cards. enter the installation. Veterans with tions. VHIC. Acceptable forms of primary Caregivers felony convictions, felony arrest war - Veterans who are eligible and want to identification are: Eligible caregivers will receive an eligi - rants, or other types of derogatory in - take advantage of in-person benefits Primary Identification (Unexpired) bility letter from VA’s Office of Com - formation related to criminal history or must have a Veterans Health Identifica - State-Issued Driver’s License munity Care. terrorism will not be permitted entry. tion Card, or VHIC. Primary Family United States Passport or Passport Card If you are a primary family caregiver Caregivers must have an eligibility let - under the PCAFC and lose your eligi - Based on the hundreds of comments ter from VA’s Office of Community Other Government ID bility letter, please call 1-877-733-7927 below, here are answers to the most- Care. This ID can be issued by federal, state to request a replacement. Please allow asked: Veterans use VHICs for identification or local government agencies provided two weeks for processing. Q: Can I bring a spouse/friend/guest? and check-in at VA appointments, but it contains a photograph, name, date of For installation access, entry to some A. Yes, but all guests must go through will also use them for base access under birth and address. If the address is not commissary stores and at point of sale the required vetting at the visitor con - the new program. on the proofing document, Veterans can at commissaries, exchanges, and MWR trol center and must remain with the Veterans eligible solely under this act provide separate documentation to con - retail facilities, eligible caregivers will sponsor at all times. who are eligible to obtain a Veteran firm their address. Acceptable address need to show an acceptable credential Veterans and caregivers should know Health Identification Card must use this documents include: along with their eligibility letter. Ac - that while they can bring guests onto credential for in-person installation and Electric bill ceptable credentials may include: the installation and into the facilities, privilege access. The card must display Cable bill DoD common access card (CAC) those guests will have to stop at visitor the Veteran’s eligibility status (i.e., Other mailing document (when otherwise eligible) control and go through the required ac - PURPLE HEART, FORMER POW or Voters Registration card DoD uniformed services identifica - cess steps, which includes providing ac - SERVICE CONNECTED). tion card (when otherwise eligible) ceptable proof of identity (e.g., REAL Veterans eligible solely under this act How long does it take? REAL ID-compliant driver’s license ID-compliant driver’s license or U.S. who are not enrolled in or are not eligi - Once you have your picture taken, you issued by a State, territory, possession, passport) and undergoing a quick basic ble to enroll in VA health care, or who should receive your VHIC within 10 or the District of Columbia background check. If the guest shows are enrolled in VA health care, but do days. If you have questions about the REAL ID-compliant non-driver’s up without the proper ID, they will not not possess a Veteran Health Identifica - status of your VHIC, you may call your identification card issued by a State, be able to accompany the veteran or tion Card will not have access to DoD local VA medical facility where you re - territory, possession, or the District of caregiver onto the installation. and Coast Guard installations for in- ceive your care or contact us at 1-877- Columbia Q. Does this includes bases overseas? person commissary, exchange, and 222-VETS (8387). Enhanced driver’s license issued by A. It includes installations in all 50 MWR retail privileges, but will have The VHIC provides: a State, territory, possession, or the Dis - states, Washington, D.C., and the par - full access to online exchanges and Increased security for your personal in - trict of Columbia ticipating U.S. territories and posses - American Forces Travel. formation – no personally identifiable U.S. passport or passport card sions. Access at installations overseas Medal of Honor recipients and Veter - information contained on the magnetic Foreign passport bearing an unex - in foreign countries is subject to status ans with 100% service-connected dis - stripe or barcode. pired immigrant or non-immigrant visa of forces agreements, international ability ratings are eligible for DoD Unique Member Identifier — Depart - or entry stamp laws, and other agreements with host credentials under DoD policy. ment of Defense assigns an electronic Federal personal identity verification countries. So, for now, the answer is How to get a VHIC data interchange personal identifier card (when otherwise eligible) not all. Veterans must be enrolled in the VA (EDIPI) that allows VA to retrieve the VHIC Q. Does this include Class Six, gyms, health care system to receive a VHIC. Veteran’s health record. Transportation Worker Identification golf courses? To enroll, you can complete an applica - A salute to your military service – The Card Yes to Class Six, no to gyms, yes to tion for enrollment in VA health care emblem of your latest branch of service First visit A. by telephone without the need for a is displayed on your card. Several spe - Upon the first visit to an installation, golf courses. signed paper application. Just call 1- cial awards will also be listed. these eligible Veterans and caregivers 14 DELAWARE LEGIONNAIRE, FEBRUARY 2020

Callaway-Kemp-Raughley-Tee Post 7 Thanksgiving Dinner Commander Dan Tesoro has chaired the event. More than 80 members of the community as well as veterans were served. The

On Thursday November 28, 2019 dinner which consisted of turkey, Callaway Kemp Raughley Tee Post ham, vegetables, stuffing, rolls and 7 held its Annual Thanksgiving assorted cakes and pies, many of Community Dinner. This year was which were homemade. the 28th year that two term Past Submission by: Chuck Werner Callaway-Kemp-Raughley-Tee Post 7 Christmas Celebration

Santa and Mrs. Clause took time from their busy day to stop by Callaway, Kemp, Raughley, Tee Post 7 to meet and greet chil - dren as well as veter - ans. Also is a photo of the tree of remem - brance adjacent to our POW/MIA table. Submitted by Chuck Werner DELAWARE LEGIONNAIRE, FEBRUARY 2020 15 Nanticoke Post 6 Decorated for Christmas

Submission by: Roy Lamberton

