MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE 02SS NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. 13 Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 0 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

AMERICAN LEGION NEWS BRIEFS FOR WEEK ENDING 10-6-72

American Legion National Commander Joe L. Matthews, of Ft. Worth, Texas, has called upon American Legionnaires everywhere to exercise one of the most precious rights of a free people—the right to vote.

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As of press time the Senate and House Committees on Veterans Affairs appear to have resolved their differences on the Vietnam-era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1972 (H.R. 12828). * * *

The American Legion National Public Relations Division has produced five Veterans Day television spot announcements. The spots have been mailed directly to 900 television outlets throughout the Nation.

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The Sea Service chess team, representing the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, took all the honors at the 13th annual Armed Forces Chess Championship Tournament, held in the Hall of Flags in The American Legion's Washington office.

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American Legion Auxiliary National President Mrs. T.G. Chilton opened the 1972 annual National Presidents and Secretaries Conference in Indianapolis by challenging the 108 Department officers present to face forward to the opportunities of 1973.

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A total of 26 graduates of The American Legion program are eligible for participation in the 1972 Championship Play-Offs as the and square off for this event, Oct. 7-11.

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WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—American Legion National Commander Joe L. Matthews, of Ft. Worth, Texas, made his courtesy call to the White House and official visit with President Richard M. Nixon on Tuesday, Oct. 3.

The Legion chief presented the President with a bound copy of the proceedings of the 1972 American Legion National Convention in Chicago, 111., where President Nixon made his first public appearance after accepting his party's nomination for a second term. Following the Presidential visit, Commander Matthews was interviewed by Forrest Boyd, Mutual Broadcasting's White House correspondent. The Commander then travelled to the Indianapolis National Headquarters where he brought a message of greetings to the American Legion Auxiliary's Presidents and Secretaries Conference. -alns- 0MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE 026C NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeUoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

For release 10-6-72

EDITORIAL EDITORIAL EDITORIAL

American Legion National Commander Joe L. Matthews, of Ft. Worth, Texas, has called upon American Legionnaires everywhere to exercise one of the most precious rights of a free people—the right to vote.

Every American who is eligible to cast a ballot should do so in this National Election year, for every concerned citizen should exercise his vote in the election of his President. The man whom the American voters send to the White House for the next four years is the President of all of us , not just those of us who voted for him.

It is typically American, indeed typically human, to complain, hut the person who fails to exercise his franchise does, in our opinion, also forfeit his right to complain about his elected officials.

Every American who is eligible to vote should vote in every election for it is important to exercise your voice and your vote in the matter of who occupies the State House, City Hall, the county commissioners' office and the sheriff's^ office. It is important who sits on the school board and administers the affairs of the school city or system which is responsible for your child's education.

In all too many places around the world the right to vote is either non- existent or meaningless, for in totalitarian countries you have but one choice. Here in the United States of America, where the choice is free, make your choice, cast your vote.

The American Legion is non-partisan. The American Legion is non-political. The American Legion does not propose to tell its members, or anyone else, how to vote. Freedom of choice is one of the precious freedoms for which members of The American Legion have fought in four wars within this twentieth century.

The American Legion does call upon all of its members to exercise this right and this responsibility of citizenship. The American Legion urges all citizens who are eligible voters to do the same. The American Legion doesn't tell you who to vote for, but The American Legion does ask you to vote.

On Tuesday, Nov. 7, 1972, join with your fellow Americans, go to the polling place and cast your ballot for the candidates of your choice. It's your country. The officials elected will be your officials. Exercise your right and your privilege in the selection of those officials who will play such an important role in your life according to the manner in which they perform the duties of the office to which they are elected.

Vote, and help to get the vote on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 1972.

-alns- 0MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE 026 NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

For release 10-6-72

WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—As of press time the Senate and House Committees on Veterans Affairs appear to have resolved their differences on the Vietnam-era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1972 (H.R. 12828). If the agreement holds, the measure should clear both Houses of Congress and go to the President for signature within a week. Under the agreement, a student pursuing a full time academic course would receive monthly education benefits of $220. A veteran with one dependent would receive $26l; with two dependents, $298, with $l8 more per month allowed for each additional dependent. Students pursuing courses on a three quarter or half time basis would receive a proportionate percentage of the amount paid for full time attendance, while veterans undergoing vocational rehabilitation or on-the-job training would receive an increase of approximately kB% over the existing rates. These increases would be effective retroactively to Sept. 1, 1972, and would probably be reflected in checks received at the end of November. The bill, once signed into law, would also: l) similarily expand the educational allowances of certain dependent children attending school under the War Orphans Education Act; 2) provide for correspondence courses for certain eligible widows, and 3) make other improvements in the overall education program for veterans and eligible dependents. Enactment of legislation to improve the "G.I. Bill" this year is a major objective of The American Legion. -alns- INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—The American Legion National Public Relations Division has produced five Veterans Day television spot announcements. The spots will be aired in Oklahoma, Indiana, Georgia, Illinois and West Virginia on Nov. 11, the anniversary of the Armistice ending World War I, or a few days before. In all other states, the spots will be aired on Oct. 23 or a few days before. (Indiana, Georgia, Illinois and West Virginia, through State legislative action this year, changed Veterans Day back to its original date, and Oklahoma never changed the date of observance from Nov. 11 to the so-called 1968 Holiday Bill date of the fourth Monday in Oct.) The spots have been mailed directly to 900 television outlets throughout the nation. Similar Veterans Day spots have been made available to a select group of radio stations. -alns- SEARCY ARK. —(ALNS)—Or an J. Vaughan, 76, former Arkansas National Executive Committeeman of The American Legion (1933-35), died here Sept. l6. A World War I veteran, he served as Arkansas Department Commander in 1930-31. -alns- 0MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE 0262 NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 KSt., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

For release 10-6-72

WASHINGTON—(AIMS)—The Sea Service chess team, representing the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, took all the honors at the 13th annual Armed Forces Chess Championship Tournament, held in the Hall of Flags in The American Legion's Washington office building here September 23-28.

In winning the championship for the first time in the history of the tournament, the Sea Services team captured the Emery Team Trophy, presented in honor of Thomas Emery, honorary chairman of The American Chess Foundation.

Individual honors went to Lt. (j.g.) Zacarias S. Chavez, of the U.S. Coast Guard, competing in his eighth Armed Forces Chess Championship Tournament. Chavez, stationed in Cleveland in the Coast Guard's Ninth District, scored nine out of a possible ten points.

