The Minnesota American Legion and Auxiliary

LegionnaireVolume 96, Number 3 For God and Country March 2014 Purple Heart Medal return was All women Spam Post 570 old fashioned detective story still only one of its kind By Al Zdon Gretchen Wangen, a Navy It started as a detective veteran of World War II, story, and ended up as a tearful approached the writer from the reunion between a family and a Minnesota Legionnaire with a medal earned when a soldier question. died in Korea. “Do you know the differ- It all began when Mark and ence between a WAVE and a Kristen Kasper bought 27 acres WAC?” of land in Otsego last year and “Sure,” replied the reporter. decided to clean it up and build “A WAVE served in the Navy a new house on it. Cleaning it and the WAC served in the up was not an easy chore. Army.” “There were all these out- “No, that’s not right,” said buildings and sheds just filled Gretchen, a kindly-looking 92- with junk, boxes and more year-old grandmother. “A junk,” Mark said. “We started WAVE looks like this,” moving emptying them out one by her arm and fingers in a friend- one.” ly wave. “And this is a WAC,” The Kaspers filled dozens of she said, while whacking the dumpsters with junk. “The pre- writer across the chest. vious owner liked to go to auc- “Have you always been this tions, and he’d buy these boxes feisty?” said the writer, trying of stuff for $5. I don’t think he George J. Johnson was only 17 when he was Jay Hormel poses with two women from Spam to recover his composure and Continued on Page 15 killed in action in Korea in 1950. Post 570 in 1946 or 1947. Continued on Page 14

Eden National Commander visits a dozen posts Prairie andThe temperature over outside 800 was rarely Legionnaires above zero, but the on his tour junior wins 12 posts National Commander Dan Dellinger visited across southern Minnesota in February all gave him a warm recep- Oratorical tion. Contest Dellinger traveled over 800 miles on the National Commander’s Tour, accompanied by Department Caroline Donaldson is Commander Mike Ash and Department Membership following in her brother’s Director Tom Fernlund. footsteps, and that’s okay “Politics has replaced patriotism in Washington, D.C.,” with her. Dellinger told the Legionnaires along the way. “The Donaldson, 17, won American Legion must stand strong. We must stand up to the 2014 Minnesota Congress and make sure our veterans are taken care of.” American Legion Dellinger, an Army veteran and a native of Virginia, said Oratorical Contest held at he was asked during the federal shutdown this past year if Anoka. The junior home CAROLINE DONALDSON he blamed a certain political party. “I told them, I don’t schooler from Eden blame the left and I don’t blame the right. I blame the Prairie bested six other “It’s going to be quite House, the Senate and the President.” district winners from an honor to represent He pointed to the shutdown of the nation’s memorials in around the state. Minnesota,” she said. Washington as an example of poor thinking. “First of all, Two years ago, her “I’m really looking for- there are no guards at those memorials in the first place. brother, Jack, also won ward to it. It’s so excit- Then they had to rent the fences. Then they had to hire peo- the contest. Jack went on ing.” ple to put up the fences. Then they had to hire guards to to finish third in the Donaldson’s prepared keep the people out. Does any of that make any sense?” National Oratorical topic was “The Dellinger said The American Legion has testified before Contest held in Congress 39 times already this year, and it’s important that Indianapolis. Continued on Page 2 TOURING MINNESOTA -- National Commander Dan Continued on Page 11 Dellinger made a point at St. Peter.

Pvt. Mike Ohnstad was part of an PNC Miller to speak American effort to study effects of the atomic blasts in Japan atPast Ash National Testimonial Commander Harold Pages 6-8 “Butch” Miller will be the keynote speaker at the Testimonial Dinner for Department Commander Mike Ash on Saturday, May 10. Miller, who served as National Commander in 1998-99, is originally From Hinckley to from Wabasha, Minnesota. He later moved to Virginia and Hiroshima Continued on Page 3 PNC BUTCH MILLER Page 2 Minnesota Legionnaire March 2014

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For a free STATE WINNERS -- The four top finishers at the Minnesota American Legion Oratorical Contest posed at Anoka Funeral Pre-planning Cost Analysis & Post 102. From left: Department President Shirley Frederick, Nathaniel Larson, Minneapolis, fourth place; Aaron Consultation, & Review of New Veterans Benefits: Evans, Sartell, second place; Kelly Erpelding, Kasson, third place; Caroline Donaldson, Eden Prairie, first place; Please return this coupon to Purple Cross, 15116 Manitou Rd Department Commander Mike Ash. NE, Prior Lake, MN 55372 or call Jerry Albrecht at 952-226- 6393. Absolutely no obligation! Name:______Address:______DonaldsonContinued from Page 1 wins Oratoricalchildren. “We’re Contest all very active in music, athletics, dance City/State:______Constitution: America’s Grand Symphonic Score.” and other things. We get along really well.” The family Phone:______Birth Date______Comparing it to a great musical composition, she said, attends Bethlehem Baptist in Lakeville. “The Constitution was penned over 200 years ago – rich Second in the contest was Aaron Evans, a senior home and timeless enough to endure these centuries, yet flexible schooler from Sartell. He was sponsored by Sartell Post 277 enough to adapt to the new ideas and circumstances of each and the Sixth District and earned a $1,000 scholarship. era.” Third was Kelly Erpelding, also a senior and also home This past year, Donaldson has been attending schooled, from Kasson. She was sponsored by Kasson Post Northwestern University in St. Paul as part of the post-sec- 333 and the First District and received at $700 scholarship. ondary options plan. She will do the same next year and Erpelding was last year’s state champion. will most likely continue at Northwestern after high school. And in fourth place was Nathaniel Larson, a junior at “I have so many interests, I’m not sure of a major. Right Southwest High School in Minneapolis. He was sponsored now, I’d say music performance.” Donaldson plays the by Wold-Chamberlain Post 99 and the Fifth District and harp. earned a $500 scholarship. She has been doing speaking from an early age. “My Competing earlier in the day but not advancing to the parents have always encouraged me in speech. They say finals were Mackenzie Bade, a senior at Lake Crystal you’ll need to communicate your whole life.” Welcome High School, Second District and Lake Crystal She was involved in the National Christian Forensics Post 294; Auroura Eckberg, sophomore at Detroit Lakes and Communications Association national contests for sev- High School, Ninth District and Detroit Lakes Post 15; and eral years, but now only does the Oratorical contest. “I got Josiah Green, senior at Litchfield High School, Seventh busy with other things at school.” District and Litchfield Post 104. Donaldson is the daughter of John and Lorinda Not able to make it because of the weather were Fourth Donaldson. She represented the 10th District and was spon- District winner Anh Tuah Tong, a junior at Roseville High sored by Wayzata Post 118. School, sponsored by Rosetown Memorial Post 542; and “I like the energy and excitement of speaking. Good the Third District winner, Abigail Carter, a 10th grade home speakers are nervous, but they can overcome it. They can schooler from Hugo, sponsored by Hugo Post 620. use it for their benefit.” Donaldson was the winner of a $1,500 scholarship. She She enjoys running and reading and the culinary arts. will compete in the National Oratorical Contest at “I’m gluten intolerant, and so I have fun figuring out how Indianapolis on April 4-7. She will automatically earn to make bread or other dishes without gluten.” another $1,500 scholarship for participating in the contest, Donaldson says her favorite activity is spending time and another $1,500 for advancing past the first round. The with her friends and family. She is the second oldest of 10 champion will receive $18,000.

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RESORT FOR DISABLED VETERANS, ACTIVE DUTY AND ABLE BODIED VETERANS, DISABLED GENERAL PUBLIC AND FAMILIES. March 2014 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 3 Ash Testimonial set for May 10 Continued from Page 1 sticky rice, salad, fresh long was elected from there. beans with water chesnuts The testimonial will be and dessert. held at the Rosetown The post is located at Memorial Post 542 in 700 W. County Road C. Roseville. Miller is still very active The social will begin at 4 in The American Legion, p.m. with the dinner at 6 and is one of the directors and the program to follow. of Legion College each Al Zdon will be the emcee. year. Ash is a graduate of The event will be hosted Legion College. by the commander’s home Miller was mentored post, Christie Deparcq Post along the way by the late ROLL ’EM -- Ninth District Commander Tom Norgaard, Department President Shirley Frederick, and SAL Commander John Affolter kicked off the tournament. 406 and the Fourth District. National Commander Dan Tickets are $25 per per- Foley, who was also from son and can be obtained Wabasha. Bowling from Connie Anderson, Ash was elected this past 651-483-1597 or through summer at the state conven- Tourney her email: jimandcon- tion at Mahnomen. His [email protected]. theme for the year is better underway in The meal will include communication, and his stuffed turkey, baby red project is Legionville. Moorhead potatoes with rosemary and He is a veteran of the The 67th annual garlic, Korean bulgogi with U.S. Air Force. Minnesota American MIKE ASH Legion Bowling Tournament got underway Legion supports Orange study Saturday, Feb. 22, in PAPERWORK -- Tournament Director John Torma The American Legion has announced its support for logs in a team at the bowling tourney in Moorhead. Moorhead at Sunset Lanes. extending Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits eli- The tourney is sponsored by gibility to veterans who were exposed to aircraft that had Moorhead Post 21. previously sprayed Agent Orange over Vietnam. Over 1,000 bowlers and The Legion’s support is based on a study published Feb. Special Offer over 200 teams are expect- 21 in the scientific journal Environmental Research: "Post- ed to take part in the 2014 • Up to 10% off commission for Veterans Vietnam Military Herbicide Exposures in UC-123 Agent edition of the tourney. Orange Spray Aircraft." The study reports that environmen- Paul Stadsklev, Counselor Realty, Veteran 952-457-4454, [email protected] The tournament will be tal testing of such aircraft revealed traces of dioxin levels held on weekends for the above Department of Defense (DoD) standards for maxi- • Up to 1% savings on closing costs for Veterans next several weeks until mum permissible exposure to poisonous chemicals. Licensed, bonded, insured Rita Brooks, Bell Mortgage, a division of the Bell State Bank & state champions are deter- U.S. Air Force and VA policies do not currently recog- Trust. 612-701-2490, [email protected] mined. Savings reflected as a lender credit at closing. Reduction in origination nize "dried residues" of herbicide and dioxin as harmful. fees and lender paid items may result in increased interest rates.

