The American Legion 92nd National Convention

August 27 – September 2, 2010 • Milwaukee, Wisconsin Offi cial Program & Annual Report THE AMERICAN LEGION 92ND NATIONAL CONVENTION • OFFICIAL PROGRAM & ANNUAL REPORT & ANNUAL PROGRAM • OFFICIAL CONVENTION NATIONAL 92ND LEGION AMERICAN THE Save up to 40% Vision Discounts Available for American Legion members

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Page CV2 Milwaukee skyline Media Bakery DATE 8 a.m. Event Name Title Location Table of Contents

Welcome Greetings from Milwaukee ...... 2-3 Commander’s Message ...... 4-5 Auxiliary Welcome ...... 6 8 & 40 Welcome ...... 7 Welcome to Milwaukee ...... 8-9 Convention Center Map ...... 10 Hotel Directory ...... 11 Programs & Agendas ...... 13 Patriotic Memorial Service ...... 15 Parade Map and Rules ...... 16-17 Standing Rules for the National Convention ...... 19 Standing Commissions, Committees Meetings . . 20-21 Agenda of the National Convention ...... 23-25 Distinguished Guests ...... 26-27 Convention Commission and Corporation ...... 29 SAL Annual Report ...... 30-31 Honor Roll ...... 32 Distinguished Service Medal Recipients ...... 33 Annual Reports ...... 35 National Adjutant’s Report ...... 36 National Offi cers ...... 37 National Executive Committee ...... 38 Youth Champions ...... 39 Military Academy Awards ...... 40 Commission and Committee Reports ...... 41-55 Financial Reports ...... 56-70 Thank You ...... 72

Cover photo from Getty

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92nd National Convention 1 Greetings from Milwaukee

From the Governor

On behalf of the people of Wisconsin, I want to welcome you to the National American Legion Convention in Milwaukee. As veterans serving veterans, your continued commitment to service and each other is impressive, and I thank you for your hard work. As governor, I am committed to working every day to make sure the service of Wisconsin’s veterans is not forgotten. We owe our nation’s veterans – and those who are serving today in Iraq, Afghani- stan, and other parts of the world– a debt of gratitude that cannot be repaid. I am extremely proud of the bravery, courage and commitment of those who have served our nation with great honor and distinction in the past, and those who are serving today. We know that they draw their strength from the unfailing support of their families and, in no small measure, from the support of many veterans like you back home. For that, and for so many good deeds on behalf of our nation over the years, you have all earned our profound gratitude. I wish you the best during this week’s conferences and throughout the year. On behalf of the state of Wisconsin, thank you for your service and leadership to veterans, and thank you for your service to our country. God bless The American Legion.

Jim Doyle Governor of the State of Wisconsin

From the Department Commander

On behalf of The American Legion family of Wisconsin, I welcome you to Milwaukee for the 2010 American Legion National Convention. It is our pleasure to be your host for the 92nd annual convention. Milwaukee is Wisconsin’s largest city, located on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan. It has a unique blend of sounds, sights and scents of various ethnic heritages, illustrated by festivals, food and entertainment. We invite you to see the many Milwaukee sites, including the War Memorial, various museums – the Art Museum, the Children’s Museum, the Public Museum and Harley-Davidson, to name a few – Pier Wisconsin, Miller Park, Miller Brewing Co., and other major attractions. We encourage you to also visit the city’s various Legion posts. I hope you have a productive convention and memorable visit to Milwaukee. The Convention Committee and Department of Wisconsin offi cers and staff are here to assist you. If we can help you in any way, let us know.

Leo A. Endres Commander, Department of Wisconsin

2 The American Legion Greetings from Milwaukee

From the Mayor

On behalf of the City of Milwaukee, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all attendees of the 2010 American Legion National Convention. I commend The American Legion for its work as a patriotic veterans organization committed to mentoring and sponsoring youth programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting a strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow servicemembers and veterans. Milwaukee’s exciting attractions, combined with its renowned warmth and hospitality, assure you of a memorable visit. Along with attractions such as the Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee Public Market and Potawatomi Bingo Casino, the unique neighborhoods of Old World Third Street, Walker’s Point, Brady Street, Dr. Martin Luther King Drive and the Historic Third Ward all invite you to experience the city’s rich cultural tradition and diversity. I extend to you best wishes for a positive and productive conference. I hope you have the opportunity to explore Milwaukee and see all our city has to off er. Enjoy the convention!

Tom Barrett Mayor of the City of Milwaukee

From the County Executive

Welcome back to Milwaukee County! We are honored to have the 2010 National American Legion Convention gracing Frontier Airlines Center. I salute The American Legion for its legacy of service to America’s youth, fellow servicemembers and veterans since its congressional charter in 1919. The convention itself will provide excellent information and networking opportunities, and our fi ne attractions and recreational facilities will enrich your experience. Our Gold Medal-winning parks boast beautiful golf courses and other outdoor activities, and our lakefront off ers a relaxing view of Lake Michigan. If you are inclined to indoor activities, don’t miss our renowned museums and the unique Mitchell Park Domes with their impressive displays of fl owers and plants. You might even catch a Milwaukee Brewers baseball game at Miller Park, since they are in town this week. Then, if all of that activity makes you hungry, Milwaukee County is second to none in the number and diversity of top-notch restaurants. On behalf of the citizens of Milwaukee County, I welcome you, and I am confi dent thathat both the convention and yyourour exexperiencep here will exceed your expectations.

Scott Walker Milwaukee County Executive

92nd National Convention 3 Receiving the $250,000 grant Accepting a $4,000 check for the from Pepsi’s Refresh Project Legacy Scholarship Fund

Army All-American Bowl, San Antonio At the Korean DMZ

National Commander Clarence Hill Looking back on a memorable year At Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo

From the Middle East to the Far East to Europe and across this nation, at VA court’s ruling that could have resulted in the removal of a cross honoring World hospitals and military bases and in the halls of Congress, representing you as The War I veterans that has stood in the Mojave Desert for 75 years. I will say it again: American Legion’s national commander has been an honor and a privilege. common sense has prevailed. I can scarcely believe a year has gone by, but what a year it has been. At the In February, your votes pushed us to the top spot in Pepsi’s Refresh Everything Washington Conference in March, I assured you the Legion’s voice continues to contest, winning us a $250,000 grant that, even as I write, is being spent on be heard, and respected, by our nation’s elected offi cials. We succeeded in our providing comfort items to wounded warriors. When the men of Bravo Troop 361 push for advance appropriations for VA medical care, and VA funding met or Cavalry were attacked at Combat Outpost Keating in Afghanistan, you gave more exceeded nearly all our recommendations. All the while, we haven’t wavered in than $50,000 to replace clothes, cameras, computers and other personal items our determination to see the claims backlog reversed and homelessness among lost. And when Albert Snyder, the father of a Marine killed in a vehicle accident in veterans eliminated, prompting VA Secretary Eric Shinseki to vow “faster and Iraq, was ordered to pay court costs for Westboro Baptist protesters who picketed better processing,” and to set an ambitious fi ve-year goal of getting veterans off the funeral, you sent $26,000 in donations. Your generosity is unmatched. the streets and preventing others from ending up there. I could go on, describing youth programs sponsored, patients helped, hours We also celebrated victories in the courts, where we had fi led amicus briefs in volunteered by Legionnaires. Simply put, you never stop serving America. Thank cases concerning the constitutionality of the Pledge of Allegiance and the Mojave you, and God bless you, for all you do. Desert cross. The Ninth Circuit corrected its 2002 ruling, in which it declared the phrase “under God” unconstitutional. And the Supreme Court reversed a lower

4 The American Legion Visiting the Airborne Museum in Ste. Mere-Eglise, France Damien Fantauzzo Firing an M-16 at Fort Jackson

At the helm of Freedom II, Monterey Bay Veterans, Inc., Sports Rehab Center

With Roy Krasik of Major League Baseball Amy C. Elliott

Aboard the submarine USS Dallas (SSN 700)

At Sioux Falls VA Medical Center

92nd National Convention 5 A Letter from the National President of the American Legion Auxiliary

On behalf of the American Legion Auxiliary, I extend a warm welcome to the entire American Legion family, on the occasion of The American Legion’s 92nd National Convention and the 90th anniversary of the American Legion Auxiliary. Those of you who I have had the pleasure of meeting this year have probably heard me use the phrase “family comes fi rst” at least once. I am certain I would not have become national president without the guidance of my mother and father. At a very young age, my parents instilled the strong values and work ethics that I still live by every day – most importantly, love for God and country, and being a good person who does for others with no expectations to receive something in return. Becoming national Rita Navarreté president is a tribute to both Mom and Dad. I am also grateful to Tony “Richard,” my husband of National President 42 years and travel companion for my overseas visits this year. My second family is The American Legion family – and whether it’s been a one-on-one conversation, a room full of members or a sea of smiling faces during department visits, I have been blessed to be surrounded by my American Legion family this year. As the Auxiliary’s national president, I have had the pleasure to work closely with American Legion National Commander Clarence Hill throughout the year. Commander Hill has done an outstanding job, and he has truly been an inspiration to me and the many Legion members and military we have met in our travels together. One of the highest compliments I received this year was in the commander’s blog following a visit to West Virginia. The commander stated that I had inspired him as well. Of course, that he said this after we were snowed in together with no electricity or hot water meant even more! In addition, it has been my pleasure to serve with Sons of The American Legion National Commander Mark Arneson, who apparently shares my passion for family and God, as he has adopted me as his “second mom” this year. Mark’s commitment to the Legion mission and serving our veterans is inspiring, as well. Expanding my sense of Legion family this year, I took my fi rst motorcycle ride in South Carolina with the American Legion Riders. During my year of service, I have traveled many miles and attended many conferences and military ceremonies. I have participated in many mission-driven programs and, most importantly, visited with and listened to our military and our veterans at VA medical centers, clinics and nursing homes. Each has a story to tell, and we must never forget their service and their sacrifi ces in preserving the freedoms we enjoy today. I have been honored to visit with troops throughout the United States, Europe and the Far East. I love hearing their stories, and I know they appreciate our support. With each visit, I became increasingly aware that our troops leave behind their loved ones to serve in harm’s way every day. Witnessing fi rsthand our soldiers’ dedication and commitment to their roles in the armed forces reassures me that our country is safe and our borders are protected. Winston Churchill once said, “There is no doubt that it is around the family that all the greatest virtues, the most dominating virtues of human society, are created, strengthened and maintained.” It has been a privilege to work hand in hand with my Legion family for the veterans of this country and those brave military men and women who are actively serving to defend our freedoms.

Sincerely,

Rita Navarreté National President American Legion Auxiliary Otero-Garcia-Navarreté Unit 72, Albuquerque, N.M.

6 The American Legion A Letter from Le Chapeau National of La Boutique Des Huit Chapeaux Et Quarante Femmes

On behalf of all the partners of the 8 & 40, I would like to bring greetings to all the delegates and alternates assembled here in Milwaukee for the 92nd National Convention of The American Legion. We of the 8 & 40 are proud to be associated with such a fi ne organization. Our purpose has been to assist in the prevention of tuberculosis, cystic fi brosis and other respiratory diseases in children. We are proud supporters of National Jewish Health in Denver, the No. 1-rated hospital and research center for respiratory diseases. The “All Partners Project” was a pH probe box for the hospital’s pediatrics unit, and measures gastroesophageal refl ux in a child. The probe is attached to a recording box that has buttons a patient pushes during the study. It is placed in a carrying case with a belt, shoulder strap or backpack, and is worn throughout the entire study. A pH probe will help Janet Christiansen identify if a person has increased amounts of refl ux and if he or she is having trouble breathing or other Le Chapeau National symptoms. The cost is very high for just one set, and the donations that came in went over the amount needed for one pH probe box. We continue to raise money for nurses’ scholarships for those planning to enter the fi eld of respiratory diseases. We continue the tradition of being the No. 1 per-capita contributor to The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation. The partners have found many ways to support our programs in their communities. Many volunteer hours are spent at local clinics, hospitals and camps. We have been “Angels Among Us Serving Our Special Children,” and we are looking forward to many 8 more years of service. 40 It has been our pleasure working with you this year. We wish you a very successful convention.

Janet Christiansen Le Chapeau National

92nd National Convention 7 MIller Park Milwaukee CVB

Harley-Davidson Museum Milwaukee CVB

Historic Third Ward District Corbis

Founded largely by immigrants from Germany, Milwaukee is still known as the “Deutsch Athen” – the German Athens – and has evolved from its manufacturing and production days to a developing, 21st-century metropolis. Milwaukee is the City of Festivals, and of brews. What better place to gather for The American Legion’s 92nd National Convention? From Aug. 27 to Sept. 2, Legionnaires from across the country and around the world will enjoy the sights and sounds of Milwaukee. Between meetings and events, be sure to get out and explore the city – perhaps by water on a boat tour. The Historic Third Ward District off ers shopping, dining and galleries among renovated warehouses close to downtown, and connects to the southern end of the Milwaukee RiverWalk, which follows the river as it fl ows toward Lake Michigan. On the lake, you can take in displays at the Milwaukee Art Museum, or the natural beauty of a number of lakefront parks – including the well-named Veterans Park, site of the Milwaukee County War Memorial and a triumph of mid-20th-century architecture. Other attractions include the Harley-Davidson Museum, where the company’s history is told through Downtown Milwaukee and detailed exhibits; the grounds of Marquette University; the Shops of Grand Avenue, for all your Menomonee River Corbis shopping needs; and, as befi ts this vibrant and diverse Midwestern city, food from around the world. Together, Milwaukee’s many off erings make the 92nd National Convention one to remember.

8 The American Legion Milwaukee Mile, West Allis, Wis. Corbis

Boerner Botanical Gardens Milwaukee CVB

Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory Getty

Milwaukee RiverWalk Getty

Milwaukee Art Museum Corbis

Coquette Cafe, downtown Milwaukee Corbis

92nd National Convention 9 Richard Corman Richard The American Legion The REGISTRATION AND INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION The registration and information desk and information registration The The of Convention for the 92nd National Thursday, will be open from American Legion 1, in the lobby Sept. Wednesday, 26, to Aug. Airlines Center. of the Frontier Thursday Friday Saturday 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Sunday Monday 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Tuesday 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Wednesday 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. 8 a.m. –10 a.m. Friday, Exhibit Hall will be open from The 31, in Hall D, Aug. Tuesday, 27, to Aug. Airlines Center. of the Frontier Upper Level, Friday Saturday Sunday Monday 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Tuesday 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Milwaukee Theatre, 500 W. Kilbourn Ave. 500 W. Theatre, Milwaukee MONDAY, AUG. 30 AUG. MONDAY,

„ Hall Main The American Legion Legacy Legion American The Concert Scholarship Fund a concert American Legion, The by you to Brought to and 4TROOPS is free Michael Peterson featuring public. general and the attendees both convention and 4TROOPS – a quartet and of Iraq Both Peterson to their time and talents – devote vets Afghanistan militarysupport and military the U.S. families. scheduled for are and album sales A cash reception foyer. Theatre in the Milwaukee 7 p.m. to 6 p.m. 7 p.m. 7

West Kilbourn Avenue LEVEL LEVEL UPPER STREET LEVEL MEZZANINE MEZZANINE (Level 2) (Level 2) Parking Garage Skywalk to Hyatt Regency Meeting rooms Skywalk to Hyatt Regency Convention Center Convention Skywalk to Hyatt Regency

West Wells Street 4th and Wells Street Entrance Exhibit Hall Exhibit Ballroom Ballroom Main Lobby Main Visitor InformationVisitor North 4th Street North 6th Street 101 103 102 201 203 202 Main Entrance Main

West Wisconsin Avenue Entrance 5th Street Street Entrance 6th and Wisconsin Skywalk to Hilton Hotel (Level 3) Exhibit halls (Level 3) Skywalk to Hilton Hotel Skywalk to Hilton Hotel 10 Frontier Airlines Center Center Airlines Frontier KEY Hotel Directory

Old World 3rd St Milwaukee Hotel Assignments Milwaukee

10th St Theatre Van Buren St

Jeff erson St Milwaukee Kilbourn Ave Pabst

Public Museum 4th St Theater James Lovell St Wells Street Plankinton Ave Milwaukee County 9th St 8th St 6th St

Frontier Jackson St War Memorial

Water St

Airlines Center Milwaukee St

Wisconsin Ave Milwaukee

2nd St Betty Brinn Art Museum The Shops of Broadway St Children’s Museum Grand Avenue Michigan St

Lincoln Memorial Dr

N

Ambassador Hotel & Inn Crowne Plaza West Hyatt Regency Milwaukee 2301/2308 W. Wisconsin Ave. 10499 Innovation Drive • Wauwatosa, WI 53233 333 W. Kilbourn Ave. • Milwaukee, WI 53203 Milwaukee, WI 53233 • (414) 345-5000 (414) 475-9500 (414) 270-6060 Idaho Maryland Michigan Iowa Texas Kansas Nat’l Headquarters Mississippi Auxiliary Best Western Inn Towne Doubletree Hotel Milwaukee City Center Montana SAL 710 N. Old World 3rd St. • Milwaukee, WI 53203 611 W. Wisconsin Ave. • Milwaukee, WI 53203 New Mexico 8 et 40 (414) 224-8400 (414) 273-2950 Michigan Wyoming North Dakota Pennsylvania

Best Western Milwaukee Airport Hampton Inn & Suites Radisson Hotel Milwaukee West 5105 S. Howell Ave. • Milwaukee, WI 53207 176 W. Wisconsin Ave. • Milwaukee, WI 53203 2303 Mayfair Road • Wauwatosa, WI 53226 (414) 769-2100 (414) 271-4656 (414) 257-3400 New Jersey Virginia California Tennessee Clarion Hotel & Conference Center Hilton Milwaukee City Center Ramada City Centre 5311 S. Howell Ave. • Milwaukee, WI 53207 509 W. Wisconsin Ave. • Milwaukee, WI 53203 633 W. Michigan Ave. • Milwaukee, WI 53203 (414) 481-2400 (414) 271-7250 (414) 272-8410 Arizona South Carolina Alaska Mexico Missouri Nebraska West Virginia Connecticut Washington Delaware Minnesota District of Columbia Philippines Comfort Inn & Suites Downtown Florida Puerto Rico The Intercontinental Milwaukee 916 E. State St. • Milwaukee, WI 53202 France South Dakota 139 E. Kilbourn Ave. • Milwaukee, WI 53202 (414) 276-8800 Hawaii Vermont (414) 276-8007 Maine Nat’l Headquarters Indiana Colorado Ohio

Comfort Suites Milwaukee Airport Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Airport The Pfi ster Hotel 6362 S. 13th St. • Milwaukee, WI 53154 545 W. Layton Ave. • Milwaukee, WI 53207 424 E. Wisconsin St. • Milwaukee, WI 53202 (414) 570-1111 (414) 482-4444 (414) 273-8222 Alabama Louisiana North Carolina New York Country Inn & Suites Milwaukee Airport Hyatt Place Milwaukee Airport Wyndham Milwaukee Airport Hotel 6200 S. 13th St. • Milwaukee, WI 53221 200 W. Grange Ave. • Milwaukee, WI 53207 4747 S. Howell Ave. • Milwaukee, WI 53207 (414) 762-6018 (414) 744-3600 (414) 481-8000 Oregon Utah Arkansas Nevada Illinois Oklahoma Kentucky Rhode Island Massachusetts Wisconsin Courtyard By Marriott Downtown New Hampshire 300 W. Michigan St. • Milwaukee, WI 53203 (414) 291-4122 Georgia

92nd National Convention 11 92nd National Convention The Only Remaining Offi cial Program Clarence E. Hill American Legion National Commander Michael E. Walton Children’s Home Chairman, National Convention Commission NEEDS YOUR HELP Wisconsin 2010 National Convention Corp. Wayne W. Jensen President Rick Barnett Please stop by our booth, Vice President Visit our Website - Al Richards www.americanlegionchildrenshome.org Treasurer Or Call Us at David Korth 1-866-941-0110 Secretary Fred Berns General Counsel Jim Schmidt Badges & Packets Billy Hacker Parade Dan Seehafer Patriotic Memorial Service Kendel D. Feilen Provost Robert Singer Information Chuck Roessler Distinguished Guests Ken Bonde Board of Directors Marvin Brozynski Board of Directors Chuck Cooney Board of Directors Daniel Jakubczyk Board of Directors Roger P. Mathison Board of Directors

Produced by The American Legion Magazine Dennis J. Henkemeyer Chairman

The American Legion Milwaukee Art Museum Corbis

For God and Country we Programs associate ourselves together for the following purposes: To uphold and defend the & Agendas Constitution of the United States of America; to maintain 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 democracy; to consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.

92nd National Convention 13 “We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.” -Franklin D. Roosevelt

Have a great convention from your friends at Hoosier Trust Company!

Connie S. Allman President & Senior Trust Officer Hoosier Trust Company 55 Monument Circle, Ste 800 Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 Bus: (317) 816-4288 Fax: (317) 848-0586

Page 14 Patriotic Memorial Service

“God Bless America”

God bless America, Land that I love, Stand beside her and guide her Milwaukee Theatre Thru the night with a light from above. 11 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 29 From the mountains to the prairies To the oceans white with foam, God bless America My home, sweet home. God bless America, My home, sweet home. Tom Strattman

Prelude Message For Sons of The American Legion: Lighting of the Candle of Peter Olé “For God and Country – Having a Mark E. Arneson Remembrance Bristol, N.H. Compassionate Heart” National Commander John L. Beaver Georgia Silent Moment of Meditation * Welcome National Chaplain Brian O’Hearne The American Legion “Taps” * The Rev. Dan Seehafer National Adjutant Alabama American Legion Post 157 Massachusetts Horicon, Wis. Benediction * Music April Kollmorgen Posting of the Colors * “Great is Thy Faithfulness” For the 8 & 40: American Legion Auxiliary Unit 537, Milwaukee American Legion Post 472 Color Guard St. Stephen’s Choir Janet Christiansen Houston Horicon, Wis. Le Chapeau National Illinois Music “Battle Hymn of the Republic” Invocation and Pledge of Presentation of Memorial Wreaths Margaret Sheridan Allegiance * La Secretaire-Cassiere National St. Stephen’s Choir Geoff rey Bible For The American Legion: Idaho Horicon, Wis. Past National Chaplain Clarence E. Hill Sons of The American Legion Music * National Commander For those in uniform who lost their Minnesota Florida lives serving America during the “God Bless America” past year: Music Daniel S. Wheeler National Adjutant John L. Beaver Retirement of the Colors* “Shall We Gather?” Virginia National Chaplain St. Stephen’s Choir The American Legion * Audience stands Horicon, Wis. Alabama For the American Legion Auxiliary: Beverly J. Wolff Reading of the Holy Scriptures Rita Navarreté National Chaplain Colossians 3:12-14 National President American Legion Auxiliary New Mexico Carl Oeldemann North Dakota Department Chaplain Dubbie Buckler The American Legion National Secretary Wisconsin Indiana

Memorial Prayer Beverly J. Wolff National Chaplain American Legion Auxiliary North Dakota

92nd National Convention 15 92nd American Legion National Convention Parade

Color Guard & Band Contests

Saturday, Aug. 28 Color Guard Contest 8 a.m. Frontier Airlines Center, Halls A & B, Upper Level Grand Marshal Honorary Grand Marshal Band Contest Brig. Gen. Donald P. Dunbar David K. Rehbein 1 p.m. Adjutant General, Department Past National Commander Milwaukee Theatre, Main Hall, Street Level of Military Aff airs, Joint Force Iowa Headquarters-Wisconsin

Parade Route Old World 3rd St

Marshall St 4th St

Jeff erson St Edison St

Astor St

Van Buren St

Marcus Center for 6th St the Performing Arts Assembly Post-Parade Party Cass St State St area at Pere Marquette Park Reviewing Stand

Prospect Ave Disbanding area Water St Kilbourn Ave Parade Start Wells St

James Lovell St Parade End

Plankinton Ave

Jackson St 8th St Frontier

Airlines Center Milwaukee St Wisconsin Ave 2nd St

Broadway St

Michigan St N

Lincoln Memorial Dr

16 The American Legion 92nd American Legion National Convention Parade Rules

5. Absolutely no maneuvers except 5. FIRST-AID STATIONS for a forward movement. Marching 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 29 First-aid stations (mobile) and water and mounted units, bands, color stations will be located throughout the Formation area: On streets adjacent to, and connected with, East guards and drill teams must abide parade route and in the disbanding Kilbourn Avenue. Exact formation areas will be announced at the by this regulation. Aug. 28 parade meeting. area. Additionally, ambulances will be D. Distances available to assist parade marchers and Route: Beginning at the intersection of North Van Buren Street and East spectators. 1. Between divisions – 30 yards Kilbourn Avenue, the parade proceeds west on East Kilbourn. 2. Between departments – 20 yards 6. PARKING OF CHARTERED OR POST Disbanding area: On Kilbourn Avenue, between 4th and 5th streets. BUSES All vehicles will disband on Kilbourn, proceeding west to a designated post- 3. Between elements of a depart- parade party parking lot, or to exit downtown. ment – 10 yards Bus parking will be addressed at the parade meeting on Saturday, Aug. 28. Reviewing Stand: On Kilbourn Avenue, in front of the Marcus Center for 3. OFFICIAL REVIEWING STAND Buses will load their personnel at the the Performing Arts, between North Water Street and the Milwaukee River. A. The offi cial reviewing stand will be assigned area within the disbanding located on the north side of Kilbourn area. Parade offi cials will direct partici- The offi cial parade of the 92nd National 2. ORGANIZATION Avenue, in front of the Marcus Center pants to their buses. Convention of The American Legion will for the Performing Arts. A. All elements have been assigned to PERSONAL BELONGINGS AND ALL be governed by instructions contained divisions, each under the direction of B. Elements will render a salute to the EQUIPMENT SHOULD BE REMOVED herein, together with the Organization the parade offi cials. The composition national commander while passing the FROM THE BUSES WHEN UNLOADING and March Timetable. of these divisions, order of march, time reviewing stand (eyes right). AT THE ASSEMBLY AREA. 1. TIME: and place of assembly, and parade map 4. ELIGIBILITY TO PARTICIPATE IN have been supplied to each depart- THE PARADE, AND CONDUCT OF (All times in these orders are Central ment‘s parade chairman. Standard Time.) PARTICIPANTS B. All Department of Defense units A. Pursuant to a resolution adopted at A. The leading element of the parade will be governed by applicable will move from the “initial point” a meeting of the National Convention regulations, but summer uniforms are Commission at Miami Beach on March CLICK promptly at 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 29, recommended. regardless of weather (the exception 12, 1970, there will be no participation being an electrical storm). C. Each department commander or of any vehicles, equipment or items of wearing apparel of the 40 et 8. The HERE! appointed parade representative will B. The time and place of assembly for be responsible for the order of march, 2010 Convention Corp. Parade Commit- each department or element of the and promptness of arrival at the tee will enforce this regulation. parade will be shown in detail on the assembly area, of all units of his or her B. With the exceptions of police, Organization and March Timetable, department. All units will conform to a copy of which will be given to each fi remen, military and naval escorts, the following distribution and forma- and distinguished guests, eligibility department’s parade chairman. A tion: meeting of all department parade to participate is limited to members of The American Legion and the chairmen will be conducted at 2 p.m. 1. All American fl ags, the depart- Visit the www.legion.org ment and post colors of each depart- uniform bodies of the American Legion Saturday, Aug. 28, in the Regency island in the exhibit hall. Ballroom, 5th Floor, Milwaukee Hilton. ment, and the department and unit Auxiliary, Sons of The American Legion colors of each department of the and American Legion Riders, subject See our demonstration C. A parade offi cial will direct depart- Auxiliary will be massed at the head to restriction of the following activities and enter to win ments and elements of the parade to of each department delegation, in prohibited in the line of march: their assigned assembly areas. That that order. offi cial will advise all bus drivers of the 1. The drinking, or simulated drink- A NEW LAPTOP route to follow to the disbanding area. 2. American Legion units within de- ing, of intoxicants. partments will march in formation COMPUTER! D. Because of the nature of the as- 2. Participants under the infl uence eight (8) abreast, one and one-half of intoxicants. sembly areas, accurate logistics are yards between ranks. essential. Promptness in arrival at the 3. Use of water pistols and electric NEWS • VIDEOS assembly areas is highly recommended. 3. Bands and Drum Corps: As shocking devices. directed by drum majors, but not to EVENTS • COMMENTARIES exceed eight (8) abreast. 4. Female/male impersonators, or any presentation either immoral or SLIDESHOWS • PROGRAM INFO 4. Authorized fl oats and automo- in bad taste. biles in single column. No unauthor- ized fl oats or automobiles will be 5. Firecrackers and any other allowed to participate. All vehicles explosives. Find it all at must be equipped with identifying C. Violators of any of the above rules signs on sides thereof and must also will be dismissed from the parade Legion.org carry an “Offi cial Car” sticker on their immediately. windshields.

