IW QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

AMERICAN LEGION NEWS BRIEES FOR WEEK ENDING 6-3-77

Commander Rogers has urged the joint congressional committee considering the defense budget to restore funds for Navy's Project SEAFARER, cut by the House. The Commander, in a telegram, told the congressmen and senators that the program provides "secure, reliable method of communication ... without exposing them (nuclear submarines) to threat of detection by Soviet Navy."

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National Adjutant Hauck has urged the same joint committee to upgrade Army manpower ceilings to 790,000, and assign the additional troops to NATO units to improve combat readiness in Europe.

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The American Legion is represented on a nineteen-member steering committee for the federal government's HIRE program, which seeks to combat the unemployment problem. Economics Director Austin Kerby was named to the committee during a White House meeting with President Carter and other administration, business and veterans' organizations representatives.

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Fifteen district commanders from all over the country will travel to the Denver National Convention, Aug. 19-25, at the expense of the National Organization. Each of their districts surpassed official year end 1976 membership figures by the first of May.

INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—Department headquarters should be receiving informational packets for planning the observance of American Education Week by July 1, according to Robert H. Patty, deputy director for Children and Youth, The American Legion.

Patty says American Education Week will be Nov. 13-19 this year, and will focus on the problems of violence and vandalism in schools and improving reading skills among America's youth.

The American Legion, its Auxiliary, the U.S. Office of Education and The National Congress of Parents and Teachers are co-sponsorn of the program; all "working together for education."

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"YOUR AMERICAN LEGION -- IT'S GREAT TO KNOW YOU BELONG" QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE w NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION —THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 KSt., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

For release 6-3-77

WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—National Commander William J. Rogers has urged the Joint House Senate Defense Conference Committee to "weigh carefully" budget cuts proposed for the Navy's Project SEAFARER. The budget cuts were proposed by the House of Representatives.

In a telegram to Senator John C. Stennis, chairman of the Joint Committee, and the other 24 members, Commander Rogers said, "The Navy has a definitive need for the SEAFARER program. It provides a secure, reliable method of communication to our nuclear submarines without exposing them to threat of detection by the Soviet Navy. The technology does not now exist for an alternative form of communication."

The Committee is beginning to consider the defense authorization bill that will allow the armed forces to provide for the national defense.

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WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—American Legion National Adjutant William F. Hauck has urged the Joint Conference Committee of the U.S. Congress to support the program approved by the House Armed Services Committee to increase manning levels of U.S. Army units, primarily NATO. The Joint Conference Committee is made up of thirteen senators and twelve congressmen.

Hauck's message to the legislators followed a telephone call from Legion National Commander William J. Rogers expressing doubt that the understrength Ameri- can units would be able to perform their NATO assignments. Rogers is currently visiting European American Legion posts.

The Adjutant said the Legion supports a recommendation of the House Armed Services Committee that would set Army strength at a stable 790,000 and added that the increase would alleviate the understrength situation in units assigned to NATO and improve the overall force structure in the European theater.

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ST. PAUL, MINN.—(ALNS)—Nearly 2,300 Minnesota youngsters between the ages of eleven and thirteen will be the guests of the Minnesota Department, The Ameri- can Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, and other civic groups this summer at the fortieth annual season of weekly training sessions for school safety patrol members. The eleven sessions begin June 12 at the Legionville Training Center, located on a lake in the northern part of the state. The training center was built by the Minne- sota Department in the mid-1950's.

The safety patrolmen will receive training in school patrol procedures from members of the Minnesota Highway Patrol and training center staff personnel in both classrooms and simulated crossings built to teach proper procedure as well as school bus patrol safety training.

-alns- m 0MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 0 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

For release 6-3-77

WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—The American Legion's director for economics, Austin E. Kerby, has been named to a nineteen member steering committee designed to generate broad-based support for the HIRE (Help through Industry Retraining and Employment) program of the federal government. The steering committee was formed during a White House meeting with President Carter, Labor Secretary F. Ray Marshall and other representatives of government, business and veterans organizations.