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Trolling for the Troops is open to disabled veterans or those who recently were deployed. They are teamed up with professional fishermen for a unique outdoor experience. Contact information is in the application above. Page 4 Minnesota Legionnaire March 2014 ing duties, Al “Award-winning Editor” Zdon, for navigating us through the highway abyss, Tom “MC” Fernlund, who did not miss a single introduction (and that wasn’t easy hit- Chaplain’s ting 12 different events in four days). The National COMMANDER’S Commander provided excellent guidance and his aide, Bob Corner COLUMN Renner, was the best of the best. As I write this, the second revitalization (with the help of By National) is about to take place at Richfield Post 435. This same help is available to any post that asks for it – we had Richard Wog By Mike Ash great success in the 4th District, transferring over 100 hold- ing-post members and new members into various 4th Winter is starting to leave us and we can really say this District (and surrounding districts’) posts. was a hard winter. Not. I know for those who read this and As stated by National: “What was once referred to as if you are around my age, or older, maybe a little younger, post revitalization has taken on a larger scope. American you will or can say this is nothing like the old days. My Legion national staff is now teaming up with department, parents were farmers and the winters seemed a lot harder district and post Legionnaires to engage in district revital- back then. More snow, a lot more snow. Just as cold, but The visit by National Commander Dan Dellinger was izations, targeting larger areas consisting of multiple you still had to do the chores and go to school. Like my flawless. Every breakfast, lunch and dinner was very well- Legion posts.” sons would say, “back in the olden days.” attended, the weather cooperated and all attendees showed The National organization sends out letters to zip code My father would hitch up the horses to a trailer, put my that great trait of Minnesota Nice. areas selected by the district, and the district follows up by brother and I in the trailer and off we would go to our little The Commander covered various topics at each stop - he setting up a phone bank of volunteers who take a long country school. We would pick up the neighbor’s kids on hit on the necessity of keeping politicians from backing off weekend to call those individuals written (making it more the way. We had fun and at the same time learned. Don’t on promises made while they are candidates. of a follow-up and less of a cold call). Let’s keep it grow- get me wrong, there were times we couldn’t get to school, This certainly applies as well to our local politicians – ing. but we still found time to study under the watchful eye of seems like when they visit our posts or other meetings, they Attending the Department Oratorical Contest provided our mother. Where am I going with this? When I was a are 200% veteran-friendly and willing to do whatever it some real insight. There were several figures about the low young boy I enjoyed winter more than I do now. Not takes to protect those rights we earned while wearing the number of U.S. citizens who actually understand the con- because of snow, but it is just so long ago. I love to think uniform. However, a glance at some of those “I’m all for stitution (or have read it) and the lack of teaching this most about the past. I also know one cannot dwell on it. One the veteran” legislator’s voting records and you would think important document of our liberties by our schools. The needs to look ahead, not too far, just enough. Question is, veterans don’t even rate as second class citizens. Keep contestants were very well-versed and made great presenta- how far ahead? In today’s world we are all so busy, we them honest and let them know you’ll be watching if they tions – and although all four presented on the same topic, don’t take the time. We are just too busy to think about just get elected. they all applied their own special twists – it was truly inspir- how good we had it. We need to slow down and enjoy what Commander Dellinger also spoke of the recently passed ing. Public speaking is a common fear, but include the lit- we have today and enjoy the love you give to your family; bipartisan budget, which included cutting military retirees tle “extras” such as maintaining eye contact, purposeful then think of the love you receive. It is like the love you under 62 Cost-of-Living Allowances (COLA) by 1% a year hand and body movements and keeping your voice at a con- have for your God and all the love you receive in return. – which could amount to $70,000 for the newest of retirees. stant without the help of a broadcasting system and you Easter will soon be here. Another sign of spring; but it Although a subsequent bill was passed and signed to have some very special individuals. is more than that. Lent starts March 5th. A lot of people remove this attempt to help balance the budget on the backs And finally, an update on Legionville, my project for the give up things for those seven weeks. I think about what of veterans, what remains is that it will apply to those mili- year. The roughing-in of electric and plumbing continues in our God gave to each and every one of us. Why did God do tary members who join the service after January 1, 2014 – the new education building. It will be followed in March this for each of us? Because our God is a loving and for- we will continue to fight for it total removal. and April with sheet rocking and taping. In May, we will do giving God. He had his only son to die for us and our sins. He also talked about the recent study concerning paint and trim. How does one receive this forgiveness? There are many TBI/PTSD (Traumatic Brain Injury/Post Traumatic Stress I hope to have some positive plans for a formal ribbon ways, but I find it through prayer. Sunday in church I was Disorder) released by the National organization called “The cutting and building dedication in early summer. Minnesota thinking about prayer and what it is; what does it mean to War Within” – he urged anyone with either of these mal- Military Radio would like to do a show from Legionville pray unceasingly? adies to get online to www.legion.org and take a short sur- when we have the ribbon cutting. Keep an eye out for the We wonder how it can be possible. Praying is actually vey. The report was shared with the DOD and VA. A spe- latest happenings in the camp. the only thing we can do no matter where we are, what we cial thanks to Tom “Cornfield” Conway for accepting driv- are doing or who we are with. Just take some time to look back on your life and see how He has always been near. I know you veterans know what I’m talking about. He The American Legion recognizes that there is still much always helps through the good and the bad. This awareness work to be done in many of these areas, and the bill still will instill an attitude of joy and peace, knowing we are Veterans Affairs needs to pass the Senate, then the House. If signed into law, never out of His watchful care. the Legion will start working closely with VA on imple- Joyfully share your life with its troubles and triumphs and Rehabilitation mentation strategies. There will undoubtedly be a lot of with your God to be certain that it will bring all things to controversy surrounding a bill of this magnitude, and one of their rightful conclusion. I read a quote about praying. The By the questions will be how this bill gets paid for. Sen. Bernie author is unknown and I’m not going to take credit for it, Tom Newman Sanders, I-Vt. (who introduced S.1950) has suggested that but it carries a lot of truth. “If you only pray when you’re money currently used to fund overseas deployment activi- in trouble -- you’re in trouble.” I think what it is saying is to pray not just for yourself, but for others as well. I’d like to tell you about a significant piece of federal ties will no longer be needed as the United States withdraws There are a lot of our men and women serving today, vet- legislation which, if passed, could be among the most com- from the Middle East, and that monies previously budgeted erans and the families of those serving. Families left behind prehensive in affecting Veteran benefits than any other ever for can now be diverted toward caring for veterans. This is without their loved ones. Pray for them. Pray for our lead- passed over the past 40 years. One portion of the legisla- a controversial recommendation, and we are waiting until ers, that someday we can live in peace and harmony. tion I’m referring to is titled – “The Comprehensive the Senate and House reconvene to see how that will ulti- Also pray and express your gratitude for what we have Veterans Health and Benefits and Military Retirement Pay mately play out. Finally – this bill addresses several high today, to not take it for granted. I want to leave you with Restoration Act of 2014” (S.1950/S.1982). priority issues for The American Legion, like repealing the this quote by C.S. Lewis, “Isn’t it funny how day by day Here’s a good overview of the legislation which includes 1 percent retiree COLA provision, funding the stalled nothing changes, but when you look back everything is dif- some additional insight as provided by The American CBOCs for the VA, increasing access to health care for vet- ferent.” Legion National Legislative Commission. Sen. Sanders erans at VA, employment and education fixes, and other For God and Country. chairs the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs and he’s programs that are important to us. authored this particular legislation. Sanders participated in Sen. Sanders describes comprehensive Veteran legisla- a terrific video where he can be seen describing this legis- tion: lation. I’ve included this and several other web links below. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36BXXHnEzjM&fe It should be noted that The American Legion supports ature=youtu.be The Minnesota passage of the Comprehensive Veterans Health and Benefits Sen. Sanders Fights for Veterans and Military Retirees: and Military Retirement Pay Restoration Act of 2014. The http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36BXXHnEzjM&fe Official PublicationLegionnaire of and Owned Exclusively by The American Legion, Department of Minnesota bill contains 135 provisions (separate bills that have been ature=youtu.be combined into one vehicle). There are provisions that we Al Zdon, Editor support because we had something to do with writing them, [email protected] First published in 1920 as the Hennepin County Legionnaire, and some provisions we aren’t too crazy about. But the pro- the Minnesota Legionnaire is now in its 95th year of publica- visions that we wouldn’t otherwise endorse, like the estab- tion. It is published monthly by The American Legion, lishment of different studies and commissions, aren’t egre- Department of Minnesota, Room 300A, 20 West 12th Street, gious enough to be deal-breakers. The provisions we sup- Mail Call St. Paul, MN 55155-2000. Periodicals postage is paid at St. port are very powerful and many of them were written with No-line bifocals Paul, MN, and at additional mailing offices. The Legionnaire To the Editor: is a member of the Minnesota Newspaper Association and our guidance and assistance. Some of the provisions (with the National American Legion Press Association. section numbers) we are specifically interested in seeing I'm a member of the Minnesota American Legion and also I am fortunate to have access to the VA health system. SUBSCRIPTION: $10 for non-members. Members receive enacted are: the Legionnaire as part of their dues. I have been happy with the care until they started cutting 201 – Require schools that participate in the GI Bill pro- PHONE: 651-291-1800, 866-259-9163, FAX: 651-291-1057 gram to offer in-state tuition to veterans. the health care which I came to expect. Recently I received POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The American 325 – Require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) a letter telling me they will no longer provide no line lens- Legion, 20 W. 12th Street, St. Paul, MN, 55155-2000. (USPS to report infectious disease outbreaks to local authorities. es on new prescription lens. I couldn’t believe it but fig- No. 013-679.) (ISSN No. 1644270) 327 – Improve rural healthcare access for veterans. ured, oh, that's the government for you. I had a eye prob- ADVERTISING RATES: Contact Al Zdon, 651-291-1800 328 – Improve the VA telemedicine program. lem and had to go to the VA in Orlando and I made a com- E-MAIL: [email protected] 331 – Support for alternative medicines at VA. ment about no-line bifocals and, guess what, the Orlando WEBSITE: www.mnlegion.org President Mike 362 – Increased support for Sexual Trauma victims. operation still does offer them, and they told me if the BOARD OF PUBLICATION MEMBERS: Minneapolis VA is not, it is because they simply wanted to Ash, St. Paul; Vice President, Bob Locker, Fridley; Secretary 381 – Immediate authorization for the group of Randy Tesdahl, St. Francis; Treasurer, Richard Horn, Community Based Outreach Clinics (CBOCs) that are cur- reduce cost and signed a contract with providers which is Melrose. Board Members include: Don Amundson, Blue rently unfunded due to Congressional Budget Office scor- not benefical to the veterans they work with. Earth; Bob Locker, Fridley; Clinton Burt, Slayton; Joe Bayer, ing conflicts. Thanks VA for the care. I hope you get a nice raise for Minneapolis; Pat Logan, Bloomington; Virgil Persing, 401 – Extend the Veterans Retraining Assistance reducing cost. Columbia Heights; Shirley Frederick, Hackensack; Chris Program (VRAP). Roger Lippold Ronning, Maple Grove. March 2014 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 5

What’s Happeninsecurity features. New users of theg VA will be the first to get Richfield Bake Sale the cards, and then in April the VA will attempt to get new There will be a bake sale, craft booths and merchant ven- Family Rally cards to all card holders. More information is available at The next membership rally will be the Family dors on Sunday, April 27, at the Richfield Post 435 from 9 va.gov/healthbenefits/vhic. a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be door prize drawings every hour. Appreciation Rally at Richfield Post 435 on Saturday, The post is located at 6501 Portland Avenue South in March 8. Turn in will be from 3-4:30 p.m. with a plated din- Richfield. Rochester Convention ner at 5 with the program to follow. The rally will be pre- This year’s Department of Minnesota Convention for ceded by a Department Executive Committee meeting at 1 Legion and Auxiliary will be held at Rochester from July p.m. Veterans Day on the Hill 17-19. Housing will be available at the Kahler Grand Hotel The annual Veterans Day on the Hill will be Monday, and the Kahler Inn and Suites. More information will be March 17, at the Rotunda of the Minnesota State Capitol in forthcoming in future Legionnaires. Round Tables for March St. Paul. A session will be held in the Capitol and veterans The Rochester Veterans Round Table will feature “The can then visit their respective legislators. Times have not International Red Cross” with Melanie Tschida, Gail yet been set. The event is sponsored by the Commander’s No-Tap Tournament Vukov, Barbara Boyer and the Canteen Radio Theater. Task Force, the state CVSOs and others. The American Legion No-Tap Mixed Doubles Bowling Refreshments are courtesy of the Red Cross. The program Tournament will be held Friday and Saturday, March 21 and is at 7 at the Rochester Assembly of God Church with a $5 22, at the Bemidji Bowl. Cost is $35 per person and donation. SAH Grants Available includes the bowling, a walleye dinner, and prizes. For a The Fort Snelling History Round Table will have two Specially Adapted Housing grant program is available registration form, please contact 218-444-3821. The tour- programs in March. On March 13, “Operation Cobra, the for veterans who have service-connected disabilities that ney is sponsored by Bemidji Post 14. Breakout from Normandy” will be held. The featured affect their mobility. The SAH grants are available through speaker will be Jim Carafano, author of After D-Day. There the VA for modifying houses to create a barrier free envi- will also be combat veterans from the battle. ronment. More information is available online at http://ben- St. Could VA Home Care On March 27, “The War in China, The Overlooked efits.va.gov. The St. Cloud VA is expanding home-based primary care services for veterans in central Minnesota. A nurse practi- Struggle in Asia” will be held featuring Al Lathrop, Ted tioner is making house calls in the Glencoe and Willmar Farmer and John McLaughlin and veterans of the theater. Pope County Expo areas. For more information, contact your local county vet- Programs begin at 7 p.m. at the Fort Snelling History The Pope County Community Expo will be held erans service officer. Center. Admission is $5, free for students. Saturday, April 5, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Minnewaska Area High School in Glenwood. There will be The St. Croix Valley Civil War Round Table will feature displays from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, 9/11, and the Insurance for IRR vets “Northern vs. Southern Armaments” with Bernie and Bruce war on terror. There will be a half-sized replica of the Service members who have been recently assigned to the Paulson. The dinner meeting will be held at the Lowell Inn Vietnam Wall in Washington. Different seminars on com- Individual Ready Reserves should know that their in Stillwater. For more information, call Steve Anderson, at munity topics will be held throughout the day. Servicemembers Group Life Insurance coverage will end in 715-386-1268. 120 days. Other insurance is available through Veterans Group Life Insurance. Please go to benefits.va.gov/insur- St. Paul Park Buffet ance/apply-for-VGLI.asp. Trolling for the Troops The St. Paul Park Post 98 Auxiliary Buffet Breakfast will The annual Trolling for the Troops event will be held be held on Sunday, March 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30. There Thursday and Friday, June 5-6, at Camp Ripley. Fishing will be eggs, sausage and bacon, two types of potatoes and History Theater Productions will be done at Lake Mille Lacs and the Mississippi River. more. Ages 11 and up, the cost is $8. From four to 10, $6. “Lonely Soldiers: Women at War in Iraq” will be fea- Those eligible are disabled veterans and recently The post is at 328 Broadway Ave. in St. Paul Park. tured at the Minnesota History Theater in St. Paul. It will be deployed soldiers. They will be matched with fishing pro- shown concurrent with Tim O’Brien’s “The Things They fessionals on their boats. An application form is available Carried.” Group and individual tickets are available. The on Page 3 of this issue of the Legionnaire, or by going to New VA ID cards plays will be performed from March 16 to April 6. For more mnlegion.org. The Facebook address is The VA has announced a rollout of new secure Veteran information, call 651-292-4320. Health Identification Cards. The new cards have additional facebook.com/trollingforthetroops.

