QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION
C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director
HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS BRIEFS FOR WEEK ENDING 2-6-70
Rep. Olin E. Teague of Texas, Chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, at the request of The American Legion, has introduced HR 15U7U, a measure providing for the provision of drugs and medicines to veterans with service or non-service connected disabilities that render them house-hound.
Senators Talmadge, Cranston and Yarborough have jointly sponsored a bill (S 33^1) to increase rates of compensation to disabled veterans by about 11 percent.
* * *
****************** * * The Veterans Administration during 1969 administered government insurance programs totaling more than 5.6 million policies, with coverage valued at more than $38-billion. The American Legion Department of Ohio, through its "Gifts for the Yanks Who Gave" program distributed over $52,000 in benefits to their five VA hospitals, the Ohio Soldiers and Sailors Home, and veteran patients in Ohio's IT state institutions last year. -alns- U.S.A. "Unity and Service for America" QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION —THE AMERICAN LEGION C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811 For release 2-6-70 WASHINGTON, D.C.—-(ALNS)--Representative Olin E. Teague of Texas, Chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, has introduced a number of hills of interest to veterans and their dependents. At the request of The American Legion, he has introduced HR 15^7^,a measure providing for the provision of drugs and medicines to veterans with service or non-service connected disabilities that render them house-bound. Also introduced by Teague was KR 15575, a bill to amend chapter 35 of title 38, United States Code, so as to provide educational assistance at secondary level to eligible widows and wives, without charge to any period of entitlement earned piirsuant to sections 1710 and 1711 of this chapter. In other veterans legislative activities of note, Senator W. L. Prouty of Vermont has introduced a bill to forgive student loans under the Defense Education act at the rate of 12*8 percent for each year of active military service performed by the student subsequent to receipt of the student loan. Senators Herman Talmadge of Georgia, Alan Cranston of California, and Ralph Yarborough of Texas have jointly sponsored a bill (S33^l) to increase rates of compensation to disabled veterans, last set by law in January, 1969. The Talmadge- Cranston-Yarborough bill will raise rates about 11 percent across the board, but also provides a new feature affecting ex-prisoners of war. Noting that it is sometimes difficult for ex-POW's to prove disability, or aggravation of an existing disability is related to military service under existing criteria, and that conditions suffered could have resulted in long-range harm, the hill will afford veterans who were POW's six months or longer the benefit of the doubt in establishing service connection. Senator Yarborough said, "The most significant feature of this bill is that it recognized that economic loss should be measured in terms of increasing average earnings and not merely the rise in the cost of living. The payments provided for under the present law are far too low. They have needed to be increased for some time.?l "This bill seeks to raise these payments bv applying a reasonable standard; the increase in average earnings." The bill, if passed in time, will be effective July 1, 1970. Old and new rates of compensation are compared in the following table: Disability Pres. Law Talmadge Bill Rated at 10$ $23 $25 Rated at 20# $1*3 $U3 Rated at 30$ $65 $72 Rated at k0% $89 $99 (more) Talmadge, Cranston, Yarborough Bill — Page 2 002s Disability (cont'd.) Pres. Law (cont'd.) Talmadge Bill Rated at 50% $122 $135 Rated at 60% $l1+7 $163 Rated at 10% $1TU $193 Rated at 80$ $201 $223 Rated at 90$ $226 $250 Limit for veterans receiving payments under above schedule (1) Anatomical loss or loss of use of both hands, both feet, 1 foot and 1 hand, blindness in both eyes (5/200 visual acuity or less) , permanently bedridden or so helpless as to require regular aid and attendance $500 $550 (2) Anatomical loss or loss of use of 2 extremities so as to prevent natural elbow or knee action with prosthesis in place, blind in both eyes rendering veteran so helpless as to require regular aid and attendance $550 $600 (3) Anatomical loss of 2 extremities so near shoulder or hip as to prevent use of prosthesis,anatomical loss of both eyes $625 $675 Limit for Veterans receiving payment under (l), (2), (3) above: $700 $750 (U) Disability under conditions entitling veteran to 2 or more of the rates provided in (l), (2), (3) above, no condition being considered twice, or total deafness in combination with total blindness (5/200) visual acuity or less $700 $750 (5) If disabilities exceed requirements of any rates prescribed, Administrator of VA may allow next higher rate or an intermediate rate, but in no case may compensation exceed: $700 $750 -alns- For release 2--6-70 NEW YORK--(ALNS)—Gerald L. Stiebel of the Research Institute of America, was the recent recipient of the Augustine G. Rudd Award for 1969. The $100 award was made on the basis of his article in the Aug., 1969, issue of The American Legion Magazine entitled, ';How Important is fissile Defense?" The Rudd Award is restricted to writers in The American Legion Magazine who stress "the standards and principles of public school education" or "such principles of Americanism as are written into the Constitution of the United States." In making the citation, Legion National Adjutant William F. Hauck said, in part: "You took an unpopular position in order to give support to the government, in a trying time, in its efforts to "provide for the common defense," which is one of the six basic reasons set forth in the Preamble for the establishment of a Union under the Constitution." -alns EJMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION- ■THE AMERICAN LEGION 02o C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811 For release 2-6-70 COLUMBUS, OHIO—(ALNS)—The American Legion Department of Ohio, through its "Gifts for the Yanks Who Gave" program distributed over $52,000 in benefits to their five VA hospitals, the Ohio Soldiers and Sailors Home, and veteran patients in Ohio's IT state institutions last year. The gifts included both Christmas and summer distribution of cigarettes , cash, socks, 12 color TV sets and other related items. Gifts for the Yanks Who Gave fund is accumulated from voluntary contributions annually by Ohio Legionnaires and Auxiliary members. -alns- WATERTOWN, S.D.