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National Archives Catalogue: https://catalog.archives.gov/ e .. . -- NEWS TS "":-:'";-:'-;':~~t,~}; NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS ~ , , RELEASE 4647 FORBES BOULEVARD LANHAM, MARYLAND 20706
FOR RELEASE: CONTACT: UPON RECEIPT ROBERT ASHWOR1H (301) 459-%00
SUBJECT AMVETS LEADER CONDEMNS SUMMARY: CONGRESS FOR MURDER OF U.S. ADVISOR
Suggesting that Congress must shoulder a portion of the b lame for the assassination of Lt. Commander Albert A. Shaufelberger, the deputy commander of the U.S. military advisors in El Salvador, AMVETS National Commander Robert Martin fired off an angry. telegram to the chairmen of the House and Senate For eign Affairs Committees calling for support of the Presi dent's Central American policies.
The full text of the AMVETS leader's telegram follows:
The American Veterans of World War II, Korea and Vietnam (AMVETS) believe that the murder of Lt. Commander Albert A. Shaufelberger by Salvadoran leftist guerrillas is the logical and expected result of the current campaign in the U.S. Congress to shortchange the legitimate government of El Salvador and protect the Moscow and Cuban controlled regime in Nicaragua.
As long as we continue to betray our friends and unilater ally concede success to our enemies, our representatives around the world will be treated with contempt and the struggle against Marxist tyranny will continue to go against us.
How many more Shaufelbergers must we suffer before we realize that displays of weakness invite even more in tense violence from the communists?
How many more Vietnams must we deliver to the Soviets before we understand that President Reagan is right and so many in Congress are dead wrong about our policies in Central America?
6/1/83 -30- July 28, 1983
. 1
·Dear Mr. Martin: On .behalf of the President, I wish to acknowledge and thank you for ·your letter· inviting the President to attend the American Veterans of World War II National Convention to be held-August 20-27, 1983 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Your invitation has . been carried forward and carefully considered as the President's August calendar was under advisement. It is now certain, however, in view of the developments on his schedule for that month, he will be unable to attend your convention. The President is sending a personal message# though, and this will reach you by August 20. . . ''. ". .-: i ··
The President regrets my having to send you this reply, but asked that I ·extend his best wishes to you and .all those in whose behalf you wrote. Sincerely,
P'REDERICK · J. RYAN, JR. Director, Presidential Appointments and Scheduling
. Mr. Robert Martin National Commander AMVETS 4647 Forbes Boulevard .Lanham, MD 20706 FR:MR:rs--
cc & ·incoming to Dodie Livingston for message inf copy to M-!'~Tl!l'l!! APRIL 5, 1983 TO: DODIE LIVINGSTON FROM: MAISELLE SHORTLEY I know you will have to clear the attached request with Legislative Affairs. If you get clearance and can get a . :-·; '·••· ·> - telegram off to Senator Baker or :....;. can get a letter prepared by Friday morning April 8 ' will you let me know. .,, If you do get a letter I can have someone come and pick it up here . THANKS AGAIN ;.,._,..·· '"·· ., ~n:.i.~· ·. ,. .: i-:., ·_._. . _. .,__ -.fl< , ... ~'~~.. x-~ ... American Veterans of World War II Korea-Vietnam at10nal Headquarter~ 4647 Forbe~ Bouh:YJrd Lanham Marvland 20706 (301 I •Vi9-9600 April 5, 1983 Mrs. Maiselle Shortley Office of Public Liaison The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D. C. 20006 Dear Maiselle: This is an AMVETS request for a congratulatory telegram from President Reagan. On the evening of Saturday, April 9, 1983, Senate Majority Leader Howard H. Baker, Jr., will receive our Silver Helmet Congressional Award at the AMVETS banquet in Baltimore, Maryland. We are recognizing the Senator for inspiring Congressional leadership that has benefited both this nation and the nation's veterans. Senator Strom Thurmond will present the award on our behalf. You will recall that President Reagan was the recipient of our Gold Helmet Award in February 1982. For your information I am enclosing a flyer on the AMVET S Silver Helme t Award and a news release pertaining to the Saturday banquet. If the President should agree to send congratulations, the telegram should be addressed: Senator Howard H. Baker, Jr. c/o National Commander Robert Martin The Baltimore Hilton Hotel 101 West Fayette Street Baltimore, Maryland 21201 As always, please feel free to call me at 459-9600 if you should have any questions. I'll thank you in advance for your assistance on this matter. &'c~re~ ~ L. Ashworth National Programs Director RLA: jah Enclosures 11£ FO UG HT TOCETHER . /'iOf /FT'~ 11I · 1In Tnr,ru.n 'l' 11 }:; AMVt:; T :.; 11 E L M E '1' The AMVETS Silver Helmet is among the most notable of all awards presented by America's veterans organizations. For more than a quarter century, AMVETS (the American Veterans of World War II, Korea and Vietnam) have presented their unique award to men and women who have rendered services of a distinguished nature to veter ans, American c ommunities, the nation and the world at large. The f irst Silver Helmet Award c ere mony was held in Washington, D.C., on a December day in 1954. The recipient was World War II he ro, General of the Armi e s Ge o r ge C. Marshall, who rec eiv ed the n ew AMVETS award in r ecogniti on of his many signific ant c ontribu t ions a s a s o l d i er, statesman and patriot. Since that time, t he Si l ver Helmet has gained added lus tre from the many distinguished Americans and worl d leaders who have been tapped b y the AMVETS to recei v e their most presti gious honor. Among the many who have received this award over the years are Presidents of the United States Harry S Truman, Dwight D. Eisen hower , John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard M. Nixon and Gerald R. Ford; U.S. Senators Barry Goldwater, Strom Thur mond and Robert J. Dole; Pope Paul I V and Pope John Pa ul II; Ambassa dors Adlai Stevenson, Ralph Bunche , Arthur J. Go ldberg , W. Averell Harriman and Henry Cabot Lodge ; and entertainers John Wayne , Bob Hope and Red Skelton. The Silver Helmet, a sil ver replica of the World War II G.I . helmet, is manufactured exclusively for AMVETS by the Balfour Company of North Attlebo r o, Massachusetts. The Silver Helmet Awards originate with nominations from the 1 , 100 local posts in the AMVETS organization. The nominati ons are forwarded t o the National Honors and Awards Committee of AMVETS , comprised o f past national commanders and selected for mer recipients , who present their recommendations t o the Na tional Convention of AMVETS in August. The awards are presented annually a t a special banquet held i n conjunction with the Spring National Executive Committee Meet ing of AMVETS. ~i''l-"' ,' ,- ( , T;.1,. ~ ~ATC ~C \\ u ' N t .. . , -. .... -v , "-.-- . :\ -\TIO'.\:A L H[.-\D()L .-\ J,T[R~ • RELElt SE -k ...J 7 FORBES Bo:.