Responsibilities of the committee will include the coordination of a White House conference to launch the HIRE program, and personal contact with business leaders to obtain commitments for corporate participation in the program.

The HIRE program, an adjunct of the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA), is part of the President's economic recovery package aimed at private sector job and training opportunities through major employers, for specifically targeted groups. Aimed primarily at two veterans groups — unemployed disabled veterans, unemployed Vietnam-era veterans, with unemployed non-vets entitled to veterans preference (e.g. spouses of veterans killed in action) included in the veteran category, the program also seeks to aid economically disadvantaged youth, and long term unemployed low-income persons.

Under the program, the Department of Labor seeks involvement of large, multi- regional businesses capable of hiring and training persons from these specific categories. HIRE is designed with two major components, reimbursable and voluntary. The first component is available to firms wishing to be compensated for the costs incurred in training target group members on the job, and the second component (voluntary) is available to those firms willing to employ those individuals without any compensation. Employers participating in the voluntary side of the program will not be obliged to develop special OJT courses, and will be asked only to sign a pledge affirming their intent to hire individuals from these groups and to abide by general program guidelines.

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INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—The Department of Maryland became the fifth department so far this year to surpass its official 1976 membership figure, and in so doing established an all-time high membership for the eleventh year in a row, Membership and Post Activities Director Robert W. Spanogle reports.

The Maryland department has exceeded its previous years' membership for sixteen consecutive years, a recent American Legion record.

So far this year, Maryland Adjutant Daniel Burkhardt reports membership at 56,346, compared with 56,333 at the close of last year's books.

All four Maryland districts continued to exceed previous all-time highs, includ- ing the Northeastern Shore which set an all-time high for the 22nd continuous year, in the words of the state adjutant, "a remarkable achievement."

-alns- 131 0MERiCAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION —THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 0 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

For release 6-3-77

INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—The top five district commanders and ten other district commanders whose names were drawn from among those eligible have been awarded free trips to the 59th Annual National Convention of The American Legion, to be held Aug. 19-25, 1977, in Denver, Colo.

All commanders whose districts reported a greater membership by May 1 than at the end of 1976 were eligible for the drawing. Five categories have been esta- blished, based on the size of the district, and the district commander who scored the greatest gain was automatically declared a winner. Two others from each of the categories were drawn to determine who would win the award.

In Category I the top district commander was Manuel Benta, 3rd District, New Mexico, Montainair. The other winners were: Charles Bingham, 4th District, Oregon, Klamath Falls; and Robert Hughes, 6th District, South Carolina, Seneca.

The top district commander in Category II was Lee Walker, District 2B, Okla- homa, Checotah; and the other winners were: Elmer Iversen of South Dakota's 13th District; and Lyle Rosser, 3rd District, Virginia.

Category Ill's top district commander is Fred Linberg, 13th District, Florida, Bonita Springs. Others winning trips were Edward Marchant, District 9, Mississippi; and William Logsdon of Kentucky's 2nd District.

Top district commander in Category IV was Rene Pelanne, representing Louisiana's 1st District. He's from Metairie. Lee Jennings of California's 16th District; and Wilbert Foerster, 22nd District of Texas were the other winners in that category.

Category V's top district commander is Howard F. Long, Western Maryland, of Boonsboro. Paul Sands, commander of Ohio's 6th District; and Eugene Achterhof, of Wisconsin's 10th were the category's other winners.

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NEWBURGH, N.Y .— (ALNS)—Ellen Lahey McKneally, mother of Past National Commander Martin McKneally (1959-60), died Thursday, May 26. Interment was on May 28 in Cal- vary Cemetery, Newburgh, N.Y.

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"YOUR AMERICAN LEGION - IT'S GREAT TO KNOW YOU BELONG" \H 0MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION —THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 KSt., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

For release 6-3-77

INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—Pennsylvania Legionnaires are nearly half-way to their goal of raising fifty thousand dollars in the "Pennsylvania American Legion's Legionnaires Disease Fund," to aid the families of those stricken at the depart- ment's 1976 Convention, according to Dr. A. J. Sebastianelli, National Executive Committeeman from Pennsylvania.