Veterans Burial Benefits VA understands that Veterans’ cemetery, or mili - the casket of a Veteran well as their qualifying burial and funeral expenses tary base cemetery Veterans Month of Death spouses, children, and par - can be a hardship for fami - »»Burial allowance to par - Benefits ents, may receive burial in a lies of recently deceased tially reimburse the burial If a Veteran who is national cemetery. Go to Servicemembers and Veter - and funeral costs of an eligi - receiving VA compensation www.cem.va.gov for more ans. VA provides the fol - ble Veteran or pension benefts passes information on eligibility lowing burial and memorial »»Presidential Memorial away, their last month of and requirements. benefits: Certificate (PMC), which is benefts can be paid to their Additional resources: »»Inscribed headstone or an engraved certificate, surviving spouse. This pay - https://www.cem.va.g marker at any cemetery, or a signed by the current presi - ment is usually automatic, ov/cem/docs/factsheets/Plan medallion to affix to one dent, to honor the memory but if it is not received, it ning_Legacy_Booklet.pdf that is privately purchased. of an honorably discharged can be claimed via a phone https://www.cem.va.g Spouses and dependents are deceased Veteran, provided call to 1-800-827-1000, or ov/cem/docs/factsheets/Pre - eligible for a headstone or to the next of kin and loved through your County Veter - need_Eligibility_Fact_Sheet marker if they are buried in ones of a deceased Veteran ans Service Officer (CVSO) .pdf a national cemetery, state »»American flag to drape Eligible Veterans, as 16 DELAWARE LEGIONNAIRE, FEBRUARY 2020 Veterans Fishing Trip, September 2019 to the SALs and chef Patrick service together is a sight to be - Gibson. hold. Pocket flags were pre - Twice a year, weather sented to the veterans at the permitting, the American Legion lunch. These miniature U.S. Family of Post 17 hosts these flags are packaged (along with fishing trips with the hope of encouraging personal notes) by making a profound difference in local elementary schoolchildren our veterans’ lives by providing with the help of JROTC Cadets a safe and positive outdoor expe - from High rience. School and American Legion Photos in story order: The American Legion Unit 17 Auxiliary members. Post 17 sponsored its 12th An - nual Veteran’s fall fishing trip on September 11, 2019. Alto - gether, 32 veterans from Mil - ford’s Delaware Veterans Home, Home of the Brave, and volun - teers trekked out to the pier at . With the help of the American Legion Post 17 Family [our Legion - (1)Post volunteers standing (left After returning from the to right) are Navy veteran Al fishing pier, the group was Boeckle, Legionnaire Jeff Cian - greeted by human and furry rep - flone and Auxiliary member Dot resentatives from PAWS for Nicholson. Fishing is Air Force People, a nonprofit organization veteran Tom Bowers from the committed to providing thera - Delaware Veterans Home. peutic visits to any person in the (2)Pictured (left to right) are community who would benefit Carol Wright, Paul Wallner, and from interaction with a well- outside the Post Pavilion to com - Jeff Cianflone. Carol and Jeff trained, loving pet. memorate victims of the attack are Auxiliary and Legionnaire naires, Sons of the American Le - With this being Septem - on America, and to honor the ul - members, respectively, while gion (SALs), and Auxiliary], all ber 11, a short “We Will Re - timate sacrifice of first respon - Paul is an Army veteran from the the fishing equipment, coolers, member” ceremony was held ders and all U.S. military Delaware Veterans Home. and wheelchairs got pushed up personnel who gave their lives in and down the long pier. The the war on terrorism. Cont on page 17 >>>> weather was warm and sunny American Legion Post 17 with a slight breeze that kept has been sponsoring this trip for things comfortable. 12 years, and it has been a great Coffee, doughnuts and way for veterans to interact with ice water were provided on the fellow veterans. Helping some - pier by the Auxiliary, and a one bait a fishing line, while hearty lunch was served back at standing outside on a pier and re - the Post to all attendees, thanks calling their days of military DELAWARE LEGIONNAIRE, FEBRUARY 2020 17 Veterans Fishing Trip, September 2019 - Cont. Wright. Seated are Ronnie Ward veterans our popular “Hillbillie and Neal Burke, residents from Chili,” made by SALs Adjutant the Delaware Veterans Home. Tom Murray. (7)The group of veterans and (14)Auxiliary member Sandy volunteers pose after fishing Keen presents a pocket flag to from Cape Henlopen’s fishing veteran Neal Burke. Pocket flags pier at American Legion Post 17’s Fall Fishing Trip 2019. (8)PAWs for People representa - Crompton and Orline Houston tives Irene Ullmann and dog pet a soft therapy rabbit. Shine greet Air Force veteran (11&11a)During a 9/11 remem - Tom Bowers, with Auxiliary brance ceremony at American members Carol Wright holding Legion Post 17, Auxiliary Presi - (3)Pictured standing (left to the wheelchair while Auxiliary dent Murt Foos (left) and Post right) are Auxiliary members Pat Commander Ed Bergen (right) Schneider, Carol Wright, and can be seen in front of volun - Linda Stone. The fisherman is teers, members and visiting vet - Warrell “Willie” Wilson, Air erans. Force veteran visiting from the (12)Closing the 9/11 remem - Delaware Veterans Home. brance ceremony by playing (4)Home of the Brave resident ‘Taps’ are (left) 1st Vice Com - are miniature U.S. flags, folded Fred Lehto, U.S. Army Special mander Mike Mulligan and and packaged by local children Forces (Green Beret) veteran, member Kellie Bergen (Depart - (right) retired gunnery sergeant with the help of the JROTC from ment and Unit 17 Cape Henlopen High School, Chaplain) watches that are presented to active duty from the back - and veteran service-men and - ground. women to thank them for their (9)PAWs for Peo - service to our country. ple representatives (15)Auxiliary members who Howard Levetin helped serve the fishermen’s and dog Daisy lunch. greet Army vet - Submission by: eran Paul Wallner, Cindy Butler was the first one to catch a fish. while Auxiliary member Kellie Richard Mansfield, U.S. Marine Publicity Chair (5)Fred’s catch was a puffer fish; Bergen (Department and Unit 17 Corps. American Legion Auxiliary Unit SALs member Freddie Ruff at - Chaplain) watches from the (13)Auxiliary Historian Nancy 17, Lewes, Delaware tempts to “puff” it up. background. [Dog2.jpg] Bush served (6)Auxiliary member Pat Schnei - (10)Young veterans Luke the visiting der had the most luck, catching three (different!) fish. Looking on, left to right, are Auxiliary members Dot Nicholson and Carol 18 DELAWARE LEGIONNAIRE, FEBRUARY 2020 American Legion Riders Chapter 14 turned out to walk. Public Relations, Classroom November 1, 2019 The Teacher, Lester Link- ALR American Legion Rid - Post 14 Treasurer, Lisa Rose- ers from Post 14 in ALA Unit 14 President, Ginny Smyrna partnered with Potts- ALA Unit14 Vice Presi - the American Legion dent behind one of the Kinder - Auxiliary Unit 14 to garten Classes teach the kindergarten (4)Clare Marion- ALR14 Mem - classes at Clayton Ele - bership, Michele Coldiron, wife mentary School about out at our Post’s Veterans of ALR Post 14 Kenny Cold - the American flag. The Breakfast as well as the Veter - October 20,2019 Riders and children were also given sup - ans Breakfast at Delaware Vet - Auxiliary from Post 14 in plies to make Veterans Day erans Post 2. Smyrna participated in the cards. The cards were handed November 2, 2019 The Legion Walk for Hearing which took Riders participated in the place at the Philadelphia Naval 39th Annual Bobby Shipyard as part of Team Hall/Larry Fisher Memorial Addie. Addie, the granddaugh - Toy Run sponsored by ter of one of our members, Di - ABATE of Delaware, New anne Cree, was born deaf so Castle County. The police iron- Assistant Director/Chap - this walk was personal for all of escorted ride began at Ban - lain, Steve Kellam- ALR Post us. It was a chilly, rainy, day ning Park and ended at Ex - 14 Director in front of Mrs. but that did not dampen the en - ceptional Care for Children Coldiron’s Class thusiasm as a large crowd in Newark. (5)Diane Cree- ALR Post 14, Photos in order of Jimmy Cree- ALR Post 14, story: Lester Link- ALR Post 14- (1)Larry Marion- Treaurer, Santa and Mrs Claus, ALR 14 Road Cap - Janet Link- ALR Post 14 Public tain, Clare Marion- Relations & Steve Kellam- ALR14 Membership, ALR Post 14 Director Marie Golden- ALA Unit 14 with Daugh - Submission by: ter Luna Golden- Jr Janet Link, PR Member ALA Unit American Legion Riders Post 14, Janet Link- 14, Smyrna, DE ALR14 PR, Addie, Diane Cree, Steve Kellam- Director ALR 14 (2)Team Addie Photos; (3) Marie Golden- ALA Unit14, Janet Link-ALR Post 14 DELAWARE LEGIONNAIRE, FEBRUARY 2020 19 American Legion Family of Post 17receives Southern Delaware Tourism’s award for Best New Event ing Wall was cre - sacrifices. Porch, Delaware River and Bay Au - ated to allow peo - “We are honored and humbled thority; Brad Foos, Schell Bros.; Cindy ple from across with all that was done and for the com - Butler, Publicity Chair for Auxiliary America—who are munity and friends who responded and Unit 17; Ralph Patterson, Cape Hen - unable to make the fulfilled every need. It was all worth - lopen Elks Lodge 2540; Murt Foos, trip to Washington, while to see Vietnam Veterans who vis - Auxiliary President; Ted Becker, mayor D.C.