QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION
C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director
HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 0 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811 AMERICAN LEGION NEWS BRIEFS FOR WEEK ENDING 7-1-77
National Commander William J. Rogers has sent a telegram to all members of the Senate Appropriations Committee urging them to vote against the three-year phase out of the military commissary subsidy.
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Dr. Howard A. Rusk, professor and chairman of the Department of Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine at New York University's College of Medicine and president of the World Rehabilitation Fund, will receive The American Legion's Distinguished Service Medal for 1977.
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WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—The American Legion has expressed to President Carter its deep concern over the Presidential scrapping of the B-l Bomber program, which the Legion considers an essential element of the overall military preparedness program of the United States for the protection of this nation and its freedoms, and the fulfilling of our commitments to our allies.
American Legion National Commander William J. Rogers has sent the following message to the President:
"On behalf of The American Legion, I want to convey to you our deep shock and concern over your decision to scrap the B-l Bomber.
"We believe that in so doing you have seriously compromised our strategic deterrent capabilities in the face of continuing Soviet unwillingness to agree to reasonable terms in the SALT negotiations and the extensive Soviet buildup in offensive weapons.
"In our opinion, loss of the B-l is a serious threat to the balance of power, and a severe setback for all of the free world. We urge that you re-examine the facts and reconsider your decision."
On Monday of this week National Commander Rogers had expressed The American Legion's concern for the future of the B-l, and in a letter to President Carter had asked for his support of the program. The earlier letter to the President follows:
"On August 26, 19 76, over three-thousand elected delegates, representing the 2.7-million members of The American Legion, voted unanimously to support the procurement of the B-l Bomber. The aging fleet of B-52s currently carries half of our nuclear megatonnage. We believe if our strategic nuclear force is to remain a credible deterrent, it must be modernized. Since the U.S. bomber force is the most flexible instrument of our strategic power, we urge that priority be given to its upgrading.
"With the Soviet Union demonstrating continuing intransigence at the SALT bargaining table, it is even more imperative that the B-l be placed in full production as soon as possible. Thank you for your consideration of this very important matter."
-alns- 0MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION
C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director
HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 KSt., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 0 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811 For release 7-1-77
INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—National Convention Director William H. Miller urges everyone who plans to participate in the National Convention golf tourney in Denver to get his application in to the Convention Corporation office as early as possible.
"The facilities for this year's tourney are excellent, and we know all golfers will enjoy the event, but we would encourage everyone who plans to play to make his reservation just as soon as possible so we will be able to accommodate him," Miller said. Entries are limited to 160 players.
Play will be at the Green Gables Country Club, on Monday, Aug. 22, with a "shotgun start" commencing at 9 a.m. There will be a reception for participants immediately following the tourney, at approximately 2:30 p.m., at which time prizes will be awarded.
Entries should be forwarded to: The American Legion National Convention Corpora- tion of Colorado, Cosmopolitan Hotel, Room 332, 1780 Broadway, Denver, CO 80202. Entry fee is thirty dollars ($30.00) and checks should be made payable to The American Legion National Convention Corporation.
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INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—For the thirty-first consecutive year, Seagram Posts 658 of California, 807 of Illnois, and 1283 of New York are donating two new Fords ,'Granadas) to The American Legion 1977 National Convention Corporation of Colorado, Inc.
The official entry coupon appears in the centerfold of the July issue of The American Legion Magazine. Entries must be received no later than midnight, Aug. 19, 1977. Drawings will be held Saturday, Aug. 20, 1977, at Mile High Stadium, Denver, Colo., during the National Convention Musical Spectacular.
Conventioneers also may become eligible for the drawing by obtaining entry coupons at the Seagrams Booths in the Convention city and placing them in the collection boxes there.
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WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—American Legion National Commander William J. Rogers will be the honored guest of the United States Marine Corps at a Sunset Parade in Wash- ington, D.C., on July 5, 1977, at the Marine War Memorial. Maj. Gen. Paul X. Kelly, director, Education Center, Marine Corps Development and Education Command, will be the host for the event.
Accompanying the National Commander will be Mrs. Rogers, Legion National Adju- tant William F. Hauck and Mrs. Hauck, and the chairman of the Legion's Foreign Rela- tions Commission, Dr. Robert P. Foster and Mrs. Foster.
-alns- /SO QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION
C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director
HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 KSt., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811
For release 7-1-77
INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—Dr. Howard A. Rusk, professor and chairman of the Depart- ment of Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine at New York University's College of Medicine and president of the World Rehabilitation Fund, will receive The American Legion's Distinguished Service Medal for 1977.
Legion National Commander William J. Rogers announced the selection of Dr. Rusk for the award which was unanimously approved by the National Executive Committee and which will be presented from the platform of the Legion's 1977 National Convention in Denver, Colo., Aug. 19-25. The presentation to Dr. Rusk is scheduled for approxi- mately 11:30 a.m., Tues., Aug. 23, at Denver's Convention Complex.
Dr. Rusk, who helped develop a voice-controlled wheel chair for the severely handicapped, will demonstrate the device during his appearance on the Convention platform. His crusade to alleviate the suffering of the handicapped throughout the world has won him worldwide acclaim.
Dr. Rusk is a three-time winner of the Distinguished Service Medal, U.S.A., and among his numerous awards and citations are three Lasker Awards for international rehabilitation, medical journalism and public health. He holds sixteen honorary degrees both in this country and abroad.
He has authored four books and co-authored a fifth, and since 1945 he has been a contributing editor to the New York Times.
Dr. Rusk was a consultant to the Baruch Committee on Physical Medicine to the Veterans Administration, and has served in a similar capacity with the United Nations and as a rehabilitation consultant to the New York City Department of Hospitals.
In World War II he served as a colonel in the Marine Corps as chief of convales- cent training division, office Air Surgeon. Also, for many years, he was a member of The American Legion Medical Advisory Board.
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CRIME RESISTANCE
A CONTINUING SERIES IN COOPERATION WITH THE FBI's CRIME RESISTANCE PROGRAM
Door chains do not provide security; if anything, they give a false sense of security. An intruder desirous of entering your chain-guarded door can either kick it open, slip the chain with his fingers or cut it with cutters. NEVER RELY OR PLACE THE WELL BEING OF LOVED ONES ON "GIMMICKS." At best, chains are child and infant retainers.
-alns- /^7 HMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION
C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director
HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 KSt., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811
For release 7-1-77
WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—In testimony before the Subcommittee on Compensation and Pensions, Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, Robert E. Lyngh, deputy director of The American Legion's Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Division, has presented the Legion position on a number of bills of interest to Legionnaires.
Lyngh offered favorable Legion comment on the pending bills which encompass changes, liberalizations, and expanded benefits for disabled veterans, widows, and dependents of veterans.
Legislation covered by the testimony is as follows:
S. 13: to amend chapter 13 of title 38, United States Code, to make eligible for dependency and indemnity compensation, widows of veterans who die of non-service connected causes, but who were at time of death, totally disabled as the result of one or more service connected disability (ties).
S. 379: to amend 38 USC 360, to provide increased awards of service connected compensation to certain veterans who have suffered the loss or loss of use of paired extremities.
S. 1141: to amend title 38 USC, to assist veterans with a permanent and total service connected disability due to the loss or loss of use of one upper and one lower extremity to acquire specially adapted housing.
S. 1642: to amend title 38 USC, to increase rates of disability compensation and to increase the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for parents, and for other purposes.
H.R. 1862: to amend title 38 USC, to increase the rates of disability compen- sation for disabled veterans; to increase the rates of dependency and indemnity com- pensation, and for other purposes.
H.R. 7345: to amend title 38 USC, to provide that "the monthly rate of pension payable to any surviving spouse under 541 (b), (c) or (d) of this section, including the increase, if any, payable under section 544 of this title, shall be increased by 25 per centum beginning on the first day of the month in which the surviving spouse attains age seventy-eight."
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INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—National Headquarters has received notification of the deaths of five Legion founders. The five were considered founders of The American Legion, having attended the St. Louis Caucus, May 8-10, 1919. They are: Roy E. Nelson, Minneapolis, Minn.; Garland Hurt, Camden, Ark.; Andrew Fischer, Camp Hill, Pa.; John Fite Robertson, Sarasota, Fla.; and Haywood H. Hillyer, Savannah, Ga.