National Headquarters, upon recommendation of the Finance Commission and the approval of the National Executive Committee, has transferred one thousand dollars from the Disaster Relief Fund to the Pennsylvania Fund.

Dr. Sebastianelli said that individual contributions to the fund would be welcomed. Departments and individuals wishing to donate should mail their contri- butions directly to The American Legion, Department of Pennsylvania, P.O. Box 2324, Harrisburg, PA 17105.

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CRIME RESISTANCE TIP

A CONTINUING SERIES IN COOPERATION WITH THE FBI's CRIME RESISTANCE PROGRAM

VACATION PRECAUTI_ONS_

Have you thought about how your home might look to a burglar while you are gone on vacation? We know that burglars are usually discouraged when a home appears to be occupied, so you should consider ways in which to make your home look "lived-in" while you are away.

Some of the things you can do include:

—have a trusted friend or neighbor pick up delivered items daily, such as mail, milk, newspapers, circulars, packages or other items that give your house a vacant look. Many deliveries can be stopped, including mail, but others cannot.

—your trusted friend or neighbor can also make daily checks of your home, change drape and shade positions and turn lights off and on. Electric timing devices can also be used to create a "normal" lighting pattern.

—make sure trash cans are out of sight,

—make arrangements for the lawn to be mowed if you are going to be gone for more than a week.

None of these measures require a lot of time, effort or expense on your part, but they can make you less vulnerable to the kind of crime that disheartens many a returning vacationer.

-alns- 133 0MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION -THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 0 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

AMERICAN LEGION NEWS BRIEFS FOR WEEK ENDING 6-10-77

The American Legion has told a Congressional committee that it cannot support legislation providing a change in status for the Women's Air Forces Service Pilots from a civilian capacity to that of an active duty military organization for purposes of laws administered by the Veterans Administration. * * *

Robert (Rick) Monday of the will receive The American Legion Graduate-of-the-Year Award for 1976 at Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, Calif., on Tuesday, June 21, prior to the St. Louis Cardinals game scheduled for 7:30 p.m. (PDT).

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More than twenty-five thousand American Legionnaires and their families will return to Denver, Colo., between Aug. 19 and 25 for the 59th annual Convention of the nation's largest veterans' organization. The Legion previously visited Denver for a National Convention in 1961. * * *

WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—Orders for the Legion's 16mm promotional film, "An American Legend," are now being delivered and a limited supply of prints are still available from the Legion's Washington office at $80 each.

For those departments and posts who have not placed their orders yet, this outstanding film which has been updated to stress our present community service programs can be a great membership tool to create interest in the Legion, and at the same time, brief the audience on the history of the organization.

Departments or posts interested in ordering the film should make checks payable to The American Legion and send the checks to the attention of James C. Watkins at the Legion's Washington offices, 1608 "K" St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006. -alns-

INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—The National American Legion Press Association's dinner will be held at 7:30 p.m., Monday, Aug. 22, in the Empire Room & Lounge of the Denver Hilton Hotel, 1550 Court Place, during The American Legion's 59th National Convention in Denver, Colo. There will be an open bar from 6:30 p.m. to the time of the dinner. Cost of the dinner is $14 per person.

-alns- IM QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

For release 6-10-77

WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—The American Legion has told a Congressional committee that it cannot support legislation providing a change in status for the Women's Air Forces Service Pilots from a civilian capacity to that of an active duty military organization for purposes of laws administered by the Veterans Administration.

Speaking before the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, Robert E. Lyngh, deputy director of the Legion's National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission, noted the Legion's awareness of the WASPs' valuable contribution to the war effort, and the fact that their contribution was duly recognized at the time. "The women involved," he said, "have been honored since the end of World War II," noting further that militarization of the WASPS had been attempted in 1944 but failed.