--(ALNS)—An American Legion Boys State scholarship in memory of a former director of South Dakota American Legion Boys State has been established by the family and friends of the late Chandler L. Beach. Mr. Beach, who died at the age of 1+5, was a Huron, S.D. attorney and board chairman of the State Cement Commission. Extremely interested in the Boys State program for South Dakota, Mr. Beach received his introduction to the program when he was selected to represent Huron High School at the first South Dakota Boys State in 191+0. He was named the outstanding citizen that year. A member of the Boys State staff for the past 15 years, he served as director from 1963 until his death last September. -alns- WATERTOWN, S.D. — (ALNS)— The American Legion, Department of South Dakota and Codington County Post IT honored C.B. Gilbertson, this city, during a banquet at the Drake Friendship Inn here. A veteran of World War I and a 51-year member of Legion Post IT , Gilbertson was honored for his 39 years of service as the department finance officer in South Dakota. He resigned at last year's department convention. Department Commander Marvin W. Mackner, Sisseton, presented Gilbertson with a plaque commemorating the 39 years of service from 1930-69. -alns- INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)— Gregory A. Petsko of Fairfax, Va. , a Princeton University senior and fourth place winner of the 1966 American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest, has won a Rhodes Scholarship for two years of study at Oxford University in England. He will study molecular biology as a basis for entering cancer research. -alns- QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811 For release 2-6-70 WASHINGTON—(ALMS)—The American Legion National Commander J. Milton Patrick, accompanied by National Adjutant William F. Hauck, attended swearing in ceremonies at Veterans Administration headquarters for Rufus H. Wilson and Olney B. Owen named to new VA posts by the Administrator of Veterans Affairs, Donald E. Johnson. Wilson, former Chief Benefits Director, was named an Associate Deputy Administrator of the VA. Owen assumed the post of Chief Benefits Director. Also attending for the Legion were Indianapolis office Executive Director James Whitfield, National Public Relations Director James C. Watkins and Rehabilitation Director Edward H. Golembieski. Wilson, hk, was manager of VA Regional Offices in St. Petersburg, Fla. , Lincoln, Neb., and Baltimore, Md., prior to his appointment to the Chief of Benefits post. He is a Legionnaire and a disabled veteran of WW II with an impressive list of achievements in his government employment and outside activities. The Joint Veterans Committee of Maryland is set to honor him as "Veteran of the Year" on February 12th. Owen, 5^, and a Legionnaire comes to Washington from Louisville, Ky. , where he has been manager of the VA Regional Office since July, 1959. A colonel in the Air Force Reserve, he is a veteran of WW II and was recalled to active duty during the Korean Conflict. He has been employed by the Veterans Administration since 19^5. The VA ceremony capped a busy week of activities in the nation's capital for National Commander Patrick. On Friday, January 31st, he sponsored the National Commander's Reception for the National President and Auxiliary National Executive Committee at the Washington Headquarters. Later that evening, he addressed The American Legion Auxiliary National Executive Committee at the opening of their meeting in the Washington Sheraton Hotel. On Saturday and Sunday, Commander Patrick flew to Columbus, Ohio to attend the Department of Ohio mid-winter conference and address Ohio Legionnaires. He returned to Washington on Sunday remaining until Tuesday, February 3, and a scheduled departure for his Department of Georgia visit. -alns- JEWERSONVILLE, IND.-(ALNS)—Herman A. Wenige, 87, legendary Legion figure, resigned after 1+5 years as veterans service officer for the Jeffersonville Lawrence Capehart Post of The American Legion. Operating from a small office in the post home, he processed approximately 1,000 claims per year for veterans, their widows and families. Wenige, a World War I veteran, served with the American Expeditionary Force in France. For many years he published the post newspaper, the Legion A-I-R and also served more than a decade as a member of the National Rehabilitation Congress at Washington, D.C. His successor, Wilbur Lancaster, is a World War II veteran with 25 months of service in the South Pacific. -alns- EJMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 KSt., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811 AMERICAN LEGION NEWS BRIEFS FOR WEEK ENDING 2-13-70 A record $8.6-billion has been requested for the Veterans Administration in the Fiscal Year 1971 budget submitted by President Nixon to Congress on Feb. 2, according to the Administrator of Veterans Affairs Donald E. Johnson. The request is $31+7-million over the current fiscal year. * * » The American Legion Washington Conference schedule for the Foreign Relations and National Security Commissions will open on March 3, with a joint all-day briefing at the State Department. * * * The American Legion has been invited by the Department of State to participate in a series of foreign policy seminars beginning on March 16, in New Orleans, La. Topics will include arms control and disarmament, the Mid-east, Communist China, Cuba, the United Nations, Vietnam and Vietnamization. * # * Payment of more than $l-million in death claims last year established a new yearly record for The American Legion Life Insurance Plan. * * » The Regionals for the 1970 American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest will be held on Monday, April 6, and the Sectionals on Monday, April 13, in various areas of the nation. The National Finals will be held on Thursday morning, April 16, at the Westbury Senior High School in Houston, Texas. * * * ***»***#*-»#**###***« ***### «***»****#***** SUGGESTED ADDRESS AVAILABLE * Suggested Address No. 207 covering The American Legion's 51st birthday * observance has been prepared for Legion speakers. For copies of it, contact * * your Department Adjutant or write the National Public Relations Division, * * The American Legion, P. 0. Box 1055, Indianapolis, Ind. 1+6205. * * -alns- U.S.A. 'Unity and Service for America" QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE 002^ NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION —THE AMERICAN LEGION C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811 For release 2-13-70 WASHINGTON—(ALNS) A record $8.6 billion has been requested for the Veterans Administration in the Fiscal Year 1971 budget submitted by the President to Congress on February 2, according to the Administrator of Veterans Affairs Donald E. Johnson. The request is $3^7 million over the current fiscal year. Included in the new VA budget is $1.7 billion for medical care, an increase of $69 million over FY 70, and $228 million more than FY 69. The medical care request is the highest ever for this program. The proposed budget will facilitate an increase in average VA employment of 2,261* to a new total of l6l,520 employees. Of the additional employees, 2,150 are for the VA medical program, bringing employment in the Department of Medicine and Surgery to lH2,152. Benefit programs will include 75.8 per cent of the new VA budget (compensation and pensions). Medical outlays will take 20.6 per cent, general operating expenses 