-alns- /« EJMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION
C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director
HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. m Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811
For release 7-1-77
INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—National Commander William J. Rogers has sent a telegram to all members of the Senate Appropriations Committee urging them to vote against the three-year phase out of the military commissary subsidy.
Following is the complete text of the Legion chief's message to the senators:
"The American Legion favors full appropriated fund support for military commis- sary stores. Furthermore, we concur fully with the chairman and the joint chiefs of staff that elimination of the commissary subsidy would impact seriously upon the morale and welfare of the armed forces.
"I thank you for your consideration of our views and urge you to vote against the three-year phase out of the commissary subsidy recommended by the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee."
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WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—A letter from the Department of Labor to state employment security agencies has urged these agencies to seek the aid of veterans organizations in publicizing public service jobs, and bringing eligible veterans into the employ- ment offices in connection with the Administration's three point veterans employment program. The American Legion has pledged full cooperation, and has outlined suggested procedures for departments in the National Economic Activities report of June 22, 1977,
The three point program, 1) Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP); 2) Help through Industry and Retraining (HIRE); and 3) The Comprehensive Employment and Training Act, is primarily directed towards disabled and Vietnam veterans, but, through its "Jobs for Veterans" program, The American Legion is committed to assist all veterans seeking employment.
Widows, or wives of unemployable disabled veterans, are also eligible under this program to seek employment via the State Employment Security offices.
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AMERICAN LEGION BASEBALL
CLEVELAND, OH—(ALNS)—Frank Robinson, recently terminated manager of the Cleveland Indians and an American Legion Baseball Graduate of the Year in 1966, has been replaced as manager of the Indians by another former Legion player, Jeff Torborg. Torborg played Legion Ball with Post No. 3 at Westfield, N.J. His last year of Legion competition was 1959.
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"YOUR AMERICAN LEGION -- IT'S GREAT TO KNOW YOU BELONG" IS3 QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION
C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director
HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS BRIEFS FOR WEEK ENDING 7-8-77
Members of The American Legion's National Economics Commission will hear a special report on the progress of the President's three-point program to reduce unemployment among veterans of the Vietnam-era and disabled veterans from all wars at its meetings in Denver, Colo., Aug. 19-20, immediately preceding the National Convention of The American Legion, which will also meet in Denver that week.
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A drive to re-establish the House Internal Security Committee has been launched by The American Legion.
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The American Legion will welcome one hundred of America's most outstanding young men to the nation's capital for the thirty-second annual edition of its Boys Nation program on July 15, 1977.
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WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—Legion National Commander William J. Rogers was host to a reception at the Fort Myer Officers Club honoring the Joint Chiefs of Staff on Tuesday evening, July 6, 1977.
Attending the reception were members of the Cabinet; the Congress; the service secretaries; ranking military officers; government and business executives; defense attaches from a number of embassies and the press corps.
Prior to the arrival of the guests, Commander Rogers presented an American Legion commendation in the form of a bronze plaque to each member of the Joint Chiefs, recognizing their outstanding contributions to the nation.
The Legion reception for the Joint Chiefs is a periodic event rather than a regularly scheduled annual undertaking. It is held to afford tangible recognition of the importance the organization attaches to the role of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in assuring a strong defense for the nation.
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SAN DIEGO, CA. —(ALNS)—Rookie Thomas (Tucker) Ashford, 1973 American Legion Baseball Player of the Year from Memphis Post 1, hit his first major league homer in the ninth inning, lined a one-out single in the twelfth to drive in another former Legion player, Dave Roberts, from second base and lift the San Diego Padres to an 8-7 victory over the Houston Astros on July 5.
-alns- /si QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION
C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director
HEADQUARTERS ID P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 0 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811
For release 7-8-77
INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—Members of The American Legion's National Economics Commis- sion will hear a special report on the progress of the President's three-point program to reduce unemployment among veterans of the Vietnam-era and disabled veterans from all wars at its meetings in Denver, Colo., Aug. 19-20, immediately preceding the National Convention of The American Legion, which will also meet in Denver that week.
Charles Collins, director, Jobs for Veterans program of the National Alliance of Businessmen, will tell of efforts being conducted under the HIRE program which provides incentives for businesses in the training and hiring of veterans. Ralph E. Hall, director of the Veterans Employment Service of the Department of Labor, will discuss the success of the Disabled Veterans Outreach Program which seeks to identify veterans whose handicaps are acting as a bar to employment. Robert T. Jones, the director of the Department of Labor's Office of Community Employment Programs, will detail the goal of hiring at least 35 per cent veterans in the federal government's CETA (Comprehensive Education and Training Act) program for public employment.
Speakers at the Friday and Saturday meetings which will be held in the Denver Hilton Hotel include Alan K. Campbell, new chairman of the U.S. Civil Service Com- mission; Roland R. Mora, deputy assistant secretary of labor for veterans employment; Undersecretary of Labor Robert Brown; Dennis R. Wyant, a representative of the Presi- dent's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped; and other officials from the Veterans Administration, Department of Labor and the Civil Service Commission.
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WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—Nominations are now open for the 1977 participation in The American Legion's "Employer of the Year for Hiring Veterans" employment award program. This is the ninth consecutive year that the National Economic Commission has spon- sored the "Employer of the Year" awards program, which is designed to focus a greater attention on the recognition of employers for their consideration of hiring and retaining veterans by the presentation of national awards.
In the two categories, during 1976, a total of 62 nominations were submitted to National Headquarters from 36 departments. The following departments participated in the program: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
Nomination forms and information on the program may be obtained by writing to the National Economic Commission, 1608 "K" St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006.
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"YOUR AMERICAN LEGION -- IT'S GREAT TO KNOW YOU BELONG" /ss QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION —THE AMERICAN LEGION
C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director
HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 0 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811
For release 7-8-77
INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—The American Legion has launched a drive to re-establish the House Internal Security Committee.
In a letter to Legion and Auxiliary National Americanism Commission and Com- mittee members, and National Counter-Subversive Activities Committee members, Daniel J. O'Connor, chairman of the Legion's National Americanism Commission, has asked the members to urge their congressmen to support House Resolution 48, a measure to reconstitute the House Internal Security Committee.
The House of Representatives abolished the House Committee on Internal Secu- rity (formerly the House Committee on Un-American Activity) in January of 1975 and transferred its remaining functions to the House Committee on the Judiciary. The House Judiciary Committee, since the abolition of the old House Committee on Inter- nal Security, has never held a single hearing on terrorism, subversion or espionage, Chairman O'Connor's correspondence states.
In addition to the loss of the House Committee on Internal Security, the Senate Subcommittee on Internal Security was discontinued two months ago, and the Subversive Activities Control Board and the attorney general's subversive list have been eliminated.
O'Connor noted in his letter that the re-establishment of the House Internal Security Committee is needed, "particularly in view of the avalanche of assaults and killings in the United States inspired by admitted revolutionary action groups that has accelerated to a critical stage."
"Your support is vital. We need this help now," Chairman O'Connor urged.
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INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—The following article regarding the importance of effec- tive public relations programs at the district and post level was carried in the June issue of the Pennsylvania Legion's Public Relations News:
"It is more than a coincidence that two of the districts that have active PR-men are also in the top two positions, membership-wise. You should note, too, that these are the second and third largest districts in the Department. (Which disproves the theory that large districts cannot beat the 'percentage game.')
"The Department Membership Committee recognizes the importance of effective PR programs, at the district and post levels, and the membership chairman, Nelle Carozzoni, is urging every district and post commander to give special attention to the appointment of PR chairmen for the 1977-78 Legion year.
"If we do go down in membership for 1977 — and the outlook is very bleak, indeed — a good PR program, coupled with post and district activities, could help us spring back in 1978."
-alns- /Jb JMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION
C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director
HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. m Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 s (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811
For release 7-8-77
WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—The American Legion will welcome one hundred of America's most outstanding young men to the nation's capital for the thirty-second annual edition of its Boys Nation program on July 15, 1977.