__:L[\ "AR. I l LAt'-:HAM , MARYLAJ\.1) 2U7llr, FOR RELEASE: C0\.1A CT UPON RECEIPT ROBERT /\SH\VORTI-i (301) -Ei 9-%00 SUBJECT CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS HEADLINE SUMMARY AMVETS AWARDS BANQUET IN BALTIMORE Key U.S. Senators, Representatives and leaders in national veterans affairs will take part in recognizing Senate Majority Leader Howard H. Baker, Jr . (R-Tenn.) and four other recipients of the prestigious Silver Helmet Award at the annual AMVETS banquet which will be held for the first time in Baltimore the evening of Saturday, April 9, 1983. An estimated 600 AMVETS leaders and distinguished guests will be in attendance for the evening 's festivities which begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Francis Scott Key Ballroom of the Baltimore Hilton Hotel. Robert Martin of Harvey, La., the National Commander of the 200,000 member AMVETS organization, will preside at the affair. Moreover, the AMVETS will also recognize National POW-MIA Day by invit ing 35 female former prisoners-of-war to the banquet . These women were nurses who survived the Philippines death camp experience during World War II. Sen. Baker will receive the Silver Helmet Congressional Award in recog nition of his leadership in the Senate. Sen. Strom Thurmond, who was a . recipient of the same-award in 1977, will make the presentation. Maryland's senior Senator, Charles McC. Mathias , Jr., who co-sponsored the legislation that created the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washing ton , D.C., will present the Silver Helmet AMVET of the Year Award to E. Cecil Keller of Myersville, Md. Keller is a former national dis trict commander of AMVETS and will be recognized for his ongoing con tributions to the AMVETS organization. James C. Donahue, Jr., an assistant state director for veterans employ ment in Buffalo, N.Y., will receive the Silver Helmet Civil Servant of the Year Award from his home district Congressman, Rep. Jack Kemp (R N.Y.), who won the AMVETS Congressional Award in 1978. Donahue will be recognized for developing local veterans employment projects that are used as Labor Department models for community action . The sheriff of Jefferson Parish, La., Harry Lee, will be honored with the presentation of the Silver Helmet Americanism Award for the promo tion of patriotism in his community , his state and throughout the [MORE] " , . C NGRE.SSIOI-1AL LE1'.DEP.S HEADLJ r~I:: Page T\•.'O country . Rep. Lindy Boggs (R- La .), a recip ient of a major AJ'1VE TS Auxiliary award , will present the Silver Helmet to Sheriff Lee. The new Administrator of Veterans Affairs, Harry N. Walters, will present the Silver Helmet Rehabilitation Award to one of his employees, Johnny Thomas Clack of Decatur, Ga. Clack, a special assistant at the VA hospital in Decatur, Ga., and the chairman of the Georgia veterans services board, was severely wounded in combat in Vietnam. He will be recognized for his achievement in overcoming his handicapped condition. Ralph E. Hall, a past national commander of AMVETS, will emcee the banquet. The AMVETS Silver Helmet Awards nominations originate with the organ ization's 1,100 posts. Selections are made by the National Honors and Awards Committee of AMVETS . The award itself is a silver replica of the World War II G.I. helmet . It was first presented to General of the Army George C. Marshall in 1954. AMVETS ... the American Veterans of World War II , Korea and Vietnam is one of the nation 's four major veterans groups. 3/31/83 -30- United States Office of Personnel Management Washington, D.C. 20415 ,I In Reply Refer To: Your Reference: I 5 1982 Mr. Morton C. Blackwell Special Assistant to the President Room 191 Old Executive Office Building Washington, D.C. Dear Morton: I thought you might be interested in the positive reaction that the Reagan Administration's policy in support of veterans preference has received from all the veterans groups. I have enclosed a letter from AM VETS which is fairly representative of the kind of comments O.P .M. has been receiving. I hope to see you again soon. tJ; ' Donald J. Devine Director Enclosures CON 114-24-3 January 1980 United States Office of Pe rsonnel Management Washington, D.C. 20415 In Reply Refer To Your Reference SEP I 5 I~ Mr. Morgan S. Ruph National Executive Director AMVETS 4647 For bes Boulevard Lanham, Maryland 20801 Dear Mr. Ruph: Thank you for the kind words in your letter of September 7. It was my pleasure to participate in the 38th National Convention of AMVETS and I was pleased that my remarks were received so well. As I said last month, the Reagan Administration has a genuine commitment to promoting veterans employment in the Federal service. I think that we have made significant progress in this area, but more still can be done. As always, I welcome any advice that AMVETS may care to offer as we at O.P .M. continue to carry out our commitment to providing more job opportunities for veterans in the civil service. Best wishes to you and your organization for another successful year. c__ _ _ -. Sincere!~ --~ C'-.· ~ Donald J. Devine Director C ON 114 -24-3 J;1nuuv 19RO RECEJ\'ED SEP 9 1982 AM VETS AMERICAN VETERANS OF WORLD WAR 11 - KOREA -VIET NAM Office ot ch~ D,r,;;ccor 46'47 ~ (!j)~~~)!(}6'/J/ Morgan S. Ruph September 7, 1982 NATIONAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Dr. Donald J. Devine Director U. S. Office of Personnel Management 1900 E Street, N. W. Washington, D. C. - 20145 Dear Dr. Devine: This is to express the sincere appreciation of the entire 200,000 member AMVETS organization for your dynamic address to our 38th National Convention on Wednesday, August 11, 1982. Your remarks were indeed one of the highlights of our annual meeting and gave us greater understanding of current Office of Personnel Mapagement initiatives on behalf of this Nation's veterans. An abridged version of your address will be published in an upcoming edition of The National AMVET, a copy of which will be forwarded .to you. Moreover, a photograph of your appearance before the AMVETS convention will be forwarded to you in the next few weeks. Again, thank you for attending and addressing AMVETS 38th Annual National Convention. Nationa cutive Director MSR/RLA/dd The Honorable Donald J. Devine Director, U.S. Office of Personnel Management 38th. Annual AMVETS National Convention August 11, 1982 Hollywood, Florida -· I would like to thank Don Russell, your National Commander, and Morgan Ruph, your National Executive Director, for inviting me to be with you at your 38th. annual national convention. This gives me the opportunity to reiterate something that I expect other speakers from the Reagan Administration have already told you: your government in Washington deeply respects the work carried out by this organization. I am glad to have the chance to recognize and to congratulate AMVETS for your long years of service to this country. Your community service programs to aid the needy, alleviate the scourge of drug abuse and so many other worthwhile • projects have proven to be extremely valuable to your fellow Americans. Your youth development programs, ranging from essay contests to scholarships and scouting activities, have been a sound investment in the future of our country. And, of course, AMVETS' direct aid to veterans and their dependents has been of tremendous benefit to those who have served our country, but who now find themselves in need. None of this is to mention your legislative program which, if I may say so, has -- proven to be more than a little successful from time to time. I'm here today to express this Administration's unwavering commitment to, and respect for, America's veterans. This nation owes a great debt of gratitude both to our soldiers now in service, and to those who served in the past. You have paid your dues as loyal citizens of the United States -- and now your