—the oppor - ited to pay tribute, to touch the names of the City of Lewes; Betsy Reamer tunity to visit the of their fallen comrades, and for veter - Executive Director of Lewes Chamber monument in their ans to bring grandchildren to the Wall of Commerce; Kelly Bergen, Veterans hometown.” to make sure they learned the story of Affairs Chair for the Post; Phyllis Pat - The entire war and sacrifice,” said Murt Foos, terson, Cape Henlopen Elks Lodge family of Post 17 president of American Legion Auxil - 2540; Ed Bergen, Commander of worked tirelessly iary Unit 17. American Legion Post 17; and Dan to make this event Captions toplef: American Legion Aux - Matta, Schell Bros. On December 11, 2019, a success. The en - iliary members holding the award are, BelowEveryone who contributed to the friends and members of American Le - tire weekend was full, with several cer - left to right, Veterans Affairs Chair for event gion Post 17 proudly accepted Southern emonies, a flyover from Dover Air the Post Kellie Bergen, Auxiliary Presi - Submission by:Cindy Butler Delaware Tourism’s award for Best Force Base, the laying of a ceremonial dent Murt Foos,and Publicity Chair Publicity Chair New Event—bringing the Vietnam Vet - wreath, interactive presentations to Cindy Butler.Bottom left:Award recipi - American Legion Auxiliary Unit 17 erans Moving Wall to Lewes in mid- local schoolchildren, and volunteers ents included (left to right), Mike Lewes, Delaware May 2019. Although the hosting of the reading aloud each and every name on Moving Wall was meant, in part, to cel - that Wall. Candlelight vigils took place ebrate and recognize the 100th anniver - each evening with the playing of bag - sary of the American Legion and pipes and “Taps.” Auxiliary as military service partners, Post 17 Auxiliary President having it also become a tourist attrac - Murt Foos, master of ceremonies, and tion was an added bonus. Kellie Bergen, Veterans Affairs Chair The event—a 250-foot scale for the Post, thanked sponsors and vol - replica of the Washington, DC, Viet - unteers. The two played a key role in nam Veterans Memorial—travels making the dream of bringing across the country and honors the more the Wall to Lewes a reality. than 58,000 soldiers who died during “Every penny, every dollar, that war. The five-day 24-hour-a-day every smile, every idea, and event was made possible by over 300 all the hours of thinking, volunteers and contributors, and planning, and doing made brought in over 8,000 visitors from Wall Weekend possible,” Delaware and neighboring states. Two South Vietnam “The Vietnam Wall stands as a refugees, Thinh Pham, owner reminder of the ultimate sacrifice that of Minh’s Bistro in Rehoboth service-men and -women made and Beach, and Tuan Tran, a helps to heal the wounds from that fighter pilot during the war, war,” said Ed Bergen, Commander of also spoke and thanked veter - American Legion Post 17. “The Mov - ans and their families for their 20 DELAWARE LEGIONNAIRE, FEBRUARY 2020 Department of Delaware National President’s Visit As of 2010 it was renamed to Rehoboth Beach. United States Thursday morning, Novem - Census, the popu - ber 14th we officially started our lation was 1,327. visit. President Clapp was picked up Along with the at her hotel and taken to a local Post neighboring – Oak-Orchard Riverdale, Post 28 coastal city of to participate in their Christmas Lewes, Rehoboth “Mail Call”. This unit, our largest Beach is one of within the State, was packing boxes the principal to send to their active duty mem - cities of bers. (See picture 1). While Presi - Delaware's rap - dent Clapp was there, we had idly growing visitors from several other Units In November of 2019, the Cape Region. The town was who presented her with donations ALA Department of Delaware was and gifts for her project. honored to receive a visit from the After our morning task was American Legion Auxiliary Na - completed we then drove to tional President, Nicole Clapp. In - Dover to visit a Veteran cluded within this report are details Run Museum. The Air Mo - Air Force Base. (See pictures 2 & and noteworthy pictures, including bility Command Museum. 3). Later that same evening, Presi - the Department of Delaware’s 100 The Air Mobility Command dent Clapp was invited to Rehoboth Year Celebration Dinner in which Museum (AMCM) is dedi - Unit 5 for a casual Meet and Greet. the National President was the cated to military airlift and Friday, November 15th the guest of honor. air refueling aircraft and the Department of Delaware along with On Wednesday, November men and women who flew President Clapp were given an op - 13th Tina Washington, Executive and maintained them. It has portunity to visit the First American Secretary for the Department of the largest and most com - Legion Ambulance Service – Am - Delaware and Beth McGinn, Na - founded in 1873 as the Rehoboth plete collection of fully restored bulance 64. In 1924, the members tional Poppy Chairman drove to Beach Camp Meeting Asso - of David C. Harrison, American Washington DC to pick up the Na - ciation by the Rev. Robert Legion Post #14, initiated the first tional President from her time in the W. Todd, of St. Paul's American Legion ambulance serv - Capital. Upon her arrival in Methodist Episcopal Church ice in the world. Its eighteen found - Delaware, she was shown to her of Wilmington, Delaware, ing members were veterans of home away from home for the next as a site for Methodist World War I who volunteered their few days in Rehoboth Beach. Re - (Methodist Episcopal time to transport the sick and in - hoboth Beach is a city on the At - Church) camp meetings in jured to hospitals in Wilmington, lantic Ocean along the Delaware the spirit of similar resorts Dover, Milford, and beyond. Prior Beaches in eastern Sussex County. further north on the New to this, anyone needing medical as - Jersey sistance were transported by train. shore. The Camp Meeting As - U.S. military cargo and tanker air - Continued on Next Page >>>>>> sociation dis - craft in the Eastern United States banded in 1881, and is located about 1/2 mile south and in 1891, the lo - of Dover Air Force Base. The mis - cation was incor - sion of the museum is to collect, porated by the preserve and exhibit the artifacts General Assembly and human stories significant to the of Delaware (state development and employment of legislature) as military airlift and air refueling in "Cape Henlopen the USAF and the