The American Legion DVANCE

A National Headquarters Monthly Publication For Post Commanders and Post Adjutants

Vol. XXXIV May, 1991 No. 5 HONOR AMERICA June 14 to July 4 — National homecoming for Desert Storm troops

Since June 1975, the 21-day period The American Legion, Commander, from Flag Day, June 14, to Indepen¬ should be leading the way in your com¬ dence Day, July 4, has been known as munity or, at least, be an integral part of “Honor America Days.” In passing PL the planning and accomplishment of 94-33, Congress declared this time as a these celebrations. Contact with local period to honor America and encour¬ government and military officials aged public gatherings and activities at should be made immediately to deter¬ which the people of the United States mine your role in any planned events. The idea of the annual “Pause for the could celebrate and honor their country Posts should continue or expand their Pledge of Allegiance” originated in in an appropriate manner. annual Flag Day - Independence Day 1980 at the Star-Spangled Banner Flag “Honor America Days” will take on activities. Don’t forget to include the House in Baltimore. Since then, the an extra special meaning in 1991 as we annual “Pause for the Pledge” on Flag concept has swept across the country in look to celebrate peace in the Persian Day. a grassroots movement supported by a Gulf and to honor and “Welcome broad spectrum of individuals, organi¬ zations (including The American Home” the men and women who ‘Pause for the Pledge’ helped establish that peace. Legion), and businesses. On June 20, 1985, the 99th Congress While some local celebrations may passed, and the President signed, PL occur before this period, activities will 99-54 recognizing the “Pause for the Flag Day culminate in the national “Welcome Pledge of Allegiance” as part of Flag The Flag is a living symbol of Ameri¬ Home” celebration on July 4th, the Day activities. can ideals, traditions, and unity. The date selected by the President of the It is an invitation urging all Ameri¬ Flag stands for the values and purity of United States. cans to participate, at 7:00 p.m.(EDT) self-sacrifice that have made this coun¬ on June 14, in reciting the “Pledge of try great. Allegiance.” The effect of this simple This embodiment of the symbolism In This Issue ceremony — which transcends age, of the Flag led to Congressional recog¬ race, religion, national origin, and geo¬ nition of June 14 as Flag Day in August, Page 1949. It is a day to proudly display the Flag Oay/Honor America/4th of July .... 1 graphic differences — is a stimulating experience at home and a sign of unity Flag of the United States and to under¬ Commander’s Calendar .2 stand its meaning. Consolidated Post Report . 3 abroad. With the ending of the war in Certainly Flag Day, 1991, will hold Veterans Preference for Gulf War vets .. 3 the Persian Gulf, this activity takes on Membership renewals/retention .4 added meaning in this annual salute to special meaning in light of the success Report - VA hospital/medical care .4 the Flag. of our efforts in the Persian Gulf. Media advisories .5 Activities for this day should recognize Dateline: Washington. 6 The “Pledge” will be led by officials the contribution of our service person¬ Services offered by Children & Youth ... 7 during the annual Flag Day ceremonies nel to the ideals, traditions and unity of Life Insurance Plan . 7 at historic Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Md. (Continued on next page) Honor America... COMMANDER’S (Continued from preceding page) focusing on historic events related to the community and nation. This might also CALENDAR our American way of life. include a special tribute to the Military, Posts should also use this day to Reserve or National Guard Units MAY remind and encourage citizens on the involved in Operation Desert Storm 1- 2 National Executive Committee, proper methods for displaying the Flag. from your community. Indianapolis, Ind. Several publications on proper Flag eti¬ • Arts and crafts workshops involving 8 46th anniversary of V-E Day, quette are available from your depart¬ skills seldom used in today’s automated 1945. ment or from National Fleadquarters for culture. 12 Mother’s Day. distribution within your communities. • Folk festivals with traditional food, 17 ROTC Recognition Day. The Officer’s Guide and Manual of dance, costumes, and music. • Special 18 Armed Forces Day. Ceremonies provides a unique cere¬ services at place of worship. 27 Memorial Day. mony for the “Disposal of Unservicea¬ JUNE ble Flags.” Traditionally, many posts Independence Day Has your post turned in its Con¬ perform this ceremony on Flag Day. It solidated Post Report to depart¬ July 4th, 1991, will not only culmi¬ is a fine tribute to the Flag and provides ment headquarters? nate the activities of “Honor Amer¬ a service to the community by dispos¬ 2- 8 Week for National Observance of ica,” but will be the national day of ing of the Flags no longer fitting for the 50th Anniversary of World celebration to “Welcome Home” the display. War II (Public Law 101-491). troops from Operation Desert Storm. 6 47th anniversary of D-Day, 1944. Honor America Plans for a major celebration in the 9-15 National Flag Week. The concept of Honor America was Nation’s Capital are being formulated 14 Flag Day. “Pause for the Pledge” designed to increase the knowledge of under the direction of the Department of of Allegiance, 7:00 p.m. (EDT). the American public about its cultural Veterans Affairs. 16 Father’s Day. heritage, constitutional form of govern¬ Posts should be alert to announce¬ 21- 24 American Legion 3-Position Air ment, and history, and to commemorate ments from the VA, the White House, Rifle Tournament, Colorado the anniversary of the independence of and National Headquarters of The Springs, Colo. the United States of America. American Legion regarding this cele¬ 25 41st anniversary of U.S. entry With the celebrations being contem¬ bration in order to tie into this activity. into Korean War, 1950. plated and planned for the homecoming Without question, this added emphasis JULY of our troops, this annual activity to should make Independence Day, 1991, 4 Independence Day. Be sure your “Honor America” will certainly be one of the most celebrated July 4ths in observance salutes the men and enhanced. history. women who served in Operation “Honor America” can be observed Your post, Commander, should be on Desert Storm. by such events as - the front-line in making the celebration 19-27 American Legion Boys Nation, • Special displays at shopping centers, a success in your community. Washington, D.C. 22- 28 Department Service Officers School, Indianapolis, Ind., 25-28 National Membership Workshop, Indianapolis, Ind. AUGUST 14-18 Regional Tournaments, Ameri¬ can Legion Baseball. 21-25 World Series, American Legion Baseball, Boyertown, Pa. 30- 73rd National Convention, The Sept. 5 American Legion, Phoenix, Ariz.