national government owes payment back for your courageous service in critical times of need. As you know, the Congressional calendar is perpetually filled with proposals for helping almost every conceivable interest group. But it seems to me that, especially in this time of fiscal frugality, we should first concern ourselves with keeping faith with those have served our country in the noblest way possible: by 2 risking their Jives so that this nation may continue to live in peace and freedom. As President Reagan said at Memorial Day ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery: "Let us pledge that their lives, their sacrifices, their valor shall be justified and remembered as long as God gives life to this nation." As head of .the major civil service agency in the Federal government, I have a responsibility to translate President Reagan's pledge into concrete results in l Federal hiring policies. In contrast to the last Administration, President Reagan and I believe that fair F_ederal hiring practices for veterans are a vital part of this Administration's effort to recognize the value of the sacrifices of those who have served our country in battle. Foremost, this means that we are firmly, fully and completely committed to veterans preference in the Federal civil service. And this isn't just rhetoric -- our promises to AMVETS and to all other veterans have been kept for the past year and one-half, as they will throughout the life of this Administration. In keeping our pledge to the American electorate to shrink the size of I Government, Federal employment plummeted by 40,000 jobs last year. Yet, we still managed to hire about 84,000 veterans, including about 14,000 disabled veterans. Just as importantly, O.P.M. tightened up requirements on agencies which passed over veterans in their hiring process. And we reassumed authority to oversee and review pass-overs of disabled veterans by the Postal Service. This was a long sought-after goal of veterans organizations, and we were pleased to have the chance to achieve this goal for you. Last year, we fought hard in the Congress for an extension of the Vietnam Veterans Readjustment (VRA) program. Through the VRA appointment authority, we were able.to hire more than 20,000 men and women who had served us so well in 3 Southeast Asia. More than 180,000 veterans have been brought into the Federal government through this program since VRA was implemented more than a decade ago. We at O.P.M. have taken several other initiatives designed to improve the Federal government's record on issues of concern to veterans. We have made an intense effort to improve communication with all the major veterans organizations. My top staff and I meet regularly with AMVETS and other major veteran group representatives. One of the first changes I made when I became Director of O.P.M. was to beef up our program of ensuring compliance by Departments and agencies with civil service rules and regulations. And we put back into our evaluation system the criterion of effectively implementing veterans preference. More recently, we announced a major new affirmative action program for disabled veterans. For too long America's veterans -- and disabled veterans in particular -- have been forgotten by their Government when it comes to ..: affirmative action. Veterans deserve special treatment not just because of who you are, but what you have done for your country. You have earned your special status -- and you won't be deprived of it as long as Ronald Reagan sits in the White House. No individuals should be victimized in hiring because of race or sex. And neither should they be denied opportunities because of their disability, especially if that infirmity was incurred in the service of their country. Last year, I announced that O.P .M. would take over responsibility from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for affirmative action for disabled veterans in the Federal government. We moved quickly. Proposed regulations for the new program were published in June, with final regulations to be issued later 4 this month. I am happy to report that veterans groups have been extremely enthusiastic about this initiative. And we have been consulting veterans group leaders as we draw and refine the regulations. In drafting .the new rules, we wanted to guard against the snafus that have rendered other affirmative action plans so ineffective. The last Administration suffered from an obsession with numbers. It was unable to distinguish between equality of opportunity _and equality of results in hiring. In contrast, President Reagan and his Administration are pledged to the principle that equal opportunity should not be jeopardized by bureaucratic regulations that rely on quotas. Under our affirmative action program, agencies must prepare annual affirmative action plans for veterans for review by O.P.M. Those plans will be geared toward increasing the number of disabled veterans who are hired. An important new feature of this program -- unlike other affirmative action or quota plans -- is that we do not require numerical goals and timetables. The -· way we see it, a quota can just as easily become a ceiling as a floor. We in no way want to excuse an appointment official who will seek to meet his quota hiring of disabled veterans, and then stop there. Recruiting and promoting qualified disabled veterans should be an on-going process, and there should be no limit on how effective our program can be. In addition, of course, for the program to work at all, there must be a certain degree of management flexibility which strict quotas would not permit. Instead of the kind of numerical goals which were set by the Carter Administration, but never achieved, we will simply require each agency to submit to us an annual accomplishment report. These new rules will increase veteran hiring in the Federal sector, without the bureaucratic red tape that the last 5 Administration used to strangle veteran hiring programs. Our experience last year in increasing the hiring of disabled veterans supports my point. In another radical departure from the policies of the last Administration, we strongly urged Departments and agencies to use the special hiring authority for veterans who are 30 percent or more disabled. We conducted scores of special training sessions on the special authority for personnel specialists and managers throughout the Government. As a result, hiring by this method increased by 15 percent_. Still more can be done, and we are determined that more will be done this year. In addition, there are several other avenues for employment of severely disabled veterans. Largely because we had made everyone more conscious of the need to improve opportunities for disabled veterans, we were able to increase new hires of severely disabled veterans through all special authorities by: not just 15 percent, not only 50 percent -- but by a full 80 percent. It is our policy and our duty to provide these employment opportunities in the Federal government. We are trying to set an example for the private sector as well. And this policy benefits not only those veterans who are hired and promoted up through the civil service ranks - it also contributes in a real way to our national defense. For in recruiting and retaining men and women in our armed forces, we are able to show them that they will not be forgotten by their country when they leave the uniformed service. This Administration has a broad agenda for improving our badly weakened military capabilities. Under President Reagan, we have made great strides in rebuilding our national defense and restoring a sense of national pride. After years of neglect, our military budget is finally being increased again in real terms. From a budget of about $185 billion this year, which is up significantly . _.. ... 