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Page 18 Standing Rules of the National Convention

As contained in the “Uniform Code of Procedure for the Organization of National Conventions of The American Legion,” the following standing rules are authorized under Article V, Section 6, of the National Constitution of The American Legion:

1. “Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly 8. When the poll of any Department 18. Nominations for National Offi cers 24. Those recognized by the National Revised” shall be the authority on Delegation is demanded by a shall be from the fl oor on Roll Call Commander shall be entitled to a parliamentary procedure, with the delegate of such Department, the of the Departments alphabetically respectful hearing, and the Chair following modifi cations: Convention Secretary shall poll arranged. Each Department may shall have the authority to clear 2. A delegate desiring to make a the vote without discussion of the present as many candidates as it the gallery or the fl oor or have motion or address the Convention question being voted upon. chooses. the Sergeant-at-Arms escort from shall rise, address the Chair as “Mr. 9. On the Roll Calls, the delegation 19. Nomination speeches for National the Convention anyone creating Commander” and state his name Chairman shall poll his delegation Offi cers shall be limited to fi ve a disturbance or interfering with and the name of the Department on the fl oor and announce its vote. minutes each. Not more than orderly procedure. 25. before proceeding. 10. In the event a delegation secretary two seconding speeches shall be None of the above rules shall 3. Debate shall be limited to fi ve is not an accredited delegate or made for any candidate, and said be construed as preventing an minutes for each speaker. alternate, he shall be seated with speeches shall be limited to three alternate delegate from serving on minutes. a Convention committee. 4. his delegation. Debate on any one subject 20. 26. presented to the Convention shall 11. Past National Commanders’ votes When more than two candidates The consent of two-thirds of the be limited to two hours, except shall be cast with their delegations. are nominated for any offi ce, voting strength of the Convention balloting shall continue until one is necessary for suspension of the under such special rule as the 12. Only accredited delegates or their candidate receives a majority of standing rules of the Convention. Convention shall adopt prior to alternates shall participate, directly debate. the votes of the Convention, except 27. Any amendment to any resolution or indirectly, in a viva voce vote on in the election of National Vice 5. But two delegates from any one any subject before the Convention. or report originating on the fl oor Commanders. shall be presented in writing and delegation shall be permitted the 13. Department delegations may 21. In a contested election for National transmitted to the Presiding Offi cer fl oor on any one question. Where arrive at a vote in such manner as disagreement exists within a Vice Commanders, balloting shall at the time of the introduction of they choose, but shall announce continue until (a) majorities and such amendment. delegation, one delegate shall be it in terms of full units and not permitted to speak on each side (b) pluralities are established for 28. Special rules applying to specifi c in terms of a fractional part of one or more candidates under of the question. Upon a division a vote. The vote of any delegate issues or order of business shall of the question, however, this rule the following provisions: If, on be written and presented to the absent and not represented by any ballot taken, less than fi ve shall be applied separately for each an alternate shall be cast by the Convention by the Legislation and division. candidates receive the necessary Rules Committee for adoption by majority of the delegates present majority to elect, the candidate 6. The fl oor shall be permitted from his Department. majority vote at least one hour or candidates receiving a majority before such issue or order is to but once to any individual 14. There shall be no unit rule of vote shall be declared elected be considered, unless such rule is delegate on any one question, voting. and a new ballot shall be taken except by a two-thirds vote of agreed to by unanimous consent of 15. for the remaining number of the Convention. Chairmen of Voting shall be by acclamation, the fi nal session. Special rules shall except when a Roll Call is demanded places to be fi lled. The candidate prevail only when the Convention Convention Committees may receiving the lowest number of speak as frequently as may be by the Chairmen of at least three adopts them. Any delegate may Departments. Election of National votes on the preceding ballot apply for a special rule to the necessary, in connection with shall be disqualifi ed; should two the reports of their committees. Offi cers shall be by roll call. Legislation and Rules Committee candidates remain to fi ll one place, or may appeal to the Convention The Presiding Offi cer shall not 16. In the event a Department has not a new ballot shall be taken. entertain any motion which will provided the method by which for such special rule provided the 22. The Convention will nominate and curtail further debate without alternates shall be designated rule be presented in writing, be elect a National Commander, and aff ording the Committee Chairman to serve in the place of absent read once from the platform, and fi ve National Vice Commanders, in an opportunity for rebuttal. delegates, the Chairman of the shall lay upon the table at least this sequence. one hour before the vote thereon 7. delegation shall make such Decisions on Rules of Debate 23. is taken. or parliamentary order by the designation. At the conclusion of balloting Presiding Offi cer may be subject to 17. Prior to the election of National on National Vice Commanders, appeal by any two delegates under Offi cers, the National Commander each Department Delegation a Point of Order. Such appeal shall shall appoint, subject to approval Chairman shall deliver a written take precedence over any pending of the Convention, a Judge of ballot to the tellers. Such ballots questions and shall be decided Election and such number of tellers shall be in the hands of the tellers forthwith. An appeal from the as he deems necessary, provided before communication is made decision of the Chair shall be put that the total tellers so appointed to the National Commander for to the Convention on the question: shall be an odd number. In a announcement of the results. “Shall the Chair be sustained?” contested election each candidate going to the ballot shall be entitled to one teller of his choice.

92nd National Convention 19 Standing Commissions and Convention Committees Meetings

National Security Credentials and Internal Most meetings will be conducted at the Frontier Airlines Committees Aff airs Center or the Hilton Milwaukee City Center Hotel. 1:30 p.m. (immediately Credentials and Other following joint session) Internal Matters (Sections I & II) THURSDAY-SUNDAY, Economic Aerospace 9 a.m. AUG. 26-29 8:30 a.m. Frontier Airlines Center, Hilton Milwaukee, Hilton Milwaukee, Room 103A, Street Level Walker Room, 4th Floor Resolutions Assignment Walker Room, 4th Floor Committee Conservation and Energy Membership Emblem Sales 8 a.m. Hilton Milwaukee, (Section III) 9:30 a.m. Hilton Milwaukee, Usinger Room, 4th Floor 9 a.m. Hilton Milwaukee, Kilbourn Room, 5th Floor Hilton Milwaukee, MacArthur Room, 4th Floor Homeland Security & Civil Preparedness Mitchell Room, 4th Floor FRIDAY, AUG. 27 Finance Frontier Airlines Center, Economic – Employment, 8:30 a.m. Room 103B, Street Level Veterans Preference and Americanism Screening Hilton Milwaukee, Committee Other Economic Matters Juneau Room, 5th Floor Law and Order 9 a.m. 9 a.m. Frontier Airlines Center, Foreign Relations/ Frontier Airlines Center, Hilton Milwaukee, Room 103D, Street Level Walker Room, 4th Floor National Security Room 102C, Street Level 9 a.m. Merchant Marine Economic Screening Emblem Sales Hilton Milwaukee, Frontier Airlines Center, 9:30 a.m. Committee Crystal Ballroom, 5th Floor Room 103E, Street Level 9 a.m. Hilton Milwaukee, Hilton Milwaukee, Foreign Relations Military Aff airs MacArthur Room, 4th Floor Mitchell Room, 4th Floor 1:30 p.m. Frontier Airlines Center, Finance Frontier Airlines Center, Room 102D, Street Level 9 a.m. Veterans Aff airs & Ballroom C, Street Level Rehabilitation Screening Naval Aff airs Frontier Airlines Center, Committee Foreign Relations Frontier Airlines Center, Room 102A, Street Level 9 a.m. Subcommittees Room 102A, Street Level Foreign Relations Hilton Milwaukee, 1:30 p.m. (immediately Joint Meeting MacArthur Room, 4th Floor following joint session) Public Relations 8:30 a.m. 9 a.m. Far Eastern Aff airs Hilton Milwaukee, Hilton Milwaukee, SATURDAY, AUG. 28 Hilton Milwaukee, Empire Ballroom, Upper Lobby Mitchell Room, 4th Floor American Legion Insurance Mitchell Room, 4th Floor Foreign Relations 8:30 a.m. General Foreign Policy The American Legion Subcommittees Hilton Milwaukee, Frontier Airlines Center, Magazine 8:30 a.m. (immediately Usinger Room, 4th Floor Room 102B, Street Level 9 a.m. following joint meeting) Frontier Airlines Center, Far Eastern Aff airs Americanism/ Middle Eastern and Room 101B, Street Level Children & Youth African Aff airs Frontier Airlines Center, 8:30 a.m. Hilton Milwaukee, Veterans Aff airs & Room 101A, Street Level Frontier Airlines Center, MacArthur Room, 4th Floor Rehabilitation General Foreign Policy Ballroom C, Street Level 8:30 a.m. Frontier Airlines Center, Internal Aff airs Hilton Milwaukee, Children & Youth Room 102B, Street Level 8:30 a.m. Wright Ballrooms A&B, 4th Floor Commission Frontier Airlines Center, Middle Eastern and 10 a.m. Room 101A, Street Level SUNDAY, AUG. 29 African Aff airs Frontier Airlines Center, Frontier Airlines Center, Room 102A, Street Level Legislative 9 a.m. Americanism Room 101D, Street Level Constitution & By-Laws Frontier Airlines Center, 8:30 a.m. Legislation and Rules 8:30 a.m. Room 101D, Street Level Hilton Milwaukee, 10 a.m. Hilton Milwaukee, Regency Ballroom, 5th Floor Hilton Milwaukee, Pabst Room, 4th Floor Membership & Post Activities Children & Youth Oak Room, 5th Floor Convention 10:30 a.m. 9 a.m. National Security 8 a.m. Hilton Milwaukee, Frontier Airlines Center, Joint Meetings Hilton Milwaukee, Wright Ballroom C, 4th Floor Room 103C, Street Level 9 a.m. MacArthur Room, 4th Floor National Security/ Constitutional Hilton Milwaukee, Distinguished Guests Foreign Relations Amendments Crystal Ballroom, 5th Floor 9 a.m. 9 a.m. 9 a.m. National Security Meetings Hilton Milwaukee, Hilton Milwaukee, Hyatt Regency Milwaukee, 9:15 a.m. (immediately Wright Ballroom C, 4th Floor Crystal Ballroom, 5th Floor Gilpatrick Room, 1st Floor following joint meeting)

20 The American Legion Standing Commissions and Convention Committees Meetings

Aerospace Military Aff airs Hilton Milwaukee, Monarch Pre-Convention National Frontier Airlines Center, Frontier Airlines Center, Ballroom, Upper Lobby (Hospital Executive Committee Room 103A, Street Level Room 102D, Street Level & Medical Services will proceed Meeting Conservation and Energy Naval Aff airs to Hilton Milwaukee, Juneau 9 a.m. Hilton Milwaukee, Frontier Airlines Center, Room, 5th Floor) Frontier Airlines Center, Schlitz Room, 4th Floor Room 102E, Street Level Room 103, Street Level MONDAY, AUG. 30 Homeland Security & General Security Ad Hoc THURSDAY, SEPT. 2 Civil Preparedness Hilton Milwaukee, Military Funeral Honors Frontier Airlines Center, Pabst Room, 4th Floor and POW/MIA Update Post-Convention National Room 103B, Street Level 9 a.m. Executive Committee Veterans Aff airs & Hilton Milwaukee, Meeting Law and Order Rehabilitation Joint Empire Ballroom, Upper Lobby 1:30 p.m. Frontier Airlines Center, Meeting with Claims & Frontier Airlines Center, Room 103D, Street Level Ratings and Hospital & National Convention Sergeant-at-Arms Meeting Room 103, Street Level Merchant Marine Medical Services 9 a.m. 8:30 a.m. Frontier Airlines Center, Frontier Airlines Center, Room 103E, Street Level Rooms 101A&B, Street Level

Other Meetings and Events

FRIDAY, AUG. 27 Milwaukee Theatre, Frontier Airlines Center, TUESDAY, AUG. 31 Plankinton Hall, Street Level Ballrooms A&B, Street Level American Legion Riders Meeting & WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 1 NALPA Annual Meeting 10 a.m. – Noon SUNDAY, AUG. 29 Business Development Hilton Milwaukee, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Workshop No. 1 Monarch Ballroom, Upper Lobby Frontier Airlines Center, Patriotic Memorial Service 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Room 102E, Street Level Color Guard Clinic 11 a.m. Hilton Milwaukee, Noon – 2 p.m. Parade Meeting Milwaukee Theatre, Wright Ballrooms A&B, 4th Floor Main Hall, Street Level Frontier Airlines Center, 2 p.m. Business Development Room 101A, Street Level Hilton Milwaukee, National Convention Parade Workshop No. 2 Regency Ballroom, 5th Floor Contest Representatives Meeting 4 p.m. 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. National American Legion College Hilton Milwaukee, Frontier Airlines Center, Alumni Association (NALCAA) MONDAY, AUG. 30 Wright Ballroom C, 4th Floor Room 101A, Street Level 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. National Membership Meeting Hilton Milwaukee, Founders Room, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. SATURDAY, AUG. 28 5th Floor Hilton Milwaukee, Heroes to Hometowns Ride 2 Recovery Welcome Wright Ballrooms A&B, 4th Floor Transition & Benefi ts Fair Ceremony and Celebration 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

2010 Reunions, Receptions and Meals

SATURDAY, AUG. 28 MONDAY, AUG. 30 Past National WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 1 Vice Commanders Dinner National Historian’s Luncheon FODPAL Breakfast Southern Caucus Breakfast 5:30 p.m. social hour, 6 p.m. dinner 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 7 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. 7 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. Pitch’s Restaurant & Lounge, Frontier Airlines Center, Hilton Milwaukee, 1801 N. Humboldt Ave. Frontier Airlines Center, Room 102C, Street Level Regency Ballroom, 5th Floor Hall D, Upper Level NALPA Luncheon TUESDAY, AUG. 31 SUNDAY, AUG. 29 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Western Caucus Breakfast ANAVICUS Breakfast Hilton Milwaukee, 7:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. 7 a.m. – 9 a.m. Regency Ballroom, 5th Floor Frontier Airlines Center, Frontier Airlines Center, Past National Commanders’ Club Room 103, Street Level Ballroom C, Street Level Luncheon National Commander’s Banquet Chaplain’s Breakfast Noon – 2 p.m. 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. 7 a.m. – 9 a.m. Hilton Milwaukee, Frontier Airlines Center, Hilton Milwaukee, Crystal Ballroom, 5th Floor Ballrooms A-D, Street Level Wright Ballroom, 5th Floor

92nd National Convention 21 Entertainment

Aaron Tippin

Country-music star Aaron Tippin will perform at the National Commander’s Banquet at Frontier Airlines Center on Aug. 31. Throughout Tippin’s career, he has supported, and sung about, the everyday working people of America – especially the military. In 1990, his fi rst single, “You’ve Got to Stand for Something,” became an anthem for soldiers and Marines serving in Desert Storm, and led USO legend Bob Hope to invite Tippin to join him on a tour of the Middle East. Twenty years later, Tippin is still making trips overseas, visiting U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. His 2002 album “Stars & Stripes,” released close to the fi rst anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, featured “Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly,” a song he wrote before 9/11 but rushed into production in the tragedy’s aftermath. The tune peaked at No. 2 on the country charts and No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100, and has become Tippin’s greatest crossover hit. Tippin is appearing at the 92nd National Convention courtesy of The American Legion National Headquarters and Nancy Hays Entertainment, Inc.

Music City News Media DISCOGRAPHY You’ve Got to Stand for Something, RCA Nashville (1991) Greatest Hits ... And Then Some, RCA Nashville (1997) Aaron Tippin: Now & Then, NIPPIT Records/ Read Between the Lines, RCA Nashville (1992) Super Hits, RCA Nashville (1998) Rust Nashville (2007) Call of the Wild, RCA Nashville (1993) What This Country Needs, Lyric Street Records (1998) He Believed, Cracker Barrel/NIPPIT Records (2008) Lookin’ Back at Myself, RCA Nashville (1994) People Like Us, Lyric Street Records (2000) In Overdrive, Country Crossing (2009) Tool Box, RCA Nashville (1995) Stars & Stripes, Lyric Street Records (2002)

Y! TR N U O C R U O F O T NKS FOR Y OR HA OUR SUPP T AD

MADE IN THE USA

1 The American Legion Agenda of the 92nd National Convention of The American Legion

Getty

TUESDAY, AUG. 31 Music Frontier Airlines Center 8 a.m. 4TROOPS Halls A & B, Upper Level Prelude The American Legion Youth Champions Milwaukee, Wisconsin 8:30 a.m. 2010 Boys Nation President Aug. 31 – Sept. 2, 2010 Call to Order 2010 Junior Shooting Sports Clarence E. Hill Precision Champion National Commander Florida 2010 Junior Shooting Sports Sporter Champion Advancement of Colors 2010 Eagle Scout of the Year American Legion Post No. 472 Color Guard Joe Phillips, Fond du Lac, Wis. Houston 2010 National Oratorical National Anthem Contest Champion Invocation Victoria Black, Iva, S.C. John L. Beaver 2009 Baseball Player of the Year National Chaplain Tyler Jacobson, Oneida, Wis. Alabama Presentation of Spirit of Service Pledge of Allegiance Awards POW/MIA Empty Chair Ceremony Clarence E. Hill Daniel M. Dellinger National Commander Master of Ceremonies Chairman, National Security Florida Virginia 9:45 a.m. Writer, TV personality and public intellectual Ben Stein will preside Doc Simon over the opening ceremonies of The American Legion’s 92nd National Vice Chairman, National Foreign Address Convention, giving a speech and introducing various luminaries Relations Commission The Hon. Robert M. Gates and guests. Vermont Secretary Department of Defense A native of the Washington, D.C., area, Stein has taught as a professor at Preamble to The American Legion several universities, and served in government as an economist, lawyer Constitution 10:15 a.m. and speechwriter for presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford. He is Clarence E. Hill Greetings and Welcome the author of many books, newspaper columns and magazine articles National Commander Florida Brig. Gen. Donald P. Dunbar (including for The American Legion Magazine). Adjutant General, Wisconsin 8:45 a.m. You may have also seen him on television and the silver screen, as a 10:25 a.m. news commentator, game-show host (of “Win Ben Stein’s Money,” Opening which ran for six seasons on Comedy Central), commercial spokesman Introduction Remarks (currently appearing with Shaquille O’Neal for Comcast), and actor Rita Navarreté (most memorably in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off ”). Ben Stein National President The American Legion warmly welcomes Stein to the 92nd National Master of Ceremonies American Legion Auxiliary New Mexico Convention.

92nd National Convention 23 Agenda of the 92nd National Convention of The American Legion

10:30 a.m. 12:10 p.m. 2:05 p.m. 10:10 a.m. Address Greetings Call for Convention Address The Hon. Eric K. Shinseki Gordon Marsh, Dominion President Daniel S. Wheeler Brian Hawthorne, Legislative Director Secretary, Department of Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans in National Adjutant Student Veterans of America Veterans Aff airs Canada (ANAVIC) Virginia 11 a.m. 10:50 a.m. John Farmer, National Chairman 2:15 p.m. The Royal British Legion Address Welcome Report of Credentials & Internal Maj. Gen. Shin, Won-Bac (Retired), The Hon. Steve Buyer The Hon. Russell Feingold Aff airs – Section 1 U.S. House of Representatives U.S. Senate Secretary-General Korean Veterans Association 2:30 p.m. 11:20 a.m. The Hon. Gwen Moore Report of Legislation and Rules U.S. House of Representatives Hans Song Report of Credentials & Internal Director, Overseas Liaison, Department 2:40 p.m. Aff airs – Membership The Hon. Jim Doyle of Veterans Aff airs Commission, Governor, State of Wisconsin Republic of China Report of Finance 11:25 a.m. The Hon. Tom Barrett Patricia Varga, Dominion Chairman RECESS Department Membership Awards Mayor, City of Milwaukee The Royal Canadian Legion Note: Times of subsequent sessions and Collection of Donations to National Scott Walker J. David Sympson, Secretary-General times of Convention Committee reports Emergency Fund County Executive, Milwaukee County National Society of the Sons of the are subject to change by the chairman. 12:00 p.m. American Revolution Leo Endres Presentation – National Recruiter 2009-2010 Department Commander WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 1 12:40 p.m. of the Year The American Legion of Wisconsin 8 a.m. Special Presentation By Clarence E. Hill Wayne W. Jensen Prelude President, The American Legion 2010 To Clarence E. Hill National Commander National Convention Corp. of Wisconsin National Commander 8:30 a.m. Florida Florida To Nathaniel King 11:20 a.m. Call to Order By The American Legion Riders Department of Georgia Presentation of The American Clarence E. Hill Additional Check Presentations 12:05 p.m. Legion Distinguished Service National Commander to Legacy Fund Medal Florida Report of Economic Employment and Veterans Preference, and By Clarence E. Hill 1:10 p.m. Salute to Colors Other Economic Matters National Commander Address Invocation Florida The Hon. John Boehner John L. Beaver 12:20 p.m. To Boy Scouts of America Offi ce of the House Republican Leader, National Chaplain Presentation – Employer of the Accepting: James J. Terry U.S. House of Representatives Alabama Year Awards for Hiring Veterans Assistant Chief Scout Executive, CFO 1:30 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance By Clarence E. Hill 11:45 a.m. National Commander’s 8:35 a.m. National Commander Special Presentation Florida Report to Convention Address The American Legion To Millennium Security Services, LLC 1:50 p.m. Patriot Award The Hon. Bob Filner Roswell, Ga. Certifi cate of Appreciation Chairman, Committee on Veterans By Clarence E. Hill Aff airs, U.S. House of Representatives To Regent Security Services, Inc. National Commander By Clarence E. Hill Columbus, Ga. Florida National Commander 9:00 a.m. To BNSF Railway Co. Florida To Maj. David Howell Address Fort Worth, Texas U.S. Army National Guard To John L. Beaver Lawrence G. Romo Presentation – American Legion Grand Ledge, Mich. National Chaplain Director, Selective Service System Alabama Local Veterans Employment To Duane M. Jackson 9:20 a.m. Representative of the Year Award Buchanan, N.Y. 2:00 p.m. Address By Clarence E. Hill To Lance L. Orton Sr. Presentation of Plaque to National Commander Bronx, N.Y. the City of Louisville for the John Berry Florida 2009 National Convention Director, U.S. Offi ce of Personnel 12:05 p.m. Management To Kathy Y. Ford By David K. Rehbein Denver Greetings – Sons of 9:40 a.m. The American Legion Past National Commander Iowa Address Mark E. Arneson Past National Commander To Silas Noel The Hon. Michael B. Donley Georgia President, The American Legion National Secretary of the Air Force Convention Corp. of Kentucky

24 The American Legion Agenda of the 92nd National Convention of The American Legion

Presentation – Disabled Veterans 1:35 p.m. Announcement of Winning 10:05 a.m. Outreach Program Specialist of the Presentation – 2010 National Law Department Report of National Security Year Award Enforcement Offi cer of the Year William F. Lenker National Aerospace By Clarence E. Hill By Clarence E. Hill Service Trophy National Commander Homeland Security and Civil National Commander By Clarence E. Hill Preparedness Florida Florida National Commander Law and Order To Kenneth E. Kempf To Capt. Michael J. Levine Florida Raleigh, N.C. Metro Transit Police Department, 2:40 p.m. Merchant Marine Presentation – Employer of the Minneapolis Report of Credentials & Internal Military Aff airs Disabled Presentation – 2010 Firefi ghter of Aff airs – Section 2 Naval Aff airs By Clarence E. Hill the Year National Commander 2:55 p.m. Collection of Donations to By Clarence E. Hill Operation Comfort Warriors Florida National Commander Report of Constitutional To Wisconsin Department of Florida Amendments 10:30 a.m. Workforce Development To Marcus Haynes Salute to Colors Presentation of Plaque and Colors Madison, Wis. Valdosta Fire Department, Valdosta, Ga. Recess to Outgoing National Commander Presentation – Employment of 1:45 p.m. Note: Times of subsequent sessions and By Ronald F. Conley Local Offi ce Award Past National Commander (colors) Report of Children & Youth times of Convention Committee reports By Clarence E. Hill are subject to change by the chairman. By John H. Geiger National Commander Presentation of Garland Murphy Past National Commander (plaque) Florida Award and Legacy Award THURSDAY, SEPT. 2 Noon (or at the conclusion of all other To Cumberland County Job Link Center By Clarence E. Hill business) Fayetteville, N.C. National Commander 8:30 a.m. Florida Presentation – Homeless Veterans Call to Order Special Order of Business Outreach Award Collection of Donations to The Clarence E. Hill Election of National Offi cers American Legion Child By Clarence E. Hill National Commander National Commander Welfare Foundation Florida National Commander Administering the Oath of Offi ce Florida 2:05 p.m. Salute to Colors to the National Commander To The American Legion of Colorado Presentation – Chapel of Four Invocation Acceptance Speech by Newly Accepting: Francis McCurdy Chaplains Legion of Honor Bronze John L. Beaver Elected National Commander 2009-2010 Department Commander Medallion National Chaplain Presentation – Employer of Older Alabama Election of National Vice To Clarence E. Hill Commanders Workers Award National Commander Pledge of Allegiance By Clarence E. Hill Florida Installation of National Vice 8:35 a.m. Commanders National Commander To Mark A. Avis Florida National Vice Commander Presentation – The American Presentation of Colors to Newly To Allen Corporation of America, Inc. Massachusetts Legion Fourth Estate Award Elected National Commander Fairfax, Va. To Morris M. Bentley By Clarence E. Hill Response by Newly Elected National Commander 12:50 p.m. National Vice Commander National Commander Idaho Florida Report of Americanism Presentation of Newly Elected To Dr. Gordon B. Browning To Edward A. Adams National President of the Frank N. Belgrano Jr. Trophy National Vice Commander Editor and Publisher, ABA Journal American Legion Auxiliary Maryland Ralph T. O’Neil Education Trophy 9 a.m. Presentation of Newly Elected By Clarence E. Hill To James C. Morris National Commander of the Sons National Vice Commander Presentation National Commander of The American Legion Florida Ohio Tom Aiello Division Vice President, Sears Holdings Unfi nished Business 1:05 p.m. To Eugene Schumacher National Vice Commander Management Corp. Benediction Presentation – William Randolph South Dakota 9:20 a.m. Retirement of Colors Hearst Americanism Trophy By Bron Mogenis Address Adjourn By Hearst Corp. Trustee, Chapel of Four Chaplains Hiram Sasser Note: The National Executive Committee To winning department 2:20 p.m. Liberty Legal Institute will meet within 24 hours after close of 1:10 p.m. Report of Veterans Aff airs & 9:40 a.m. the convention. Rehabilitation Address Report of Foreign Relations Dr. Betty Moseley-Brown Claims and Rating Associate Director, Center for Women Hospital and Medical Services Veterans, Department of Veterans Aff airs

92nd National Convention 25 Distinguished Guests of the 2010 Convention

Highlighted text indicates Chelsey Dawn Billing Hon. Michael Donley Roberta Gassman Elizabeth Jane Hill distinguished guests who are Woodbridge, Va. Secretary of the Air Force Secretary, Wisconsin First Lady of scheduled to present at the Victoria Black Washington Department of Workforce The American Legion Development Jacksonville, Fla. national convention. 2010 National High School Petty Offi cer Madison, Wis. Edward A. Adams Oratorical Contest Champion Lake Downham Mr. and Mrs. Jack E. Hill Editor and Publisher Iva, S.C. U.S. Coast Guard Hon. Robert M. Gates Martins Ferry, Ohio ABA Journal Hon. John Boehner Egg Harbor Township, N.J. Secretary, Department of Mr. and Mrs. Defense Chicago House Republican Leader Hon. James Doyle Jonathan G. Hill Washington Tom Aiello U. S. House of Representatives Governor, State of Wisconsin Pataskala, Ohio John H. Geiger Division Vice President, Public Washington Wayne Duff ell William Holter Relations, Sears Holdings Doris Brown Chula, Ga. Past National Commander White Marsh, Md. Hoff man Estates, Ill. Director, AVUE The American Legion Technologies Corp. Brig. Gen. Des Plaines, Ill. Maj. David A. Howell Greg S. Alleyne Donald P. Dunbar U.S. Army National Guard Washington David Gough Deputy Director Adjutant General Grand Ledge, Mich. Veterans Employment Marvin Brozynski National Executive Department of Military Aff airs Joseph P. Infranco, Esq. Coordination Service West Allis, Wis. Madison, Wis. Committeeman Washington The American Legion Alliance Defense Fund Dubbie Buckler Linda Edwards of Wisconsin Scottsdale, Ariz. Mark E. Arneson National Secretary Reporter Darlington, Wis. National Commander American Legion Auxiliary Duane M. Jackson Sons of The American Legion Indianapolis William Elmore Kenneth Grant Buchanan, N.Y. Tucker, Ga. Associate Administrator for Director, Offi ce of Tyler Jacobson Hon. Steve Buyer Veterans Business Development Veterans Services Carlene Ashworth U.S. House of Representatives 2009 American Legion Baseball U.S. Small Business Wisconsin Department of Player of the Year National Vice President Washington Administration Workforce Development American Legion Auxiliary Oneida, Wis. Mr. and Mrs. Washington Madison, Wis. Pasadena, Texas Billy C. Jenkins Robert Caswell Leo & Joyce Endres Billy Hacker Veterans Procurement Liaison Gary M. Baker Centreville, Va. Department Commander Muskego, Wis. Chief Business Offi cer U.S. Small Business Robert Caswell Jr. The American Legion of Veterans Health Administration Brig. Gen. John Hanley Administration Stephens City, Va. Wisconsin Washington Washington Madison, Wis. Commander, 3rd Battle Louis J. Celli Jr. Command Training Brigade Laura Balun Wayne W. Jensen President & CEO, David Evans 75th Battle Command Director, VA Voluntary Service President, 2010 American Northeast Veterans Business Offi ce of the Assistant Training Division Legion National Convention Department of Veterans Aff airs Resources Center, Inc. Secretary of Defense PR Fort Sheridan, Ill. Corp. of Wisconsin Washington Boston U.S. Department of Defense Steve Harrison Milwaukee Charles Baker Washington Melinda Chadwick Executive Director, USAA Beverly Johnson President, MCP Lighting John Farmer Account Executive San Antonio Team Leader, Milwaukee & Electrical Partnership Sales National Chairman Brian Hawthorne Vet Center Owning, Md. Mutual of Omaha The Royal British Legion Legislative Director Milwaukee Rick and Carol Barnett Omaha, Neb. London Student Veterans of America Jack & Debbie Johnson Waukesha, Wis. Jill Chambers Kendel D. Feilen Washington Team Johnson Motorsports Nashville, Tenn. Port Washington, Wis. Hon. Tom Barrett Firefi ghter Marcus Haynes Mooresville, N.C. Mayor, City of Milwaukee Jack Climer Hon. Russell Feingold Valdosta, Ga. Jerick Johnson Park City, Utah U.S. Senate Frank Beaty Marta Hedding Team Johnson Motorsports Washington Vice President of Business Ronald F. Conley National Treasurer Mooresville, N.C. Development Dr. Jill Feldman Past National Commander American Legion Auxiliary Jason Kamiya Oak Grove Technologies The American Legion Women Veterans Indianapolis Senior Vice President, Raleigh, N.C. Pittsburgh Program Manager Ray Hendrix Staff Operations Member VA Medical Center Robert H. Beller Charles J. Cooney Experience, USAA Milwaukee, Wis. Advisory Committee to the Director, VA Medical Center Franklin, Wis. National Commander San Antonio Milwaukee Hon. Bob Filner Dr. Mitzi Dearborn Statesboro, Ga. Genevieve Keller John Berry Chairman, House Committee Military Sexual Trauma on Veterans Aff airs Marc Hildebrand Bourbonnais, Ill. Director Coordinator Washington Executive Director, USAA Kenneth E. Kempf U. S. Offi ce of Personnel Milwaukee VA Medical Center San Antonio Kathy Y. Ford Raleigh, N.C. Management Drew Dix Washington Denver Medal of Honor Recipient Nathaniel King Alaska Phenix City, Ala.

