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THE AMERICAN

Vol. 146, No. 4 The Magazine fop a Strong America ARTICLES

SPACE: THE NEXT STEPS By James Oberg Is the International Space Station worth the price?

MIR VET RECALLS 'BACHELOR PAD' interview Military service helped astronaut prepare for space.

NO MORE TASK FORCE SMITHS By Harry G. Summers Jr. Declining defense budget takes toll on force readiness.

ANAHEIM: WAYS AND MEANS City prepares for Legion convention with discounted fares.

YANKEE QUIPPER By Terry Coffey Baseball great Yogi Berra gives credit to American Legion baseball.

BURGERS & UGLY By Richard Powell Some laws are good for a laugh.

BREAKING THE MOLD By Terry Coffey Michigan DepartmentDEPARTMENTSuses teamwork in formula for success.

BIG ISSUES Should the United States fund the International Space Station?

VETVOICE I VETERANS UPDATE

COMMANDER'S MESSAGE ON DUTY PARTING SHOTS

WASHINGTON WATCH LEGION NEWS

COVER A space shuttle blasts off on yet another mission. Shuttles will be used extensively during

the construction of the International Space Station. For more, please see page 10. nasa photo.

The American Legion Magazine, a leader among national general-interest publications, is published monthly by The American Legion for its 2.7 million members. These wartime veterans, working through

nearly 1 5,000 community-level Posts, dedicate themselves to God and country and traditional Ameri- can values; strong national security; adequate and compassionate care for veterans, their widows and orphans; community service; and the wholesome development of our nation's youths.

1999 • THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • APRIL \ ! 0

Revolutionary "2-in-1" i TRIMMER/MOWER ™!J Takes the place of both your hand-held jm FOR trimmer and small-wheels rotary mower! ij GOD AND COUNTRY 700 N. Pennsylvania St. P.O. Box 1055 • The I)K TRIMMER/MOWER rolls Indianapolis, IN 46206 • light as a feather on two BIG WHEELS / Perfect 317-630-1200 for ALL National Commander • TRIMS far easier, better, Harold L. "Butch" Miller \ mowing and more precisely than hand trimming Publisher/Editor-in-Chief held trimmers. Plus, | Dick McNally » around smaller MOWS everything from Executive Editor properties, vaca- John B. Raughter whole lawns (even wet!) tion homes, etc., Art Director to tough waist-high and for finish-up with grass and weeds mowing and ease! trimming after • Rocks, roots, riding mowers Contributing Editor stumps, etc., do it on larger parcels. Assistant Editors no harm because A delight for Layne Cameron the "DR®" has no anyone to use' Terry Coffey steel blade Editorial Administrator ~ Patricia Marschand to bend or dull.

So, WHY HASSLE with YES! Please rush FREE DETAILS of the General Administration Revolutionary DR" TRIMMER/MOWER" including hand-held trimmers or Robyn Black prices and specifications for Manual and Electric-Starting Robin Bowman small-wheels mowers? Models and 'Oi l-Season" Savinsis now in effect. Production Manager Please call TOLL FREE or mail coupon at right for FREE Production Assistant Mary Magee DETAILS of the Revolutionary Advertising Manager To: COUNTRY HOME PRODUCTS Dept. 4942T DR® TRIMMER/MOWER™! j Meigs Road. P.O. Box 25. Vergennes. VT 0549 1 I U.S. Govt. Purchasers GSA Contract #GS07F-8717D Advertising Assistants Cathy Frakes Susan M. Bader The American Legion Magazine P.O. Box 7068 SEMPER MEMOR Indianapolis, IN 46207 Publisher's Representatives A tribute to our men and women Fox Associates, Inc. 312-644-3888 in military service, past and present. Chicago: New York: 212-725-2106 Los Angeles: 310-841-0280 Crafted in America, the SEMPER ^tm^ Detroit: 248-543-0068 MEMOR (ALWAYS MINDFUL) J5^^ Atlanta: 404-252-0968

11 ''! "> San Francisco: 415-989-5804 lapei pin* features sections of IW \ y The American Legion Magazine Commission the Great Seal of the United \ \ Tc°Z" A I Milford A. Forrester, Chairman, Greenville, SC; Dennis J. States. The thirteen stars and Henkemeyer, Vice Chairman, St. Cloud, MN; James P. Comiskey, National Commander's Representative, Pitts- stripes symbolize the will and y*\ / r I burgh, PA; Lawrence VanKuran, Encino. CA; Theodore R. spirit of our founders. The four I ~^^_J \ ove Old Glory Hartmann, Smithton, IL; J. Leslie Brown, Jr., Louisville, KY; blue stars represent Army, Navy, |l Joseph F. Chase, Hatboro, PA; Donald R. Conn, South |||||!| Bend, IN; James W. Conway, Boston, MA; Hoy Haught, Air Force and Marines. A lone f*'f&*- H Featuring John Schneider Huntsville, AR; James H. Hall, Hopewell, NJ; Halbert G. Laurel, Eugene gold star honors our fallen /^/ and Friends Horton, Topeka, KS; Bettylou Evans, DE; J. Kelley, Savannah, GA; Russell H. Laird. Des Moines, IA; warriors. Proudly wear your (y,^, J. Mitchell, Brewton, AL; J.O. Berthelot, Gonzales, LA; 4 Help support your state's call for a Fred SEMPER MEMOR on Armed " III, CT; Jerrold Wilson, constitutional amendment to protect Everett G. Shepard Woodstock, W. Sr., Harrison, OH; Tom C. Smith, Oklahoma City, OK; Forces Day, Memorial Day, every day. the U.S. flag from physical desecration Henry E. Lamb Sr., Lacey, WA; Robert E. Vass Sr., Hunt- while enjoying a medley of patriotic ington, WV; James J. Charleston, Arlington Hgts., IL and *Also available as tie tac, money dip, bolo tie, ladies pin songs, including "I Love Ola Glory" Casimir F. Sojka, New Rochelle, NY, consultants. or pendant charm. Check box on form below for price list. written by U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch. Copyright 1999 by The American Legion Allow 3-6 weeks for delivery. Satisfaction Guaranteed. Other songs include "God Bless Ameri- The American Legion (ISSN 0886-1234) is published You may return any SEMPER MEMOR item for monthly by The American Legion, 5561 W. 74th Street, ca," "Armed Forces Medley," and "Boo- a full refund within 30 days of receipt. Indianapolis, IN 46268. Periodicals postage paid at Indiana- gie Woogie Bugle Boy." polis, IN 46204 and additional mailing offices. non-member and gift subscriptions, $15 ($21, for- 10 song cassette tapes and compact Annual eign); Post-sponsored and widows' subscriptions, $6; single discs are available by sending a check to: copy, $3.50. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The American Legion, Input Services, P.O. Box 1954, Indianapo- Please send me the SEMPER MEMOR lapel pin. Enclosed is The American Legion/CFA lis, IN 46206. Internet address: http://www.legion.org. my check for $l(l ( includes all shipping ami li.inillinij costs). P.O. Box 7 1 97 Please send your special price list/order form for Change of Address: Notify The American Legion, Input Indianapolis, IN 46207-7 1 97 Indianapolis, IN 46206. SEMPER MEMOR jewelry and other gift items. Services, P.O. Box 1954, (317) Phone: 3 1 7/630- 1 384 328-4640. Attach old address label, provide old and new Name addresses and current membership car d number. Cassette tape: $ 1 Canada Post International Publications Mall (Canadian Address Compact disc: $15 Distribution) Sales Agreement No. 546321. Re-entered Plus $2 shipping and handling second-class mail matter at Manila Central Post office City/State/Zip dated Dec. 22, 1991. **Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery Printed in USA

iSE Grand Rapids. Ml Willi Member Audit Bureau of Circulations

2 • THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • APRIL 1999

ration and offered at substantial dis- In the Background counts at military commissaries. THE February cover a Dou- It might be worth noting Cooksey DNglas Invader A-26 sits in the represents a tobacco-producing background, but there is no men- state, which no doubt colors his tion of the A-26 in your article. opinion. I flew many missions over William D. Mayers Europe as a gunner in an A-26 with Canastota, N.Y. the 409th Bomb Group, Ninth Air Force. My gripe is that the public knows only the B-17, B-24, P-51, We Have the Technology etc. We were part of the Ninth ENTHUSIASM of the present Bomber Command along with the THEadministration for using Ameri- 410th and 416th before D-Day. We can troops as part of a NATO were flying A-20s in November force involved in the internal affairs 1944, then we received the A-26s of a sovereign European nation was and finished out the war with them. well expressed when Secretary of The 409th Bomb Group Asso- State Madeleine Albright said (para- ciation prepared a history of their phrased), "What's the point of hav- effort, and a copy is available in the ing all this high-tech military stuff if Library of Congress. you don't use it?" John H. Cartwright Jr. As we remember our current Frisco, Texas president was opposed to such the American legion magazine involvement when there was a welcomes letters concerning articles that chance his own hide was on the line. appear in the publication. Letter writers Smoking Preference J.W. Moorhouse are also encouraged to submit photographs of themselves for possible READ Rep. Cooksey's response Maineville, Ohio publication with their letters. Be sure to I in January's Vetvoice, and it include your hometown and a daytime angered me. I am a nonsmoking

phone number for verification. All veteran. I don't mind helping these Tainted Tag letters are subject to editing. Send your veterans who have tobacco-related GLAD to see your magazine opinions to: claims. I am also one of the fortu- I'Mmarked the anniversary of the The American Legion Magazine nate ones who may never use my bombing of Pearl Harbor. Recent- P.O. Box 1055 VA benefits. ly I saw a license plate in Maryland, Indianapolis, IN 46206 Cooksey emphasized these claims "Pearl Harbor Survivor." The prob- You can also contact us via e-mail would be a waste of taxpayers' lem was that it was displayed on a directly or through the World Wide money. I hope this same philosophy Honda. Had I been a survivor of Web: applies to congressional junkets and Pearl Harbor, I would never buy a e-mail: [email protected] other perks that his office awards Japanese automobile. Internet: http://www.legion.org him. I hope every veteran in Andrew A. Kroessler Louisiana remembers him at election Silver Spring, Md. time. He and his cohorts will take all of our benefits if we let them. Jim Bernard Sans Salute Hooked on Flying Elwood, Ind. SEEMS the Massachusetts leg- IAYNE CAMERON'S article on ITislature has done what all our ene- the Confederate Air Force ("Still mies in history have failed to do - Flying After All These Years," Smoke Alarm deprive honorably discharged veter- February) really flicked my switch. I COOKSEY'S protest of ans a proper final service with rifle REP. need more! Is there an address I can innocence does not let him off and volley. write to request a schedule? Do they the hook. He insists that com- If we understand that state's gov- tour as a group? I'd really like to see pensation for tobacco-related illness erning body correctly, honor guards their next show. and disability, incurred as a result of will not be allowed to take firearms Michael Dippery soldiers becoming addicted to tobac- into any public area. Apparently, Stewartstown, Pa. co usage while on active duty, this will include cemeteries. Every would be an unwarranted handout. vet in that state should let their dis- Editor' s note: For more informa- Soldiers may have been vaguely pleasure be heard - loud enough to tion on the Confederate Air Force, aware of the dangers of tobacco, but oppose this slap against those who call or write: Confederate Air Force I assure you the government knew. have served God and Country. Headquarters, P.O. Box 6200, Mid- Despite this knowledge, a pack of W.D. Hood land, TX 79711-2000; (915)563-1000. cigarettes was included in every C- Heher Springs, Ark

4 • THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • APRIL 1999 NEWS YOU CAN USE The Natural Science Breakthrough in Arthritis Pain Relief

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taken out of context. What's your Finish the Job point? READ with interest the November Coolidge was a moral, honest and I article by Anthony Miller, "The decent man - qualities much lacking Unfinished Business of World War in today's White House. President II." I have a deep and abiding respect Coolidge addressed The American for the veterans of that war and feel Legion on several occasions. Please that my generation owes a debt of check your archives and see what he gratitude to them for what they had to say about you or rather your accomplished. father's fathers. Many of my relatives served in Jim Cooke some capacity. My father served in Dorchester, Mass. With The SunSetter the Navy and was stationed in New Retractable Awning! Guinea. My mother worked in an air- Tired of having your outdoor enjoy craft plant assembling wings for B-24 Proper Diet ment ruined by Opens & Closes bombers. My wife's father was also IITH INTEREST I read "Change unpredictable In Just Seconds! in the Navy while her uncle was a 'of Habit," in the December weather? crew member of the USS Pennsylva- w issue. I would like to add a cou- At last there is nia during that fateful day of Dec. 7, ple of items which I think would be a solution! 1941. These are just a few examples helpful to anyone suffering from dia-

It's the incredi- from an entire generation who gave betes. ble SunSetter so much for the freedom of America Limiting fats and calories and Retractable and much of the world. eliminating sugar were the only items Awning! An This is why I'm interested in see- mentioned. Carbohydrate and starch easy-to-use... & ing the World War II Memorial com- consumption play an equal role in affordable way pleted and dedicated in a timely man- managing diabetes.

to ner. I can't believe only $28 million I would recommend consulting a outsmart the of the necessary $100 million needed dietitian and finding a good diet you Choose full sun, par- weather and has been raised. I wonder how much can comply with. tial shade or total pro- start enjoying tection! of the money was donated by mem- It worked for me. your deck or bers of my generation. I believe much Allan L. Brinkhaus patio more...ram or shine! of it should come from the baby Sunset, La.