Past National Commander Paul H. Griffith, representing National Commander Joe L. Matthews, presented Chavez with a hand carved chess set provided by the veterans of the District of Columbia through the offices of Leo Anderson, director of the District of Columbia Department of Veterans Affairs. The presentation was made at the Awards banquet in the Sheraton Carlton Hotel here.

The Sea Services team amassed 30 1/2 points in winning the eleven-round competition. The Army team, with a final score of 28 1/2 points, came in second. The Air Force, last year's winner, finished third with 16 points.

In the series to date, the Army and the Air Force teams have won the Emery award four times each, and have tied twice; the Sea Services team the one-time, this year. There were no team awards in i960 and 1961.

The tournament is jointly sponsored by the American Chess Foundation, The American Legion, the U.S.O., the U.S. Chess Federation and the Department of Defense.

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WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—In support of Resolution #27**, passed at The American Legion's 5Uth Annual National Convention, held in Chicago August 18-2U, the Legion has urged early action by the Senate Armed Services Committee to favorably report House-passed Bill H.R. 1(5201 which provides for establishing a shoreside facility, including a museum and theatre, for the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor.

The House unanimously passed H.R. 16201, sponsored by Representative Spark Matsunaga of Hawaii, August 16.

The Legion believes the memorial, which was dedicated in 1962, is today inadequate from the standpoint of both physical arrangements and patriotic and educational facilities.

-alns- MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE 0263 NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

For release 10-6-72

INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—American Legion Auxiliary National President Mrs. T.G. Chilton opened the 1972 annual National Presidents and Secretaries Conference here Oct. k, by challenging the 108 Department officers present to face forward to the opportunities of 1973. "...Each of us..now and then face a turning point in our life. We can turn forward to face opportunity—we can turn sideways to avoid opportunity—or we can turn backward to yearn for the past," the newly-elected president told the conferees.

Mrs. Chilton stressed the challenge of opportunity in connection with the year's working theme, "Opportunity Knocks- in Concern and Commitment for our Communities and Country," which she announced at the Auxiliary's National Convention in Chicago.

Legion National Commander Joe L. Matthews brought greetings to the group and warily accepted a $500 wager with Mrs. Chilton who proposed the Auxiliary would out- distance the Legion in membership percentage gain by Jan. 31, 1973. If the Auxiliary wins, Mrs. Chilton will use the money to install playground equipment at a crippiea children's camp.

Commander and Mrs Matthews were guests of the Auxiliary at the conference banquet that evening. -alns-

WASHINGTON—(ALUS)—A bill authorizing the President to proclaim the week in Nov- ember of each year which includes Thanksgiving Day as "National Family "Week is awaiting President Nixon's signature. The legislation also encourages State Governments_and local communities to observe the week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

According to the Senate Committee report, National Family Week "...would serve as the focal point for the enlistment of millions of American parents in an effort to better understand the wants and needs of their children and to encourage the children to better understand the duties and obligations of their parents.

Enactment of this legislation satisfies the intent of Resolution #293 adopted at The American Legion's 1970 Annual National Convention held in Portland, Ore.

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NASHVILLE, TENN.-(ALNS)— John Leonard Sisk, 73, former National Vice Commander of The American Legion (1936-37), died here Sept. 30. A World War I veteran, he served as Tennessee Department Commander in 193^-35.

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INDIANAPOLIS-(ALNS)-John A. Royse, a veteran^of World War I and ^founder^of The American Legion, having attended the St Louis Caucus on May 8-10, 1919, died here Sept. 26. -alns- 0MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 0 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811 For release 10-6-72

INDIANAPOLIS-(ALNS)--A total of 26 graduates of The American Legion Baseball program are eligible for participation in the 1972 National League Championship Play- offs as the Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates square off for this event, Oct. 7-11. Fifteen men on the Reds roster, certified for competition by the office of Baseball Commissioner Bowie K. Kuhn, and 11 members of the Pirate aggregation are former American Legion Baseball players, according to Daniel J. O'Connor, chairman of the Legion's National Americanism Commission. Members of the Reds team who played American Legion Baseball as a stepping stone to the major leagues are: , , , Ross Grimsley, , Joe Hague, Jim McGlothlin, Dennis Menke, , , , , Wayne Simpson and Ted Uhlaender. The following Pittsburgh Pirate players formerly played American Legion Baseball: , , , , Dave Giusti, Richard Hebner, Robert Miller, Robert Moose, , and . "Of the twenty-four eligible players who did not participate in The American Legion Baseball program, twelve of them were foreign-born and did not have such an opportunity as teenagers," O'Connor stated. -alns- WASHINGTON—(AIJSS)— Mississippi led the nation with a 103 percent increase in veterans job-training under the GI Bill during fiscal year 1972, the Veterans Administration has reported. Administrator of Veterans Affairs Donald E. Johnson noted that job-training increased 11 percent nationwide, from lU6,000 to 162,000 during the year. Mississippi as well as 35 other states exceeded the national increase. Other leading states recorded these percentage gains: South Dakota, Qk percent; Alabama, 76 percent; Montana, 6k percent; and Georgia, 53 percent. Although Mississippi scored the largest percentage gain in job-training Johnson reported, the largest numerical increase, 1,387 trainees, was recorded by North Carolina! Georgia was next with 1,058 trainees, followed by Louisiana with 870, Massachusetts with 860, Alabama with 833 and Illinois, 826. Veterans in apprenticeship programs may receive VA training^allowances forup to three years. VA job-training and apprenticeship allowances are m addition to wages p^d by employers which are increased periodically. Veterans who complete training are assured jobs, it was pointed out. Veterans interested in GI Bill job or apprenticeship training should contact the nearest VA office or your American Legion service officer. -alns- CJMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE 0265 NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

AMERICAN LEGION-NWS BRIEFS FOR WEEK ENDING 10-13-72

President Nixon has directed the heads of all government agencies to provide "maximum job opportunities to returning veterans."

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A total of 33 graduates of The American Legion Baseball program were eligible for participation in the 1972 Championship Series between the Tigers and . * * *

The Department of the Army has informed The American Legion that retired military members of the Legion are eligible to use facilities of Kilauea Military Camp (KMC), an instrumentality of the United States, located in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. * * *

Ten states have approved bonus payments for Vietnam-era veterans orV their next of kin. States offering bonuses are Washington, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, North Dakota, South Dakota and Vermont.