2.8 per cent and construction 0.8 per cent. In dollar figures, the VA budget lists $6.5 billion for benefit programs, up $279 million- $67 million for construction programs, down $6 million and $239 million for general operating expenses, up $2 million. According to Johnson, the medical care request will provide for an estimated increase of 3,800 hospital patients for a record high of 875,883 for the year. Also anticipated is an increase of ^76,638 outpatient medical visits and dental cases. The budget will also provide for a total of U9,70U medical trainees — up 3,697: a staffing increase of 2,123 resulting in an improved hospital staffing ratio of 7.0 per 100 patients; activation of 75 additional new medical service units and 606 intensive care coronary care beds. In medical and prosthetic research, Johnson said, the VA will increase its spending by $2 million to a new figure of $59 million with additional funds going to ongoing research projects, for augmenting supply accumulations of equipment, for laboratory alterations, and for the development and testing of prosthetic devices. According to Johnson, while the VA construction budget program is off $6 million from the 1970 level, the planned program is extensive. Construction funds will be used for modernization, air-conditioning, education and training facilities, nursing home care projects and housekeeping improvements at VA hospital installations in numerous locations throughout the 166 unit system. Under the new budget compensation and pension benefits increases of $ll*2 million are provided for, while readjustment benefits, including the 0.1. Bill, will be increased $139 million. -alns- QMEFUCAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION 03"J C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811 For release 2-13-70 WASHINGTON, D.C.--(ALNS)—The American Legion Washington Conference schedule for the Foreign Relations and National Security Commissions will open on March 3, with a joint all-day briefing at the State Department. Speakers will include Roland Spiers, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of State; Richard G. Capen, Jr., Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs; Ambassador William H. Sullivan; Gerald C. Smith, Director, Arms Control and Disarmament Agency and Joseph J. Sisco, Assistant Secretary of State. Topics are Vietnam, American Prisoners of War, the Mid-east crisis and the SALT talks. On Wednesday, March U, the National Security Commission will hear from Admiral Thomas H. Moorer, Chief of Naval Operations; Grant L. Hansen, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Research and Development; Dr. John S. Foster, Jr., Director, Defense Research and Engineering; James Reynolds, President, American Institute for Merchant Shipping; Dr. George C. S. Benson, Director of ROTC Affairs, Office, Secretary of Defense and Roger T. Kelley, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. In a separate meeting, the Foreign Relations Commission will be briefed by Capt. James Gannon, USN, Politico-Military Advisor, State Department; Charles E. Meyer, Paul H. Kreisburg and Samuel DePalma, all Assistant Secretaries of State. -alns- WASHIITGTON—(ALUS)—The American Legion has been invited by the Department of State to participate in a series of foreign policy seminars beginning on March 16, in New Orleans, La. The New Orleans meeting will be the first in a series of regional one day foreign policy seminars for non-governmental organizations concerned with international affairs. Members of the Legion's Foreign Relations Commission and Council, Past National Commanders, Department Commanders and Adjutants from six southern states will be invited to attend. Future seminars will be scheduled throughout the country during 1970, and Legionnaires in the categories shown above will receive invitations. The seminars will cover a wide variety of topics, including arms control and disarmament, the Mid-east, Communist China, Cuba, the United Nations, Vietnam and Vietnamization. -alns- NEW BERN, N.C. —(ALMS)—Ruff in C. Godwin, of this city, National Vice Commander of The American Legion 1960-61, died Thursday, Feb. 5, 1970. (more) 003i Ruffin C. Godwin—Page (2) A World War I veteran and a member of Donnerson-Hawkins Post 2h of The American Legion, since 1919, he had served as Post, District and Department commander and nationally had been a vice chairman of the National Internal Affairs Commission, a member of both the Economic Commission and Trophies, Awards and Ceremonials committee, and had served as North Carolina's National Executive Committeeman. Among survivors are the widow, Mary Elizabeth, and a son, Robert C. Godwin. -alns- For release 2-13-70 NEW ORLEANS, LA.—(ALNS)— The American Legion Auxiliary, joining with The American Legion Education & Scholarship Program, will share in maintaining an exhibit at the National Convention of The American Personnel and Guidance Association at the Rivergate Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana March 22 - 26, 1970. Mrs. Norma Brown, National Education & Scholarship Chairman, will represent the Auxiliary. Auxiliary members who are members of the guidance association are invited to visit The American Legion booth which will provide a display of all the youth programs of The American Legion Americanism Division, as well as those of the Auxiliary. Next June 1-3, The American Legion will have a booth and provide consultant service to those attending the annual convention of the National Congress of Parents and Teachers which will also be held here. American Legion Auxiliary members who will be attending the PTA convention are invited to stop by and visit the booth. -alns- INDIANAPOLIS, IND.--(ALNS)—The American Legion National Americanism Division has given 1,000 copies of Need A Lift, The American Legion's Career and Scholarship handbook to the U. S. Armed Forces Institute. The booklets will be used by education officers in counseling men and women in the services. -alns- WASHINGTON, D.C.— (ALNS) —Representative Olin Teague of Texas has introduced HR 15571*, a bill to provide funds in the amount of $100,000 per year over a six year period to the VA Hospital, Philippine Islands, for research and education at the request of The American Legion. The bill, if passed, will carry out one of the mandates of the 1969 Legion convention. -alns- 0MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION- ■THE AMERICAN LEGION C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 El (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811 For release 2-13-70 CHICAGO, ILL.—(ALNS)- -Payment of more than $l-million in death claims last year established a new yearly record for The American Legion Life Insurance Plan. Claims of $1,^89,099 in 1969 brought the total to $8,lH8,255 since the Legion's official insurance program was adopted in 1958. Payments in 1969 were made to beneficiaries of insured former American Legionnaires in 53 Departments, according to Albert V. LaBiche of New Orleans, La., Legion Life Insurance and Trust Committee Chairman. Pennsylvania with $1^9,675 led all departments in total claims paid, LaBiche pointed out. New York was second with $ll*7,276: Illinois, third with $120,630; California, fourth with $83,6l6; and Iowa fifth, with $56,597. The Plan has paid a total of 6,202 claims since it was instituted 12 vears ago. Claims are processed and paid at the office of The American Legion Life Insurance Plan, 111 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, 111. 