Selected as the "cream of the crop" from Legion Boys State programs in 49 states and the District of Columbia, the young men, all due to enter the senior year of high school in the fall, will be part of a week-long exercise in the opera- tion of government at the federal level covering the executive, legislative and judicial functions. To reach the Boys Nation pinnacle, those selected will have demonstrated outstanding scholastic excellence, as well as superior leadership poten- tial.
Boys Nation will be conducted at the campus of the American University, with the University providing housing for delegates and staff, as well as facilities for most of their activities.
The members of Boys Nation will form two mock political parties, "Nationalist" and "Federalist." Formal party conventions will nominate candidates for "president" and "vice-president," followed by an election to determine who will become the "Boys Nation president" and "Boys Nation vice-president" for the coming year.
Participants in the Boys Nation program are assured top-notch instruction in their study of the workings of government. Volunteer Legionnaires, many of whom are distinguished educators, and all of whom have years of experience in working with young people, insure a stimulating and rewarding week for the young "senators," as they are known during the Boys Nation session.
Instruction at the American University is given an added dimension by a series of field trips to federal agencies, Capitol Hill and the Supreme Court. Brief visits to national monuments and a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns fill out a week of non-stop activity for the Boys Nation group.
Boys Nation is a program of The American Legion's National Americanism Commission, having as its aim the fostering of a better appreciation of the American system of government among young men who have the potential to be the leaders of the future.
Since the inception of the program in 1946, Boys Nation graduates in large numbers have gone on to distinguished careers in local, state and national govern- ment; the professions and the military services.
Among those scheduled to speak to the Boys Nation delegation are National Com- mander William J. Rogers, who will speak to the delegates on Tuesday evening, July 19, and Congressman Nick Rahall, of West Virginia, a former Boys Stater, who will speak at the graduation ceremonies set for Friday, July 22.
-alns- QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE w NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION
C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director
HEADQUARTERS CD P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811
For release 7-8-77
INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—The William Randolph Hearst Americanism trophy will be presented to that state organization of The American Legion judged to have done the best job during the past year of supporting and promoting the Legion's programs of Americanism during the Legion's 1977 National Convention in Denver, Colo., Aug. 19-25.
Tom Read, science editor and editorial production coordinator for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, now on leave from his paper to coordinate improved typesetting and news processing procedures in other papers of the Hearst chain, will make the presentation to the winning department (state) from the platform of the National Convention at approximately 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 24.
An active Legionnaire, Read is a member of Seattle Post No. 1, and for eight years has been associate editor of the Washington State Legionnaire. He is a native of Camden, N.J., and a veteran of service with the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.
The winning state for the Hearst Americanism Trophy will be selected by the Legion's National Americanism Commission in session in Denver immediately preceding the three days of the formal Convention platform proceedings in Denver's Convention Complex Arena.
American Legion National Commander William J. Rogers of Kennebunk, Me., will preside over the Legion's 59th Annual National Convention which will be the second National Convention of the world's largest veterans organization to be conducted in the Mile-High City.
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OMAHA, NE.—(ALNS)—Arizona State has won the 1977 College World Series Cham- pionship. The team is coached by Jim Brock, coach of the 1961 National Champion of American Legion Baseball (Frank Luke Jr.-John C. Greenway Post No. 1) from Phoenix, Ariz. The 1977 championship is his first national championship as a college coach.
Jamie Allen was named as the College World Series All-Tournament Team Desig- nated Hitter. Jamie starred for the 1975 National Championship Team from Yakima, Wash., and was also a member of the 1976 Regional No. 7 Championship Team from Yakima. James was the number one draft choice of the Minnesota Twins in the June, 1976, major league selections. He chose to enter Arizona State and a college career rather than signing a professional contract.
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AMERICAN LEGION BASEBALL
LIVINGSTON, N.J. — (ALNS)— Tom Lombarski, short stop for Livingston Post 201, has signed a contract with the Philadelphia Phils.
-alns- /JT ESMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION
C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director
HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. El Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 0 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS BRIEFS FOR WEEK ENDING 7-15-77
National Commander William J. Rogers has urged the President to "instruct the U.S. negotiating team that the interests of both the American people and the Pana- manian people can best be served by the United States retaining its undiluted sovereignty of the U.S. Canal Zone...."
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In one of the largest community service projects ever conducted by a department, the Minnesota American Legion and Auxiliary have passed the halfway mark in their half-million dollar fund drive to augment a Heart Research Professorship Chair at the University of Minnesota, originated by The American Legion of Minnesota in 1952.
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The American Legion National Headquarters has announced the signing of HEE HAW star Kenny Price, whose country songs will lead off an all-star array of talent providing entertainment at the National Convention Banquet for distinguished guests. The affair is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 23, in the Denver Convention Complex.
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WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—National Commander William J. Rogers announced plans to interrupt his schedule in order to testify before the House Veterans Affairs Com- mittee on July 19, 1977, on the initial Legion reaction to the National Academy of Sciences report calling for changes in the Veterans Administration medical care program.
Rogers emphasized that his testimony will be general, given over to reiterating The American Legion's unalterable opposition to proposals for diverting VA medical facilities to broader uses.
He has directed the Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation staff to undertake a detailed evaluation of the voluminous report, which was three years in preparation. Future testimony will be based on definitive Legion positions arrived at following a thorough study of the NAS proposals and the Veterans Administration response, due for release on Sept. 30, 1977.
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COMMUNITY SERVICE
NEW YORK, N.Y. —(ALNS) — Inwood Post 581 recently held a "Nite at the Races" program and raised $1,466.00 for the "Inwood Summer Program for Youth," sponsored by the Catholic Church of The Good Shepherd. The program sponsors day camps and sports activities for the children and youth of the Inwood section of New York City.
-alns- ISH EJMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION
C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director
HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 KSt., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811
For release 7-15-77
WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—National Commander William J. Rogers has urged the Presi- dent to "instruct the U.S. negotiating team that the interests of both the American people and the Panamanian people can best be served by the United States retaining its undiluted sovereignty of the U.S. Canal Zone...."
Following is the complete text of the Legion chief's message to President Carter:
"The American Legion shares the concerns expressed in the attached letters by four former chiefs of Naval Operations: Admirals Carney, Burke, Anderson and Moorer, and by U.S. Senators McClellan, (Harry) Byrd, Thurmond and Helms regarding the value of the U.S. Canal Zone and the Canal to the United States.
"Having served during World War II as a naval pilot in the Pacific under the leadership of Admirals Carney and Burke, I developed a profound respect for these men. Admiral "Mick" Carney, as chief of staff to Admiral William F. "Bull" Halsey and Admiral Burke, as chief of staff to Admiral Marc Mitscher, emerged as two of the Navy's top thinkers and strategists of World War II. As students of using our power at sea, they, like yourself, developed an intuitive understanding of actions which enhance or detract from our country's total strength.
"Admirals Anderson and Moorer followed on as brilliant sea strategists, both commanding fleets during critical periods before they became chiefs of Naval Opera- tions. Admiral Moorer is the only American who has commanded both the Atlantic and Pacific fleets as well as serving for a number of years as chairman of the Joint^ ^ Chiefs of Staff. The combined experience and wisdom of these men is one of America s priceless assets. We are most fortunate they are still able and willing to share their views on such a critical subject as the Panama Canal.
"The senators who forwarded the combined CNO letter, Senators McClellan, Byrd, Thurmond and Helms, like the admirals whose judgment they endorse, represent a wealth of experienced knowledge which we in The American Legion regard as one of our nation's most valuable resources.
"We strongly endorse the letter of the four chiefs of Naval Operations and the forwarding letter of the four U.S. senators. The American Legion urges you to instruct the U.S. negotiating team that the interests of both the American people and the Panamanian people can best be served by the United States retaining its undiluted sovereignty of the U.S. Canal Zone and by initiating a modernization program for the Canal which all agree is sorely needed."
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BLOOMINGTON, MN.—(ALNS)—Rookie second baseman Rob Wilfong of the Minnesota Twins, who was a member of the 1971 Legion Baseball National Championship Team, West Covina Post 790, West Covina, CA., has been driving in winning runs for the Minnesota Twins at record pace. Several of his game-winning RBIs came in the late innings.