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The Indiana American Legion, on Nov. 3, will become one of the few Legion Departments to have a Vietnam-era veteran as its chief administrator. Viet Vet Bill Jackson will succeed Dick Smidley, who is resigning for reasons of health, as department adjutant. * * *

The U.S. Postal Service has announced that deadlines for mailing cards and parcels to members of the armed forces are nearing. Christmas cards sent by regular mail for destinations in the Far East should be posted no later than Oct. 25 with packages sent via the same mail required even earlier—Oct. Ik. Generally, all surface mail (nonairmail) should be 3ent between Nov. 1 and Nov. 2k.

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INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—The American Legion Auxiliary presented a special plaque to National Commander and Mrs. Joe L. Matthews during the Auxiliary's National Presidents and Secretaries Conference banquet here. The plaque was presented to Commander and Mrs. Matthews for "their personal example of devotion to the programs of The American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary."

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"REACH OUT — IN SERVICE FOR AMERICA" ESMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE 0266 NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 KSt., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 0 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811 For release 10-13-72

WASHINGTON--(ALNS)--President Nixon has directed the heads of all government agencies to provide "maximum job opportunities to returning veterans. We must pursue with skill and determination every conceivable approach including the splitting of full time jobs," the President said in a memo to heads of federal departments and agencies.

Nixon said that federal law already gives preference to veterans for federal employment. "I am resolving that no returning veteran will be turned away for lack of zeal on our part," he continued.

The President called Labor Secretary James D. Hodgson and VA Administrator Donald E. Johnson to his office to discuss ways of improving federal job opportunities for Vietnam veterans.

"Many officials have done an exemplary job in employing veterans wherever possible even though employment opportunities have diminished," Nixon said.

"I want to insure that all managers, supervisors and personnel officials in your organization accept as a personal challenge and obligation the responsibility for extending maximum job opportunities to returning veterans," he added.

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INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)~-A total of 33 graduates of The American Legion Baseball program were eligible for participation in the 1972 American League Championship Series between the and Oakland Athletics.

Sixteen men on the Tigers roster, certified for competition by the office of Baseball Commissioner Bowie K. Kuhn, and 17 members of the Athletics aggregation are former American Legion Baseball players, according to Daniel J. O'Connor, chairman of the Legion's National Americanism Commission.

Members of the Detroit team who played American Legion Baseball as a stepping stone to the major leagues are: Ed Brinkman, , Ike Brown, Joe Coleman, Bill Freehan, Jim Foor, Tom Haller, Al Kaline, Lerrin LaGrow, , Dick McAuliffe, Joe Niekro, Jim Northrup, Duke Sims, Mickey Stanley and Chris Zachary.

The following Oakland Athletics players formerly played American Legion Baseball: , , , , James Began, , Joel Horlen, Jim Hunter, , , , Bob Locker, , , Johnny Odom, and Fury Tenace.

"Of the nineteen eligible players who did not participate in The American Legion Baseball program, seven of them were foreign-born and did not have such an opportunity as teenagers," O'Connor stated.

Mickey Lolich of the Tigers is the 1968 winner of The American Legion Baseball Graduate of the Year Award, and Rollie Fingers of the Athletics is the 196k winner of The American Legion Baseball Player of the Year Award.

-alns- □■M ERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE 026? NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 0 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811 For release 10-13-72

KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP, HAWAII— (ALNS)— The Department of the Army _ has informed The American Legion that retired military members of the Legion are eligible to use facilities of Kilauea Military Camp (KMC), an instrumentality of the United States, located in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Although active duty personnel are given priority for cabins and apartments at this rest and recreation area, eligible retired military personnel have a good opportunity to schedule vacation stays during the months of September, October, November, January and February. Rates for retired members are the same as those for active duty personnel, and they are substantially lower than those of commercial facilities in the area. Reservations and allocation of accommodations are made on a first come first serve basis, regardless of rank or service. (Reservations should be arranged thirty days in advance of check-in dates.)

If active volcanos turn you on, this mountain resort is within twenty-five minutes' driving distance of live volcanic eruption. Located at an elevation of it,000 feet, KMC is 32 miles from Hilo and 2l6 air miles southeast of Honolulu.

Legionnaires interested in this apparently little-known "fringe benefit" of military service should contact Central Reservations Office, Kilauea Military Camp, APO San Francisco 963^1, f°r further information.

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WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—Ten states have approved bonus payments for Vietnam-era veterans or their next of kin. States offering bonuses are Washington, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, North and South Dakota and Vermont. Requirements and the amount of bonuses differ with each state. One general qualification is a state residency of six months to one year prior to entering service. The state plans include bonuses to both living veterans of the Vietnam-era and to next of kin of soldiers who either died in action or died as a result of service-connected injuries.

Inquiries can be made to Veterans Affairs Offices in the individual state capitals or with the Veterans Administration.

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INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—The Indiana American Legion, on Nov. 3, will become one of the few Legion Departments to have a Vietnam-era veteran as its chief administrator.

William D. (Bill) Jackson will assume the position of department adjutant when Richard C. (Dick) Smidley, present department adjutant, retires. Smidley is retiring because of ill health. Not only will the chief Indiana Legion administrative position go to a Vietnam-era veteran, but also the assistant adjutant position being vacated by Jackson will go to a Vietnam-era veteran, Dyke E. Shannon. Shannon will assume his new position on Nov. 20. -alns- QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE 0268 NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

For release 10-13-72

WASHINGTON—(ALUS)—Suggested mailing deadlines for 1972 Christmas packages and cards have been set one week later than in previous years, the U.S. Postal Service has announced. The first date in the series of suggested deadlines is Oct. lU when all inter- national surface parcels destined for the Far East should be mailed.