6060U. Information on and application forms for this low-cost insurance plan may be obtained by writing there, Attn: Paul L. Weber, Director. A breakdown by departments of 1969 claims paid follows Alabama $ 7 969 Nevada 11,822 Alaska 2,530 New Hampshire 7,199 Arizona 6,1*17 New Jersey 1*3,3^3 Arkansas 12,075 New Mexico 13,37^ California 83,616 New York 1U7 .276 Colorado 9,5^5 North Carolina 27,657 Connecticut U5.707 North Dakota 12,759 Delaware 3,795 Ohio 30,118 District of Columbia 12,lUU Oklahoma 22 ,816 Florida 27,106 Oregon 13 ,719 Georgia k6,9U9 Pennsylvania lk9 ,675 Hawaii 1,380 Puerto Rico U60 Idaho 2,990 Rhode Island U,289 Illinois 120,630 South Carolina 16 ,623 Indiana 55,229 South Dakota 6.630 Iowa 56.597 Tennessee 22 ,5TU Kansas 27,588 Texas 35 M9 Kentucky 9,69^ Utah 951* Louisiana 22,362 Vermont 5,1+39 Maine lb ,697 Virginia 15,933 Maryland 27,623 Washington 26 ,2U3 Mas s achus ett s 35,^09 West Virginia 12,903 Michigan 50,882 Wisconsin 27,072 Minnesota 52,7^5 Wyoming 16 ,215 Mississippi 11,9^8 Canada 379 Missouri Uo ,9U6 Montana 10,269 Nebraska 19,35*+ -alns- ESMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811 For release 2-13-70 INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—Sites, dates and times for 12 regional and k sectional eliminations in the 1970 American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest have been announced by Legion National Headquarters. The regionals on Monday, April 6, and the sectionals on Monday, April 13, in various areas of the nation are the final hurdles that the 51 winners at the department level must successfully complete to be one of four finalists to move to the National Finals. The National Finals will be held on Thursday morning, April 16, at the Westbury Senior High School in Houston, Texas. Several thousand boys and girls from all areas of the nation have started to compete at local levels of the contest for which top prizes total $8,000 in cash college scholarships. The local Legion Post and the local high school usually cooperate in the contest at the beginning level. The boy or girl taking first place in the National Finals wins the figurative crown as the nation's youth oratory champion and a $U,000 cash college scholarship. The other three finalists in the order of their finish receive: $2,500, $1,000 and $500, respectively. Current holder of the crown is Benjamin G. Davidian, Jr. of Tracy, Calif., a freshman at Brigham Young University. Legion National Commander J. Milton Patrick of Skiatook, Okla., has announced the following sites, dates, times and contest local representatives: Regional 1—Spaulding High School, Barre, Vt., Monday, April 6, 2:30 p.m., for Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. Local representative: Richard Williams, Barre, Vt. (802-U76-8718). Regional 2—Bishop Eustace Preparatory School, Pennsauken, N.J., Monday, April 6, 11:30 a.m., for Connecticut, New Jersey, Rhode Island and New York. Local representative: Tom Wilson, Cherry Hill, N. J. (609-1+23-^033). Regional 3—St. Francis College, Loretto, Pa., Monday, April 6, 10 a.m., for France, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. Local representative: Elmer Schenk, Cresson, Pa. *Sectional A—Merrimack Valley High School, Penacook, N. H., Monday, April 13, 9:30 a.m., for winners of Regionals 1-2-3. Local representative: Hubert S. 0'Neil, Concord, N. H. (603-271-2211). Regional k—Rocky Mount Senior High School, Rocky Mount, N.C., Monday, April 6, 10:30 a.m., for Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee. Local representative: H. Reavis Nelson, Rocky Mount, N. C. (919-1+U2-6722) Regional 5—Senate Chambers, State Capitol, Tallahassee, Fla., Monday, April b, 9:30 a.m., for Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Florida. Local representative: John E. Eubanks, Tallahassee, Fla. (90k-6k3-620l). (more) 003 Regional 6—Central High School, Little Rock, Ark., Monday, April. 6, 10:00 a.m. for Arkansas, Mississippi, Texas and Louisiana. Local representative: L. 0. Bennish, Little Rock, Ark. (501-Mo3-2301). ^Sectional B—Weir High School, Weirton, W. Va., Monday, April 13, 10 a.m., for winners of Regionals 4-5-6. Local representative: John A. Jones, Weirton, W. Va. (304-748-2200). Regional 7—Richwoods High School, Peoria, 111., Monday, April 6, 9 a.m., for Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Michigan. Local representative: John Gelish, Peoria, 111. (309-673-4441). Regional 8—Fisher Community Center, Marshalltown, Iowa, Monday, April 6, 9 a.m., for Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Local representative: Gordon A. Miller, Haverhill, Iowa (515-475-2544). Regional 9—Sioux Falls College, Sioux Falls, S. D., Monday, April 6, 1 p.m., for North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Local representative: Milton Simons, Sioux Falls, S. D. (605-334-7974). *Sectional C—Bismark Junior College, West Bismark, 3T. D., Monday, April 13, 10 a. m., for winners of Regionals 7-8-9. Local representative: Edward J. Drashill Bismark, N. D. (701-223-2492). Regional 10—West High School, Denver, Colo., Monday, April 6, 10 a.m., for Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming and Nebraska. Local representative: William B. Kinney, Henderson, Colo. (303-233-4500). Regional 11—Roosevelt High School, Portland, Ore., Monday, April 6, 10 a.m., for Alaska, Oregon, Montana, Idaho and Washington. Local representative: John Schulte, Portland, Ore. (503-252-2743). Regional 12—-Flagstaff High School, Flagstaff, Ariz., Monday, April 6, 1 p.m., for Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah and Hawaii. Local representative: Francis Osborne, Flagstaff, Ariz. (602-774-2455). *Sectional D—University of San Francisco, San Francisco, Calif., Monday, April 13, 10 a.m., for winners of Regionals 10-11-12. Local representative: John Millholen, San Francisco, Calif. (415-885-5133). ^National Finals—Westbury Senior High School, Houston, Texas, Thursday, April 16, 9:30 a.m., for winners of Sectionals A-B-C-D. Local representative: R. A. (Dick) Henrikson, Baytown, Texas (713-424-4240). *Sectionals and Finals sites. -alns- 0MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION —THE AMERICAN LEGION 03^5 C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 El (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811 For release 2-13-70 ST. PAUL—(ALNS)—Minnesota will mark the U9th Anniversary of the founding of the School Patrol during the week of Feb. IT with programs, ceremonies and the launching of a campaign to complete a monument here on the site where it all began. The year-long effort to raise the balance of $50,000 will point towards dedication of the seven foot bronze sculpture on a granite base, during the School