26 The American Legion Distinguished Guests of the 2010 Convention

David Korth Nathan McKinley Brian O’Hearne David K. Rehbein Jim Smith Kevin C. Vaughey Marshfi eld, Wis. Vice President Affi nity National Adjutant Past National Vice President President and CEO David Kurtz Management & Sons of The American Commander Mercy Medical Airlift Allen Corporation of Development, USAA Legion The American Legion Virginia Beach, Va. America, Inc. Department Adjutant San Antonio Buzzards Bay, Mass. Ames, Iowa Fairfax, Va. The American Legion Hans Song of Wisconsin Dahlia Melendrez John O’Malley Al Richards Director, Overseas Liaison Sharon Vess Portage, Wis. Benefi ts Counsel Director of Partnership Grafton, Wis. Department Jacksonville, Fla. Chelie Lacrosse Senate Veterans Aff airs Sales Chuck Roessler Veterans Aff airs Michael Walcoff Committee Mutual of Omaha Commission, Republic Surety Producer Milwaukee Acting Undersecretary Omaha, Neb. of China Smith Manus Surety Michael Mizell Mike Rohan for Benefi ts Lance L. Orton Sr. Taipei, Taiwan Bonds President Sun Prairie, Wis. Department of Scottsdale, Ariz. Millennium Security New York George Sparks Veterans Aff airs Lawrence G. Romo Randall Lange Services, LLC Mr. and Mrs. Boy Scouts of America Washington Director Alpharetta, Ga. Benjamin Ostroha Irving, Texas Scott Walker JoshCo, LLC Selective Service System Bron Mogenis Ben Stein Knoxville, Tenn. Camp Lejeune, N.C. Arlington, Va. Milwaukee County Dan Larsen Trustee, Four Chaplains Sonal Pancholi, Psy.D. Actor, Author, Lawyer, Executive Foundation Jimmy & Samantha Commentator and Milwaukee Deputy Director, Offi ce Clinical Woodbridge, Va. Rowley Academic of Korean Aff airs, Neuropsychologist, John K. Wesley III Jacksonville, Fla. Washington, D.C. Bureau of East Asian and Bill Moore Defense and Veterans Manager Pacifi c Aff airs ResourceOne Brain Injury Center Debbie Rumpf J. David Sympson BNSF Railway Co. U.S. Department of State Tulsa, Okla. Walter Reed Army Daughter of Lawrence Secretary-General Fort Worth, Texas White, Aide to National Washington Hon. Gwen Moore Medical Center The National Society of B.K. “Brad” White Washington Commander the Sons of the American Capt. Michael LaVine U.S. House of Dominion Secretary Elko New Market, Minn. Representatives Staff Sgt. Hiram Sasser Revolution The Royal Canadian Milwaukee Edward Perez Director of Litigation Louisville, Ky. Stuart B. Lewis Legion Jim Moore U.S. Air Force Liberty Legal Institute James J. Terry Ottawa, Ontario The David Law Firm Plano, Texas The Woodlands, Texas CEO, ResourceOne Michael Peterson Assistant Chief Scout Lawrence White Tulsa, Okla. Susan Scheiren Executive and CFO Teresa L.G. Lewis Nolensville, Tenn. Aide to National Manager, Military & Sales Boy Scouts of America Commander Clarence Hill Director, Offi ce of Small & Dr. Betty Kelly Petska, Ph.D., LP Irving, Texas Leadership Program The American Legion Disadvantaged Business Moseley-Brown Polytrauma Psychologist General Electric David & Nicole Crystal River, Fla. Utilization Associate Director Minneapolis VAMC Leeds, N.Y. Thigpen Washington Center for Women Minneapolis Sandra White Veterans Jim Schmidt Neptune Beach, Fla. Richard Lofgren Joe Phillips Crystal River, Fla. Washington Burlington, Wis. Master Sgt. President and CEO 2010 Eagle Scout of Todd E. White John & Maureen Christine S. Thompson Children’s Organ the Year Earnest N. Schmit Advisory Committee to Munro Washington Transplant Association Fond du Lac, Wis. Bismarck, N.D. the National Commander Thurso, Caithness, Bloomington, Ind. Maj. Gen. The American Legion Scotland, U.K. Paul M. Plasencia Allan H. “Bud” Selig Stephen D. Tom Worland, Wyo. Petty Offi cer Veterans Outreach Commissioner Rita Navarreté Thomas M. Lothridge Program Manager Major League Baseball JPAC Commander Keith Wilson National President New York Hickam AFB, Hawaii U.S. Navy American Legion Offi ce of the Chief Human Director, Education Theodore Tsaousides, Gordon Marsh Auxiliary Capitol Offi cer Hon. Eric K. Shinseki Service Washington Ph.D. Department of Veterans Dominion President, Indianapolis Secretary Army, Navy and Air Force Capt. Stephen A. Department of Training Director Aff airs Carl Nelson Department of Washington Veterans In Canada Phenix City, Ala. Polacek Veterans Aff airs Kamloops, B.C. USA Joint Accounting Washington Rehabilitation Medicine Retired Maj. Gen. Gary Nelson New York on-Bae Roger P. Mathison POW/MIA Command Doc Simon Shin W Green Valley, Ariz. Margaret E. Van Dyk Westby, Wis. Hickam AFB, Hawaii Vice Chairman, Foreign Secretary-General Lynn M. Nelson Glenn Powers Relations Commission President The Korean Veterans Frank McCurdy Association Deputy Director, Acting Deputy, The American Legion S.A. Van Dyk, Inc. Department Commander Education Service White River Junction, Vt. Oak Brook, Ill. Seoul, Korea The American Legion of Director of the Offi ce Department of of Field Programs Patricia Varga John Wordin Colorado Veteran Affi ars Robert Singer Denver Department of Milwaukee Dominion President Executive Director Washington Veterans Aff airs The Royal Canadian Ride 2 Recovery Washington Ernie Sizemore Legion Calabasas, Calif. Regent Security Coleville, Saskatchewan Mr. and Mrs. Jack Services, Inc. Ellie & Marine Prendergast Augusta, Ga. Zimmerman San Antonio Hartford, Wis. 92nd National Convention 27 /HQQ$UWV,QF  0DQXIDFWXULQJ-HZHOHUV Welcome The American Legion! Be sure to visit the HISTORIC THIRD WARD

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2010 National Convention Commission 2010 National Convention Corporation

Michael E. Walton John D. Morris Bill Firkins John R. Eckhoff Wayne W. Jensen Rick Barnett Al Richards Chairman, Illinois Vice Chairman, Texas National Commander’s Consultant, Missouri President Vice President Treasurer Representative, Indiana

Robert F. Neville Ray Hendrix Alfred Pirolli Leonard Zimmerman David Korth Jim Schmidt Dan Seehafer Consultant, New York Georgia Pennsylvania Michigan Secretary Badges & Packets Chaplain

Roger P. Mathison Gunner D. Baatrup William Kearsing Jr. Wayne D. Satrom Kendel D. Feilen Robert Singer Billy Hacker Wisconsin South Dakota New York North Dakota Provost Registration & Information Parade

William E. Anderson Art Castro Charles E. Gannon John Aldecoa Chuck Roessler Fred Berns Marvin Brozynski Ohio California Maryland Advisory Board, Arizona Distinguished Guests General Counsel Board of Directors

Charles R. Knox Jerry L. Hedrick Randall Coff man Ralph P. Bozella Chuck Cooney Roger P. Mathison Ken Bonde Advisory Board, Georgia NEC Liaison, Chairman, NEC Liaison, Kentucky NEC Liaison, Colorado Board of Directors Board of Directors Board of Directors North Carolina

W. Dee Wilson David L. Gough Daniel Jakubczyk NEC Liaison, Oklahoma NEC Liaison, Wisconsin Board of Directors

92nd National Convention 29 39th Sons of The American Legion National Convention

Welcome, y’all! As we gather here in Milwaukee for our national convention, we bring to a close Operation Proud Son, which has been a tremendous success. Operation Proud Son is based on our pride in our loved ones’ service in the U.S. REGISTRATION Armed Forces, our pride in America, and our pride in The American Legion. We demonstrate that pride by carrying out our assigned tasks and advancing our Thursday, Aug. 26 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. cause in a professional, businesslike manner. Friday, Aug. 27 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. This year, we broke from the tradition of Saturday, Aug. 28 8 a.m. – Noon centering our membership recruiting on a gimmick. Your membership was bought for a CONVENTION COMMITTEE MEETINGS price paid by your parent’s devotion to America Friday, Aug. 27 8:30 a.m. and service during a time of war. Honoring that NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS service is what compels us to be Sons. For me, it’s about honoring my father’s service in the Friday, Aug. 27 1 p.m. Korean War. He served in the Army and was Sunday, Aug. 29 2 p.m. at the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea in the winter of 1950. I am responsible for ensuring his experiences, sacrifi ces and service are not forgotten. As a Son, you have the same assignment for your family. Personal pride FRIDAY, AUG. 27 Membership Committee Report motivates each one of us to be a member of and Awards Sons of The American Legion and to proclaim 1 p.m. Mark E. Arneson Child Welfare Foundation ourselves as a “proud son of a priceless veteran.” Pre-Convention National Executive National Commander, Georgia Committee Awards Operation Proud Son’s two main objectives Committee Meeting Presentation of National History were supporting the Child Welfare Foundation 2 p.m. and Veterans Aff airs Voluntary Service (VAVS). Since 1994, the Sons have been Book Contest Awards Call to Order the No. 1 contributor to CWF. Not only was this year no exception, but we had an Veterans Aff airs & Rehabilitation exceptionally good year. You helped the Sons raise over $468,000. This is not just Salute to the Colors Committee Report and Awards an all-time high, but an increase of $125,000 over last year. The Sons are to be com- Invocation mended for this tremendous eff ort. Internal Aff airs Committee Report Pledge of Allegiance VAVS is a volunteer opportunity in which greater Sons’ participation was, and still Americanism Committee Report is, needed. When we began evaluating the Sons’ involvement in Veterans Aff airs & Preamble to the Constitution and Awards Rehabilitation, it was determined that a higher percentage of VAVS representatives of Sons of The American Legion Presentation of the Community should come from the Sons. Of the 194 VA facilities across the United States, the Reading of the Convention Call Service Scrapbook Awards Sons were only represented in 40. This number has increased substantially, and we are on target to double our VAVS representatives by the close of the VA fi scal year Roll Call National Vice Commanders Reports ending Sept. 30. We need to make sure the Sons have a strong presence in Veterans Opening Remarks Children & Youth Committee Aff airs. Only then can we ensure that our heroes are indeed receiving care second to Report and Awards none, as was promised them. Welcome from Host Detachment Establishment of Convention Legislative and Rules Committee Just as the Sons continually achieve all-time highs for CWF, the same holds true Report for membership. Once again, the Sons have exceeded last year’s membership and Committees achieved a 26th consecutive all-time high as we continue to approach 350,000. Legislative and Rules Committee Finance Committee Report To serve you as national commander required a yearlong commitment from my en- Special Guest Presentations Constitution and By-Laws tire family, and a careful balance of family life and career. To accomplish this was no Committee Report National Convention Memorial easy task. My father, Vern, my wife, Cappi, and my three daughters, Morgan, Ashley Final Report of the Credentials and Reagan, have been the keys to my success. I want to thank them for their love Service Committee and support, and for helping make this year as national commander a reality. It has Salute to the Colors been a pleasure to serve you and this organization. RECESS As we close out Operation Proud Son, I thank you for your eff orts and for making RECESS this year such a success. I look forward to serving the Sons for many years to come 2 p.m. as we continue to promote The American Legion and demonstrate the gratitude its SATURDAY, AUG. 28 Area Caucuses members so richly deserve. Thank you, and God bless. 9 a.m. (or immediately following recess) Call to Order SUNDAY, AUG. 29 Salute to the Colors 8 a.m. Invocation Call to Order Mark E. Arneson Pledge of Allegiance National Commander Salute to the Colors Roll Call Invocation First Report of Credentials Pledge of Allegiance Committee 30 The American Legion 39th Sons of The American Legion National Convention

Roll Call Election of Offi cers: 12:30 p.m. 2 p.m. Introduction of 2010 National National Commander, National Call to Order Post-Convention National Sons of The American Legion Color Vice Commanders, National Salute to the Colors Executive Committee Meeting Guard Champions Chaplain Installation of Newly Elected Final Report of the National 10:30 a.m. Offi cers Commander Recess for Joint Memorial Service Benediction Special Order of Business 11 a.m. Retirement of Colors Nominations of Sons of The Joint Memorial Service American Legion National Offi cers Final Adjournment

2009-2010 National Offi cers

National Commander Mark E. Arneson Georgia National Chaplain Atwood L. Granberry California National Vice Commanders National Historian Brandon S. Roberts Georgia East Keith A. Murdough New Hampshire National Judge Advocate Joseph Paviglianti New York South Clint D. Bolt Virginia Central Dennis L. Theobald Iowa National Sergeant-at-Arms Charles T. Tucker Georgia Midwest James M. Gelwicks Colorado National Assistant West William J. Lewis Oregon Sergeants-at-Arms Danny J. Poole Michigan National Adjutant Brian J. O’Hearne Massachusetts Robert Fifeld Massachusetts Thomas L. Getz Ohio National Assistant Adjutants Roy H. Turner West Virginia Harold E. Thompson Jr. Nebraska Enos N. Bellanger Louisiana Ed Sheubrooks Florida David Ridenour Indiana National Commander’s Aide Jason S. Roberts Georgia Robert J. Avery New York Lyle Larson Kansas Anthony W. Wright Pennsylvania

Past National Commanders

1968 Michael Seaton California 1982 David P. Stephens Indiana 1996 John T. Dietz Kentucky 1969 Robert McBride Ohio 1983 Christopher R. Cerullo New York 1997 Jack E. Jordan Texas 1970 J.R. Stillwell Illinois 1984 Fred Hartline Ohio 1998 William E. Matoska Maryland 1971 J.R. Stillwell Illinois 1985 Woodrow L. Mudge† Colorado 1999 Byron J. Robichaux Louisiana 1972 John Smolinsky Massachusetts 1986 Royce Doucet† Louisiana 2000 Richard L. Cook Oklahoma 1973 Robert Faust California 1987 Douglas Bible Minnesota 2001 Kevin N. Winkelmann Texas 1974 James Hartman Maryland 1988 Richard L. League Maryland 2002 Cliff ord A. Smith Massachusetts 1975 Gregory Reis Illinois 1989 David Faust Wisconsin 2003 Steve C. Laws North Carolina 1976 Grant Jamieson Michigan 1990 Charles R. Belles Virginia 2004 Neal C. Warnken Kansas 1977 Charles Gannon Maryland 1991 Robert A. Worrel Indiana 2005 Michael J. Deacon Iowa 1978 John M. Sherrard California 1992 Eugene L. Sacco Oregon 2006 William L. Sparwasser Maryland 1979 Richard Kepler Florida 1993 Charles Rigsby† Michigan 2007 Earl R. Ruttkofsky Michigan 1980 Ernest Wilson† New Jersey 1994 Roland D. Matteson Arizona 2008 Raymond P. Giehll Jr. Indiana 1981 Donald Willson† Pennsylvania 1995 Joseph Mayne Minnesota 2009 Thomas E. Cisna Illinois

Past National Commanders By Vote of National Convention

2009 Patrick J. Shea† Ohio †Deceased

92nd National Convention 31 The American Legion Honor Roll of Service

Past National Commanders 1919-2009

Franklin D’Olier† Daniel J. Doherty† Dan Daniel† Harry G. Wiles† William M. Detweiler Pennsylvania 1919-20 Massachusetts 1937-38 Virginia 1956-57 Kansas 1975-76 Louisiana 1994-95 Frederic W. Galbraith Jr.† Stephen F. Chadwick† John S. Gleason Jr.† William J. Rogers† Daniel A. Ludwig Ohio 1920-21 Washington 1938-39 Illinois 1957-58 Maine 1976-77 Minnesota 1995-96 John G. Emery† Raymond J. Kelly† Preston J. Moore† Robert Charles Smith† Joseph J. Frank Michigan 1921 Michigan 1939-40 Oklahoma 1958-59 Louisiana 1977-78 Missouri 1996-97 Hanford MacNider† Milo J. Warner† Martin B. McKneally† John M. Carey† Anthony G. Jordan Iowa 1921-22 Ohio 1940-41 New York 1959-60 Michigan 1978-79 Maine 1997-98 Alvin M. Owsley† Lynn U. Stambaugh† William R. Burke† Frank I. Hamilton† Harold L. Miller Texas 1922-23 North Dakota 1941-42 California 1960-61 Indiana 1979-80 Virginia 1998-99 John R. Quinn† Roane Waring† Charles L. Bacon† Michael J. Kogutek Alan G. Lance Sr. California 1923-24 Tennessee 1942-43 Missouri 1961-62 New York 1980-81 Idaho 1999-00 James A. Drain† Warren H. Atherton† James E. Powers† Jack W. Flynt† Ray G. Smith District of Columbia 1924-25 California 1943-44 Georgia 1962-63 Texas 1981-82 North Carolina 2000-01 John R. McQuigg† Edward N. Scheiberling† Hon. Daniel F. Foley† Al Keller Jr.† Richard J. Santos Ohio 1925-26 New York 1944-45 Minnesota 1963-64 Illinois 1982-83 Maryland 2001-02 Howard P. Savage† John Stelle† Donald E. Johnson† Keith Kreul Ronald F. Conley Illinois 1926-27 Illinois 1945-46 Iowa 1964-65 Wisconsin 1983-84 Pennsylvania 2002-03 Edward E. Spaff ord† Paul H. Griffi th† L. Eldon James† Clarence M. Bacon John A. Brieden III New York 1927-28 Pennsylvania 1946-47 Virginia 1965-66 Maryland 1984-85 Texas 2003-04 Paul V. McNutt† James F. O’Neil† John E. Davis† Dale L. Renaud† Thomas P. Cadmus Indiana 1928-29 New Hampshire 1947-48 North Dakota 1966-67 Iowa 1985-86 Michigan 2004-05 O. Lee Bodenhamer† Perry Brown† William E. Galbraith James P. Dean† Thomas L. Bock Arkansas 1929-30 Texas 1948-49 Nebraska 1967-68 Mississippi 1986-87 Colorado 2005-06 Ralph T. O’Neill† George N. Craig† William C. Doyle† John P. Comer Paul A. Morin Kansas 1930-31 Indiana 1949-50 New Jersey 1968-69 Massachusetts 1987-88 Massachusetts 2006-07 Henry L. Stevens Jr.† Erle Cocke Jr.† J. Milton Patrick† Hon. H.F. Gierke Marty Conatser North Carolina 1931-32 Georgia 1950-51 Oklahoma 1969-70 North Dakota 1988-89 Illinois 2007-08 Louis A. Johnson† Donald R. Wilson† Alfred R. Chamie† Miles S. Epling David K. Rehbein West Virginia 1932-33 West Virginia 1951-52 California 1970-71 West Virginia 1989-90 Iowa 2008-09 Edward A. Hayes† Lewis K. Gough† John H. Geiger Robert S. Turner Illinois 1933-34 California 1952-53 Illinois 1971-72 Georgia 1990-91 Frank N. Belgrano Jr.† Arthur J. Connell† Joe L. Matthews Dominic D. DiFrancesco California 1934-35 Connecticut 1953-54 Texas 1972-73 Pennsylvania 1991-92 Ray Murphy† Seaborn P. Collins† Robert E.L. Eaton† Roger A. Munson† Iowa 1935-36 New Mexico 1954-55 Maryland 1973-74 Ohio 1992-93 Harry W. Colmery† J. Addington Wagner† James M. Wagonseller† Bruce Thiesen Kansas 1936-37 Michigan 1955-56 Ohio 1974-75 California 1993-94

Past National Commanders By Vote of National Convention

Bennett Champ Clark† Theodore Roosevelt Jr.† Thomas W. Miller† E. Roy Stone Jr.† Missouri New York Nevada South Carolina 1987 Presided at Paris Caucus, March 1919 Eric Fisher Wood† Chairman Pro Tempore Robert W. Spanogle Milton J. Foreman† Pennsylvania Paris Caucus, March 1919 Michigan 2008 Illinois Temporary Chairman Maurice Stember† Chairman, Executive Committee at Paris and Secretary at Paris Caucus New York 1975 Henry D. Lindsley† Hamilton Fish† Texas New York 1979 Presided at St. Louis Caucus, May 1919

Honorary National Commanders

Gen. John J. Pershing† Marshal Ferdinand Foch†

†Deceased

32 The American Legion Distinguished Service Medal Recipients

The American Legion Distinguished Service Medal is awarded after nominations are presented by the national commander, or by department action. The gold-based medallion is inscribed with the words “Distinguished Service” on the front. The reverse side of the medallion features the name of the recipient. The medal is awarded at the national convention, in recognition of outstanding service to the nation and to the ideals of The American Legion. Also presented is a walnut plaque with a gold-plated relief depicting the “Guardians of Freedom” and the name of the recipient.

Read profi les of each recipient online:www.legion.org/distinguishedservicemedal

1921 Marshal Ferdinand Foch of France 1953 Rep. Royal C. Johnson* 1980 President Gerald R. Ford Adm. David Beatty of Great Britain Dead & missing of the Vietnam War 1954 Gen. Baron Jacques of Belgium Maj. Gen. George A. White* 1981 American space shuttle astronauts Gen. Armando Diaz of Italy 1955 Dr. Jonas E. Salk John Young and Robert Crippen M. Charles Bertrand of France Maj. Gen. Ellard A. Walsh 1982 President Ronald W. Reagan 1922 Gen. John J. Pershing 1956 Vice Adm. Joel T. Boone 1983 1923 Adm. Robert E. Coontz Charles Stewart Mott Adm. Hyman G. Rickover Gen. Josef Haller of Poland 1957 Gen. Mark W. Clark 1984 Sen. J. Strom Thurmond Bishop Fulton J. Sheen 1926 Ignace Jan Paderewski of Poland 1985 Hon. Caspar W. Weinberger 1958 1927 Comte Francois Marie Robert Dejean Bernard Mannes Baruch Fleet Adm. William F. Halsey Jr.* Unknown servicemen of WWI, WWII of France 1987 and Korea, interred at the Tomb of Hon. William H. Webster 1928 Field Marshal Edmund Allenby the Unknowns, Arlington 1988 Douglas Edwards of Great Britain National Cemetery 1989 Hon. Howard H. Baker Jr. 1929 Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis 1959 Sen. Robert S. Kerr 1990 Dr. Michael E. DeBakey 1930 Adm. William S. Sims 1961 President John F. Kennedy 1991 President George H.W. Bush 1942 Gen. Douglas A. MacArthur 1962 Gen. Lucius D. Clay Dr. Thomas A. Dooley* 1992 Richard Thornburgh 1943 Gen. George C. Marshall 1993 Gen. Colin Powell Adm. Ernest J. King 1963 Cardinal Francis Spellman 1994 Walter Annenberg 1944 Hon. Frank Knox* 1964 Dr. Charles W. Mayo Henry Ford 1965 President Herbert C. Hoover* 1995 Crew of the Enola Gay Gen. Henry H. “Hap” Arnold Hon. James F. Byrnes (Paul W. Tibbets, Dutch Van Kirk, Tom Ferebee, Dick Nelson and 1945 President Franklin D. Roosevelt 1966 Capt. Roger H.C. Donlon Bob Caron*) Gen. Theodore Roosevelt Jr.* Ernest (“Ernie”) Pyle* 1967 Hon. Tom C. Clark 1996 Rep. G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery Hon. Henry L. Stimson 1968 President Lyndon B. Johnson 1997 Sen. Robert J. Dole Fleet Adm. Chester W. Nimitz Gen. William C. Westmoreland Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower 1999 Zachary Fisher* 1969 President Richard M. Nixon 1946 J. Edgar Hoover 2000 Sen. Orrin Hatch Bob Hope 1970 Rep. Olin E. Teague 2001 Gen. Henry H. Shelton William Randolph Hearst 1971 Rep. L. Mendel Rivers* Maj. Gen. Lewis B. Hershey Sen. Richard B. Russell* 2002 Rep. Bob Stump Hon. Cordell Hull 1972 Sen. John C. Stennis 2003 Drs. Jeanne Mager Stellman and 1947 Lt. Gen. William S. Knudsen DeWitt Wallace Steven Stellman Sen. Edward Martin 2005 Chief Justice Fred M. Vinson 1974 Hon. Henry A. Kissinger Gen. Richard B. Myers Rep. F. Edward Hebert 2006 1949 President Harry S. Truman Maj. Gen. Patrick H. Brady George Herman (“Babe”) Ruth* 1975 Harry W. Colmery 2007 Dr. Kenneth W. Kizer Maj. Gen. Frank Parker* 1976 Pat O’Brien 2008 President George W. Bush 1950 Charles F. Johnson Jr. 1977 Dr. Howard A. Rusk 2009 Gen. David H. Petraeus Maj. Gen. Milton A. Reckord 1978 Bowie K. Kuhn Rep. Edith Nourse Rogers *awarded posthumously 1951 Gen. Charles P. Summerall 1979 Thomas A. Murphy

Not awarded in years 1924, 1925, 1931-1941, 1948, 1952, 1960, 1973, 1986, 1998 and 2004.

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Introduction National Adjutant’s Report ...... 36 2010 National Offi cers ...... 37 National Executive Committee...... 38 Youth Champions ...... 39 Annual Military Academy Students ...... 40 Commission and Committee Reports Americanism Commission ...... 41 Reports Counter-Subversive Activities Committee ...... 41 National Committee on Education .. 41-42 Commission on Children & Youth ...... 42 Convention Commission ...... 42-43 Distinguished Guests Committee ...... 43 American Legion Child Welfare Foundation ...... 43-44 Economic Commission ...... 44-45 Finance Commission ...... 45 The American Legion Insurance Committee ...... 45 Condensed Report on Emblem Sales Division ...... 46 Foreign Relations Commission ...... 46 Internal Aff airs Commission ...... 47-50 Information Technology ...... 50 Legislative Commission ...... 50-51 The American Legion Magazine Commission ...... 51-52 National Security Commission ...... 52 Public Relations Commission ...... 52-53 Veterans Aff airs & Rehabilitation Commission ...... 53-54 Administrative Services ...... 54 Covers the period ending June 1, 2010 The following pages of this offi cial program of the 92nd Annual National Convention of The American Legion contain a condensed annual report for the year 2009-2010. Believing that delegates to the national convention are entitled to receive a concise statement of the major activities of The American Legion for the past year, ending with this national convention, your National Headquarters provides this report as a part of the offi cial program. In this manner, we are assured that every delegate and everyone who registers for the convention will receive the condensed annual report. A full, detailed report has been submitted to the Congress of the United States, in accordance with the Legion’s congressionally granted charter and provisions of Public Law 249, 77th Congress, approved Sept. 18, 1941.

92nd National Convention 35 National Adjutant’s Report

You are the foundation of the Legion

I’ve worked at several levels of this organization, starting as a writer for The American Legion Magazine and moving up the ranks there, then serving for several years as executive director of your National Headquarters in Indianapolis before being appointed national adjutant in October 2008. Though my responsibilities changed with each job, my appreciation for the work done by you, the volunteers in the organization, has only grown. Look at what your eff orts delivered this year for veterans, our men and women in uniform and their families, and the youth of America. Last fall, members of the Army’s Bravo Troop 3-61 Cavalry, stationed at Combat Outpost (COP) Keating near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, were attacked by 300 insurgents. Although they were able to repel the attack, with help from U.S. helicopters and warplanes, they lost eight U.S. soldiers and two Afghan policemen. More were injured. The attack left soldiers of Bravo Troop 3-61 with nothing but the clothes on their backs. All their possessions were destroyed. Troop morale was low; one soldier, in an e-mail to The American Legion, wrote that no one back home knew what had happened – and if they did know, they didn’t care about what had happened to the soldiers. We showed that we cared, publicizing news of the attacks and creating the COP Keating Relief Fund. We set a goal of $16,800, but our eff orts and partnerships with Target and Computer Science Corp. brought in more than $150,000 to provide comfort items for the soldiers. When we entered the Pepsi Refresh Everything Project in February, we asked you to go online and vote for Operation Comfort Warriors, a program dedicated to meeting the needs of wounded military personnel by providing them with Daniel S. Wheeler comfort items not usually supplied by the government. Not only did you answer the call with your votes, you did so National Adjutant enough to propel OCW into the top three candidates within days. By the end of the competition, you had moved the Virginia Legion into fi rst place, earning a $250,000 grant for OCW that has enabled us to conduct outreach eff orts at several military hospitals this year. Thanks to your phone calls and personal contact with your senators and representatives, we’re able to lobby Congress for legislation that improves the lives of veterans and our military, such as the Emergency Care Act and cost-of-living increases for servicemembers. Across the country, Legionnaires donated hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours at Department of Veterans Aff airs medical facilities. In 2009 alone, Legionnaires logged more than 900,000 volunteer hours, saving VA $18.5 million. And although the pre-convention Legacy Run each year is the big moneymaker for The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund, you raise money for it year-round in your posts and communities, ensuring that the children of U.S. servicemembers killed on or after Sept. 11, 2001, have a chance at a college education. Your posts provide high-school boys with a safe, competitive venue in which to compete athletically by sponsoring American Legion Baseball teams. By conducting an Oratorical program, you teach high-school students about the U.S. Constitution while giving them a chance to compete for valuable college scholarships. Your posts sponsor Boy Scout troops, and send young men to Boys State and Boys Nation. On Memorial Day and Veterans Day, you take the time to host programs that educate your communities about the honorable nature of military service. You are on constant watch to see that the graves of our nation’s veterans are treated with respect, and that Old Glory fl ies proudly in your cities and towns. In short, what you’ve done in the past 12 months is precisely what the Legion’s founders set out for you to do when they fi rst met in 1919. You do what our members have done every year. The methods and technologies may change, but your mission has not. You care for your fellow veterans. You care for our future veterans and their families. And you care for the future of our country, the nation’s youth. National Headquarters is a structure made of limestone, glass and metal. But the foundation of The American Legion is its membership. Together, all of you are what make us great.