This year the Postal Service expects to process approximately 9-billion pieces of holiday mail. The recommended mailing deadlines are:

Oct. Ik. International surface parcels to the Far East (Antarctica, Australia, Burma, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Okinawa, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam);

Oct. 25 International surface greeting cards to the Far East;

Oct. 27 Surface mail to Armed Forces in the Far East (Antarctica, Australia, Burma, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Okinawa, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam);

Nov. 1 Surface and Space Available Mail (SAM) to Armed Forces in the Near East (Ethiopia, Iran, Israel, Saudi Arabia and Turkey); International surface parcels to Africa and the Near East-, Nov. k International surface greeting cards to Africa and the Near East;

Nov. 7 Parcel Air Lift (PAL) mail to Armed Forces in the Near East;

Nov. 11 Surface and Space Available Mail (SAM) to Armed Forces in South and Central America, Africa, Azores (excluding Ethiopia), Congo, Liberia;

Surface mail to Armed Forces in Europe (Belgium, Denmark, England, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain) ;

International surface parcels to South and Central America, Europe;

Nov. 17 Parcel Air Lift (PAL) mail to Amred Forces in South and Central America, Africa, Azores (excluding Ethiopia), Congo, Liberia;

International surface greeting cards to South and Central America, Europe;

Nov. 20 Space Available Mail (SAM) to Armed Forces in the Far East (Antarctica, Australia, Burma, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Okinawa, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam);

Nov. 2k Surface Mail and Space Available Mail (SAM) to Armed Forces in Canada, Arctic (Greenland, Labrador, Newfoundland);

(More) 0262 [1972 Christmas Packages, ^rds U.S. Postal Service, page 2

Nov. 27 Space Available Mail (SAM) to Armed Forces in Europe (Belgium, Denmark, England, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain); Parcel Air Lift (PAL) mall to Armed Forces in the Far East (Antarctica, Australia, Burma, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Okinawa, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam);

Nov. 30 Parcel Air Lift (PAL) mail to Armed Forces in Canada, Arctic (Greenland, Labrador, Newfoundland);

All surface parcels to Alaska and Hawaii;

Dec. Airmail greetings and parcels to Armed Forces in South and Central America, Near East (Ethiopia, Iran, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Turkey), Far East (Antarctica, Australia, Burma, Indonesia, Japan Korea, New Zealand, Okinawa, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam); and,

Parcel Air Lift (PAL) mail to Armed Forces in Europe (Belgium, Denmark, England, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain).

-alns- For release 10-13-72

WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—The Cost of Living Council has announced it has instituted a "Bent Watch" program designed to survey, nationwide, rent practices in senior citizen's housing to assure that landlords are complying with economic stablization regulations. The program got underway Oct. 2 when the 20$ increase in Social Security payments to the elderly began. The Rent Watch is specifically designed to prevent illegal rent increases from cutting into the additional Social Security payments which go to the elderly, the handicapped, widows and children.

The program is being carried out by the 58 Internal Revenue Service (IRS) District offices across the country under the direction of stabilization officials here. The IRS is the enforcement arm of the Economic Stabilization Program.

Copies of the brochure "Rent Watch For Social Security Beneficiaries" are available in quantities at the District offices of the IRS for distribution to American Legion Posts for further distribution to Legion membership.

Also, speakers may be scheduled from local IRS offices to explain the program at American Legion Post, Regional and District meetings.

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,;There are three things we have not and will not do: We will never abandon our prisoners of war. We will not join our enemies in imposing a communist government on our allies - the 17,000,000 people of South Vietnam. We will not stain the honor of the United States."-Richard M. Nixon, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

-alns- 0MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE 0270 NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION- ■THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

AMERICAN LEGION NEWS BRIEFS FOR WEEK ENDING 10-20-72

Adm. Maurice F. Weisner, recently appointed vice-chief of naval operations, told top ranking Legionnaires that he defended United States involvement in Vietnam and hinted he agrees with the President's actions there. The Admiral made this statement before National Commander Joe L. Matthews' Banquet for the Legion's National Executive Committee.

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American Legion National Commander Joe L. Matthews announced, during the fall meetings in Indianapolis , that he expects to visit the Soviet Union in December of this year for the purpose of visiting Soviet facilities for the treatment_of disabled veterans, and exploring the possibilities for an exchange of information in the veterans affairs area.

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Department (State) Commanders of The American Legion pledged, during the Commanders and Adjutants Conference in Indianapolis, that they would have 2,089,504 members signed for 1973 by Dec. 31, 1972. The Legion's national goal for 1973 is 2,656,581. * * *

The recent release of three American prisoners of war by North Vietnam was the worst kind of political propaganda, American Legion National Commander Joe L. Matthews told newsmen during his homecoming in Arlington, Tex.

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The National Executive Committee of The American Legion, during its fall meetings in Indianapolis, has tentatively awarded the 1975 American Legion National Convention to Minneapolis, Minn., for Aug. 15-21, and the 1977 National Convention to Denver, Colo., for Aug. 19-25. * * *

A total of 32 graduates of The American Legion Baseball program were eligible for participation in the 1972 when the Cincinnati Reds and the Oakland Athletics squared off for the baseball world championship.

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Dr Robert P. Foster, President, Northwest State University, Maryville, Mo., has been appointed Chairman of The American Legion's Foreign Relations Commission by Legion National Commander Joe L. Matthews.

-alns- QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION- ■THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

For release 10-20-72

INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)-Adm. Maurice F. Weisner, recently appointed vice-chief of naval operations and a decorated combat veteran of three wars, told top ranking Legionnaires that he defended United States involvement in Vietnam and hinted he agrees with the President's actions there.

Speaking before American Legion National Commander Joe L. Matthews' Banquet for members of the National Executive Committee here, Adm. Weisner said he believes the U.S. is going to win the war—that the "truly hard decisions that we made in the last 12 months have served an unmistakable notice that the United States will keep its commitments and that we expect others to keep theirs."

Adm. Weisner pointed out that the Vietnam War is not America's most serious problem and that internal security should be given top priority. "We cannot overlook the fact that our great nation—on the threshold of its 200th anniversary—is being tested in other ways. We must be deeply and actively concerned with all of the problems conftonting us—internal as well as external. Still, the fact remains—as President Nixon has warned on many occasions—that our most serious problem is the security of our 'island nation'—that if we don't meet this problem, we won't have to worry about the other ones," the Admiral warned.

"All things considered, and given the sternest management it is possible for humans to muster," he said, "the solution may have to take the form of a belief: We can afford to be strong—we cannot afford not to be."

In closing, the Admiral said he wanted to borrow the following thought he found in the Legion's latest National Security Report:

"Our greatest hope for peace, now and in the future, must be based upon an immediate and long range policy of maintaining our military forces so strong that no adversary or group of adversaries will dare to attack our country or by threat of military action impose its will upon us." (End of quote)

"We in the United States Navy second that proposition and, as we have for 197 years, shall continue our utmost to the attainment of our national goals," he added.

Immediately prior to his current tour of duty in Washington, Adm. Weisner had served 18 months as commander of the 7th Fleet operation in the Gulf of Tonkin off the coast of Vietnam.