6 from President Carter's proposals, we will add an additional $30 to $40 billion to the budget next year. After four years of vacillation by the past Administration, we have decided to move ahead expeditiously with vitally needed new weapons systems, including the MX missile, B-1 bomber and neutron bomb. And at the same time as he is strengthening our ability to respond to and deter Soviet aggression, President Reagan has put forth bold new proposals to reduce the "balance of t_error" held by the Soviet Union and United States. He has initiated ST ART talks, which are designed to reduce the number of nuclear weapons held by both sides. And he has invited Soviet boss Brezhnev to participate in a summit to discuss these issues which are so critical to the future of mankind. Now, there are still some "doves" around these days who oppose America's military build-up. Mostly, though, they now call themselves "neo-liberals," and claim to be in favor of a strong national defense. In the words of Winston Churchill, I wouldn't exactly say that they are guilty of spreading falsehoods, only -· that they have committed the sin of "terminological inexactitude." I would like to take this occasion to congratulate publicly the House of Representatives for its recent vote of confidence in President Reagan's strategic weapons program. With the support of the Congress and the American people, President Reagan has resisted the utopian urge to accept a Soviet-sponsored freeze on nuclear weapons. A freeze today would only serve to give the Soviet Union a crucial advantage in such weapons, and doom to failure the serious efforts of this Administration to reduce the supply of nuclear weapons on both sides. But a strong national defense means more than larger defense budgets, new weapons systems, or even more promising peace initiatives. We must maintain and nurture a new and vibrant spirit of patriotism and service. This means giving our .• ··, . .. 7 soldiers and veterans the kind of respect and special treatment to which they are entitled. And we in the Reagan Administration, especially at O.P.M., have tried to accomplish this. We have been mindful of the advice once given by America's premier "old solider," General Douglas MacArthur: "The unfailing formula for producing morale is patriotism, self-respect, discipline and self-confidence within a military unit, joined with fair treatment and merited appreciation from without •••• It will quickly wither and die if soldiers come to believe themselves the victims of indifference or injustice on the part of their government." This Administration has made a solemn commitment to our men and women who now serve in uniform, as well as to those who in the past served our nation in the armed forces. And we have kept our promises, as we shall continue to do in the days, weeks and months ahead. As I have said on several previous public occasions, this is a pro-veteran Administration. And you can count on us. -· ------}1/-'v-e,~ l{II~: ~ ] ----- ? l~ ..__, l - WHA022 (11 06)(1-011683A l98)PD 07 /17/8 1 1105 81 JUL l7 PJ 2: ICS IPMWGWC WSH 05551 07-17 1153A ED T PMS WHITE HOUSE DC 1-011178Al98 07/17/81 res I PMMOZD MNTW 00409 3014599600 TDMT LANHAM MD 273 07-1 6 0307P EST - PMS MRS ELIZABETH DOLE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON DC 20500 JHIS IS CORRECTED COPY OF A ELEGRAM SENT TO TH ~ PRESIDENI MR PRES I DE T: ON BEHALF OF THE NAT IO NAL OFFI CERS , TH E NAT IO NAL HONORS AND AWARDS ~... COMMITTEE AND THE ENT I RE MEMBERSHIP OF THE AMERICAN VETERANS OF WO ~ WAR II, KOREA AND VIETNAM CAMVETS ), I WISH TO EXPRESS OUR DEEP DISAPPOINTMENT AT TH: ARRA NG -ME T MAE BY T: W~ITE HOU5• 0 THE I PRESENTATION OF THE AMVETS GOLD HELMET AWARD I HAVE BEEN NOTIF I ED THAT A SPECIAL BR I EFING FOR 20 VETERANS ORGANIZATION LEADERS WI LL BE HELD TOMORROW AND THAT AMVETS MAY PRESENT THE GOLD HELMET TO YOU AT THAT TIME I N CONJUNCTION WITH 4 OR 5 OTHER VETERANS ORGANIZATION AWARDS . MR PRESIDENT, I WILL BE IN ATTENDANCE; I FEEL, HOWEVER , THAT THIS IS NOT THE PROPER OCCASION FO R THE PRESENTATION OF THE HIGHEST AWARD THIS ORGANIZATION CAN BESTOW . IN THE PAST , AMVETS HAS PRESENT ED THE AWARD TO PRESIDENTS JO HNSON , NIXON AND FORD IN BRIEF , 15 MINUTE , PR IVAT E CEREMONIES EITH ER IN THE OVAL OFFICE OR THE ROSE GARDEN . AT OUR INITIAL MEETING WITH YOUR STAFF LAST FEBRUARY, WE STRESSED THAT IF YOU COULD NO T ATTEND OUR ANNUAL BANQUET IN APRIL , WE WOULD PREFER A CEREMON Y SIMILAR TO THE OTHERS ATTENDED BY 5 TO 10 AMVETS OFFICERS . AMVETS SUPPORTED YOUR CANDIDACY FOR PRESIDENT . WE ACTIVELY PARTICIPATED IN YOUR INAUGURAL ACTIVITIES . WE WERE THE FIRST VETERANS ORGANIZATION TO PROPOSE PRESENTING A HIGH HONOR TO YOU. AND MOST RECENTLY, AT THE REQUEST OF YOUR STAFF, WE ENDORSED AND GENERATED GRASS ROOTS SUPPORT FOR YOUR ECONOMIC INITIATIVE. WE AGAIN REQUEST THAT AMVETS BE SCHEDULED FOR A FEW BRIEF MINUTES OF YOUR TIME TO PRESENT THE GOLD HELMET TO YOU IN THE OVAL OFFICE ERNEST F PITOCHELLI NATIONAL COMMANDER ·J 1056 EST NNNN ------___,,-~- - ---,-- ""C------__,__..---~------~~----~-~\----: ' C WHA022(1106)(1-011683A198)PD 07/17/81 1105 G !CS IPMWGWC WSH 05551 07-17 1153A EDT nn n PMS IHITE HOUSE DC l - 011178A198 07/17/81 ICS IPMMOZD MNTW 00409 3014599600 TDMT LANHAM MD 273 07-16 0307 P EST PMS MRS ELIZABETH DOLE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON DC 20500 THIS IS A CORRECTED COPY OF A TELEGRAM SENT TO THE PRESIDENT MR PRESIDENT: ON BEHALF OF THE NATIONAL OFFICERS, THE NATIONAL HONORS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE AND THE ENTIRE MEMBERSHIP OF THE AMERICAN VETERANS OF WORLD WAR II, KOREA AND VIETNAM (AMVETS), I WISH TO EXPRESS OUR DEEP ,•' I _-I _p_I_SAPf_OHJTMENT ~AL THg _AR~AN_i3_kMEN_T J1ADE BY IH_E _Y/l{lJE .liO!lSJ:;_F_QELJJ{f. ___ _ PRESENTATION OF THE AMVETS GOLD HELMET AWARD I HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED THAT A SPECIAL BRIEFING FOR 20 VETERANS ' ORGANIZATION LEAD.RS WILL BE HELD TOMORROW AND THAT AMVETS MAY PRESENT THE GOLD HELMET TO YOU AT THAT TIME IN CONJUNCTION WITH 4 OR 5 OTHER VETERANS ORGANIZATION AWARDS. MR PRESIDENT, I WILL BE IN ATTE DANCE; I FEEL, OWEVE' THAT THIS rs NOT THE PROPE OCCASIO FOR THE PRESENTATION OF THE HIGHEST AWARD THIS ORGANIZATION CAN BESTOW.' IN THE PAST, AMVETS HAS PRESENTED THE AWARD TO PRESIDENTS JOHNSON, NIXON AND FORD IN BRIEF, 15 MINUTE, PRIVATE CEREMONIES EITHER IN THE OVAL OFFICE OR THE ROSE GARDEN. AT OUR INITIAL MEETING WITH YOUR STAFF LAST FEBRUARY, WE STRESSED THAT IF YOU COULD NOT ATTEND OUR htt DD ANNUAL BANQUET IN APRIL, WE WOULD PREFER A CEREMONY SIMILAR TO THE OTHERS ATTENDED BY 5 TO 10 AMVETS OFFICERS. \...._,I ___ AMVETS SUPPORTED YOUR CANDI DACY FOR PRES I DENT. WE_ ACTIVELY ______l I I r PARTICIPATED IN YOUR INAUGURAL ACTIVITIES . WE WERE THE FIRST VETERANS ORGANIZATION TO PROPOSE PRESENTING A HIGH HONOR TO YOU. AND MOST 0 RECENTLY, AT THE REQUEST OF YOUR STAFF, WE ENDORSED AND GENERATED GRASS ROOTS SUPPORT FOR YOUR ECONOMIC INITIATIVE. WE AGAIN REQUEST THAT AMVETS BE SCHEDULED FOR A FEW BRIEF MINUTES OF YOU TIME TO PRESE T THE GOLD ijELMET 1'0 YOU I THE OVAL OFFICE ERNEST F PITOCHELLI NATIONAL COMMANDER 1056 EST NNNN - THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON May 26, 1982 MEMORANDUM FOR WILLIAM C. PLOWDEN, JR. ASSISTANT SECRETARY, LABOR ,;,/!) FROM: MORTON C. BLACKWELL ~ SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT SUBJECT: Resume of Ernest Pitochelli Attached is a letter from Ernest Pitochelli along with his resume. He has been a supporter of the President and seems well qualified for this position. As you know, I am in the Office of Public Liaison here at the White House and responsible for White House liaison with all veterans organizations. I have found the Amvets to be cooperative and supportive. AMVETS AMERICAN VETERANS OF WORLD WAR II - KOREA -VIET NAM . ; .., ..... 