36 The American Legion National Offi cers

Clarence E. Hill Daniel S. Wheeler Morris M. Bentley Gordon B. Browning National Commander, Florida National Adjutant, Virginia National Vice Commander National Vice Commander Idaho Maryland The American Legion continues its commitment to serving the nation’s veterans, their families and all children. This commitment has served us well since 1919, when the veterans of World War I returned to U.S. soil and formed what would become the world’s largest veterans service organization. As The American Legion convenes in Milwaukee, delegates gather to conduct the vital business of this great organization. From this convention will come policies that will direct the volunteer members as they work to make their communities – and our nation – better in the coming year, and beyond. Mark A. Avis James C. Morris Eugene A. Schumacher The American Legion accomplishes its goals primarily at the grass-roots National Vice Commander National Vice Commander National Vice Commander level, but with direction from National Headquarters in Indianapolis and Massachusetts Ohio South Dakota a major offi ce in Washington, D.C. The American Legion’s chief executive offi cer is the national commander, elected by delegates to the national convention for a one-year term. The fi ve national vice commanders are also chosen by the national convention. Clarence Hill is the 2009-2010 national commander of The American Legion. The major accomplishments of the Legion during his term are detailed in the following pages of this offi cial program and condensed annual report. Daniel S. Wheeler, national adjutant, is the chief administrative offi cer of The American Legion. The national adjutant, national judge advocate, Paul Martel John L. Beaver James T. Higuera national treasurer, national chaplain, national historian and national National Sergeant-at-Arms National Chaplain National Historian sergeant-at-arms comprise the appointed national offi cers of The Florida Alabama California American Legion.

Larry White P. B. Onderdonk Jr. George A. Buskirk Jr. Aide to the National National Judge Advocate National Treasurer Commander, Florida Maryland Indiana

92nd National Convention 37 National Executive Committee

National Executive Committee

Between national conventions, the administrative authority of The American Legion is exercised by the National Executive Committee, composed of the national commander, the fi ve national vice commanders, the national chaplain and one National Executive Committeeman (plus alternate) elected by each department.

Alabama Floyd W. Turner Montana Sylvia A. M. Beals Alaska James L. Van Horn Nebraska Douglas Boldt Arizona Deodoro M. Aguilar Nevada Salvatore Ruvolo Arkansas Cleave B. Weiss New Hampshire John E. Neylon California Fred J. Walton New Jersey Wm. Billy Mack Colorado Ralph P. Bozella New Mexico Taurino J. Trevino Connecticut Richard W. Anderson New York Richard R. Keiser Delaware Charles T. Armbruster Jr. North Carolina Jerry L. Hedrick District of Columbia Paul H. Hasz North Dakota Curtis O. Twete Florida Robert J. Proctor Ohio Richard H. Zulch France William E. Marshall Oklahoma Warren D. Wilson Georgia Charles F. Wessinger Oregon Charles E. Schmidt Hawaii Andrew W. Johnson Pennsylvania Richard A. Coccimiglio Idaho Wayne D. Mitchell Philippines William J. Kelly Illinois Eugene Thompson Puerto Rico Alberto Rodriguez Indiana W. Darrell Hansel Rhode Island Ronald P. LeVasseur Iowa John J. Ross South Carolina Billy W. Bell Kansas David O. Warnken South Dakota Paul A. Evenson Kentucky Randall Coff man Tennessee Perry D. Roberts Louisiana Charles D. Aucoin Texas Conrad L. Roberson Maine Robert A. Owen Utah William E. Christoff ersen Maryland John F. Milburn Vermont Barbara Bushaw Massachusetts Milton K. Lashus Virginia George C. Lussier Jr. Mexico Arthur Herbruger Washington Michael L. Montaney Michigan Darwin Krieger West Virginia William W. Kile Minnesota Raymond DeZurik Wisconsin David L. Gough Mississippi Charles E. Langley Wyoming Gerald L. Jacobs Missouri Richard A. Heigert

Past National Commanders

Past national commanders are life members of the National Executive Committee but do not vote. The NEC appoints the national adjutant, treasurer, judge advocate, chaplain, historian and sergeant-at-arms, and has complete control over the annual budget.

William E. Galbraith Hon. H.F. Gierke Joseph J. Frank John A. Brieden III Nebraska North Dakota Missouri Texas John H. Geiger Miles S. Epling Anthony G. Jordan Thomas P. Cadmus Illinois West Virginia Maine Michigan Joe L. Matthews Robert S. Turner Harold L. Miller Thomas L. Bock Texas Georgia Virginia Colorado Michael J. Kogutek Dominic D. DiFrancesco Hon. Alan G. Lance Sr. Paul A. Morin New York Pennsylvania Idaho Massachusetts Keith A. Kreul Bruce Thiesen Ray G. Smith Marty Conatser Wisconsin California North Carolina Illinois Clarence M. Bacon William M. Detweiler Richard J. Santos Robert W. Spanogle Maryland Louisiana Maryland Michigan John P. Comer Daniel A. Ludwig Ronald F. Conley David K. Rehbein Massachusetts Minnesota Pennsylvania Iowa

38 The American Legion Youth Champions

2010 Oratorical Champion

Tori Beth Black, Iva, S.C., sponsored by American Legion Post 44, Iva, S.C. With a speech about the importance of participating in the nation’s “The purpose of the Constitution – upholding the rights of the governmental process, Black won the 73rd Annual American Legion people – seems obvious. The founding fathers outlined a clear path for the Oratorical Contest in Indianapolis in April. Her oration earned the government to succeed in keeping these rights. But the government is not home-schooled junior an $18,000 college scholarship. the only party that must uphold the Constitution. We, as the people, are also “The people of the United States of America know that a Constitution faced with this responsibility to stand by the rights endowed to us. exists – some even express pride in it, but many do not know why they “Our duty, privilege and honor is to stay informed about our offi cials and follow it, or even understand its purpose,” Black said. vote for deserving candidates.”

2009 Baseball Player of the Year

Tyler Jacobson, Oneida, Wis., sponsored by Mixtacki-Johnson Post 337, Pulaski, Wis. Jacobson is the 2009 George W. Rulon American Legion Baseball Player of Thanks to the ongoing partnership between The American Legion and Major the Year. League Baseball, Jacobson attended the 2010 Baseball Hall of Fame game in He received a $3,500 scholarship from the Legion. He currently attends the Cooperstown, N.Y., on June 20. University of Wisconsin in Platteville, where he plays infi eld.

2009 Shooting Sports Champions

Emily Quiner, Brooklyn Park, Minn., Deckard Day, Albuquerque, N.M., sponsored sponsored by Edward B. Cutter Post 102, Anoka, Minn. by American Legion Post 49, Albuquerque, N.M. Quiner won the National Championship Precision award at Day won the National Championship Sporter award at the the 19th Annual American Legion Junior Air Rifl e National 19th Annual American Legion Junior Air Rifl e National Championship in Colorado Springs, Colo., in 2009. She totalled Championship in Colorado Springs, Colo., in 2009. He totalled an aggregate score of 2467.5 out of a possible 2509, and set a an aggregate score of 2308.9 out of a possible 2509, and set a new Precision standing record of 788.54 out of a possible 800. new Sporter kneeling score of 764. Day is a member of the La Quiner is a member of Minnesota Center Shots. Cueva High School Marine Corps JROTC marksmanship unit.

2010 Eagle Scout of the Year

Joe Phillips, Fond du Lac, Wis., Troop 701 Phillips, a graduate and valedictorian of St. Mary’s Springs High School in publicized and set up collection points for the three-week drive, Fond du Lac and member of Troop 701, is The American Legion Eagle Scout bringing in 2,900 fl ags. He worked with a local American Legion post to of the Year for 2010. He received a $10,000 scholarship. coordinate the retirement ceremony, which included local and national The award recognizes Phillips’ practical citizenship at school, his Scouting representatives. achievements, and his passion and commitment to the U.S. fl ag and all it Phillips plans to study choral and general music education and theater at represents. For his Eagle Scout project, he planned, coordinated and the University of Wisconsin in Eau Claire, and eventually obtain a doctorate executed a community drive for unserviceable U.S. fl ags, culminating and become a music professor. in a formal fl ag-retirement ceremony on Flag Day 2008. He organized,

2009 Boys Nation President

Christopher Andrews, Green River, Wyo., sponsored by Tom Whitmore Post 28, Green River, Wyo. Andrews was elected president of American Legion Boys Nation at Andrews plans to attend Michigan State University to study math and Marymount University in Arlington, Va., on July 21, 2009. science. The son of Dale and Loretta Andrews, he served as football team captain and is a member of the National Honor Society at Green River High School. He also was a high-school chess champion, and held a national ranking in speech and debate.

92nd National Convention 39 2010 Outstanding Military Academy Students

U.S. Military Academy

Cadet Alexander T. Madden Cadet Alexander T. Madden received this year’s American Legion award for highest standing in chemistry at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y. National Vice Commander Mark A. Avis presented the award.

U.S. Air Force Academy

Cadet Austin B. McKinney Cadet Austin B. McKinney received this year’s Out- standing Cadet in Academic Performance Award, sponsored by The American Legion and presented in honor of Brig. Gen. Robert F. McDermott. National Vice Commander Eugene A. Schumacher presented the award at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. Congratulations to The American Legion U.S. Coast Guard Academy on your 92nd National Convention Ens. Justin Phillip Brooks Ens. Justin Phillip Brooks received this year’s American Legion award for excellence in athletics at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn. National Vice Commander Gordon B. Browning ƒ‹‡•ˆ‘” presented the award. ‘„ƒ–‡–‡”ƒ• U.S. Naval Academy ‡–Šƒ‘—”ƒ–‹‘ǯ• Ens. William Nugent Murray ˜‡–‡”ƒ•ˆ‘”–Š‡‹”•‡”˜‹ ‡ Ensign William Nugent Murray received this year’s American Legion award for highest marks in English, history and government courses at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. National Vice Commander James Morris presented the award.

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy ™™™Ǥ‡ƒ†•Ǥ‘”‰ Name and photo of American Legion award winner were not available at press time. Ȁ‘‰•ˆ‘” ‡ƒˆƒ†‹•ƒ„Ž‡† ‡”‹ ƒ• ȋͻ͹ͺȌͶʹʹǦͻͲ͸Ͷ

40 The American Legion 2010 Annual Reports

AMERICANISM COMMISSION Immigration/Naturalization The American Legion is adamantly opposed to illegal immigration and amnesty, by any form or name, for individuals in this country illegally. The American Legion supports enforcement Joseph E. Caouette of existing immigration laws, strong border security, and reducing legal immigration to a New Hampshire number easily assimilated into our society. Chairman Through articles in The American Legion Magazine and the Dispatch, the Americanism Jill K. Druskis Commission works to inform Legionnaires and others about the serious threats to U.S. Nebraska national and economic security posed by illegal immigration. Director Helping legal immigrants prepare for citizenship and assimilation into American society is in the best interests of our nation. Providing assistance and instruction to immigrants During the past year, the Americanism Commission continued to off er a variety of programs following the legal path to citizenship has been a long-standing and proud tradition of The and activities to give recognition to the ideal of human values, and the dignity and worth American Legion almost since its founding. Over the decades, many posts, districts and of the individual. These programs and activities embrace many aspects of an individual’s departments throughout the country have hosted naturalization orientation sessions to help relationship to his or her community, state and nation. They are designed to create improved teach profi ciency in English and lessons in U.S. history and civics. The Americanism living for every individual, recognizing all the inalienable rights of man and woman, and the Commission continues to actively encourage and promote these worthwhile eff orts. human qualities of mind and heart. Counter-Subversive Activities Committee Following is a summary of the commission’s activities: Robert G. Bournival Youth Activities New Hampshire Programs for our nation’s youth continue to help thousands reach their potential by building Chairman physical, mental and moral alertness while cultivating strong character and fostering civic The Counter-Subversive Activities Committee keeps a watchful eye on the activities of responsibility. Activities and events of the past year included the following: individuals and groups that threaten our form of government. Findings are reported to the • Victoria Black of Iva, S.C., won the 2010 National High School Oratorical Contest and National Americanism Commission and the general membership through American Legion an $18,000 college scholarship. Elizabeth Blessing of Auburn, Ala., placed second and publications, and online at www.legion.org. received a $16,000 scholarship. Brooke Connor of Bridport, Vt., placed third and received National Committee on Education a $14,000 scholarship. The Rev. James T. Akers • Joe Phillips of Fond du Lac, Wis., is the 2010 American Legion Eagle Scout of the Year and Kansas the recipient of a $10,000 scholarship. Runners-up and recipients of $2,500 scholarships Chairman are Michael Smith of Alpharetta, Ga.; Justin Knoll of La Porte, Ind.; and Robert Rasmussen The American Legion believes that education is the cornerstone upon which the future of of Hutchinson, Minn. our nation is built. In keeping with this credo, activities during the past year have focused • Nearly 1,400 young men and women competed individually in this year’s postal matches on improving and maintaining a stronger relationship between American Legion posts and associated with The American Legion’s Junior Shooting Sports Program. In addition, 222 schools in their communities. teams competed. Junior Shooting Sports continues to interest young shooters across the Widely recognized throughout the country as the premier authority on issues concerning the country, training Olympic hopefuls in organized marksmanship competition. fl ag of the United States, The American Legion off ers “For Which It Stands,” a DVD about the • Almost 425 American Legion, Auxiliary and Sons of The American Legion members have history, signifi cance and meaning of our fl ag, and proper respect and care for it. “For Which been awarded The American Legion and Scouting Square Knot Award, recognizing active It Stands” is designed primarily for students in upper elementary, middle or junior-high involvement in The American Legion’s Scouting programs. Contact the Americanism and schools. Children & Youth Division at for more information about the award. (317) 630-1203 In addition to a 20-minute video program, “For Which It Stands” includes instructional American Legion Baseball enhancements to give students a rich and rewarding learning experience, as well as This year marks the 84th season for American Legion additional online learning activities. The DVD is available from Emblem Sales (Stock No. Baseball. The 2010 American Legion Baseball 2010 755.400) for $9.95, plus shipping and handling. World Series was played in Spokane, Wash., AAmericanmerican LegLegionion The American Legion continues to promote the concept of bringing U.S. veterans into the from Aug. 13-17. nation’s classrooms to speak about their military experiences, receiving an enthusiastic Sppookkaann • The American Legion Baseball team from ee,, WA response from both educators and veterans. To support these eff orts, a video program titled Midland, Mich., sponsored by Post 165, won the “America’s Veterans” is available. Designed to increase student understanding of the role of 2009 American Legion Baseball World Series. As national veterans in a free society, the video is available from Emblem Sales (Stock No. 755.402) for champion, the team was invited to attend the 2009 Major $3.95, plus shipping and handling. League Baseball World Series and was honored on the fi eld prior to Game 1 in New York Other events during the past year: City as guests of The American Legion and Major League Baseball. • The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation received The American Legion’s 2010 National • Tyler Jacobson, with American Legion Post 337 of Oneida, Wis., is the 2009 George W. Education Award. Rulon Player of the Year. He received a $3,500 scholarship and attended the 2010 National Baseball Hall of Fame Game in Cooperstown, N.Y. Jacobson is the 61st American Legion • A total of 29,458 school award medals were presented to deserving boys and girls in Baseball player to be honored by the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Fifty-two members of graduating classes of elementary and secondary schools and junior colleges. Recipients are the National Baseball Hall of Fame played American Legion Baseball. selected based on courage, honor, leadership, patriotism, scholarship and service. Get Out the Vote • The Samsung American Legion Scholarship Program continued to make awards, distributing more than $3.8 million to students since its inception in 1996. TheTThhe AmericanAmerican LeLLegionegion The American Legion endorses the Get Out the Vote (GOTV) campaign and encourages active participation of all Legionnaires, • Guidance counselors at more than 31,600 public, private and parochial high schools , individually and collectively, within their communities. As citizens received The American Legion’s scholarship and fi nancial-aid resource guide, “Need A Lift?” AMERIAAMMERERIICA of this great nation, we have a duty and responsibility to exercise The guide is available online at www.needalift.org, allowing students to search and print ‘080 this right of franchise by casting our ballots every Election Day, and entries for free. Copies on CD-ROM are available from Emblem Sales for a single-copy cost to encourage others to do so as well. of $1.95, plus shipping and handling. 92nd National Convention 41 The American Legion 2010 Annual Reports

• The National Americanism Commission continues to actively promote and solicit awareness concerning the vital role that court appointed special advocates play in providing contributions to the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund, established by the Legion safe, permanent and nurturing homes for abused and neglected children, thus enabling to assist the children of U.S. military personnel who have died while serving on active them to develop into mature, responsible and productive adults. duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001. This year, the commission awarded 13 Legacy scholarships Youth Suicide Prevention totaling $46,000. Recipients are Samuel Bauer of Pipestone, Minn.; Walter Benard Jr. of The American Legion is very concerned about the welfare of our nation’s youth and the Starkville, Miss.; Taylor Curry of Atlanta; Jessica Dowdal of Monroe, Mich.; Tyler Harper of problem of suicide among them. Among adolescents 15 to 24, suicide continues to be Fort Leavenworth, Kan.; Chantel Jeff ries of Honolulu; Brandon Laureta of Troutdale, Ore.; the third-leading cause of death, and the fourth-leading cause in 10- to 14 year-olds. More Ashley Little of Carrollton, Ala.; Joseph McVey of Oak Hill, W.Va.; Timothy Stein of than 4,000 young people take their own lives every year. Suicide is a permanent solution to a Colchester, Ill.; Jordan Whitehead of Helena, Ala.; Eva Marie Witt of Springfi eld, Ohio; and temporary problem, and is completely preventable. Meghan Brooks of Norwood, Mass. Send contributions to The American Legacy Scholar- Halloween Safety ship Fund, P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206. As long as Halloween activities are sponsored and promoted in our various communities Summary by duly appointed and elected offi cials, The American Legion believes children and parents This year-end report refl ects only a small part of the work carried out by The American should know how to make this observance as safe as possible. To assist with this eff ort, the Legion’s National Americanism Commission. Posts, districts and departments expend much Legion distributes a brochure, titled “Make Halloween a Safe and Fun Night,” to educate more time, eff ort and money as they accept the challenges of sponsoring and conducting children and parents about trick-or-treat safety. Americanism activities that foster wide-ranging community service, youth development and Family Support Network educational advancement. Since Sept. 11, 2001, National Guard and reserve units have been activated in record numbers. The families of these men and women often fi nd themselves unable to meet normal monthly household obligations. The American Legion maintains a nationwide Family COMMISSION ON CHILDREN & YOUTH Support Network toll-free telephone number, 1-800-504-4098, for service personnel and their families to call for assistance. The Legion can also be contacted at our Web site, Dennis R. Boland www.legion.org/familysupport. All requests are referred to community posts. The post Florida contacts the military member or family to determine and address their specifi c needs. Chairman As the nation’s largest veterans organization, our commitment to the men and women of the armed forces, and their families, is absolute. Jill K. Druskis Operation: Military Kids Nebraska OMK is the U.S. Army’s collaborative eff ort with America’s communities to support children Director and youth impacted by deployment. Since April 2005, OMK has reached out to 88,000 military youth and provided information to 21,009 community members across the United The American Legion has been a strong advocate for the children and youth of our nation States. As an offi cial core partner of OMK, The American Legion encourages departments and since its founding in 1919. To date, no area of child welfare has gone untouched by the posts to work with and support this collaborative eff ort to contribute to the well-being of collective hand of The American Legion. children of military personnel. Our Children & Youth program has three main objectives: to strengthen the family unit; to Temporary Financial Assistance support quality organizations that provide services for children and youth; and to maintain a Through the Temporary Financial Assistance program, a post may call upon The American well-rounded program that meets the physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual needs of Legion for cash assistance to help meet the basic needs (shelter, food, utilities, medical) of today’s young people. veterans’ children when the parents are unable to do so. It is important to note that while Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals the veteran must have served honorably on active duty during a designated war period, Children’s Miracle Network hospitals raise critically needed funds for 170 children’s hospitals, the veteran does not have to be a member of The American Legion to receive assistance. which treat 17 million children annually in the United States and Canada. These hospitals Last year, we granted $521,117 to veterans’ families and made a diff erence in the lives of treat children with all types of affl ictions and injuries, rendering service based on need, not 1,137 children. These funds aff orded veterans’ families with food, clothing and shelter, thus the ability to pay. Over the past 10 years, the American Legion family has donated more than preserving the integrity of the family home. $27 million to this worthy endeavor. The commission is proud of our Legion family members for their accomplishments on behalf Children’s Organ Transplant Association of our country’s youth. Their eff orts in the area of child welfare are living testaments to the The American Legion formally announced its support of COTA during its spring meetings, ability of free men and women to adapt themselves to evolving needs, while maintaining and encourages its departments and posts to work with and support the fundraising eff orts high principles and taking on increased responsibilities under those principles. of COTA to benefi t the health and well-being of our nation’s children in need of organ The American Legion has done and will do everything possible to perpetuate “a square deal transplants. for every child.” This remains our ultimate goal and defi nitive challenge for the years ahead. COTA exists to assist patients who require a lifesaving organ, bone marrow, cord blood or stem cell transplant. COTA works with all transplant patients 21 and younger for any disease complication, and with any patient who needs a transplant due to a genetic disease, such as CONVENTION COMMISSION cystic fi brosis or sickle cell anemia. For more than 1,400 families, from almost every state and every economic situation, COTA Michael E. Walton has assisted with fundraising to help meet transplant-related expenses not covered by Illinois insurance. Chairman Court Appointed Special Advocate Program Richard D. Holmes The American Legion reiterated its support for the aims and mission of the CASA program, Indiana and encouraged departments and posts to cooperate with other concerned state, county Director and community organizations to assist children and youth involved in the juvenile-justice system. Departments and posts are encouraged to assist their local CASA program wherever possible to recruit quality volunteers, including qualifi ed Legionnaires, to represent the The 91st National Convention of The American Legion convened in Louisville, Ky., Aug. 21-27, best interests of abused and neglected children in court. They are urged to raise community 2009. National Commander David K. Rehbein of Iowa called the convention to order at 9 a.m. 42 The American Legion The American Legion 2010 Annual Reports

Tuesday, Aug. 25, welcoming Legionnaires to Louisville and thanking them for their continu- In 1954, The American Legion endorsed the separate incorporation of The American Legion ing service to our country and our veterans. Joining him were the Hon. Jerry Abramson, Child Welfare Foundation. Since then, the foundation has granted more than $10 million to mayor of the City of Louisville; Teddy W. Austin, Department of Kentucky commander; and nonprofi t youth-oriented organizations. Grants are awarded solely for two purposes: Silas Noel, president of the Legion’s National Convention Corp. of Kentucky. Other guest • To contribute to the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual welfare of children and youth speakers addressing the convention were the Hon. Bob Filner, chairman, House Committee through the dissemination of knowledge about new and innovative organizations and/or on Veterans Aff airs; the Hon. Eric K. Shinseki, secretary of the Department of Veterans Aff airs; programs designed to benefi t youth; and the Hon. Hilda L. Solis, secretary, Department of Labor; the Hon. John Yarmuth and the Hon. • To contribute to the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual welfare of children and youth Tim Walz, U.S. House of Representatives; Adm. Michael Mullen, chairman, Joint Chiefs of through the dissemination of knowledge already possessed by established organizations, Staff ; Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander, U.S. Central Command; and Lt. Gen. Jack C. Stultz, to the end that such information can be more adequately used by society. chief, U.S. Army Reserve. At its annual meeting in October, the board of directors approved $636,869.75 in grants Three events deserve special mention. Nearly 5,000 and 8,000 American Legion family to 19 nonprofi t organizations for projects to be completed in 2010. These grants were members respectively attended the Patriotic Memorial Service and the parade, and 2,200 awarded to support worthwhile projects, and disseminate information about them to both Legionnaires and guests attended the National Commander’s Banquet at the Kentucky the general public and specifi c target groups. The following is a brief summary of grants International Convention Center, featuring country-music star Darryl Worley. awarded this year: Convention Commission activities American Legion Children’s Home of Ponca City, Okla., received $41,000 for a project The National Convention Commission conducted three regular meetings during the year. titled “American Legion Children’s Home National Awareness Initiative Phase II.” Revisions of our request for proposal continued in 2009. This process is extremely important, as it provides an opportunity for all cities to be judged in the same way during the initial American Legion of Nevada of Las Vegas received $3,037.25 for a project titled “Hear review and site-visit process. Today-Learn Tomorrow (HT-LT).” The commission’s desire is to continue to attract new cities that desire to host an American Boy Scouts of America, Exploring Program of Denver received $35,717 for a project Legion national convention, providing blue-cap Legionnaires and their families with varied titled “Experience 9 to 5.” and enjoyable conventions on an annual basis. Childhood Leukemia Foundation of Brick, N.J., received $48,000 to produce “Hope For the 2015 National Convention, the National Convention Commission reviewed bids from Binders.” Baltimore and Chicago. Following site visits, and after hearing formal presentations from Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters (CHKD) of Norfolk, Va., received $30,050 both of these fi ne cities, the commission recommended to the National Executive Committee to produce “A Guide to Chest Wall Deformities in Children: Info for Parents, Patients and that Baltimore be awarded the 2015 National Convention, scheduled for Aug. 28-Sept. 3. The Physicians.” National Executive Committee later approved the recommendation. Children’s Institute Inc. of Rochester, N.Y., received $30,500 for a project titled “Building Connections for Military Families through Play.” Future conventions and dates Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Foundation of Avon, Conn., received $16,744 for a Minneapolis Aug. 26-Sept. 1, 2011 project titled “Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Screening Checklist for Medical Professionals.” Indianapolis Aug. 24-30, 2012 Houston Aug. 23-29, 2013 Diabetes Education and Camping Association of Huntsville, Ala., received $25,000 Charlotte, N.C. Aug. 22-28, 2014 for “Ready, View, Go – Diabetes Camp Web Training Project.” Baltimore Aug. 28-Sept. 3, 2015 Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of New York received $39,500 for a project titled “I’m Aaron and I’m Bionic.” Currently, four cities are bidding on the 2016 National Convention, supported by the Mercy Medical Airlift of Virginia Beach, Va., received $45,700 for a project titled “Child appropriate resolutions from their host departments: Denver, Salt Lake City, Seattle and Health Program-Info Dissemination Upgrade.” Virginia Beach, Va. A recommendation for the 2016 host city will be forwarded to the The MY HERO Project of Laguna Beach, Calif., received $28,872.50 for “The MY HERO National Executive Committee in May 2011. Report-Youth Edition, Volume Two.” DISTINGUISHED GUESTS COMMITTEE National Center for Learning Disabilities of New York received $45,500 for a project titled “Empowering Parents to Advocate for their Children with Learning Disabilities.” Charles M. Roessler National Exchange Club Foundation of Toledo, Ohio, received $25,000 to produce Wisconsin child-abuse prevention kits. Chairman National Reye’s Syndrome Foundation of Bryan, Ohio, received $38,200 for a Reye’s The Distinguished Guests Committee exists under the umbrella of the National Convention Syndrome/Infl uenza awareness school mailing. Commission. Its responsibilities include the coordination of activities for all distinguished guests invited to attend the national convention. The committee oversees the arrangements PKS Kids of Florissant, Mo., received $29,500 for a project titled “Recognizing A Pallister- for each guest’s arrival at and departure from the national convention. Each guest is also Killian Child.” assisted with credentials, agendas and other details. SADD, Inc. (Students Against Destructive Decisions) of Marlborough, Mass., received $54,549 for the SADD’s Parents’ Corner Program. AMERICAN LEGION CHILD WELFARE Spina Bifi da Association of Washington received $40,000 for a project titled “Faces of FOUNDATION, INC. Spina Bifi da.” Tourette Syndrome Association, Inc. of Bayside, N.Y., received $25,000 for a project Dennis R. Boland titled “The Tourette Youth Ambassador Program: Kids Teaching Kids.” Florida Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, Inc. (TAPS) of Washington received President $35,000 for the TAPS Children’s Grief Kit and interactive Web site. During 2009, donations exceeded $594,032, with more than $343,688 coming from Sons of Robert K. Caudell The American Legion. Indiana Executive Secretary Members of The American Legion family are the primary contributors to the success and growth of CWF. Each member and local organization is encouraged to make an annual 92nd National Convention 43 The American Legion 2010 Annual Reports contribution in support of the foundation. Your support allows CWF to continue funding Homelessness projects that improve the quality of life for our nation’s children. Every dollar given to the The commission conducted a workshop for homeless veterans providers, and a day of foundation is used for grants that assist young people. training for attendees to train the trainer and bring that knowledge back to their respective At a board of directors meeting in Indianapolis on May 2, the following offi cers were elected: departments and other members of The American Legion. The workshop featured experts Dennis R. Boland of Florida, president; Peggy Moon of Minnesota, vice president; Roger from VA, DoL and the National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH). Speakers included Mary N. Messier of Virginia, secretary; and Robert Turner of Georgia, treasurer. Administrative O’Malley, Homeless & Residential Special Populations manager, VA; Gordon Burke, director of personnel appointed by the board were George A. Buskirk Jr., assistant treasurer, and Robert Operations, Grants and Transition Programs, DoL; and William Sermons, director, Homeless K. Caudell, executive secretary. Research Institutes, NAEH. During the workshop, it was noted that VA estimates that nearly 131,000 veterans are homeless on any given night. Approximately 250,000 will experience Under the 1969 Tax Reform Act, CWF retains its tax-exempt status. Gifts, therefore, are homelessness during the year. VA is taking decisive action toward its goal of ending home- deductible for federal income-tax purposes to the extent permitted by law, and bequests lessness among our nation’s veterans. To achieve this goal, VA has developed a fi ve-year plan are deductible for federal inheritance-tax purposes to the extent permitted by the Federal to assist every homeless veteran willing to accept its services: safe housing, needed-treat- Tax Act. ment services, benefi ts assistance, and opportunities to retain or return to employment.