TapsSmith, Dr. Vernon D ., 96, veteran of three branches of 267. Bjerken, Gordon, 80, Navy veteran of the Korean War, service in World War II, died Jan. 29, 2014. He was a mem- Nadeau, Roy Anthony, 78, Army veteran of the Korean died Jan. 27, 2014. He was a member of Thief River Falls ber of Hopkins Post 320. War, died Jan. 17, 2014. He spent 37 years in the Army Post 117. Prodger, James A., 90, Navy veteran of World War II, Reserve and was a sergeant major. He was a member of Fenske, Harold A., 87, Navy veteran of World War II, died Jan. 6, 2014. He was a gunnery instructor on the USS Pine City Post 51. died Jan. 8, 2014. He was a member of New Ulm Post 132. Wyoming. He was a past commander of Rosetown Swanke, William, 97, Army Air Corps veteran of World Mammenga, Donald, 73, Navy veteran of the Vietnam Memorial Post 542. War II, died Jan. 25, 2014. He served in the China-Burma- War, died Jan. 12, 2014. He was a member of New Ulm Baker, Walter R. Jr., 90, Army veteran of World War II, India Theater. He was a member of Wheaton Post 80. Post 132. died Feb. 15, 2014. He was a member of Park Rapids Post Kretsch, Melvin “Abie,” 93, Army veteran of World Davidson, William C., 91, Navy veteran of World War 212. War II, died Jan. 22, 2014. He served in the 87th Mountain II, died Jan. 14, 2014. He was a member of New Ulm Post Norine, Reuben, 90, Army Air Corps veteran of World Regiment in North Africa and Italy and earned a Bronze 132. War II, died Feb. 8, 2014. He served in the Fifth Air Force Star. He was a member of Wabasso Post 263. Rosenbloom, Noah S., 89, Navy veteran of World War including time with the occupation forces on Hokkaide Hart, Homer Harry, Jr., 86, Army veteran of World II, died Jan. 15, 2014. He served in the Naval Reserve. He Island in Japan. He was a member of Litchfield Post 104. War II, died Jan. 30, 2014. He was a member of Keewatin was a member of New Ulm Post 132. Dietz, Mike I.W., 87, Army veteran of World War II, Post 452. Pagel, Delbert H., 87, Army veteran of World War II, died Feb. 5, 2014. He served in the European campaign. He Vieregge, Russell E., 84, Army veteran of the Korean died Jan. 20, 2014. He was a member of New Ulm Post 132. was a member of Hamel Post 394. War, died Jan. 25, 2014. He was a member of Windom Post Havemeier, Willis, 92, Army veteran of World War II, Bolstad, Richard Carver, 87, Navy veteran of World 206. died Feb. 5, 2014. He was a member of New Ulm Post 132. War II, died Feb. 5, 2014. He served on Underwater Christensen, Philip Arthur, 73, Army veteran of the Marti, Kenneth, 68, Army veteran of the Vietnam War, Demolition Team 26 on the USS Ranier (AE5) and LST Vietnam War, died Jan. 20, 2014. He served in Alaska. He died Jan. 30, 2014. He was a member of New Ulm Post 132. 1140. He was radioman third class. He was a member of was a member of Windom Post 206. Grothem, Juel, 91, Army veteran of World War II, died Willmar Post 167. Bjugan, Oraine Eugene “Ole,” 83, Air Force veteran of Feb. 9, 2014. He was a member of New Ulm Post 132. Chopski, Joseph “Jerry,” 89, Army veteran of World the Korean War, died Jan. 30, 2014. He served in Texas, Gedde, Raymond W., 89, Army veteran of World War War II, died Jan. 1, 2014. He was a member of Austin Post England and California. He was a member of Pine Island II, died Feb. 8, 2014. He was a member of Pillager Post 100. 91 and served on the funeral escort. Post 184. Brown, Max E., 82, Navy veteran of the Korean War, Sorensen, Floyd Dale, 86, Navy veteran of World War died Jan. 6, 2014. He was a member of Austin Post 91. II, died Jan. 4, 2014. He was a member of Hayfield Post 52. Obituary policy Pesch, Lyle, 81, Army veteran of the Korean War, died Schutt, Jerry E., 67, Marine Corps veteran of the Obituaries of members of the Legion Family will be Jan. 27, 2014. He was a member of Minneota Post 199. Vietnam War, died Jan. 24, 2014. He was a member of Pine published in the Minnesota Legionnaire in a monthly col- Johnson, Norman, 67, Army veteran of the Vietnam Island Post 184. umn under the heading “Taps.” War, died Jan. 27, 2014. He was a member of Minneota Kuns, Richard, 78, Army veteran of the Korean War, Obituaries must be recent, within the last two months Post 199. died Jan. 10, 2014. He was a past commander of prior to the publication of the new edition of the McRea, Willmert, 92, Marine Corps veteran of World Hackensack Post 202. Legionnaire. For example, the February edition would only War II, died Jan. 4, 2014. He served in the South Pacific. He Pearson, Allan E., 86, Air Force veteran of World War contain obituaries from January and December. was a past commander of Blue Earth Post 89 and a past II, died Jan. 21, 2014. He was a member of Park Rapids While the obituaries are brief, the Legionnaire does seek county commander. Post 212. certain information for our readers: Grobel, Lloyd W., 77, Navy veteran of the Vietnam Janke, Roger, Army veteran of the Korean War, died 1. Complete name of deceased. War, died Jan. 26, 2014. He was a member of the Jan. 19, 2014. He was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne. 2. Age at death. Chanhassen Post 580. He was a member of Brownton Post 143. 3. Branch of service and war or wars the veteran served in. Makowsky, William A., 73, Army veteran of the Klein, Jon William, 65, Marine Corps veteran of the 4. Exact date of death. Vietnam War, died Jan. 19, 2014. He was a member of Vietnam War, died Jan. 10, 2014. He served in Vietnam. He 5. Additional information about the veteran’s service Silver Lake Post 141. was a member of Alexandria Post 87. background including unit, type of service, place of service, Cheesman, William, 95, Army and National Guard vet- Hassell, Reuben D., 90, Army Air Corps veteran of medals, etc. eran of World War II, died Feb. 4, 2014. He served in World War II, died Jan. 16, 2014. He was a member of 6. The post, unit or squadron the deceased belonged to. Tunesia, Naples and the Po Valley. He was a member of Staples Post 70. 7. Additional information about Legion service includ- Little Falls Post 46. Surerus, Milton E., 76, Army veteran of the Vietnam ing officer posts held. Bruns, Dick R., 83, Army veteran of the Korean War, War, died Jan. 17, 2014. He was a member of Raymond The Legionnaire reserves the right to edit all obituaries died Feb. 4, 2014. He was a member of Walnut Grove Post Post 420. for style and brevity. Page 6 Minnesota Legionnaire March 2014

Michas Ohnstad had no idea when he was drafted in 1945 that he would soon be working with From Hinckley the first U.S. medical team to investigate the effects of the atomic bomb on the people of Japan. toBy Al Zdon Hiroshima“The Philippine campaign was over with, and the leader- ship was sorting out what to do. We were told in the field hen America dropped the two atomic bombs on that the next move would be to invade Japan. We were Japan in August 1945, it was the first time – regrouping for what was next. and so far the last time — such a terrible “They told us that if we did invade Japan, there would be weaponW had been used. a million casualties. Then what happened on Aug. 6th and In a matter of seconds, between 90,000 and 160,000 peo- 9th turned all that around.” ple were killed in Hiroshima. What happened was the use of the world’s first two Both the U.S. and the Japanese wanted to know what the atomic bombs, first at Hiroshima and three days later at effect of the bomb was at ground zero. Radiation was little Nagasaki. “Our initial reaction was generalized relief. We understood at the time. In particular, they wanted to know wouldn’t have to invade Japan. Our hope was that the war how the most destructive weapon ever conceived affected would end. But until Japan surrendered, who knew what the people who lived in and near Hiroshima. would happen.” And so, in September, 1945, only weeks after the bomb On August 14, western Pacific time, Japan did in fact was dropped, a team of American and Japanese doctors was surrender. “I don’t know anyone who wasn’t relieved.” It sent to ground zero to do scientific research on the sur- was also Ohnstad’s 19th birthday. vivors. Days later, Ohnstad was on a troop ship to Japan. He was For nearly four months, they labored in a bombed-dam- now assigned to the First Cavalry Division, and was on aged hospital right in the devastated city. temporary duty to McArthur’s headquarters. The ship As the project began, people were needed to help the docked at Yokohama. doctors. In Yokohama, a 19-year-old soldier who had never On Sept. 2, Ohnstad and a sergeant were sent on tempo- seen combat was plucked from the headquarters staff. It rary duty to Hiroshima. “I don’t know why I was picked, was probably because his service jacket showed he had unless it was because I had studied shorthand and office learned shorthand and other clerical skills in high school. procedures in high school.” On Sept. 2, 1945, orders were cut to send one Private The two were flown from Yokohama to Hiroshima. “I Michas Ohnstad, a native of Hinckley, Minnesota, to tem- think it was a C-46. I know we had a Jeep on board, and we porary duty in Hiroshima to serve with the Joint had plenty of D-rations. I was just along for the ride. Commission for the Investigation of the Effects of the Looking back, you might think I knew what was going on, Atomic Bombs. but I knew nothing.” The plane first landed at the wrong field. “The airstrip uuuuuuu was too short for a takeoff, but we took off anyway. Every one of us lads was down on the floorboard of the plane Mike Ohnstad grew up on a farm outside of Hinckley. hanging on.” into the Joint Commission. “Everybody was a farmer in those days, that’s how you sur- The transport finally landed in the right place, and Ohnstad found he was an assistant to the American and vived. Everyone was poor, and most of us didn’t realize it.” Ohnstad found he was assigned to one of three American Japanese doctors and nurses who were studying the effects Born in 1926, he first attended a one-room school house military groups which were assembling to determine the of the blast. “We ate, slept and worked on site. Our group about three miles from his home. “There were no buses. medical and other results of the atomic bomb. There were was off limits to any other American or Allied service peo- You got to where you were going by your feet. And it was also two Japanese groups studying the effects. Ohnstad ple.” just like the old joke: It was uphill both directions.” recalls that the military group was being called the Atomic The group was supported by the two GIs, by a small After seven grades at the schoolhouse, Ohnstad moved Bomb Commission. group of Japanese nurses, and by two cooks, who had on to Hinckley High School, and after eighth grade, he was On Oct. 12, General MacArthur combined all the groups recently been serving as soldiers in the Japanese army. able to take a bus. “There was no football or sports or band for me. Country kids went home after school.” He graduat- ed from Hinckley High School in 1944. Ohnstad’s mother was a first-generation Swedish immi- grant and his father was a second-generation Norwegian settler. They attended, when they could, the Lutheran Church at Cloverdale. Meanwhile, World War II was raging in Europe and in the Pacific. “It wasn’t as easy to follow the news in those days. Mainly, you paid attention to announcements that another Hinckley lad was killed. Hinckley and Pine County suffered a lot of casualties.” He knew at some point he would be part of that war. “All of us at that age knew we would be drafted. I didn’t antici- pate it with eagerness or regret. I just knew the time would come. Nobody liked to go to war, but everybody knew they had to do their share, and they did.” In January of 1945, eight months after graduation, Ohnstad received his greetings from Uncle Sam. “They gave me an option of the Marines, the Army or the Navy. It blew my mind. I didn’t know I had an option. But I was pretty ambivalent about it, and I just went with the Army. Later I wished I’d joined the Marines.” Ohnstad reported to Fort Snelling and was sent to Jefferson Barracks in Missouri for assignment, and then to Fort Knox, Kentucky, for basic training. By the middle of May, he was ready to join the war effort. “It was a time of great turmoil. Roosevelt had died, and the whole country was going through a big transition.” By July, he was on a troop ship headed out into the Pacific. It took 21 days to reach the Philippines. “We zig- zagged all the way across the ocean.” After arriving in Manila, he was sent to join the 43rd MICHAS OHNSTAD MICHAS OHNSTAD Infantry Division in a field artillery battalion on Luzon. At home in North Branch As a private in World War II March 2014 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 7 “One of the cooks had lost his wife and two daughters in the war. He was an army sergeant and a combat veteran, but there wasn’t one ounce of hostility towards us. There’s a mystery in the human personality. There was no animosity with the Japanese people. They were a captured people. They had surrendered, and now they were moving on with life.” The scene at Hiroshima was staggering. “It was total devastation, and way beyond what I imagined it would look like. They told us nothing would grow there for a hundred years, but here and there the grass was greening up again. Life was trying to start again.”