4647~~~~~2()8()/ . ~ -- ~ { __ ·'"->..:. ., ;- .\(. Ernest Pitocbelli NATIONAL CX>MMANDER 1980-1981 May 10, 1982 Morton Blackwell Special assistant to the President Old Executive Off ice Bldg. Room 191 White House Washington, n.c. 20500 Dear Morton; Let me start by saying that I do understand and appreciate the fact that you are a busy man. Why then am I writing to you? I need help. I a..m seeking the ·posi tion of Veterans employment r epresentative in my home State of Rhode Island. This position is available because of the retirement of the gentleman now serving in that position. I am confident of my ability to perform in this job because of my background iri industry as we11 ·as my many years (28 ) working with and for the Veteran. I do have the support of both · senator John Chafee and Congress woman Claudine Schneider. •This position is very i mportant to me and I would greatly appreciate any support that you may be able to give me. As the i mmediate past National Co111mander of the Amvets I have had to rely on your help before which I assure you was greatly appreciated. I was especially honored and pleased to be in the White House on February 23, for the ·presentation ·or the Gold Helmet to President Reagan sinoe I was the prime mover of said award. My sincere thanks for all your efforts. ~n;;~~ Ernest Pitochelli Past National Commander '1. : I RESUME E~EST F. PnTOCHELLI .. 1330 Atwood Avenue Johnston, Rhode Island 02919 (401) 943-4935 WORK EXPERIENCE October 1981 to Present •••• SHARON CREATIONS and JEWELS BY FELICE 10 Industrial Lane Johnston, Rhode· Island 02919 (401) 331-8500 For the 'past six months, following the end of my te:rm as National Commander of AMVETS, I have served as a Consultant to two jewelry manufacturing firms in Johnston, Rhode Island in the area of employee relat_ions and quality control of manufactured jewelry products. September 1980-0ctober 1981 AMVETS NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS 4647 Forbes Boulevard Lanham, Maryland 20706 (301) 459-9600 In August of 1980, in Dallas, Texas, I . was elected to the office of National . Commander of AMVETs,· a Congressionally Chartered veterans organization with Headquarters in Lanham, Maryland. I administered the oper.ation of the National Headquarters and the organization throughout the United States and its sub- f sidiaries totalling over 225,000 ·members, 75 paid employees and thousands of volunteers. It was my duty also to coordinate the activities of 38 National Service Officers, employed by AMVETS and· assigned to the Veterans Administration facilities, i.e., Regional Offices and their Medical and Vet Centers. I appointed all national officers not elected by the National Convention, and all Chairmen and .members of authorized national committees. An important operational function involved my supervising, evaluating and approving all of the Committee Chairmen repo'rts prior to submission to either the National Executive Committee or the National Convention. In the area of legislation, I advis~d and conferred with the National Legis lative Director of AMVETS on all legislative matters. I appeared before the Committees on Veterans Affairs of the House and Senate with respect to presenting the position of the organization as ft affected proposed new and/or amendatory veterans legislation relating to benefits, employment, reemployment rights, and hospital progr~s for veterans and their families. ERNEST F. PITOCHELLI 2 I established and maintained effective relations with public information and communication media (daily press, ~adio,'television stations and magazines) and other groups -that'·use the information about the organization's plans and programs generally. App~opriate and friendly liaison was conducted and en joyed with representatives of the wire services, radio and television stations, magazin~ writers, national news coverage papers and various Federal Government information specialists at the State Department, Veterans Administration, Office of Program Management, Office of the Attorney General and all of the AHVET state publications. With the aims and programs constantly in a state of change, it was necessary to exercise more knowledge of and skill in public information techniques. On some occasions, because of policies and directives, I had to assume a position of controversy in the public eye. In these instances, however, there had to be applied a higher degree of judgment an~ tact in order to insure and protect the prestige and position of the national organizat~o~ of AMVETS. As National Commander, I served one year as a member of the ~oard of Trustees, AMVETS National Service Foundation, a subsidiary which conducted fundraising activities for the service, employment, rehabilitation, scholarship and wel fare programs of AMVETS. The Board directed the mailings, determin.ed the type of literature to be used and prepared the Foundation's annual budget, which was approximately $4,500,000. As the Immediate Past National Commander, I continue to serve for one year as a Trustee of the Board. During my term of· office, I had the opportunity to meet with the President 6f : · the United States, Ronald Reaganr to discuss our legislative program and again recently when he was presented AMVETS highest award as Commander-in-Chief. of the Anned Forces. The AMVETS Gold Helmet was presented in a private ceremony at the Oval Office. I was a member of the AMVETS delegation to the United States Council of the World Veterans Federation and attended the General Assembly of the Federation in Munich, Germany, November 1980. I was also AMVETS representative at the Vatican in Rome for the presentation of the AMVETS Silver Helmet Peace Award f to Pope Paul in a private audience at his residence. I traveled throughout the United States and several foreign countries covering approximately 250,000 miles, appearing before many community and civic organ izations, spoke to hundreds of informal meetings, appeared before many AMVETS meetings and affairs and discussed .aims, purposes and programs with thousands of individuals and members of the organization. All speeches, formal and inforrna1, were prepared by myse1f. Reason for leaving AMVETS: End 9f my elected term of office. 1973 to 1980. • A to Z JOBBERS 1330 Atwood Avenue . Johnston, Rhode Island 02919 (401) 943-4935 In 1973 after 13 years of supervising personnel and production for absentee ERNEST F. PITOCHELLI . 