It's like adding an outdoor room! boomers who literally owe their way life to their fathers and mothers. Giving you instant protection from of The Ghost I challenge everyone to give glaring sun...or sudden showers! what they can to this worthy cause. WHOLEHEARTEDLY agree with Opening & closing effortlessly in The thanks is long overdue. Accord- I the letter written by Joseph D. less than 30 seconds! ing to the article, less than half of Martin in the January issue. He So, stop struggling with the weath- the World War II veterans are still suggested the issuance of a com-

er... Call for your FREE SunSetter with us. Let's get this memorial memorative stamp for the most dec- Catalog & Video...TODAY! completed so those remaining can orated hero of World War II. stand before it and touch it and be I differ, however, with the hero FREE Catalog* VideoJ honored in a way they deserve. I in question. I believe the stamp Call Doll free plan to be present at the dedication should commemorate Lt. Col. Matt 1-800-876-8060 Et sis to pay my respects to those who Urban. preserved our freedom. According to the Guiness Book of Dave Ledbetter World Records (1989) he was the Santa Clarita, Calif. most decorated combat soldier in World War II and in U.S. history. The Germans went as far as calling Coolidge Context him "The Ghost." He was wounded lEBRUARY'S "Parting Shots" fea- in action seven times, received 29 tured a Calvin Coolidge quote: medals for bravery, saw 20 months in F"When large numbers of men are front-line action and served in six unable to find work, unemployment major battle campaigns in five differ- results." ent countries. Maybe The American The quotation was extracted from Legion Magazine should print his one of Coolidge's newspaper story and begin to give him the credit columns written after he'd left the he so humbly deserves. presidency. I'll confess, it's a ridicu- Donald Godek lous statement, especially when Plymouth, Pa.

184 Charles Street • Dept 5115 • Maiden • MA 02148

6 • THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • APRIL 1999 ATTENTION VETERANS! Win Electric Mobility!

Stamped, Delivered WOULD like to inform The WEAmerican Legion about the Audie Murphy Stamp petition drive that started in Greenville, Texas, in September 1996. As of this date we have sent 65,218 names to the United States Postal Service. If you'd like to get more informa- tion on petitions, write: Otho Morgan Post 17, The American Legion, P.O. Box 717, Greenville, TX 75403. James T. Thomason Quinlan, Texas

Perjure Thyself

appalled at our judicial sys- IAMtem. We have just witnessed the fall of our Constitution as we know Join the Over iuu winners it, and our senators didn't have the guts to enforce it. Enjoying Independence! I am, of course, talking about the impeachment trial. Thanks to that, we The Electric Mobility Rascal is designed to give you the mobility and can now take perjury out of the dic- tionary. How long are we going to independence you've dreamed of! And now you can win a Rascal FREE in have to wait to take our country our Sweepstakes! The Rascal is a prize you'll use and enjoy EVERY DAY! It back? gives you the "instant mobility" you need to shop, visit friends and travel - Forest Nuesmeyer without depending on others! Take your Rascal everywhere! The remarkable Wapakoneta, Ohio Rascal is PORTABLE - the heaviest component is only 34 lbs.! It even sepa-

rates into compact sections that are guaranteed to fit in the trunk of your car! Second Offense PLUS, READ "Washington Watch" in • Start, stop and steer with "Just-One-Hand" controls! I December and realized we are vic- • The Rascal's a snap to refuel with it's built-in battery charger! standard. Lt. tims of a double • Rascals are backed by an 8-year Limited Drivetrain Warranty Cmdr. Kenneth Carkhuff was and Lifetime Frame Guarantee! grounded for "questioning the moral- • Medicare and Private Insurance reimbursable if you qualify! ity of leading women into combat." Meanwhile, the Commander in • Electric Mobility is a contracted supplier of scooters and Chief can't make up his mind on powerchairs to Veterans Administration Centers nationwide! what he remembers about his affairs. • Already in use by thousands of Veterans throughout Yet, he is still in office. Shouldn't we the U.S.A.! have one standard? are What we • Rascals are proudly made in the U.S.A.! teaching our children? John Clauser Auburn, Pa. The patented ConvertAb/e Option uses interchangeable front sections to convert Correction from a 3- or 4- wheel f THE CORRECT DATE for the scooter to a nimble Region 2 National Information Con- powerchair - ference ("Legion News," February) is without using tools. May 21-23, Coraopolis, Pa., Pitts- burgh Airport Marriott Hotel, Park- way West, 100 Aten Road, Coraopo- For a Free Color Catalog, Special Money-Saving Offer and to be lis, PA 15108. (800) 328-9297 or entered in the Rascal Mobility Sweepstakes, Return the Card or (412) 788-8800. Rooms will cost $59, and reservations must be made Call Toll Free 1-800-662-4548! by May 3. Electric Mobility, One Mobility Plaza, Dept. 9331, Sewell, NJ 08080

• • APRIL 1999 THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE ] Vets preference no longer ignored

ans' organizations to recognize (military) service as federal employment by our veterans." Iqj The law also ends a designer "reduction in force" gimmick in which federal agency managers

decide ahead of time which employees will fill remaining jobs after the RTF. This practice effec- tively rigs the system, short-circuiting fairness. Veterans preference has gotten a bad rap because its intent often has been misrepresented by opponents as a "quota system for veterans." to However, veterans preference is first and foremost

a "tiebreaker" in deciding whether a candidate is most qualified for a job or promotion in federal employment. Veterans with service-connected dis- abilities and those who earned a campaign or expeditionary medal get additional points. Veterans preference It doesn't enter the discus- sion unless a veteran is fully qualified for the job.

This is no "gimme," but an earned benefit that has survived judicial scrutiny ETERANS PREFERENCE is an by the Supreme Court and

earned benefit of military service, one lesser courts because it rec- reran that's misunderstood by many it's ognizes the nation's long- intended to help, and ignored by too standing commitment to many civil service officials obliged to fairness in its dealings with enforce the law. For more than half a veterans. Veterans prefer- century, veterans advocates have bat- ence is recognition of the tled to enforce provisions of the law fact that the veteran has Congress enacted as the Veterans already served in the high- Preference Act of 1944, the same est form of civil service

year it passed the original GI Bill. available - defense of To ensure hiring managers of federal agencies one's country. at last got the message, lawmakers last fall But the devil is in the approved the Veterans Employment Opportunities details, and concerns for Act of 1998, one of the best things to come out of turf and perks die hard, apparently nowhere more the second session of the 105th Congress. Redress reluctantly than the fiefdoms of official Washing- procedures put teeth in the act while serving to ton. In December, the Office of Personnel Man-

warn those who ignore the law that such a course is agement published interim regulations for imple- unwise. The bill's author, Rep. John L. Mica, R- menting the new law that drew angry responses Fla., (Sens. Max Cleland, D-Ga., and Chuck Hagel, from The American Legion and other veterans R-Neb., co-sponsored the bill in the Senate) argued groups. It's difficult to misread the act's clear lan-

that the act was a remedy to ensure qualified veter- guage, but OPM managed it by creating a special

ans could compete for federal government jobs on hiring authority, called Schedule "B," into which it a fair playing field. lumped all those eligible for veterans preference. "Unfortunately, our federal workplace has The misguided move contradicts congressional become a barrier to employment opportunity, where intent by artificially limiting veterans' access to veterans sometimes are the very last hired and the jobs for which they are qualified. By late January,

first fired," Mica says. "This bill changes that prac- OPM's misstep was on its way to being remedied,

tice. This is the most significant veterans' legislation but it shows again that vigilance must bridge the to pass Congress in nearly a decade. This effort, in gap between a law's intent and its practice in the fact, culminates years of efforts by numerous veter- public arena.

| • THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • APRIL 1999 .

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Three decades alter the 'Space Race/ the United' States and Russia are teaming up to build a permanent International Space Station. The price is high and the benefits are sometimes exaggerated. Is it worth it?

even more amazing diplomatic bounty of scientific, technological one. And although construction and even diplomatic benefits

just began last December, it is from that program. widely seen as the beginning of a Today, in a vastly different in- march to Mars and other worlds. ternational climate, Russia has

Space activities are at an all- joined the United States and its time high. A fleet of deep-space traditional partners - Europ'e*. probes is now exploring Mars Canada and Japan -in the

APRIL 1999 • LEGION MAGAZINE • THE AMERICAN ]\ hundred-billion dollar, five-year con- struction project leading to a permanent The ultimate space laboratory, workshop and observa- goal of [the space tory. Supporters of the project promise a should be expected to fail. Experience host of beneficial discoveries in technolo- program] involves has usually shown that explorers and re- gy, medicine and other advanced fields searchers aiming at one goal wind up once the facility is completed. the most intellectually finding even more valuable things that Russia's role in the project has be- were totally unanticipated, that could come extremely controversial, howev- exciting aspect ofpure not even have been predicted. Exam- er, because a host of problems has frus- ples range from America itself, to X-

trated the optimistic promises of five rays, to rubber vulcanization. So it is a years ago, when the Clinton administra- centuries-long American tradition to go tion brought the Russians on board. the question of life search, based on the faith - a faith rein- The International Space Station will forced by our historical experience - be assembled piece by piece using elsewhere in the that the very process of searching pro- NASA shuttles and Russian rockets to vides long-term spectacular payoffs. send modules and supplies into orbit. In a similar vein, all of the official

Designed to last 10 years or more, it is public rationales for bringing the Rus- being built to be repairable (with re- special glass have all collapsed with the sians aboard the program five years ago placeable sections) and expandable, and advance of ground-based production have proven equally illusory. Their par- could easily remain in operation for technologies. Perpetual promises to ticipation did not save any money or decades if not longer. "cure cancer" are "pooh-poohed" by time; in fact the project will be more ex- other U.S. government and private pensive and delayed further due to their Big Promises. Observers with long agencies specifically dedicated to med- presence. Russia's highly valuable ex- memories have noticed that year by ical research. Descriptions of the unde- perience in space station operations was year, the promised payoffs of the space niably high value of earth observation for the most part ignored or overlooked station program have tended to shift overlook the fact that unmanned satel- by NASA experts in preparation for the from one benefit to another. At one time, lites already perform that task much new station. And the fear of the Russian space officials said the station could more reliably and cheaply. Well-docu- space industry's collapse, and conse- serve as a repair station and jump-off mented examples of profitable earthside quently of legions of unemployed point for other missions, but that idea technological "spin-offs" show that they "rocket scientists" selling their know- turned out to be unworkable. Expecta- most often come from NASA's pro- how to "rogue states," has come true tions of profitable space manufacturing grams using highly innovative technolo- anyway, unrestrained by Western pay- of medicines, electronics materials or gies, and for safety and budget reasons ments to the Russian space industry ap- manned space programs usually opt for proaching a billion dollars a year. James Oberg is a retired engineer of time-tested, off-the-shelf systems. Other long-range benefits not yet in the space shuttle program and a full- But in the big picture of exploration, view, however, may eventually prove time writer and speaker on space issues. all such attempts at predicting benefits the Russian decision was "right," or at

C |2 • THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • APRIL 1999 Introducing the new Bose Wave® radio/CD. What did Plus dual alarms that gently wake you to the CD track we do with a radio Popular Science called "a sonic marvel"? of your choice.