VA will continue to partner with both community, local and national service providers, and ECONOMIC COMMISSION other state and federal agencies to provide comprehensive care to homeless veterans and veterans at risk of homelessness. Also mentioned was the successful Homeless Veterans Randall A. Fisher Re-integration Program (HVRP) within the DoL’s Veterans Employment and Training Services Kentucky (DoL-VETS). HVRP is the only nationwide program focused on assisting homeless veterans re- Chairman integrate into the work force. Currently, the program is funded at $41 million, but it is highly successful and needs to be fully funded at $50 million. Also, the workshop included classes Joseph C. Sharpe Jr. on how to successfully engage the issue of veterans homelessness in local communities, and District of Columbia how to successfully execute a stand down. Director Education During the 50th Washington Conference, the commission hosted a day-long seminar titled The National Economic Commission and its two standing subcommittees – Employment, “Veterans On Campus,” designed to reach out to the academic community, veteran-service and Veterans Preference and Other Economic Matters – are responsible for ensuring that U.S. organizations (VSOs) and student veterans on how the former can assist the younger genera- veterans have the opportunity to provide, with honor and dignity, the economic necessities tion in transitioning from military to college life. The event attracted more than 100 guests, of life for themselves and their families. To achieve this goal, the commission and its who heard a variety of issues. The seminar opened with a discussion by keynote speakers committees work closely with government, non-governmental organizations and private- retired Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Mike Lehnert and Adm. Ted Gordon, along with Past National sector agencies. These include the Department of Labor (DoL), the Department of Housing Commander and Past National Adjutant Robert Spanogle. In addition, Dr. Doug Hermann and Urban Development (HUD), the Offi ce of Personnel Management (OPM), the Small Busi- gave a presentation on making veterans a protected class on campus. ness Administration (SBA), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of A total of fi ve panels discussed transition challenges for veterans returning to school: Veterans Aff airs (VA), Bank of America, Monster.com, Cisco Systems Inc. and PNC Bank. • The opening panel, with representatives from The American Legion, the Vietnam Veterans The National Economic Commission continues to spearhead The American Legion’s eff orts to Institute and Student Veterans of America (SVA); provide veterans with comprehensive education benefi ts and new employment and business opportunities. This commission is also heavily engaged in the fi ght to end homelessness • A student-veteran panel, which included veterans from George Washington University, among veterans. American University, the University of the District of Columbia and Georgetown University; National Economic Commission Forum • A congressional panel, which included staff members from both sides of the House and The commission assembled to hear speakers on topics of interest to members. The main Senate Veterans Aff airs committees; focus of the morning session was veterans’ employment concerns. John McWilliam, DoL • A VSO/university panel, which included individuals from Veterans of Foreign Wars, the deputy assistant secretary, gave the audience an overview of DoL-VETS recent activities. He Military Offi cers Association of America, SVA, George Washington University, the University said about 220,000 servicemembers return to civilian status each year, and focused on the of the District of Columbia and American University; DoL-VETS three-sided approach to helping veterans: • A VA briefi ng by Keith Wilson, director of education service. 1. Work Force Investment System: Career One-Stop, Veterans Work Force Investment After each panel, the audience had an opportunity to ask questions to better understand the Program, Homeless Veterans’ Re-integration Program, HireVetsFirst Campaign problems student veterans are facing on campus, and how to address them. 2. Employment Rights: USERRA, Veterans Preference, Disabled Veterans Hiring Initiative The Economic Division has recommended that VA be more proactive in its outreach eff orts 3. Transition Services: Transition-Assistance Employment Workshops, REALifelines, Operation with the veteran community and colleges/universities as they continue to implement the Warfi ghter Post-9/11 GI Bill. Our division will continue working with Keith Wilson to ensure that VA Other speakers included Hakeem Basheerud-Deen, senior human-resources specialist, OPM; is sending tuition payments, housing payments and book stipends to both colleges and Paul Plasencia, Veterans Outreach Program manager, DHS; Edner Escarne, acting deputy student veterans in an eff ective and timely manner. The American Legion will also continue accountability-program offi cer, Department of Commerce; Dennis May, director, Veterans working with VA’s outreach-management team and other stakeholders to coordinate Employment Coordination Services, VA; Jamie Frankel, offi cer and high-volume recruiter, outreach eff orts so that servicemembers and veterans have the necessary information Bank of America; and William Philbrick, theatre lead, Cisco Systems Inc. concerning their new education benefi ts. The hard-earned Post-9/11 GI Bill is certainly well The afternoon session continued with a series of speakers focused on transition and deserved for the men and women who have protected, sacrifi ced for and served our country re-integration of veterans: David Dubois, director, Wounded Warrior Care and Transition honorably. Policy, Department of Defense (DoD); Gregory Boyle, commander offi cer, DoD; Roger Neppl, Veteran Entrepreneurship director, Military Program, Paralympics Division, DoD; Stacie Hitts, director, Operation The commission’s Small Business Task Force sponsored its annual Mid-Winter Conference Diploma, Military Family Research Institute, Purdue University; Terry Quattlebaum, director, Small Business Development Workshop and Seminar Series. Approximately 120 veteran and U.S. Army Garrison, Walter Reed Army Medical Center; and Ruth Fanning, director, Vocational service-disabled businessowners participated in the event, traveling from as far as California, Rehabilitation & Employment Program, VA. Utah, Texas, North Carolina, Tennessee and Pennsylvania, as well as Maryland and Virginia. 44 The American Legion The American Legion 2010 Annual Reports

Top experts from the private and federal sectors provided veterans with information on how The primary obligation of the Finance Commission is to prepare a yearly budget for to start and maintain successful businesses. The veterans also heard pertinent information the National Executive Committee, handle funds under that budget, and exercise reasonable on eff ectively penetrating the federal marketplace. The free one-day workshop included oversight to see that the various divisions and departments of the national organization remarks from representatives from the Department of the Treasury, the Small Business operate within appropriations. The commission includes seven members, with the Administration, the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, the national adjutant as ex-offi cio secretary and the national commander and the national Government Service Administration, PNC Bank and the Northeast Veterans Business treasurer as ex-offi cio members. Also attending these meetings are the executive Resource Center. directors of the Washington and Indianapolis offi ces, the fi nance director and NEC During the year, Economic Division staff members prepare and deliver testimony for congres- liaison observers. sional committees on subjects of vital interest to the commission, including contracting and The national organization had an operating surplus of $5,558,591 for 2009. We received procurement for veteran-owned and service-disabled-veteran-owned small businesses; $13.50 in dues per member, allocating $10.50 to the general fund and $3 to The American transition from DoD to DoL-VETS, the VETS budget, and VA services for vocational rehabilita- Legion Magazine. tion, education and home loans; and veterans preference in federal hiring. Income of the national organization derives from annual membership dues, interest on The American Legion has formal memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with Recruit- investments, magazine advertisements, Emblem Sales, contributions and other approved Military, Avue Technologies and Military.com, allowing the Legion to have a presence at activities. veterans’ career fairs across the country. The purpose is to educate veterans regarding their A full fi nancial statement is incorporated in the auditor’s report. Your attention is also benefi ts, provide them outlets for employment, and promote The American Legion. This is directed to the Reports of Committees and Trusts, also found in this publication. an extremely important opportunity, with incredible positive exposure for both veterans and Entities include The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation, The American Legion our organization. The American Legion will participate in more than 100 career fairs in 2010 Endowment Fund Corp., The American Legion Insurance Committee, The American Legion conducted through our national partnerships. Emblem Committee, and The American Legion Overseas Graves Decoration Trust. Additionally, each department employment chairperson organizes participation in numerous local job fairs (other than our two national partners). Job duties, expectation instructions The American Legion Insurance Committee and fl yers accompany approximately 100 educational brochures from The American Legion for each career fair. Educational material is sent automatically to departments associated Kevin J. Bartlett with Military.com and RecruitMilitary, and per individual request. Michigan Chairman The staff of the National Headquarters Economic Division is also deeply involved in advisory committees. Director Joseph Sharpe is a member of the Department of Veterans Aff airs’ Marianne Bergamo Education Advisory Committee, the Department of Labor’s Veterans Advisory Committee Indiana and the Small Business Administration’s Veterans Advisory Committee. Deputy Director Mark Deputy Director Walker is a contributor to the VA Homeless Advisory Committee. The American Legion Insurance Committee provides oversight for the several insurance plans previously and currently off ered by The American Legion, and is assigned to the National Finance Commission. The commission’s Awards Subcommittee met to select winners in the Employer of Veterans and Employment Service awards categories. Winners include: The American Legion Insurance Program supports several national programs that are among the organization’s most prominent and visible activities. The programs are listed below, with SMALL EMPLOYER EMPLOYER OF OLDER WORKERS the corresponding funding for 2010. Millennium Security Services, LLC Allen Corporation of America, Inc. • American Legion Baseball, $553,190 Georgia Virginia • National Oratorical Contest, $314,729 MEDIUM EMPLOYER LOCAL VETERANS EMPLOYMENT • Junior uniformed musical groups, $38,000 for participation at the Regent Security Services, Inc. REPRESENTATIVE OF THE YEAR national convention Georgia Kathy Y. Ford, Colorado • Boys Nation, $195,410 LARGE EMPLOYER DISABLED VETERANS OUTREACH BNSF Railway Company PERSONNEL OF THE YEAR • Eagle Scout of the Year Scholarship Award, $17,500: an award of $2,500 per year for up to Texas Kenneth E. Kempf, North Carolina four years, not to exceed $10,000, for pursuit of a course of study beyond high school. Three second-place awards, in the amount of $2,500 each, are also granted. EMPLOYER OF THE DISABLED EMPLOYMENT LOCAL OFFICE Wisconsin Department of Cumberland County Job Link Center, These requests for grants are approved by The American Legion Insurance Committee, the Workforce Development North Carolina National Finance Commission and the National Executive Committee. Wisconsin Birthday Life Whole Life Insurance The Birthday Life whole life plan is currently unavailable for new coverage. Union Fidelity terminated its agreement with The American Legion eff ective Dec. 31, 2005. All current policyholders will still receive the service they were accustomed to from Union Fidelity. Requests for Birthday Life information for policyholders should be directed to FINANCE COMMISSION Administrator, Union Fidelity Life Insurance Co., 500 Virginia Drive, Fort Washington, PA 19034, or to 1-800-621-0393. Kenneth D. Danilson Shawn T. Long Mutual of Omaha Iowa Indiana Mutual of Omaha became a contracted insurance carrier for The American Legion in May Chairman Director 2010. Mutual of Omaha off ers guaranteed issue life insurance to Legionnaires ages 45 to 85. The Legion was eligible to sign directly with Mutual of Omaha and increase revenue. This is George A. Buskirk Jr. the fi rst direct contract with a carrier, and we are excited about the potential it off ers. The Indiana fi rst direct mailing yielded signifi cant revenue to The American Legion. National Treasurer To inquire about the availability of insurance, call Marianne Bergamo at (317) 860-3020. 92nd National Convention 45 The American Legion 2010 Annual Reports

Condensed Report on National Emblem Sales Division Resolution 120: Smart Power Support Urges the president and Congress to continue to pursue the “smart power” strat- Alvan T. Fuller egy, defi ned as “the ability to combine hard power (military and economic) and soft Massachusetts power (foreign aid and human-rights promotion).” Smart power involves the strategic Chairman use of diplomacy, persuasion, capacity-building and the projection of power, for the Richard B. Keith purpose of protecting national interests and internationally improving U.S. strategic Indiana posture. Director Resolution 121: Expand Foreign Service Offi cer Corps The American Legion emblem is the exclusive property of The American Legion National Urges the president, Congress and the Department of State to signifi cantly increase the Headquarters in Indianapolis. The sale of the emblem, emblem pins, merchandise carrying number of foreign-service offi cers, and to implement a veterans-preference policy with the the emblem and other items of organizational equipment is the responsibility of National aim of recruiting for the Foreign Offi cer Corps veterans whose experience may be an essential Headquarters. The following tables show gross sales, net earnings, etc., for the entire enhancement in the nation’s diplomatic mission. calendar year of 2009 and the fi rst three months of 2010. 2010 Washington Conference The Foreign Relations Commission met in a joint session with the National Security Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2009 (12 months) Commission, and convened for its business session, during the 50th Washington Conference. Gross sales $11,031,734 The joint session included presentations from four speakers: Vikram Singh, senior defense Cost of goods sold 5,920,795 advisor, Offi ce of the Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Department of Overhead 3,433,639 State; Army Maj. Gen. Reuben Jones, director of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation; Operating profi t 1,677,300 Dr. Robert Zubrin, author of “Energy Victory”; and George Clark, president of Save the Total number of orders processed in 2009: 103,111 Montagnard People, Inc. The expert panel on POW/MIA issues followed the morning session and included Bob New- Jan. 1 to March 31, 2010 (3 months) berry, deputy assistant secretary of defense for Prisoner of War/Missing Personnel Aff airs, Gross sales $ 2,290,038 and Ann Mills Griffi ths, executive director of the National League of POW/MIA Families. The Cost of goods sold 1,222,059 discussion revolved around the construction of a new $100 million headquarters and lab for Overhead 792,609 identifi cation of U.S. dead from past wars. Construction is expected to begin in fi scal 2011 Operating profi t 275,370 at Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii, as the nation steps up eff orts to speed the recovery and Total orders processed in fi rst three months of 2010: 20,808 return of remains to families. The business session was organized in two sections: a comprehensive assessment of 30 resolutions with legislative intent, and a PowerPoint presentation and discussion on the FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMISSION U.S. federal budget and foreign aid led by Joseph Grassi, assistant director of the National Security/Foreign Relations Division. Doc Simon Grassi’s presentation covered the fi scal 2010 Foreign Relations appropriations and Vermont the fi scal 2011 budget recommendations. He concluded the meeting by discuss- Vice Chairman ing plans for the March 11 meeting between The American Legion and the White House on the issue of renewing direct bilateral humanitarian talks with North Korea, Philip D. Riley for the sole purpose of restoring the processes required to account for unreturned Virginia Korean War veterans. Director National Executive Committee Fall, Spring Meetings At the NEC’s Fall Meeting, the commission reviewed the Legion’s United Nations policy and The Foreign Relations Commission is dedicated to the full accounting of POWs and recommended a revised version to the NEC. The resolution was approved as amended. At the MIAs, human rights and freedom, and the promotion of peace and caring for veterans Spring Meetings, commission members conducted business sessions to expedite proposed and their families who live abroad. The commission worked diligently throughout the resolutions and other important issues within the commission’s purview. year to implement resolutions that speak to key foreign-relations issues concerning national interests. Operation Comfort Warriors Operation Comfort Warriors (OCW) is a program dedicated to meeting the needs The commission conducts meetings and programs to keep the membership fully of wounded U.S. military personnel, providing them with comfort items not usu- informed on current foreign-policy issues. It encourages nonpartisan development of ally supplied by the government. OCW ensures that patients at military hospitals and foreign policies that are consistent with the entire portfolio of The American Legion’s warrior-transition units receive comfort items that often don’t appear on government active resolutions. spreadsheets, such as sweatsuits, DVDs, puzzles, electronic devices, books, calling Resolutions cards and more. OCW also provides larger items, including pingpong tables, entertain- The Foreign Relations Commission reviewed over 13 newly proposed and established ment centers, computers and other recreational supplies for use by wounded warriors in resolutions addressing foreign aff airs during the 91st National Convention in Louisville, common areas. Ky., including: Since December 2008, the American Legion family has raised more than $570,000 for this Resolution 33: Support Secure Borders eff ort, which has helped improve the quality of life for military men and women in hospital Calls for American Legion support for the president’s and Congress’ eff orts to provide settings and warrior-transition units. Included in this amount is a $250,000 grant awarded assistance and aid to the Canadian and Mexican governments to secure the borders by Pepsi after OCW received the most votes in Pepsi’s Refresh Everything Project, fi nishing separating the United States, Canada and Mexico from traffi cking illegal drugs. ahead of hundreds of other charities in an Internet voting competition. Resolution 55: POW/MIA Flag Flying More than 35,000 U.S. troops have been injured since the war on terrorism following 9/11; Calls for the fl ying of the POW/MIA fl ag, when possible, at all American Legion national countless others have been hospitalized. There’s always an injured servicemember in need conventions. of comfort.

46 The American Legion The American Legion 2010 Annual Reports

INTERNAL AFFAIRS COMMISSION The Resolutions Assignment Committee meets at least three days before the convening of the national convention. This committee has the responsibility to receive, consider and Larry J. Besson transmit all resolutions – with or without recommendation – to the appropriate convention Illinois committee for a report to the convention. During an average year, between 200 and 300 Chairman resolutions will be assigned. Constitution & By-Laws John W. Querfeld Illinois Vincent Gaughan Director Illinois Chairman The National Executive Committee established the Internal Aff airs Commission by resolution in 1947. The original charges for this constitutional commission remain: to formulate and The national constitution and by-laws of The American Legion can only be amended by duly recommend policies, and to oversee the implementation of adopted policies relating to elected delegates at a national convention. However, the Constitution & By-Laws Committee, activities conducted for organizational purposes. established by authority of the National Executive Committee in 1939, is authorized to study and make proper recommendations concerning all matters pertaining to the constitution Among those purposes are all those not properly the responsibility of any other national and by-laws, as well as those relating to the Uniform Code of Procedure, which provides commission, as well as membership strategies, post formation, clerical and records adminis- rules and regulations for the revocation, cancellation or suspension of department and post tration for both posts and individual members, and special projects. The commission provides charters of The American Legion. guidance and assistance to the national adjutant on necessary administrative operations. Under the broad interpretation of those purposes “not properly the responsibility of any Membership & Post Activities Committee other national commission,” Internal Aff airs oversees awards, constitutional discipline and Dale Barnett commemorative activities. The commission also monitors legislative and other regulatory Georgia activities that could potentially aff ect Legion posts and departments, recommending Chairman appropriate courses of action. Billy R. Johnson The commission has four standing committees assigned to it for supervision and Georgia coordination: Trophies, Awards and Ceremonials; Resolutions Assignment; Constitution & Membership Director By-Laws; and Membership & Post Activities. The latter has separate reporting responsibilities to the national convention and the National Executive Committee. Membership and programs go hand in hand to make the Legion an organization able to pro- Internal Aff airs is responsible for overseeing and reviewing the activities of Sons of The vide people and resources to serve the needs of veterans and their families. The committee is American Legion, which is a major Legion program and not a separate organization. The pleased to report a continuing membership of nearly 2.5 million members worldwide. commission also oversees such long-term programs and activities as Paid-Up-For-Life and the National Emergency Fund. Membership An exciting program, currently in its growing stages, is the American Legion Riders. This is Final 2008 membership 2,591,732 a great way for us to reach out to veterans who are not yet members of our ranks. For more Final 2009 membership 2,352,250 information on the Legion Riders program and how it can benefi t your post or department, visit www.legion.org/riders. 2010 membership as of Aug. 1, 2010 (projected) 2,360,000

Trophies, Awards and Ceremonials 47th Annual National Membership Workshop The 47th Annual National Membership Workshop convened in Indianapolis on Aug. 6-7, Randall W. Busch with more than 300 department and district offi cers from nearly all 52 departments in Nebraska attendance. Chairman Many who attend already have a good understanding of The American Legion’s membership program, especially as it pertains to their departments and districts. But they leave prepared This committee supervises all offi cial national awards, and recommends to the National to face day-to-day membership challenges with a better understanding of the Legion as it Executive Committee recipients of the Distinguished Service Medal. Over the years, some of relates to potential members. those awarded The American Legion’s highest honor have been Gen. John J. Pershing, Ignace Jan Paderewski of Poland, Henry Ford, Ernie Pyle, Bob Hope, Babe Ruth, Dr. Jonas E. Salk, The goal of the workshop is to provide these essential membership workers with the tools, Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, the dead and missing of the Vietnam War, 10 U.S. presidents of the knowledge and desire to serve The American Legion’s membership. Whether they are 20th century, and many other citizens of renown who have made lasting and signifi cant involved in membership recruitment or program implementation, the workshop teaches contributions. veterans to help other veterans, and to provide communities with the essential programs to maintain a quality of life that all veterans fought and served to preserve. Other awards for which Internal Aff airs makes recommendations include the International Amity Award and the Canadian Friendship Award. The commission also prepares a report for New Post Development/Revitalization the National Executive Committee on miscellaneous awards presented each year. The Membership & Post Activities Committee developed a training program in January 1996 designed to assist posts, districts and departments in developing and revitalizing posts. The Finally, the committee supervises the contents of the Post Offi cer’s Guide and Manual of program provides training workshops to interested volunteers, along with practical fi eld Ceremonies of The American Legion. application. The success of the program is evident, based on the revitalization and development of Resolutions Assignment more than 1,000 Legion posts in the past 14 years. Many departments have succeeded in C. Wayne Schrader revitalizing posts without any actual assistance from National Headquarters staff . Whether Illinois departments request fi eld assistance, or just send members to the training workshop, Chairman positive results follow if they adhere to guidelines.

92nd National Convention 47 The American Legion 2010 Annual Reports

All departments are encouraged to participate in this program. However, success requires Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Ne- a commitment from every level of leadership. For more information about the New Post vada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Development/Revitalization program, contact your department, or write to The American Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Legion, Membership Division, P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206, call (317) 630- Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming. 1321 or e-mail [email protected]. Fall Meetings (Oct. 15, 2009) – Fifty-three departments qualifi ed for the 55-percent Reconnect target date: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, The Reconnect program is a Department of Defense initiative to “reconnect” Americans with Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, France, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, today’s military. Reconnect is also an open invitation from the U.S. military for organizations Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mexico, Michigan, Minnesota, such as The American Legion to strengthen ties between the total force – active-duty, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, National Guard and reserve components – and the civilian community. This is not a free New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto ticket to recruit; rather, it is an opportunity for The American Legion to showcase our Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, programs and services. Legionnaires should attend Reconnect events with an attitude of Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming. serving U.S. servicemembers and their families, and promoting the military in the local Veterans Day (Nov. 17, 2009) – Fifty-one departments qualifi ed for the 65-percent target community. Success depends on the participation of departments and the cooperation of date: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, posts in communities near military installations and Guard and reserve units. Florida, France, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, While Reconnect visits to larger installations are important for public relations, thousands of Maryland, Massachusetts, Mexico, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ne- local National Guard and reserve units need The American Legion’s assistance, too. Because braska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North of the war on terrorism, the Guard and reserves are playing a much larger role in national Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Dakota, defense than at any other time in U.S. history. These men and women, with their families, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming. are citizen-soldiers who do not always have established military support networks readily Pearl Harbor Day (Dec. 9, 2009) – Thirty-eight departments qualifi ed for the 75-percent available to them. The Legion can fi ll this void. target date: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, For more information about the Reconnect program, contact the Internal Aff airs Division at Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mexico, Michigan, Minnesota, (317) 630-1321 or [email protected]. Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Direct Renewal North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, The Direct Renewal program is a uniform, organized and simple way to invite members to Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming. renew their membership in The American Legion using a direct-mail system. The program Midwinter (Jan. 21, 2010) – Thirty-seven departments qualifi ed for the 80-percent target has been successful and eff ective, and funded at no cost to participating departments and date: Alabama, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kan- posts since the early 1970s. sas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mexico, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, A total of fi ve notices are sent during the year: in July, October, January, March and May. Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Direct Membership Solicitation West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming. Since 1982, the Direct Membership Solicitation (DMS) program has brought 3.3 million new members into American Legion departments. Obviously, DMS is successful in acquiring new Presidents Day (Feb. 10, 2010) – Twenty-six departments qualifi ed for the 85-percent target members, but the emphasis this year will again be on the renewal and retention of those date: Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Mexico, Michigan, members. DMS will continue to support The American Legion’s ongoing membership eff orts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, with special emphasis on the retention of all members. Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming. Membership Campaign Promotion Legion Birthday (March 10, 2010) – Thirteen departments qualifi ed for the 90-percent The National Membership Awards program distributes more than 65,000 various awards target date: Delaware, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Mexico, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, North annually to recognize membership accomplishments at all levels of the organization. The Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Vermont, Wisconsin. promotion plan for the National Membership Campaign is formulated during the annual planning session of the Membership & Post Activities Committee in Indianapolis in January. Big Twelve winners Following are the point achievers for 2009-2010: Category I Ohio Early Bird/NEF Kickoff (Sept. 10, 2009) – Fifty departments qualifi ed for the 50-percent Category II Michigan, Wisconsin target date: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, District Category III Iowa, Nebraska of Columbia, France, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Category IV Kansas Category V Maine, Vermont Category VI None qualifi ed

Children & Youth (Apr. 14, 2010) – One department qualifi ed for the 95-percent target date: Mexico. Armed Forces Day (May 12, 2010) – Departments qualifi ed for the 100-percent target date: Not yet determined. Delegate Strength (Aug. 2, 2010) – Delegate strength is determined by the membership numbers in the hands of the national treasurer 30 days prior to the national convention. The total number of delegates for each department is based on fi ve delegates at large, one Specializing in Italian Family Style Dining delegate for each 1,000 members or major fraction thereof, and the members of the National 500 North Water Street Executive Committee. Milwaukee, WI 53202 Department Commander of the Year – Any department commander who met or (414) 272-8662 exceeded his or her 100-percent goal for 2010 by May 12 will receive a plaque recognizing Limit 1 coupon per Table his or her achievement at the national convention in Milwaukee. 10% off your order