-alns- [t,0 QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION
C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director
HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 KSt., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811
For release 7-15-77
COMMUNITY SERVICE
ST. PAUL, MINN.—(ALNS)—The Minnesota American Legion and Auxiliary have passed the halfway mark in their half-million dollar fund drive to augment a Heart Research Professorship Chair at the University of Minnesota, according to Depart- ment Commander Marvin Gerdesmeier.
Twenty-five years ago the Minnesota Legion and Auxiliary raised their first half-million dollars to chair a professorship at the University specifically for the study of the causes and cures of heart diseases among children. This was the first such chair established at the University by any outside organization, accor- ding to University officials, and was the basis for which the Regents Award was presented to the Minnesota Legion and Auxiliary at the National Convention in Minneapolis in 1959, the first to an organization other than within the University system.
Spiraling inflation has made it impossible to sustain that chair at a high level of proficiency as envisioned by the Legion and Auxiliary and has caused the new fund drive to be launched, called "OPERATION HEARTBEAT."
A gigantic statewide American Legion and Auxiliary picnic is scheduled to be held at Valleyfair, Minn., July 30 and 31 to hopefully add a contribution of at least ten per cent toward completion of the fund drive, according to Gerdesmeier. All members of The American Legion and Auxiliary in Minnesota, as well as post, county, district and department officers, are gearing their efforts toward a smashing climax to their terms of office by staging what is planned to be a highly successful fund drive at the Valleyfair weekend, Gerdesmeier noted.
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MARYVILLE, MO.—(ALNS)—Dr. Robert P. Foster, chairman of the Legion's National Foreign Relations Division, has retired as president of Northwest Missouri State University here.
During a recent tribute to Dr. Foster, J. Norvel Sayler, president of the University's Educational Foundation, told some 470 NWMSU alumni, faculty and staff members that a Robert P. Foster Commemorative Scholarship Fund had been established and had risen above its goal of fifty thousand dollars.
Dr. Foster became president emeritus of the University on July 1, 1977. He will continue to serve the University in a consultant capacity.
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******************************************* * * * Plan to attend the 1977 World Series of American Legion Baseball on Sept. * 1-5, at Gill Stadium in Manchester, N.H., and watch future stars in action.
******************* ************************ QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION
C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director
HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 KSt., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 0 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811
For release 7-15-77
INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—The American Legion National Headquarters has announced the signing of HEE HAW star Kenny Price, whose country songs will lead off an all-star array of talent providing entertainment at the National Convention Banquet for distinguished guests. The affair is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., on August 23, in the Denver Convention Complex.
The National Convention Banquet, traditionally a social highlight of Legion and American Legion Auxiliary National Conventions, normally draws an audience of approximately two- thousand Convention delegates and distinguished guests. Legion National Adjutant William F. Hauck will serve as master of ceremonies for the program.
Joining Price will be the Kent Westberry Show, a group of country music instru- mentalists providing a combination of easy "country" designed for listening pleasure. Westberry is well known in country music circles as an outstanding entertainer, singer and songwriter rolled into one. His group provides a great complement for the songs of Kenny Price, who also responds to "RCA's Round Mound of Sound," in tribute to his generous proportions, and the appropriate "Mr. Happiness."
The fine young musical group "Common Ground" will round out this outstanding entertainment double-bill for the National Convention Banquet. "Common Ground" is made up of three girls and eight young men, featuring the music of America in all its diversity, from the current hit "I Write the Songs," to musical commercials and show themes to 50's nostalgia and patriotic songs. Their versatile and vibrant show has brought them national recognition and stand-up applause from audiences wherever they have appeared.
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CRIME RESISTANCE
A CONTINUING SERIES IN COOPERATION WITH THE FBI's CRIME RESISTANCE PROGRAM
SECURITY CLOSETS
Every home should have a security closet. A safe in the home protects checks, cash and jewelry, but it won't protect rifles, shotguns, knife collections, furs, suits, radios, televisions, silver, etc.
Most homes have at least one closet with a swinging door. Unfortunately, the door itself must be replaced with a solid-core door because the one presently installed is either constructed of thin plywood panels or hollow-core. Once you have installed a solid core or metal backed door, install a single cylinder l^-inch swing deadbolt (revolving cylinder guard on the outside and thumb turn on the inside). Do not install a door knob (knobset). Leave a key a key in the cylinder at all times, The only time it is removed is when you leave the house.
-alns- QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE M NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION- -THE AMERICAN LEGION
C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director
HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 KSt., N. W. m Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 0 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811
For release 7-15-77
INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—Ezra Brooks Distilling Company will honor The American Legion's 59th National Convention in Denver, Colo., with a magnificent commemora- tive whiskey decanter. The decanter, designed by C. Clay Davis, a past department commander of the Colorado American Legion, is genuine Heritage Porcelain emblazoned with 24-carat gold and filled with a limited stock of 101-month old Ezra Brooks bourbon.
The simplicity of design places it among past American Legion Commemoratives as the most unique and exciting piece of sculpture to date. This is the fifth year that Ezra Brooks has been officially commissioned by The American Legion to cast its commemorative decanter.
The face of the decanter portrays the snow-capped majestic peaks of the Rockies overlooking the Mile High City of Denver. The mountains sculpted in high relief are encircled by a rim of gold and the base reflects the legend "American Legion — 59th National Convention" in gold. The reverse side carries out the official insignia of The American Legion in bold relief with golden sunburst spikes.
Ezra Brooks commissioned Shirley Nance, nationally celebrated sculptor from Ken- tucky's mountain country, to execute the original model.
The very limited supply of these decanters will necessarily confine the sale "exclusively" to Colorado.
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INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—Charles W. "Chuck" Ferguson, 44, of Crosby, Minn., has been appointed assistant director of the Legion's National Americanism and Children & Youth Division.
A disabled combat veteran of the Korean War, Ferguson is a long-time active member of The American Legion. He is a past commander and life member of Myrin-James Post 443 of Ironton, Minn., and he served as sixth district commander in 1965-66 and sixth district adjutant in 1976-77. He also served as Minnesota Department vice com- mander in 1974-75.
Prior to joining the Legion staff, Ferguson was a history teacher in the Crosby-Ironton School System in northern Minnesota. He is a graduate of Valley City Teacher's College, Valley City, N.D., and has done some graduate work at the Univer- sity of North Dakota and St. Cloud State College in Minnesota.
Ferguson will take over the direction of the Legion's Education and Scholarship program, replacing Ray Patterson who was recently named director of the Americanism and Children & Youth Division.
Chuck and his wife, Dorothy, have four children, and are both active in community affairs.
-alns- 0MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION
C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director
HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS BRIEFS FOR WEEK ENDING 7-22-77
"The American Legion believes that a unionized armed force would be weaker, less disciplined, and ineffective, and would, in fact, seriously erode the nation's military capacity," National Commander William J. Rogers told the Senate Committee on Armed Services July 20, in Washington, D.C.
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James W. Hoffman, 17, of Renville, Minn., has been elected president of The American Legion's 32nd Annual Boys Nation, a week-long exercise in the operation of the federal government, held at American University in Washington, D.C.
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National Commander William J. Rogers said that "the shooting down of an Ameri- can helicopter by the North Korean Communists following an inadvertent incursion into North Korean territories, with a tragic loss of American lives, is a classic example of the extreme state of tension existing along the demilitarized zone by the opposing forces."
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The Columbus Dispatch, Columbus, Ohio, will be awarded its second Fourth Estate Award by The American Legion at this year's annual Convention in Denver, Colo., National Commander William J. Rogers and C. D. DeLoach, chairman of the Legion's National Public Relations Commission, have announced.
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Thirty-two former American Legion Baseball players were on rosters of the American and National League squads during the 1977 Major League Ail-Star game at Yankee Stadium, in New York, on July 19.
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Members of The American Legion's Children & Youth Commission will closely examine the growing problem of child abuse and neglect at their two-day meeting at the Denver Hilton prior to the Legion's National Convention to be held in Denver from Aug. 19 to 25.