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r payment plan subject to change v least, a reasonable risk to take. The space station and commercial launch contracts have helped to tilt most of the Russian space industry westward, and has addicted a generation of Russian space officials to Western cash flow. In the long run, observers hope that this may have prevented more significant mischief by the Russians. But critics suggest Western money has merely helped tide the Russian space industry over during some tem- porary tough times, when otherwise it would have utterly collapsed. In that view, the partnership has helped Russian space workers survive until the country gets back on its feet, re- pudiates Western agreements and goes off again on its own nationalis- tic, contrary course. The issue is un- decided, and only time will tell. Meanwhile, the International Space Station remains an important aspect of American foreign policy, and not only with regard to the Rus- sians. At a time when the United States enjoys a dominant position in world space activities, the multina- tional program helps direct other na- tional programs in a common direc- tion under U.S. leadership.

Deep Space. All of these joint pro- grams, and the commercial operations (communications, navigation, earth ob- ready providing detailed insights into from private sources. Last year, for the servation) that have come to dominate the climate of Mars, both now and in the first time ever, a privately funded space the planet's space spending, are limited distant past. The ultimate goal involves vehicle ventured near the moon and to near-Earth space. Once you look at probably the most intellectually excit- used lunar gravity to fling itself into a the moon and beyond, the sole players ing aspect of pure space exploration: the better orbit in order to serve customers. are governments, and almost exclusive- question of life elsewhere in the uni- Several venture capital engineering ly the U.S. government. verse. teams are nearing flight tests of com- Probably the most significant recent Meanwhile, humanity's reach ex- mercial satellite launch vehicles (as al- deep-space discovery was made a year tends farther and farther beyond Earth. ways in the private sector, many will ago by a small robot probe circling the Probes launched out of the solar system fail, but a few may succeed spectacu- moon. It confirmed earlier indications 20 years ago are nearing the boundary larly). In fact, a private fundraising that deep craters near the moon's north of true interstellar space, where the group awards a large cash "X-Prize" and south poles have collected ice, sun's magnetic and radiation fields are for excellence in commercial manned probably boiled off from passing overcome by unmeasured galactic space exploration. comets and deposited layer by layer forces. And NASA recently approved a Of all the millennium prophesies, over billions of years. At the very least, probe to Pluto - an eight-year mission this may be most credible: The late those ice layers are pages in a history beginning in 2004. This will complete 20th century will be remembered as book of the solar system. In more prac- the preliminary reconnaissance of all that brief epoch when human beings tical terms, the ice deposits, once ade- the planets - and many minor bodies first broke free from the limits of their quately studied, could serve as supplies such as asteroids and comets - that be- home world to establish an unbounded for drinking water and - when broken gan more than 40 years ago. three-dimensional civilization. In cen- into oxygen and hydrogen by electrical turies to come, when the names of power - for breathing air and rocket fuel Private Enterprise. Behind these bold movie stars, sports heroes, presidents for future explorers. government plans, the next great wave and even countries are forgotten, names One probe now on its way to Mars of space activity is just beginning - such as John Glenn, Yuri Gagarin and intends to land near that planet's south private space commerce. As men- Neil Armstrong will live on in the lim- pole and also measure ice layers, for tioned earlier, year by year, the fund- itless consequences of their pioneering similar reasons. Other probes are al- ing for space will increasingly come achievements.

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Mir Vet Recalls 'Bachelor Pad'

A colonel In the Air National Guard, NASA's Inventor of the Year and a flight

surgeon, Astronaut David Wolf proves that he has "the Right Stuff.

AVID WOLF is one of seven Americans who spent several months aboard the Russian space American Legion Magazine: Dr. Wolf, how station Mir as part of a "get acquainted" joint pro- did your military experience prepare you for living gram in preparation for the International Space aboard Mir? Station. Born in Indiana, he earned a degree in electrical engineering at Purdue and a doctorate of Dr. David Wolf : I feel a military background is medicine at Indiana University before joining very important for all the work at NASA. It takes the NASA, where he specialized in space-conducted "selfness" out, the idea of doing things "for me," where medical research. A colonel in the Air National each task is seen as a way of getting "me" ahead. No, the Guard, Wolf participated in dozens of worldwide important thing is how to get the job done. It taught me to deployments as a flight surgeon. After being jump in and do the hardest, most difficult task.

named NASA's "Inventor of the Year," he was selected as an I was able to feel good doing the junior guy's duties in astronaut. He flew aboard the Space Shuttle in 1993 and again flight. That kind of teamwork is the kind the military clear- for a four-month Mir expedition last year. ly instills. In this interview with James Oberg, the 42-year-old bachelor tells The American Legion Magazine about his 0. What was Mir like? adventures on Mir and the impact his military training has Alt was a filthy bachelor pad when I got there. Food had on his career as an astronaut. crumbs and coffee stains were everywhere. Condensed

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2. MarkeTrak Independent Customer Survey sampled 5,000 hearing-aid users throughout the United States. AudioZoom scored significantly higher in 28 of 34 categories including overall satisfaction and performance in background noise. Complete results available on request. water clung in globs around equipment and on walls, shuttle hatch, I was assaulted by odors of grass, of bushes, behind panels. of cars, even of buildings. I thought, "This is how a dog

senses the world." After a few days it returned to normal.

0. Did it smell bad? A There was no smell. Their filters really remove all Q. There was a lot of public concern about its safety. odors very effectively. I remember my sense of smell What did you do to prepare for emergencies? sharpening, so much that when we landed and opened the A I kept a small "crash kit" near me at all times, if I had to run for the Soyuz [landing capsule]. For power fail- ures, I had extra batteries, maybe 10 AA's, plus a little food and a drink, a pocket knife. I had a small bag of exposed film, a few other items. I had pre-positioned some warm clothes in the Soyuz so I was ready to get into the Soyuz

even if I was naked.

Q- Was learning Russian difficult for you? A After about six or seven months of immersion, it sud- denly crystallizes, you see how to guess from context,

how to make words from parts. It becomes clear. At that point I canceled my ordinary classes and dove directly into

technical Russian, where I could recognize words from con-

text and from technical meanings. It was a much more effi-

cient way of learning the Russian I needed. And it opened

up enough spare time that I could socialize enough to really 4> get comfortable speaking only Russian.

Q. Your crew commander, Anatoliy Solovyov, speaks English fairly well. Did he ever help you out in flight? A Anatoliy never spoke English to me the whole flight. He was an intensely nationalistic Russian, and he wasn't all that sure that our partnership was the right direction to be going. He doubted the value of the Ameri- can involvement; he was sure the Russians could do

everything better in space. But I think the mission did a lot to change his mind. My goal was to make them not able to get along without my help; I took on all the dirty work that they couldn't.

Q. Has there been an improvement in American-Russ- ian interpersonal relations? Astronaut David Wolf creates a sandwich onboard the Earth-orbit- Yes. In my current duties, EVA (Extra Vehicular ing Space Shuttle Endeavor. A Activities, space walks), I've noticed a distinct improvement in relations since the STS-88 mission (began CONSTRUCTION IN SPACE building the International Space Station). Morale is up, meetings go smoother. They've clearly gotten more posi- a veteran of the ASTRONAUT DAVID WOLF, tive in their relations with us. Space Shuttle Endeavor STS-89 crew, spent four months aboard the Russian Space Station Mir. Q. Compare the pacing on your two flights, the two- An American astronaut teaming with Russian week shuttle flight and the four-month Mir mission. cosmonauts was once unimaginable. The Cold War The shuttle flight is a sprint race; it's highly choreo- provided the momentum the Americans needed to beat A graphed. You can dip into your pre-flight energy the Soviets to the moon 30 years ago. Today, Russia has reserves to some degree. On Mir, you have to operate at a joined the United States, Europe, Canada and Japan as level that can be sustained indefinitely. partners in a five-year construction project which will easiest on Mir, I still worked lead to a permanent space laboratory, workshop and But you know, on my day observatory. harder than on my hardest day on the shuttle. On shuttle Construction of the International Space Station will flights the crew activity is constrained by planning guide- rely on NASA shuttles and Russian rockets to send lines - I guess they need to hold back some reserves for modules and supplies into orbit. Nevertheless, the emergencies. On Mir, since you don't have to land imme- instability of the Russian government and problems diately, you can coast, handle the emergencies, rest in aboard Mir have led some to criticize the alliance. between. On the station, you really can run further into your reserves.

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By Col. Harry G. Summers Jr.

N 1990 ARMY Chief of Staff Gen. Gordon Sullivan took a vow as America's armed forces began their post-Cold War drawdown: "No more Task Force Smiths!" He was referring to the hol- 52nd Field Artillery Battalion. Under vised. Sad to say, "Task Force Smith" low military that followed the the command of Lt. Col. Charles B. had been the norm in American mili- rapid demobilization of the Smith, that task force was the first U.S. tary history. Again and again, the na- armed forces after World War ground combat team committed to the tion bought time to mobilize with its II and specifically to the Korean War. Like the rest of the Army soldiers' lives by sending ill-equipped

"Gimlets" of the 1st Battalion, 21st In- in 1950, it was woefully unprepared for and unprepared units into the breach. fantry and their comrades in Battery A, combat. Task Force Smith suffered ter- rible losses, effectively sacrificing itself Familiar Pattern. In a remarkable Harry G. Summers, a retired Army to blunt the North Korean invasion and speech in 1923, then Maj. (later Gener- colonel, writes on geo-political and buy time for the nation to mobilize and al of the Army) George C. Marshall military issues. He is a frequent con- deploy. traced that pattern back to the War of tributor to this magazine. Sullivan's caution remains well ad- 1812. Citing examples from that war,

20 • THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • APRIL 1999 ,

About 500,000 personnel and 24 fighter wings made up the Air Force of 1991. Today's Air Force has 367,470 people and 13 fighter wing equivalents.