The American Legion The American Legion 2010 Annual Reports

Gold Brigade Recruiter Award – Legionnaires who recruited 50 or more new members by May 12 qualify for enrollment in the elite Gold Brigade of The American Legion. Third place ($375 Visa gift card) Post Honor Ribbons – Post Honor Ribbons were sent to 1,313 posts whose 2010 member- Category I Roy Pete Mississippi 106.16% District 5 ship as of Dec. 31, 2009, exceeded their fi nal 2009 membership. Category II William Stephens Virginia 102.45% District 5 Certifi cate of Meritorious Service –Certifi cates were awarded to144 posts for attaining a Category III None qualifi ed new all-time-high membership for 2010 by Dec. 31, 2009. Category IV None qualifi ed Five Consecutive Years All-Time-High – These citations are awarded to posts marking Category V None qualifi ed fi ve or more consecutive years of all-time high membership in 2010. Race to the Top District commanders are the linchpin of The American Legion’s chain of command, serving District Commander New Post Achievement Award – District commanders who as the vital link between National Headquarters, department organizations and posts. As succeeded in creating new posts in their districts and had the new posts’ temporary charter we are all aware, the local post is where the “rubber meets the road.” As the saying goes, if it applications on fi le at National Headquarters by May 12 qualify for a framed certifi cate of doesn’t happen at the post level, it doesn’t happen at all. District commanders are the people recognition. charged with ensuring that all posts in their district maintain their vitality. District Commander Achievement Award With District Honor Ribbon – All district Consequently, this unique award was created to provide a meaningful incentive for the commanders whose May target-date membership exceeded the previous year’s fi ve top district commanders in each category, and to reward their successful membership membership by at least the number of posts in that district are awarded the District eff orts. The winning district commanders and their guests receive: Commander Achievement framed certifi cate. In addition, the district will receive a District • The privilege of being distinguished guests of the national commander at the 92nd Honor Ribbon for its district colors. National Convention in Milwaukee; Department Recruiter of the Year – Each post had the opportunity to submit the name • First-class hotel accommodations for four nights; of the top recruiter for that post, who signed the highest number of new members for the 2010 membership year by May 12. Department adjutants determined the top new-member • Legion caps signifying that they are Race to the Top winners. recruiter for their respective departments and certifi ed that department recruiter to National The competition is divided into fi ve categories, based on district membership without regard Headquarters by May 28. Department recruiters properly certifi ed from each department will to geographic locations. District commanders competed in each of the following categories be awarded plaques with their accomplishments inscribed thereon. based on the fi nal 2009 totals (must be 100 percent or higher to qualify), and a top district National Recruiter of the Year – The Legionnaire certifi ed with the highest number of commander for the national award was selected from each of the fi ve categories, as the one new members recruited from among all the departments is declared the National Recruiter whose district membership on March 31 represented the highest percentage over the fi nal of the Year. The winner received an all-expense-paid trip to the 92nd National Convention in previous-year membership of that district. Milwaukee. Sons of The American Legion Category I Districts of 15 to 1,499 members Sons of The American Legion will conduct its 39th National Convention at the Frontier Category II Districts of 1,500 to 2,999 members Airlines Convention Center in Milwaukee. Category III Districts of 3,000 to 4,999 members For the 36th consecutive year, SAL is celebrating an all-time high in membership. SAL Category IV Districts of 5,000 to 7,499 members closed its membership at the end of 2009 with a record 327,598 members. This represents a Category V Districts of 7,500 or more members 1.2-percent increase over the previous year. A total of 34 detachments achieved 100-percent membership. Second-place awards were presented to the district commander in each category whose The membership fi gure for the 2009 year exceeded the fi gure for 2008. Membership in SAL district membership on March 31 represented the second-highest percentage over the fi nal for 2010 is expected to surpass that of 2009, and produce another all-time high for 2010 previous-year membership of that district; it could not be less than 100 percent to qualify. prior to the 92nd National Convention. Winners received a $500 Visa gift card. SAL continues its support of American Legion programs, and is heavily involved with sup- Third-place awards were presented to the district commander in each category whose porting our nation’s veterans via the VA Voluntary Services (VAVS) program. In 2009, SAL district membership on March 31 represented the third-highest percentage over the fi nal provided 252,055 volunteer hours in VA homes and hospitals. Donations in cash and goods previous-year membership of that district; it could not be less than 100 percent to qualify. to these veterans exceeded $1,245,504 nationwide. Other projects include Americanism Winners received a $375 Visa gift card. programs, of which $1,669,027 was donated along with 549,224 hours of service. This was remarkable, considering that only 20 percent of the squadrons submitted reports. SAL raised This year’s winners $343,977 in 2009 for the Child Welfare Foundation, surpassing all previous years, and also First place (trip to 92nd National Convention) provided several grants through The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation, to which SAL has contributed more than $4 million. Category I Jack Climer Utah 121.31% District 3 Category II Wayne Duff ell Virginia 108.76% District 12 SAL continues to support Legion programs, with major emphasis on VAVS, the National Emergency Fund and the Children’s Miracle Network, as well as other vital programs. As an Category III Carl Nelson Georgia 101.34% District 3 integral part of The American Legion family, it continues to serve and provide assistance to Category IV Gary B. Nelson Arizona 106.99% District 2 posts and their communities. Category V William Holter Maryland 100.98% Northern Central District National Emergency Fund Second place ($500 Visa gift card) From Jan. 1, 2009, through April 2010, the Legion made more than $35,720 in grants to Category I David Evans Nevada 108.28% District 1 Legion and SAL members, as well as to posts. During the same period, the NEF received do- nations exceeding $365,325. Last year ended, and this year opened, with massive fl ooding, Category II Thomas Guthrie Virginia 102.87% District 13 wildfi res and tornadic activity. Including last year’s grants, total monies awarded since the Category III None qualifi ed NEF was reinstated in 1989 equal just over $6.8 million. Category IV None qualifi ed More than $2.6 million is available in the NEF. Approximately $375,000 is disbursed as Category V None qualifi ed grants to our members during a normal year. Each and every dollar contributed to the 92nd National Convention 49 The American Legion 2010 Annual Reports fund is used for the express purpose of rendering fi nancial assistance to Legionnaires, SAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY members or posts that incur devastation from a declared natural disaster (i.e., wind, rain, fi re and earthquakes). The grants are to be used for immediate needs – lodging, food and clothing – and not as a substitute for insurance. Members must have been displaced or Jeff rey O. Brown evacuated from their primary place of residence to apply for funds. Monies to support the Indiana administrative costs of maintaining this fund, and to conduct fundraising, are absorbed Executive Director through existing budget areas. Brad Pryor What makes the NEF unique is that members know they can turn to The American Legion for Indiana immediate fi nancial assistance, without the red tape or repayment requirements normally Director associated with other federal and state agencies. Through the generosity of American Legion and SAL members, the NEF will continue to meet the needs of our Legion family in the The Information Technology (IT) Division is responsible for many processes critical to the aftermath of local, state and national disasters. operations of The American Legion. The IT staff plays a key role in the selection and To apply for an NEF grant or to make a donation, contact the program coordinator at maintenance of all hardware and software used at National Headquarters. (317) 630-1321, or go to www.legion.org/emergency. E-mail, Internet access, fi le servers, telephone systems, desktop and laptop computers, Consolidated Post Reports network security and the data-communications structure linking the Indianapolis and The Consolidated Post Report – one of The American Legion’s most valuable documents – is Washington offi ces are all responsibilities of IT. our report card to Congress. It provides a summary of the collective assistance provided to IT is also responsible for the computer systems housing the Legion’s membership database. the nation from our Legion posts. Almost 59 percent of posts submitted reports to National The IT staff keeps the national database current by adding new members, and updating Headquarters for the 2008-2009 year. addresses and maintaining other information about current members. These same services Total fi gures show that the cost to outfi t color guards, fi ring squads and other uniformed are also provided for Sons of The American Legion and the Citizens Flag Alliance. groups was $2,647,469. American Legion Baseball team support cost $7,922,634. Cash Along with the membership system at National Headquarters, IT supports departments, contributions to VAVS was $2,214,507, with 978,396 hours of volunteer services provided. detachments, posts and squadrons by providing them with electronic membership updates. Posts sponsored 2,024 Boy Scout units, reaching 57,837 Scouts at a cost of $668,088. Finally, Many of our state and local groups use the Association Information Manager (AIM) software posts awarded 13,865 scholarships, collectively valued at $3,949,282. off ered by National Headquarters to manage their membership records. And many also make In addition, Legionnaires spent 3,969,742 hours performing community-service work, use of MyLegion.org (formerly ALPOP), which allows post leadership to directly access their valued at $6,573,446. They also gave 87,752 pints of blood. Millions more in dollars and membership on the national database, via the Internet. goods went to programs helping veterans and their families. In conjunction with membership-database capabilities, the Legion has invested in These facts and fi gures represent the work of just over half of all Legion posts. What if all sophisticated list-processing software. This ensures that mailings are sent at the lowest cost, posts submitted a report? What are the true numbers? using features that eliminate duplicate names from various lists so that only one item is Paid-Up-For-Life (PUFL) mailed to each addressee, sort mail in U.S. Postal Service (USPS) sequence, print the address These Legionnaires have voluntarily chosen to become Paid-Up-For-Life (PUFL) members using the USPS bar code to receive the most favorable postal discounts, and identify under the national plan. The number of Legionnaires who have applied for PUFL addresses that would not be recognized and thus not delivered by the USPS, preventing us membership since the program began in 1975 exceeds 500,000, and 220,000 are currently from wasting printing and postage costs. participating. The IT Division is an integral part of the Marketing Services Group, which includes Each PUFL member receives a permanent plastic card, as well as an annual paper Fundraising, Membership Support Services and Emblem Sales. membership card, directly from National Headquarters to verify continuing membership in The American Legion. The annual card is mailed in May. The cost of a PUFL membership is based on the member’s age at the time of application LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION and the current annual dues of the post. An applicant may pay by check, MasterCard, Visa, Discover or American Express, or may use the 36-month time payment plan. No interest or James E. Koutz service charges are added to the fee. Indiana Contact your post adjutant or fi nance offi cer for more information on the PUFL program, or Chairman go to www.legion.org. Timothy M. Tetz Troop Support Services (TS2) Nevada Troop Support Services has three programs: Reconnect, the Family Support Network and Director Welcome Home. The handy, condensed TS2 brochure is a pocket resource directory for both U.S. troops and their families. Packed with important information and contact numbers, Web sites and e-mail addresses, the brochure is designed to be a handy reference. It also includes The purpose of the National Legislative Commission is to promote the legislative mandates a wallet card with abbreviated information to carry during deployment, so the main resource of The American Legion before Congress. These mandates are dictated by resolutions adopted guide can remain at home with the family. Our goal is to encourage Legion posts to get a TS2 at either a national convention or meetings of the National Executive Committee. Neither the pocket guide into the hands of every member of the U.S. Armed Forces, so they will have all Legislative Commission nor its staff can make policy decisions. the information they might need on short notice. The Legion’s legislative portfolio covers a large spectrum of issues, such as the global war on When a post orders pocket directories for a unit-deployment event, sponsorship terrorism, juvenile delinquency, veterans employment and education, military preparedness, ceremony or welcome-home ceremony, National Headquarters prints labels with post immigration, fl ag protection and veterans health care. The Legion’s mandates are promoted contact information that can be placed on every guide, so the servicemember and family by oral and written testimony at congressional hearings; writing and mailing thousands have a point of contact in the local community. The American Legion is there for our of letters; and lobbying Congress through countless hours of telephone calls, e-mails and men and women in uniform and their families before, during and after deployment. meetings. The National Legislative Council, the American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of The Visit www.legion.org/troops/ts2. American Legion are critical components in the Legion’s grass-roots lobbying eff orts.

50 The American Legion The American Legion 2010 Annual Reports

On June 24, 2009, President Obama signed Public Law 111-32, the fi scal 2009 supplemental The fi scal 2010 discretionary VA funding portion of P.L. 111-117 totaled $53 billion, spending bill. Funding in the law totals $106 billion, an increase of $23 billion over the $5.4 billion greater than fi scal 2009 totals. The American Legion lobbied Congress diligently president’s original request. It includes $79.9 billion to fund Department of Defense (DoD) to ensure that VA’s fi scal 2009 appropriations were available by Oct. 1, the start of the new and intelligence programs related to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Although the wars fi scal year, but without success. In addition, the VA portion of the bill included advance have typically been funded through “emergency” supplemental requests since 2001, the funding for VA’s medical-care accounts for fi scal 2011 in the amount of $48.2 billion. president has pledged to move the war costs into the regular DoD budget in the future. On April 21, 2010, the House passed S. 1963, the Caregiver and Veterans Omnibus Health Specifi c areas in the supplemental request include funds: to repair or replace equipment Services Act of 2010, by a vote of 419-0. The Senate passed the measure by a voice vote the worn down in the wars; for expanding and training Afghan security forces; for military next day, and it was signed by President Obama on May 5. This legislation amends Title 38, construction programs to support combat operations in Afghanistan and the armed forces U.S. Code, which provides assistance to caregivers of veterans, to improve the provision of and their families, including hospitals, child-development centers, and new hospitals in health care to veterans. This aid for caregivers would cost about $1.7 billion over fi ve years. Maryland and Virginia to replace Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington; for mili- The legislation would permit VA to expand its assistance to family members of veterans tary health care; to combat improvised explosive devices (IEDs); to support coalition partners generally, and calls for seven days of post-delivery care for female veterans’ newborns and fi ghting in Iraq and Afghanistan; to provide over 185,000 servicemembers who have had more accessible health care for veterans living in rural areas. their enlistments involuntarily extended since Sept. 11, 2001, with $500 for every month For the rest of 2010, the Legion’s legislative attention will be primarily focused on fi scal 2011 they were held under stop-loss orders; and to assist Pakistani counterinsurgency operations. appropriations for VA, homeland security and national defense; continued support for legis- On June 30, 2009, President Obama signed P.L. 111-37, a measure to provide a cost-of- lation to eliminate the disabled-veterans tax; and enforcement of existing immigration laws. living adjustment (COLA) to increase the rates of disability compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities, as well as to increase the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for survivors of certain service-connected disabled veterans. The COLA for THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE these benefi ts would match the annual increase provided to Social Security recipients, which COMMISSION is based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index (CPI). On Oct. 15, 2009, the Social Security Administration announced that there would be no COLA for 2010. In the event of a decrease in the CPI, veteran and survivor compensation will remain at last year’s rate. Dennis J. Henkemeyer Minnesota On July 27, 2009, President Obama signed P.L. 111-41, the Korean War Veterans Recognition Chairman Act. This law amends Title 4, U.S. Code, adding National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, July 27, to the list of days on which the fl ag of the United States should be displayed. The R. Jeff rey Stoff er American Legion has for many years lobbied Congress to recognize the service and sacrifi ces Indiana of veterans of this confl ict. Director On Oct. 22, 2009, President Obama enacted P.L. 111-81, the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009. This legislation addresses a funding mechanism for VA The American Legion Magazine Division has evolved greatly since the fall of 2009, having medical-care accounts that is suffi cient, timely and predictable. The law requires – begin- assumed responsibility for the organization’s Web site, social media and the Burn Pit blog ning with fi scal 2011 – a two-fi scal-year discretionary new budget authority for the follow- site. The full launch of that portfolio of electronic media channels occurred Nov. 9, 2009. ing VA accounts: Medical Services, Medical Support and Compliance, and Medical Facilities. Since then, both visitation to the Legion’s Web site and fundraising activities through its These accounts would be the only VA discretionary appropriations accounts aff ected by the social media have grown substantially. legislation, and the entire VA budget would still be subject to congressional scrutiny. By having discretionary funding decided one year in advance, VA medical-care accounts would The fl agship of the division, however, isThe American Legion Magazine itself, which fi nished be removed from current fi scal-year competition, and VA would have its medical-care funds 2009 by returning a budget surplus of approximately $1.2 million. A rebound in advertising available Oct.1 of each new fi scal year, and should plan accordingly. sales – up to $9.3 million from the previous year’s $8.6 million – was an anomaly in the magazine industry, where ad pages were down nationally by more than 25 percent. The On Oct. 28, 2009, President Obama signed P.L. 111-83, the fi scal 2010 appropriations bill American Legion Magazine’s advertising sales were nearly on budget six months into 2010, for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The measure provides $42.8 billion in and the division was poised to return $349,000 in surplus with three months of revenue and discretionary spending for DHS programs, an increase of $2.6 billion from fi scal 2009. These expenses booked. funds are directed to such agencies as the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection, the Coast Guard, the Transportation Security Administration, the Bureau of Immigration and An expected increase in postage costs did not materialize in May, which will infl uence Customs Enforcement, the Secret Service, and the Federal Air Marshals. It also includes second-half projections. However, with budget defi cits continuing to mount for the U.S. funding for grants for state and local “fi rst responders” and for border security along the Postal Service, it is nearly a certainty that a large increase will be sustained in 2011. Some U.S.-Mexico border. analysts predict this hike could be 10 percent or more. Continued partisan wrangling within Congress disrupted the fi scal 2010 appropriations process. The division will be able to reduce paper costs by approximately $25,000 a month due to a By Oct.1, 2009, only one of the 12 funding measures needed to operate the federal government change of body stock. Printing costs remain stable. was signed into law. As a result, two continuing resolutions were passed to keep the federal The staff of the division has undergone some changes, largely attributable to the new role of government operating until fi nal appropriations could be passed. Finally, on Dec. 16, 2009, producing content daily, even hourly, for the new Legion Web site. Among the many President Obama signed P.L. 111-117, an omnibus spending measure. It contained funding accomplishments the newly aligned staff has made through the Web overhaul are creation for the remaining agencies of the federal government, allowing them to function through the and administration of an American Legion Baseball registration platform, fundraising eff orts end of fi scal 2010. It included full fi scal 2010 funding for the departments of Justice, Labor and on the Burn Pit that have produced more than $200,000 over the year, rapid growth in The Veterans Aff airs. The fi rst session of the 111th Congress adjourned Dec. 24, 2009. American Legion Online Update’s Facebook fan base to more than 11,400, and visitation in- DoD appropriations for fi scal 2010, contained in P.L. 111-118, totaled $636.3 billion, $3.8 bil- creases of about 20 percent per month since November 2009, to more than 250,000 a month. lion less than requested by the president and $11 billion above the enacted amount for fi scal The division continues to evolve into a multiple-channel voice of The American Legion, pro- 2009. This law also contained $124 billion for overseas operations, funds usually contained ducing messages every day, often several times a day, as they happen in real time. The print in a supplemental appropriation. The president has expressed his desire to limit such supple- magazine remains one of the nation’s best-read publications, ranking fi rst nationally for mental requests, placing all DoD requests within regular appropriations bills. readers having read four of the past four issues. The American Legion Dispatch, also produced

92nd National Convention 51 The American Legion 2010 Annual Reports in the division, is a leadership newspaper that became available in an 2010 Washington Conference electronic format in 2010, in addition to its printed version. The National Security Commission met in a joint session with the Foreign Relations The American Legion Magazine Commission and staff are dedicated to the continued Commission, and convened for its business session, during the 50th Washington Conference. evolution of communications to members, prospective members and nonmembers alike. The joint session encompassed presentations by four speakers: Vikram Singh, senior defense Many new features are planned through the second half of 2010. advisor, Offi ce of the Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Department of State; Army Maj. Gen. Reuben Jones, director of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recre- ation; Dr. Robert Zubrin, author of “Energy Victory”; and George Clark, president of Save the NATIONAL SECURITY COMMISSION Montagnard People, Inc. The expert panel on POW/MIA issues followed the morning session. This panel included Bob Daniel Dellinger Newberry, deputy assistant secretary of Defense, Prisoner of War/Missing Personnel Aff airs, Virginia and Ann Mills Griffi ths, executive director, National League of POW/MIA Families. The Chairman discussion centered on construction of a new $100-million headquarters and lab for identi- fi cation of U.S. dead from past wars. The construction is expected to begin in fi scal 2011 at Philip D. Riley Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii as the nation attempts to speed the recovery and return of Virginia remains to families. Director The National Security business session focused on border security. Guest speaker retired Lt. Col. Robert Chandler spoke on his perspective of border security, based on his 20 years as an The National Security Division of The American Legion represents the Legion’s positions on Army offi cer and his current capacity as an NSA employee. national defense, homeland security, and the quality of life our servicemembers and their Chairman Dellinger’s presentation covered fi scal 2010 defense appropriations and fi scal 2011 families enjoy. The American Legion has historically supported a strong national defense, budget recommendations. The meeting concluded with discussion of plans for a pre- and our position in that regard has not changed. The National Security Division monitors the convention trip to the 128th Air Wing Refueling Division in Milwaukee. issues most relevant to our nation’s vital security interests. We work closely with our contacts National Executive Committee Fall and Spring Meetings from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces in an eff ort to stay well-informed on issues that In the National Executive Committee’s (NEC) Fall Meeting, the commission reviewed the Le- aff ect our troops and military families. As such, the Legion continues to make troop strength gion’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy and recommended a revised version of this resolution, based and military quality of life a top priority. on the current DoD-directed study on the eff ects of ending it on troop readiness, Resolutions during the Spring Meetings. A new resolution was adopted that supplements the Legion’s The American Legion’s National Security Commission reviewed more than 15 newly proposed current position. At the Spring Meetings, commission members conducted business sessions to and established resolutions addressing military aff airs and general security issues during the expedite proposed resolutions and other important issues within the commission’s purview. Fall Meetings and the 91st National Convention in Louisville, Ky, including: • Resolution 34: The American Legion Supports the Current DoD “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMISSION (DADT) Policy. Reaffi rms the Legion’s position on the Department of Defense’s DADT policy, as there has been no conclusive study completed which cites the eff ects of the Robert L. Morrill current policy on troop readiness. New York • Resolution 39: The American Legion Urges Congress to Await Completion of the Chairman Department Of Defense-Directed Study on “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) Policy. Urges Congress not to obstruct the current DoD-directed study on the eff ects of the Joseph H. March current policy on troop readiness. Maryland • Resolution 29: Support Mandatory Separation/Retirement Physicals and Mental Director Examinations For Servicemembers at Discharge From the Armed Forces of the United States. Urges Congress and DoD to make full mental and physical evaluations The Public Relations Commission communicates the organizational image, goals, programs mandatory for servicemembers separating or retiring from the armed forces. and legislative positions of The American Legion to national, regional and specialized media, • Resolution 27: The American Legion Policy on the Nuclear Posture Review 2010. corporate America, and the public. Urges the president, Congress and DoD to reduce nuclear proliferation by updating exist- To increase public knowledge about the four pillars of The American Legion and enhance the ing nuclear warheads instead of manufacturing new ones. image of the organization for a newer generation, the Public Relations Commission developed and produced a new information campaign titled “The American Legion – A Powerful Force for Our Nation.” With a 3:55-minute video; one 60-second, fi ve 30-second and one 15-second public-service spots; print ads; and a marketing guide, the package will be distributed this fall to more than 500 major cable systems in the country. The package is also available to public-relations chairmen, from the post to the department level, who wish to market the materials directly to local media. Additionally, in support of American Legion Day – established by Resolution 11, which recognizes Sept. 16 as the day the organization was chartered by Congress – Legiontown campaign materials are available for the annual three-month eff ort, to begin on American Legion Day and concluding in November. During this period, posts are encouraged to conduct public events, obtain a local proclamation of American Legion Day, and interact with community members. The complete media kit is free from the commission upon request. The documentary video “The History of The American Legion” is now available for purchase through Emblem Sales. Coordinated with Blackhorse Productions by commission staff , it features interviews with prominent Legionnaires, author and comedian Ben Stein, and World War I veteran and Legionnaire Frank Buckles. The documentary is narrated by actor The American Legion The American Legion 2010 Annual Reports

Neal McDonough, who appeared in “Band of Brothers,” “Desperate Housewives” and several As one of The American Legion’s four pillars, the Veterans Aff airs & Rehabilitation Commis- motion pictures. The DVD is the fi rst comprehensive video on the history of the Legion. sion actively advocates for, and exercises independent oversight over, a myriad of benefi ts, Operation Comfort Warriors won fi rst place in Pepsi’s Refresh Everything Project for the programs and opportunities created to compensate and care for generations of U.S. veterans month of February. After getting the most votes of 729 charities in the Internet voting and their dependents. competition, the program received $250,000. The money has been, and is being, spent on VA&R provides direct assistance to veterans and their families in a variety of ways, including comfort items for troops recovering in military hospitals and warrior-transition units around representation on disability claims and appeals, health-care advocacy, military-discharge the world. Major purchases were made for troops at Fort Gordon, Ga.; Fort Lewis, Wash.; reviews and upgrades, deployment health and environmental exposures, and memorial Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiments East and West; Landstuhl Regional Medical benefi ts. VA&R staff also maintain an active voice in congressional deliberations regarding vet- Center; and other units housing wounded and recovering heroes. By mid-June, OCW had erans issues, and have a well-established and respected working relationship with the Depart- raised $578,428 since its inception in December 2008. All administrative costs for OCW are ment of Veterans Aff airs that includes regular participation in major VA advisory committees. paid out of the National Headquarters budget, meaning that 100 percent of all donated Department Service Offi cer School money is used to purchase comfort items. OCW has a booth in the convention exhibit hall. The fi rst session convened in Washington, D.C., during Spring Meetings. Approximately110 Audiovisual projects completed this year included the coordination of two videos in support department service offi cers from around the country attended. The curriculum centered on of the American Legion Legacy Run, one of which is available for purchase from Emblem veterans-law issues, including decisions by the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims and Sales. Staff members worked the live webstreaming of numerous events, including the their impact on VA’s claims-adjudication and appeals processes. A basic course for newer Washington Conference, the Oratorical Contest fi nals, Boys Nation, Junior Shooting Sports service offi cers, conducted by the National Association of Department Service Offi cers, was and several events in conjunction with this year’s national convention. Videos were also again provided this year. Guest speakers also provided information on topics such as the produced to document events for LegionTV on the Legion’s Web site. VA budget for fi scal 2010, mandatory funding for VA health care, women-veterans issues, VA billing practices, the Board of Veterans Appeals, and the military’s Disability Evaluation PR Tools System. The next session convened in Indianapolis in August. Public Relations tools are available free on request and can be downloaded online at www. legion.org/publications, including new suggested speeches for Memorial Day, Flag Day VA&R Midwinter Conference and Veterans Day. The commission off ers a wide array of media tools, including the Public The 87th Annual VA&R Conference convened in Washington on March 1. The conference Relations Handbook, event-planning guides and various Legion information-campaign included presentations by VA offi cials and other guest speakers about matters relative to kits, as well as radio and TV public-service announcements. A new PR-system tool kit is in veterans benefi ts and health care. development. The new, state-of-the-art product will include instruction; media products; National Commander Clarence Hill presented the Volunteer of the Year award to Ted Costello event-planning materials; electronic venues such as Web site development, social media, TV of Florida. Presenters on various topics included Catherine Rick, chief nursing offi cer for VA, and radio spots; and a full array of fi ll-in-the-blank news releases, advisories, and letters to and Bradley Mayes, director, Compensation and Pension Service, VA. The conference also the editor and to community leaders. The package will include a print handbook, DVD, and featured panels on third-party billing, Legion volunteering and women veterans. hyperlinks to media products that can be edited and printed from master templates. The third-party panel included representatives from VA’s Chief Business Offi ce and Health Infor- Media Marketing mation Management, and the Government Accountability Offi ce (GAO). They discussed what To increase media coverage in the public forum of The American Legion’s service to veterans, steps VA can take to improve on third-party billing, and the current statuses of these initiatives. the Media Marketing Division was created in Washington on Nov. 1, 2009, to market Legion The VA&R Commission hosted a fi rst-of-its-kind “Legion volunteering” panel with expertise on veterans issues to national media, to produce stories for the Legion’s Web site, representatives from the Department of Veterans Aff airs’ Voluntary Service (VAVS) program and to serve as an information-resource liaison to media correspondents in the nation’s and newly established partnerships with Rebuilding Together, Habitat for Humanity, the VA capital. Besides initiating a daily-media-outreach program, the division publicizes Legion Suicide Prevention program and Ride 2 Recovery. Jacob Gadd, the Legion’s assistant director testimony before Congress, and creates opportunities for the Washington executive director for program management, said, “We have three main goals for the panel: fi rst, to provide and other staff to appear on national news outlets such as CNN, Fox News and C-SPAN. conferees with an understanding on how to be active in your community as a Legion Awards volunteer; second, to engage current Legion members into voluntary service; and third, At the 50th Washington Conference, the GI Film Festival received the National Commander’s to recruit new volunteers.” Panelists discussed their program area and how The American Public Relations Award for promoting the “honorable nature of military service” by Legion makes a diff erence in terms of volunteers and hours in their communities. They also showcasing Hollywood fi lms that portray military service in a positive light. The ABA Journal explained new projects in 2010 that are designed to help servicemembers and veterans. will receive The American Legion Fourth Estate Award during the convention for its The women-veterans panel discussed VA’s outreach, services and treatment. Denise Williams, investigative report “The Cemetery Sea,” a “compelling story of a disaster at sea and the role the Legion’s assistant director for health policy, said that there are currently “1.8 million the legal and regulatory system played in allowing that disaster to happen.” living women veterans. In 2008, 453,250 women veterans enrolled in the VA health-care system. The number of women veterans enrolled in the system is expected to grow by 33 The future percent in the next three years. These numbers will continue to increase, and VA has to be The National Public Relations Commission continues to engage the communications prepared for the infl ux of younger female veterans.” She continued, “The American Legion potential of multiple media technologies in continuing to be the nation’s pre-eminent voice remains concerned about the gaps that still exist in VA health-care delivery practices toward of, and for, U.S. veterans and their families. our women veterans. The American Legion urges VA to continue to make every eff ort to ensure that women veterans receive the same level of care as their male counterparts.” The panel included highly qualifi ed panelists from both the VA and other VSOs. The overall VETERANS AFFAIRS & REHABILITATION intent is for individuals from both entities to have an open and honest discussion about the COMMISSION barriers women veterans encounter when receiving care through VA. They also highlighted diffi culties they face when fi ling disability claims for combat-related injuries. Michael D. Helm Board of Veterans Appeals and the VA Washington Regional Offi ce Nebraska Thirteen American Legion appeals representatives serve at the Board of Veterans Appeals Chairman (BVA) in Washington. They navigate a maze of regulations and veterans law, representing veterans who have been denied benefi ts to which they feel they are entitled. The Legion’s Barry A. Searle National VA&R staff also has a presence at the VA Washington Regional Offi ce and the Pennsylvania Appeals Management Center, and handles original claims as well as appeals remanded from Director the BVA. 92nd National Convention 53 The American Legion 2010 Annual Reports

Pension Management Centers In December 2009, National Commander Clarence Hill registered as a volunteer at his local VA The VA&R Division also added national staff at Pension Management Centers in Minneapolis, medical center in Gainesville, Fla. Following his volunteer orientation and training, he Philadelphia and Milwaukee. attended the Ride 2 Recovery send-off to meet with injured troops and encourage them in VA Health Care their rehabilitation. VA&R’s assistant director for program management conducted volunteer VA&R’s Field Service Unit has four representatives who regularly travel to VA medical facilities department training in Kansas, Georgia, Ohio and South Carolina to promote department around the country and report on the impact of VA’s health-care policies on veterans and awareness and support of volunteerism. their families. The American Legion’s participation in VAVS is critical to supporting our nation’s veterans. The American Legion continues to monitor all aspects of the Veterans Health Administration’s With the continued infl ux of seriously wounded Iraq and Afghanistan active-duty military policies. In particular, the System Worth Saving Task Force is fi nishing up its sixth year of personnel into the VA health-care system for long-term rehabilitation, the need for conducting site visits to VA medical centers. volunteers has dramatically increased. National, state and local VAVS representatives and deputies must all renew their eff orts in volunteering to continue our support of veterans and The task force has, to date, conducted 23 of its 32 planned visits to VA medical facilities their families. across the country. Changes to the program include the addition of two female fi eld-service representatives who will focus on women-veterans issues and how women veterans are Resolutions being addressed by the medical centers. Additionally, the format for the visits and report will At this year’s Fall and Spring commission meetings, the VA&R Commission endorsed 10 be impacted by the GAO, the VA Offi ce of Inspector General (OIG), and reports and previous resolutions aff ecting veterans, including: inspections by the Joint Commission, formerly the Joint Commission on Accreditation of • The American Legion Position on the Department of Veterans Aff airs Healthcare Organizations, to develop follow-up questions. The fi nal 2010 System Worth Enhanced Use Lease (EUL) Policy Saving report will be in the GAO report format, identifying why the facility was visited, what • Support for the 2010 National Veterans Wheelchair Games issues were followed up on from previous inspections, and specifi c fi ndings that will make • Support of Admission to State Veterans Homes for Any Parent Whose the report a more valuable tool for our testimony before Congress. Child Perished While Serving on Active Duty in the Armed Forces of the Military Discharge Review United States This VA&R unit comprises three DoD representatives, who assist former servicemembers • The American Legion Policy on State Veterans Home Per Diem Reimbursement applying to the Army, the Air Force, the Navy, the Marine Corps and the Coast Guard for corrections to their military-service records. • Service on Veterans of Valor’s Board of Directors Our representatives deal with a wide range of issues and represent former servicemembers • Amend Title 38, U.S. Code, to Clarify the Treatment of a Veteran As Adjudicated before several reviewing agencies, including discharge review boards, Correction of Military Mentally Incompetent for Certain Purposes Records boards, Combat-Related Special Compensation boards, and the National Archives • The American Legion Policy on Federal Contractors and Records Administration. • The American Legion Policy Protecting Veterans and Military Department of Veterans Aff airs Voluntary Service (VAVS) Retirees Health Care The American Legion has been a staunch supporter and active participant in the VAVS • Creation of Ad Hoc Committee to Streamline the Veterans Benefi t program since its inception in1946. In 2009, the Legion had its fi rst notable increase in Administration (VBA) Processes to Address the Backlog of Claims volunteers (202 new) and hours of service (7,118) total in the past several years. In fi scal • The American Legion Policy on Hazardous Environmental Exposures 2009, 6,307 Legionnaires volunteered 916,598 hours of service to hospitalized veterans and those in the community. Based on an independent-sector volunteer rate of $20.25, this Testimony is a total cost savings to VA of $18.5 million. Legionnaires who support the VAVS program Since the 2009 National Convention, the VA&R Division has testifi ed 15 times be- volunteer in VA medical centers, clinics, vet centers, domiciliaries, state veterans homes and fore the House and Senate Veterans Aff airs Committees on a variety of VA claims and Fisher Houses. benefi ts programs. Last year, the VA&R Division launched several national initiatives to help recruit and retain The VA&R Commission will continue to lobby and fi ght to ensure that VA will indeed be a quality and robust volunteer corps. First, the division expanded its volunteer programs capable of fulfi lling its mission to “care for him who shall have borne the battle, and his into the community with collaborations with Rebuilding Together, Habitat for Humanity, widow and his orphan.” Ride 2 Recovery and VA’s National Suicide Prevention program, for a variety of programs to assist servicemembers and veterans in obtaining quality housing and sports rehabilitation, and to ensure that no veteran experiencing a mental-health crisis falls through the cracks. ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES William M. Justis Maryland Executive Director

Three major responsibilities are assigned to the executive director of The American Legion National Headquarters in Indianapolis: • During absences of the national adjutant from National Headquarters, he acts for him. He additionally performs duties assigned by the national adjutant. • He oversees The American Legion Magazine and Administrative Services, which includes the following: the Human Resources, Maintenance and Library divisions, and the E.A. Blackmore Museum. • He serves on the Personnel Committee, the Corporate Relationships Committee, the IT Committee and various other committees as needed. • The Administrative Services Division also provides all secretarial assistance to the executive offi cers of The American Legion. All division directors resident at National Headquarters report to the executive director.