ooking back, Ohnstad said that written records sometimes indicate the Joint Commission people were able to determine the amount of radiation theyL were experiencing. “It’s just not true. We had no dosimeters. None of us. We had no idea about the radia- tion.” They did know that radiation was dangerous. “There was an absolute uncertainty about what it was or what it did. But you’d have to be pretty dull not to pick up that it was dan- gerous. That didn’t make us heroes. This was just another wartime mission. We knew there was a risk factor.” The group lived and worked at Ujina Hospital. “A doc- The Genbaku Dome, at rear left, later the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, was photographed by Ohnstad in 1945. tor and I did medical evaluations. They did autopsies on the The dome was near the epicenter of the bomb that was dropped on Aug. 6, 1945. deceased civilians. It was my job to take notes on what the doctors were finding. I was also involved with interviewing the Japanese survivors. “I remember one Japanese lady came in and she seemed pretty normal. But then she took off her head scarf, and I could see that her hair was just starting to grow back out again. It was just like a cancer patient who’s had radiation.” “You could also see the effects of the blast on people’s clothing. Certain colors were more damaged than others. We didn’t understand why.” “And, of course, some of the patients died. Conditions were very primitive.” Ohnstad said the American and Japanese doctors worked well together. “I would listen to their conversations. They would determine who was going to do the autopsy. It was a learning process of working together.” The doctors kept sections of body parts so that the effects of the blast, the heat and the radiation could be stud- ied. “The burns depended on the proximity of the person to the blast. But all of them had some radiation conse- Japanese Red Cross nurses supported the Joint Commission at Hiroshima. From left: Miss Touruka, quences.” Two Japanese soldiers, Okabe and Oonishi, were the Miss Nishimura, Miss Ada, and Miss Moki. The American doctors and the Japanese doctors were all cooks for the Joint Commission. Okabe’s wife and two leaders in their fields and came from major universities. daughters were killed by the atomic bomb. Doctor Averill Liebow from Yale University was one of the top lung specialists in the world, and later had a disease named after him. Doctors came from Duke, Cornell, the University of Texas, the University of Southern California and others. Dr. Tsuzuki Masao, on the Japanese team, was that nation’s leading expert on radiation. “There was a high professional level on both sides, sci- entists you might say.” As Ohnstad talks about those days in Hiroshima, his voice begins to tremble. “It wasn’t a job. I was doing what I had to do. As I look back, it was part of the history of the human family. It was too intense for a 19-year-old lad to experience – to see the damage of war at its worst. “I never looked for divine intervention, I had my faith. I Ohnstad received a Christmas card from one of the A small cup that Ohnstad salvaged from the ruins is was just doing what soldiers have to do. In my case, it was Japanese doctors working on the project. It is signed: still in his possession. The cup shows the burns and carrying body parts around.” Dr. Zen-ichiro Ishii, Pathology Department, Tokyo blistering from the bomb. Ohnstad worked at it for over three months, taking notes, Imperial University. doing questionnaires with survivors, carrying human organs around for the doctors to examine. Just after the first of the year, the team’s work came to a close. The Joint Commission would be replaced in a few months by the Atomic Bomb Casualty Commission, an agency that would study the effect of the bomb on people for many years. Ohnstad was sent back to MacArthur’s headquarters staff in Tokyo. His job was somewhat less dramatic than studying the effects of the atomic bomb. He spent his days spraying Japanese civilians with DDT to kill the lice that were rampant in Japan following the surrender. “We didn’t do it to protect the Japanese, we did it to pro- tect our troops from typhus. But the Japanese would line up in long lines to get sprayed. Of course, nobody knew much about DDT in those days except it would kill the lice.” Later, Ohnstad starting doing more clerical type work in the Dai-Ichi Building in downtown Tokyo, where MacArthur ruled the occupied nation. “I would see MacArthur almost every day, although we never talked. I think I might have said good morning to him. I could kick myself for never having tried to get his auto- graph.” Ohnstad knows that MacArthur’s career had its ups and downs, but at that time in Tokyo, he was greatly respected by both sides. “I was just a 19-year-old, and I was impressed in every respect. The Japanese people also admired him. For one thing he was punctual to the minute. The people would know when he was coming out of the building, and they would wait until he came out, and then bow in respect to him until he got in his car.” “He was the conqueror, but the Japanese people loved him. Page 8 Minnesota Legionnaire March 2014 “It was a massive occupation, but the way we did it was a tribute to MacArthur and a tribute to the United States. We came as a conquering nation, but we didn’t treat them like a conquered people. We respected the people. MacArthur was a gentle man.” Later, in Korea, MacArthur was relieved of command when he disagreed with President Truman about how to pursue the war. MacArthur wanted to aggressively attack the North Koreans and Chinese, while the president was seeking peace. “History may have proved his point,” Ohnstad said. “We’re not done with Korea yet. McArthur had a brilliant mind, and people need to read his biography.”

y January, 1947, Ohnstad had enough points to be sent home. He had spent two years and 11 days in the Army, most of it in Japan. BHe returned to Minnesota and earned several degrees including a bachelor’s in pre-seminary training at an Illinois college. He then went into seminary training at Lutheran Theological Seminary in St. Paul. He was ordained in 1956. He traveled to Halifax to do mission development, and then took a pastoral position at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Stacy. He studied in Sweden, and became a chaplain at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Ohnstad purchased cameras in Japan and took these photographs of the destruction himself. From 1978 to 1988, he was the American Legion Department Rehabilitation Director. He served on the board of the Minnesota Veterans Homes. In 1990-91 he was named American Legion National Chaplain by National Commander Bob Turner. “The Legion was a big part of my life, and I support what the Legion does.” Ohnstad also served in the Minnesota Legislature for one term. He and his wife, Alma, have been married for 45 years, and they live in North Branch. Looking back at those days in Hiroshima, Ohnstad said he has been surprised that almost all the historical records on line only indicate an American presence beginning in 1946. “We were there first, and we were the only ones there at that time. We evaluated the consequences on the civilian population of Hiroshima. That story isn’t being told. Those were the hero doctors. They were the historic doctors.” A river winds its way through the devastation. The dome is reflected by a river or canal.

Sons of The Entries sought for 2015 Legion calendar American Legion The sixth annual Minnesota American Legion Photo grandfather in World War I. Calendar Contest is now underway. 2. Photos may be entered by mailing them to the By Again this year, the contest will call for photographs that Department: Room 300A, 20 West 12th Street, St. Paul, John W. Affolter veterans shot while they were in the service. MN 55155. Or emailing to [email protected]. Again, Entries will be due by July 1, and the 12 winners will do not send original photographs. Photos will not be have their photo printed in the annual state Legion calendar. returned. Please mark the outside of the envelope or the I attended 10 of the 12 stops The American Legion There will also be cash prizes for the photos judged to be subject line as “Photo Contest.” National Commander made: Pipestone, Granite Falls, the top three winners. 3. Entries will be judged not only on the unique quality Redwood Falls, Olivia, St. Peter, Chanhassen, Elk River, Top prize will be $250, second prize will be $150 and and interest in the photo, but also by its technical merit. Minneapolis 1, North Branch, and Rosetown. I was third prize will be $100. 4. All entries must be postmarked by June 30, 2014, or impressed with the SAL turnout at these stops and their The winning photograph will be on the cover of the cal- have been emailed by July 1, 2014. activities. Feb 14, I attended the Valentine’s Day visit with endar. 5. All photos must be original and copyright free and be the patients of the St Cloud VA hospital (Detachment VC There is no restriction on the type of photo that is sub- available to be printed in the calendar without legal encum- 4/5 Bruce Kuiper represented the SAL at the Mpls VA); mitted. It can be a group shot, a scenery shot, a view of berment. Then Feb 15 the re-scheduled 7th District mid-winter at everyday life, or even an action/combat photo. Entrants can 6. All entries must contain as much relevant data as pos- Browns Valley Squadron 58 and On Feb. 22th the 67th submit up to three photos. sible, such as who, what, where and when. If there’s a story Annual Minnesota State American Legion Family Bowling Please do not send originals. Scan or reprint the photos that goes with the photo, please send it along. Tournament at Sunset Lanes in Moorhead. I’m glad to trav- before submitting. Photos will not be returned. 7. Photographs may be from any war era. el where needed to represent the Sons of the American Resolution on photos submitted electronically should be 8. The limit per person is three photographs. Legion. at least 200 dpi. 9. Those submitting must include their name, which Our Detachment (state) Spring Conference is March 14- Legion organization they belong to, their Legion, Auxiliary 15 at Eagle Lake Squadron 617 - 100 N 3rd St. Eagle Lake, Here are the rules: or SAL ID number, their address, and their contact infor- hosted by Waseca Squadron 228. (Registration $10 at the 1. All photos must have been taken while the veteran was mation including phone or email. door). SAL National Vice Commander (Central) Randy serving in the Armed Forces. Family members can submit 10. The person who took the photo should be identified Eicher of Ohio is planning to be in attendance. Please make photos from an immediate family member, as long as the by name, rank, unit, and any other information that is avail- plans on attending. Friday evening Finance (7 p.m.) and person submitting is a current member of the Legion, able. Executive (8 p.m.) Committees meet with full Detachment Auxiliary or Sons of the American Legion. For instance, a Any questions, please call Al Zdon at 651-291-1800 or at 9 a.m. on Saturday. Also, for Friday evening, the Legion Family member can submit a photo taken by a 1-866-259-9163. Or email: [email protected]. squadron will have hamburger and fish baskets available, not a fish fry. Contact [email protected] to let him know the number of attendees from your squadron and for info. Also, remember to have your officers and com- mittee reports in to Douglas Bible [email protected] by March 7. A number of hotels in Mankato are available (Please ask for the state SAL Conference rate) Quality Inn 507-388-5107 $80.00; Holiday Inn Express 507-388- 1880 $89/99; Fairfield Inn 507-386-1220 $129; Country Inn and Suites 507-388-8555 $125. Please consider hosting a future Spring Conference. We need bids for 2015+. I encourage all Legionnaires and others eligible to be a “son” to join us. We hope to exceed 11,000 members for 2014 (we ended 2013 with 10,756). We are currently have 8,609 as of Feb 18 at 80.039% in 11th place nationally, 2nd in the 1st place central region (Mar 12 goal is 80%). Send in your memberships now or bring to the Mar 8 member- ship rally at Richfield & Spring Conference especially reach out to our 3,000+ un-renewed last year’s members. Legionville is my Commanders Project. Use the Brick Paver program to contribute if you can, otherwise any con- tribution will be accepted. Please pass this on to those who may not receive the Legionnaire. Visit our website http://mnsal.org hosted by our webmaster Allen Amundson often for updated info on all SAL activities. We can have fun and get the job done! A photo submitted by Kathleen Hagemeister of Princeton is in this year’s Minnesota Legion calendar. March 2014 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 9

Membership Director Tom Fernlund emceed the Waite Park rally.

Department Vice Commander Denise Milton presented certificates to Eighth District Commander Jerry St. Michel as Ninth District Commander Tom Norgaard and Tenth District Commander Dick Juhl look on.

Commander Mike Ash talked about the impor- Sweetheart Rally tance of communication. atThe Ninth Waite District ran away with the ParkA second challenge is the social aspect. honors at the Sweetheart Rally in Waite “These students are usually older than the Park in February. usual college student, and they need a dif- The district came in first in both the ferent social atmosphere. Auxiliary and the Legion totals for per- The third challenge is aligning the edu- centage of membership goal. cational effort toward getting a job in the For the Legion, the Ninth reached 90.91 real world. percent for the rally, about seven-tenths of And the fourth challenge is trying to a point ahead of the Sixth District. make the returning veteran’s military train- For the Auxiliary, the Roaring Ninth ing transfer to the civilian work force. achieved 87.3 percent, almost two percent- “They need to get credits for what they President Shirley age points ahead of the Second District. know,” Coleman said. St. Cloud State University Veterans Resource Center Frederick talked about For the SAL, the Sixth District was first Commander Mike Ash told the rally that Director Monique Coleman was the guest speaker. her projects for the year. at percentage of goal with 77.52 percent. communication with the local press is a The rally featured a speaker, Monique major challenge for The American Legion. Coleman, director of the Veteran’s “We do a good job of getting the word Resource Center at St. Cloud State out -- to ourselves. But we need to get it University. out to other people.” Coleman said that returning veterans Ash recommended using local newspa- have much to deal with when they try to go per and radio, but also telling the Legion’s back to college. story when Legionnaires attend communi- The first challenge is the financial ty meetings. needs, which often can be taken care of by The next rally will the Family using the GI Bill. Appreciation Rally at Richfield on Mar. 8.

Membership Chart As of Feb. 19, 2014 District 2014 Total Total Percent Same Goal 2013 2014 of Goal Date ’13 1 10,370 10,312 9,422 90.86 9,891 2 8,528 8,443 7,708 90.38 8,257 3 12,927 12,862 11,804 91.31 12,335 4 2,686 2,663 2,421 90.13 2,530 5 3,112 3,089 2,779 89.30 2,979 6 13,192 13,121 11,990 90.89 12,641 7 7,545 7,467 6,828 90.50 7,184 Third District Legionnaires and Auxiliary respond to one of the speakers at the 8 5,049 5,008 4,500 89.13 4,763 Waite Park Rally. 9 7,659 7,594 7,056 92.13 7,313 10 11,741 11,688 10,596 90.25 11,292 At-large 1,733 1,748 2,215 127.81 1,695 Totals 84,542 83,995 77,319 91.46 80,880 Page 10 Minnesota Legionnaire March 2014

Past National Commander Dan Ludwig and former Gopher basketball star Richard Coffey share a laugh with National Commander Dellinger at Chanhassen.

The room was full at North Branch as the National Commander addressed the audience.

National Commander Dan Dellinger talks with National Executive Committeeman Ray Dezurik at Elk River. In back are Commander’s Aide Bob Renner and Department Vice Commander John Torma. National Commander’s

Past National Chaplain Michas Ohnstad delivers the prayer at North Branch. From left are Department Commander Mike Ash, 10th District Commander Dick Juhl, Dellinger, Ohnstad, and Tour Alternate National Executive Committeeman Marland Ronning.

Department President Shirley Frederick showed off National Commander Dan Dellinger presented his her patriotic comic books in Elk River, part of her license plate to the Hinckley Post at a stop in North project for the year. Tom Fernlund is in the back. Branch.