its reduction." activated. Once that war was won, fur- "Forgetting almost immediately the ther cuts were announced. This time bitter lesson of unpreparedness, they there was an attempt to apply some ratio- demanded and secured the reduction of nality to those reductions. the Army." Marshall must have reflect- "Our future military will be smaller," ed on those words when he was ap- said Bush in August 1991. "By mid-

pointed Army Chief of Staff Sept. 1 decade our forces can be some 25 percent 1939, the day World War II erupted in smaller than the force we maintained in Europe. America had an ill-equipped the last days of the Cold War. These Army of 190,000 and an Army Air planned reductions will cut our force to a Corps smaller than that of the Nether- minimally acceptable level - to a Base lands. That Army paid the price in Force below which further reductions blood in 1942 at Bataan and Corregidor would not be prudent." in the Philippines and at Faid and Kasserine Pass in North Africa as The Base Force. The Bush administra- America mobilized for war. tion's 1991 "Base Force" reduced mil- After that massive 8,268,000-person itary force levels from their 1980s peak mobilization led to victory in 1945, the of 3,358,000, to 2,554,000. Active Army reverted to form and dwindled to a Army divisions were reduced from 18 hollow force of 593,000. By the out- to 12 and National Guard divisions break of the Korean War in June 1950, from 10 to eight. Active Navy surface its 10 active divisions had worn-out combatants and attack submarines fell World War II-vintage equipment, and from 287 to 192, including a reduction each fielded two rather than three battal- in aircraft carriers from 15 to 11. The ions in its infantry regiments and only Air Force was reduced from 24 active two rather than three firing batteries in its and 12 reserve tactical air wings to 12 artillery battalions. Appointed Secretary active and eight reserve wings. Only of Defense in September 1950 to mobi- the Marines remained unchanged at lize the nation and lead the military out three Marine expeditionary forces, of the disasters of its initial battles, Mar- each with a Marine infantry division, a shall once again had to reflect on how Marine aircraft wing and a combat ser- the Mexican War, the Civil War, the tragically prescient his words had been vice support element. Spanish-American War and World 27 years earlier. This Base Force would be organized War I, he noted that after paying the That pattern appeared to be repeating into a nuclear-triad force package for price in blood at the outset because of itself in the wake of the Cold War. In a deterrent and retaliatory purposes and unpreparedness, America finally move unprecedented in history, President three conventional force packages for brought its mobilization capability to Bush in August 1990 announced a major forward presence and crisis manage- bear to bring each war to a successful reduction in the size of the U.S. military ment. The Atlantic force would include conclusion. But once won, "the public on the same day he committed the nation a two-division Army corps and three mind ran away from the tragedies of to the Persian Gulf War. Two brigades of Air Force fighter wings in Europe, rein- the war and the reasons therefore, and the 2nd Armored Division, for example, forced by three U.S. -based active and became obsessed with the magnitude were committed to battle piecemeal be- six reserve Army divisions and two ac- of the public debt and the problems of cause their parent division was being de- tive and 10 reserve Air Force fighter

• • APRIL 1999 THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE 21 "Whether it [the United States] could conduct two major regional contingencies simultaneously, or in terms of the 1998 budget statement, nearly simultaneously, is questionable." - "The Military Balance"

wings. Naval forces would include a carrier battle group, an amphibious ready group and a Marine expeditionary unit in the Mediterranean and Indian Oceans, backed up by four U.S. -based carrier battle groups and a Marine expe- ditionary force. The Pacific force included an Army division and an Air Force fighter wing in Korea, and an Air Force fighter wing, a Marine expeditionary force, a Navy carrier group and an amphibious ready group stationed in Japan. U.S.- based reinforcements included an Army corps, one active and one reserve Air Force fighter wing, and five Navy carrier battle groups. The Contingency force included a five-division Army corps, seven Air Force fighter wings and one Marine ex- peditionary force.

The "Bottom-Up Review." The "Base contingencies" were announced as an levels resulted from the May 1997 Qua- Force" concept lasted less than two important part of the strategy. It was drennial Defense Review. Mandated by years, replaced by the Clinton adminis- confirmed that 100,000 troops would be the Congress, one of the QDR's major tration's "bottom-up review" or BUR maintained in Western Europe, about objectives was to free up funds for force announced in 1993. Instead of being re- 98,000 troops in Northeast Asia and modernization while maintaining annual

gionally oriented like its predecessor, it about 20,000 in the Middle East. The defense spending at some $250 billion. was ostensibly based on four "threats." most controversial aspect of the BUR That amount represented three percent of The first threat was nuclear weapons, strategy was the commitment that the the U.S. Gross Domestic Product, down especially' in the hands of terrorists. United States would be capable of han- from 6 percent in 1985. The second threat was "regional dan- dling two MRCs almost simultaneously While the QDR freed up some

gers." The third was "threats to democ- with a high probability of success and $60 billion for modernization, it was racy" and the fourth was "a weak econ- minimal American casualties. at a cost of further force reductions. omy." While the BUR retained the nu- Another controversial aspect was the The Air Force lost one active fighter clear forces provided for by the commitment of U.S. forces to multilat- wing and, while retaining its 10 active START II agreement, primary empha- eral peace enforcement and unilateral and eight National Guard divisions, sis was on conventional forces. intervention operations around the the Army's active strength was There was a further reduction of world. At the time, Gen. Colin Powell, reduced by 15,000 and Army 196,000 military personnel, bringing the the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, National Guard and Army Reserve Army down to 495,000 men and expressed his reservations about this strength was cut by 45,000. While

women, its lowest level since World new mission. the Navy retained its 1 1 aircraft carri- War II and almost 100,000 less than the "Now at the same time, because we ers, attack submarines were reduced pre-Korean War "hollow army." Active are able to fight and win the nation's from 73 to 50. The Marine Corps divisions were cut from 12 to 10, while wars, because we are warriors," he said, remained constant at three Marine National Guard divisions remained at "we're also uniquely able to do some of expeditionary forces. eight. Navy warships were reduced from these other new missions that are com- Assessing these reductions, the au- 192 to 165, with aircraft carriers remain- ing along - peacekeeping, humanitarian thoritative 1997-'98 edition of "The

ing at 1 1 . Air Force tactical wings re- relief, disaster relief - you name it, we Military Balance" stated, "The planned

mained constant at 12 active and eight can do it ... but we never want to do it in force structure ... would enable the reserve, and the Marine Corps force such a way that we lose sight of the fo- U.S. to participate in a major regional structure remained unchanged at three cus of why you have armed forces - to conflict, while also being engaged in Marine expeditionary forces. fight and win the nation's wars." As one or more lesser peacekeeping opera-

Three areas of the world were de- will be seen, there is a great danger that tions. ... Whether it could conduct clared vital to U.S. security - Western the United States has done just that. two major regional contingencies Europe, Northeast Asia and Southwest simultaneously, or in terms of the

Asia (i.e., the Middle East) and forward Quadrennial Defense Review. The 1998 budget statement, nearly simulta- deployments to those "major regional most recent reduction in military force neously, is questionable."

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defense spending over the next six years. While the president gave no commitment to specific numbers, the chiefs were reportedly encouraged by what they heard. But their encouragement might have been premature. White House aides said that Clinton must first decide how to propose using the projected sur- pluses in the Federal budget to avert the looming insolvency in the Social Security system. And then, they said, he could use any leftover surplus to pay for an increase for the military. In response, the Senate Armed Ser- vices Committee scheduled a military readiness hearing earlier this year, to ask the service chiefs for their frank opinion on readiness a month before To Fight and Win. This questioning short, the brass reported, there's a first- the 2000 defense budget was submit- of the ability of the U.S. military to order readiness crisis." It went on to ted. A possible purpose was to pressure accomplish its fundamental task of say, "The downward spiral is no recent the White House to pump more cash "fighting and winning the nation's development. Military spending has into the Defense Department's long- wars" reached the boiling point Sept. been declining for 14 years. At the term spending plans. 29, 1998, with a New York Times same time the operations tempo has It is encouraging that the issue of headline, "Joint Chiefs Accuse Con- been quickening." military readiness is receiving such gress of Weakening U.S. Defense." high-level attention. It is also encour- As the accompanying story made Peacekeepers. Asked the cause of this aging that as serious as conditions clear, the confrontation was not near- high pace of operations. Joint Chiefs might be, they do not begin to ap- ly that stark, but it was a far cry from of Staff Chairman Gen. Henry Shelton proach the "hollow army" of 1950. A the "usual mutual admiration contest reflected Powell's earlier caution corporal in the 21st Infantry in those with the lawmakers." While the mili- about "peacekeeping" operations. "In dark days, I was honored to be recent- tary chiefs complained that "the prob- Bosnia right now are 10,000 troops. ly named the Honorary Colonel of the lems would not be so bad if Congress But 10,000 more are training hard, Regiment. When I visited the 1st Bat- would let the Department of Defense getting ready to go, and 10,000 more talion, 21st Infantry in Hawaii last close unneeded bases and stop forcing are training hard because they've got- spring, I was pleased to find well- it to buy planes and ships it does not ten back and need to raise their readi- trained, well-equipped troops who need," the lawmakers blasted the ness. Combine this 3-to-l formula were light-years ahead of their chiefs for their past lack of candor and with the level of deployments. Today brethren in Task Force Smith almost "came closer and closer to calling the we have troops deployed in 70 to 80 half a century earlier. As Gen. Shelton chiefs liars." countries minimum." has said, while he has concerns "that As The Wall Street Journal editori- On Dec. 7, 1998, President Clinton overall readiness is starting to fray," alized following the Joint Chiefs' testi- met with the Joint Chiefs to address our "first-to-fight forces are ready to mony, "the deterioration is so bad that the issue of declining military readi- go-" the military could not fight two major ness and their request for an immedi- Let us hope they remain so and that regional contingencies without a 'high ate $10 billion increase in next year's we never again have to pay in blood for risk' of failure and heavy casualties. In budget and a $1 12 billion increase in America's unpreparedness.

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I HOTELS I Legionnaires should arrange hous- The Anaheim Convention Center will be a home away from home for Legionnaires during the ing through Department Adjutants. 81st Convention. | The Anaheim Hilton and Towers (714) 750-4321 will house National IGNS POSTED along the code E9519. Discounts are valid from Headquarters staff and the following streets of Anaheim ask for Aug. 29 -Sept. 15. Departments: Alaska, Arizona, Con- forgiveness: "Please par- United Airlines discounts can be necticut, District of Columbia, Florida, don our dust. Imagination reserved by calling (800) 521-4041 and France, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Maine, at work." The "History in using I.D. code 544XR. These fares Mexico, Minnesota, Nebraska, Philip- the Making" placards refer will be available to LAX, Burbank, pines, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, to the $4.2 billion of public Ontario, Calif., and Orange County and South Carolina, South Dakota, Ver- and private redevelopment are valid Aug. 29 - Sept. 15. mont and Virginia. projects in Anaheim's The Anaheim Marriott Hotel resort district. The Conven- SHUTTLE (714) 750-8000: Auxiliary, 8 et 40, the tion Center is smack in the middle of Whirl-A-Round will offer dis- Sons of The American Legion and these plans. Although construction will counted transportation to and from these Departments: Indiana, Iowa, Ken- continue through The American Orange County and LAX airports. To tucky, Michigan, New Jersey, North

Legion's 81st Convention, it should not arrange for a large number to be picked Carolina, North Dakota, Washington interfere with any plans. up or travel to a Department function, and West Virginia. Discounted airlines, rental cars and call Annee Chartier (949) 752-9003. The Radisson Maingate Hotel hotel assignments for the Convention (714) 750-2801: Alabama, Louisiana, are listed below. Additional updates can RENTAL CARS Montana, New Hampshire and New be found in The American Legion Dis- National Car Rental offers special Mexico. patch or by searching "Latest Updates" meeting rates and discounts for Legion- Doubletree Anaheim Hotel (714) at www.legion.org on the Internet. naires and family members Aug. 27 - 634-4500: Arkansas, California and Sept. 15. Call (800) 227-7368 to Colorado. AIRLINES reserve a car. Mention I.D. number West Coast Anaheim Hotel (714) US Airways offers discounted air- 6800097. This discount will be avail- 750-1811: Delaware, Massachusetts, fares to Orange County, Los Angeles able at Orange County, LAX, Califor- Mississippi, Missouri, Oregon, Ten- and San Diego. For reservations call nia International Airport and Ontario, nessee, Texas, Utah and Wyoming. (800) 334-8644 and use the Gold File Calif., airports. The Disneyland Hotel (714) 778- number 31140896. These discounts are Budget Rental Car Systems, Inc. 6600: Illinois, Kansas and Pennsylvania. valid from Aug. 29 - Sept. 15. Addi- will offer discounted rates from Aug. The Disneyland Pacific Hotel (714) tional discounts are available for reser- 27 - Sept. 16. Call (800) 826-2090 and 999-0990: Nevada and New York. vations made at least 60 days in use I.D. number U054679. This rate Quality Hotel Maingate (714) 750- advance. will be valid at rental counters at 3131: Maryland, Oklahoma and Wis- Southwest Airlines offers discount- Orange County, LAX, California Air- consin. ed fares to LAX, Burbank and Ontario, port, California International and The Jolly Roger Hotel (714) 772- Calif. Call (800) 433-5368 and use I.D. Ontario, Calif., airports. 7621: Ohio.