3 owners I decided to start my o~ company. My respo~sibility· now extended to bid preparation for specific jobs already designed~ development of operational methods by which .products could be -produced cost effectively, the hiring of skilled jewelry craftsmen who could handle the manufacturing process and the establishment of guidelines for apprenticeship training in a few selected areas. Budget decisions were a major responsibility that I assumed now that ·r only made recommendations on in my two previous management positions. For seven years I owned, financed, operated .and produced a shop that turned out quality jewelry products in a very highly compe.ti.tive area and industry. During twenty years of supervision, management and ownership of busin_esses, I was able to maintain contact with the employer and ,manager associations in our immediate area to keep abreast of industry trends and new developments. When necessary I attended statewide manufacturers' conferences and trade association. meetings.relating to my responsibilities. Seminars and conferences were held -regularly on subject· of personnel management, quality control and inventory control. • Reason for leaving self-employment: Sold business when I was elected to the position of AMVE;TS National Co:rm:nander. 1968 to 1973 •• ANNEX GLASS and NOVELTY COMPANY ·Hartford Avenue Johnston, Rhode Island 02919 (401) 831-2100 My duties here were similar to those I had .at Creations West, except that I was now more into the management, budget and policy making, while still having final approval of the production, quality control and personnel policies and wages as they related to piecework and hourly rates. This company was a larger, more progressive and highly competitive manufacturer .oper·ating successfully in a section of the country identified for its costume and fine jewelry manu facturing and having to produce for and survive against some of the Nation's f leading name brand corpo~ations. Close liaison was maintained with managers and supervisors of other similar plants to discuss mutual problems, personnel practices, sources of raw materials and wage and hour· structures. Reason for leaving: To establish my own company. 1960 to 1968. • CREATIONS WEST West Exchange Street Providence, Rhode Island 02909 For eight years I was employed as Plant Manager at this jewelry manufacturing company and my ~esponsibilities on· the product side extended to approval of sample merchandise design, production and quality control, customer .relations and budget recommendations to the owners. I involved myself in.the interviewing and hiring of ·semi-skilled employees, since wages were dependent most often on piecework production for which I had in most cases set up the criteria for training of the unskilled persons brought into the plant. Reason for leaving: To go to a company closer to my home. y ' I ERNEST F. PITOCHELLI 4 SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS Many .years experience dealing with labor negotiations_in establishing the .perimeters of pie~ework and hourly wages for' skilled personnel working on machinery used in manufacturing process. Twenty years of involvement in public speaking programs, particularly during patriotic observations, before la~akers on legislative matters, civic as·sociati-ons on comrnunity matters . and veterans organizations as elected .official of state and national organ-· izations. In February 1981 I was a special guest of President Marcos in Manila for the _ Philippines observance of Liberation Day in recognition of the liberation of the Philippines from -Japan in World War II. I was also honored by the Korean National Veterans Associa_tion during a visit to Seoul, Korea in 1981. During my tenure as National Commander of AMVETS, r" also served as an observer at United Nations programs in New York as a delegate and 'spokesman for AMVETS • • U.S. Army Leadership and Training Methods Course. Attended specialized in house short-term seminars specifically developed to resolve problems peculiar to the jewelry manufacturing industry, ·i.e., metals control, inventory accountability, quality inspection techniques. · • Veteran Organization Experience Prior to my· election as National Commander of AMVETS in 1980, and while Em-':-.. ployed at various positions of responsibility in the jewelry manufacturing industry, I spent a great deal of time serving the State's veterans and their families in various elected and appointed positions. For as long as I can remember, some twenty years or more, I served as the AMVET Post Service Officer for my local Post 9 at North Providence, Rhode Island. This required performance of all kinds from providing ·information on veterans hospital benefits, to facts about employment, home loans, insurance, etc., anq. to this· day I continue to provide this service. . In AMVETS Department of Rhode Island I held the following elected offices prior to being selecte_d as National Command.er in 1980: State Commander (1968-69), National Executive Committeeman (1973-74 and 1977-78), National District I Cormnander (1975). As a Past National Cormnander I am a mem,ber for life of the National Executive Committee and the National Honors _and Awar~s Committee of AMVETS. PERSONAL Born on March 15, 1929 in Providence, Rhode Island. Graduated from LaSalle Academy in Providence. Married with two children. · My health is excellent. REFERENCES Professional and personal ~eferences will be provided _upon request. NEWS NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS RELEASE 4647 FORBES BOULEVARD LANHAM, MARYLAND 20801 FOR RELEASE: CONTACT: UPON RECEIPT ROBERT ASHWOR1H · SUBJECT (301) 459-9600 SUMMARY: AMVETS TO PRESENT GOLD HELMET AWARD TO PRESIDENT REAGAN AMVETS National Commander Donald R. Russell of Springfield, Ill. will visit the White House on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 1982 for an 11 :45 a.m. Oval Office presentation of the AMVETS Gold Helmet Award to President of the Unjted States Ronald Reagan. The Gold Helmet Award will recognize .President Reagan _for _. inspiring leadership that -has given the American -people ·-a revived sense of patriotic endeavor and accomplishment . . The AMVETS Gold Helmet, a gold replica of the World War II G.I. helmet, is .reserved exclusively for incumbent Presidents of the United States whose policies are sympathetic to the aims and purposes of the AMVETS organization. The award has previously been presented to Presidents Johnson, Nixon and Ford. Accompanying the AMVETS leader to the Gold Helmet presentation will be Ernest F. Pitochelli of Johnston, RI, the immediate P.ast National Commander of AMVETS and Morgan S. Ruph, the National Executive Director of the organization. AMVETS __ _the American Veterans of World ~Jar II, Korea and Vietnam - is one of the Nation's four major veterans -groups and offers· a variety of service programs _that· benefit-'veterans, their dependents and American - communities. -30- 2/8/82 MEMORANDUM THE WHITE HO U SE W A SHIN G TON September 1, 1981 TO: MORTON FROM: Kathy AMVETS Bob Ashworth called today. They have a new National Commander Donald R. Russell, from Springfield, Ill. He will be attending our WH reception on Sept. 15 so you can meet him then. The AMVETS are concerned about the position of Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment at the Dept. of Labor This position has been vacant for 10 months and they feel J should be filled. Do we know anything? Also, they are writing another letter regarding the GOLD HELMET Award - they want to give it to the President personally and they want to do it soon. July , 19 1 Dear • s noh 2: Thank you for your let.tar of June 25 • • 1r. aker appreci t your advising hi o