USAAF, as well City" but in 1893, as to portray the history of Dover DELAWARE LEGIONNAIRE, FEBRUARY 2020 21 Department of Delaware National President’s Visit down the State to visit one of the ily, Department of Delaware 100 Local CBOC Clinics attached to the Year Celebration. Finally the mo - Wilmington VA Medical Center. ment has arrived when everyone (See picture 6). At the completion can come together and celebrate the of the day we once again returned to accomplishments of the American Oak-Orchard Riverdale, Post 28 for Legion Auxiliary. The Legion Fam - dinner. It was Shrimp Night – a per - ily is all there – Legion, Auxiliary sonal favorite of President Clapp. and Squadron. Department Officers Saturday, November 16th have turned out in their finery ready At the time of its founding, started another busy day for our vis - for a good meal and some entertain - services were provided to a district iting National President and we are ment. As an aside, I think President that extended from Clapp was a little taken with our en - Summit Bridge to tertainment - Mr. Goodwood (See Milford. Services pictures 9-12). were moved into What an amazing week we Smyrna in 1961. In got to spend with our National Pres - 2013, the ambulance ident. All events were posted on the service dedicated a American Legion Auxiliary, De - new, modern building partment of Delaware Facebook riot vest provided to all crew mem - at the intersection of page and the corresponding photos bers. Routes 6 and 300, the have been sent to President Clapp’s Picture 6 – Georgetown VA Clinic crossroads of Smyrna Assistant as requested. Pictures 7 and 8 – Mountaire Farms and Clayton. The Please let me know if you “Thanksgiving for Thousands” David C. Harrison, require any additional information Picture 9 --ALA Department of Post #14, American Legion Ambu - off to feed the masses. Thanksgiv - as I would be happy to provide it. Delaware Officers lance Service has been in continu - ing for Thousands sponsored Picture 10 -- Entertainer – Mr. ous operation since its founding and by Mountaire Farms. Moun - Goodwood now serves an area from the taire Farms is the seventh- Picture 11 -- VFW Auxiliary Presi - to the Maryland bor - largest producer of chicken dent, Department of Delaware – der, and from Collin’s Beach to in the United States, with Faye Caldwell Garrison’s Lake. Staffed by volun - headquarters in Millsboro, Picture 12 -- 2018-2019 Unit Mem - teers and career staff, the service Delaware and for more than ber of the Year for the Department was responsible for answering more 20 years Mountaire Farms of Delaware – Judy Campbell also than 25,000 calls for assistance dur - has been feeding families on our Eastern Division Gold Star ing its first seventy-five years of op - Delmarva at Thanksgiving Family Representative eration. (See pictures 4 & 5). By and throughout the year, and mid-afternoon we had traveled back the annual Thanksgiving for Thousands Food Drive event has Your fellow Sister in Service, become a positive difference in Lisa McCarley many communities along the East - ALA Department of Delaware, His - ern Shore. Even with the tempera - torian photos in story oreder: tures in the low 50’s National Picture 1 – Oak-Orchard Riverdale President Clapp was out there vol - – Packages for their active duty unteering with members of the en - members tire Department of Delaware Pictures 2 and 3 – Air Mobility Legion Family. (See pictures 7 & Command Museum (picture 1 – 8) Veteran Guide) Saturday, November 16th Pictures 4 and 5 – Ambulance 64 evening. Cheswold Delaware – Volunteer EMT and Ambulance American Legion Auxiliary/Fam - Crew. President Clapp in the EMT 22 DELAWARE LEGIONNAIRE, FEBRUARY 2020 American Legion Riders CHapter 14 members of the tion Players, a American Legion group of young Post 14 family at - people who are tended the annual talented and pas - Clayton Elementary sionate about School Veterans what they do. Day Program star - ring the third grade Photos in story students order: November 8, (1)Philly Run- 2019 Two of the Le - Steve Kellam- gion Riders from Director, Lis November 3, 2019 The Post 14 were honored to partici - Kellem, Jimmy American Legion Riders Partic - pate in the Delaware Technical Cree, Diane Cree, ipated in the 39th annual Community College Veterans Larry Marion- Road Delaware Valley Abate Toy Breakfast. Captain, Clare Mar - Run in support of the Marine November 8, The Le - ion- Membership, Corps Toys for Tots program. gion Riders attended the Mid - Lester Link- Treas - November 7, several dletown High School Jr ROTC urer and Janet Link- program in which Public Relations they dedicated a (2)Clayton- Clayton POW/MIA Chair Third Grade of Honor as well (3)DelTech- Fellow as a Memorial to Legion Members, rector US Navy Petty Lester Link and Steve Kellam (6)Veterans Breakfast 2- Le - Officer Brandon (4)Middletown- gion Members and the Imagina - K Austin who (5)Veterans Breakfast- Mike tion Players was a Middle - Boub-Road Captain, John Huf - Janet Link, PR town High School ford- Post Vice Commander, American Legion Riders Post Graduate. Jimmy Cree ALR, Essy Rowe- 14, Smyrna, DE November Safety, Larry Marion- Road 10, 2019 The Captain, American Le - Clare Mar - gion Post 14 in ion- Member - Smyrna, ship, Janet Delaware Link- Public hosted a break - Relations, fast for Veter - Diane Cree ans. The meal ALR, Barb was great and Boub- Secre - music was pro - tary, Rep vided again William Car - this year by son & Steve The Imagina - Kellam- Di - DELAWARE LEGIONNAIRE, FEBRUARY 2020 23 Warrior Weekend Dinner Post 17 Family Taveras, “it made me feel how much our country values us as soldiers, and it felt amazing to feel that admiration from our country.” All this could not have been pos - sible without the Warrior Weekend volun - teers, the help of Unit 17’s Auxiliary who served the meal, and Chef Patrick Gibson who provided not one—but four—delicious Friday nights at American Legion dinner choices to the guests. The American American Legion Post 3 in Milford and Post 17 in Lewes are always fun with dinner came out to show their support of the veter - Legion Family of Post 17 could not be Jaydan. Not pictured is three-year-old Ayva. service and entertainment, but November 8, ans and DJ Bruce. (12)Olivier Ouedraogo prouder to wel - (4)Auxiliary President Murt Foos and His - 2019, was extra special as the Post Family carefully slow dances with his wife come and serve torian Nancy Bush help get Ayva and her welcomed 25+ members of the Warrior Mariama. This was the fi rst time he at - our recovering stuffed animal comfortable in the Post’s Weekend Program. This small local pro - tempted such a feat as his leg is recovering soldiers, espe - community room. (5)Some of the Warrior gram (based in Harbeson, Delaware) pro - cially on this Weekend volunteers enjoying dinner at Post vides a weekend of rest, relaxation and fun Veterans Day 17. Pictured, left to right, are Scott Under - for military heroes recovering from injuries weekend. koffler, Bob Pruchenski, Kae Johnson, sustained while serving on active duty. In - For Buddy Clark, Garth Miller, Tom Dahl and jured troops and their families are treated to more informa - Paul Zambito. (6)The Warrior Weekend free transportation, dining and sightseeing tion, please visit project allows our wounded military heroes along various resorts along the mid-Atlantic www.warrior - to enjoy time away from the stress of med - weekend.net ical and day-to-day