20 • THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • APRIL 1999 —

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some of his often-quoted "Yogi-isms." proud. "I think this is great, what they By Terry Coffey "I don't even know I say them did here," he says. "Usually you're dead things," he says about his knack for pack- before they put something up like this ORMER BASEBALL ing so much meaning into so few words. for you."

Commissioner Bart Giamat- "It just comes out. I could be sitting at the During his 19 years in the majors,

ti once said "Talking to Yogi dinner table with the family, and they'll Berra was named Most Valuable Player

Berra about baseball is like say, 'Dad, you said another one,' and I three times ('51, '54, '55), led the New

talking to Homer about the don't even know what I said." York Yankees to five straight World Se- gods." It's also a lot like talk- Yogi-isms can be found in college ries titles, appeared in 75 World Series ing to your best friend over courses, speeches and books, including games, collected a record 71 World Se- coffee. He laughs, gestures The Yogi Book, written by Yogi and ries hits and in 1972 was elected to base- broadly, listens intently to published in 1998 by Workman Publish- ball's Hall of Fame. There are other your opinion, puts his hand ing. Despite the popularity of his say- records and accomplishments, enough to

on your shoulder and leans ings, Berra insists "I really didn't say fill several pages; few baseball players over to make a point. everything I said." It's a typically hum- have even come close to his level of suc- And how he can make a point: "You ble statement. cess. But there has always been more to can observe a lot by watching," "When Even standing in the Yogi Berra Mu- you come to a fork in the road, take it" seum, which opened last year near Terry Coffey is an assistant editor of and "It's deja vu all over again" are just Montclair, N.J., he is both humble and this magazine.

• • 2|j THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE APRIL 1999 "

"/ loved American

245 did win, going all the way to the 1942 American Legion ball ... lumps- ^ take your Legion regionals in Hast- ings, Neb. "I went to a lot You got to

of places ... Illinois; St. Joe, Mo.; Columbia, S.C. You travel ... you know, a 16-year-old kid, going out like that, it taught know, if you you something." In addi- tion to learning to play kept winning. against outstanding compe-

tition, it taught Yogi that he could go other places, and baseball team there. And that ship's live out his dream of play- company was very good." During the re- ing big league ball. "I mainder of his time in the Navy, Berra thought, 'just think if you played against outstanding competition,

make it to the big leagues, including four major league teams. "It

you get to travel to all them was like playing triple- A for me ... it cities.' I never would've gave me an extra year." left St. Louis without The He left the Navy in 1946, and was as- American Legion." signed as a catcher to the Yankees triple-A Later that year, Yogi club in Newark, N.J. With two weeks left signed to play outfield for in the season, he got "the call" from the Norfolk, a minor league parent club. His dream was finally coming club in the New York Yan- true. He was heading for the majors. kees organization. The move was not what his fa- A Star Is Born. When Berra joined the ther had in mind. "I had Yankees, nobody would have described three other brothers that him as outstanding behind the plate. He

could have played big puts it this way: "My weakness was in

league ball. ... My dad, he my first two years - catching." But that came from the old country. soon changed. Future Yankee hall-of- They believed, 'go to fame catcher Bill Dickey took Berra

work.' ... But my brothers aside and worked with him. They said, 'we're all working, worked hard, but Yogi didn't mind, and " Pop, give him a chance.' says he actually had fun. "If a kid wants

So, it was off to Norfolk for to make the big leagues, he's gotta work. his first taste of pro ball, and It's not handed to him." Yogi Berra than records, statistics and his first taste of action behind the plate. funny sayings. "They thought I had a good arm to be-

come a catcher, you know ... I was built Life on the Hill. Lawrence Peter Berra for it." After a year, however, his pro ca- was born May 12, 1925, in a section of reer was put on hold. St. Louis known as "The Hill." He got his famous nickname when his friends Tour of Duty. In 1943, Berra turned 18 thought they saw a resemblance to a and went into the Navy. His tour of duty "Yogi" character in a movie. The pres- included the D-Day invasion. ence of two major league clubs - the "I was on a rocket boat," he recalls, Cardinals and the Browns - meant base- adding that the project was secret ball was a big part of life in St. Louis. enough that he was not allowed to men-

Even then Berra loved the game, playing tion anything about it in letters back on at least three organized teams, includ- home. "I was on a twin-. 50 machine- ing one sponsored by Jerry's Restaurant, gun, and I shot the rockets. We went in and a neighborhood team which also in- before the Army went in ... we stayed off cluded Joe Garagiola. Berra, at that time about 400 yards from the beach and fired an outfielder and sometime pitcher, the rockets in." caught the eye of St. Louis Cardinals' After the war, Berra found himself scout Jack McGuire, who he says assigned to the submarine base at New coached a team for American Legion London, Conn., along with several other Post 245. past and future big leaguers. "I said, "I loved American Legion ball," 'what are you sending me there for? I

Yogi recalls. "You got to travel ... you didn't volunteer for no submarines.' know, if you kept winning." And Post And they said they were gonna have a

APRIL 1999 • THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • 29 Yogi points out members of his old neighborhood team. Behind is a photograph of himself, stealing home in a 1942 American Legion game.

Berra was apparently a quick study, That's a good time to hit. ... The pitcher's into coaching and eventually managing. developing into one of the greatest catch- in trouble. He's gotta get that ball over to He has taken teams from both leagues to ers of all time. His ability to understand you. He can't put nobody else on base, the World Series - he lost with the Yan- the flow of a game and call the right he'll get in more trouble." kees in 1964 and again with the Mets in pitches at the right time was legendary, 1973 - and could well be the only former and few pitchers dared question him. Baseball's Golden Age. During his 19 Yankee manager to whom owner George "When they did, I used to go out and ask years with the Yankees, Berra played Steinbrenner has ever apologized. them why." No matter how well he with and against the likes of Ted worked a game or defended the plate, Williams, Mickey Mantle, Duke Snider Apology Accepted. It started in 1985, however, he was and is known for his bat and Roger Maris. But when asked who is when Berra was fired 16 games into the - especially late in the game, or when the greatest player ever, he doesn't hesi- season. "I got fired twice - and both

runners were on base, a fact that tor- tate. "[Joe] DiMaggio - the best I ever times the owners told me. [Steinbrenner]

mented his tutor. "Dickey used to get on saw. He never walked to his position, he never did. ... That's what I hate about it."

me, and say 'you don't bear down all the ran in. He was great ... He's still admired." It bothered Yogi so much, in fact, that he time' when I was hitting." Berra also sees some outstanding tal- swore he would never step foot in Yan- Ted Williams, in an interview for the ent among today's players. "Ripken's a kee Stadium as long as Steinbrenner

book "Yogi: It Ain't Over," described good ball player. That kid [Alex] Ro- owned the team - strong words from a Berra's approach to the art of hitting: driguez, the shortstop at Seattle, is a good man who many fans see as the common

player. You got a lot of good shortstops ... man's link with the great teams of the [Derek] Jeter of the Yankees, [Nomar] '50s - and words he has stuck to, with "I never would've Garciaparra for Boston. A lot of good the exception of an occasional unofficial ones you'd like to have played with." visit to see friends. left St. Louis There is one thing about modern Then, this past January, the ice was

baseball that Yogi disagrees with, and it broken. Steinbrenner traveled to Berra's without The isn't money. "I would ask the same thing museum and personally apologized. "I these guys are asking for. You gotta be didn't feel right winning the World Se- American Legion." crazy not to go for it." What irks him ries last year and not having Yogi there," about modern baseball is Astroturf. Steinbrenner told the media. "He is a

"That makes a lot of difference. ... treasure." "He looked like hell, but what happened They try to get an outfielder that could "Maybe I'm mellowing a little when he attacked the ball was right out run and hit pretty good, to cut the ball off more," Berra says, happy to have the in- of a computer. He could move the run- in the alley. With grass, you don't have cident behind him. "Fourteen years is a ner, and move him late in the game like to worry about that. [Astroturf s] the long time."

no one else I ever saw play the game." only thing I have against baseball. ... It's The return just goes to prove what Berra laughs when he hears such high not a real game." Yogi has always said: "It ain't over 'til

praise. "I like it when men are on base. After his playing days, Berra moved it's over."

3Q • THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • APRIL 1999 m

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32 • THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • APRIL 1999 Full One-year money-back guarantee excluding Shipping & handling. **2-Day Express Delivery— In most cases orders for in-stock items will be shipped within 2 business days after we receive and process your order and should arrive 2 business days later. ©1998 Direct Marketing Enterprises, Ltd., D/B/A Bright-Life, 1200 Shames Drive, Westbury, NY 11590 P1 NEVER OVERSLEEP AGAIN!

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size, quality, etc. Should you disagree-well gladly refund your money. Dept. 570-389, Box 3700, Hicksville, NY 11855 516-334-6920 monly called Sunday closing laws, how they ever got on the books. Most sequences, an outcome that, when pos- "blue laws" generally refer to ordi- are so old, and there is so little record of sible, is typically forbidden. nances forbidding labor on a day Chris- their enforcement, that the reasons be- Still, the tempting speculation would tianity recognizes as a day of rest. The hind them are lost. The provision in the be that more than a civic concern for phrase might have come from Samuel city code of Evansville, Ind., banning aesthetics led Wilbur, Wash., to bar its A. Peters' "General History of Con- the purchase of hamburgers on Sunday, citizens from riding ugly horses. necticut," which lists several rules on for example, doesn't quite fit the Sun- the strict observance of the Sabbath and day closing category. Few Convictions. Regardless of their was printed on blue paper. history, such laws tend to go unen- Attempts to implement the concept Basement Cigars. Of the laws that can forced and unacknowledged, remaining can be dated at least to the fourth centu- be explained, many were good ideas at on legislative records and providing an ry, when Constantine the Great decreed the time but have become outdated. A occasional chuckle. At least one law- that all citizens and judges would rest Wisconsin law prohibits making cigars maker, however, is trying to strip inad- on Sunday. The English brought the in a basement or below ground. Appar- vertent comedy from legal libraries. idea to America. Laws rooted in reli- ently, Wisconsin was once one of the On Aug. 1, 1995, Wisconsin Assem- gious precept often draw the "blue largest manufacturers of cigars, and the bly Majority Leader Scott Jensen an- laws" tag, and, in contrast to obviously law was intended to prevent sweat shop nounced the kickoff for the statewide obsolete and silly laws, communities labor. But trying to guess at the problem "Dumb Law Contest." For a month, cit- often find it worthwhile to enforce pro- that led Louisville, Ky., to legislate that izens were encouraged to send in laws hibitions of disruptive public behavior citizens could not carry ice cream cones that met Jensen's description: "Duplica- or holiday liquor sales. in their pockets is the sort of thing that tive, Unnecessary, Meaningless or Bur- leads to sitcom plots. densome - in a word DUMB." On the other hand, many odd laws Of 107 entries, 10 were winners and resulted from odd incidents. For in- 12 were honorable mentions. Jensen stance, a 1950s New York law requires then attempted to repeal each in honor people to have a license to hang of those who identified them. clotheslines in their front yards. The "It was a lot of fun, and I think we law came about when a married couple did some good work," Jensen says. "We hung a clothesline of grungy clothes were able to identify a number of laws and rags in their front yard to protest that time has passed by and should now high taxes. The display irked legisla- be taken off the books." tors, so they outlawed clotheslines in The winners included a ban on heat- front yards without a permit. After be- ed sidewalks and the covenant that for- ing refused a license, the couple was bids serving margarine to state prison- hauled into court and forced to take the ers; only real Wisconsin butter. clothesline down. "Nothing but the best for our men in