The American Legion ADVANCE Published monthly by: National Headquarters, The American Legion, P. 0. Box 1055, Indianapolis, Ind. 46206. A publication for American Legion Post Commanders and Post Adjutants.

Editor: Frank L. Megnin

Vol. XXXIV May, 1991 No. 5

2 The ADVANCE, May, 1991 WANTED: Your post annual report! With summer approaching, it is time your Department. Keep the last copy the report as a basis for an annual report to bring the post records up to date for (pink) for your files. of their stewardship to their respective filing the Consolidated Post Report for membership and communities. And 1991. Every post should ensure that this The latest date for submission of the yes, such information can be the foun¬ crucial document includes all Consolidated Post Report for most dation of an excellent local news story. activities, programs, achievements, department headquarters is no later than The report also allows the officers of the contributions, and other important June 15,1991; get it in earlier if you can. post to show the members how their data. The information your post report will be Legion dollars have been spent. compiled with others that are submitted The Consolidated Post Report is per¬ and put into a summary which is sent to The information in the report can be haps the most important document your Congress. developed into a promotional brochure post can submit. Your report, when for membership workers to use in their combined with other posts’ activities, There are many different types of campaign to enroll new Legionnaires. shows the total time, monetary reportable items on this form and it is of By making your post a contributor to expenses, contributions, and other vital vital importance to The American this reporting endeavor, you can efforts put forth at the grass roots level. Legion. Several questions have been enhance the chance for recognition of This report or summary is our collec¬ deleted from last year’s form. Use only your post, your community, and The tive voice (it’s not just you or I — it’s the form for the 1990- 91 American American Legion. “us”) when the National Commander Legion year that runs from June 1,1990, Please don’t take the purpose of this testifies on behalf of The American to May 31, 1991. report lightly. Your activities are vitally Legion and America’s veterans before Your post’s contribution in carefully important to the Legion, but unless they Congress and other key government completing this report is the source of are reported accurately, the strengths of agencies. information for our organization. Your our organization and the “clout” that It is important that all activities, pro¬ post’s report will be of tremendous we possess may go unnoticed. Too often grams, achievements, and contribu¬ assistance to both your department and we sell ourselves short; so when the tions be tabulated and recorded in the the National Organization in determin¬ opportunity arises that we can “toot our appropriate space on the Consolidated ing a more accurate accounting of own horn”, we should seize the advan¬ Report form. American Legion achievements. But its tage, and let others know just how much value goes far beyond that. Many posts we care about America’s well being— When completing this vital form, have used the information contained in past, present, and future. you may or may not have something to report for each item. Very few posts will be able to complete every item, but if your post has just one program, please report it. You deserve the recognition. If your post had projects, programs, Desert Storm troops qualify or activities that cannot be covered ade¬ quately on the form, please attach a narrative report to the National and for vets preference benefit Department copies. Commander, as part of your post’s papers showing the medal award to their Although the Consolidated Post ongoing programs to assist veterans and personnel offices in order to receive vet¬ Report only contains spaces for certain their families, be aware that those who eran preference credit. New federal job data, we know that many posts provide served in the Desert Shield/Desert candidates should claim preference on services and other related functions to Storm operations are eligible for vet¬ their applications. the community. That is why your nar¬ eran preference. To qualify for preference, medal rative comments are important to The On March 12, President Bush signed holders must be honorably discharged American Legion and that is why all Executive Order 12754, which estab¬ and have served either two (2) years, or activities should be identified. lished the Southwest Asia Service the full period ordered to active duty. Medal for members of the Armed Citing specific and detailed activities No minimum service is required for vet¬ Forces of the United States who partici¬ by our posts can have a variety of uses. erans with compensable service-con¬ pated in military operations in the Per¬ It can be most influential during Con¬ nected disabilities or for those sian Gulf on or after Aug. 2, 1990. gressional testimony on behalf of all discharged for disabilities incurred in Under civil service law, receiving the line of duty. veterans or it can be used for human such a medal is the basis for earning interest purposes in a number of pub¬ In order to protect the benefits of preference. Additionally, many vet¬ employees called to active duty, the lications (e.g. Congressional Digest, erans who are not employees of the Office of Personnel Management last Legion Magazine, keynote speeches/ federal government will qualify for non¬ August directed federal agencies to pre¬ remarks, etc.). competitive appointments under the serve the jobs of their reservists and There are three copies in the snapout Veterans Readjustment Appointment National Guard members. Such indi¬ form. After completing the form, send program. viduals were placed in leave-without- the first two copies to your Department Federal employees returning from pay status, and their health insurance Headquarters by the date specified by active duty should provide discharge premiums were waived.