worries. Here, Axl Cas - and www.alpost17.com [Photos by Cindy Butler, Unit 17 and Karen Marvel, Warrior Weekend Pro - gram] from a serious injury. Mariama was so ex - Photos in story order: cited to be dancing with him again because (1)Auxiliary volunteers made the dinner she hasn’t seen him do that in a long time service run smoothly. Pictured, left to right, nor has she been able to be on a trip like this are Pat Schneider, Debbie Simms, Shay Nipper, Nancy Bush, Dot Nicholson and coast. The Warrior Weekend Program exists solely upon donations and local volunteers and is not affiliated with the national Wounded Warrior Program. taneda, wife Jennifer and two-month-old A call in the summer from War - Joshua relax. (7)Chowing down on deli - rior Weekend’s president Jim Lafferty to cious desserts are visiting Army families Unit 17 Auxiliary President Murt Foos set (left to right) Thania Ortiz, Samuel Ortiz, the wheels in motion for this special night. Samantha Ortiz and Miguel Taveras. MaryAnn McCrae. Not pictured are Auxil - (8)Auxiliary Historian Nancy Bush presents iary President Murt Foos, Chaplain Kellie visiting Bergen, and Secretary Dorothy Murray. wounded with him. Bringing people together like this (2)Local Warrior Weekend president Jim soldier Elena makes volunteer work for veterans so Lafferty (in gray) introduced Unit 17 Chap - Niguefaye worthwhile. (13)Proud father Anthony lain Kellie Bergen (in red) who blessed the with gift Mathix tries dancing with weights on his meal and the outing with an Opening bags of toys feet (his seven- Prayer. (3)Auxiliary President Murt Foos for her chil - year-old twins (in red) welcomed Elena and Anthony dren. Jaydan and Mathis, with seven-year-old twins Jayla and (9)Ayva ex - Jayla). plores her gift bag Subimmsion by: when she These Army heroes and their families were Cindy Butler thought no one was looking! visiting from the Ft. Belvoir/northern Vir - Publicity (10)The group joined hands and sang along ginia area, and stopped by Post 17 for fel - American Legion to Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA.” lowship in the form of a welcoming post, Auxiliary Unit 17 (11)Jayla and Ayva, traveling with their hot dinners and the Motown sound of DJ family as part of the Warrior Weekend, gets Lewes, DE Bruce, aka “The Soul Man.” a dance lesson from (left to right) Auxiliary “As a soldier, I know there is no President Murt Foos, Bobbie Hitcheas and price that would ever match the love and Laura Wyatt, while husband Jim Wyatt gratitude given by everyone that made this looks on. The Wyatts are members of weekend a possibility,” said Miguel 24 DELAWARE LEGIONNAIRE, FEBRUARY 2020 Stockings for Soldiers home" as well have many, many volun - as personal teers who help this all messages of come together. From support to re - Girls and Boys Scout mind our Troops, to College troops that we Sports Teams, to the appreciate all Delaware National they do for us Guard, and many Vet - and to let them eran Service Groups know that they along with “special have not been guests” show up to help forgotten over with the moral and to the holidays. just have some fun. This Please consider Stockings For Soldiers - year marked volunteering your time Delaware, Inc. was founded to help improve the morale and welfare of members of the armed forces of the United and PDP – Jenn Havel (4)De - States of America deployed in partment Commander – Mike harm's way. Havel and Sith Lord - Darth To accomplish their Vader (5)Storm Trooper mission, they sewing holiday Submission by: stockings and filling them with Lisa McCarley, Unit 18 special items for the troops. Many of the stockings that are sent were created for a specific person with their name on the stocking. For many troops, our gift is all they receive for the the 16th consecutive year for next November to holidays. SFS. They completed 11,500 help us keep our By sending a "touch of stockings, and mailed 51,000 promise to our troops. lbs. of good - Pictures in story ies. Along order: with all of (1)RC DuPont Post the hard 18 with Founder Judy work that Travis and Governor goes into John Carney (2)Peter this very fast Dirga, Lisa McCarley moving proj - and Governor John ect – only 2 Carney working in months to the packing room get it all (3)Department Com - done – we mander – Mike Havel DELAWARE LEGIONNAIRE, FEBRUARY 2020 25 American Legion Chapter 14 law enforcement, fire department and (1)Lighthouse- Lester Link- ALR 14 Treasurer, EMS personnel. We also strive to help Rusty Fritsctly- ALR Post 14, Larry Marion- ALR 14 Road Captain shaking hands with the those in our community that are less children in attendance. (2)Lighthouse2- Lester fortunate than ourselves. Link-ALR 14 Treasurer, Anna Lopez- Past Com - True to that mission, each year mander Delvets Post 2, Larry Marion- ALR 14 the riders reach out to the community to Road Captain and Steve Kellam- ALR 14 Direc - tor (3)Clayton 4th Grade- Ms. Gilmore’s 4th find those who might need just a little Grade class along with Janet Link-ALA Unit 14, extra help around the holidays. With as - Lester Link- ALR Treasurer and Steve Kellam- sistance from the Mamie Warren Senior ALR Director (4)Clayton 4th Grade 2- Steve Kel - November 13,2019 Once December 6, 2019 The American Le - again the Riders assisted the Auxiliary gion Riders from Post 14 in Smyrna at - Unit 14 at Clayton Elementary School, tended a wreath laying service at the this time to address Ms. Gilmore’s memorial dedicated to Pvt. Samuel L Fourth grade class concerning the flag. Crawford who has been listed as Miss - While Janet Link and Marie Golden ing in Action since November 27, 1950. ALA Unit 14 explained the meaning Pvt. Crawford dropped out of high behind the stars, stripes and colors of school and enlisted in the U S Army the flag, Lester Link and Steve Kellam and was almost immediately sent to held the flag and showed the children Korea where he was lost in action. Citizen Center, the Clayton Fire De - lam- ALR 14 Director and Lester Link- ALR 14 how to properly fold it. The class was December 7, 2019 Members of D C partment and the Smyrna School Dis - Treasurer (5)Thanksgiving- Senior Center trict Special Services we did identify (6)Thanksgiving 2- Jim Sbarra- AL Post 14 His - torian, David Lange- AL14 Post Commander, several families that needed that little Rusty Fristcky ALR 14, Janet Link ALR 14 Pub - boost for Thanksgiving. Walmart Dis - lic Relations, Lester Link- ALR14 Treasurer, tribution Center in Smyrna once again Steve Kellam- ALR 14 Director and Larry Mar - supplied us with turkeys, and we got ion- ALR 14 Road Captain (7)Wreath for Craw - ford-Members of " A HerosWelcome", Legion some help from Acme Market in Rider Post 14 members including Essy Rowe- Smyrna and Walmart in Dover as we ALR 14 Safety his wife Karen and granddaughter put together full meals for those in Lizzy, Lester Link- ALR 14 Treasurer and Steve need. Kellam- ALR 14 Director, Rosa Guy- Sister of full of questions throughout the presen - Harrison American Legion Post 14 of tation that ended in the kids being given Smyrna held a memorial ceremony in a word search puzzle about the flag. honor of Pearl Harbor Day. Members November 22, 2019 the Le - laid a wreath at the monument com - gion Riders from Post 14 in Smyrna at - memorating those lost on December 7, tended the annual Veterans Day 1941. Flowers were then placed into the program at Lighthouse Christian lake by each member in honor of those School. lost.