The 19Ul graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy counts among his many decorations the Air Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross, two awards of the Legion of Merit and two awards of the Distinguished Service Medal.

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"REACH OUT — IN SERVICE FOR AMERICA" QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE 0272 NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

For release 10-20-72

INDIANAPOLIS— (ALUS)—American Legion National Commander Joe L. Matthews announced, during the fall meetings here, that he expects to visit the Soviet Union in December of this year for the purpose of visiting Soviet facilities for the treatment of disabled veterans, and exploring the possibilities for an exchange of information in the veterans affairs area. The full text of Commander Matthews statement follows: "I am in the process of concluding arrangements for a visit to the Soviet Union in December of this year. "The purpose of this visit will be to tour Soviet rehabilitative facilities for disabled veterans, and to review other facets of their veterans affairs program. "It is my intention to attempt to set up an informal exchange of information in the veterans affairs area as a matter of mutual benefit to both their veterans_ program and ours. The Soviets have, as is well known, a large veteran population, and, we understand, excellent programs for the care of the disabled from which I am certain we can learn. ,:I undertake this trip as National Commander of The American Legion, a private citizen representing a private organization. This is strictly a Legion undertaking, and will be made at no cost to the government." -alns- INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)— Department (State) Commanders of The American Legion pledged that they would have 2,089,50*+ members signed for 1973 by Dec. 31, 1972. The Legion's national goal for 1973 is 2,656,581. The total pledge offered by the department leaders is nearly 36,000 more than that of one year ago. That pledge was met in December of 1971. The largest membership pledge—17^,000 American Legionnaires—came from the Department of Pennsylvania; Illinois was second with 153,000; New York, third with 146,000; Ohio, fourth with 109,332; Minnesota, fifth with 101,500; and California, sixth with 98,000

Legion membership sustains a loss by death of approximately 70,000 yearly. Of these, 30,000 are World War I veterans and 35,000, World War II veterans, and 5,000 are from the Korean War and Vietnam era groups. -alns-

INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—A $500 check for The American Legion National Emergency Fund was presented to National Commander Joe L. Matthews by Leo F. Malloy, Massachusetts National Executive Committeeman, during the fall meetings here.

-alns- EJMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 KSt., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

For release 10-20-72

ARLINGTON, TEX.—(ALNS)—The recent release of three American prisoners of war by North Vietnam was the worst kind of political propaganda, American Legion National Commander Joe L. Matthews said here at his homecoming Saturday, Oct. Ik. The newly elected Legion chief condemned antiwar groups for negotiating release of the prisoners on their own. He said that prisoner releases should be negotiated by the U.S. government, i;not by people who go over there and don't know what they re doing." Commander Matthews said that he did not view North Vietnam's release of the prisoners of war as a goodwill gesture signaling a desire to bring the war to an end and pointed out that he supports the President's peace proposal which generally provides for release of all American war prisoners as a precondition to ending hostilities. He said that North Vietnam's attempt to reap propaganda benefits from the release "backfired" on them and the whole world could see what Hanoi was up to. Over 600 Legion leaders from U8 departments, including four foreign countries* were present at the homecoming. The tremendous out-pouring of enthusiasm for Commander Matthews of Ft. Worth, Tex. was typically demonstrated when Ft.^Worth s Mayor R.M. Stovall proclaimed Saturday, Oct. lk, as "Joe L. Matthews Day. Among the many tributes to Commander Matthews was the following note from President Nixon, read by Administrator of Veterans Affairs Donald E. Johnson:

"Dear Commander Matthews: "Your exceptional record of service with The American Legion has more than earned you its highest office and as your friends and fellow Legionnaires pay tribute to your achievement, I want you to know that I wholeheartedly share their sentiment. "Throughout your life you have competently proved your ability to lead,^ not as a member of this great organization, but as a community-minded citizen dedicated to the well-being of his society. "I applaud the qualities that have characterized your many contributions to the vitality and strength of our country, and I recognize in them an example that will continue to inspire others for many years ahead. Sincerely yours,

Richard M. Nixon"

-alns- 0MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE 271 NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION- ■THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington. D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

For release 10-20-T2

INDIANAPOLIS--(ALNS)--The National Executive Committee of The American Legion, during its fall meetings here, has tentatively awarded the 1975 American Legion National Convention to Minneapolis, Minn., for Aug. 15-21, and the 1977 National Convention to Denver, Colo., for Aug. 19-25. A tentative award for the 1975 convention had "been made to Philadelphia, Pa., | "but was withdrawn when it was determined that adequate housing would not be available for the number of people, more than 25,000, involved in an American Legion Convention.

The National Executive Committee previously made tentative awards for national conventions to Honolulu, Hawaii for Aug. 17-23, 1973; Miami Beach, Fla., Aug. 16-22, for 197^-, and Seattle, Wash., for Aug. 20-26, 1976. The National Executive Committee, the policy-making body of The American Legion between national conventions, also took action on other measures. The Committee adopted a resolution which calls for American Legion support to the Commissioner of , in every way possible, to defeat proposed legislation which would legalize gambling on major sporting events. The Legion is vitally concerned in preserving the image of one of its finest youth programs, American Legion Baseball, which has served as a builder of character and sportsmanship among young Americans. Another resolution adopted by the Committee asks that the Administration and the Congress provide authority and funds for the rapid deployment of a Ballistic Missile Defense system as provided for in the Strategic Arms Limitations Treaty (SALT), recently approved by Congress and signed by the President. The resolution also called for the need to continue dynamic research and development in missile defense, so that our nation would not fall hopelessly behind in the event the SALT treaty should be abrogated. The President was called upon in another resolution, given the NEC's unanimous approval, "to issue an Executive Order requiring the Civil Service Commission to issue Civil Service directives, or to recommend legislation to provide that service- connected, disabled veterans appointed under Civil Service regulations be required to serve only one year from date of appointment as a career-conditional employee to become a career-status employee." The resolution cited that many of the disabled veterans are presently finding themselves in a reduction in force and must compete with non-veterans due to the three-year period before career status. The NEC, by resolution, also requested the Secretary of Labor to take appropriate action to insure that all employment and job training programs administered by the U.S. Department of Labor strictly comply with veterans' preference as set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations. -alns- QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE 0275 NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

For release 10-20-72

INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)-—A total of 32 graduates of The American Legion Baseball program were eligible for participation in the when the Cincinnati Reds and the Oakland Athletics squared off for the baseball world championship.