Lyngh alluded to the concept of veterans and veterans benefits, pointing out that Title 38, section 101, paragraph 2, U.S. Code reads, "The term 'veteran' means a person who served in the active military, naval and air service, and who was dis- charged or released therefrom under other than dishonorable conditions."

"On the basis of that definition the former members of the WASP are not veterans," according to Lyngh. The testimony pointed out that should the WASPS be granted the same rights and benefits accorded to honorable service in the armed forces during World War II, then a valid case can be made for all non-military com- ponents who contributed to the war effort, in any of the nation's wars, and The American Legion is opposed to such recognition.

Passage of the proposed bill, S. 247, would in the opinion of the Legion, make it virtually impossible to ask the American people, through Congress, to give special attention to the needs of veterans and their families.

Another bill, S. 1414, similar to the WASP proposal, seeks to gain military status for a group of civilian women telephone operators in the service of the Signal Corps, with the American Expeditionary Force in France in 1918. According to Lyngh, The American Legion does not have sufficient information on the status of these women to offer a definitive comment; however, in the absence of information confirming that they were members of the United States Army, and the bill implies they were not, the Legion does not support this legislation. "All the reasons advanced earlier, as pertain to WASPs," Lyngh said, "pertain to these women telephone operators."

Lyngh said that The American Legion recommends this legislation not be approved until more exact data be obtained to determine the civilian or military status of this component.

A third bill, S. 129, also covered by the Lyngh testimony, calls for restora- tion of wartime recognition to certain Filipino veterans of World War II, and to entitlement of benefits, rights and privileges pursuant to such recognition.

(more) A3* Lyngh Testimony before Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, page

Lyngh told the Subcommittee that concern over this unresolved problem was manifested through Resolution No. 163, originated by The American Legion of the Philippines, and adopted by The American Legion National Convention in August, 1976. He said the resolution favors support for legislation to reopen the Guerilla Recog- nition program of the Commonwealth of the Philippines by the Department of Defense and S. 129 appears to satisfy that resolution.

"It is the hope of The American Legion that these veterans, who served so gallantly the cause of the United States in the Philippines during World War II, not be forgotten," Lyngh concluded.

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For release 6-10-77

INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—Robert (Rick) Monday of the Los Angeles Dodgers will receive The American Legion Baseball Graduate of the Year Award for 1976 at Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, Calif., on Tuesday, June 21, prior to the St. Louis Cardinals game scheduled for 7:30 p.m. (PDT).

William J. Rogers of Kennebunk, Me., National Commander of The American Legion, will make the presentation for the Legion.

The annual award honors the graduate of The American Legion's youth citizenship training program who best exemplifies the principles and ideals of American Legion Baseball.

Daniel J. O'Connor, chairman of the Legion's National Americanism Commission, said that Monday was selected for his "splendid example of the Legion's sportsman- ship code and his influence on young players in character building ahd his respect for God and country, as exemplified by his heroic rescue of the American flag from two dissidents in April, 1976, made him the ideal choice for the award."

Monday recently provided funds for a series of tryout camps and clinics which will provide opportunities and assistance to young men interested in a career in baseball.

When Monday signed his contract with the Dodgers he asked that a portion of the contract be used by the Dodgers to develop a program in the area of player development. The series of tryout camps and clinics will begin this year with the program being coordinated by members of the Dodgers' scouting department.

Monday played American Legion Baseball for Santa Monica Bay Cities Post 123, Santa Monica, Calif., before turning professional in 1965. Post 123 won the of American Legion Baseball in Manchester, N.H., last year.

Other previous recipients of the award are: Sherman Lollar, Ted Williams, Stan Musial, Bobby Richardson, Warren Spahn, Brooks Robinson, Eddie Fisher, Frank Robinson, Carl Yastrzemski, Mickey Lolich, Harmon Killebrew, Dave McNally, , Al Kaline, , Wilbur Wood and .

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"YOUR AMERICAN LEGION -- IT'S GREAT TO KNOW YOU BELONG"" l3(o QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 0 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

For release 6-10-77

INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—More than twenty-five thousand American Legionnaires and their families will return to Denver, Colo., between Aug. 19 and 25 for the 59th annual Convention of the world's largest veterans' organization. The Legion previously visited Denver for a National Convention in 1961.