The American Legion Page 55 Report of Independent Auditors

56 The American Legion The American Legion National Headquarters Consolidated Statements of Financial Position December 31, 2009 and 2008

2009 2008 ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,692,062 $ 2,049,362 Accounts receivable 2,649,794 2,025,137 Prepaid expenses and deposits 1,138,606 828,408 Deferred membership expense 8,425,988 2,306,766 Inventory 2,208,297 2,610,762 Investment in affiliate (CFA) 46,652 23,345 Beneficial interest in trust 351,492 389,000 Prepaid pension expense 144,950 221,413 16,657,841 10,454,193 Investments General 27,300,171 24,726,658 Segregated for Restricted and Reserved Funds 26,971,287 26,218,794 Paid-Up-For-Life Membership fund 26,896,801 29,438,344 Samsung scholarship fund 7,526,356 7,534,315 Building funds 3,981,907 3,632,095 Sept. 11 Memorial scholarship fund 4,242,352 2,952,670 Special account ² Endowment Fund 2,212,498 2,169,380 General account ² Endowment Fund 6,505,030 6,305,337 National Emergency Fund 2,550,982 2,302,634 Other 3,002,376 4,606,562 111,189,760 109,886,789 Property, plant and equipment, net 7,116,479 6,864,478 134,964,080 127,205,460

LIABILITIES Accounts payable $ 1,745,507 $ 1,863,765 Scholarships payable 1,208,547 1,092,632 Deposits on emblem merchandise sales 157,669 92,150 Deferred income 214,704 454,039 Deferred dues income 27,841,215 26,785,977 Deferred income ² direct membership solicitation 2,336,883 117,667 Accrued vacation benefits 676,332 628,167 Other liabilities 159,581 427,010 Notes payable 2,082,865 2,269,625 Deferred dues income-Paid-Up-For-Life membership 23,591,073 22,993,502 Life memberships due to state and local posts 24,084,511 25,667,562 84,098,887 82,392,096

NET ASSETS Unrestricted 27,626,666 22,838,589 Temporarily restricted 11,100,971 9,990,610 Permanently restricted 12,137,556 11,984,165 Total net assets 50,865,193 44,813,364 $ 134,964,080 $ 127,205,460

See accompanying notes to consolidated fi nancial statements.

92nd National Convention 57 The American Legion National Headquarters Consolidated Statement of Activities Year ended December 31, 2009

Temporarily Permanently Unrestricted Restricted Restricted Total Revenue, gains and other support National member dues $ 31,571,415 $$- $ 31,571,415 Direct membership solicitations 366,876 - 366,876 Member service fees income 1,208,786 - 1,208,786 Affinity income 309,293 - 309,293 Sales of emblem items 11,030,222 - 11,030,222 Advertising 9,545,830 - 9,545,830 Contributions 539,991 1,791,641 45,692 2,377,324 Label and printing fees 1,229,691 - 1,229,691 Sales ² HPC 293,927 - 293,927 Interest and dividends, net of trustee fees of $261,674 1,656,165 837,933 - 2,494,098 Net realized gains (losses) (257,793) 9,386 91,451 (156,956) Other 2,327,184 - - 2,327,184 59,821,587 2,638,960 137,143 62,597,690 Net assets released from restriction 932,469 (932,469) -- Total revenues, gains, and other support 60,754,056 1,706,491 137,143 62,597,690

Expenses Salaries 13,162,728 - - 13,162,728 Employee benefits 2,404,942 - - 2,404,942 Cost of sales ² Legion 8,033,171 - - 8,033,171 Cost of sales ² HPC 264,414 - - 264,414 Direct publication 11,970,525 - - 11,970,525 Executive and staff travel 880,681 - - 880,681 Commission and committee 1,626,714 - - 1,626,714 Printing and postage 1,770,499 - - 1,770,499 Scholarships, grants and awards 1,224,558 - - 1,224,558 Office and other operating 7,894,444 - - 7,894,444 Occupancy and usage 2,178,278 - - 2,178,278 Special projects and programs 3,241,779 - - 3,241,779 54,652,733 - - 54,652,733

Change in net assets from operations 6,101,323 1,706,491 137,143 7,944,957

Net unrealized gains ² investments 141,239 61,179 16,248 218,666 Net unrealized loss ² PUFL (1,256,780) --(1,256,780) Amortization of pension loss (880,835) - - (880,835) Pension-related changes other than net periodic pension cost 25,821 - - 25,821

Change in net assets 4,130,768 1,767,670 153,391 6,051,829

Reclassification (Note 1) 657,309 (657,309) - -

Net assets, beginning of year 22,838,589 9,990,610 11,984,165 44,813,364

Net assets, end of year $ 27,626,666 $ 11,100,971 $ 12,137,556 $ 50,865,193

See accompanying notes to consolidated fi nancial statements.

58 The American Legion The American Legion National Headquarters Consolidated Statement of Activities Year ended December 31, 2008

Temporarily Permanently Unrestricted Restricted Restricted Total Revenue, gains and other support National member dues $ 32,327,410 $ - $ - $ 32,327,410 Direct membership solicitations 4,087,127 - - 4,087,127 Member service fees income 1,456,547 - - 1,456,547 Affinity income 346,632 - - 346,632 Sales of emblem items 10,674,782 - - 10,674,782 Advertising 8,766,045 - - 8,766,045 Contributions 578,791 1,372,724 91,848 2,043,363 Label and printing fees 1,554,059 - - 1,554,059 Sales ² HPC 1,614,695 - - 1,614,695 Interest and dividends, net of trustee fees of $215,062 2,035,815 899,274 - 2,935,089 Net realized gains (losses) (90,572) 7,900 97,929 15,257 Other 2,135,077 60 - 2,135,137 65,486,408 2,279,958 189,777 67,956,143 Net assets released from restriction 1,339,171 (1,339,171) - - Total revenues, gains, and other support 66,825,579 940,787 189,777 67,956,143

Expenses Salaries 12,604,488 - - 12,604,488 Employee benefits 3,523,221 - - 3,523,221 Cost of sales ² Legion 7,922,688 - - 7,922,688 Cost of sales ² HPC 1,077,575 - - 1,077,575 Direct publication 11,840,989 - - 11,840,989 Executive and staff travel 869,637 - - 869,637 Commission and committee 1,734,318 - - 1,734,318 Printing and postage 3,388,321 - - 3,388,321 Scholarships, grants and awards 1,550,354 - - 1,550,354 Office and other operating 12,968,602 - - 12,968,602 Occupancy and usage 2,330,814 - - 2,330,814 Special projects and programs 3,614,336 - - 3,614,336 63,425,343 - - 63,425,343

Change in net assets from operations 3,400,236 940,787 189,777 4,530,800

Net unrealized gains ² investments (122,174) (227,677) 4,266 (345,585) Net unrealized loss ² PUFL (11,273,623) - - (11,273,623) Amortization of pension loss (305,066) - - (305,066) Pension-related changes other than net periodic pension cost (5,294,377) - - (5,294,377)

Change in net assets (13,595,04) 713,110 194,043 (12,687,851)

Net assets, beginning of year 36,433,593 9,277,500 11,790,122 57,501,215

Net assets, end of year $ 22,838,589 $ 9,990,610 $ 11,984,165 $ 44,813,364

See accompanying notes to consolidated fi nancial statements.

92nd National Convention 59 The American Legion National Headquarters Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008

2009 2008 Cash flows from operating activities Change in net assets $ 6,051,829 $ (12,687,851) Adjustments to reconcile change in net assets to net cash from operating activities Depreciation expense 878,735 782,234 Loss on disposal of property and equipment 1,924 - Realized (gain) loss on sale of investments 156,956 (15,257) Unrealized (gain) loss on investments (218,666) 345,585 Loss on Paid-Up-For-Life annuity 1,256,780 11,273,623 Amortization of pension loss 880,835 305,066 Pension-related changes other than net periodic pension cost (25,821) 5,294,377 Contributions restricted for long-term purposes (45,692) (91,848) Accounts receivable (624,657) 867,341 Prepaid expenses and deposits (1,088,749) 145,589 Deferred membership expense (6,119,222) 6,123,035 Inventories 402,465 (253,915) Beneficial interest in trust 37,508 (12,000) Accounts and scholarships payable (2,343) 539,204 Deferred income 858,378 (11,220,057) Other accrued liabilities (219,264) (168,616) Net cash from operating activities 2,180,996 1,226,510

Cash flows from investing activities Purchase of property and equipment (1,135,460) (1,046,936) Sales of property and equipment 2,800 - Purchase of investments (125,135,770) (160,058,013) Sales and maturities of investments 123,894,509 159,079,866 Investments in affiliate (CFA) (23,307) 26,062 Net cash from investing activities (2,397,228) (1,999,021)

Cash flows from financing activities Contributions restricted for long-term purposes 45,692 91,848 Payments on loan (186,760) (177,140) Net cash from financing activities (141,068) (85,292)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (357,300) (857,803)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 2,049,362 2,907,165

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year 1,692,062 2,049,362

Supplemental cash flows information Income taxes paid, net of refunds received (69,605) (18,167) Interest paid 115,797 125,417

See accompanying notes to consolidated fi nancial statements.

60 The American Legion The American Legion National Headquarters Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements December 31, 2009 and 2008

NOTE 1 – NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT gains, losses and other changes in net assets during the reported period. Actual results could ACCOUNTING POLICIES diff er from those estimates. Nature of Organization: The American Legion National Headquarters (the Legion) is a Cash and Cash Equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents consist of bank deposits in ac- national veterans organization that was declared a corporate body by an act of the U.S. counts that are federally insured for up to $250,000 per fi nancial institution. Additionally, Congress on Sept. 16, 1919. the Legion holds funds at fi nancial institutions that are participating in the FDIC’s transaction According to the original act and subsequent amendments, the purpose of the Legion is “to account guarantee program. Under this program, non-interest-bearing and certain low- uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America; to promote peace and interest accounts are FDIC-insured in full through 2009 in addition to and separate from the goodwill among the peoples of the United States and all the nations of the earth; to preserve coverage available under FDIC’s general deposit-insurance rules. the memories and incidents of the two World Wars and the other great hostilities fought to For purposes of the consolidated statement of cash fl ows, the Legion considers all highly- uphold democracy; to cement the ties and comradeship born of service; and to consecrate liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash the eff orts of its members to mutual helpfulness and service to their country.” equivalents. Approximately 50 percent of the Legion’s income is derived from membership dues (includ- Inventory: Inventory consists of Emblem items held for sale, magazine paper and publica- ing amounts allocated for magazine subscriptions). An additional 15 percent is generated tion rights and is stated at the lower of cost or market. In 2008, inventory items were valued through advertising for The American Legion Magazine. Another signifi cant source of income at average cost. In 2009, the Legion changed the method for which they account for their is Emblem Sales, which includes the sale of apparel, jewelry, and other items bearing the inventory by switching to the fi rst-in, fi rst-out (FIFO) method. Supplies not intended for sale American Legion emblem. Income is expended by the Legion on several diff erent programs, are expensed when purchased. including The American Legion Magazine, Emblem Sales, veterans assistance and rehabilita- Investments: Investments held by Haynes & Partners Communications, Inc. (HPC), a tion, youth programs and others. The Legion’s youth programs include American Legion wholly-owned subsidiary of the Legion, are classifi ed as held-to-maturity securities and are Baseball, the National Oratorical Contest and Boys Nation. carried at amortized cost. Realized gains or losses are determined based on the amortized Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated fi nancial statements include the accounts cost of the specifi c security sold. Interest and dividend income, adjusted by amortization of of The American Legion National Headquarters and its wholly-owned subsidiaries: Haynes purchase premium or discount, is included in earnings. Securities with declines in fair value & Partners Communications, Inc. (HPC), The American Legion Endowment Fund Corpora- below amortized cost that are other than temporary are written down to fair value by a tion (ALEF), and the National Emergency Fund (NEF) (collectively, the Legion). All material charge to earnings. interorganizational accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Haynes All other Legion investments are carried at fair value. Realized and unrealized gains and & Partners Communications, Inc., an Indiana corporation, is a full-service direct-marketing losses are refl ected in the consolidated statements of activities. Premiums or discounts on and advertising agency. Its services include innovative marketing and creative automated investments are generally recognized at the time of disposal or maturity. mailing. The majority of its sales are to the Legion; the remaining sales are made primarily Property and Equipment: Expenditures for property and equipment, and items which within the state of Indiana. The American Legion Endowment Fund Corporation, a tax- substantially increase the useful lives of existing assets and are greater than $500, are exempt Indiana corporation, was created to provide permanent funding for the rehabilita- capitalized at cost. The Legion provides for depreciation on the straight-line method at rates tion of U.S. veterans and assistance to orphans of veterans. The National Emergency Fund is designated to depreciate the costs of assets over their estimated useful lives. a tax-exempt trust established to provide gifts and grants to relieve suff ering and ameliorate Depreciation on buildings is computed on the straight-line method using a 30-year life. All fi nancial hardship incurred by American Legion members, families and posts. other capital assets are depreciated over lives ranging from three to seven years. Basis of Accounting: The fi nancial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of Collections: The Legion owns many collectible military-related items and historical docu- accounting, in accordance with accounting standards generally accepted in the United States ments that were not recorded as they were acquired. It is often impracticable to determine of America. a value for collections and, accordingly, the Legion has concluded that they need not be Financial Statement Presentation: The fi nancial statements have been prepared in ac- capitalized. These items have been, or are in the process of being, appraised for insurance cordance with generally-accepted accounting principles for fi nancial statements of not-for- purposes. profi t organizations. Generally-accepted accounting principles require, among other things, Support and Revenue: The Legion reports gifts of cash and other assets as restricted that fi nancial statements report the changes in and total of each of the net asset classes, support if they are received with donor stipulations that limit the use of the donated assets. based upon donor restrictions, as applicable. Net assets are to be classifi ed as unrestricted, When a donor restriction expires – that is, when a stipulated time restriction ends or purpose temporarily restricted or permanently restricted. restriction is accomplished – temporarily restricted net assets are reclassifi ed to unrestricted The following classes of net assets are maintained: net assets and reported in the statement of activities as net assets released from restrictions. Unrestricted Net Assets – The “unrestricted net asset” class includes general assets and Dues Income and Expense: Dues are recognized as income over the applicable member- liabilities of the Legion, as well as assets and liabilities designated by the National Executive ship period, which is on a calendar-year basis. In addition to other methods of obtaining Committee, the governing body of the Legion. The unrestricted net assets of the Legion may new members, the Legion uses direct mail and other direct-marketing approaches. The be used at the discretion of management to support the Legion’s purposes and operations. income generated from direct membership solicitation is recognized over the applicable Temporarily Restricted Net Assets – The “temporarily restricted net asset” class includes assets membership period (calendar year). The direct-response expenses incurred in obtaining new of the Legion related to gifts with explicit donor-imposed restrictions that have not been members are deferred and written off in the subsequent membership year. met as to specifi ed purpose, or to later periods of time or after specifi ed dates. Unconditional Income Taxes: The Legion is exempt from federal income taxes under section 501(c)(19) of promises to give that are due in future periods and are not permanently restricted are classi- the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. The ALEF and the NEF are exempt from federal income taxes fi ed as temporarily restricted net assets. under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. None of these organizations is Permanently Restricted Net Assets – The “permanently restricted net asset” class includes as- considered a private foundation. The Legion is subject to income tax on unrelated business sets of the Legion for which the donor has stipulated that the contribution be maintained in income. The Legion incurred $75,958 of tax expense and paid $116,348 of income taxes perpetuity. Donor-imposed restrictions limiting the use of the assets or its economic benefi t (including estimated payments, net of refunds) in 2009. In 2008, the Legion incurred and neither expire with the passage of time nor can be removed by satisfying a specifi c purpose. paid no income taxes. Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements: The preparation of fi nancial HPC records income-tax expense based on the amount of taxes due on its tax return plus statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United deferred taxes computed, based on the expected future tax consequences of temporary dif- States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that aff ect the ferences between the carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities, using enacted reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities tax rates. Federal and state income-tax expense is recorded for HPC, a for-profi t corporation, at the date of the fi nancial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues, expenses, as incurred, and is disclosed in Note 17. 92nd National Convention 61 The American Legion National Headquarters Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements December 31, 2009 and 2008

Fair Value of Financial Instruments: The carrying amount of all fi nancial instruments of campaign to secure a constitutional amendment empowering Congress and the states to the Legion, which include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, benefi cial interest enact legislation to protect the fl ag of the United States of America from physical desecration. in trust, investments, and notes payable, approximate fair value, with the exception of held- CFA recognized an increase in net assets of $23,307 and a decrease of $26,062 in 2009 and to-maturity investments held by HPC, as disclosed in Note 5. 2008, respectively. Accordingly, the Legion’s investment in CFA has been changed by these Expense Allocation: Expenses have been classifi ed as program services, management amounts and corresponding adjustments have been refl ected in unrestricted designated net and general, member development and fundraising based on actual direct expenditures. assets for 2009 and 2008. Additionally, some expenses are allocated among departments based upon estimates of the NOTE 4 – BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN CHARITABLE LEAD TRUST amount of time spent by Legion employees performing services for these departments. The ALEF has been named a benefi ciary of a charitable lead trust. Under the charitable trust, Changes in Accounting Principles: In 2009, the Legion changed the method for which it the ALEF is to receive quarterly distributions in the amount of $9,919 until December 2020 accounts for inventory by switching from the average-cost method to the fi rst-in, fi rst-out or the funds of the trust are exhausted. Based on the terms of the trust and a 4.01-percent (FIFO) method. This change was not applied retrospectively, as management reviewed the discount rate in 2009 and a 3.4-percent discount rate in 2008, the present value of future eff ect of the change on the prior-year balance and determined it to be immaterial to the benefi ts expected to be received by the ALEF was estimated to be $351,492 and $389,000 at fi nancial statements. Dec. 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Subsequent Events: Management has performed an analysis of the activities and transac- NOTE 5 – INVESTMENTS tions subsequent to Dec. 31, 2009, to determine the need for any adjustments or disclosures The carrying amount, unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of agency and municipal to the audited fi nancial statements for the year ended Dec. 31, 2009. Management has bonds held-to-maturity held by HPC at Dec. 31, 2008, are listed below. At Dec. 31, 2009, HPC performed its analysis through April 19, 2010, the date the fi nancial statements were avail- did not hold any agency or municipal bonds. able to be issued. Carrying Unrealized Unrealized Eff ective after the close of business on Dec. 31, 2009, HPC merged with the Legion and the 2008 amount gains losses Fair value corporation was dissolved. The amounts are refl ected in the fi nancial statements as a wholly- Due within 1 year $ - $ - $ - $ - owned subsidiary through Dec. 31, 2009. Eff ective Jan. 1, 2010, the activities and balances of Due 1-5 years 76,282 5,305 - 81,587 the former entity will be reported as the HPC Division in the Legion’s operations. Due more than 10 years 96,000 - - 96,000 Adoption of New Accounting Standards: In 2009, the Legion adopted new accounting Total $ 172,282 $ 5,305 $ - $ 177,587 guidance related to accounting for uncertainty in income taxes. This guidance requires the The carrying amount plus accrued interest for these investments was $174,515 at Dec. 31, Legion to recognize a tax benefi t only if it is more likely than not that the tax position would 2008. be sustained in a tax examination, with the examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefi t greater than 50 percent likely to be The market values for all other investments held by the Legion at Dec. 31, 2009 and 2008, realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the more-likely-than-not test, no are as follows: tax benefi t is recorded. The Legion has examined this issue and has determined there are no 2009 2008 material contingent tax liabilities or questionable tax positions. Money market accounts $ 26,225,691 $ 25,271,409 The Legion is no longer subject to examination by taxing authorities for the years before U.S government obligations 67,813,468 60,832,707 2006. The Legion does not expect the total amount of unrecognized tax benefi ts to signifi - State and municipal bonds 735,414 301,688 Corporate bonds 15,747,990 17,191,281 cantly change in the next 12 months. The Legion recognizes interest and/or penalties related Common and preferred stocks - 5,230,854 to income-tax matters in income-tax expense. The Legion did not have any amounts accrued Accrued interest 667,197 884,335 for interest and penalties at Dec. 31, 2009. $ 111,189,760 $ 109,712,274 Re-classifi cations: Certain re-classifi cations have been made to present last year’s fi nancial statements on a basis comparable to the current year’s fi nancial statements. These re- NOTE 6 – PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT classifi cations had no eff ect on the change in net assets. The Legion’s property and equipment, and the related accumulated depreciation at Dec. 31, In addition, $657,309 of net assets were re-classifi ed from temporarily restricted net assets to 2009 and 2008, are as follows: unrestricted net assets as of Dec. 31, 2009, based on the clarifi cation of the original contribu- 2009 2008 tion. This re-classifi cation had no eff ect on the change in net assets or total net assets. Washington, D.C., real estate NOTE 2 – COLLECTIONS Land $ 80,000 $ 80,000 The Legion owns many collectible military-related items and historical documents that were Building 4,913,577 4,905,977 Construction in progress 290,905 - not recorded as they were acquired. It is often impracticable to determine a value for collec- Indianapolis real estate tions and, accordingly, the Legion has concluded that they need not be capitalized. These Land 389,264 389,264 items have been appraised, or are in the process of being appraised, for insurance purposes Building 3,661,494 3,611,779 and are as follows: Construction in progress 314,570 49,715 Appraisal Replacement Furniture, fi xtures and equipment date value National Headquarters, Indianapolis 5,659,156 5,433,091 Washington, D.C. 859,089 851,076 World War I Posters 2/10/2005 $ 461,769 Haynes & Partners Communications, Inc. 904,588 1,104,051 World War II Posters 3/11/2005 472,919 17,072,643 16,424,953 Military Unit Histories 3/18/2005 112,410 Less accumulated depreciation (9,956,164) (9,560,475) Fine-Art Collection 10/14/2005 695,600 Firearms and Uniforms Collection 3/24/2006 99,950 $ 7,116,479 $ 6,864,478 Original GI Bill not complete - Depreciation expense for the years ended Dec. 31, 2009 and 2008, was $878,735 and Other collections not complete - $782,234, respectively. NOTE 7 – LONG-TERM DEBT NOTE 3 – INVESTMENT IN AFFILIATE In 2003, the Legion refi nanced its long-term debt on its facility for Emblem Sales, Informa- The Legion, in conjunction with approximately 120 other organizations, has created a noprofi t tion Technology, Member Benefi ts and HPC. This debt is payable in monthly installments of corporation known as The Citizens Flag Alliance, Inc. (CFA) for the purpose of aiding in the $25,213, including interest, beginning July 30, 2003, with a stated rate of 5.3 percent and 62 The American Legion The American Legion National Headquarters Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements December 31, 2009 and 2008 fi nal payment due Aug. 1, 2018. The outstanding balance on long-term debt is $2,082,865 NOTE 11 – LIFE INSURANCE PLAN and $2,269,625 for 2009 and 2008. During October 1992, the National Executive Committee approved a resolution to terminate The future maturities of the long-term debt are as follows: the Legion’s Life Insurance Trust. Upon its dissolution in April 1993, funds remaining in the 2010 $ 196,036 trust totaling $4,285,984 were transferred to a segregated bank trust account (named The 2011 206,682 American Legion Life Insurance Plan) under control of the Legion, for use in youth programs. 2012 217,907 The Legion’s National Executive Committee has directed that monies within The American 2013 229,740 Legion Life Insurance Plan be used to fund the Oratorical Contest, Boys Nation, American 2014 242,217 Legion Baseball, and other youth programs of the Legion. At Dec. 31, 2009, approximately Thereafter 990,283 $1,100,000 in funds had been approved for use in designated programs during 2010. Total $ 2,082,865 NOTE 12 – TEMPORARILY RESTRICTED NET ASSETS Interest expense was $115,797 and $125,417 for the years ended Dec. 31, 2009 and 2008, Temporarily restricted net assets are donor-restricted for specifi c purposes. At Dec. 31, 2009 respectively. and 2008, the restricted purposes are as follows: NOTE 8 – LEASES 2009 2008 The Legion has several noncancelable operating leases, primarily for facilities, computer Overseas Graves Decoration Fund $ 1,046,268 $ 1,039,431 equipment, and copiers, that expire at various dates through the year 2013. HPC leases Samsung Scholarship 2,526,356 2,534,316 Legacy Scholarship Fund 4,289,729 2,980,461 equipment under operating leases that expire at various dates through 2012. Rent expense National Emergency Fund 2,555,482 2,259,434 under these leases for the years ended Dec. 31, 2009 and 2008, was $487,433 and $502,505, Boy Scouts 467,899 467,899 respectively. Others 215,237 85,593 Minimum lease commitments are as follows: $ 11,100,971 $ 9,990,610