Policeman and Legion College grad Ron Rollins pro- The two commanders head up the stairs at the Granite At Olivia, the post had both an empty table for the vided an escort into North Branch, siren and all. Falls Post. Four Chaplains and for the POW/MIA. March 2014 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 11

Department Judge Advocate Don Walser shares a At Pipestone, Dellinger was presented with an authen- Pipestone County Start Editor Debra Fitzpatrick inter- thought with National Commander Dan Dellinger. tic, hand-crafted peace pipe. views the National Commander.

The National Commander paid an unscheduled stop to the Department Headquarters at the Capitol in St. Paul.

Dellinger tours Minnesota Continued from Page 1 the Legion continue to be a source of information and coun- sel to the lawmakers. “We are the fabric that holds America together.” Membership, he said, is crucial for the Legion to have an impact. He recalled one Senate hearing where one of the elected officials was busy talking to staff and was ignoring the Legion person who was testifying. At one point, though, the witness noted there were 3.5 million members of the Legion Family. Dellinger got before the bright lights of the TV camera during an interview in Rochester. “After that, the senator paid attention. It’s important that we have the numbers.” He congratulated Minnesota on being one of five states over 90 percent in membership at this point. Dellinger visited posts in Pipestone, Granite Falls, Redwood Falls, Olivia, St. Peter, Waseca, Rochester, Chanhassen, Elk River, Minneapolis, North Branch and Roseville. The meetings were attended by 852 Legion, Auxiliary and SAL members, and the national commander was inter- viewed by 10 newspapers, one radio station and two televi- sion stations. One of the things he said he tries to impress on members of Congress is that the nation’s debt to its service people doesn’t end when the war ends. “It’s not the cost of the war, it’s the cost of 50 years of care for our veterans afterward.” Dellinger said the two signature injuries from the recent Mideast wars have been Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury. He said the Legion is pushing the VA to be creative and modern in its therapies to heal veterans with brain prob- Stopping by to visit with the National Commander at Second District Adjutant Alberta Marth-Wohlfeil, better lems. “The VA’s usual method was to give a veteran a bunch Minneapolis Post 1 were Past National Executive known as “Bert,” celebrated her 80th birthday during of pills and stick him in a corner and hope he got better. Committeeman Don Schroedl and Hennepin County the tour, and the crowd at Redwood Falls sang in her That never worked very well.” Assistant Veterans Service Officer Sarah McGinty. honor. Dellinger urged posts to have a close relationship with their local newspapers, radio and television stations. “You need to be on a first-name basis with these people. When your post does something for the community, make sure your newspaper runs a picture of it.” He said getting the word out is crucial in attracting younger veterans to join. “They will join if they see a value in membership.” And don’t forget the Vietnam veterans, Dellinger said. His post recently did a revitalization, and he said he signed up 35 new members – 21 of them being Vietnam vets. “There are six million of them out there just looking for something to do.” Dellinger’s project for the year is the National Emergency Fund, and his goal is to raise $1 million by the end of his year. He reminded the Minnesota posts along the way how much Minnesota benefitted when the Red River Valley flooded several years ago. Sandy Frederickson, Department Second Vice The national commander was joined on the trip by his Department Commander Mike Ash spoke at President, spoke to Dellinger. Tom Conway, who was aide, Robert Renner, also of Virginia. Renner was a career Rosetown in his home district. the driver for the tour, looked on. Marine. Page 12 Minnesota Legionnaire March 2014 Posts at Goal during the 2014 National Commander’s Tour

HILLS POST 399 HOLLAND POST 534 LISMORE POST 636

MONTEVIDEO POST 59 BELVIEW POST 309 CLEMMONS POST 519

MADELIA POST 19 SANBORN 286 WALNUT GROVE POST 267

HECTOR POST 135 KINGSTON POST 483 ELYSIAN POST 311

LE CENTER POST 108 PETERSON POST 526 RUSHFORD POST 94

ST. CHARLES POST 190 EYOTA POST 551 MILLVILLE POST 579 March 2014 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 13 Posts at Goal during the 2014 National Commander’s Tour

CHANHASSEN POST 580 HILLMAN POST 602 ST. JOSEPH POST 328

ST. MICHAEL POST 567 ZIMMERMAN POST 560 APPLE VALLEY POST 1776

BRUNO POST 563 CHISAGO CITY POST 272 HINCKLEY POST 388

RUSH CITY POST 93 3M POST 599 CHRISTIE-DE PARCQ POST 406 National American Legion launches an initiative with Founding Fathers Brewing The American Legion will be launching an initiative uct will also be available in 12 oz. bottles to augment the with Founding Fathers Brewing Company. Founding important presence of the tap handles. Fathers is an American made beer with the mission of sup- Current beer distributors and Founding Fathers brewery porting American military families with half of their net representatives will be calling on each post this February profits. and March asking for initial orders. The company’s goal is to offer Founding Fathers They will be providing extensive Point of Sale (POS) Premium Lager to members through participating post materials to include; co-branded tap handles, glassware, homes that currently sell beer. In turn, The American coasters, signage and banners to help educate and promote Legion will receive a donation of 50% of Founding Fathers’ the benefits of this alliance to our members. NORTH ST. PAUL POST 39 profits on beer sold through our organization. Full post par- The company is hoping each post would review this ticipation is important to this effort. opportunity with its staff and ask them to return the “Post Founding Fathers will be launching this February in nine Participation Form” which can be accessed by contacting V4V announces grants states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, Scott Miller. The Veterans 4 Veterans Trust Fund has announced North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and “We believe this alliance will have a tremendous impact $52,500 in grants. Tennessee) with product availability in April 2014. in supporting the important work of The American Legion,” -- $20,000 was presented to the Minnesota Disabled Based on successful results and favorable consideration Miller said. American Veterans Foundation to help them purchase a new by the National Executive Committee in May, the company If you have any questions, please contact Scott Miller at bus for the Adult Day Center at the Minneapolis Veterans plans to roll out nationally through the second half of 2014 765-543-3289 or [email protected]. Home. and first quarter of 2015. -- $20,000 to the Military Assistance Council for This could provide a significant revenue stream for years Veterans for support to homeless veterans. to come. -- $7,500 to the Minnesota American Legion for veterans Founding Fathers is targeted to mainstream beer drinkers outreach through pro fisherman Mark Courts. in the premium beer category (Bud, Miller, and Coors) and -- $7,500 to the Military Order of the Purple Heart for is priced competitively with the category leaders. their “Birthday Party Program” for veterans at the VA The goal is to provide half barrel kegs and tap handles Medical Center. for their three varieties, Pale, Amber and Light. The prod- Page 14 Minnesota Legionnaire March 2014 Spam Post 570 is Minnesota’s only all-women post Continued from Page 1 his dignity. “You’d better believe it,” she said. Wangen is one of a handful of original members of Spam Post 570 out of Austin, Minnesota. In fact, she is a charter member. Back in 1946, just after World War II, Jay Hormel, the owner of the Hormel packing plant in Austin, had a bright idea. Why not have an all-woman American Legion Post with a drum and bugle corps? The Spam Post 570 was chartered on Dec. 9, 1946. It should be noted that patriotism wasn’t Hormel’s sole motive. He also was interested in promoting Hormel’s line of meat products, including Spam, the staple of American GIs in World War II. Now that the war was over and the Army wasn’t buying Spam by the trainload any more, Hormel needed to find a domestic market – despite the fact that many soldiers and sailors said they’d never touch a can of the stuff again in their lives. You might say they were overexposed to it dur- ing the war. The drum and bugle team was a great success, and there’s a picture in the Spam Museum in Austin of Spam Post 570 marching down the streets of New York in 1947 as part of the parade at the national convention. Hormel wasn’t doing this on the cheap. Once it was organized, the Spam Post was sent to Stamford, Connecticut, to train at the Eastern Military Academy for a month. In the American Legion finals for drum and bugle corps, they were the first and only all-women corps in the The all-women Spam Post 570 marched through New York City as part of the National Convention Parade in competition. 1947. The drum and bugle corps was one of the best in the nation. In 1947, they finished 13th out of 45 corps, and in 1948, they improved to ninth best in the Legion. youngest age that was This was all well and good, but Jay Hormel had bigger acceptable for a woman in ideas. The drum and bugle corps evolved into an orchestra the Army. with singers and dancing girls. This new group was called “I trained at Fort Des the Hormel Girls, and they toured the country for the next Moines, and then we stayed five years. Most of them were not veterans, and they came there for a year until we got from all over the country. orders overseas. We didn’t They traveled in 35 white Chevrolets, and they had their know where we were going, own radio and television show. When they weren’t per- but when we got to the East forming, they toured grocery stores and handed out free Coast they put us on the products and greeted the public. The group disbanded in Queen Mary. A few weeks 1953. later we arrived in In 2007, the Minnesota History Theater created a pro- Glasgow.” duction of Hormel Girls, and the musical play has been per- Her ultimate station was formed since then at many venues across Minnesota. in Birmingham, England, So what happened to the original Spam Post 570? Well, where she worked in the it’s still going with seven paid members, but it hasn’t been base post office. “Then active in some time. somebody got the bright RUTH RASMUSSEN GRETCHEN WANGEN FERN GRANLE “I think there were 21 of us at the beginning,” said idea they needed us in Wangen. France.” Of the seven on the rolls, three of them now live at the There they moved into a Sacred Heart Nursing Home in Austin. The three served in barracks that had been different branches during the war. occupied earlier by German Wangan, who moved to Austin from St. Paul when she and French troops. What was 14, said, “I joined the Navy to see the world, and I was it like being a single ended up 100 miles from my home.” woman in the romantic city Wangen tried to enlist in the Navy in 1942. “But I wore of Paris with all those glasses and they rejected me. A year later they sent me a troops around? “Oh, you notice they would take me, so I went in.” know,” she said with a big Wangen, whose maiden name was Van Camp, trained in smile. “Comme si, comme New York City and spent time in training in Georgia before ca.” returning to Naval Air Station Minneapolis at Wold Her single days were Chamberlin Field. “I took care of helmets and leather jack- over, though, when her ets. I was in the supply division. I was a storekeeper.” boyfriend from Hayfield How was her social life in the service? “You’ve got to be came to Paris and married a WAVE to know that. Then I’ll tell you all my secrets.” her. Rasmussen as a Coast Wangen served as a Granle trained at Fort She enjoyed the time she spent serving her country, and When the war ended, she Guard SPAR in New WAVE at NAS Des Moines and served she quipped, “I fought the Battle of the Bars, in remembers being sent to a Orleans during the war. Minneapolis in WWII. in England and France. Minneapolis and St. Paul.” French port and waiting for After the war, she married a former Marine, Orville, who a ship. “We went home on was a blacksmith at the Hormel plant. “We had a six-week one of those small troop A recent story in the engagement and then we got married. That’s a Marine for ships.” Washington Post indicated you.” They had seven children. What do these veterans there may be a dozen Ruth Rasmussen grew up on a farm near Rose Creek. remember about the Spam women’s posts in the When the war broke out, she enlisted in the Coast Guard Post? nation. The American and became a SPAR (from the Coast Guard motto: Semper “Oh, we marched in Legion doesn’t keep track. Paratus, Always Ready.) parades, and we did some Wangen commented also “I picked the Coast Guard because it was a small organ- Veterans Day activities. on why it took so look for ization and I was a small-town girl.” We’d have a picnic once in the Minnesota Legionnaire Rasmussen went to boot camp at Hunter College in a while. But I was proud to to do a story. “We should Brooklyn, N.Y. “We had to go to the warehouse to get our be in the post. I had served have had all this publicity mattresses. They weren’t ready for us.” my country,” Rasmussen 50 years ago when it could Rasmussen, 89, was assigned to a Coast Guard unit in said. have done us some good. New Orleans. “It was great. They didn’t have any housing Wangen said the post What the hell.” for us, so we stayed in a private home. There were four of never was very active us in two bedrooms. And the lady who owned the house, because of its small size and she could really cook. I remember they would bring home lack of money. “I think we buckets of shrimp.” had lunch once a year. We Austin Post 91 Commander Roland Hanson and Fern Granle grew up in Hayfield and as a young woman enjoyed it. I don’t think Rasmussen and Wangen pose with Spam Post 570’s worked in a hardware store and then for the post office in there’s another all-women’s charter. Hanson has been instrumental in keeping the Austin. She joined the WACs when she turned 21, the post anywhere.” Spam Post going. Wangen is a charter member. March 2014 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 15 Medal reunited with family after many years being lost even looked at some of it.” While going through one box, Mark found a small box covered with dirt and grime. He opened it up, and there was a Purple Heart, a medal awarded to soldiers and sailors who have been wounded or killed in action. Written on the back of the medal was “George J. Johnson.” Kasper talked to his grandfather, Lloyd Cyr, about the medal, and Cyr began to do some research on the internet. On Oct. 21, 2013, he also contacted this reporter who hap- pened to be his wife Marie Ann’s godchild. I contacted Reggie Worlds, Deputy Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs and told him about the medal. Worlds started looking through MDVA files. Meanwhile, Cyr began searching the internet. I told him The Purple Heart was later that he should work for the FBI. originally presented to He found out that there were two George J. Johnsons George J. Johnson’s par- from Minnesota who had earned a Purple Heart. One was a ents in 1950. The family World War I veteran who had not been killed. The other had the medal for many looked more likely. He had been killed in action in Korea in years until it was stolen in 1950. Minnesota Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Larry Shellito presented the lost a robbery. Cyr wrote in an email: “He must have been killed among Purple Heart Medal to Bill Johnson, the brother of the soldier killed in Korea. the first casualties because the war had just started in June of 1950.” Cyr added, “Mark and Kristen would like the rightful owner to have the medal.” Cyr found additional info on Johnson that listed his res- idence as “Hennepin.” Meanwhile, Worlds checked with the Military Order of the Purple Heart in Minnesota to see if they had any way of tracking the name, but they did not. He also found a George J. Johnson in the benefits records, but it was a Navy veter- an. Worlds said he was checking with country veterans serv- ice officers about information on Johnson. Cyr got back on the internet and Googled “George J. Johnson, killed in action in Korea” and was rewarded with an official document that listed Johnson’s service number (17272560), his rank, private first class, and his date of death, July 28, 1950. Again, it listed his address as Hennepin. Another site showed that Johnson was an infantryman in the 25th Division. Cyr also found an internet site called Purple Hearts Reunited. I emailed a contact at the website and got a mes- sage back the next day. They sounded interested. Several days later, they asked me to send them a picture of the Kristen and Mark Kasper found the medal in a box of medal to determine what kind of Purple Heart it was. junk on a property they purchased in Otsego. Their Apparently there are different kinds, including a presenta- first thought was to reunite it with the family. tionmedal. Lloyd took the pictures and I sent them the Purple Hearts Reunited source. It was the last we heard from them, even though follow-up emails were sent. Meanwhile, back on the MDVA front, the agency had run Johnson’s service number and found that he was born Bill Johnson was surrounded by media after he was Oct. 16, 1932, and that he enlisted at Fulda, Minnesota. reunited with his brother’s medal at the Whipple They also found out his mother’s maiden name was Federal Building. Wildfire. It was at about this point that Brad Lindsay, the MDVA’s senior director of programs and services, got involved. I had Johnson had died in what was called the Battle of worked with Lindsay on other projects, and I knew he was Hwanggan. George Johnson’s gravestone in Fulda shows that he a good sleuth. Johnson was serving in B Company, First Battalion in won both the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart, both Cyr, meanwhile, found George Johnson’s gravestone on the 25th Infantry Regiment. The 25th Division had been on presented posthumously. He was 17 when he was the internet. He was buried in the Fulda cemetery. He also peaceful occupation duty in Japan when the North Korean killed in action in southern Korea early in the war. found that the original spelling of the mother’s name was Army attacked South Korea on June 25, 1950. Wildfleur. Johnson’s regiment, known as the “Wolfhounds” arrived He enlisted the help of a friend, Melani Weber, who in Korea on July 23rd and was assigned to halt the North worked the genealogy websites and found that George Korean advance. At Hwanggan, they were able to slow the Johnson had two sisters and a brother, William, who was offensive for a week before giving ground. There were 53 born in 1938. Americans killed in that action, including Johnson. She also found that the funeral had been handled by a He was only 17 years old. predecessor of the Totzke Funeral Home in Fulda. His parents were presented with the Bronze Star and the On Dec. 2, Lindsay heard back from the funeral home Purple Heart. George Johnson’s father, Emil, kept the medal that the brother, usually called “Bill,” was still alive and in a store he owned in Cambridge until one night the store lived in Avoca, Minnesota. They provided contact informa- was broken into and the medal was taken. It was never seen tion. again until the Kasper’s found it in a pile of junk in Otsego. It had taken nearly six weeks, but the link between the But wait, there’s more. Bill Johnson told the news con- medal and the family had finally been made. Lindsay began ference and later the Murray-County News more details to prepare a way to get the medal back to the family in what about his older brother. he said in an email would be a “modest ceremony.” George Johnson had been taken to Minneapolis by his And, in fact, the ceremony was quite simple with father in the late 1930s. It was a sad time for the family, as Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Larry Shellito presenting George’s mother was institutionalized with epilepsy, and the medal to Bill Johnson. Shellito called the Purple Heart, the father had to put Bill up for adoption. “the one medal no one wants to get.” And he said we must A decade later, George got in trouble with law. He was continue to remember those who fought and died for given two choices by the judge: reform school or the mili- America. “We will not forget, we cannot forget.” tary. He chose the U.S. Army. Johnson wiped away tears as he sat with the medal at the Before being sent overseas in 1950, George was able to Whipple Federal Building in Minnepolis. It was a touching come home, and part of that visit was spent with his broth- moment. The room, however, was filled with television and er, Bill. The two had never talked to each other, and it Brother Bill Johnson, center, awaited the return of the newspaper cameras, microphones and inquiring reporters. would be the last time they would ever talk. medal in a ceremony at the Federal Building in south The story had become a major news event in Minnesota. George gave Bill a tin box he had made, and Bill still has Minneapolis. He was joined, on the left, by the Mayor But that isn’t all the story. Lindsay had found out that it, a family treasure. And now he has the medal. “It finally of Avoca, his hometown, Roger Lindmeier, and by his got to where it should be,” he said. son, Brad Johnson. Page 16 Minnesota Legionnaire March 2014