Sol M. Linowitz, President Carter's co-negotiator on proposals for a new Panama Canal treaty, will address The American Legion's Foreign Relations Commission, meeting in Denver on Friday, Aug. 19, during the Legion's 59th annual National Convention.
* * A /(,+ □■M ERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION
C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director
HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811
For release 7-22-77
WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—"The American Legion believes that a unionized armed force would be weaker, less disciplined, and ineffective, and would, in fact, seriously erode the nation's military capacity," National Commander William J. Rogers told the Senate Committee on Armed Services, July 20, here.
The Legion chief pointed out that his organization unanimously adopted a resolu- tion during last year's 58th National Convention of The American Legion which expressed the organization's "unalterable opposition" to any effort to unionize the armed forces.
Commander Rogers noted that the United States Supreme Court has held that the needs of the military are "unique and paramount" over Constitutional rights of indi- viduals: "A military organization is not constructed along democratic lines, and military institutions are necessarily far more authoritarian; military decisions cannot be made by vote of the interested participants."
"A strong, disciplined, and effective armed force is absolutely essential to the survival of our great country in the world today. We strongly support legislation which establishes a clear and flexible policy that prohibits unionization of the armed forces," Commander Rogers added.
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WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—James W. Hoffman, 17, of Renville, Minn., has been elected president of The American Legion's 32nd Annual Boys Nation, a week-long exercise in the operation of the federal government, held here at American University. Hoffman will serve a year-long term ending with the 1978 Boys Nation.
The new Boys Nation president, who is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Hoffman, of Rural Route 1, Renville, is a senior at Renville Public High School. He plans to major in law at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn.
Hoffman was a candidate for election on the Federalist ticket, defeating his Nationalist Party opponent Donald R. Stebbins, of Visalia, Calif., by a vote of 55-42.
Vice president of Boys Nation for 1977 is David A Newby, 17, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry B. Newby of Plainfield, Ind. Newby, a senior at Plainfield Junior-Senior High School, was a candidate for election on the Nationalist ticket and defeated Mark R. Haskell of Etna, Me., 62-35. Newby plans to become an attorney.
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WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—Melody Mosley of Nashville, Tenn. , has been elected Girls Nation president at the American Legion Auxiliary's 31st Annual Girls Nation session here. Claire Presley of Thomaston, Ga., was elected Girls Nation vice president during the week-long program.
-alns- ll*f QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION
C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director
HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811
For release 7-22-77
INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—National Commander William J. Rogers has issued the fol- lowing statement regarding the downing of an American helicopter by North Korea:
"The shooting down of an American helicopter by the North Korean Communists following an inadvertent incursion into North Korean territories, with a tragic loss of American lives, is a classic example of the extreme state of tension existing along the demilitarized zone by the opposing forces. This tension leads to a highly volatile 'shoot first, and ask questions later,' mentality which, in our opinion, could engulf the peninsula in an all-out war within minutes.
"It is the opinion of The American Legion that the incident strongly reinforces our view that the Administration's proposals for a withdrawal of U.S. troops from Korea are inconsistent with the realities of the situation and must be reconsidered.
"We offer our condolences to the families of the American soldiers who were lost in the downing of the helicopter during this unfortunate incident."
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INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—Sol M. Linowitz, President Carter's co-negotiator on pro- posals for a new Panama Canal treaty, will address The American Legion's Foreign Relations Commission, meeting in Denver on Friday, Aug. 19, during the Legion's 59th annual National Convention.
Linowitz, an internationally known attorney, is expected to brief the Commission on the correct status of negotiations with the government of Panama. His appearance is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. in the Blue Room of the Executive Tower Hotel.
The Legion's National Convention has consistently mandated strong opposition to changes in the existing treaty, which provides for U.S. ownership and control of the Panama Canal and Canal Zone. This position was reaffirmed by the 58th National Con- vention meeting in Seattle in August 1976.
Meeting with the Foreign Relations Commission for the Linowitz appearance will be the Legion's Americanism Commission.
Also scheduled for appearances before the Foreign Relations Commission are speakers on the Mid-East and Southern Africa situations.
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SAUGERTIES, N.Y.—(ALNS)—Tim Cole, a former American Legion Baseball player with Lamouree-Hacket Post 72, and a first round draft choice of the Atlanta Braves in the recent amateur free agent draft, has signed a contract with the National League organization.
-alns- /u 0MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION
C D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director
HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 0 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811
For release 7-22-77
INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—The Columbus Dispatch, Columbus, Ohio, will be awarded its second Fourth Estate Award by The American Legion at this year's annual Conven- tion in Denver, Colo., National Commander William J. Rogers and C. D. DeLoach, chairman of the Legion's National Public Relations Commission, have announced.
The Dispatch previously received the award in 1966 and is the second communi- cations media or individual to be awarded more than one Fourth Estate Award since its inception in 1958. The award will be presented by American Legion National Commander William J. Rogers to Ed Mason, community relations director of the Dispatch, at about 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 25.
The award is made annually to as many as three individuals or media for an achievement of national recognition or impact which exemplifies the policies or programs of The American Legion.
The Fourth Estate Award to the Columbus Dispatch is in recognition of the fine service rendered to its community by publishing a daily section known as the "Class- room Extra" to assist area children to keep up with their studies while schools were closed for four weeks during last winter's energy shortage. The concept was widely copied by other newspapers and radio and TV stations around the country after the Columbus Dispatch began receiving nationwide publicity for its efforts.
The American Legion has long recognized the value of an educated citizenry for our nation to maintain its economic, political and military superiority m the world. For more than forty years the Legion has been one of the prime co-sponsors of American Education Week which will be observed from Nov. 13-19 this year.
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INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—Denver's largest and most modern department store, May-D&F, will be offering American Legion Convention attendees an extra twenty per cent savings on all May-D&F Pre-Anniversary Sale items, during a special private Sunday opening Aug. 21, from noon to 5:00 p.m. May-D&F is located at 16th and Court Place, just across from the Denver Hilton.
All merchandise included in this sale will be advertised in a separate booklet which delegates will receive at registration.
While this offer will be effective on Sunday, Aug. 21, only, May-D&F store hours for the remainder of the week are 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m , weekdays, and 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays.
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"YOUR AMERICAN LEGION -- IT'S GREAT TO KNOW YOU BELONG" QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION
C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director
HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 0 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811
For release 7-22-77
WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—Chess players of the Army, sea services (Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard) and Air Force who compete in the eighteenth annual Armed Forces Chess Championship Tournament in The American Legion's Hall of Flags, Washington, D.C., October 19-26, will be cheered by messages from President Jimmy Carter and Defense Secretary Harold Brown, both speaking from some personal experi- ence as chess players.
The Commander-in-Chief's message for the 1977 contenders for the Thomas Emery Memorial Trophy and other awards declares that "each of you can be proud of the skills and spirit which have entitled you to take part in this championship contest. All of you are winners!"
In his message for the armed forces contestants, Defense Secretary Brown has this comment: "As a chess player, I am aware of the value of the game as a mind-sharpening activity. Your response to the challenges of competition is testi- mony to the special sense of accomplishment which can be derived through mastering difficult skills."
These excerpts of messages received from the White House and the Pentagon were revealed by American Legion National Adjutant William F. Hauck as he announced that the honorary committee for the 1977 tournament will be headed by President Carter's Naval Academy classmate, Vice Admiral John G. Finneran, USN, deputy assis- tant secretary of Defense for Military Personnel Policy.
The committee will include these representatives of the five services: Briga- dier General Donald Connolly, deputy adjutant general of the Army; Rear Admiral Harold G. Rich, assistant chief of Naval Personnel for Human Goals; Brigadier General Chris C. Mann, deputy director, Personnel Plans for Human Development, U.S. Air Force; Brigadier General David B. Barker, director of Operations, U.S. Marine Corps; and Rear Admiral Charles E. Larkin, chief, Office of Personnel, U.S. Coast Guard.