Fifteen men on the Reds roster, certified for competition by the office of Baseball Commissioner Bowie K. Kuhn, and 17 members of the Athletics aggregation are former American Legion Baseball players, according to Daniel J. O'Connor, chairman of the Legion's National Americanism Commission.

Members of the Reds team who played American Legion Baseball as a stepping stone to the major leagues are: Johnny Bench, Jack Billingham, Clay Carroll, Darrel Chaney, Ross Grimsley, Don Gullett, Joe Hague, Jim McGlothlin, Dennis Menke, Joe Morgan, Gary Nolan, Bill Plummer, Pete Rose, Wayne Simpson and Ted Uhlaender.

The following Oakland Athletics players formerly played American Legion Baseball: Dave Duncan, Mike Epstein, Rollie Fingers, Dick Green, Jim Hegan, Ken Holtzman, Joel Horlen, Jim Hunter, Reggie Jackson, Darold Knowles, Ted Kubiak, Bob Locker, Dal Maxvill, Don Mincher, Johnny Odom, Joe Rudi and .

"Of the twenty-eight eligible players who did not participate in The American Legion Baseball program, nine of them were foreign-born and did not have such an opportunity as teenagers," O'Connor stated.

Rollie Fingers of the Athletics is the 196U winner of The American Legion Baseball Player of the Year Award and Ross Grimsley of the Reds was a member of the 1968 national championship team of American Legion Baseball from Memphis, Tenn.

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INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—Dr. Robert P. Foster, President, Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, Mo., has been appointed Chairman of The American Legion's Foreign Relations Commission by Legion National Commander Joe L. Matthews. Foster succeeds Thomas E. Whelan, who stepped down after 10 years as chairman. Whelan of St. Thomas, N.D., a World War I veteran, is a former Ambassador to Nicaragua.

Other new appointments confirmed during the National Executive Committee session here include: Alex M. Geiger of Gaston, S.C., succeeding Melvin T. Dixon of St. Petersburg, Fla. , as Chairman of the Resolutions Assignment Committee under the Internal Affairs Commission; Al Olenberger of McVille, N.D., succeeding James M. Wagonseller of Lancaster, Ohio, as Chairman of the Merchant Marine Committee under the National Security Commission; and Milton M. Carpenter of St. Louis, Mo., succeeding John A. Jones of Weirton, W. Va., as Chairman of the "Spirit of '76 Committee." -alns- QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (216 NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

For release 10-20-72

WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—In a last minute flurry of legislative activity, the Congress has passed and sent to the President four bills of major concern to The American II Legion and its membership. The four bills are: l) the Vietnam-era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1972 (H R 12828); 2) the National Cemeteries Act of 1972 (H.R. 1267*0; 3) the Health Care Expansion Act of 1972 (H.R. 10880); and k) the Veterans Administration Medical School Assistant and Health Manpower Training Act of 1972 (H.J. Res. IkQ).

Under the provisions of H.R. 12828 a single student pursuing a full time academic course would receive monthly education benefits of $220; a veteran with one dependent would receive $26l, and a veteran with two dependents $298, with $18 more per month allowed for each additional dependent.

Students pursuing courses on a three quarter or half time basis would recieve a proportionate percentage of the amount paid for full time attendance, while veterans undergoing apprenticeship or other on-the-job training would receive an increase of approximately k8% over existing rates.

The increases would be effective retroactively to Sept. 1, 1972, and would probably be reflected in checks received at the end of Nov.

The new cemeteries act (H.R. 1267*0 would, if signed into law, establish within the VA a National Cemetery System which would consist of national cemeteries transferred to the VA from the Department of the Army and cemeteries presently under the jurisdiction of the VA.

It would also direct the Administrator of Veterans Affairs, in conjunction with the Secretary of Defense, to conduct a study and recommend to the Congress within six months after convening of the 93rd Congress concerning:

1) whether it would be advisable to include Arlington National Cemetery within the newly established National Cemetery System;

2) the appropriateness of maintaining the present eligibility requirements for burial at Arlington National Cemetery, and 3) the advisability of establishing another National Cemetery in or near the District of Columbia. Other features of both H.R. 12828 and H.R. 1267^, as well as the provisions of H.R. 10880 and H.J. Res. 7^8, will be dealt with in detail in subsequent issues of ALNS. -alns- □ MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE 0277 NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins. Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 KSt., N. W. GO Washington, D. C. 20006 Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

For release 10-20-72

CHICAGO, ILL.—(ALNS) —American Legion members holding certificates of insurance or policies with The American Legion Life Insurance Plan are reminded that the deadline for paying premiums is Dec. 31, 1972.

All certificate or policy holders should have received premium notices by Oct. 25, 1972, according to Paul L. Weber, director of the Life Insurance Plan. Are you denying yourself a principal benefit of being a Legionnaire, Weber asks. You know about the advantages and the privileges you enjoy as a member of The American Legion - the enjoyment of working for good causes, warmth of fellowship, the power of achieving common goals, he said. But if you are not now under the protection of American Legion life insurance you may have missed a great deal, he continued.

An incentive for Vietnam era veterans is included under the Plan, which allows this group through age 29 (25 in Ohio) to purchase one, two, three or four units of decreasing term insurance for an annual premium of $2U, $1+8, $72 or $96. This will give the Legionnaire insurance coverage of $10,000, $20,000, $30,000 or $^0,000.

Thousands of Legionnaires now enjoy this protection. One of the main benefits of belonging to The American Legion is the low-cost life insurance made available to members. If you are buying a home, American Legion life insurance can serve as mortgage insurance. You can choose benefits that can pay off most, if not all, of your mortgage balance should you die.

For full information on The American Legion Life Insurance Plan, write to 111 West Jackson Blvd., 13th Floor, Chicago, IL 6060I+. Attn: Paul L. Weber, Director. -alns-

INDIANAPOLIS— (ALNS)--Barney W. Greene, of Nashville, adjutant of The American Legion of Tennessee, has been named "King'1 of the Steivos for 1972-73. The Steivos , a fun-making organization of American Legion adjutants, past and present, conducts its annual meeting in conjunction with the Annual Commander's and Adjutant's Conference at Legion National Headquarters here. Greene succeeds Kenneth L. Young, of Topeka, adjutant of The American Legion of Kansas, as "King."