The ADVANCE, May, 1991 3 MEMBERSHIP RETENTION Personal contact key to real growth It’s just a plain and simple fact: For their renewal, but did the post do any¬ easier by listing those members’ names The American Legion to continue to thing to encourage them to renew? The on the bulletin board at the post home, grow, we must renew the membership last renewal notice for 1991 is in the mail reading their names at the meetings and we already have. now. listing their names in the post publica¬ tion. Someone who knows one or two Retention is so important that What made The American Legion of these members can make that per¬ National Commander Robert S. Turner the world’s largest and fastest growing sonal call on them. recently wrote every Post Commander veterans organization was Personal asking for your personal help. Along Contact, that one-on-one communica¬ The action of calling on these mem¬ with his letter, Commander Turner sent tion technique that shows we really do bers has several benefits. It shows a list of all delinquent members of your care. We cannot afford to let that basic someone cares. It demonstrates the post. He urges you and your post mem¬ principle, which has worked for years, importance of each one’s membership. bers to ask those delinquent members to slip away. That member may be in need of renew their membership for 1991. assistance. Maybe he/she feels the need Particularly true with new members, for that personal contact. In 1990, when The American Legion we must tell them one at a time about attained the highest membership in 43 The American Legion and the programs By taking the time for personal con¬ years, there were still more than we support. This is a proven way to sell tact, you may not only retain that mem¬ 245,000 members who did not renew. The American Legion, one-on-one. ber, but he or she may decide to take a Had we renewed these members, we New, renewal, or reinstatement — we more active part in the post. could have ended 1990 very close to an need them all. Retention has no secret formula. It all time high. Have your membership workers just calls for application of common Why did they choose not to renew? reviewed that all-important post roster sense, doing the obvious, caring and Most received four Direct Renewal to see who those members are who have working together as a team. Don’t wait Notices requesting they send their dues not yet renewed? Personal contact of for the postman to do it for you. Make to their post. They did nothing toward those not yet renewed can be made that personal contact now! Inadequate funding erodes VA health care Many diverse challenges face the VA The American Legion believes that categories. Additionally, new hospital, medical care system today, including what is needed to correct these ills is a nursing home, and outpatient per diem maintaining an adequate array of medi¬ substantial infusion of real funding copayments will be assessed to all dis¬ cal care programs for all age groups of increases over the next several years, so cretionary care veterans. veterans, providing a continuum of that VA will be able to meet its health Also, a prescription copayment fee health care services for eligible vet¬ care obligations in a timely, effective, will be charged to veterans for non¬ erans, and providing a high level of and comprehensive manner. service-connected conditions, for vet¬ quality care, within available staffing As a result of recent budgetary short¬ erans rated less than 50 percent dis¬ and funding levels. falls in VA medical care, significant abled. In a time when the federal budget Meeting these challenges has restrictions in veterans health care eligi¬ deficit is reaching close to $300 billion, become increasingly more difficult over bility have occurred throughout the VA the Congress and the Office of Manage¬ the past several years, as a decade long hospital system, specifically in the past ment and Budget (OMB) see fit to help of decremental funding levels has left 3 years. reduce the federal deficit at the expense VA medical care $2 billion short