The honorary committee and tournament players, with their special services and information officers; other government dignitaries; representatives of the American Chess Foundation, U.S. Chess Federation, U.S.O., and other cooperating organizations; donors of various awards and chess journalists will be guests of The American Legion for the Chess Awards Luncheon at the Intown Army & Navy Club on October 26.
In announcing these developments in the Armed Forces Chess program which The American Legion now conducts with funds from the American Chess Foundation, National Adjutant Hauck called attention also to the fact that, in cooperation with the Foun- dation and the U.S. Chess Federation, an effort is being made to develop chess activities under American Legion post auspices as an educational and recreational feature of life in American communities.
(more) i a Armed Services Chess Championship Tournament, page 2
Members of the more than sixteen thousand American Legion posts are being encouraged to initiate programs of chess instruction and competition, not only for Legionnaires and their families but also for non-member veterans, men and women on active duty or in the Reserves, young people, senior citizens, hospitalized or handicapped individuals, and others in their posts' community service areas. Some Suggestions for Legionnaires Organizing Chess Programs, from the American Chess Foundation, will be in distribution to all American Legion posts in the near future.
The National Adjutant said that inquiries or comments regarding the Legion's role in promoting chess in American communities as well as in our armed forces will be welcome and that such communications should be addressed to: Director of Public Relations, The American Legion, 1608 "K" St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006.
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For release 7-22-77
NEW YORK, N.Y.—(ALNS)—Thirty-two former American Legion Baseball players were on rosters of the American and National League squads during the 1977 Major League Ail-Star game at Yankee Stadium here July 19. The total included American Legion Baseball Graduate of the Year Award winners — Carl Yastrzemski and Carlton Fisk of Boston, Johnny Bench of Cincinnati and Steve Carlton of Philadelphia, according to Daniel J. O'Connor of Jackson Heights, N.Y., chairman of the Legion's National Americanism Commission.
Of the sixteen starters picked by the nation's fans, not counting pitchers, nine were alumni of the Legion's youth baseball program.
Former American Legion players that joined Johnny Bench, Carlton Fisk and Carl Yastrzemski in the starting lineups were: George Brett (Kansas City Royals), Reggie Jackson and Willie Randolph (New York Yankees), Joe Morgan (Cincinnati Reds), Steve Garvey (Los Angeles Dodgers), and Dave Parker (Pittsburgh Pirates).
Additional American League All-Stars, besides the starters, who came to fame via the American Legion Baseball route, included: Jim Palmer and Ken Singleton (Baltimore Orioles), Jim Rice (Boston Red Sox), Dave LaRoche (California Angels), Jim Kern (Cleveland Indians), Larry Hisle and Butch Wynegar (Minnesota Twins), Sparky Lyle, Thurman Munson and Graig Nettles (New York Yankees), and Ron Fairly (Toronto Blue Jays).
Representing American Legion Baseball on the National League squad, besides the starters and Steve Carlton, were: Rick Reuschel and Bruce Sutter (Chicago Cubs), Pete Rose and Tom Seaver (Cincinnati Reds), Reggie Smith (Los Angeles Dodgers), John Stearns (New York Mets), John Candelaria (Pittsburgh Pirates), Ted Simmons and Garry Templeton (St. Louis Cardinals), Dave Winfield (San Diedgo Padres) and Gary Lavelle (San Francisco Giants).
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******************************************* * * * Plan to attend the 1977 World Series of American Legion Baseball on Sept. * * 1-5, at Gill Stadium in Manchester, N.H., and watch future stars in action. * * * ******************************************* 0MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION
C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director
HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 0 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811
For release 7-22-77
INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—Members of The American Legion's Children & Youth Com- mission will closely examine the growing problem of child abuse and neglect at their two-day meeting at the Denver Hilton prior to the Legion's National Convention to be held in Denver from Aug. 19 to 25.
Lawrence Brown, the director of the Children's Division, American Humane Association, Denver, will lead the discussion of the problem and efforts the Legion can make in fighting it at the Friday afternoon, Aug. 19, session.
The Legionnaires will also discuss the Epilepsy School Alert Program with staff members, and the project director of the Epilepsy Foundation of America, John Niemitz of Washington, D.C., at the Friday session.
On Saturday, the Commission members will join with the Americanism and Public Relations Commissions for a joint meeting which will hear the four outstanding young men representing the Legion's youth activities programs discuss efforts the Legion can make to upgrade and expand current activities sponsored by local American Legion posts, the state and national organizations. A highlight of the Saturday session will be a presentation by Ed Mason, community relations director of the Columbus Dispatch newspaper, Columbus, Ohio. Mason has developed a representation of Charles Thomson, secretary of the Continental Congress, one of only two people who actually signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
On Saturday afternoon, the Commission members will visit the National Jewish Hospital and Research Center in Denver.
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GARDEN CITY, N.Y.—(ALNS)—The William Bradford Turner Post 265 of Garden City, N.Y., has announced that the first award to be made from the Past Commander Gerald F. Sutliff Memorial Scholarship Fund was given to Miss Alita Patrick of Garden City, N.Y.
The late Lt. Col. Sutliff, whose will established the trust, served as commander of Post 265 in 1972-73. The terms of his will state that each year the trust will pay to a "student graduating from the Garden City High School, four full years tuition to Hofstra University."
The value of each year's award is estimated at upwards of $15,000 and may constitute one of the largest individual scholarships in the country. Responsibility for choosing the recipient was delegated by Col. Sutliff to the executive committee of the post.
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"YOUR AMERICAN LEGION -- IT'S GREAT TO KNOW YOU BELONG" QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION —THE AMERICAN LEGION
C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director
HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 0 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811
For release 7-22-77
INDIANAPOLIS--(ALNS)—"The American Legion Youth Programs Are Education" will be the theme of the Legion's National Americanism Commission meetings to be held Aug. 19 and 20, in Denver, Colo., at the Denver Hilton Hotel, in conjunction with this year's National Convention, scheduled for Aug. 19-25, 1977.
The Commission meetings' principal speaker will be Dr. Howard E. Bruner, pro- fessor of education at Colorado State University, Fort Collins, a recognized expert in the field of leadership and motivation. Dr. Bruner will discuss the relationship between education programs and The American Legion youth programs — Baseball, Scouting, Oratorical and Boys State/Nation. Dr. Bruner has also addressed Legion National Membership workshops and on many occasions has spoken before state and area Legion conferences on Children and Youth.
A highlight of a Saturday morning joint session of the Commission with the Children & Youth and Public Relations Commissions will be a portrayal by Ed Mason, community relations director of the Columbus (Ohio) Dispatch, of Charles Thomson, secretary of the Continental Congress, a performance which Mason has presented to audiences across the country, which has drawn unanimously favorable comment and many standing ovations.
Commission members will also hear a panel discussion featuring the four young people representing the programs sponsored by the Legion. They will discuss how they see the programs relating to education, and are expected to provide insight into future needs in the program areas for America's youth.
Two committees of Commission members will also select the winners of two coveted Legion trophies: the William Randolph Hearst Trophy, awarded annually to the depart- ment (state Legion organization) most active in the Americanism programs; and the Frank N. Belgrano, Jr., Trophy, awarded annually to the Legion department that has rendered the most outstanding service to the Boy Scouts of America. Last year the Hearst Trophy was won by Maine, while the Belgrano Trophy went to Wisconsin.
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INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—Marvin Webb, Kansas City, Mo., Federal Energy Administra- tion coordinator to The American Legion, will appear before the Internal Affairs Com- mission of The American Legion during pre-Convention meetings on Aug. 19, 1977, at the Denver Hilton Hotel, Denver, Colo., at 10:30 a.m.
Webb will emphasize what local posts and Legionnaires can do to make the present energy conservation program successful. He will also be exploring with the Legion- naires areas where The American Legion and the Federal Energy Administration can cooperate more fully.
-alns- 0MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION
C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 0 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811 AMERICAN LEGION NEWS BRIEFS FOR WEEK ENDING 7-29-77
National Commander William J. Rogers has sent congratulatory letters to the Departments of Rhode Island and Wisconsin for their support of The American Legion's Blood Donor Program.