your interest in pres nt · ng th N S' Gold 1l 1 t to the re ident. ha a me to forw rd your lett r to Eliz th Dole, Assistant to th Pr ident for Public Li ison, with roqu st that r staff pl ch ck th curr nt status of your r qu t. Pl as be as ured th t rs. Dolet offic will b in touch 1th you in the ne r fu urc. . tr. Baker t ank you once gain for your int r tin bringing this tter to hi attentio and ppreciate your atience under tanding. Sincer ly, atherin Ca ali r ff A i tant to Jame • Bakr, III 4%'. on s nchez AMVETS 4647 orb noul vard Lanham, M. ryl nd 20 01 cc: Red c~~~ould you please route this to the appro ~=u~I ~riate individual for a follow-up response? lilT""'"'""': 1 Thanks. ~:~ AM VETS AMERICAN VETERANS OF WORLD WAR II -KOREA -VIET NAM 46'47 ~ ~~~~ 2080/ LEON SANCHEZ v NATIONAL l!Xl!CUTIVI!: DIRECTOR I\ ) June 25, 1981 Mr. James A. Baker, III Chief of Staff and Assistant to the President White House Washington, DC 20500 Dear Mr. Baker: This is to call your attention to the difficulties the American Veterans of World War II, Korea and Viet Nam (AMVETS) have experienced in our efforts to presen,t the AMVETS' Gold Helmet to President Ronald Rea an. The AMVETS' Gold Helmet is reserved exclusively for incum bent Presidents of the United States and is considered the most prestigious of Veterans' awards. It has previously been awarded to and accepted by Presidents Johnson, Nixon, and Ford. The organization voted to similarly honor President Reagan early on in his Administration as a strong expression of support for his leadership. In ~..arch we first discussed this proposal with the White House. We met with top staff members of the White House Office of Public Liaison,and shortly thereafter, we secured strong Con gressional support for the proposed presentation. A scheduling conflict and the subsequent assassination attempt necessarily forced us to alter our plan to present the Gold Helmet to the President during our annual Silver Helmet Banquet on April 4. However, we were assured we could reschedule the Gold Helmet presentation for the Oval Office soon after the Presidents recovery. The Office of Public Liaison now informs us that the pre sentation proposal is "hung up" in the President's scheduling office where it has been since May 1. We in AMVE.TS are, therefore requesting yot:E. personal • invol this matter. Our National Commander, Mr. Ernest F. Pitochelli of Johnston, ode Island, will be leaving office soon, and we had hoped to make the Gold Helmet presentation prior to his departure. Mr. James A. Baker, III June 25, 1981 Page 2 AMVETS is one of the Nations four major veterans organiza tions, and we have supported President Reagan's new policies and programs including a requested firm endorsement of the Gramm-Latta Amendment. This organization will be extremely grateful if you would look into the matter of our apparently frozen proposal in the White House' scheduling office. With best regards, -/J~z Natio!a~NE;:~tive Director LS/bed . I NEWS TS NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS RELEASE 4647 FORBES BOULEVARD LANHAM, MARYLAND 20801 FOR RELEASE: CONTACT: ROBERT ASHWOR1H May _1, 1981 (301) 459-9600 Subject AMVETS ENDORSE GRAMM-LATTA Summary: Washington, D.C .... AMVETS National Commander Ernest F. Pitochelli today put his organization on record in support of the proposed Gramm-Latta Amendment, even though the Reagan~backed, bipartisan Budget Resolution would only restore half of the $800 mfllion in planned cuts in veterans program funding. The AMVETS leader has requested his Legislative Action Committee to contact their Congressmen urging a 11 yes 11 vote on Gramm-Latta in the House action next week. 11 Gramm-Latta is now the only game in town for veterans. While we are disappointed that veterans could not retain all they had previously, we . will endorse the measure for the good of the country, 11 said Commander Pitochelli. The amendment, proposed by Congressmen Phil Gramm (D-Tex.) and Delbert L. Latta (R-Ohio) would return the Fiscal Year 1982 spending authorization to the original Reagan requested budget. It would also return $400 million in vet~rans program outlays to the Veterans Administration. It is anticipated that restored funding to the VA will halt planned staff reductions thereby delaying regionalization of VA field offices for three years. -30- l ----, 1- \ WHA035(1517)(1-021806Cl97)PD res I PMWGWF WSH 02231 07-16 0409P EDT PMS WHITE HOUSE DC 4-042514S197 07/16/81 ·.,___, res IPMM TZZ CSP 30145 99600 TDMT LANHAM MD 27 3 07-16 0307 P EST PMS MRS ELIZABETH DOLE WHITE HOUSE ·--- WASHINGTON DC 20500 THIS IS A COPY OF A TELEGRAM SENT TO THE PRESIDENT - MR PRES I DENT: ON BEHALF OF THE NAT IO NA L OFFICERS, THE NATIONAL HONORS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE AND THE ENTJRE MEMBERSHIP OF THE AMERICAN VETERANS OF WORLD WAR II, KOREA AND VIETNAM CAMVETS), I WISH TO EXPRESS OUR DEEP DISAPPOINTMENT AT THE ARRANGEMENT MADE BY THE WHITE HOUSE FOR THE PRESENTATION OF THE AMVETS GOLD HELMET AWARD I HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED THAT A SPECIAL BRIEFING FOR 20 VETERANS ORGANIZATION LEADERS WILL BE HELD TOMORROW AND THAT AMVETS MAY PR~SENT THE GOLD HELMET TO YOU AT THAT TIME IN CONJUNCTION WITH 4 OR 5 OTHER VETERANS ORGANIZATION AWARDS . MR PRESIDENT , I WILL BE IN ATTENDANCE; I FEEL, HOWEVER , THAT THIS IS NOT THE PROPER OCCASION FOR THE PRESENTATION OF TH E HIGHEST AWARD THIS ORGANIZATION CAN BESTOW. IN TH E PAST, AMVETS HAS PRESENTED WITH AWARD TO PRES IDENTS JOHNSON, NIXON AND FORD IN BRIEF, 15 MINUTE, PRIVATE CEREMONY EITHER IN THE OVAL OFFICE OR THE ROSE GARDEN. AT OUR INITIAL MEETING WITH YOUR STAFF LAST FEBRUARY, WE STRESSED THAT IF YOU COULD NOT ATT2ND OUR [ ,.____. ANNUAL BANQUET IN APRIL , WE WOULD PREFER A CEREMONY SIMILAR TO THE '-" OTHER ATTENDED BY 5 TO 10 AMVETS OFFICERS . AMVETS SUPPORTED YOUR CANDIDANCY FOR PRESICENT . WE ACTIVELY PARTICIPATED IN YOUR INAUGURAL ACTIVITIES . WE WERE THE FIRST VETERANS ORGANIZATION TO PROPOSE PREVENTING A HIGH HONOR TO YOU . AND MOST RECENTLY, AT THE REQUEST OF YOUR STAFF , WE ENDORSED AND GENERATED GRASS ROOTS SUPPORT FOR YOUR ECONOMIC INITIATIVE. WE AGAIN REQUEST THAT AMVETS BE SCHEDULED FOR A FEW BRIEF MINUTES OF YOUR TIME TO PRijENT THE GOLD HELMET TO YOU IN THE OVAL OFFICE ERNEST F PITOCHELLI NATIONAL COMMANDER 1513 EST NNNN ...,__-~-...... ,------~.