of Non-service-connected veterans, of veterans who come from the ranks of required annual appropriations. particularly the poor and elderly, are the poor and indigent. Over the course of the past few years, increasingly unable to obtain VA health The American Legion believes that The American Legion has witnessed a care due to inadequate appropriated medical/hospital care for veterans rep¬ steady reduction in VA health care resources. Poor and elderly veterans, in resents one of the most far-reaching workloads. Countless veterans seeking the past, have relied on the VA health benefits bestowed by a grateful nation VA health care have been told they no care delivery system as a last safety net. on its defenders. This organization will longer qualify. We are told by many They generally have insufficient family continue to urge the Congress and the veterans of seemingly endless waiting support systems and little or no health President to provide sufficient funding times in obtaining outpatient clinic insurance coverage. to enable the Department of Veterans appointments. We have seen entire The omnibus Budget Reconciliation Affairs to utilize all modalities in the wings of VA hospitals closed because Act of 1990, redefined veteran eligibil¬ health care field, and to assure available VA did not have sufficient doctors or ity categories A, B, and C into man¬ care for the maximum number of vet¬ nurses to staff additional beds. datory and discretionary workload erans who need and apply for such care.

4 The ADVANCE, May, 1991 ‘Media Advisory’ effective PR tool The weather conditions outside are Advisory.” And that simple, effective helps news media managers evaluate to ideal as the dedicated volunteer takes up tool can put an end to those behind-the- determine their level of coverage. a position behind the typewriter, feeds a typewriter jitters that have plagued vol¬ This format works well for a variety piece of paper into the machine, and unteer writers for years. of events. It eases the burden of writing then stares blankly out the window. A “Media Advisory” needs just a story. And for the most part, a “Media Beads of perspiration pop out and basic information to answer the six Advisory” increases the coverage of your post. trickle down the forehead. Suddenly, important questions about the event: If your volunteer assignment in the clammy air seems to permeate the Who? What? When? Where? Why? and room. Is there a unseen danger lurking How? A brief paragraph of “Back¬ post is public relations, the “Media Advisory” will change the nail-biting, in the shadows? ground Information” fills in some other No! The need to write a news release details. Add your name and phone nerve-jangling scenario to read: about an upcoming post event is the number, or the person to contact for The weather conditions outside are ideal as the dedicated volunteer takes up cause of this sudden onset of ner¬ more information, and the job is done. vousness. a position behind the typewriter, slips a As the Post Public Relations Officer, Media workers prefer a “Media sheet of post letterhead paper into the it’s your job to tackle the challenge of Advisory” because it furnishes impor¬ machine, and swiftly prepares a communicating with the media. But tant information for assignment of a “Media Advisory” about the post’s getting the important information to the reporter out to the event — or to write a sponsorship of a Boys State represen¬ news media should not be a “life threat¬ brief pre-event story for their paper or tative. The volunteer completes the ening event.” broadcast facility. challenge in little time, puts the Experience has shown that the pro¬ The accompanying sample advisory, Advisory in an envelope, and smiles fessional news media staffs of the 1990s concerning a post’s Boys State spon¬ broadly. There’s time to enjoy the don’t need to receive a completely writ¬ sorship, presents information that is weather and friends once again, thanks ten story. Instead, they prefer a “Media straight forward, easy to digest, and to the “Media Advisory.”