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Danny Thomas, famed star of motion pictures and television, and beloved by generations of Americans, will be honored by The American Legion for his service to humanity as the founder and guiding light of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, according to an announcement released by Legion National Commander William J. Rogers.
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Twenty-four girls, between the ages of fifteen and sixteen, participated in the Illinois Legion's Police-Youth program in cooperation with the Illinois State Police, July 10-16. This is the first time female participants have been included in the program.
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The American Legion's Fourth Estate Award this year will be awarded to the editor of Parade Magazine, Jess Gorkin, from the platform of the 59th annual National Convention of The American Legion at Denver, Colo., at approximately 10:45 a.m., Thurs., Aug. 25.
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The American Legion's National Convention parade, to be held Aug. 21, in Denver, Colo., and featuring marching contingents from each of the fifty states, the District of Columbia and the foreign and outlying departments of the Legion, will step off at 2:40 p.m., Denver time, and is expected to take from five to six hours to pass the reviewing stand.
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Robert Stack, star of ABC Television's "Most Wanted" series, produced by Quinn Martin, will receive The American Legion's "Good Guy" Award at a luncheon meeting of the Legion's Past Department Commanders' Club, at 1:30 p.m., Mon., Aug.22, in Ballrooms A & B of Denver's Brown Palace Hotel.
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Alan K. Campbell, the newly appointed chairman of the Civil Service Commission, has accepted an invitation to appear before The American Legion's National Economic Commission during the Legion National Convention in Denver, Legion National Commander William J. Rogers announced.
k k k QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION
C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director
HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 KSt., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 0 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811
For release 7-29-77
WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—National Commander William J. Rogers has sent congratula- tory letters to the Departments of Rhode Island and Wisconsin for their support of The American Legion's Blood Donor Program.
Louis R. J. Malo, department adjutant of Rhode Island, and Robert G. Wilke, department adjutant of Wisconsin, recieved the letters in recognition of support given by Legionnaires in their respective departments.
Thanks and appreciation for a job well done also went out to Blood Donor chairpersons Alex J. Castaldi of Rhode Island, and Margaret Christensen of Wiscon- sin, recognizing their hard work and inspiration in achieving the one hundred per cent and thirty per cent respectively in membership participation in the program.
An additional 35 departments qualified for Certificates of Participation in the 1976-77 Blood Donor Program.
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WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—In testimony before the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, Subcommittee on Health and Readjustment, The American Legion's director of National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, Edward H. Golembieski, presented the Legion's position with regard to S. 457, a bill called the "G.I. Improvement Act of 1977."
The Legion is opposed to several facets of the bill: 1) the extension of the time limitation factor beyond ten years from date of discharge for completion of education or training programs; and 2) any amendment which would weaken or modify the 85/15 requirement.
Golembieski's testimony voiced Legion satisfaction with the 6.3 per cent increases under many sections of S. 457. The proposed increase in benefits to the veteran satisfies the requirements of Resolution No. 107, resolved by the Legion at its National Convention in Seattle, Wash., in August, 1976.
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HARRISBURG, PA.—(ALNS)—All World War I and many World War II American Legion- naires with senior citizen status are admitted free to historic sites and museums maintained by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, according to the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
Pennsylvania operates an unusually large number of interesting historic sites and museums, reflecting her historic and cultural heritage as one of the original thirteen colonies and a state in the thick of things throughout history.
-alns- 0MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION
C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director
HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811
For release 7-29-77
WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—Danny Thomas, famed star of motion pictures and television, and beloved by generations of Americans, will be honored by The American Legion for his service to humanity as the founder and guiding light of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, according to an announcement released by Legion National Commander William J. Rogers.
The National Commander will present Thomas a special citation for "outstanding service to humanity" from the platform of the Legion's National Convention in Denver, Colo., on Aug. 23, 1977. The citation reads as follows: "From the pledge of an obscure entertainer in his prayer to St. Jude grew the world-famed children's research hospital. The single-minded dedication of Danny Thomas to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has opened the door of life to thousands of children afflicted with catastrophic diseases."
Thomas made that pledge to St. Jude Thaddeus, patron saint of the hopeless, in a prayer for rescue from despair in 1940. He promised to someday erect a shrine of hope for those who had none and, in 1962, the promise became a reality in the form of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tenn.
The hospital indeed works with those who have little or no hope — children who are victims of devastating diseases. Their care is total and without charge, being borne by funds raised by ALSAC, a national fund-raising organization founded by Danny Thomas for the purpose.
Dedicated medical personnel at St. Jude are working miracles in shedding new light on the darkest of the children's diseases, and children the world over are reaping the benefit. Danny Thomas has more than made good his promise of long ago to St. Jude and has earned the accolade "humanitarian" from his fellow man.
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BLOOMINGTON, ILL.—(ALNS)—Twenty-four girls, between the ages of fifteen and sixteen, participated in the Illinois Legion's Police-Youth program in cooperation with the Illinois State Police, July 10-16. This is the first time female partici- pants have been included in the program.
The program included the following subjects: history of police service, state police as a career, criminal and traffic law, and responsibility to citizenship. Instruction was provided by the Illinois State Police Academy staff. Among the coun- selors were two Illinois state troopers, Pamela Grant and Monica Ice.
Capt. William J. Ryan, who is director of training for the program, expressed his complete satisfaction of the performance of the young ladies.
The girls were selected and sponsored by Illinois Legion posts.
-alns- ESMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION —THE AMERICAN LEGION
C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director
HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811
For release 7-29-77
INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—The American Legion's Fourth Estate Award this year will be awarded to the editor of Parade Magazine, Jess Gorkin, from the platform of the 59th annual National Convention of The American Legion at Denver, Colo., at approximately 10:45 a.m., Thurs., Aug. 25.
Gorkin was cited by National Commander William J. Rogers and the Legion's Public Relations Commission, chaired by C. D. DeLoach, vice president for Corporate Affairs of PepsiCo., Inc., Purchase. N.Y.. for consistent support of the efforts of the local police officer in fighting crime. The award was based on a series of five articles run in the Sunday newspaper magazine during 1976. Parade Magazine is distributed by 114 newspapers around the country with a circulation of nearly twenty million.
The award, limited to communications media with national exposure or impact, may be given to three recipients each year for support of or furtherance of prin- ciples advocated by The American Legion, and contributions to the preservation of the American way of life.
"Jess Gorkin's brand of 'advocacy' journalism focuses on what can be done to correct abuses in our systems, whether governmental, voluntary or private; rather than dealing only with negative aspects," Commander Rogers said.
The Commander noted that the Legion from its founding in 1919 has supported the efforts of local, state and national law officers and is currently involved in the "Crime Resistance Program" sponsored by local police in cooperation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The five articles cited for this year's award were: "Keeping the Career Criminal Off the Streets," which appeared Oct. 24 and dealt with longer sentences and tougher parole qualifications; "Street Gangs Are Back With Guns," May 2, which discussed dangers posed to citizens; "Has the Time Come to Get Tough With Juvenile Criminals," which advocated stiffer penalties for juveniles convicted of "adult" crimes and appeared in the Nov. 14 issue; "Undercover Cop Kathy Burke - She Flirts With Danger," Oct. 17, the story of a narcotics officer; and the Sept. 26 story of the Police Officer of the Year, an honor initiated by Parade eleven years ago.
The American Legion previously honored Gorkin with the National Commander's Public Relations Award in 1962.
He is also credited with proposing the 1975 joint Soviet-U.S. space mission, the Hot Line to Moscow installed by President Kennedy and the redesign of the seating accommodations for flight attendants in commercial aircraft to improve safety.
-alns- QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION
C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director
HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 KSt., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 0 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811
For release 7-29-77
INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—The American Legion's National Convention parade, to be held Aug. 21, in Denver, Colo., and featuring marching contingents from each of the fifty states, the District of Columbia and the foreign and outlying departments of the Legion, will step off at 2:40 p.m., Denver time, and is expected to take from five to six hours to pass the reviewing stand.
The escort division, leading the parade and comprised of units from surrounding area military installations, will feature the NORAD and the U.S. Air Force Academy bands, and is expected to take nearly 45 minutes to pass in review. Gen. Daniel (Chappie) James, commander-in-chief of the North American Air Defense Command, will be the parade grand marshall. Honorary grand marshall will be Harry G. Wiles, of Topeka, Kan., immediate Past National Commander of The American Legion.