Possibly similar is the Pennsylvania stripes," says Jensen.

law making it a felony to intentionally Jensen also notes that several of the or knowingly cause a catastrophe. A agencies in charge of enforcing some survivor of the Johnstown Flood might of the laws that turned up were unaware have recalled to a legislator that a broth- of them. er-in-law left a tap running. In another Register a What? "We have a regula- Cats and Dogs. Arnold Loewy, Gra- tion that allows you to register your culinary legality, ham Kenan professor of law at the Uni- 'firkin' with the secretary of state's of- versity of North Carolina, provides this fice," Jensen says. It turns out that a perspective: He says that while some firkin is a nine-gallon barrel for holding the City Code of laws sound strange, a second glance premium beer or dairy products. The might provide a bit of insight into how secretary of state's office has no idea Evansville, Ind., they got there. Take the law in Besse- when it last registered a firkin. mer, N.C., that prohibits dogs and cats The legislation Jensen drafted was from fighting. passed by the lower house in 1996, an bans the Sunday "I can only speculate on its ori- action he describes as "a victory for

gins," Loewy says, "but it seems like common sense." The victory proved purchase of that law would fall under cruelty to an- short-lived; time ran out for the repeals imals in the same sense as cockfight- measure to pass the state Senate. Jensen hamburgers. ing, or anything else we would typical- says he plans to keep trying. ly forbid. It doesn't seem to me that Keeping one of the laws in force it's surprising you'd try to keep (cats might have an upside for Legion Posts. and dogs) from fighting." It forbids anyone to wear the badge or But countless strictures without de- Such analysis might explain the New insignia of a fraternal organization of tectable religious or civic rationale have York law making it a misdemeanor to which they are not a paid-up member. made it into the legal code. They aren't arrest or detain a dead body. Holding up In fact, a Wisconsin Legionnaire, delin- enforced these days - if they ever were. burials could, in the days before refrig- quent in dues and still wearing the pin, They just raise bemused questions as to eration, have serious public health con- could get 30 days in the slammer.

• THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • APRIL 1999 J]/| 1

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Family Focus

Spurs Growth in Michigan

By Terry Coffey

BEEN SAID that behind every successful Legion Post there's an outstanding Auxil- DT'Siary. This definitely holds true in Michigan, where an emphasis on working togeth- er has produced an energized atmosphere. "We've attempted to make

it a family-type feeling," says Department Adjutant Patrick Lafferty. "We're all in this together - Mich., Post 238 Commander Steve mander of Harrison Post 404; Linda is working for the same thing." That team- Rogers, who at 34 years old represents treasurer/membership chairman and a work attitude has resulted in many posi- the younger face of the Legion. Upon past president of the Harrison Auxiliary. tives for Michigan, including the cre- becoming Post commander, he began "It's much easier," Andy says about ation of 13 new Legion Posts from working to bring an Auxiliary Unit combining efforts. "There's a big lack of

August through October of 1998. It also back to Holt. communication in a lot of areas where has helped the Auxiliary. Rogers says Post 238 also conducts they don't have a cohesive Auxiliary and Three new Auxiliary Units are in the Legion and Auxiliary meetings at the Legion."

process of being chartered in Posts that same time. "Now ... we're starting to "It gives us an equal interest in some- had been around for years without Aux- see that a few members who had thing," adds Linda, whose Auxiliary iliaries. "It's mainly been from seeing stopped attending are coming back." meetings are the same time as Andy's

how it helps the Department to have an Legion sessions. "We have a place to go active Auxiliary," says Michigan Auxil- Sharing the Load. The Michigan and do things together." iary Secretary Bobbie Langdon. Legion and Auxiliary work together on Working together also saves money. Lafferty believes teamwork is vital many projects: They publish a Depart- "One of the main things we do is com- to The American Legion's future. "The ment/Auxiliary newspaper; the Auxil- bine our efforts to reduce costs, and

Legion needs to stick to its values and iary is invited to participate in the inform the public about our programs," emphasis on the family, but change Michigan Legislative Committee's Langdon says. The Department and with the times to reach the younger peo- annual reception in the state capitol at Auxiliary share a building where, sym- ple." That's why more Legion Posts Lansing; both participate, along with bolically, the door separating the two and Auxiliary Units meet on the same the Sons of The American Legion, in a sections was removed. night, and why services like daycare leadership college for incoming offi- The teamwork attitude, Langdon and parties for the entire family are cers; the Auxiliary has an ex-officio says, helps accomplish her group's becoming popular. presence on the board that decides con- charge from the Auxiliary National Making more Legion functions a ference sites; and they often share Constitution: "To contribute to the family affair is a concern for Holt, speakers for special events. accomplishment of the aims and pur- Andy and Linda Gomolak can speak poses of The American Legion." "We Terry Coffey is an assistant editor first-hand of the benefits of sharing. all know the final goal is supporting of this magazine. Andy is Post adjutant and former com- our vets," she says.

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my life, and the federal government is CIA estimates of Soviet military chasing with me my own money," he strength during the Cold War. "The says in disgust. U.S. has no national missile defense But Unser won't be the last Ameri- but the Russians do," says Lee. can guilty of an "environmental crime." Lee's new book, "The ABM Treaty The Justice Department is still pushing Charade," insists the U.S. intelligence for adoption of an "Environmental community has failed to acknowledge and Crimes Enforcement Act," to the Russians have violated the treaty toughen the kinds of laws that targeted by integrating thousands of dual pur- Unser. pose anti-aircraft weapons - also capa- According to the National Center for ble of shooting down ballistic missiles Policy Analysis, other prosecutions - with large radars that provide warn- include a criminal rancher charged with ings of a missile attack. conduct for clearing brush from a ditch Thus, the Russians, who just and a grand jury investigation of a man deployed a new ICBM, the Topol-M, who stabbed an endangered falcon for obtain a big strategic advantage if the killing one of his chickens. United States continues to cut its nuclear arsenal, Lee says. By Cliff'Kincaid One member of Congress paying More Russian loans ... attention to Lee's contention is FROM THE strange but true depart- Rep. Curt Weldon, R-Pa., chairman ment: Boeing is cutting 48,000 of the House Military Research American jobs while U.S. tax dol- and Development Subcommittee, Give Peace a Cost lars help Russia's Aeroflot build jetlin- who has asked the CIA for responses XPECT SOME congressional hear- ers to compete with Boeing. to questions on Soviet/Russian ABM ings into the high cost of peacekeep- The federal Export-Import Bank programs. E ng. The United States is spending confirms financing the sale of $1 bil- Weldon says Lee's analysis calls for big bucks to enforce U.N. resolutions lion of engines and aviation equipment a "new approach" to arms control. Lee on Iraq but the United Nations and most to Russian aircraft maker Ilyushin for calls arms control a "self-deception." of our "allies" are stiffing Uncle Sam. aircraft to be leased to Aeroflot. Since Last December's operation Desert the loan will finance the sale of Pratt Fox cost the United States at least $500 & Whitney jet engines and Rockwell Get United States Out? million on weapons alone, with the Pen- avionics, the Ex-Im Bank says the deal COMMON European currency, tagon estimating nearly $7 billion has will sustain thousands of U.S. jobs. THEthe Euro, has been described as a been spent on regular build-ups to At first, Boeing opposed the deal, rival, even a threat, to the domina- threaten Iraq. Overall, according to arguing that it amounted to a U.S. tion of the U.S. dollar in world trade Brookings Institution analysts, roughly subsidy for a foreign company. But and finance. Islamic Iran is already $50 billion of the $270 billion annual when Russia agreed to open its trading in the new currency, a move U.S. defense budget goes toward main- own aviation market to U.S. wares, that could open the way toward taining the U.S. military presence in the Boeing backed off, calling it a "bal- increasing use of the Euro by Muslim

Gulf region. anced agreement." nations representing 1 billion people. What's more, the oil-rich Arab states The problem: Russia now is almost "By the time of the April 1999 that benefit from the U.S. presence are too broke to buy anything. NATO summit," writes Sen. Kay Bai- contributing little more than jet fuel and Richard Rahn, just back from his ley Hutchison, R-Texas, "a single incidental expenses. 31st trip to Russia, says the central gov- European currency will have woven "If war is hell," comments David L. ernment is "totally bankrupt," has most of our allies together into a pow- Marcus of the Boston Globe, "peace- almost no ability to collect taxes, and erful bloc of nations with a combined keeping is downright expensive." the country is in a state of "evolving gross domestic product that rivals our anarchy." Rahn, former chief economist own and with a population that and vice president of the chamber of exceeds ours." Environmental Crimes commerce, says, "Virtually anything Hutchison, a member of the defense BOBBY UNSER again made it into working in Russia is funded by the appropriations subcommittee and the the record books, and this time it's United States or the Europeans." Senate NATO Observer Group, wants not for driving race cars. He's been a reassessment of the U.S. -European listed in a book of victims of U.S. envi- relationship. She hopes to answer why ronmental policy. A Continued Threat Europe requires the presence of Unser was convicted of trespassing SENSATIONAL claim is being 100,000 American troops, and why in a federally protected wilderness area B advanced by William T. Lee, a for- they expect the United States to main- after getting lost in a storm on his snow- mer Defense Intelligence Agency tain a disproportionately large number mobile. "I got lost, came close to losing official best known for exposing faulty of troops in the Balkans.

3D' THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • APRIL 1999 _ 2

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Should the U.S. Fund the International Space Station?

Rep. Frank A. LoBiondo (R-New Jersey) Rep. James Sensenbrenner Jr. (R-Wisconsin)

NASA's SPACE station THE UNITED STATES project is an experiment needs to nurture interna- in failure. Since its incep- tional scientific partner- tion, it has been plagued YES ships to leverage scarce yby delays, cost overruns and federal dollars. The increasing cost r , unforeseen expenditures. Original- of cutting-edge science requires ly slated to cost $8 billion and be cost sharing by international part- w completed by 1994, a recent report ners. More than 90 percent of the by the General Accounting Office space science projects launched by set the price tag at $98 billion and completion date at NASA have international components.