2010 $ 474,900 NOTE 13 – PERMANENTLY RESTRICTED NET ASSETS 2011 463,732 2012 372,588 Permanently restricted net assets represent donor-restricted gifts that have been invested 2013 194,869 and are to be maintained in perpetuity. Income from the Samsung Scholarship Fund is to Total $ 1,506,089 be used to fund undergraduate scholarships for descendents of Korean War veterans and other wars in which U.S. servicemembers participated. Income from the American Legion In addition, the Legion has a lease with the State of Indiana for rental of the National Endowment Fund is to be used to support the Legion’s Veterans Aff airs & Rehabilitation and Headquarters building in Indianapolis through June 30, 2010. The lease can be renewed at Children & Youth activities. the option of the Legion for eight additional four-year periods. According to the terms of the At Dec. 31, 2009 and 2008, the permanently restricted net assets are as follows: lease, the Legion is required to maintain the interior of the building and provide adequate 2009 2008 insurance on the building, in lieu of lease payments. The cost of maintenance for 2009 Samsung Scholarships $ 5,000,000 $ 5,000,000 and 2008 was approximately $589,000 and $623,000, respectively. Insurance coverage is American Legion Endowment Fund 7,137,556 6,984,165 included in the Legion’s general insurance policy. $ 12,137,556 $ 11,984,165 NOTE 9 – PAID-UP-FOR-LIFE MEMBERSHIP FUND The National Executive Committee approved the establishment of a life-membership plan NOTE 14 – NET ASSETS RELEASED FROM RESTRICTION available to any member of a participating department. In accordance with the plan, the as- Net assets were released from donor restrictions by incurring expenses satisfying the sets of the Paid-Up-For-Life (PUFL) Membership Fund are segregated in a trust account, from restricted purposes, or by occurrence of other events specifi ed by donors. which funds equal to the annual dues of life members are withdrawn for current operations 2009 2008 each year. The trust agreement provides that the Legion has the right to withdraw part or all of Purpose restrictions accomplished the assets of the trust account and to modify or terminate the trust agreement at its discretion. Overseas graves decoration $ 5,600 $ 5,600 Under the terms of the PUFL program, a participating member’s national, state and local Scholarships and grants (including relief aid) 637,237 1,039,505 Veterans Aff airs & Rehabilitation and dues are paid by the Legion for the remainder of the individual’s life. Management has 289,632 294,066 estimated and recognized a liability for the future payments to state and local Legion orga- Children & Youth programs nizations. Likewise, management has deferred recognition of the national-dues portion of $ 932,469 $ 1,339,171 the member’s payment. Deferred PUFL dues are recognized in annual amounts equal to the NOTE 15 – FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS national dues in eff ect each year. The liability and deferred-revenue amounts are estimated by the Legion’s actuaries using PUFL membership summaries and discount rates comparable Fair value is defi ned as the price that would be received for an asset, or paid to transfer a to the Legion’s recent investment performance. liability (an exit price), in the foundation’s principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement NOTE 10 – RESTRICTED AND RESERVE DESIGNATED FUNDS date. GAAP establishes a fair-value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of The restricted fund is designated for use by the Legion’s National Finance Commission and observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. the National Executive Committee. Earnings of the restricted fund, along with the principal, GAAP describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value: can be expended only upon recommendation of the National Finance Commission and a Level 1: Quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity two-thirds affi rmative vote of the National Executive Committee at two successive meetings. has the ability to access as of the measurement date. It is the policy of the Legion to transfer 10 percent of the prior year’s defi ned net income from operations to the restricted fund. The Legion made no transfers to the restricted fund in 2009 Level 2: Signifi cant other observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted and 2008. prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data. The reserve fund is also designated for use by the National Finance Commission and the Na- tional Executive Committee. However, earnings of the reserve fund may be used for general Level 3: Signifi cant unobservable inputs that refl ect a reporting entity’s own assump- operations of the Legion. The principal can be expended only by action of the Legion at its tions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or national convention, or by a two-thirds affi rmative vote of the National Executive Committee liability. in two successive meetings not less than 60 days apart. In many cases, a valuation technique used to measure fair value includes inputs from 92nd National Convention 63 The American Legion National Headquarters Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements December 31, 2009 and 2008

multiple levels of the fair-value hierarchy. The lowest level of signifi cant input determines (1) The duration and preservation of the fund the placement of the entire fair-value measurement in the hierarchy. The fair value of money (2) The purposes of the Legion and the donor-restricted endowment fund markets, U.S. government obligations and common stock are based on quoted prices in (3) General economic conditions active markets. This is considered a Level 1 input. The fair value of asset-backed securities, (4) The possible eff ects of infl ation and defl ation corporate and state bonds, and municipal bonds are based on quoted market prices of similar securities with similar due dates. These are considered Level 2 inputs. (5) The expected total return from income and the appreciation of investments The fair value of benefi cial interest in trust assets (or any type of benefi cial interest) is based (6) Other resources of the Legion on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated distributed income. The (7) The investment policies of the Legion valuation model incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in estimating Endowment net asset composition by type of fund as of Dec. 31, 2009: future distributed income. The Legion is able to compare the valuation-model inputs and Temporarily Permanently results to widely-available published industry data for reasonableness (Level 2 inputs). If Unrestricted restricted restricted Total not readily comparable to published data, then the Legion would have to develop a model Donor-restricted similar to the above for a Level 3 input. $ (53,401) $ 2,526,356 $ 12,137,556 $ 14,610,511 endowment funds Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis: Assets and liabilities measured Total funds $ (53,401) $ 2,526,356 $ 12,137,556 $ 14,610,511 at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below: Endowment net asset composition by type of fund as of Dec. 31, 2008: Fair-Value Measurements at Dec. 31, 2009, using Temporarily Permanently Quoted Prices in Signifi cant Other Signifi cant Unrestricted restricted restricted Total Donor-restricted Active Markets for Observable Unobservable $ (97,700) $ 2,534,316 $ 11,984,165 $ 14,421,281 Identical Assets Inputs Inputs endowment funds (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Total funds $ (97,700) $ 2,534,316 $ 11,984,165 $ 14,421,281 Assets: Changes in endowment net assets for the year ended Dec. 31, 2009: Benefi cial interest in trust $ - $ 351,492 $- Money market accounts 26,225,691 - - Temporarily Permanently U.S. government obligations 67,813,468 - - Unrestricted restricted restricted Total Net assets, State and municipal bonds - 735,414 - $ (97,200) $ 2,534,316 $ 11,984,165 $ 14,421,281 Corporate bonds - 15,747,990 - beginning of year Accrued interest 667,197 - - Investment return Investment $ 94,706,356 $ 16,834,896 $ - 94,736 587,162 - 681,898 income, net of fees Fair-Value Measurements Net appreciation at Dec. 31, 2008, using (realized and 38,885 (1,490) 107,699 145,094 Quoted Prices in Signifi cant Other Signifi cant unrealized) Total investment Active Markets for Observable Unobservable 133,621 585,672 107,699 826,992 Identical Assets Inputs Inputs return (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) New gifts - - 45,692 45,692 Assets: Appropriation of Benefi cial interest in trust $ - $ 389,000 $- endowment assets (89,822) (593,632) - (683,454) Investments $ 92,219,305 $ 17,667,484 $ - for expenditure $ 92,219,305 $ 18,056,484 $ - Net assets, $ (53,401) $ 2,526,356 $ 12,137,556 $ 14,610,511 end of year NOTE 16 – ENDOWMENT COMPOSITION The Legion’s endowments include donor restricted endowment funds, and comprise two Changes in endowment net assets for the year Dec. 31, 2008: separate funds: the American Legion Endowment Fund and the Samsung Scholarship Fund. Temporarily Permanently In accordance with generally-accepted accounting principles, net assets associated with Unrestricted restricted restricted Total endowment funds, including funds designated by the National Executive Committee to Net assets, $ (156,195) $ 2,553,839 $ 11,790,122 $ 14,187,766 function as endowments, are classifi ed and reported based on the existence or absence of beginning of year donor-imposed restrictions. Investment return Investment Interpretation of Relevant Law: The National Executive Committee has interpreted 94,840 628,260 - 723,100 the Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act (UPMIFA) as requiring the income, net of fees preservation of the fair value of the original gift as of the gift date of the donor-restricted Net appreciation endowment funds, absent explicit donor stipulations to the contrary. As a result of this (realized and 40,603 (62,275) 102,195 80,523 interpretation, the Legion classifi es as permanently restricted net assets (a) the original unrealized) Total investment value of gifts donated to the permanent endowment, (b) the original value of subsequent 135,443 565,985 102,195 803,623 gifts to the permanent endowment, and (c) accumulations to the permanent endowment return made in accordance with the governing documents of the Legion. The remaining portion New gifts - - 91,848 91,848 of the donor-restricted endowment fund not classifi ed in permanently restricted net assets Appropriation of is classifi ed as temporarily restricted net assets until those amounts are appropriated for endowment assets (76,448) (585,508) - (661,956) expenditure by the Legion in a manner consistent with the standard of prudence prescribed for expenditure by UPMIFA. In accordance with UPMIFA, the Legion considers the following factors in making Net assets, $ (97,200) $ 2,534,316 $ 11,984,165 $ 14,421,281 a determination to appropriate or accumulate donor-restricted endowment funds: end of year

64 The American Legion The American Legion National Headquarters Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements December 31, 2009 and 2008

Funds with Defi ciencies: From time to time, the fair value of assets associated with indi- a 50-percent match of the net 5 percent contributed by the employee. Thus, the maximum vidual donor-restricted endowment funds may fall below the level that the donor or UPMIFA matching percentage an employee will receive is 3.5. requires the Legion to retain as a fund of perpetual duration. In accordance with generally- The following table sets forth the Legion’s portion of the plan’s funded status and amounts accepted accounting principles, defi ciencies of this nature reported in unrestricted net assets recognized in the Legion’s consolidated statement of fi nancial position at Dec. 31, 2009 and were $53,401 and $97,200 as of Dec. 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. 2008: Return Objectives and Risk Parameters: The Legion has adopted investment and spend- 2009 2008 ing policies for endowment assets that attempt to provide a predictable stream of funding Benefi t obligation $ (46,800,137) $ (45,786,609) to programs supported by its endowment, while seeking to maintain the purchasing power Fair value of plan assets 46,945,087 46,008,022 of the endowment assets. Endowment assets include those assets of donor-restricted funds Funded status $ 144,950 $ 221,413 that the Legion must hold in perpetuity or for a donor-specifi ed period(s). Under this policy, Service cost $ - $ 1,343,110 as approved by the National Executive Committee, the endowment assets are invested in a Interest cost 2,671,209 2,612,541 manner intended to produce income while assuming a low level of investment risk. Actual return on assets (3,470,842) 3,452,480 Strategies Employed for Achieving Objectives: To satisfy its long-term rate-of-return Amortization of prior service costs 121,085 420,337 objectives, the Legion relies on a total return strategy in which investment returns are Amortization of loss 880,835 305,066 Diff erence between expected and achieved through both capital appreciation (realized and unrealized) and current yield (inter- (100,003) (7,492,195) est and dividends). The Legion targets fi xed-income securities to achieve its long-term return actual return on assets objectives within prudent risk constraints. Benefi t cost $ 102,284 $ 641,339 Spending Policy and How the Investment Objectives Relate to Spending Policy: Net loss $ 95,264 $ 5,714,714 Distributions will be limited to interest, net of fees. Capital appreciation (realized and unreal- Prior service cost (121,085) (420,337) Pension-related changes other ized) is added to the principal of the American Legion Endowment Fund; however, capital $ (25,821) $ 5,294,377 than net periodic pension cost appreciation from the Samsung Scholarship Fund is temporarily restricted and can be spent according to the spending policy. Endowment-fund principal, unless otherwise directed by Prepaid benefi t cost $ 14,212,848 $ 14,315,132 the donor, shall not be disbursed except for emergency situations. In order to make a princi- Accumulated benefi t obligation 46,352,307 47,427,798 pal disbursement, a majority vote by the National Executive Committee will be required. Vested benefi t obligation 46,800,137 46,880,911 Benefi t cost 102,284 641,339 NOTE 17 – INCOME TAXES Benefi ts paid 2,533,777 1,968,142 The provision (benefi t) for income taxes of HPC consists of the following: Measurement date 12/31/2009 12/31/2008 Income-tax expense 2009 2008 Estimated future benefi t payments: Current 2010 $ 3,006,971 Federal $ (4,406) $ (71,530) State (174,010) (25,756) 2011 3,046,129 Deferred 2012 3,118,564 Federal - (12,700) 2013 3,175,933 State - 1,500 2014 3,235,096 $ (178,416) $ 108,486 Years 2015-2019 $ 16,683,227

The components of the net deferred tax (liability) asset are as follows: The asset investment policy is a lower-risk strategy. The fair value of the Legion’s defi ned- benefi t plan assets at Dec. 31, 2009, are as follows. See Note 15 for descriptions of inputs for 2008 each type of asset. Asset Net operating loss Fair-Value Measurements $ 19,900 carry-forward at Dec. 31, 2009, using Liability Quoted Prices in Signifi cant Other Signifi cant Other (54,500) Active Markets for Observable Unobservable $ (34,600) Identical Assets Inputs Inputs (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) The deferred tax asset and liability are included in other prepaid expenses and deposits Money market accounts $ 884,944 $ - $ - and other liabilities, respectively, in the 2008 statement of fi nancial position. There is no U.S. government $ 13,574,717 $ - $ - deferred tax asset or liability at Dec. 31, 2009, as HPC merged with the Legion. See Note 1, and agency obligations Subsequent Events. Asset-backed securities - 6,813,718 - The tax provision (benefi t) is lower than the statutory provision, due primarily to the eff ect of Municipal bonds - 687,819 - non-deductible expenses, non-taxable income and the eff ect of state taxes. Corporate bonds - 13,142,847 - NOTE 18 – EMPLOYEE BENEFITS Common stock Materials 769,466 - - The Legion has a defi ned-benefi t pension plan covering substantially all of its employees as Industrials 1,478,597 - - well as those of certain affi liated and subordinated groups. The plan was established in 1944 Consumer discretionary 1,135,973 - - by vote of the Legion’s national convention. Contributions to the plan are made by the Legion Consumer staples 677,412 - - and other participating groups on the basis of annual actuarial valuations. Energy 1,515,032 - - In May 2008, the Legion voted to freeze the plan eff ective June 30, 2008, and adopt a 401(k) Health care 1,334,862 - - savings plan with a qualifi ed automatic-contribution arrangement eff ective July 1, 2008. Financials 1,533,788 - - The result of the freeze is that current employees will still receive the benefi ts they had Telecommunication 322,302 - - earned as of June 30, 2008, but no future benefi ts will be earned and no new employees will Technology 1,555,324 - - be added. As a result, the benefi t obligation decreased by $1,192,643. The 401(k) savings Utilities 578,111 - - plan calls for a 100-percent match of the fi rst 1 percent contributed by the employee, and 92nd National Convention 65 The American Legion National Headquarters Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements December 31, 2009 and 2008

Other 550,350 - - 2009 2008 Accrued interest 389,825 - - Program services $ 26,300,703 $ 20,644,384 $- Veterans programs and services $ 34,528,071 $ 33,956,797 Americanism, Children 3,881,481 4,248,437 Historical returns of multiple asset classes were analyzed to develop a risk-free real rate of & Youth activities return and risk premium for each asset class. The overall rate for each asset class was devel- 38,409,552 38,205,234 oped by combining a long-term infl ation component, the risk-free real rate of return, and Supporting services the associated risk premium. A weighted average rate was developed based on those overall Management and general 11,616,671 13,167,219 rates and the target asset allocation of the plan. Member development 4,469,488 11,845,827 Fundraising 157,022 207,063 Weighted-average assumptions 2009 2008 16,243,181 25,220,109 Discount rate 5.96% 5.80% $ 54,652,733 $ 63,425,343 Expected return on plan assets 8.00% 9.00% Rate of compensation increase 0.00% 0.00% Member development includes direct-response advertising expense of $768,462 and $7,285,972 for the years ended Dec. 31, 2009 and 2008. The amounts of net loss and net prior-service cost expected to be recognized as components of net periodic-benefi t cost for the year ending Dec. 31, 2010, are $783,605 and $121,085, NOTE 20 – LITIGATION respectively. The Legion is currently involved in and/or has been mentioned as a defendant or co- HPC maintains a defi ned-contribution plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue defendant in several legal actions. It is the opinion of the national judge advocate that these Code. Elective deferrals are available to employees 21 years of age who have completed claims are without merit, and that any ultimate liability of the Legion with respect to these one year of eligible service. HPC may make discretionary contributions to this plan. HPC’s actions will not materially aff ect the fi nancial position of the Legion. contributions to the plan in 2009 and 2008 were $304,444 and $142,742, respectively.

NOTE 19 – FUNCTIONAL EXPENSES The following represents a functional breakdown of The American Legion National Headquarters’ expenses by program and supporting services.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The American Legion National Headquarters Consolidating Statement of Financial Position December 31, 2009

American Haynes and American Legion Legion National Partners National Endowment Emergency Communicati Headquarters Fund Fund ons, Inc. Eliminations Total ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,652,940 $ 11,945 $ 4,500 $ 22,677 $ - $ 1,692,062 Accounts receivable 2,518,235 1,533 - 560,663 (430,637) 2,649,794 Prepaid expenses and deposits 897,939 1,657 239,010 1,138,606 Deferred membership expense 8,425,988 8,425,988 Due from American Legion Endowment Fund 2,000,000 (2,000,000) - Inventory 2,208,297 2,208,297 Investment in affiliate (CFA) 46,652 46,652 Beneficial interest in trust - 351,492 351,492 Prepaid pension expense 144,950 - - - - 144,950 17,895,001 366,627 4,500 822,350 (2,430,637) 16,657,841 Investments General 27,300,171 - - - - 27,300,171 Segregated for Restricted and Reserved funds 26,971,287 - - - - 26,971,287 Paid-Up-For-Life Membership fund 26,896,801 - - - - 26,896,801 Samsung scholarship fund 7,526,356 - - - - 7,526,356 Building funds 3,981,907 - - - - 3,981,907 Sept. 11 Memorial scholarship fund 4,242,352 - - - - 4,242,352 Special account ² Endowment Fund - 2,212,498 - - - 2,212,498 General account ² Endowment Fund - 6,505,030 - - - 6,505,030 National Emergency Fund - - 2,550,982 - - 2,550,982 Investment in HPC 949,698 - - - (949,698) - Other 3,002,376 - - - - 3,002,376 100,870,948 8,717,528 2,550,982 - (949,698) 111,189,760 Property, plant and equipment, net 6,912,515 - - 203,964 - 7,116,479 Total assets $ 125,678,464 $ 9,084,155 $ 2,555,482 $ 1,026,314 $ (3,380,335) $ 134,964,080 66 The American Legion The American Legion National Headquarters Consolidating Statement of Financial Position December 31, 2009

LIABILITIES Accounts payable $ 1,740,397 $ - $ - $ 44,252 $ (39,142) $ 1,745,507 Scholarships payable 1,208,547 - - - 1,208,547 Accounts payable ² Legion - 2,000,000 - - (2,000,000) - Deposits on emblem merchandise sales 157,669 - - - - 157,669 Deferred income 214,704 - - - - 214,704 Deferred dues income 27,841,215 - - - - 27,841,215 Deferred income ² direct membership solicitation 2,336,883 - - - - 2,336,883 Accrued vacation benefits 676,332 - - - - 676,332 Other liabilities 518,712 - - 32,364 (391,495) 159,581 Notes payable 2,082,865 - - - - 2,082,865 Deferred dues income ² Paid-Up-For- Life Membership 23,591,073 - - - - 23,591,073 Life memberships due to state and local posts 24,084,511 - - - - 24,084,511 84,452,908 2,000,000 76,616 (2,430,637) 84,098,887 NET ASSETS Unrestricted 27,680,067 (53,401) - - 27,626,666 Temporarily restricted 8,545,489 - 2,555,482 - - 11,100,971 Permanently restricted 5,000,000 7,137,556 - - - 12,137,556 Shareholders· Equity - - - 949,698 (949,698) - Total net assets 41,225,556 7,084,155 2,555,482 949,698 (949,698) 50,865,193 $ 125,678,464 $ 9,084,155 $ 2,555,482 $ 1,026,314 $ (3,380,335) $ 134,964,080

The American Legion National Headquarters Consolidating Statement of Financial Position December 31, 2008

American Haynes and American Legion Legion National Partners National Endowment Emergency Communicati Headquarters Fund Fund ons, Inc. Eliminations Total ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $1,364,442 $ 21,442 $ - $ 663,478 $ - $ 2,049,362 Accounts receivable 1,824,125 - - 602,729 (401,717) 2,025,137 Prepaid expenses and deposits 626,662 1,806 - 199,940 - 828,408 Deferred membership expense 2,306,766 - - - - 2,306,766 Due from American Legion Endowment Fund 2,000,000 - - - (2,000,000) - Inventory 2,610,762 - - - - 2,610,762 Investment in affiliate (CFA) 23,345 - - - - 23,345 Beneficial interest in trust - 389,000 - - - 389,000 Prepaid pension expense 221,413 - - - - 221,413 10,977,515 412,248 - 1,466,147 (2,401,717) 10,454,193 Investments General 24,726,658 - - - 24,726,658 Segregated for Restricted and Reserved funds 26,218,794 - - - 26,218,794 Paid-Up-For-Life Membership fund 29,438,344 - - - 29,438,344 Samsung scholarship fund 7,534,315 - - - - 7,534,315 Building funds 3,632,095 - - - - 3,632,095 Sept. 11 Memorial scholarship fund 2,952,670 - - - 2,952,670 Special account ² Endowment Fund - 2,169,380 - - 2,169,380 General account ² Endowment Fund - 6,305,337 - - 6,305,337 National Emergency Fund - - 2,302,634 - 2,302,634 Investment in HPC 1,346,608 - - - (1,346,608) - Other 4,432,047 - - 174,515 4,606,562 100,281,531 8,474,717 2,302,634 174,515 (1,346,608) 109,886,789 Property, plant and equipment, net 6,649,399 - - 215,079 - 6,864,478 Total assets $ 117,908,445 $ 8,886,965 $ 2,302,634 $ 1,855,741 $ (3,748,325) $ 127,205,460

92nd National Convention 67 The American Legion National Headquarters Consolidating Statement of Financial Position December 31, 2008

LIABILITIES Accounts payable $ 1,840,484 $ - $ 6,200 $ 344,740 $ (327,659) $ 1,863,765 Scholarships payable 1,092,632 - - - - 1,092,632 Accounts payable ² Legion - 2,000,000 37,000 37,058 (2,074,058) - Deposits on emblem merchandise sales 92,150 - - - - 92,150 Deferred income 454,039 - - - - 454,039 Deferred dues income 26,785,977 - - - - 26,785,977 Deferred income ² direct membership solicitation 117,667 - - - - 117,667 Accrued vacation benefits 628,167 - - - - 628,167 Other liabilities 299,675 - - 127,355 - 427,010 Notes payable 2,269,625 - - - - 2,269,625 Deferred dues income ² Paid-Up-For- Life Membership 22,993,502 - - - - 22,993,502 Life memberships due to state and local posts 25,667,562 - - - - 25,667,562 82,241,480 2,000,000 43,200 509,133 (2,401,717) 82,392,096 NET ASSETS Unrestricted 22,935,789 (97,200) - - - 22,838,589 Temporarily restricted 7,731,176 - 2,259,434 - - 9,990,610 Permanently restricted 5,000,000 6,984,165 - - - 11,984,165 Shareholders· Equity - - - 1,346,608 (1,346,608) - Total net assets 35,666,965 6,886,965 2,259,434 1,346,608 (1,346,608) 44,813,364 $ 117,908,445 $ 8,886,965 $ 2,302,634 $ 1,855,741 $ (3,748,325) $ 127,205,460

The American Legion National Headquarters Consolidating Statement of Activities Year ended December 31, 2009

American American Haynes and Legion Legion National Partners National Endowment Emergency Communicat Headquarters Fund Fund ions, Inc. Eliminations Total Revenue, gains and other support National member dues $ 31,571,415 $ - $ - $ - $ $ 31,571,415 Direct membership solicitation 366,876 - - - 366,876 Member service fees income 1,208,786 - - - 1,208,786 Affinity income 309,293 - - - 309,293 Sales of emblem items 11,030,222 - - - 11,030,222 Advertising 9,545,830 - - - 9,545,830 Contributions 2,012,115 45,692 319,517 - 2,377,324 Label and printing fees 1,467,249 - - - (237,558) 1,229,691 Sales ² HPC - - - 7,164,063 (6,870,136) 293,927 Interest and dividends, net of fees 2,042,340 384,368 61,707 5,683 2,494,098 Net realized gains (losses) (293,293) 127,492 8,845 - (156,956) American Legion Endowment Fund income 347,596 - - - (347,596) - Net loss in subsidiary (396,910) - - - 396,910 - Other 2,523,735 - - 20,154 (216,705) 2,327,184 61,735,254 557,552 390,069 7,189,900 (7,275,085) 62,597,690

68 The American Legion The American Legion National Headquarters Consolidating Statement of Activities Year ended December 31, 2009

( ) Expenses Salaries 13,162,728 - - - 13,162,728 Employee benefits 2,404,942 --- 2,404,942 Cost of sales 8,270,729 - - - (237,558) 8,033,171 Cost of sales ² HPC - - - 6,444,713 (6,180,299) 264,414 Direct publications 11,970,525 - - - 11,970,525 Executive and staff travel 880,681 - - - 880,681 Commission an d committee 1,626,714 - - - 1,626,714 Printing and postage 1,770,499 - - - 1,770,499 Scholarships, grants and awards 1,224,558 - - - 1,224,558 Office and other operating 7,687,612 31,857 - 864,812 (689,837) 7,894,444 Occupancy and usage 2,117,698 - - 277,285 (216,705) 2,178,278 Special projects and programs 3,198,013 347,596 43,766 - (347,596) 3,241,779 54,314,699 379,453 43,766 7,586,810 (7,671,995) 54,652,733

Change in net assets from operations 7,420,555 178,099 346,303 (396,910) 396,910 7,944,957

Net unrealized gains (losses) - investment 249,830 19,091 (50,255) - - 218,666 Net unrealized loss - PUFL (1,256,780) --- -(1,256,780) Amortization of pension loss (880,835) --- -(880,835) Pension-related changes other than net periodic pension cost 25,821 - - - - 25,821

Change in net assets 5,558,591 197,190 296,048 (396,910) 396,910 6,051,829

Net assets, beginning of year 35,666,965 6,886,965 2,259,434 1,346,608 (1,346,608) 44,813,364

Net assets, end of year $ 41,225,556 $ 7,084,155 $ 2,555,482 $ 949,698 $ (949,698) $ 50,865,193

The American Legion National Headquarters Consolidating Statement of Activities Year ended December 31, 2008

American American Haynes and Legion Legion National Partners National Endowment Emergency Communicat Headquarters Fund Fund ions, Inc. Eliminations Total Revenue, gains and other support National member dues $ 32,327,410 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 32,327,410 Direct membership 4,087,127 - - - - 4,087,127 solicitation Member service fees income 1,456,547 - - - - 1,456,547 Affinity income 346,632 - - - - 346,632 Sales of emblem items 10,674,782 - - - - 10,674,782 Advertising 8,766,045 - - - - 8,766,045 Contributions 1,519,790 91,848 431,725 - - 2,043,363 Label and printing fees 1,710,238 - - - (156,179) 1,554,059 Sales ² HPC - - - 4,145,481 (2,530,786) 1,614,695 Interest and dividends, net of 2,428,468 388,906 100,419 17,296 2,935,089 fees Net realized gains (losses) (122,573) 137,830 - - 15,257 American Legion Endowment 344,297 - - - (344,297) - Fund income Net loss in subsidiary (154,964) - - - 154,964 - Other 2,332,108 - - - (196,971) 2,135,137 65,715,907 618,584 532,144 4,162,777 (3,073,269) 67,956,143 92nd National Convention 69 The American Legion National Headquarters Consolidating Statement of Activities Year ended December 31, 2008

() Expenses Salaries 12,604,488 - - - - 12,604,488 Employee benefits 3,523,221 - - - - 3,523,221 Cost of sales 8,012,877 - - - (90,189) 7,922,688 Cost of sales ² HPC - - - 3,167,474 (2,089,899) 1,077,575 Direct publications 11,840,989 - - - - 11,840,989 Executive and staff travel 869,637 - - - - 869,637 Commission and committee 1,734,318 - - - - 1,734,318 Printing and postage 3,388,321 - - - - 3,388,321 Scholarships, grants and 1,550,354 - - - - 1,550,354 awards Office and other operating 12,571,450 26,217 - 877,812 (506,877) 12,968,602 Occupancy and usage 2,255,330 - - 272,455 (196,971) 2,330,814 Special projects and programs 3,029,246 344,297 585,090 - (344,297) 3,614,336 61,380,231 370,514 585,090 4,317,741 (3,228,233) 63,425,343

Change in net assets from 4,335,676 248,070 (52,946) (154,964) 154,964 4,530,800 operations

Net unrealized gains (losses) - (351,137) 4,968 584 - - (345,585) investment Net unrealized loss - PUFL (11,273,623) --- - - Amortization of pension loss (305,066) --- - - Pension-related changes other (5,297,377) --- - - than net periodic pension cost

Change in net assets (12,888,527) 253,038 (52,362) (154,964) 154,964 (12,687,851)

Net assets, beginning of year 48,555,492 6,633,927 2,311,796 1,501,572 (1,501,572) 57,501,215

Net assets, end of year $ 35,666,965 $ 6,886,965 $ 2,259,434 $ 1,346,608 $ (1,346,608) $ 44,813,364

70 The American Legion Congratulations 92ndon your National Convention

Keystone Uniform Cap Div. M. H. Grossman Manufacturers of Quality Uniform Headwear 801 N. Front Street Philadelphia, PA 19123

Bulkley Dunton Congratulates The American Legion on their 92nd National Convention

Page 71 Thank You

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO USAA, TITLE SPONSOR OF THE 92ND NATIONAL CONVENTION

A Charming Aff air Gregory Roettgers, Hilton Milwaukee City Center National Organization for Youth Safety Aaron Tippin Hilton Milwaukee City Center Operation Comfort Warriors American Academy of Ophthalmology Humana Veterans Paratech Ambulance American Airlines Hyatt Regency Milwaukee Rockwell Automation American Family Insurance Infi niti Wireless Solutions RVJ International LLC – Happy Feet American Legion Children’s Home IT Division of The American Legion Schermer Pecan Co. Josh and Friends (Joshco, LLC) American Legion Racing Stage Tech, Inc. Americanism/Children & Youth Division of The Kelly Mason, Hyatt Regency Milwaukee American Legion Terri Lynn, Inc. Kim Brunzelle, Visit Milwaukee America’s VetDogs The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation Lady Jayne Ltd. AON Association Services, Inc. The American Legion Magazine Division – Lamers Bus Lines www.legion.org, mylegion.org Army Fisher Houses Levy Restaurants – Mary Kay Linari The American Legion National Headquarters Bensussen Deutsch & Associates Linda’s Place Fundraising Division Bugles Across America NFP Made by Sandy The David Law Firm Children’s Organ Transplant Association Maestro Peter Olé The Flower Lady CVS Caremark Marco The Joe Foss Institute D.E. Baugh Co., Inc. Markey’s Exposition Services The Post Insurance Program David Larson, Visit Milwaukee Markey’s Rental & Staging Tom Gallo Art Delta Airlines Meet Minneapolis Tom Nicholson, Frontier Airlines Center Delta Dental of California Men’s Warehouse Transit Express, Inc. Department of Veterans Aff airs Mercy Medical Airlift 2010 National Convention Corporation – Department of Veterans Aff airs, Michael Peterson Wayne W. Jensen, President National Cemetery Administration Middlebury College Researchers United Airlines Department of Wisconsin American Legion Family Midwest Airlines USAA Destination Wisconsin Midwest Golf Carts Variety – The Children’s Charity of Buff alo EyeMed Vision Care Milwaukee Fire Department and Western New York Forgotten Heroes, Ltd. Milwaukee Police Department Veterans Funeral Care 4Heros LLC Mutual of Omaha VetJobs.com, Inc. 4TROOPS Nancy Hays Entertainment, Inc. Visit Milwaukee Convention & Visitors Bureau Frontier Airlines Center National/Enterprise Car Rental Visit Minneapolis Convention & Visitors Bureau Glory Be Collectibles National Marfan Foundation Wreaths Across America

Budweiser is proud to support The American Legion

72 The American Legion 1.800.445.7412 | www.minneapolis.org

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