On delivery day, we began by Samuel Crawford, John Schroeder and Lawrence supplying meals to those at the senior Pelham (8)Pearl Harbor- Joe Bonello- AL 14 Sgt of Arms, Larry Dunn- AL 14 Finance Officer, center at 2 PM followed by one deliv - Owen Cole- AL 14 Adjutant, Jim Sbarra- AL 14 ery in Clayton. The remainder of the Historian, Steve Kellam- ALR 14 Director and meals were given out at the American Rusty Fristcy (9)A to Z- John Cornwell- event or - Legion Post in Smyrna from 5 to 7 PM. ganizer, Melissa Cornwell- event co-organizer, Lis Kellam, Steve Kellam- ALR 14 Director, December 8, 2019 The American Le - Lester Link- ALR14 Treasurer, Janet Link- gion Riders Post 14 helped in The ALR14 Public relations, Rusty Fristcy- ALR 14, Jimmy Keen- ALR14 Road Captain and Jimmy November 27, 2019 The Fourth annual Toys for Tots toy run at Cree- ALR14 (10)A to Z 2- Entire group of par - America Legion Riders post 14 Lend a A to Z cycles were met with tempera - ticipants (11)A to Z 3- Lis Kellam- ALR 14 and Helping Hand tures in the low 20’s. It did not dampen Janet Link- ALR 14- Public Relations The mission of the American the turnout or the enthusiasm as there Legion Riders in Smyrna is to support were about 100 bikes, many of them veterans and current serving military with rider and passenger. members in the community as well as Photos in story order: 26 DELAWARE LEGIONNAIRE, FEBRUARY 2020 American Legion Auxiliary celebrating their 100 years of service American Legion Auxiliary Delaware held several small event but celebrates a century of selfless service our biggest celebration by far was the and making a difference since the 100 year birthday dinner held at the ALA's inception on November 10th, Cheswald Firehouse. All members of 1919. In that time, Auxiliary members the American Legion Family were in - and nonmember volunteers have been vited as well as the National President, tirelessly carrying out the ALA's com - Nicole Clapp. There was a fabulous mitment as a patriotic service organiza - meal, dancing and comradery. There tion whose mission would be to were even people dressed in period cos - advocate for, help, and honor United tumes. What a great celebration it was. States military, veterans, and their fami - lies, and support The American Legion. Pictured to the left :ALA Department of As part of this amazing year - Delaware Officers and National Presi - long celebration, The Department of dent Nicole Clapp American Legion Oratorical Scholarship Program Students from local high schools throughout the national contest as follows: 1st Place: American Legion Post 18 – Richard C. DuPont celebrating the the New Castle County District were gath - $20,000; 2nd place: $17,000; 3rd place: American Legion Auxiliary 100 years of service. ered on January 14th for the 2019 – 2020 $15,000. Each department (state) winner American Legion Oratorical Scholarship who is certified into and participates in the Contest held at the Wilmington VA Hospi - first round of the national contest will re - tal in Elsmere. Preliminary contest are held, ceive a $2,000 scholarship. Each first round by district, throughout the State of Delaware winner who advances to and participates in in hopes of advancing to the finals in Febru - the second round, but does not advance to ary to represent Delaware in Indianapolis. the final round, will receive an additional The purpose of The American Legion Ora - $2,000 scholarship to pursue education be - torical Scholarship Program is to develop a yond high school. Scholarships awarded by deeper knowledge and appreciation of the the national organization of The American Constitution of the United States on the part Legion may be used to attend any college or of high school students. Other objectives of university in the United States. the contest include the development of lead - For more information on the Oratorical ership qualities, the ability to think and Scholarship Program or to see how you can speak clearly and intelligently, and the assist please contact the Department Chair - preparation for acceptance of the duties and man, Richard Browne.Bottom Left—NCC responsibilities, the rights and privileges of District Commander - Rick Browne, American citizenship. Speaker #2 and Speaker #1, Department Cash awards are also presented to the win - Commander – Mike Havel Below NCC Dis - ners on both the local and the national lev - trict Commander - Rick Browne, Winner Standing (L to R): Lyman Brenner, John Kernan, Suzanne Burchett, ALA National President-Nicole Clapp, Peter Dirga, Dax Potter Sitting (L to R): Erin Potter, Lisa McCarley, Rick Browne els. On the national level, Scholarship Speaker #2 from Tower Hill, Department awards are presented to the three finalists of Commander – Mike Havel DELAWARE LEGIONNAIRE, FEBRUARY 2020 27 Thanksgiving for Thousands Food Drive tion of these do - giving. nated items upon Photos in story order: the shoppers’ exit. (1)From left to right, Post His - Mountaire torian Jeff Cianflone, Paul Farms trucks came Wohlfejl, Emma Dominick, by and collected Diego Reyna, Leslie Reyna, our boxes, as well Post Commander Ed Bergen, as boxes from Rocio Puac-Escalank, Victoria other participating Pusey, Trey Quinones, and grocers, in prepara - Auxiliary member Cindy But - tion for the mas - ler.(2)From left to right, Post sive food packing Commander Ed Bergen, Auxil - event at the Moun - iary member Linda Roper and taire Farms ware - Finance Officer Dan Catts at house. Hundreds of Safeway. (3)From left to right, local volunteers Post member Bert Long, Com - On a chilly and blustery dividuals throughout the state. gathered Novem - mander Ed Bergen and Histo - November 16, 2019, American Volunteers from Post 17 ber 25 to pack 10,000 boxes rian Jeff Cianflone, working at Legion Post 17 Family and and JROTC cadets greeted with a complete Thanksgiving the Mountaire Farms ware - cadets of the Cape Henlopen shoppers at the entrance to the dinner for a family, including a house. High School JROTC partnered grocery store, and provided plump Mountaire Farms Submission by: with the Rehoboth Beach Safe - them with a donation list of chicken, and the canned goods Cindy Butler way to support Mountaire nonperishable items. Sug - previously donated. Publicity Farms “Thanksgiving for Thou - gested purchases included The American Legion American Legion Auxiliary sands” Food Drive. This com - canned vegetables, cranberry Post 17 Family is honored to be Unit 17 munity project’s goal is to sauces, gravies, along with a part of the entire community Lewes, DE provide Thanksgiving meals to stuffing and brownie mixes. coming together and making a thousands of less-fortunate in - The cadets assisted in collec - positive difference this Thanks - 28 DELAWARE LEGIONNAIRE, FEBRUARY 2020 American Legion Chapter 14 to commemorate Gold Star fami - veterans buried there and lies. throughout the world. We were December 12, the American Le - able to lay wreaths at the gion Riders attended the annual gravesites