MEDIA ADVISORY

Date:

WHO: Robert J. Student, Junior, Our Town High School. WHAT: Named representative to Our State Boys State. WHERE: Our State University, Capitol City. WHEN: June 24-29, 1991. WHY: To participate in a resident program teaching the inner workings of the American form of government. HOW: Sponsored by Our Town Post 1000, The American Legion. RACKGROUND: The American Legion Boys State program was founded in 1935. It is a week-long program that permits young high school juniors to participate in developing government from the precinct level to the Governor’s office, and to learn the political processes and law-making procedures in Our State. This is the 45th year a resident of Our Town has been sponsored to Boys State by Our Town Post 1000. Members of the post will also host Student at a post dinner after his return from Our State Boys State. The post dinner pro¬ vides a forum for Student to discuss his experiences and goals for the future. CONTACT: Leonard Legionniare, 555-1212 (office) or 1-555- 1212 (home).

The ADVANCE, May, 1991 5 DATELINE: SHINGTON 'MM • • i 111

Vet panels announce national cemeteries is increasing each medical and prosthetic research; $197.5 FY92 VA budget proposals year...some of our cemeteries are not million more for both major and minor being maintained as they should construction projects; $66.2 million Early in March, the House and Sen¬ be...Yet, OMB wants to slash the more for veterans employment and ate Veterans Affairs Committees number of cemetery personnel. That is training programs administered by the released their Fiscal Year 1992 budget astonishingly callous.” Department of Labor; $ 190 million for a recommendations for the Department The panel also rejected administra¬ cost-of-living adjustment in Montgom¬ of Veterans Affairs. Each panel gave tion proposals to deny vocational ery GI Bill benefits; $67 million to next year’s VA budget its own particular rehabilitation services to certain vet¬ finance special pay for VA physicians emphasis. erans as well as a series of home loan and dentists; and $2 million to ensure The House committee’s FY92 budget program proposals which Montgomery that Vet Centers can respond to the proposal endorsed a total of $35 billion said would discourage prospective readjustment and mental health needs for VA. Specifically, nearly $627 mil¬ homebuyers. of Vietnam-era veterans and veterans of lion and almost 3,600 employees would The committee proposed an addi¬ post-Vietnam conflicts (including the be added to veterans health care pro¬ tional $4 million for 114 fulltime Persian Gulf War). grams, which in recent years have suf¬ employees to process home loan These two sets of recommendations fered from increasing workloads and applications and service loans. It also will now go to their respective Budget severe underfunding. recommended 167 more regional office Committees for further consideration Of that total, $436 million would go employees to process veterans benefits and refinement before final passage to direct medical services, $43 million claims and 150 more employees to later this year. The American Legion would be added to the medical research administer vocational rehabilitation. will work very closely with all the com¬ account, and $140 million would be On the other side of Capitol Hill, the mittees to ensure that VA funding will tacked onto the medical facility con¬ Senate Veterans Affairs Committee be sufficient to serve this country’s vet¬ struction program. released its own VA budget recommen¬ erans at an adequate level. These proposals would result in a VA dations. That panel recommended $537 medical care funding level of $13.7 bil¬ million be added to VA’s medical care Congress okays economic help lion, compared to the spending recom¬ accounts. It also proposed increases of for Desert Storm veterans mendation of $13.26 billion by the $31 million for PTSD treatment and $75 Office of Management and Budget million for treatment of veterans with When the 101st Congress adjourned (OMB). AIDS. in October, 1990, it failed to take final In other areas, the House committee Other recommendations by the Sen¬ action on two pending bills to improve called for an additional $11 million to ate panel include: an additional $30 several existing programs providing operate and maintain national ceme¬ million and 500 positions for claims economic security to veterans. The teries. Committee Chairman G.V. adjudication; $19.7 million and 198 American Legion joined forces with “Sonny” Montgomery (D-Miss.) said more positions for the National Ceme¬ both Veterans Affairs Committees at that “the number of burials in our tery System; another $33 million for the outset of the 102nd Congress to reintroduce these measures and move them forward as quickly as possible: Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Act Amendment — The original Sol¬ DOES YOUR POST PUBLISH A — diers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Act, first - newsletter? passed at the outset of World War II, - bulletin? was intended to moderate the tremen¬ dous burdens that overseas duty can - newspaper? pose to service members and their fami¬ The National American Legion Press Association is dedicated to lies. the assistance of Legion editors in striving for improved American Although the act was updated twice Legion publications. For more information, write: George W. during the course of the Vietnam War, Hooten, Secy.- Treas., NALPA, P.O. Box 1184, Decatur, Ga. new amendments (embodied in 30031-1184. (continued on back page)