Patrol's golden anniversary next year. The monument, a montage of a School Patrol boy and girl with Sister Carmela, founder of the program that has grown world-wide, will be set on a hillside along St. Paul's Kellogg Blvd. across from Cathedral School5 adjacent to the Minnesota State Capitol area. There, on Feb. IT, 1921, Sister Carmela placed her first School Patrol boys to guide school children safely across the busy street. In Minnesota alone, there are over 35,000 boys and girls manning intersections in cities, towns, and villages under major sponsorship of the Minnesota American Legion Department, Minnesota Automobile Association, Minnesota Police and Peace Officers' Association, Minnesota Highway Patrol and Junior Chamber of Commerce. The $300,000 Legionville School Patrol Training Center for patrolmen near Brainerd is one of the outgrowths of the Legion's sponsorship and interest in a life-saving program, which annually prevents death and injury to thousands of Minnesota school children, stressing school and street safety to them. Formed in 1963 shortly before Sister Carmela's death at the age of 93, the Minnesota School Patrol Monument Committee, has thought it fitting that a tangible tribute be paid to Sister Carmela and the boys and girls, who, for ^9 years have served. The section of ground has been set aside by the City of St. Paul. The proposed sculpture has been designed by A. J. Brioschi of the St. Paul Statuary Co. -alns- NEW CARTOONS MAILED Mats or repro proofs of a new cartoon series have been sent to American Legion News Service recipients who previously requested to be placed on the ALNS mailing list for such service. Covering holidays and other Legion events for the first half of 19T0, the new cartoon series also includes promotional cartoons on the Legion's current program of special emphasis—"Unity and Service for America." Also included are logos for use on Legion stationery and other printed matter on the :iFor God and Country" slogan which all Posts and Departments have been urged to include in their letterheads, etc., by National Executive Committee resolution. -alns- QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE 003^ NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 KSt., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811 AMERICAN LEGION NEWS BRIEFS FOR WEEK ENDING 2-20-70 Adra. Thomas H. Moorer, Chief of U.S. Naval Operations will head a list of distinguished speakers on national security matters during the 10th Annual American Legion Mid-Winter Conference in Washington, D.C., March 2-6. The Portland Hilton Hotel has been designated as National Headquarters Hotel for the 1970 American Legion National Convention, according to Legion National Commander J. Milton Patrick, of Skiatook, Okla. A.R. (Art) Tyner, long-time adjutant of The American Legion Department of Oklahoma, has been appointed director of the Legion's National Americanism Division by National Commander J. Milton Patrick. C.J. Wright of Vinita, Okla., Past Oklahoma Department Commander, 1957-58, will succeed Tyner as department adjutant. Rev. Thomas Grice, of Camarillo, Calif., National Chaplain of The American Legion I9U8-U9, died Tuesday, Feb. 10, 1970. A World War I veteran, he had served as Department Chaplain of the California American Legion during 1933-3*+ and nationally had been a member of the Child Welfare Liaison Commission and Advisory Board. Born in Staffordshire, England, July 2, 1880, he became the first Methodist Chaplain from California to be sent to France in World War I. He was author of "The Story of the Combat Chaplains in the A.E.F." Joseph J. Hannemann, of Denver, Colo., National Distinguished Guests Comm. Secretary, 1967-70, died Thursday, Feb. 17, 1970. A veteran of World War I, he also served as National Americanism Comm. V-Chairman 1959-61. WASHINGTON—(ALNS)--National Commander J. Milton Patrick began a busy week with a major address before the Department of New York's annual Legislative banquet in Albany and ending with a speech before the National Executive Committee of the Jewish War Veterans, in Jerusalem on Sunday, Feb. 22. Between these two outstanding gatherings, the latter also addressed by Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir, Commander Patrick was a White House guest of President Nixon at a dinner honoring Gen. Lewis B. Hershey as he stepped down from the position of Selective Service Director. Commander Patrick also participated in production of a lU^-minute TV film with Oklahoma First District Congressman Page Belcher for showing later in Oklahoma, and visited the New York offices of The American Legion Magazine. -alns- QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION —THE AMERICAN LEGION C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811 For release 2-20-70 WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—Senator Alan Cranston of California, Chairman, Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs, Senate Labor and Public Welfare Committee, Congressman Olin E. Teague of Texas, Chairman, House Committee on Veterans Affairs and Donald E. Johnson, Administrator of Veterans Affairs will speak on rehabilitation during the 10th Annual American Legion Mid-Winter Conference, here March 2-6. Heading a list of distinguished speakers on national security matters appearing before the National Security Commission meeting on Wednesday, March U, will be Adm. Thomas H. Moorer, Chief of U.S. Naval Operations. Other speakers scheduled to appear before the National Security Commission are Grant L. Hansen, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Research and Development; Brig. Gen. F.E. Davison, U.S. Army Director, Enlisted Personnel Directorate, Office of Chief of Personnel Operations and MaJ. Gen. Clifford B. Drake, Assistant Chief of Staff, G3, of the U.S. Marine Corps. A highlight of the conference will come on the evening of Tuesday, March 3, when American Legion National Commander J. Milton Patrick will present a 3 by 2 foot marble plaque commemorating the Legion's "Gift to the Nation" of the lighting system for the Tomb of the Unknowns to Secretary of the Army Stanley Resor. The plaque will be placed in the Trophy Room in the Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery. Presentation of the plaque will bring to a close a year long effort on behalf of The American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary to raise funds to provide not only the lighting equipment for the Tomb, but also the perpetual maintenance of the lighting system. According to American Legion National Adjutant William F. Hauck, the approxi- mately 1,500 Legion leaders will travel by bus from the conference headquarters at the Statler-Hilton Hotel to Arlington Cemetery for the presentation ceremony. The Legion group will have a police escort to the cemetery for the ceremony at 5 p.m. It is expected that the ceremony will be concluded at darkness, giving participants an opportunity to see an actual lighting of the Tomb. The National Commander's banquet honoring the Congress of the United States will be held at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, March