THE AMERICAN LEGION 68th NATIONAL CONVENTION AUGUST 29TH TO SEPTEMBER 4TH, 1986 MCCORMICK DISTILLING Welcomes The American Legion The commemorative bottle in the shape of an old world beer stein will be a lasting memento of your 1986 American Legion Convention in the “Queen City.” A permanent and inspiring reminder of good fellowship, this one-of-a-kind collector beer stein is in white ceramic, trimmed in American Legion blue and gold. The Legion emblem adorns the face of the stein, flanked by etchings of Cincinnati’s Riverfront Stadium and the Tyler-Davidson Fountain. The gold top will be sealed. The top and glass liner containing the non-alcoholic Amaretto can be removed, leaving a functional beer stein. When the convention has ended, the molds will be destroyed and your stein will become a true collector’s item. This attractive beer stein may be purchased while you are at the convention. It will be sold in the main entrance to the Convention Center. Or, you may use the special order coupon in the back of this book for shipment via UPS. Distilling 2 4 McCormick Company, Route Box 1 , Weston, Missouri FOR GOD AND COUNTRY WE ASSOCIATE OURSELVES TOGETHER FOR THE FOLLOWING PURPOSES THE AMERICAN LEGION 68th To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America; to National Convention naintain law and order; to foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism; to preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in the Great Wars; to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation; to combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses; to make right the master of might; to promote peace and good will on earth; to safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION 15th National Convention democracy; to consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness. AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY 66th National Convention LA BOUTIQUE DES HUIT CHAPEAUX ET quarante femmes WT J, , • a ry 65th 68th National Convention Marche Nationale August 30 - September 1, 1986 • Cincinnati, Ohio 1 The American Legion 1986 Convention Program Cincinnati, Ohio Contents Agenda, The American Legion 18 Military Project Officers 71 Annual Reports 76 Officers, National Convention Corporation of Ohio 37 Auxiliary Program 48 Parade Information 72 Board of Directors, National Convention 44 Corporation of Ohio 37 Past National Commanders Commission and Committee Patriotic Religious Service 41 30 Meetings Regional Leadership 36 Convention Commission 33 Seminars Convention Committee Meetings 32 Registration, Information and Tickets 4 Convention Corporation Committee Chairmen 47 Reunions and Dinners 35 62 Delegation Hotels 26 S.A.L. Convention Program 38 Distinguished Guests 22 Standing Rules of Convention Distinguished Service Membership Awards 66 Medal Recipients 45 Program Leaders 25 8 et 40 Program 57 Youth About the Cover: The night lights a magnificent view of the Queen of Cincinnati’s skyline, site of the city. Riverfront Stadium is shown at 68th National Convention of The the left, home of the Bengals and the American Legion, are reflected in Reds. Cover photograph by Brand the water of the Ohio River creating Photography. 2 A Year of Unity and Strength elcome to Cincinnati and The American campaign which reached public opinion shapers. Legion’s 68th annual National Con- Americanism programs such as Boys State and vention. The warm and hospitable shores Nation, and our National High School Oratorical Wof the Ohio River and the graciousness of the Queen Contest took on new importance with the 100th birthday City provide the ideal setting for the great works of celebration of the Statue of Liberty, the 210th anniver- America’s largest and fastest growing veterans sary of the Declaration of Independence and the organization. beginning of the bicentennial obser- This past year has set the stage for a vance of the drafting of the United crucial period in the growth and pro- States Constitution. grams of The American Legion. We We saw progress in our support have demonstrated that we can main- of neighboring democracies in Central tain sustained growth, while at the and Latin America and we experienced same time taking the leading edge on the ever-present spectre of terrorism issues vital to America. abroad. A year ago I expressed my belief that Our Children and Youth areas of the absolute, rock-solid strength of our national concern continued to generate great organization comes from the tremendous response. For the third quality of its members. That belief year the tragedy of missing children, today is stronger than ever, for our teenage suicide and drug and alcohol sense of purpose, our common dedica- abuse prevention were again chosen by tion to the principles and goals of The your national organization. American Legion have proved beyond The American Legion’s Child a doubt that we are a healthy, vibrant Welfare Foundation awarded more L. Renaud and growing part of America. This Dale than $211,000 in grants to agencies National Commander past year, perhaps more than ever which promote the well-being of before, we have come together for service to America’s children. veterans, their families, and our nation. At each crucial juncture this year you have offered We have touched the lives of countless Americans. unwavering support of our policies and you We have helped provide a positive direction for our demonstrated your willingness to work even harder to nation to follow into the future. expand our strength by bringing in more and more One of the goals we established early in this Legion new members. year was to see an expansion of programs at the local It’s that growth which represents an increased level. We wanted to convince members that they must acceptance of our goals by an ever-increasing segment become involved in every facet of the community: in of America’s veteran population. Veterans — all schools, city government, churches, and in special Americans — are unifying in a common cause. projects. And that’s where we showed our unity for all To you, the strength of The American Legion, I owe of our neighbors to see and to share. an eternal debt of gratitude for your allowing me the Certainly events on the national level played an privilege of serving as your National Commander dur- important role in shaping American Legion activities ing these challenging and active times. during the year. It became immediately apparent that Now, as we plan for the future, we must all the budget belt was going to be tightened at least remember that The American Legion continues to another few notches when it came to federally funded speak for a vast cross-section of America. Our programs. standards must continue to be the highest possible and Once again, veterans rights and benefits came under our service always in the name of God and Country. close scrutiny and The American Legion was at the In the coming days we must always keep in mind fore, pointing out the dismal record of funding for the that we must use our heads and our hearts for the Veterans Administration and mounting an information continued unity and strength of our great nation. 3 Where to Register and Obtain Information Registration and Information Booths will be operated in Cincinnati for the convenience of conventioneers. Booths will be located in the — Hyatt Regency Hotel Clarion Hotel Omni Netherland Hotel Booths will operate from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 29 and daily thereafter until taken out of service at the direction of the Convention Corporation. A Registration Booth will operate in the Lobby of the Sabin Convention Center on the days of the General Convention Sessions, September 2, 3 and 4, for those persons who have not previously registered and wish to attend convention sessions. (Official convention badge is required for entry to sessions.) All persons (except those under age 12) are to be reminded that the official convention badge or other approved credentials are required to gain entry to the General Convention Sessions. General Motors. Where the dreams ofyoung people are the products ofthe future. People who are young know the best has just begun. structural adhesives that may one day be used to join They look to the future knowing it belongs to them. its body panels. And David, a Senior Design Engineer At General Motors, we depend on fresh, young in the Advanced Product Engineering Department, minds for bright, innovative concepts. We know that will build a computer model of the design and a good way to keep pace with the future is to enlist perform analytical studies on it. the vision of those who can see it... who will be These are only three of the thousands of living the best part of their lives in it. young people helping to guide us into the future, That’s why we listen to our young people... sustaining our high level of quality by helping people like Tom Peters (far right), Jessica Schroeder us integrate new knowledge into new and David Whittaker. Recently, Tom, a Senior Creative products for our rapidly changing world. We re Designer, orchestrated the development of this proud of them and their important, advanced concept for a high-performance sports car. innovative work. They give our Jessica, a Senior Research Scientist at the Research Mark of Excellence more meaning Laboratories, is part of a team working to develop every day. • CHEVROLET PONTIAC • OLDSMOBILE • BUICK • CADILLAC • GMC TRUCKAND BUS 5 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON June 23, 1986 It gives me great pleasure to greet my fellow members gathered for the 68th annual National Convention of the American Legion.