6 The ADVANCE, May, 1991 C&Y services Life insurance can cover include help for expenses imposed by death special projects Life insurance has many purposes, your family for final expenses, check but one of the best reasons to purchase a into the various types so you can decide During its spring meeting each year, policy is to cover funeral expenses. what is right for you. the National Commission on Children Funerals cost thousands of dollars, Death is an unpleasant subject, but & Youth (NCCY) chooses several prob¬ which could force the family of some one we all have to face. Knowing that lem areas of national scope affecting inadequately insured to turn to its sav¬ your family will be financially secure our youth for special emphasis during ings. In some cases final expenses after you have gone could give you the coming year. could even deplete a family’s savings. peace of mind now. Using the NCCY as a model, your Many persons don’t like to think of For additional information about The post should have a set time each year death, especially their own. So they American Legion’s Life insurance when it calls all of the leadership often overlook the fact that their death Plans, see the following descriptions. together to discuss plans for the coming could leave their family with a financial year. An important part of this planning burden. should include an active Children & Two Plans Described The average funeral today costs more Youth Program. Here is how you get than $3,000 and can cost as much as The two plans are briefly described as started. $6,000. These expenses don’t even follows: Select a Post Children & Youth include the cost of a burial vault and Chairman and at least a three- member grave opening and closing. committee. Set a time and place for American Legion your first meeting. Be sure to invite post Life insurance can help a family cope Life Insurance Plan officials and any interested member. financially with such obligations. Ade¬ quate insurance coverage will ensure • Our original plan is a decreasing term Don’t forget to invite your Auxiliary life insurance plan for Legionnaires and SAL. that the family will not have to touch its savings to pay funeral bills. This will under age 70. Up to 16 units are now Discuss the major issues affecting available. Underwriter approval is the youth of your community. What are enable the family to use that money for other essential living expenses. required. (Phone 1-800-542-5547, the problems and what can your post do ext. 20) to help? There are various types of insurance, Once you have decided on one or include whole, term, and universal life American Legion more projects for the year, don’t forget a insurance. The type to meet the indi¬ major resource that many posts often vidual needs depend on many different Whole Life Insurance Program overlook: the National Commission on factors, including finances and the indi¬ • This is a whole life insurance plan Children & Youth. vidual’s age. with level premiums and a guaranteed Have the secretary of your committee Life insurance is offered through issue feature. This plan builds cash make a simple outline of your project employers, agents, or The American value, offers a loan provision, and is and send it to the NCCY for review and Legion which enables its members to available to Legionnaires and spouses possible assistance. This project may purchase insurance at group rates. So, age 50 through 80. (Phone not have anything to do with any of the if you need life insurance to prepare 1-800-523-5758 ext. 3189) National areas of concern, but that’s okay, because the Commission’s staff can still be of assistance. The following is a list of areas in which it can be of assistance: AMERICAN LEGION LIFE INSURANCE PLAN Films: We have films and videotapes Attn: Paul Dunn, Staff Liaison, Insurance Trust available on relevant subjects of deep P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, Ind. 46206 concern to you and the youth of your community. Please rush the following informational items so I may distribute them to Speakers: Through its vast network Legionnaires in my post: of National and regional contacts, the NCCY staff can help you acquire (How Many?) (How Many?) speakers on most subjects for your local _Term Life _Whole Life programs. Materials. If the subject area you are Your Post No._Department of_ covering is not one of the program’s major areas of concern, the staff will go NAME_ to its National contacts to acquire needed material. ADDRESS_ Media Kits: Most new Children & Youth Chairmen are not aware of the CITY_STATE_ZIP_ (continued on next page)