William F. (Bill) Hauck of Washington, D.C., Legion National Adjutant, and Daniel H. Burkhardt of Baltimore, Md., adjutant of the Legion Department of Maryland, were continued as scribe and treasurer, respectively.

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INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—Two special Veterans Day public service spot announcements for sports broadcasts on Saturday, Nov. 11, have been produced by The American Legion National Public Relations Division. The spots have been mailed to a select group of stations in states honoring Veterans Day on the anniversary of the Armistice ending World War I. -alns- 0MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION- ■THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 KSt., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 0 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811 For release 10-20-72

INDIANAPOLIS— (ALNS)— The following departments have "been named tentative winners of the Big Ten Competition, subject to the fulfillment of their membership pledges on or before Jan. 8, 1973:

DEPARTMENT 1973 MEMBERSHIP PLEDGED CATEGORY I GOAL OCTOBER 17, 1972 PERCENTAGE

Minnesota 107,756 101,500 9U.19 Wisconsin 76,719 70,1+27 91.80

CATEGORY II

Louisiana 1+6 ,973 1+3,250 92.07 Nebraska 52,61+0 U8,000 91.18

CATEGORY III

North Dakota 26,085 26,100 100.06 South Dakota 26,61+1 25,309 95.00

CATEGORY IV

South Carolina 22,61+3 19,391+ 85.65 Colorado 20,586 17,500 85.01

CATEGORY V

Alaska 3,297 2,968 90.02 Delaware l+,l+39 3,800 85.60 -alns-

INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—The four high school students who reach the National Finals of The American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest will be ineligible for future participation in the Oratorical Contest according to an amendment to the contest rules. The amendment, which affects only the four national finalists, was adopted by the National Executive Committee during its fall meeting here. The resolution calling for the change pointed out that those who would repeat at the National level would dilute the purpose of the program which is to provide scholarships to as many students as possible. -alns-

A comparison of the first six years of the World War II, Korean Conflict and current GI Bills shows a higher participation rate under the current GI Bill than the Korean Conflict Bill, VA reported recently.

-alns- QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE 2*8 NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION- THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

AMERICAN LEGION NEWS BRIEFS FOR WEEK ENDING 10-27-72

President Nixon has signed legislation that will increase GI Bill education allowances 25 to 50 percent, retroactive to Sept. 1. The approved legislation vill also provide part-time jobs for many Vietnam-era veteran students.

* * *

American Legion National Commander Joe L. Matthews told a National Veterans Day audience in Birmingham, Ala., that "Our men and women in uniform today don't want sympathy, hut they do want, need and deserve the respect of their fellow countrymen

* » *

Some 130 American Legion leaders headed by National Commander Joe L. Matthews, of Fort Worth, Texas, comprised the official Legion party observing the Second Annual American Legion Day at Laurel Race Course, Laurel, Md., on Saturday, Oct. 21.

* * *

"America's veterans...by their service and sacrifice and valor...made our country's uniform a badge of honor," Donald E. Johnson, Administrator of Veterans Affairs and Past National Commander of The American Legion, told a Veterans Day I audience during traditional National Veterans Day Ceremonies in the Amphitheater of the Arlington National Cemetery.

* * *

WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—More than 200 Washington area newspaper, magazine, radio and television newsmen and heads of the information services of the armed forces and other branches of government attended American Legion National Commander Joe L. Matthews reception for Washington newsmen on Wednesday evening, Oct. 25, in the Hall of Flags of the Washington Headquarters office building.

Among those present were Gen. Robert Ginsburg, director of information, Secretary of the Air Force; Rear Adm. William Thompson, chief of information, Department of the Navy; James J. Rowley, director, U.S. Secret Service; Byron B. Pepitone, director, Selective Service; Lawrence B. Quimby, commanding officer, Executive Protective Service, White House, and Mrs. T.G. Chilton, of Superior, Arizona, National President, American Legion Auxiliary.

American Legion officials from surrounding Departments also were in attendance. -alns-

"REACH OUT — IN SERVICE FOR AMERICA" 0MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE 028C NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION- -THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 KSt., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

For release 10-27-72

WASHINGTON--(ALNS)---President Nixon has signed legislation that will increase GI Bill education allowances 25 to 50 percent, retroactive to Sept. 1. The approved legislation will also provide part-time jobs for many Vietnam-era veteran students.

The Vietnam-era Veterans Readjustment Act of 1972 (H.R. 12828) will raise allowances for single veterans from $175 to $220 monthly; for married veterans, from $205 to $26l monthly and for veterans with two dependents, from $230 to $298 monthly. Also, the allowance veterans receive for each additional dependent will increase from $13 to $18 a month. In addition, the new hill will increase on-the-job training (OJT) allowances by U8 percent. Veterans with service-connected disabilities enrolled under the VA's vocational rehabilitation program will have their rates hiked from $135 to $170 monthly if they are single and $l8l to $211 if they are married. Disabled veterans with two dependents will receive a rate jump from $210 to $2U8. The legislation provides $18 per child extra to each disabled vet with more than two dependents.

Under the Veterans Administration's Dependents Assistance Program, monthly allowances for widows, wives and children pursuing educational benefits will increase from $175 to $220. The new bill also calls for the establishment of a work program for GI Bill students to help process GI Bill paperwork at their school or VA regional office. The student would be able to work 100 hours maximum at $2.50 an hour.

The President also signed the Veterans Administration Medical School Assistant and Health Manpower Training Act of 1972 (H.J. Res. 7U8), a bill authorizing $75- million annually, through Federal grants, for the purpose of founding new medical schools and training facilities as well as the expansion of existing schools affiliated with Veterans Administration hospitals.

After signing the two bills before an audience of Vietnam War veterans and members of veterans' organizations, including American Legion National Commander Joe L. Matthews and National Adjutant William F. Hauck, President Nixon said, "No group is more deserving of fair treatment than the gallant men who serve their Nation in time of conflict. No measures are more deserving of the full support of the American people than this legislation which pays a small part of the debt we owe to them.

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"We are not going to make a mockery of your sacrifice by surrendering^ the enemy, or by offering amnesty to draft dodgers or deserters."—President Richard M. Nixon, in a Veterans Day message to Vietnam war veterans and their families.