2005. It would almost be laughable if it were not billions The International Space Station and the Large Hadron of taxpayer dollars being wasted. The time has come to Collider could not be built by any single nation. The U.S. say enough is enough and to take a stand for taxpayers Congress is putting emphasis on these projects. Four years by ending the project. ago, funding for the International Space Station was sus-

I have joined with a bipartisan group of legislators tained in Congress by a one-vote margin. Today, congres-

attempting to end funding for the space station. I co- sional support for the space station is solid and continued sponsored legislation that would terminate funding for funding receives support from a majority of both parties.

the station and I have consistently supported an amend- International scientific cooperation is politically popu- ment to a spending bill cutting off funds for the project. lar in Congress because, contrary to most foreign aid pro-

We face an uphill battle because NASA spreads its con- grams, it is viewed as an international investment with tracts to many different states and population centers, tangible returns for the United States. Not only do interna-

but for the taxpayers' sake I hope we will eventually be tional partnerships enable countries to make the most of successful in killing this federal money pit. federal resources, they allow vital knowledge to be shared

The space station is a $100 billion science experi- in hopes that it will be used to its full potential. However, ment that is disliked by scientists. NASA once boasted any agreement for international cooperation requires well- that the space station would have eight scientific objec- defined and enforceable terms from the outset. This is tives; the station retains only two of the original eight. essential to maintain existing relationships and promote Many experts in space science and exploration believe future projects. Without well-defined and accepted para- the station no longer represents a worthwhile endeavor meters, international cooperation will not succeed. and that the science experiments now slated for the sta- We cannot risk making scientific cooperation vulnerable

tion could be conducted on unmanned satellites or to accusations that it is just another type of foreign aid. For-

aboard the space shuttle at much less cost. Our space eign aid continues to be politically unpopular and linking it program can provide significant scientific contributions to funding for science will not advance our cause.

to society, but it is clear that the space station's scientif- The Science Committee held hearings that examined the

ic merit is dubious at best. The space station threatens safety issues related to the Mir space station, and its role in to bring down many of NASA's worthwhile endeavors. paving the way for the International Space Station. I am con- The Mars Pathfinder; the Hubble telescope; the space cerned that our partnership with the Russian space program shuttle program: All of these are scientific successes has made science the handmaiden of the Clinton administra- that could be crowded out as the space station continues tion's foreign policy goals. The practice of foreign policy in to exceed its budgets. Already, NASA has shifted hun- this manner has allowed Russia to indulge in broken promises dreds of millions of dollars from other programs like to the American government without consequence to Russia. space shuttle safety and space education grants to pay Unfortunately, there have been grave consequences for the for station cost overruns. American taxpayer. The U.S. government has been forced to How many billions of dollars are going to be wasted reduce other science budgets to pay for cost overruns in the until we decide we have had enough? We have already Russian space program. Our involvement aboard Mir has not spent $20 billion. Ending provided adequate scientific the project would save four returns and has unnecessarily times that amount. In our Your Opinions Count, Tnu. jeopardized the lives of age of balanced budgets, Senators and representatives are interested in con- American astronauts. writ- when we are asking many stituent viewpoints. You may express your views by It is our responsibility to ing The Honorable (name), U.S. Senate, Washington, DC to make difficult sacrifices, learn from the successes 20510, or The Honorable (name), House of Representa- that we should not tolerate bil- tives, Washington, DC 20515. You may call the U.S. Sen- and mistakes have lion-dollar boondoggles ate at (202) 224-3121; the House at (202) 225-3121. been made in international like the space station. science.

f§ • THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • APRIL 1999 -

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Miller: Settlement Should Include Veterans

ON'T exclude veterans with Frank's bill, the Veterans Tobac- lating the following criteria be met tobacco-related illnesses from co-Related Illness Benefits Restora- before veterans could file tobacco any settlement of litigation tion Act of 1999, does just what the claims: between tobacco companies title says: It restores the right of vet- • Must have a diagnosed medical and the government, Ameri- erans addicted to nicotine during mil- condition, such as emphysema, chron- can Legion National Com- itary service to file for disability com- ic obstructive lung disease, lung can- mander "Butch" Miller said pensation for illnesses that developed cer, etc.; recently. after service. Veterans' advocates • A medical opinion stating the "For 80 years, The American were outraged last year over what condition is tobacco-related; Legion has fought to ensure disabled Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., • A medical opinion also stating the veterans receive benefits and medical termed a "midnight raid on veterans' veteran is dependent on nicotine; care for injuries and certain diseases benefits" aimed at funneling funds • A statement from the veteran they develop after service. There is from veterans to a politically popular declaring the veteran smoked in service. increasing evidence linking tobacco highway bill. use with certain diseases, and we Faulty Figures. The phantom savings welcome efforts in Congress to Tricky Business. Rockefeller lambasted sought by the administration were include veterans in any potential the administration's sleight-of-hand as a based on warnings from OMB that up tobacco settlement. It's only right." trick intended to squeeze more savings to 500,000 veterans could be expect- In his State of the Union address, from the 1999 budget - savings required ed to file tobacco-related disability President Clinton announced the gov- under the 1997 Balanced Budget Agree- claims in light of the VA General ernment's intention to pursue a com- ment. Using figures from who knows Counsel's ruling. Rockefeller cited prehensive settlement with the tobacco where, Rockefeller said, the Office of the facts to puncture those bloated industry over nicotine-related medical Management and Budget estimated a estimates. He noted in the five years claims. Clinton didn't mention veterans $15.4 billion savings over five years since the VA General Counsel's rul- in his administration's plans for a set- from disallowing veterans' tobacco- ing, 8,000 claims were filed, and only tlement. related claims. In a passionate response 300 veterans granted service-connect- Miller praised Rep. Cliff Stearns, R- Rockefeller delivered on the Senate ed compensation. Fla., for introducing a bill in February floor last June, West Virginia's junior Miller said adoption of the bills to amend Title 38, USC, which senator called that contention, "an artifi- introduced by Stearns and Frank will includes veterans' health care needs in cially inflated, absolutely unrealistic, restore a much-needed sense of reali- any future settlement of tobacco law- ridiculous estimate." ty to VA's handling of tobacco suits brought by the government. In 1993, the VA's own General claims. Stearns is still gathering co-sponsors Counsel issued an opinion recognizing "We join with House Veterans for H.R. 691, the Veterans Tobacco the legality of veterans' claims for ser- Affairs Chairman Bob Stump of Ari-

Trust Fund Act of 1999. Rep. Barney vice connection for tobacco-related ill- zona and ranking Democrat Lane Frank, D-Mass., is doing the same for nesses. Between 1993 and 1997, VA Evans of Illinois in urging the presi- an important bill to restore tobacco- held all such claims in legal limbo dent to use a portion of any funds related benefits dropped in controver- while debating the financial implica- recovered from tobacco companies to sial maneuvering from last year's tions of this policy change. In May expand much-needed VA long-term Transportation Equity Act for the 1997, VA released its General Coun- and other health care programs," 21st Century. sel's precedent-setting opinion stipu- Miller said.

Hotline Offers Hot News on VA Education Benefits pMj HE VA has a new. toll-free "This automated help-line will pro- specific questions, Thompson said. T number providing veterans vide accessible, efficient information VA's Internet home page, II I: with the latest on education about these popular VA services and www.va.gov/education also features benefits. programs," said Joe Thompson, the abundant information about education By dialing, 888-GI BILL VA's Undersecretary for Benefits. benefits available to eligible veterans. [888-442-4551], veterans, The automated system also will pro- Veterans can e-mail questions to VA W school officials, veterans ser- vide National Guard members with officials at the web site. For informa- vice officers and others can receive information about their education bene- tion about any VA program, call the detailed eligibility guidelines and fits under the Montgomery GI Bill. Edu- department's toll-free number, 800- background on VA programs, around- cation case managers will be on hand 827-1000, to connect with the nearest the-clock, seven days a week. during regular business hours to answer VA regional office, said Thompson.

IJ2 • THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • APRIL 1999 2i )

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Washington DC (Special) An amazing ^^^^^H OBERT BELL, special assis- new book reveals to for thousands of little- I -^Jtant the president known Government give-aways for national security affairs, says people over 55. Congress needs to approve a system to Each year, lots of these benefits conduct two more rounds of base clo- sures in fiscal are NOT given away simply because beginning 2001. He says lawmakers will be hard-pressed to ignore people don't know they're available... a source of up to $3 billion a year in a and the government doesn't advertise. time of constrained budgets. Many of these fabulous freebies Defense Secretary William S. Cohen can be yours regardless of your and Army Gen. Henry Shelton, chairman income or assets. Entitled "Free for of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, have repeated- Seniors", the MEMBERS book tells all you ly called for two new rounds of base clo- about such goodies as how you can: sures. They say reductions in infrastruc- Get free prescription drugs. ture have not kept pace with reductions Get free dental care. [K^^H ERVICE MEMBERS and in personnel or weaponry. Get up to $800 for food. By. ^fj spouses want better operat- In a 1998 news conference, Cohen How you can get free legal help. fln^taEM*oH ing hours and child care at said that DoD has 23 percent more Get help in paying your rent. their fitness centers, and more organized capacity than the force size needs. Bell SI 5,000 free money to spruce up physical activities. That's according to a does not say how many more bases need your home! survey conducted by the Department of to close, but he estimates infrastructure cuts overall are lagging about 10 percent $1,800 to warm you this winter. Defense. behind reductions in defense spending Access the very best research on Fitness centers are the most often used facilities, followed by swimming pools and and personnel. our planet on how you can live gymnasiums. More convenient hours top longer. 33 percent of military members' fitness Forgetful? Here's valuable free center want lists, while 35 percent of the Jr*A_~W information you should get now. GAP HKAXj» spouses cite the need for child-care ser- R» AYS HIIELTO\ Stop blood pressure & cholesterol vices. Larger facilities, more equipment, worries from ruling your life. more workout space and shorter waiting HILE EXPERTS can argue Free help if you have arthritis. times are other concerns mentioned. Free facts could help incontinence. about its size, a pay gap Free eye treatment. exists and DoD will start b id < closing it in the next budget cycle, the Free help if you're depressed. nation's top military leader says. New Cancer Cure? Maybe! Get Army Gen. Henry Shelton, chairman of free information. the Joint Chiefs of Staff, recently responded New prostate cancer developments. OMMISSARY SHOPPERS to newspaper reports quoting a Rand Corp. Get paid $100 a day plus expenses i ^Kfl face a new $25 administrative paper implying there was no gap between to travel overseas! ^fttoM^H fee if their checks bounce, military and civilian-sector pay. On the con- $5,000 free to help pay your says the Defense Commissary Agency. trary, DoD officials say, the gap is 8.5 per- bills. Agency officials say shoppers wrote 43 cent to 1 3.5 percent, depending on the year Confidential help with your sex million checks to commissaries worldwide used as a baseline. - life. in fiscal 1998 about 71,000 bounced and Shelton says DoD is committed to Free impotence treatments. 22,000 eventually went to debt collection. revamping the entire military compensation Hot Flashes? New research helps! The new fee is a business requirement package, including retirement and military recently passed into federal law, and is simi- Find out if a medicine you are pay tables, in its fiscal 2000 budget. lar to those charged by retailers. Stores pre- taking could be affecting your sex In the past, military pay has been loosely viously levied no fee if a customer made tied to federal civilian employees' pay raises. life. good on a dishonored check within 30 days. By law, civilian raises are keyed to the There's more! Much, much more, The fee is waived if a check bounces Bureau of Labor Statistics' Employment and "Free for Seniors" comes with a because of a bank error. An additional $15 Cost Index, or ECI, minus one-half of a per- solid no-nonsense guarantee. You can charge can be slapped on dishonored centage point. The proposed fiscal 2000 pay learn more by simply writing for checks not redeemed within 30 days. raise is 4.4 percent. MORE information. Send your name and address today to: Free for Seniors, merican Legion Dept. FS 1 203, 7 1 8 - 1 2th Street N.W., HELPING PEOPLE Internal Affairs

Box 24500, Canton, Ohio 4470 1 . To SERVING AMERICA (Membership) help us cover printing and postage, P0 Box 1055 $1 would be appreciated, but not The American Legion is on duty for you Indianapolis, IN 46206 necessary. ©i998tcofsoi8iso7 To find out more about us and to join our [email protected] ranks, write: h ftp://www. trescoinc. com

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50 Departments Online with E-Mail

AMERICAN LEGION Depart- ments now have e-mail addresses; addresses for The American ments are responding to National at least 17 have Web pages, with Legion Departments that have Commander Harold "Butch" more Legion addresses and sites Internet capability. Available Miller's challenge to get online. being set up weekly. home page addresses follow the Fifty American Legion Depart- The following is a list of e-mail Departments' e-mail addresses.