DistrictFIRST CommandersFor those that saw the camel on face book, it is because trict news letter. we are over the hump for this year. About our newsletter. We need to have all of the vice- DISTRICT The ice fishing on Big Marine for the vets homes was a commanders to write a column every month to see what is Brian Medinnus big success. If you want to have some fun be sure to come going on in their areas. And anybody else in the district that Commander to it next year. You don't have to go out on the ice. wants to bring something up. Well, I'm just about tired of the snow. Everyone keep Membership. Now is the time we need to go out and Membership: The First District is looking to renew cur- warm think spring. work a little harder for those last few members that still rent members. The First District is looking to sign up new Bet the guys at Creek Side are drinking lot's of hot cof- haven’t paid. Thanks for the 10 posts that have made goal members. The District is also looking for former members fee on these cold days. but we still have a lot of post that are 1 and 2 away from who left the Legion Family and bringing them back into the goal. Get your membership teams together and make a few fold. calls or go see the members that haven’t yet paid their dues A big thank you to the Waseca and Rochester Posts for FIFTH I’m sure they just forgot to pay. all the hard work that was done for National Commander DISTRICT God bless you, God bless America, and God bless our Dellinger’s visit to the 1st District. Both Posts pulled out all troops in harm’s way Robert Johnson the stops and did a fantastic job. Also a big thank you to all Commander the members of the 1st District Legion family who came out EIGHTH to meet the Commander at the above listed locations. There are many who work in the District that sometimes I must give a “Shout Out” to the Spam Post 570 for mak- do not get the recognition or the thanks for their efforts. DISTRICT ing their Membership Goal. This Post is the only all female Just to mention a few; thanks to Jim Munson of Jerry St. Michel post in the State. It consists of WW2, Korean and Vietnam Minneapolis/Richfield Post 435, for his campaign on the Commander era women veterans. I am proud of their achievements. Consolidated Post Report. Jim was instrumental last year in The next District Meeting will be the Past Commanders the 5th District achieving a 100% compliance which simply All seems to be going well with the district in 2014. Fish Fry to be held in Lewiston on Friday, March 7th. set his bar for this year – Thanks Jim. Membership continues to be our most important program. Remember Commander Mike wants 100% turn in of the Ray Eiden of Falldin Post 555 is responsible for the suc- We have reached all the goals set by the Department so far. District Posts Consolidated Reports. When your Adjutant cess of our Sunday VA Hospital visitation program. Ray Keep up the good work. We need to continue until we reach receives the form, fill it out and get it turned back in as soon continues to draws significant numbers of volunteers to all our goals for 2014. as possible. visit our brothers and sisters. Thanks Ray. Our District Meeting in Virginia went well. Thank you Gary Martin, 1st Vice Commander, is staying on top of to all the Committee Chairmen and District Officers for the Children & Youth Reports. Each District meeting Gary your good reports on what we accomplished. SECOND makes it plain he is also expecting 100% participation. – We still have a long way to go. keep visiting The DISTRICT Thanks Gary. American Legion Posts, Units and Squardrons and remind Eugene Olswold Thanks to Commander John Nelson and Minneapolis them of our mission: To provide for our Veterans and cur- Commander Post No.1 and President Carrie Lamb and Auxiliary Unit rent Armed Forces. Remember we are an American Legion No. 1, for hosting the National Commander’s breakfast Family. Lets all get together to make the Eighth District February was a very busy but rewarding month for me February 6th. Thanks for a job well done. Number one. and the Second District. It started out with the Sweetheart Thanks to Annette Bray, President 5th District Auxiliary Rally in Waite Park. National Commander Dan Dellinger for organizing an outstanding Pot Luck Dinner and Silent made two stops in the district with breakfast in Pipestone Auction fund raiser for our 5th District Project – Thanks NINTH followed by dinner in Redwood Falls. Both visits were well Annette. DISTRICT attended by posts in each area. What a fantastic speaker our As always we thank all of you for your continued effort Thomas Norgaard Sr. National Commander is and if you were unable to attend on Membership. As of February 12, 2014 the 5th District Commander one of his visits, you really missed a great opportunity. He was at 2,751 members. Thanks for your efforts. is very interested in what the blue caps have. Our remaining 2014 meetings as follows: As in previous months, I will emphasize special days in As posts in the District attain goal, my visits increase to • April 1, 2014 at Richfield Post 435 the Month of March beginning with Ash Wednesday on these posts to congratulate them. As of this writing, we have • May 6, 2014 - Northside Post 230 @ Minneapolis Post March 5th. On March 8th we honor our District Vice- 20 posts at goal or exceeded goal. 15 of these posts have No. 1. See you at Richfield in April. Commanders at the Department Appreciation Rally at exceeded goal by 4 or less. Richfield Post 435. The next day you need to remember to A job well done to these posts. We are in 2nd place for turn your clocks ahead as it is Daylight Savings Time again, Goal Posts with the Ninth District in 1st with 23 posts. We a sure sign of spring. March 13th is a rather special day to can easily take over 1st place for Post Goals and nothing SIXTH me, “World Kidney Day.” I wish I had known about this would delight me more to be in 1st place. Let's show the DISTRICT day much earlier as I may not now be on Kidney Dialysis. 9th, we are the “Solid Second.” I hope you see that, Next in line is St. Patrick’s Day, held on March 17th. St Commander Tom. The challenge is on. As I look over Vern Massie Patrick’s Day marks the life and deeds of St. Patrick, one of Department's report, we have many posts with five or less Commander Ireland’s patron saints. It is an Irish-American celebration to make goal, which is outstanding. The support of The in the USA and the use of the color green is predominant. American Legion and all it's programs is strong within the I have to start this month by wishing our district mem- Next is the Spring Equinox on Mar 20th, the official start of District. For the 2nd District, “Let's Get ’er Done.” bership director a big get well soon. Bruce Baird has been spring. having some major health issues and I know we all have On a more personal note, my Commander’s Project is to THIRD him in our prayers and wish him a quick recovery. raise $2.500 for the recreation fund at the Fergus Falls The Sweetheart Rally was a good run but we came a Veterans Home. Every dollar you can spare for this project DISTRICT fraction from getting first place once again. With Bruce will help make the life of our Veterans there at bit more enjoyable. Mark Dvorak being out, Jim Lucas has stepped up and I appointed him to Commander fill on membership. So if you get a call from Jim on mem- Lastly, on March 29th, I will be having my 9th District bership please help him and the district get into first place Commander’s Testimonial and “Roast”. It will be held at Elysian Post and Unit 311 did an outstanding job hosting at our next rally on March 8th. Bagley Post 16 and will start at Noon with a social, dinner our Third District Mid-Winter Conference. It was an honor The Adjutant I have started receiving this year’s report at 1 pm and a program to follow. The cost should be to have Department Commander Mike Ash and Department forms from various committees. Please take a few minutes between $10 and $12. Please RSVP me at norgaardle- Membership Chairman Tom Fernlund say a few words to and fill them out and again if you haven’t done anything [email protected] or P.O. Box 3, Shevlin, MN 56676. the attendees. Thank you to Jack Zimmerman for being our please indicate that and send it back to the committee chair guest speaker. so they can wrap up their duties as well. TENTH National Commander Daniel Dellinger visited two Third Time is flying and we are busy planning the district tes- District Posts, St Peter and Chanhassen. One of his con- timonial for the Auxiliary President. SAL Commander and DISTRICT cerns is the importance of contacting our elected officials myself. It will be May 3rd, at Park Rapids Post 212. Richard Juhl and letting them know how we feel about the current cuts to Had great opportunity to meet and visit with the National Commander military benefits and cuts to defense spending. Commander on his only visit to the 6th District at Elk River The Has-Beens Rally is scheduled for Tuesday, March Post 112. I believe as I said at the function that the 6th In preparation for writing this article, I did some research 4th at Savage Post 643 beginning at 1:00 pm. Please con- District is the Heart and Soul of the Membership for the on the origin of our great organization. In the process, I tact past Third District Commander Pat Logan. Department of MN. I hope every post will send a member stumbled across a book that is long out of print, but I found Posts should consider sponsoring a membership for a to Department Convention this year in Rochester to cast a copy in the library of the University of California. I have veteran at the Hastings Veterans Home. The cost is $26.75 your vote for Department Commander. to say, it was a real eye opener and a fascinating read. It’s per membership and checks should be made out to the called “The Story of The American Legion” by George Department of MN American Legion. All checks should be Seay Wheat. It was written in 1919 and is a detailed, first- processed through Membership Director Duane Anderson SEVENTH hand account of the men serving in Europe and how they or myself. Thank you. DISTRICT came together and decided that an organization was needed to look towards the needs of our men and women who Harold Meyer Jr. served and the future of our nation. It details the events FOURTH Commander leading up to the Paris Caucus, the St. Louis Caucus, how DISTRICT they came to choose Minneapolis as the site of the 1st A big thanks goes out to Browns Valley post for hosting National Convention and actual transcripts from the events. Carroll Partridge the midwinter conference 2. The turn out was really low. Commander I would like to leave you with a quote from Bishop Those of you that that didn’t make the conference lost a lot Brent, Senior Chaplain, A. E. F. in March of 1919. “I Hello 4th District and others, of good information that you could have brought back to believe that the army of to-day, when it gets back to citizen I have been told that I have some folks from other dis- your posts. thinking and citizen acting, will be capable of so contribut- tricts that read my column. If you are thinking of running for a district officer be ing to the commonwealth of the United States as to change I got a letter from the National Commander thanking us sure your post endorses you and than send it to our Adjutant the character of the whole country and lift it up to a higher for the great gift and he had a good time. Orwill Wigen at [email protected] so he can get it in the dis- plane.” How prophetic. Please read it. March 2014 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 17 World War II Round Table at Fort Snelling