All bands, drum and bugle corps, musical, marching and singing units partici- pating in the Legion's uniformed groups competition will participate in the parade, which will be headed by massed colors of the United States flag and the flags of the fifty states.
The parade will step off at Cleveland and 15th St., to Stout St., right on Stout to 16th St., along 16th to Broadway, then along Broadway to 14th Ave. and the dispersal area. The reviewing stand will be on the west side of Broadway opposite the State Capitol, where National Commander William J. Rogers, military leaders and other distinguished guests will take the salute of the marching units. Bands, floats and distinctively attired marching units will be dispersed throughout the line of march.
Deputy grand marshals for the parade include: Maj. Gen. John F. Forrest, USA, commanding general, 4th Inf. Div., Ft. Carson; Rear Adm. Norman A. Coleman, USNR, commanding officer, USN Readiness Command, Naval Training Center, Colorado Springs; Maj. Gen. John K. Davis, USMC, commanding general, 3rd Marine Air Wing, El Toro, Calif; Maj. Gen. Lucius Theus, USAF, commander, USAF Accounting and Finance Center, Lowry AFB, Denver, Colo., and Rear Adm. Wayne E. Caldwell, USCG, commander, Second Coast Guard District, St. Louis, Mo.
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INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—Mrs. Nell Krause, Nebraska department historian, and Mrs. Jan Pulvermacher, Wisconsin Auxiliary National Executive Committeewoman, have been selected to receive the National American Legion Press Association President's Award, according to Mrs. Lillian Cleveland, president of NALPA.
The awards will be presented during the NALPA Annual Awards Banquet to be held in the Empire Room of the Denver Hilton, 1550 Court Place, Denver, Colo., Aug.22, at 7:30 p.m.
-alns- QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION
C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director
HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811
For release 7-29-77
WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—Robert Stack, star of ABC Television's "Most Wanted" series, produced by Quinn Martin, will receive The American Legion's "Good Guy" Award at a luncheon meeting of the Legion's Past Department Commanders' Club, at 1:30 p.m., Mon., Aug. 22, in Ballrooms A & B of Denver's Brown Palace Hotel.
The luncheon will be preceded by a reception at 12:30 p.m. and is in conjunc- tion with the Legion's 59th annual National Convention to be conducted in Denver, Aug. 19-25.
Stack, who has starred in several popular and long-running television series, also starred in one of the pioneer, as well as one of the most successful, police action series in television history, "The Untouchables," which won him an Emmy Award.
He also has an impressive list of motion picture credits, starting with Univer- sal Studio's "First Love," and including "A Date with Judy," "Miss Tatlock's Millions," "Fighter Squadron," "Mr. Music," "The High and the Mighty," and "Written on the Wind." He received an Oscar nomination for the latter performance.
Stack has appeared on numerous prestigious television shows including "Playhouse 90," "Theater Guild Playhouse," and "Celanese Theater."
He played a 73-year-old Sam Houston in David Wolper's "The Honorable Sam Houston," was in Irwin Allen's "Adventures of the Queen Mary," appeared with his wife Rosemary and daughter Elizabeth in "Murder on Flight 502," and starred in the dramatic sus- pense show, "Strange and Deadly Occurrence."
The "Good Guy" Award, initiated in 1970 by the Legion's Past Department Com- manders' Club, is awarded annually "to those whose life is not too crowded to lend a helping hand to others."
First recipient of the award was J. Raymond Bell, vice president of Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. Other winners have been George Jessell, Bob Considine, Jackie Gleason, William Conrad and Lefty Gomez.
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CRIME RESISTANCE
A CONTINUING SERIES IN COOPERATION WITH THE FBI's CRIME RESISTANCE PROGRAM
NOTIFY YOUR POLICE DEPARTMENT
When planning a vacation, call your local law enforcement agency and give them the dates of your departure and return. List the names of friends or members of your family having access to your home in your absence.
-alns- 117 QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION
C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director
HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 0 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811
For release 7-29-77
PITTSBURGH, PA.—(ALNS)—Over half a million dollars has been contributed to date for Sports City, a memorial to the late Pittsburgh Pirates baseball star, Roberto Clemente. The vast sports complex was a dream of Roberto's to provide young people, especially the underprivileged, the opportunity, through sports, to develop the finest human qualities.
When Roberto died tragically in a plane crash on Dec. 31, 1972, enroute to Nicaragua with relief supplies for earthquake victims, his dream survived the twisted fuselage and the pounding surf.
Immediately following his death, simultaneous movements began in Puerto Rico and in the United States to assure the realization of his dream. As a result, the two-hundred acre Sports City was established in Puerto Rico to perpetuate his memory.
A national one-day fund-raising campaign — "A Buck for Roberto's Dream" — will be held on Aug. 14. The campaign is sponsored by the Pittsburgh, Pa., Jaycees. Anyone interested in contributing may send a dollar or more to: A Buck for Roberto's Dream, c/o Pittsburgh Jaycees, P.O. Box 6415, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. According to the Jaycees, the donation is tax-deductible.
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WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—Alan K. Campbell, the newly appointed chairman of the Civil Service Commission, has accepted an invitation to appear before The American Legion's National Economic Commission during the Legion National Convention in Denver, Legion National Commander William J. Rogers announced.
Campbell will address the Commission at 9:30 a.m., on Aug. 20, 1977, in the Denver Room of the Denver Hilton Hotel. The American Legion, through its Economic Commission, has a strong and continuing interest in the matter of veterans preference in federal employment, and it is expected that the thrust of the chairman's remarks will address this issue.
Campbell was appointed to the Civil Service Commission, and named chairman of the Commission by President Carter on May 5, 1977. He has had a distinguished career as an educator, and with both the federal and New York state governments. He has served on the faculties of Hofstra and Harvard Universities, and later served as dean of the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. He was named dean of the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas just prior to being nominated by President Carter for his present post.
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"YOUR AMERICAN LEGION -- IT'S GREAT TO KNOW YOU BELONG" QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION
C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director
HEADQUARTERS IS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 0 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811
For release 7—29—77
WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—In testimony before the Subcommittee for the Civil Service of the House Committee on Post Office and Civil Service regarding H.R. 6225, a bill concerning the rights of executive branch employees to a full hearing after their trial or probation period, Austin Kerby, director for Economics, The American Legion, said, "It does not appear to The American Legion that the pro- posed legislation, namely H.R. 6225, will improve the current appeals system."
The American Legion's testimony pointed out inequities and omissions in the proposed legislation, and made note of the fact that federal employees already have adequate statutory and regulatory rights to protect them.
The American Legion is unalterably opposed to that portion of H.R. 6225 which would eliminate certain appeal rights for preference eligible employees with the Postal Service. Enactment of this legislation, as written, would destroy or eliminate features of the Veterans' Preference Act of 1944, which included these same appeal rights for the veterans' preference employees of the Postal Service.
The testimony continued with an analysis and suggested amendments to change and enhance H.R. 6225. Kerby's testimony concluded by urging that, "If serious consideration is given to H.R. 6225, then the recommended amendments be incor- porated in that legislation."
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INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—Adm. Owen W. Silver, commandant of the United States Coast Guard, will address the National Security Commission of The American Legion on Aug. 20, in the Forum Room of the Executive Tower Inn, Denver, at 10:00 a.m. Adm. Silver will discuss the wartime role of the Coast Guard, as well as the cur- rent mission of maintaining the two-hundred-mile limit recently established to safeguard American fishing rights.
The National Security Commission is the Legion's policy-making group in the national defense and law enforcement areas. Their meeting precedes the Legion's 59th National Convention due to convene the following week.
Other defense notables due to address the Commission on their respective areas of expertise are Bardyl R. Tirana, director of the Defense Civil Preparedness Agency; Paul D. Phillips, deputy assistant secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs; Rear Adm. Ronald J. Hays, director of the Office of Program Appraisal, Department of the Navy, and Maj. Gen. John K. Davis, commanding general of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.
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