The ADVANCE, May, 1991 7 Dateline: Washington ...

(continued from page 6) Title 38 to continue the Disabled Vet¬ expands the Department of Labor pilot erans Outreach Program, known as program offering job assistance to peo¬ HR-555) offer a comprehensive over¬ DVOP, through Dec. 31, 1994. The ple being separated from the armed haul of the original law. This measure American Legion has actively sup¬ forces. It also stipulates that the Secre¬ became PL 102-12 when President Bush ported this measure because it feels that tary of Labor shall appoint 12 to 18 signed the bill in mid-March. this category of specialists must be individuals to serve on an Advisory First among the provisions of PL retained to assist in handling the Committee on Veterans Employment 102-12 is protection against eviction of employment of hundreds of thousands and Training. The committee will family members. This provision, which of people who will be leaving active assess the employment and training previously protected families paying duty over the next 2 years. needs of veterans and advise the Secre¬ rent up to $150 per month, would raise Another provision of PL 102-16 tary of Labor on those issues. that amount to $1,200. Housing issues continue to dominate the concerns of American families, and this increase is designed to keep affected families in Children & Youth services . . . their homes. Another crucial provision would (continued from preceding page) requested. All materials in the kit can allow certain active duty personnel to be reproduced without special permis¬ suspend professional liability insurance Media Kits. If the subject you have sion. premium payments. Over 60 percent of chosen for your project is Teen Suicide In order for the NCCY staff to be of the total Desert Storm medical Prevention, Child Safety, Drug optimum service, you must you give capability comes from reserve person¬ Abuse or Missing Children, already them enough time to help! What is nel, yet premium payments for many prepared “Media Kits” will help you enough time? A minimum of 30 days doctors exceed military pay for an entire locally with the promotion of your pro¬ and more if you can plan that far ahead. year. gram. With adequate time, the staff can Because of the ongoing nature of pro¬ Specific to the subject you have promise that your local program will be fessional liability claims, continued chosen, each kit contains television the best it can be because the NCCY coverage is an absolute necessity. This slides, spot announcements, editorials, will help you pursue every possible ave¬ provision would protect reserve troops city official proclamation, and even a nue of support. from the prospect of being financially speech on the subject. These kits are Who do you contact? Write to the crippled by their military service. free. National Headquarters will send National Commission on Children & one for each such project you sponsor. Youth, P. O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, Another feature of PL 102-12 is a If you plan to cover more than one Ind. 46206, or call phone (317) requirement for employers of members television station, additional kits can be 635-8411 ext. 202. of the Reserves and National Guard sent to the Persian Gulf to immediately reinstate health-care coverage once EDITOR'S NOTE: This issue of The American Legion those employees return to work. ADVANCE contains some material which is directed to Veterans Education, Employment and Training Amendments of 1991 — those who will serve as Post Commanders and Post Adju¬ This bill, HR-180, would extend the tants during the 1991-92 program year. Will you do us a big nationwide network of veterans favor? If you are retiring from office, please pass this issue, employment specialists and would reauthorize educational and vocational and those you receive until National Headquarters mail¬ counseling programs for new veterans. ing records are updated, to the person who succeeds you. This measure has cleared Congress to become PL 102-16. Thanks! It calls for a technical amendment to