U, in the Sheraton Hall of the Sheraton- Park Hotel. Humorist Herb Shriner will entertain. Most Commission and Committee meetings also will be held at the Statler-Hilton. Opening the conference on Monday, March 2, will be meetings of the National Rehabilitation Commission, at 9:30 a.m., followed by a meeting of Department service officers at 3 p.m. Meetings also are scheduled for Tuesday, March 3, at 9 a.m. They are: the Economic Commission, the Legislative Commission, the Americanism Commission and the Publications Commission. (MORE) Washington Conference — Page 2 003© National Commander J. Milton Patrick is scheduled to appear "before the House Veterans Affairs Committee at 10 a.m. , Tuesday, March 3, in the Caucus Room, House Office Building. At 8 a.m., Wednesday, March k, members of STEIVOS, Department Adjutants' organization, will hold its annual breakfast in the Federal Room. At the same hour, the annual Child Welfare Foundation breakfast and meeting will be held. Meetings of other National Commissions and Committees will take place throughout the day, beginning at 9 a.m. The annual Public Relations Luncheon will be held at 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, March U, in the Presidential Ballroom. Richard (Red) Skelton will be presented the National Commander's Public Relations Award for 1970. The National Commander and Department Commanders Breakfast will be held on Thursday, March 5, at 8 a.m., in the Federal Room, followed by meetings of the Economic, Foreign Relations, Legislative, National Security, Rehabilitation and Reorganization Commissions and Committees at 9 a.m. On Friday, March 6, at 9 a.m., the Rehabilitation Conference and Commission meeting will be held in the Congressional and Senate Room. -alns- For release 2-20-70 HERSHEY, PA. —(ALNS)—Approximately 120 high school seniors from throughout this state will undergo a week of special training at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy here beginning next July 12. The purpose of the program is to create a better understanding and relationship between young people and those responsible for enforcing the state's laws, according to State Legion Commander Henry R. Woods and State Police Commissioner Frank McKetta. Known as Pennsylvania American Legion-State Police Week, the event has been planned as one of the Pennsylvania Department's efforts under the Legion's Unity and Service for America program. Each of the 36 Legion districts have been invited to sponsor three boys at the police academy program whose counselors will come from the Legion and the instructors and medical personnel from the ranks of the State Police, one of the nation's outstanding and oldest such organizations. Youths selected to attend will have completed their junior year in high school and will be outstanding members of their class. Each boy will be issued a special uniform for the week. Elmer Hafer of Lewisburg, Legion Law and Order Committee chairman, and Sgt. Matthew Chabal of Troop F. , Montoursvilie, were credited with the groundwork for the program. The boys' week at the State Police Academy coincides with the Pennsylvania Department's 52nd annual Convention to afford Legionnaires a chance to visit with the boys and the latter a chance to participate in the traditional convention parade in nearby Harrisburg. -alns- QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE 003^ NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 0 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811 For release 2-20-70 PORTLAND, ORE. —(ALUS)—The Portland Hilton Hotel has been designated as National Headquarters hotel for the 1970 American Legion National Convention according to Legion National Commander J. Milton Patrick, of Skiatook, Okla. The Portland Hilton, which also served as the National Headquarters hotel for the 1965 Legion National Convention was selected by the National Commander on recommendation of the Legion's National Convention Commission, which is responsible for site selection and for determining that the prospective host city has suitable accommodations for all phases of Convention activity. Ford Montgomery, general manager of the Portland Hilton, has notified Commander Patrick of the hotel's acceptance of the Legion's choice. Legion National Headquarters' offices will be located in the Exhibit Hall, of the Memorial Coliseum from Aug. 2h to Sept. 3. The Legion chief also announced the following scheduled events: Standing Commission and Committees - Aug. 28-29 Convention Committees - Aug. 30-31 Pre-Convention National Executive Committee meeting -- 2 p.m., Aug. 30, in the Pavilion Room of the Hilton Hotel Patriotic and Memorial Services - U:30 p.m., Aug. 30, in the Grand Ballroom of the Portland Hilton Drum and Bugle Corps Finals - 7 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 30, in the Civic Stadium Parade - 11 a.m., Monday, Aug. 31 Joint Opening Session - Sept. 1, in the Memorial Coliseum Business Sessions - Sept. 2-3 in the Memorial Coliseum Post-Convention National Executive Committee Meeting - Sept. 3, immediately following adjournment of Convention in the U.S. Plywood Room of the Memorial Coliseum. -alns- WASHUrarOBr- ( AT.NG) —Requests for research and other grants totaling $91,000 will be acted upon at the meeting of the board of directors of The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation at the Bt«tler-H41*ou Hotel here at 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 3. Appx-oximately $30,000 in such grants are made at the meeting, according to Foundation President George Ehinger of Dover, Del. alns • QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE D04-.S NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 KSt., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811 For release 2-20-70 INDIANAPOLIS—(ALMS)—A.R. (Art) Tyner, Jr., long-time adjutant of The American Legion of Oklahoma, has been appointed director of the Legion's National Americanism Division, National Commander J. Milton Patrick has announced. Tyner succeeds M.T. Webb of Newnan, Ga., who has served as director of this major National Commission of The American Legion since July 1, 1963, and who submitted his resignation effective Feb. 13, 1970. The Oklahoma Department Executive Committee, called into session by Department Commander Josh Drake, Jr., selected C. J. Wright of Vinita, Okla., to succeed Tyner as department adjutant. Wright, who served as Oklahoma Department Commander, 1957-58, and two terms as a member of the National Convention Commission, now is serving as aide to National Commander Patrick. A World War II veteran of service with the U.S. Air Force, with overseas duty in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater, Tyner has been active in American Legion affairs since he was separated from active service. He first joined The American Legion Overton Post, of Overton, Texas, and maintained his membership there for 10 years, serving his Post as adjutant and commander, and later serving as Rusk County Service Officer, Department of Texas Service Officer, then as a Legion National Field