"REACH OUT — IN SERVICE TO AMERICA"

-alns- 0MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeUoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 KSt., N. W. EH Washington, D. C. 20006 Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

For release 10-27-72

BIRMINGHAM, ALA.--(ALNS)—"Our men and women in Uniform today don't want sympathy, I but they do want, need and deserve the respect of their fellow countrymen, and they I need all the help we can give them in readjusting to civilian life," American Legion I National Commander Joe L. Matthews, of Ft. Worth, Texas, told a Veterans Day banquet I audience here. "It is wrong that these fine young people who have served their country ^should be c made to suffer because some people are divided on the value of that service," and I there are those who not only try to downgrade our men in uniform but go even farther [ and try to make heroes and martyrs of draft dodgers and deserters," Commander Matthews p continued. The Legion leader was addressing a Veterans Day audience in the first day's \ activity of a two-day regional observance of Veterans Day for which The American Legion was designated as the official host. In addition to delivering the principal address of the evening, Commander Matthews presented, on behalf of the directors of I the Birmingham National Veterans Day, the organization's Distinguished National I Veterans Award to Brig. Gen. James Stewart.

In accepting the award, the long-time film star who was a bomber pilot during World War II and rose to the rank of Brigadier General before retiring from the Air Force in 1968, said, "Our duty to our country should be never ending," and praised Birmingham's Veterans Day celebration as a day that "honors veterans and also honors the armed forces." He said many men hove died for freedom "whom we wish had lived for freedom." Stewart pointed out that "every man who has given his life for freedom has lodged himself in the soul of America." The Award read as follows: "This is to certify that General James Stewart is the recipient of the Distinguished National Veterans Award for 1972, presented annually by the combined veterans organizations to the American citizen who has done most to foster the interests of veterans throughout the United States."

Stewart's name is engraved on the permanent Veterans Day memorial in Birmingham along with the names of all previous recipients of the award.

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INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—A total of $63^.50 was pledged by Legion National Head- quarters staff personnel toward the "March of Dimes" when Marlene Robbins and Marjone Pierson (Finance Section) walked 25 miles for their Legion sponsors in a recent Indianapolis "Walk-A-Thon."

-alns- QJMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION- ■THE AMERICAN LEGION

For release 10-27-72

WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—Some 130 American Legion leaders headed by National Commander Joe L. Matthews, of Fort Worth, Tex., comprised the official Legion party observing the Second Annual American Legion Day at Laurel Race Course, Laurel, Md., on Saturday, Oct. 21. The seventh race, the feature of the day's program, was designated the National^ Commander of The American Legion Allowance and Commander Matthews went to the winner s circle to present the Commander's trophy to a representative of Bon Etage Farms, owner of Berring Plate, winner of the feature event.

Other events on the Saturday card were named for The American Legion Departments of the Central Atlantic states where the bulk of Legion participation originated, Virginia, District of Columbia and Delaware.

Ninety hospitalized veterans from Washington area VA hospitals were guests of American Legion National Headquarters, The American Legion Department of Maryland, and the management of the Laurel Race Course, co-sponsors of the Legion Day program.

Commander Matthews also presented a Legion citation of appreciation to John D. Schapiro, president of Laurel Race Course, which read as follows: In appreciation of his selfless and dedicated efforts on behalf of the youth of America through his interest in the programs of The American Legion, and other organizations, designed to foster good citizenship, leadership and the construct!ire direction of talents among the young people who represent the future of the Nation.

Also during the pre-race festivities, White House Aide John Nidecker, Deputy special assistant to the President, presented a set of presidential cuff links to Commander Matthews and to National Adjutant William F. Hauck.

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WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—The American Legion has a new member and the White House has a new Fellow as a result of the special ceremony at the White House on Oct. 2k where President Nixon signed two important veterans benefit bills.

Larry D. Kirk, of Aurora, Colo., a Vietnam veteran who lost both legs, arid who was one of the Jaycees 10 outstanding young men, was among about 100 young veterans who attended the ceremonies. As the President shook hands with individuals following the signing, Kirk said: "Mr. President, I hope you meant what you said about jobs for veteran? because I'm in need of one and I've always wanted to be a White House Fellow." After a brief conversation, President Nixon advised Kirk about his White House Fellow wish, saying, "You've got it." National Commander Joe L. Matthews, who headed The American Legion delegation at the signing ceremony, also signed Kirk to membership in the Legion.

-alns- 0MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE •82 NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS E3 P. O. Box 1055 1608 KSt., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

For release 10-27-72

WASHINGTON—(ALNS)---"America's veterans.. .by their service and sacrifice and valor...made our country's uniform a badge of honor," Veterans Administrator Donald Johnson told a Veterans Day audience here.

Johnson, an American Legion Past National Commander, served as the official representative of President Nixon at traditional National Veterans Day Ceremonies in the Amphitheater of the Arlington National Cemetery.

In a special tribute to the American prisoners-of-war and missing-in-action, the VA chief added: "There is none here today...surely...whose heart has not been anguished by the tragic fate of our prisoners of war and those missing in action...and who does not agree with President Nixon that the fate of these courageous Americans cannot be left 'to the goodwill of the enemy.'

"Without reservation...each of us today can accept as our own words the President's words just last week to the families of our prisoners and missing in • action.

it t You have never been away from my thoughts,and you have never been away from my prayers i" Hosted by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, a national organization of 290 members who have been awarded the Nation's highest military honor, the Veterans Day observance was highlighted when Don Johnson placed the Presidential Wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns. National Vice Commander Donald L. Gruenbaum of Ohio, represented The American Legion at the ceremonies.

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INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)~Winners in The American Legion 1972 Post History Contest have been announced by Mrs. Loretta 0. Phillips, of Burbank, Calif., National Historian. Winners include:

Category I (Posts chartered before 19UU).

First Place, Ballard Post No. 3, La Center, Kentucky ($150 accompanied by citation). * Second Place, West End Post No. 1U7, Atlanta, Georgia ($100 and citation;. Third Place, Shawnee Post No. 193, Louisville, Kentucky ($50 and citation).

Honorable Mention. Shelton Beaty Post No. 18, Arkansas City, Kansas; William G. Haan Red Arrow Post No. 15l! Flint, Mich.; First New York Cavalry Post No. 296 Brooklyn N.Y., Charles Wagner Post No. 1*21, Hicksville, N.Y.; John M. Perry Post No. lOHU, Sarkill,T*.; and Argonne Post No. », Enid, Oklahoma. Certificates of Honorable Mention were awarded these posts. No entries were received in Category II (Posts chartered after 19^0- -alns-