Patton,By Al Zdon Ike and “EisenhowerBrad was the chief-- of staff,the the Ulysses European S. Grant of leaders merica’s success in Europe in World War II World War II. Bradley was the top general and the last of depended in part on how the “big three” of Army the five star generals.” Patton was a legend. officers – George Patton, Dwight Eisenhower But while Eisenhower and Bradley’s careers continued andA Omar Bradley – worked together to get the job done. apace after the war, Patton’s did not. He was as aggressive The relationship between these three leaders, though, in peace as he had been in war, and soon was in hot water was complex and often not very amiable. back home and with the Allies. He was relieved of com- Jonathon Jordan, an author and lawyer from Marietta, mand, and not long after was killed in a car accident. Georgia, told the February meeting of the Fort Snelling Jordan said the three left an indelible mark on the army World War II Round Table, that the relationship between the and their country. “Their imprint on American conscious- three generals went back over 25 years. He is the author of ness may be their lasting victory.” Brothers, Rivals, Victors, about the three. uuuuuu Later in the program, three World War II veterans told of BRADLEY PATTON their experiences with other high ranking American military arty Romano is a native of Jersey City, New EISENHOWER leaders. Jersey, and he joined the Navy in 1943. He was Eisenhower and Bradley went to West Point at the same assigned to PT boats in the Mediterranean area. cleared the place of all the Chinese, and we went in for our time and both were “middle of the pack” scholars. MHis strongest memory early in the war was a trip across meal. Donovan had a briefcase. In it, he had all our rescue Eisenhower was known as a rule breaker, while Bradley northern Africa in a cattle car. “There were 60 or 70 of us plans for pilots, classified information about the atomic was more of a straight arrow. sandwiched in there. All we had were K or C rations, and bomb, and a paper he was working on for the future of the “But they both loved sports. Ike played football until he the sanitary conditions were not good. OSS. He wouldn’t let that briefcase out of his sight.” was injured and Brad was also on the team.” Bradley was “We had a deal with the train’s engineer that when we When the meal was done, the men were being driven also a baseball player who pitched and hit .380. pulled into a station that had bathrooms, or where there back to the base. Donovan asked which one of his aides had “One more thing they had in common – they both missed were some woods, he’d toot the horn once. When it was the briefcase. None did. the big show.” For officers at that time, fighting in World time to go, he’d toot twice.” “We went back to that restaurant, and now it was full of War I was a coveted assignment. He was assigned to Squadron 22 at Corsica and did 63 Chinese. We found the briefcase up against a table leg. Eisenhower applied for duty overseas, but instead was missions in PT Boat 306. “Later, on the trip back, it was very quiet. Finally assigned to the new tank corps. His unit was finally At one point in Italy he was able to observe the French Donovan said, ‘I won’t tell anybody if you don’t’” assigned overseas duty, but the war ended before they could commander. “It was Charles DeGalle. He was a tall, gaunt uuuuuu go. Bradley was also headed to France, but the armistice man and very proud. When I saw him he was rallying the intervened. crowd.” hitey Johnson of Beaver Bay, Minnesota, flew Patton was more of a “golden boy” than the others. He In the landings in southern France, Romano assisted a P-40s and P-51s in World War II, and also was older, and graduated from West Point in 1909 with high group of commandos led by Douglas Fairbanks, the famous ended up in China. military and poor academic honors. He competed in the actor. Fairbanks had developed a team of commandos It all started when the young pilot and several of his 1912 Olympics in the modern pentathlon and finished fifth. known as “beach jumpers.” They would attack a beach with W peers found themselves about 20 miles from base in India. He did make it to France in World War I, but was wound- small numbers, trying to draw the enemy away from the As a courtesy, a general asked them to a sophisticated party ed early on while leading a tank unit. He never saw any main point of the attack. he was throwing. more action. Later his PT boat had the job of protecting a navy ship “It was in a castle. The general only drank Scotch and so Back home, both Patton and Eisenhower commanded a that had many of the Allied leaders on board. “They had everybody had to drink Scotch. It didn’t take very long tank battalion at Camp Meade. Jordan called the two “the generals, and Admiral King, the Chief of Naval Operations, before our group got out of hand. There were about 40 or 50 odd couple.” was on board. Once I saw a guy come out of the engine of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen at this party. “Patton was introverted and upper class. When confront- room and he had a .45 stuck in his hip pocket. It was Well, I guess we got a little too friendly, and we were asked ed with a problem, he would think about it, meditate about Admiral Forrestal.” to leave. it, even pray about it.” “It was our duty to circle this ship 24 hours a day. Once “When we got outside, there was a nice jeep sitting in the “Eisenhower was middle class, one of seven rambunc- we went to general quarters because an enemy was detect- driveway, and nobody was using it. So we grabbed it and tious boys. But both Patton and Eisenhower became close ed. We lay down a smoke screen, and pretty soon you ran. We were going so fast that my hat blew off along the friends.” couldn’t see this ship.” way. When we went through the gate, evidently somebody Bradley, when he was 17, had an accident that left his uuuuuu saw my white hair.” face damaged. “He was always self-conscious about his The officers hid the Jeep and quickly got into bed, but it smile, and you can see that in the pictures. He was a simple ob Maynard also grew up in New Jersey, at wasn’t long before the MPs were at Johnson’s door. It was man with simple tastes. His wife was a tee-totaler, and they Patterson, and became an officer in the Army. He fortunate for Johnson, though, that the commanding officer were not comfortable in social situations.” first was forward observer for the artillery, a job was someone who owed him a favor. The favor was to get Fast forward to 1939. The American Army was woeful- he Bfound somewhat dangerous. “If you make a mistake in on the first plane out, wherever it was going. ly undermanned and not ready for war. “Our army was the mathematical code, you could bring down fire on your- It was going to China. smaller than that of Switzerland. The good thing was that self.” A few days later, Johnson was in line with the other new there was a small officer corps, and they got to know each He was then asked to join the fledgling OSS, Office of officers and General Claire Chennault himself was greeting other very well.” Strategic Services, America’s first spy and counterintelli- them. “He always met all his new pilots. He had black, When the U.S. did get into the war and did poorly in gence unit under the command of the legendary Billy piercing eyes, and a rugged countenance. He was staring North Africa, General Marshall picked out Patton to lead Donovan. right at me. I thought, ‘Oh, oh, he’s heard about the Jeep.” the Second Corps. He, in turn, asked for Bradley to be his “They asked me if I wanted to join, and I squeezed out a Johnson, of course, in his hasty departure from the scene deputy. Eisenhower was back in Washington, planning week yes. Then they asked me if I had any dependents. I of the crime had no orders. Chennault stared some more. strategy for the Allies. By June, 1942, though, he was the was not sure I really liked this situation.” “Finally he asked where I was from, and I said I grew up commanding general of the European Theater of Maynard told of his psychological training, where each on a farm in Minnesota. He said he liked farm boys because Operations. man was given a false ID and ordered not to reveal anything they could determine if an engine was running right from Jordan said the interactions from this point on all aimed about himself. All went well for five days. “But then we had listening to it. I was shaking pretty bad.” at victory. “It wasn’t a rivalry of power, it was more like a dinner and a little gin, and I became indiscreet and told Chennault then asked where Johnson’s orders were, and sibling rivalry, a rivalry of methods – what was the best way everybody my name.” Johnson replied they were misplaced. Chennault told to win the war.” Maynard still made the team. “I’d never heard of Bill Johnson he had just the place for him, and ordered him to a For Patton, it was “Attack, attack, attack, until the last Donovan or the OSS.” The OSS was not organized like any base in eastern China. ounce of gas is drained from the gas tanks. For Bradley, it other unit. People from all walks of life, including forgers was logistics, air support, keep the fronts and the flanks from the prisons, were in the pool. When a mission came safe. He had a mathematical formula for a battle, and if up, people were drawn from the pool for their skills. everyone did their job, we would win. For Patton, doctrine Eventually, Maynard was sent to China. “China was got the boot when victory demanded something else.” chaotic. There was a lot of espionage. American policy was Their relationship became fractured in Sicily where split in half on who to support.” Patton performed well but not according to Bradley’s wish- He served for a time with a woman named Julie es. When Patton slapped two soldiers in military hospitals, McWilliams, who later became famous as the food guru he was relieved of command. Julia Childs. “I’ve since heard said that she was a spy. But It took some time for Patton to get back in the good she was a six-foot-two woman in China with brown hair graces of Eisenhower and others, but he was finally and funny eyes. She would have been a very poor spy.” assigned command of the Third Army in the landings at McWilliam’s real job was to assemble intelligence for Normandy. Bradley was not happy. missions and she was very good at it. “She said she was a Jordan said finally a common enemy bound them togeth- glorified file clerk, but she was much more than that. She JONATHON JORDAN MARTY ROMANO er – British General Montgomery. “Monty wanted all the could get all the info needed for any mission.” gas, and he wanted the American Army to watch his flank.” A highlight of his service in China was a visit from At the Battle of the Bulge in late 1944, it came to a head. Donovan himself at one point. “He wore whatever he want- The German Army had pushed the U.S. forces back. ed. He had red, white and blue socks. Bradley was in charge of the situation, but he had great “He once said he wanted a barber, and I couldn’t find trouble communicating with his divisions on the other side anyone on base and so got one of the locals. He came in and of the Bulge. Eisenhower turned over two divisions to was stropping his straight razor.” Montgomery. Donovan took one look at the Chinese national with the Bradley had one response. “I resign.” razor, and told Maynard it might not be a good idea. “I Eisenhower talked him out of it, and took responsibility thought I’d get court martialed. But then I found a guy on for the decision. Meanwhile, Patton’s army drove north and the base who gave Donovan a haircut.” freed the critical city of Bastogne. One other time, the base was flooded and Donovan, In the end, they all achieved an immortality of sorts. Maynard and others had to go to a restaurant in town. “We BOB MAYNARD WHITEY JOHNSON Page 18 Minnesota Legionnaire March 2014 The Auxiliary Bulletin No. 14-8 March 2014 President Shirley Frederick Secretary Sandie Deutsch Department Headquarters, Veterans Service Building, St. Paul, MN 55155 651-224-7634