Representative for the states of Oklahoma and Texas. An active speaker on behalf of The American Legion in Oklahoma and throughout the Southwest, Tyner, as Oklahoma Department (State) Adjutant, administers the affairs of The American Legion of Oklahoma and serves as editor of the Department's official publication, The Oklahoma Legionnaire. In his new position he will be responsible for directing the diversified Americanism programs of The American Legion. These include such widely recognized programs as American Legion Baseball, Boys State and Nation, National Oratorical Contest, Education and Scholarship program, Flag education, and counter-subversive activities. Tyner, who is expected to assume his new duties at National Headquarters here about mid-April, also is active in community affairs and is a member of the Oklahoma City Press Club, Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, The Oklahoma Safety Council, American Legion Press Association. He is a consultant to the Legion's National Membership and Post Activities Committee and a past president of the National Department Adjutant's organization. Mr. and Mrs. Tyner are the parents of one son, and they are members of the Putnam City Church of Christ, Oklahoma City. -alns- QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE 03U NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811 AMERICAN LEGION NEWS BRIEFS FOR WEEK ENDING 2-27-70 Wayne E. Marchand Post 28 of Okinawa, R.I., Department of Hawaii, with a membership of 6,570 maintained its hold on top position among 31 posts with 2,000 or more members in the National Organization during the six-month period ending last Dec. 31. * * * Rep. Olin Teague, (Texas), Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, has introduced a bill (H.R. 15911) to increase rates and income limitations relating to payment of pensions and parents' dependency and indemnity compensation. * » * American Legion National Commander J. Milton Patrick has received a letter of thanks and appreciation from E. Roland Harriman, Chairman of the American National Red Cross, for the nationwide Holiday Blood Campaign conducted by the Legion from Dec. 7, 1969 to Jan. 7, 1970. The Veterans Administration recently completed interviews with some U50 Civil War widows on its rolls to see if they might be eligible for the $50 extra monthly pension provided those who require aid and attendance of another person. WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—Danny Scholl, former acting and singing star of stage, screen and television, has been named Handicapped American of the Year by the President's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped. A World War II veteran and a member of Bond-Hill-Roselawn American Legion Post i+27 in Cincinnati, Scholl provided the entertainment for Past American Legion National Commander Galbraith's banquet honoring the Congress of the United States in 1968 and did similar honors for Commander Patrick at events in his home com- munity last January. After suffering several strokes he has been able to overcome his handicap to entertain at a limited extent. WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—A bill to restrict the letting of contracts by Federal agencies for guards, elevator operators , messengers and custodians has been introduced by Rep. Arnold Olsen of Montana. Approval of the Olsen bill will give effect to a resolution of the 1969 National Convention, and will preclude the by passing of the Federal Civil Service Register to fill these types of vacancies by contracting with civilian agencies for such services. The civilian contractors are not bound to extend preference to veterans in hiring personnel. -alns- QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811 For release 2-27-70 INDIANAPOLIS™ (ALNS) —Wayne E. Marchand Post 28 of Okinawa, R.I., Department of Hawaii, with a membership of 6,570, maintained its hold on top position among king- size American Legion posts for the six-month period ending last Dec. 31. Legion National Commander J. Milton Patrick of Skiatook, Okla. , also announced that the Okinawa Post is one of 31 posts with 2,000 or more members in the National Organization. Lincoln Post 3 of Lincoln, Neb. , with 6,0l+6 members, continued as runner-up for top membership among king-size posts. The complete list of king-size posts follows: POST CITY DEPARTMENT MBSP. 1. Wayne E. Marchand Post No. 28 Okinawa, R.I. Hawaii 6,570 2. Lincoln Post No. 3 Lincoln Nebraska 6,01+6 3. Minneapolis-Richfield Post No. 1+35 Minneapolis Minnesota 5,688 1+. Leyden-Chiles-Wickersham Post No. 1 Denver Colorado 5,1+02 5. Omaha Post No. 1 Omaha Nebraska U,758 6. Claude A. Thorp Post No. 10 Clark Air Base Philippines U.127 7. Alonzo Cudworth Post No. 23 Milwaukee Wisconsin 3,930 8. Lowe-McFarlane Post No. ik Shreveport Louisiana 3,851 9. Westphal Post No. 251 Robbinsdale- Minnesota 3,513 Crystal 10. Adam Plewacki Post No. 799 Buffalo New York 3,319 11. East Liberty Post No. 5 East Liberty Pennsylvania 3,21+3 12. Gilbert C. Grafton Post No. 2 Fargo North Dakota 3,216 13. Hanford Post No. 5 Cedar Rapids Iowa 3,171 ll+. Braxton-Perkins Post No. 25 Newport News Virginia 3,0lU 15. Harvey W. Seeds Post No. 29 Miami Florida 2,81+6 16. Nicholson Post No. 38 Baton Rouge Louisiana 2,76l 17. Oklahoma City Post No. 35 Oklahoma City Oklahoma 2.671 18. Nashville Post No. 5 Nashville Tennessee 2^61+ 19. Memphis Post No. 1 Memphis Tennessee 2,559 20. Sioux Falls Post No. 15 Sioux Falls South Dakota 2,1+78 21. Summers-Whitehead Post No Ik Chattanooga Tennessee 2,332 22. Los Angeles Police Post No. 381 Los Angeles California 2,330 23. Parkville Post No. 183 Parkville Maryland 2,327 2k. Luke-Greenway Post No. 1 Phoenix Arizona 2,317 25. Commonwealth Edison Post No. 118 Chicago Illinois 2,125 26. Carson-Wilson Post No. 1 Tulsa Oklahoma 2,072 27. Hammond Post No. 3 Kingsport Tennessee 2,065 28. Capitol Post No. 1 Topeka Kansas 2,052 29. Lloyd Spetz Post No. 1 Bismarck North Dakota 2,01+2 30. William G. Carroll Post No. 26 Minot North Dakota 2,01+0 31. Hickory Post No. 1+8 Hickory North Carolina 2,023 -alns- QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 KSt., N. W. m Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 s (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811 For release 2-27-70 WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—Rep. Olin Teague, (Texas) Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, has introduced a bill (H.R. 15911) to increase rates and income limitations relating to payment of pensions and parents' dependency and indemnity compensation. Rate in the proposed scale would provide, on the average, an increase of slightly more than 10 percent over the rates in the current scale. Approximately 1.1-million pensioners, most of whom have had a social security increase, would also receive an increase in pension; 33^ thousand would receive the same amount of pension despite the fact they had received a social security increase; and, 176.5 thousand pensioners would receive slightly less pension because of the social security increase. The greatest pension loss would