Alabama: Montana: [email protected] Oregon: [email protected] [email protected] Nebraska: [email protected]; Pennsylvania: Alaska: [email protected] www.ne.legion.org [email protected]; www.pa-legion.com Arizona: [email protected]; Nevada: [email protected] Rhode Island: [email protected]; home.sprynet.com/sprynet/amlegaz/ New Hampshire: www.ri.legion.org California: [email protected]; [email protected] South Carolina: [email protected] www.calegion.org/ New Jersey: [email protected] South Dakota: [email protected] Colorado: New Mexico: [email protected] Tennessee: [email protected] [email protected]; New York: [email protected]; Texas: [email protected]; www.pcisys.net/~coloradolegion/ www.ny.legion.org/ www.txlegion.org Conneticut: [email protected] North Carolina: nclegion@mindspring. Utah: [email protected] Delaware: [email protected]; com; www2.coastalnet.com/~cn3669/ Vermont: [email protected] www.dol.net/~delegion/ nclegion/index.htm Virginia: [email protected]; Florida: North Dakota: members.aol.com/valeg/valegion.htm [email protected]; [email protected]; Washington: [email protected]; www.floridalegion.org www.fm-net.com/ndlegion/ www.walegion.org/ France: [email protected] Ohio: [email protected]; West Virginia: [email protected] Georgia: [email protected] www.ohioamericanlegion.org/ Wisconsin: [email protected] Hawaii: [email protected] Oklahoma: [email protected] Wyoming: [email protected] Idaho: [email protected]; netnow.micron.net/~idlegion/ Illinois: [email protected]; www.illegion.org Indiana: [email protected] Iowa: [email protected] Kansas: [email protected] Kentucky: [email protected]; members.iglou.com/legion 1/ Louisiana: [email protected]; www.lalegion.org/ Maine: [email protected] Maryland: [email protected] Mexico: [email protected] Michigan: [email protected]; www.michiganlegion.org Minnesota: [email protected] www.mnlegion.state.mn.us/ Mississippi: [email protected] Missouri: [email protected]; This how American Legion Departments measure up with Internet access. www2.computerland.net/al Miller sees the map in terms of the "haves" and the "have nots.'

• THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • APRIL 1999 —— EH

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Legionnaires Help Disaster Victims

NINO and La Nina hit means so much to find that a great As always, bluecaps found innova- North America with every- organization can be so helpful in tive ways to raise funds. During a ELthing they had in 1998, creat- replacing our numerous losses." Jan. 9 banquet at the Oklahoma Mid- ing havoc through hurricanes, winter Conference, Department Adju- tornadoes, ice storms, flood- Legionnaires Come Up Big. Despite tant Jerry Askins made an offer Leg- ing and lightning-sparked forest fires. having its busiest two-year period ever, ionnaires couldn't refuse: raise $150 Fortunately for veterans and their the NEF has kept afloat thanks to the for the NEF, and he would shave his families, The American Legion's generosity of Legion members. In all, beard. As donations began pouring in, National Emergency Fund was there the NEF took in $477,000 last year. A however, Askins upped the ante: to help put things back together, big boost came thanks to National $300 within 30 seconds. "Without offering Legion members up to Commander "Butch" Miller, who used thinking they'd ever get there, I $1,500 in disaster relief. the National Convention in New offered to cut my hair," Askins says. Four hundred eighty-seven individ- Orleans to kick off his "Give a Buck" They did get there - raising $354, to ual Legionnaires and 15 Posts received fund-raising initiative. The effort was be exact - and so Askins was left

grants totaling nearly $377,000 in designed to bring in $ 1 million by The with only his mustache.

1998. The NEF handed out close to $2 Legion birthday in March. Within 1 - Editor's Note: NEF donations are million in assistance the past two years days of the National Commander's tax deductible to the extent provided - twice as much as in the previous six. announcement, more than $54,000 for by law, and benefits can differ from Among those getting emergency poured into NEF coffers; by the end of state to state. You should consult your relief were Gregory and Elaine Wagn- January that figure was nearing the tax adviser or counsel. Send your NEF er of East Grand Forks, Minn. "We $300,000 mark. Final campaign totals contributions to your local Post, or to were both shocked," they write in a were not available at press time for this The American Legion National Emer- thank you note to The Legion. "After issue; future issues of this magazine gency Fund, P.O. Box 6141, Indi- this disastrous flood, and losing most and The American Legion Dispatch anapolis, IN 46206. Call (317) 630- of our clothing and furnishings, it will give a final update. 1328 for more information.

Surf's Up In NX. CREEK American Legion says Lakey, who PAWPost 353 in Charlotte, N.C., also happens to be has been ushered into the com- Hammett's grandfa- puter age. Thanks to a member ther. "The first thing of its junior auxiliary unit, I said when she Paw Creek is now on the World approached me was, Wide Web. 'How much will this

Paw Creek's Web page was cost?' She told me it designed by 18-year-old Hillary wouldn't cost any-

Hammett, a senior at North Mecklen- thing, so I told her to Hillary Hammett, flanked by her grandfather, Leroy Lakey, and grand- burg High School who came up with go with it." mother, Mary Frances Lakey. the idea while attending Girls State Hammett presented last summer. her idea to the Post "We have to do a senior exit 353 Executive Committee in Septem- House, Department of Veterans Affairs, essay project - it's a requirement ber, and received a standing ovation. various branches of the Armed Forces

for graduation," says Hammett. "They Then, it was off to work - with one and The American Legion.

want us to do a community service. minor glitch: "When it came time to put "The first thing I knew, she had it

I thought it would be great to do a it on the computer, I had to use some- done," says Lakey, adding that Ham-

web site, because a lot of other Posts one else's because I didn't have one." mett received another round of applause have sites." The site includes information on when she presented the finished product Hammett approached Paw Creek Legion meetings and events, Legion his- to the board in October. The Paw Creek Post Adjutant Leroy Lakey with tory and membership. It also provides site address is www.geocities.com/Pen- the idea. "It sort of took me by surprise," links to other sites, including the White tagon/Bunker/4664/.

4B • THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • APRIL 1999 —

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PNG Receives Home-State Recognition

PAST NATIONAL Comman- ized with one of the highway markers. a Legion-led effort to employ 1 mil- der is finally being honored in He was joined in the effort by members lion men during his tenure as Nation- A his home state of North Caroli- of The American Legion's North Car- al Commander. According to an arti- na - more than 27 years after olina Department, including state Com- cle by Stevens in the August 1932 is- his death. mander Roy Pressley and Adjutant sue of The American Legion In 1931, Henry L. Stevens Jr. be- Wayne Vanover. Monthly, "Between February 15th came, at 35, the youngest-ever Nation- "[Stevens] made a heck of a contri- and June 30th of (1932) 1,004,302 al Commander - the first southerner bution on behalf of veterans and The unemployed men and women, ex-ser- and only North Carolinian to hold The American Legion," says Vanover. "He vice and non-service alike, have gone Legion's top post. Upon his death in was involved with the establishment of back to the job as a result of the ef- 1971, there was an effort to have his the VA, and made many other contribu- forts of the Legion and its splendid historical importance recognized with a tions. The marker will do him and The affiliates." highway marker in his home state. That Legion proud." A major reason for Stevens' suc- effort was put on hold because of Stevens Jr. faced perhaps the most cess was his affability, charisma and guidelines requiring that such markers challenging tenure of any National ability to connect with and remember be erected at least 25 years after the Commander, serving at a time when everyone he met. "It was said that he subject's death. In 1996, another at- millions of Americans were unem- could call 100,000 people by name," tempt was made. This time, however, ployed and congressional pressure to says Stevens III. "That was an exag- the recognition for Stevens was reject- cut military spending and veterans' geration, but ... he loved mankind, and ed by the North Carolina Historical benefits was intense. he loved people." Stevens counted Highway Marker Committee because many high-ranking officials, including members felt the brilliant trial attorney Working for Veterans. "At that time, Gen. Douglas MacArthur, Gen. John J. and superior court judge had no lasting our troops were drilling with wooden "Black Jack" Pershing and President national impact. weapons," says Stevens III. Thanks to Hoover, among his friends.

"When it was turned down, I was his father and The American Legion, Henry L. Stevens Jr. is perhaps best Congress implemented some pro- summed up by these words, uttered by grams that would help prepare Ameri- his proud son: "My daddy was a great "(Stevens) ca for the Second World War. Stevens American." and The Legion also - Terry Coffey a heck of stopped Congress from cut- made ting 2,000 officers and as many as 12,000 enlisted a contribution men from the Army by hav- ing every Legion Post (more on behalf of than 11,400 in all) send a telegram to every Congress- veterans and man. Other legislative tri- umphs in a belt-cinching The American era: veterans preference in government homesteading Legion." and civil service; funding guarantees for the construc- tion of veterans hospitals; quite upset," says Henry L. Stevens III, the first Joint Commission the son of the former National Com- on Veterans Affairs; inter- mander, who blames a lackluster effort est rate reductions on ad- for the rejection. "It was turned down justed compensation loans; simply because they didn't get the in- and the defeat of portions formation up there." of the 1932 Economy Act that would have cut $48

Getting it Right. In December 1998, million in veterans funding. Stevens - who, like his father, served as Stevens also provided a superior court - successfully led leadership for the National judge Jr. served as National Commander in 1931-32. an appeal to have the PNC memorial- Employment Commission,

50 • THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • APRIL 1999 Full one-year money-back guarantee excluding Shipping & handling. **2-Day Express Delivery— In most cases orders for in-stock items will be shipped within 2 business days after we receive and process your order and should arrive 2 business days later. ©1 999 Direct Marketing Enterprises, Ltd., D/B/A Bright-Life, 1 200 Shames Drive, Westbury, NY 11590 P1

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52 • THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • APRIL 1999 X

You Get What You Pay For...

"After seeing your ad in the MaxiSound newspaper, I decided to take a Individually hand as- chance on your product. Imag- ine my surprise when I first tried sembled in the United States your sound amplification prod- by an FDA (Food and Drug uct and it worked great. The Administration) registered amplification seemed to bal- manufacturing facility. Only ance out the hearing between the finest quality micro-min- my left and right ear. I am com- iaturized components from pletely satisfied with both the Germany and Scandanavia, sound quality and amplification of your MaxiSound product." where the top quality hear- Dr. George T. Stallings ing aid components are pro- "The MaxiSound I just pur- duced, are used in the Maxi- chased from you is the best Sound. There are inferior no ...and the best price I have ever - Far Eastern components had. I have had at least 10 hear- period. MaxiSound is com- ing aids... Yours is the best." parable to other hearing aids Harold F. Beach, PA that retail for up to $1000.00. "I paid $2000. 00 for (a pair of hear- Compare for yourself, see how It's So Small ing aids) they just never did work right so I quit using them. When I much you can save. Mr. got MaxiSound I put them right in Thornton of So. Bend, Indiana It's Almost Invisible my ears and I wantyou to know they saved over $3720.00. Maxi- sure work well. I wear them every Sound, quality USA instruments. MaxiSound. day to work. " J. Jackson, GA In-the-Ear Hearing Aids - Mfg. at U.S.A. Registered Facility

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58 . THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • APRIL 1999 — LEGION SHOPPER VIAGRA ALTERNATIVE RHODES HEARING IMPOTENCE SOLUTION AND PREVENTION FREE CATALOG! WITH COMPLETE VACUUM THERAPY SYSTEM

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APRIL 1999 • THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • §| minus mm

Coming to Terms CLM: Career-Limiting Maneuver, used to describe an ill-advised activity. Sending one's boss a memo on recy- cled paper, the reverse of which contains a rant against him/her, is a serious CLM. Elvis year: The peak year of something's popularity. Percussive maintenance: The fine art of whacking an electronic device to get it to work again. Prairie dogging: When someone yells or drops some- thing in a "cube farm" (area containing a large number of cubicles) and heads pop up over the walls to see what's going on. - Executive Speaker, August 1998

Headline-Making Headlines Infertility Unlikely to be Passed On (Montgomery Advertiser) Study Finds Sex, Pregnancy Link (Cornell Daily Sun) Alcohol Ads Promote Drinking (The Hartford Courant)

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Directionally Challenged

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About these deductions under 'GIFTS'!

GO • THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • APRIL 1999 \ .

ut of the and straight to you Our top-of-the-line, premium quality GENUINE LEATHER Men's Loafers ONLY p 1995 pair Air-Cooled Handwoven Uppers! Soft, Supple Genuine Leather!

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