Legion’s 95th President Frederick’s Testimonial is May 31 The Birthday The Testimonial for President Shirley Frederick will President’s be held on Saturday, May 31, at Northern Lights Casino is this month at Walker. “Happy 95th Birthday” American Legion. Units, make The menu will include pork loin, broasted chicken, Column sure to plan something fun to recognize your Post and wish potatoes, carrots, tossed salad, and dessert. Cost is $22 them a “Happy Birthday.” We, of the Auxiliary, are proud per person if reserved by May 17 and $25 thereafter. to serve with you for the purposes upon which our organi- A block of rooms has been reserved at the casino. By zations were founded. March is also Community Service Please contact: 1-866-652-4683. Social hour will begin month. at 5:30 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 and program to follow. Shirley Frederick Deadline is May 17. Checks are payable to ALA Unit JUNIOR CONFERENCE 202 and sent to ALA Unit 202, Bev Sauer, Box 414, The 51st annual Department Junior Conference will be Hackensack, MN, 56452. held on Saturday, April 12th, at the Hopkins American Legion Post 320 in Hopkins, Minnesota hosted by our Tenth Name:______District. It is a fun and informative day – we encourage all From the 36,170-plus members of the Minnesota Juniors to attend even if your Unit’s Juniors aren’t an active Phone:______Post/Unit/Squad: ______American Legion Auxiliary, we wish The American Legion group. a happy birthday. We also want to thank them for their lead- Rehearsal for the Junior color bearers will be on Attending: ______Amount Enclosed:______ership, dedication and work to make our country a better Saturday morning with the Conference being called to order place for everyone. Especially their never ending dedication at by our Department Honorary Junior President, Kaitlin to make sure that our veterans and military are taken care of Fernlund, a member of the Waite Park Unit 428. We Shipment of Poppy orders began as orders were as they should be. encourage all of you to come and see what a wonderful job received, processed, and Poppies were available. We are The American Legion Auxiliary magazine is always full Honorary Junior President Kaitlin has done for our Juniors. shipping orders based on the ‘needed by’ date reported by of great stories and information to help and inspire us in On Friday, April 11th, registration will be from 6 to 8 pm the Unit when the Poppies were ordered. Be certain to working the programs of our organization. If you have not and Saturday, April 12th from 8 to 9 am. A Junior fun check your order upon receipt and contact the Department taken the time to read the February 2014 issue, please do so. evening will begin at 7 pm, pizza and soda for the evening office if there are any discrepancies. A Unit may order You will learn much about the Creative Arts Program and is included in the registration fee. There will be fun and additional Poppies at any time, right up to Poppy Day understand better why it is part of my Presidents Project. games held at the Hopkins Post. Districts are encouraged to Let’s hope it won’t be long before every Unit has ordered We do have a number of veterans from our Minnesota facil- bring a snack to share! We do hope you are planning to its 2014 small Poppies and becomes involved in one of the ities take part in this on the National level after winning at arrive in time for your Juniors to join in the fun. oldest and most widely recognized programs of the their facility. The Department Junior Conference culminates the American Legion Auxiliary. An article on our U.S. military’s long-standing reverence year’s activities for our Juniors. It gives them the opportu- for divine saints explains about St. Michael the Archangel, nity to meet other Juniors, to exchange ideas, and to learn GIRLS STATE St. Joan of Arc, St. Martin of Tours and St. Christopher is in what other Juniors are doing. Judging of many of the Junior Will your Unit be sponsoring a candidate to the 2014 our magazine. contests takes place at the Conference. Election and instal- session of American Legion Auxiliary Minnesota Girls Another article you will find on page 54 talks about our lation of our 2014-15 Junior officers will conclude the day. State? Plans are in progress with many changes for the Poppy Program. There you will find the changes that The Let’s make certain we give the Juniors our cooperation and upcoming session. Have you contacted your local high American Legion made in the Poppy Program Rules. Yes, it support. Do what you can to see your Juniors attend. school to begin the selection process? They are waiting to is The American Legion that has the authority to make these Endorsements for any Department Junior office for hear from you. Units should work together to make certain changes. These are big changes so please read the full arti- 2014-15 should be sent to the Department office prior to the every school in their area is contacted and has the opportu- cle. Conference. Juniors interested in attending the National nity to have someone participate in Girls State. This Auxiliary year has been going by so fast that it is Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina as the Junior Consider personal interviews, essays or speeches as hard to believe that it is time to start working on our annu- Delegate from Minnesota should also submit their name to ways to make your final selection. It is the Unit’s responsi- al reports. Please include a summary of what your unit did the Department Office prior to the Junior Conference. bility, not the school’s, to choose the girl who will be in each of our programs so our District Chairmen can make attending. a similar report for the Department Chairmen because they MEMBERSHIP Remember your application for reservation and your need to do the same for the Divisional Chairmen and then All Units should be very proud of our continued 2nd $300.00 registration fee must be received by March 31st to to National Chairmen. Without your summary we have no place in the Nation. We are not that far behind Iowa - reserve a place for your American Legion Auxiliary summary to send on to show what we do and how impor- wouldn’t it be wonderful to overtake 1st place in honor of Minnesota Girls State citizen. If your Unit has not yet sent tant each of our programs are. Remember to include the Department President Shirley? Make those calls or visit this in, please take care of it immediately. Reservations programs that do not have a report form. those who haven’t paid and see if you can reach the 100% with the payment of the $300.00 registration fee for each I have traveled over 12,000 miles across our state to visit goal. Our Department is currently at 85.5% which is awe- candidate will be accepted on a “first-come-first served” members at their meetings, dinners, rallies, conferences and some. We have 96 Units at 95% or higher. Make sure and basis. Upon processing your Unit’s reservation fee you will other events including VA hospitals and Veterans Homes. bring all of your membership to the next rally - Family receive the necessary registration packet for each citizen The warm welcomes and responses to my talks let me know Appreciation Rally at the Richfield Post 435 on Saturday, you are sponsoring. American Legion Auxiliary Minnesota I am representing all of us and how we feel about our vet- March 8. Hope to see you there. Girls State can accommodate 445 citizens. erans, military personnel, their families and our Country. A Unit may send as many young women to American I attended the 6th District Oratorical Competition and by 2015 DIRECT BILLING Legion Auxiliary Girls State as they wish to. the time you read this I will have attended the State All Units received a request for information on your The 2014 session of American Legion Auxiliary Oratorical Competition. What great young people we have. Unit’s 2015 dues. This information is due in the Minnesota Girls State will be held at the University of St. This program along with our Junior members, Girls State Department office by March 15th. If your Unit has not yet Thomas in St. Paul, June 15-20. We look forward to the and the Boys State programs for our youth help them devel- responded, please send in the information. The form is on 68th annual American Legion Auxiliary Minnesota Girls op into our future leaders with great understanding of why the mnala.org website under the Forms tab and select 2015 State week and another educational and successful session. and how we are the Country we are. Unit Data Form Direct Billing. When setting your 2015 Patriotism, thank our veterans -- teach our children. dues please keep in mind the National and Department dues VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION WEEK of $18.00 per person so your Unit dues should be greater Has your Unit considered doing something special for than that so you have some working capital in your Units. those members who are active volunteers within your Unit, Department Convention your community, or your District? April 6-13th is slated for July 17-19 LET’S NOT FORGET THEM “National Volunteer Recognition Week”, a perfect time to Department Convention is coming up fast and will be Sometimes in our rush we overlook some important peo- recognize them for their many hours of volunteer service. A held July 17-19 at the Kahler Hotel in Rochester, ple who need us - our own Auxiliary members. There are certificate, coffee and cookies, or guests at a pot luck din- Minnesota, hosted by the Rochester American Legion many of our members who cannot attend meetings or Unit ner are several ideas of what your Unit could do to say Family 92. Further information will be forthcoming. functions, can’t leave their homes due to illness, weather or “thank you” for the many hours and contributions your vol- Circle these dates on your calendar and plan to attend. age and would appreciate a visit from an Auxiliary member. unteers have given in service to others. Don’t forget the Poppy contests that will be held at the In our efforts to serve others, let’s not forget our own mem- Department Convention. They are Patriotism Coloring bers who need us and contact them only when their “dues PRESIDENT’S PROJECT Book & Poppy Hats: that best describes “Patriotism, Thank are due”. Make an effort to do something special for them. Department President Shirley Frederick appreciates your Our Veterans - Teach Our Children involving the American support of her special Department President’s Projects this Legion Family. (Please check the Trophy & Awards for all 2014 POPPY UPDATE year. As you know, the funds will be used at the St. Cloud specifics) Entries must be at the Department Convention on Poppy time is fast approaching. To date, 363 out of 450 VA for the Creative Arts Festival, clothing room and their Thursday, July 17th. Both of these contests are easy to par- Units have ordered their 2014 small and/or large Poppies. general activities fund. She also is looking to purchase a ticipate in. To the remaining 87 units, please place your orders now. three year subscription to the Legionnaire to be put in each March 2014 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 19 DON’T THROW AWAY THOSE UNIFORMS! WE BUY UNIFORMS, MEDALS, PATCHES, AVIATION March is community GEAR, JACKETS, HELMETS. JOE, 612-801-4673 AFTER 6 AuxiliaryContinued from Preceding Bulletin Page of the C-BOC’s waiting rooms. Also a designated amount service month will be given to the C-BOC’s for coffee and supplies in the The American Legion Auxiliary waiting room. Announcement of the total amount received has been known throughout the will be forthcoming. years as an organization that con- tributes endless volunteer hours to benefit the communities around us. SCHOLARSHIPS In our Community Service program Applications for all scholarships awarded by the we are looking back at the founda- Department are due by March 15th. Announcement of the tion in which the American Legion recipients will appear in this column when the judging is Auxiliary was established; to serve completed. Make sure and follow all of the rules on the veterans and their families. application. We don’t want our students disqualified We are directing our focus on because something isn’t signed. what we can do to benefit our com- munities, while partnering with, and ANNUAL REPORTS engaging resources within our com- PATTI COLEMAN Annual report time is fast approaching. All Units should munities to benefit veterans, active military and their fami- be preparing their reports covering the time period April 1, lies. 2013 to March 31, 2014. The white and all yellow copies We want to use volunteer events as opportunities to net- of all reports must be mailed to the Department office on or work with other people and community organizations to before April 15th. No matter how much or how little your promote events which align with our aims and purposes to Unit has been able to contribute in time, energy, resources assist in the well-being of veterans and active military, and talent to our programs, it is important that everything be including their children. included in your reports. Your reports make up our We need to invite the community to work side by side Department and National reports. Let’s hear what your with us in our mission to promote economic security for Unit has done as you used your “Working Together, Making those who have sacrificed so much for us. a Difference” through your involvement in the programs of Jump into action by developing, implementing and mon- the American Legion Auxiliary. itoring community-wide service activities. Department citations will be awarded to all Units that Organize events that encourage community participation have attained their Unit membership goal and have filed a and raise awareness of the American Legion Family. Be the complete set of annual reports by April 15th. catalyst to deliver a service project that will benefit a veter- Certificates of Merit will be awarded to Units by various an or active military family in your community. Department Chairmen based on the Unit annual reports. Ensure Auxiliary participation in community-wide Membership goal is not required. efforts to coordinate, strengthen and enhance the network Independent Rural Living of public and private resources and services for veterans, Senior apartments for elderly and those with REPORTING INDIVIDUAL HOURS service members and families in need. disabilities. Safe, convenient, comfortable, and Included in the Annual Reports packet there were forms Through community outreach we can organize and sup- affordable rural living in Southeast Minnesota. to report individual members Field Service and Home port, alone or along with The American Legion, a job fair Also available: Service hours. Be sure to complete these forms and return for veterans and military spouses. Co-host or sponsor a Housing with them to the Department office when you send in your annu- Legion Family Information table at a U.S. Chamber of Services, al reports. The permanent records for each individual’s Commerce Foundation job fair or initiate the job fair in Nursing Home, hours are updated from these forms, not the report forms. your own community. Let veterans and active military Subsidized Contact: Rent, A special information sheet was included in the instruc- families know that the American Legion Family is there to Homemaker Samantha 507-864-7714 tions describing the various types of hours and what pro- assist with their needs. services or www.goodshep-rushford.org gram they should be credited to. (www.uschamber.com/hiringourheroes) If any instructor has held a Field Service orientation Encourage your Legion Family members to serve as course this year, be certain you have sent in the names of mentors in the career e-mentoring network operated by the those taking the course to the Department office so our U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Military Spouse records can be updated. The same is true for any Business Alliance. Mentors will virtually pair with current Leadership instructor who has held a leadership school. military spouses for career guidance and support. What a When sending in any individual member’s hours for wonderful way to use your knowledge to assist others! Field Service, Home Service or Leadership, please include (www.ementorprogram.org/p/milspouse) the member’s ID #, her Unit # and location, as well as her Join the Community Blueprint. This is a set of tools and complete address. practices that provide a framework for communities to pro- duce positive, measurable outcomes for veterans, service TROPHY AND AWARD ENTRIES members and their families. Units can join the coalition Entries for any trophy and award competition are due by and participate actively and regularly as a source of knowl- April 15th, unless otherwise stated in the rules. Be certain edge in the community and help plan various volunteer to label each entry with the name of the award you are opportunities. (www.the-communityblueprint.org) applying for. A separate entry is needed for each award Community service activities and projects should direct- unless the winning Department entry is being forwarded for ly impact the quality of life and security of your local vet- National competition. See the rules for complete details. erans, active military and their families. Opportunities You may apply for any award, whether your Unit has abound! April 6-13, 2014 is National Volunteer Week. It’s reached its membership goal or not, unless that requirement a great time to get involved! is stated in the rules. Patti Coleman TESTIMONIALS There has been a change to the 4th District Testimonial. It will be held on Friday, April 25, 2014 at the North St. Paul American Legion Post 39. And a correction from last month’s newspaper: President Betty’s Testimonial in the Eighth District will be held June s 28. Worker’s Compensation s Antonio Tejeda Guzman Social Security Disability Attorney at Law s VA Disability Appeals A Veteran serving Veterans Auxiliary 320-262-3669 877-544-3164 Membership 214 4th St. SW, Willmar as of Feb. 12, 2014 www.tejeda-guzman.com District 2-12 Total Percent Goal First 4,870 85.77 5,678 Second 4,775 85.57 5,453 Third 4,124 84.80 4,863 698 83.10 840 Fourth ATTENDED GIRLS NATION -- In Front is Myra Fifth 879 84.11 1,045 Soukup, Minnesota Girl’s Nation Senator and Sixth 5,792 85.19 6,799 Secretary of Energy at national. She is surrounded by Seventh 3,821 86.39 4,423 Hanska Unit 365 Girls State Chair Darlene Nelson, Eighth 1,565 81.43 1,922 Unit President Kay Grams, and Vida Bacon, New Ulm, Ninth 4,234 87.81 4,822 Second District first vice president. Soukup said the trip to Girls Nation was “a life changing experience. It 4,838 83.80 5,773 Tenth was so wonderful to visit with such a diverse group Depart. 129 77.71 166 with common interests in government. The girls were Total 35,725 85.50 41,784 all phenomenal.” Page 20 Minnesota Legionnaire March 2014

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