of family members Wreaths Across America escort buried there and other veterans from Maine as it stopped at Glas - throughout various parts of the gow High School in Newark for cemetery. The really bad weather a ceremony honoring Gold Star other citizens from around the held off and we only had to con - December 9 , 2019 American Families. Eleven tractor trailers country. After a few short open - tend with a few showers and Legion Riders Post 14 attended ing remarks and an opening overcast skies. Arlington Na - the salute to Wreaths Across prayer, the police officers pres - tional Cemetery consists of 624 America at the Delaware Leg - ent laid a wreath at the adjacent acres contains over 270,000 islative Hall in Dover. Even Vietnam Women’s Memorial. graves. Thanks to the many though it was a rainy and dreary Then, accompanied by a police donors, every gravestone in the day dozens came out to partici - officer, each Gold Star family cemetery will receive a wreath pate, including the fourth grade was afforded the opportunity to for Wreaths Across America class from Holy Cross Elemen - lay a wreath at The Wall. After Day. Estimates are that more tary School. Speakers included that all Vietnam Veterans, then than 38,000 volunteers helped the honorable Governor John C filled with wreaths and headed Veterans of any era, and finally place these wreaths and that Carney, Major General Michael for Arlington National Cemetery the general public were given the worldwide over 2.3 million Berry, Adjutant General of the stopped at the school as part of same opportunity until a wreath wreaths were laid. Many of us Delaware National Guard, the Wreaths Across America was placed at every panel. were approached by people Colonel Michael Peeler, Com - commitment to Remember, December 14, 2019 13 members throughout the cemetery com - mander of the 436th Operations Honor and Teach. The convoy menting on our vests and asking Group at Dover Air Force Base, was made up of the trucks, veter - about our organization. It was ans, Gold Star families and po - great because it gave us an op - lice officers some from as far portunity to explain not only away as Maine. what we do as a group but what December 13, 2019 the Wreaths the American Legion does as Across America convoy made a well. They were all stop at the Vietnam Veterans Coninued on Next Page >>> Memorial to have a short cere - mony and to lay wreaths at the Memorial. The rainy and chilly Senator Bruce Ennis, Represen - day did not dampen the enthusi - tative Earl Jaques, and Laurence asm of the crowd that had gath - Kirby, Executive Director of the ered. It was made up of those Delaware Commission on Veter - from the convoy, veterans and ans Affairs. After hearing form the speakers, wreaths were of the Legion Riders Post 14 set placed at 8 different monuments out for the train station to take us around Legislative Hall. These to Arlington National Cemetery wreaths were placed by digni - prepared for bad weather. After taries accompanied by some of an uneventful train ride and a trip the school children that were through security, we proceeded present. Another wreath was also to different areas of the cemetery placed outside Legislative Hall to lay wreaths in honor of our DELAWARE LEGIONNAIRE, FEBRUARY 2020 29 American Legion Chapter 14 - Cont. Hall-Wreaths Across America Director/Chaplain, Clare Mar - Road Captain Convoy Guest, Steve Kellam- ion- ALR 14 Membership, Larry (10)Wreaths Arlington 3- Just ALR14 Director and Gene Hall- Marion- ALR 14 Road Captain, one of the Awe inspiring photos Wreaths Across America Con - Barbara Boub- ALR 14 Secre - at Arlington National Cemetery voy Guest tary, Mike Boub- ALR 14 Road (11)Wreaths Arlington 4- Rusty (4)Wreathes VVW- Larry Mar - Captain, Cindy Fritscy and Rusty Fritscy- ALR 14, Steve Kellam- ion- ALR 14 Road Captain, Fritscy ALR 14 ALR14 Director and Lester Clare Marion- ALR 14 Member - (6)Wreathes VVW3- Steve Kel - Link- ALR 14 Treasurer in front ship, Barbara Boub- ALR 14 lam- ALR14 Director of the gravestone Daniel William very complimentary that we took Secretary, Kenny Coldiron- ALR (7)Wreathes VVW4- Lester Seemans Sr. the time to come there and pay 14 Asst Director/ Chaplain, Janet Link- ALR 14 Treasurer Back home, we were represented our respects. It was also wonder - (8)Wreaths Arlington- Larry at the Delaware Veterans Memo - ful to see so many families with Marion- ALR14 Road Captain, rial Cemetery by our member young children taking the time to Clare Marion- ALR14 Member - John Rowe and his family. An teach the kids what it is all about. ship, Steve Kellam- ALR14 Di - estimated 2/3 of the cemetery After covering many miles and rector, Janet Link- ALR 14 was covered with wreaths this with some of us realizing that we Public Relations, Lester Link- year, more than in the past. are definitely not at young and ALR 14 Treasurer, Rusty (12)Wreaths Bear- Lizzy- agile as we used to be it was time Fritscy- ALR 14, Kenny Cold - Granddaughter of Essy Rowe- to return back to the hotel and iron- ALR 14 Asst ALR 14 Safety then home, tired but with a sense (13)Wreaths Bear- of pride and accomplishment. Link- ALR 14 Public Relations, Essy Rowe- ALR Photos: Lester Link- ALR 14 Treasurer, 14 Safety (1)Wreathes Leg Hall- Major Steve Kellam- ALR14 Director, Kelly Humphreys- ALR 14, Submission by: Rusty Fritscy ALR 14, Diane Janet Link Cree- ALR 14, Bill Humphreys- PR ALR 14, Jimmy Cree- ALR 14 American Legion (5)Wreathes VVW 2- Jimmy Riders Post 14, Cree-ALR 14, Bill Humphreys- Smyrna, DE ALR 14, Kelly Humphreys- ALR 14, , Diane Cree- ALR 14, Steve Kellam- ALR 14 Director, Janet Link- ALR14 Public Rela - Director/Chaplain in front of tions, Lester Link- ALR14 Walmart Tractor Treasurer, Gene Hall-Wreathes Trailer sent on Across America Convoy Guest, Convoy carrying Kenny Coldiron- ALR 14 Asst Wreaths (9)Wreaths Arling - ton 2-Lester Link- General Michael Barry and two ALR 14 Treasurer, of the fourth grade students from Rusty Fritscy- Holy Cross ALR14, Steve (2)Wreathes Leg Hall 2- Lester Kellam- ALR14 Link- ALR 14 Treasurer and Director and Rusty Fritscy ALR14 kneeling Larry (3)Wreaths Glasgow HS- Lori Marion- ALR 14 30 DELAWARE LEGIONNAIRE, FEBRUARY 2020 American Legion Family of Post 17 Brings Christmas Cheer to the Lewes Army Reserve Center hands, and with shouts of ‘Thanks for Serving,’ which was a great morale booster to these young sol - diers. The float won Third Place in the Commu - nity Float Cate - Talk about a mutually the float in the parade. Their gory, which successfully American Legion Post 17 beneficial relationship. The uniformed presence brought ends the Post’s year of honor - Christmas Parade Float. Cape Henlopen Army Reserve great attention to the float and ing the 100th Anniversaries of (3)Another view of the Ameri - 946 Transportation Company the troop banners on it. These the American Legion and its can Legion Post 17 Christmas was in Lewes on December 7- were the Auxiliary as military service or - Parade Float. Prominently dis - 8, 2019. As has been done in same ban - ganiza - played with blue background is years past, the community do - ners that tions. the military banner of Post nated food for our soldiers and hung last On Commander Ed Bergen.