---,------·------ [ . y u .., WHA035Cl517H 1-021806C197)PD 07/16/81 p 1!1~Jl trJ6 't; 2 J i;!lj ICS I PM GWF WSH t'" 02231 07-16 0409? EDT :J PMS.WHITE HOUSE DC 4~042514Sl97 07/16/81 'I'" r r ICS IPMMTZZ CSP 3014599600 TDMT LANHAM MD 273 07•16 0307P EST . PMS MRS ELIZABETH DOLE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON DC 20500 · THIS IS A COPY -OF A TELEGRAM SENT TO THE PRESIDENT R PRES I DENT: ON BEHALF OF THE NATIONAL OFFICERS, THE NATIONAL HONORS AND AWARDS - c OM~_I TTEE __ ND_ TH~ ENTIRE MEMBERSHIP OF _ THE AMERICAJ-l. _V_EIE.ftANS_ OF _ WORL.11 --\ R II, KOREA AND VIETNAM CA VETS), I WISH TO EXPRESS OUR DEEP \ DISAPPOINTMENT AT THE ARRANGEMENT MADE BY THE WHI~E HOUSE FOR THE PRESENTATION OF THE AMVET µO • T W D ' I HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED THAT A SPECIAL BRIEFING FOR 20 VETERANS ORGANIZATION LEAD:RS WILL BE HELD TOMORROW AND THAT AMVETS MAY - ' v PRESENT THE GOLD HELMET TO YOU AT THAT TIME IN CONJUNCTION WITH 4 OR I 5 OTHER VETERANS ORGANIZATION AWARDS. MR PRESIDENT, ,I WILL BE IN ATTENDANCE; I FEEL, HOWEVER, THAT THIS IS NOT THE PROPER OCCASION FOR THE PRESENTATION OF THE HIGHEST AWARD THIS ORGANIZATION CAN BESTOW. IN THE PAST, AMVETS HAS PRESENTED WITH AWARD TO PRESIDENTS JOHNSON, NIXON AND FORD IN BRIEF, 15 MINUTE, PRIVATE CEREMONY EITHER IN THE . OVAL O F-ICE OR THE ROSE GARDEN. AT OUR INITIAL MEETING WITH YOUR - STAF'_F LAS_J_- F.:EiJRUARY ~ WE STBESSED Tllt\T J.F YOU _co l_LD _N Ol~AJ.. U.:ND l)lJR~ ...... l • ANNUAL BANQUET IN APRIL, WE WOULD PREFER A CEREMONY SIMILAR TO THE OTHER ATTENDED BY 5 TO 10 AMVETS OFFICERS. C AMVETS S~PPORTEP YOUR CANDIDANCY FC P- E IDE~T . W A TI ELY PARTICIPATED IN YOUR INAUGURAL ACTIVITIES. WE WERE THE FIRST VETERANS ORGANIZATION TO PROPOSE PREVENTING A HIGH HONOR TO YOU. AND MOST RECENTLY, AT THE REQUEST OF YOUR STAFF, WE ENDORSED AND GENERATED GRASS ROOTS SUPPORT FOR YOUR ECONOMIC INITIATIVE. WE AGAIN REQUEST THAT AMVETS BE SCHEDULED FOR A FEW BRIEF MINUTES OF YOUR TIME TO PRriENT THE GOLD HELMET TO YOU IN THE OVAL OFFICE ERNEST F PITOCHELLI NATIONAL COMMANDER 1513 EST NNNN Americnn Veteran of World War II Korea-Vi etnam National Headquarters 4647 Forbes Bou levard, Lanham, Maryland 20801 (301 ) 459-9600 Robert L. Ashwo r th Director Pub Ii c Rel at ions May l , 1981 Ms. Dodie Livingston Special Messages The White House Washington, D. C. 20500 Dear Ms. Livingston: This is to request a message of greetings from President Reagan to the delegates at the 37th National Convention of the American Veterans of World War II, Korea and Viet Nam (AMVETS), August 3-8, 1981, in Louisville, Kentucky. This message of greetings and an 8 x 10 black and white photograph of tpe Pr! sident will be utilized in our National Con- vention Journal. ~ ~O As we have done i n the past, we have enclosed a sample message for your usage. Also, AMVETS State Commander in California has requested that AMVETS National Headquarters obtain a similar message for their upcoming Conven tion. Normally, we would not forward this request. However, the President is a member of AMVETS Pos.t 8, Sacramento; therefore, we are submitting this request for yo~r decision. A second sample message is also enclosed. " We would like to. thank you in advance for expeditious action on these requests. Sincerely, Robert L. Ashworth Director, Public Relations Copy to: Morton Blackwell "A time of change ... A year of challenge." SAMPLE MESSAGE OF GREETINGS ·TO AMVETS 37th ANNUAL NATIONAL CONVENTION I want to extend my greetings on the occasion of the 37th Annual National Convention of the American Veterans of World War II, Korea and Viet Nam in Louisville, Kentucky. Over the years, AMVETS has built a solid record of achievement and an enviable reputation as a veterans organization that has more than fulfilled its mission of service to this Nation's war veterans. Your , unquestioned leadership in the front ranks of national veterans affairs and your tireless effort to provide quality public services to American communities and the Nation have earned the AMVETS organization the special gratitude of the American people. As a member of Post No. 8, Sacramento, California, I would like to say that I am proud to be an AMVET and wish my fellow members a most enjoyable and productive National Convention. Ronald Reagan SAMPLE MESSAGE TO THE CALIFORNIA STATE CONVENTION OF AMVETS I would like to congratulate my fellow AMVETS in the Department of California on another fine year of service to the state, and extend my best wishes for a most productive State Convention. Patriotic organizations at the state and local levels offer this country of ours the trained cadre of volunteers that make so many of our community services work. It is no secret that the California AMVETS are one of the truly fine State Departments in the National AMVETS network of concerned volunteers and I encourage you to maintain the high standard of civic accomplishment for which you are known. Ronald Reagan THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON June 23, 1982 Dear Mr. Brinsky: Thank you for sending me the article you wrote for The Stars and Stripes. I am delighted to see such a fine article appear in your newspaper. If the Voluntary School Prayer Amendment becomes a part of our Constitution, it will be in no small part due to your efforts. Much remains to be done, but I am confident that the amendment will be passed; Thanks you so much for keeping me informed of your efforts. Please feel free to let me know of further developments. Sincerely, Morton C. Blackwell Special Assistant to the President for Public Liaison Mr. Gabriel P. Brinsky National Service and Legislative Director A..f'-WETS 4647 Forbes Boulevard Lanham, MD. 20801 .,---~:- ·~.,~ ..:~: ~ -- GABRIEL P. 8RINSKY NATIONAL SERVICE AND 4647 forbes Boulevard LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR Lanham, Maryland 20801 May 21, 1982 Morton Blackwell Special Assistant to the President The White House Washington, D.C. Dear Mr. Blackwell: I thought you might be interested in seeing the article on "Prayer" on page 2 of the enclosed issue of the Stars and Stripes. This is one of the ways in which we try to help the President in his programs. Sincerely, Gabriel P. Brinsky National Service and Legislative Director Enclosure -As I Prayer l.! AMVE'I'S Nat' Headquarters Gabriel P .M8rinsky 4647 Forbes Boulevard National Service & Legislative Lanham, MD 20801 Director of AMVETS ' 1"he Helms Senate Amendment mediately his announcement was would have restored voluntary greeted by facetious_allegations that prayer in the public schools. It got he was proposing prayer as a solu nowhere and is still floundering in tion to unemployment; Committee. Chances are that it In a more valid view , it is alleged won't go anywhere. Lie i. prevail by utilizing the very ty. · · I mechanism which is meant to in- But prayers in sc"hool p;ovide no ' sure the will of the majority. For hllowancc for minority beliefs, goes 1 example, the constitution is invok- · the argument. When an entire class ed . by the oppcm~nts to argue and the teacher recite a 1>raycr, no , ·. agamst the lcgislatio~ to ;-restore ' thought is given as to-bow uncom _vol_un~ prayer. They-claim s~ch .: fortablc the minority-children must 1 . l~lation -wou~d be, .unconst1t~--- Icel:' Often they will do -what the · tional, _ , - ,.. t: teacher expects them to .do. This, _.-Whether m reality-it would be un-, · they .~ insist, is tantamount -to constitutional matters not. The op- religious intimidation.· r_ !I · -poncnts arc·not unbucd with con- The fallacy in this argument · is. _• atitutional provisions: 1t· merely that it presupposes all children arc . serves as 1l co~~? Ioy:- ' _. dolts who arc incapable of indcpeli- So to obtain prayer in schools, . -dent thou~t or freedom of -action. the President of United States pro- Not so. If 1t were true, then more -_ posed a constittJtional amendment .th~ reason . to exert ' guidance to overcome the objection. Im- , evtdcntly sorely needed. And what · - -c-r,- - -- - • - better example could be pro~ded .. ·, 1 than_acknowledging our faith in the ', Supreme Being? It ~ sustained ·,1 our country during.trying times and · · · has bclpcd to· make it what it is to--, . ·: _· .... ,_,:T day, the greatest nation on~- · . . .. ~ - 1t is ~ argued that yo°u· cannot · uriituc" a prayer~to ~c ,c?in . · :~ 'that it .can be ·everyone's .Prll)'Cr:-' . ·Tue Washington Post Newspaper; , _ in :a recent editorial, suggested Thar · the ltatc should stay. out .of _'the'-: l: "business'' _of deciding whose God· · and •