be $7 per month compared to a minimum social security increase of $9 per month, however, a $9 increase in social security would not cause any pensioner to suffer a reduction in his pension. Those who would lose a small amount of pension fall into the following categories: Number Cases Monthly Reduction 12,500 $1 57,000 $2 15,500 $3 25 ,000 $1* 5,000 $5 51,000 $6 10,000 $7 Total 176,500 No pensioner would lose his pension as the result of his social security. For those receiving pension under the protected pension law, an increase of $300 in the income limitation would prevent loss of pension because of an increase in the pensioners social security; 26,000 protected law pensioners would benefit from this provision. For parents receiving dependency and indemnity condensation, k2 ,800 would receive an increase. Fewer than one thousand would receive the same rate and fewer than one thousand would suffer a slight loss of pension due to the social security increase. No parent would lose dependency and indemnity compensation because of an increase in social security. -alns- INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—Three Indiana governors, all American Legionnaires, participated in the 11th District of Indiana's 1970 Distinguished Citizen's Award banquet with one of the trio, Harold W. Handley, being the recipient of the award. Former Hoosier Gov. Roger Branigin served as master of ceremonies for the popular program which traditionally draws capacity attendance in the National Headquarters city, and the incumbent Gov. Edgar Whitcomb was present as a head table guest. -alns- QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION- ■THE AMERICAN LEGION C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 0 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811 For release 2-27-70 WASHINGTON—(ALMS)~American Legion National Commander J. Milton Patrick received a letter of thanks and appreciation from E. Roland Harriman, Chairman of the American National Red Cross , for the nationwide Holiday Blood Campaign conducted by the Legion from Dec. 7, 1969 to Jan. 7, 1970. Following is the text of the message: "It has always seemed strange to me that in December, when people everywhere are making plans to remember their friends and relatives, that the number of blood donors who come forward, diminishes at a time when extensive travel places an especially heavy drain on the resources of the Blood Program. "To put it in an old-fashioned way, it is a comfort to know that our friends of The American Legion at National Headquarters, in the State Departments, and in the local Posts, are aware of this need and are willing to exert themselves to help correct the sometimes critical situations that develop. "Please extend to your membership our sincere gratitude for their efforts in this Blood Donor Campaign, as together we look forward to continuing joint efforts in behalf of the people of America." -alns- WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—The Veterans Administration recently completed interviews with some 1+50 Civil War widows on its rolls to see if they might not be eligible for the $50 extra monthly pension provided those who require the regular aid and attendance of another person. A total of 1*37 such widows now receive the VA's "aid and attendance" allowance compared to 110 before the interviews. The United States provided for payments to disabled Union veterans and widows in l86l~62 even before President Lincoln said, in his second inaugural address, March k, 1865, "Let us strive ... to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan ..." Confederates were added to VA compensation and pension rolls in July 1958 and today 51 percent of the widows on the VA rolls are from the South. Widows of Union and Confederate soldiers range in age up to 107. The last Confederate veteran, Walter W. Williams, Houston, died Dec. 19, 1959, at the age of 117. The last Union veteran, Albert Woolson, Duluth, died Aug. 2, 1956, at the age of 109. -alns- WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—Rep. Olin E. Teague (Texas) recently introduced for The American Legion H.R. 15802, a bill to provide mustering-out payments to veterans of the Vietnam era up to a maximum of $500. Approval of H.R. 15802 would give effect to Resolution 162 of the 1969 Legion National Convention. -alns- QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE 0Q4D 'NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION —THE AMERICAN LEGION C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 0 (317) 635-8411 (202)393-4811 For release 2-27-TO WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—American Legion National Commander J. Milton Patrick has been presented with an engraved portrait of President Richard M. Nixon by the members of Bureau of Engraving Post No. 23. The portrait was presented at a ceremony in the Washington Headquarters by Post Commander Richard E. Anderson and Past Commander James Kehoe. In making the presentation, Post Commander Anderson pointed out that the engraved portrait of the President is a sample of the engraving the Bureau does on stamps, currency and awards for the military. Past Commanders of Post 23 include John Conlon, Director of the Bureau of Engraving, and John Fitzgerald, who directed the preparation and printing of The American Legion's 50th Anniversary stamp. ~alns~ INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)--William J. Caldwell, U2, of 33T W. U6th St., Indianapolis , has been appointed to The American Legion National Headquarters staff here as a membership consultant assigned to the Legion's Membership and Post Activities division, by National Adjutant William F. Hauck. Caldwell, who served as a first lieutenant in the Field Artillery in Korea, is a 1951 graduate of West Virginia State College, where he majored in sociology. He served eight years as a mail carrier for the Post Office Department, and for ten years as manager of an A&P grocery in Indianapolis. His duties at the Legion Headquarters will include the planning of readjust- ment services for returning veterans of the Vietnam conflict through the Legion's nearly 16,200 local posts. He will also be assigned to assist local groups of veterans to form new American Legion posts, primarily in areas and neighborhoods which, because of population growth and shifts, are presently not being served by an existing post. Active in Boy Scout work, Caldwell is a Troop Committee Chairman. He is married to the former Barbara Hale and they are the parents of five children. —alns— Charleston, W. Va. •—(ALNS)—Boyd B. Stutler , of this city, former Assistant National Public Relations Director of The American Legion and for 18 years managing editor of The American Legion Magazine, died Thursday, February 19, 1970. A World War I veteran, he was a charter member of the John Brawley Post 20 here, he had served as historian, service officer and commander at the post level and as adjutant of the Department of West Virginia in 1928-30. In World War II he served as a war correspondent for American Legion publications in the Pacific theatre. —alns—