(4)The the Auxiliary was proud to summer Sunday, view of the back of the float serve them a fine lunch on Sat - from utility these showcasing local veterans. urday with a special visit from poles along same sol - (5)Riding upon the American Auxiliary Historian Nancy Savannah diers Legion Post 17 Christmas Float Bush as Olaf, delivering a holi - Road and helped out are Sons of the American Le - day stocking to each soldier. Cape Hen - at Post 17 gion Judge Advocate John In return, twelve mem - lopen Drive. to disas - Miller (left) and Post Com - bers of the 946 Unit helped Each of semble the mander Ed Bergen (right). with assembly of the Post’s these banners showcased actual float and put everything away Photo by Kyle Kaminski. Christmas Parade float for the photos of our hometown heroes in the Pavilion for the winter. Submission by: Lewes parade and then escorted who served their country. It As we have learned: We Cindy Butler was a care for them and they care for Publicity pleasure to us. American Legion Auxiliary see an en - Photos in order of story: Unit 17 tire com - (1)The Cape Henlopen Army Lewes, DE munity Reserve 946 Trans - honoring portation Company both the pose during their current American Legion troops and Post 17 Family the veter - Christmas party. ans of the (2)Auxiliary Unit past by President Murt Foos clapping, can be seen adding shaking final touches to the DELAWARE LEGIONNAIRE, FEBRUARY 2020 31 American Legion Riders Chapter 14 speaker was Lt. Lester Link- Treasurer ALR Colonel (retired) Post 14, Rusty Fritscy ALR Phillip Kroal. Post 14, Steve Kellam- Director After one more ALR 14, Rep Jeffrey Speigel - song by Miss man Van Orden, Daw - (3) Christmas- some presents son Ludwig per - (4) Christmas 2- some more formed taps. The presents and Carin Lucas- ALR POW/MIA Chair Post 14, Rick Lucas- ALR Post of Honor will be members in South Korea that 14, Jimmy Cree- ALR Post 14, moved to its per - were not going to be manent place in able to travel home for December 16, 2019 the the foyer of the the holidays. Chris Smyrna High School Air Force gymnasium at the school. Kisner, AL Post 14 Junior ROTC dedicated a December 18,2019 The member, is currently POW/MIA Chair of Honor. stationed overseas and Members of the Legion Riders was able to hand out of Post 14, Smyrna were proud the holiday stockings. to be in attendance. Retired Air December Force Colonel Mark Hetterly, 20,2019- Steve Kel - the director of the JROTC pro - lam- Director ALR 14 gram was the master of cere - was invited to attend AL Post Craig Deppish- ALR Post 14 monies. Colors were presented 2’s Santa escort. They escorted and Steve Kellam- Director by the Color Guard of the Santa from AL Post 2 to Kent ALR Post 14 County Community School. (5) Christmas 3- Dinners to be Legion Riders were able given to help three families (6) Korea- Chris Kisner-AL with Christmas presents post 14 is centered in front of and dinner and an addi - the Christmas tree surrounded tional 3 families with by fellow military members un - Christmas dinner. able to travel home. December (7) Kent County Community 20,2019 The Legion School- Steve Kellam- Director Family sent Christmas ALR Post 14, Skip Sharpee- JROTC and Miss Emma Van stockings to Military ALR Post 2, Ank Parisan-ALA Orden sand the National An - President Post 2, Santa, Chuck them. The Reverend Dr. John The children were able to come Parisan- ALR Post 2, 2 mem - Riley gave the invocation. Mr. out and meet Santa and see the bers of Post 2 John Dumas, USAF retired and motorcycles. A fun time for all. Colonel Hetterly unveiled the Photo: Submission by: Chair of Honor and then re - (1) Smyrna High- Chair of Janet Link marks were made by Rosely Honor PR Robinson of A Hero’s Wel - (2) Smyrna High2- Rep American Legion Riders Post come Delaware. The keynote William Carson, AL Post 14, 14, Smyrna, DE 32 DELAWARE LEGIONNAIRE, FEBRUARY 2020 Milford Post 3 News & Information

Above is Milford Post 3 volun - Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner with Sam Englehardt waiting their turn to teers working inconjunction with VFW all the fixings for Milford Police Depart - pull a ticket for the drawing. Below 6483 doing a Trunk or Treat. From left metn for the officers on duty those two Kent District Commander Steve Burge to right Mr. & Mrs James Wyatt, Frank holidays.(bottom left) drawing one of the winners for the Hol - Soriano, Post Commander Nancy Sori - Above Milford Post 3 hosted iday sweepstakes. Photos to the right: ano, Jeff Crouser and Tina Lucas. the Kent District meeting in Novenber. top is the new sign on the pylon on the Milford Post 3 provided Below and next two photos is Milford North bound side of Route 113. Middle Post 3 holding an informal Christmas is John Roberts and Dept Historia party with the Department Sweepstakes Richard Benedict admiring their work drawing. Below is Dept Finance officer setting up the new tables. Bottom photo mixing the tickets before the drawing. is the progress on the Social Quarters Above is Pat Hicks, Daniel Crouser and side of our unit.

My Fellow Legionnaires, The Department has taken into receivership several posts over the past decade for not being functioning posts. Individuals ask what a “Functioning” American Legion Post is. 1. Must have a Constitution and By-Laws approved by DEC and on file with the Department Adjutant 2. Have Post officers either appointed or dully elected depending on the Posts By-laws 3. Have regularly scheduled meetings (not required to be monthly but is recommended to be more than once a year). 4. Participate in Legion Programs either by donations or volunteer activities 5. Full compliance of all IRS filling for the parent Nonprofit group status of 501(c)19 (for small post this is simply going online and submitting a form that you did not have more than $50,000 in income for your fiscal year) 6. It is also recommended even for posts that do not have physical locations minimal liability insurance (again to protect its members) 7. It is recommended that all American Legion Posts be Incorporated to protect its Members who are stockholders of The American Legion. Its is not required to have a physical location and there are many successful and active American Legion Posts in Delaware that do not have a post home. Any questions concerning a posts status or standing within the Department should be requested in writing from the Department Adjutant. Again, a thanks you for everyone who submitted articles this edition. If I missed something that you sent in, I am deeply sorry. Please send your articles to [email protected] not either of our personal emails where it can get lost in the mass of emails we receive. Yours in Legion Service, Jeffrey K. Crouser Rebecca C. Crouser Co-Chairs Media and Communication