The annual Convention is the principal policy-making body of the 2.7-million member organization comprised of honorably discharged veterans of World Wars I and II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. The organization's efforts for the coming year in the fields of legislative affairs, veterans affairs and rehabili- tation, national security, children and youth, Americanism, economics and foreign relations will be based upon resolutions adopted by the delegates to the Conven- tion.

Convention activity will get underway on Friday, Aug. 19, with meetings of the national commissions and committees of the organization. Committee and com- mission work will be conducted primarily on Friday and Saturday, and uniformed groups competition of the Legion also will be conducted Friday and Saturday. The uniformed groups competition will be climaxed by the Saturday night Musical Spec- tacular to be held in the Mile-High Stadium, beginning at 7:00 in the evening. The Musical Spectacular and Drum & Bugle Corps preliminaries are the only events of the Convention open to the general public that will have an admission charge.

Sunday, Aug. 21, is National Convention Parade Day in downtown Denver. The Parade is expected to last approximately five hours and will feature delegations from each of the fifty states, the seven foreign and outlying Legion organizations, bands, floats and all of the organization's uniformed groups, bands, drum and bugle corps, firing squads, drill teams, color guards, and singing groups that participated in competition in the Mile-High City.

The formal sessions of the Convention are scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in the Denver Convention Complex. In addition to taking action on proposed resolutions from the commissions and committees, the delegates will hear addresses by distinguished speakers and several major National American Legion awards will be presented, including the prestigious Distinguished Service Medal honoring an indi- vidual's work for mankind, and the Fourth Eastate Awards for excellence in the field of journalism.

National Commander William J. Rogers, of Kennebunk, Maine, will preside over the Convention which will elect his successor at the final session.

Other affiliated organizations that will be meeting at the same time as the Legion include The Society of the Founders of The American Legion, made up of individuals who were present at either the 1919 Paris Caucus or the 1919 St. Louis Caucus; the American Legion Auxiliary; and the Sons of The American Legion.

-alns- 0MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

For release 6-10-77

CHICAGO—(ALNS)—More than 23 million dollars has been distributed to bene- ficiaries by the American Legion Life Insurance Plan since 1958, Insurance direc- tor Gene Fattig has noted.

Fattig says the Insurance program can be a useful membership tool for posts and urged all posts of The American Legion to appoint an insurance officer. The Insurance office will keep all insurance officers automatically supplied with brochures and applications upon notification that an appointment has been made.

More information on the program can be obtained from Gene L. Fattig, Director, The American Legion Life Insurance Plan, 222 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60601.

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1NDIANAP0LIS— (ALNS)— Freedoms Foundation of Valley Forge, Pa., has honored both the Legion and Legion Auxiliary with a George Washington Honor Medal for their special 1976 Boys/Girls Nation Bicentennial edition in Washigton, D.C.

The Foundation also honored the following 1976 state champion orators of the National High School Oratorical Contest: George Washington Honor Medal Awards — David Fields, Cookeville, Tn.; John E. Frank, Caldwell, Id.; David J. Dickoff, Syosset, N.Y.; Brian Hufford, Dodge City, Ks.; Virginia Inman, Greenville, S.C.; John M. LaVergne, Hollis, N.H.; Robert H. Maus, Honolulu, Hi. (1st Place, National Finalist).

Also Valley Forge Honor Certificate Awards were presented to: David Abernethy, Harrisburg, Pa. (4th Place, National Finalist); Carl H. Becker, Westfield, N.J.; Peter Keast, Waterbury, Ct.; Debora K. Miller, Wenatchee, Wa.; Robert R. Moodie, West Point, Ne.; John P. Mullen, Brown Deer, Wi. (2nd Place, National Finalist); Robin Myers, Taylor, Mi.; Vicki Rush, Fairmont, W.V.; Benjamin L. Webster, Red Bluff, Ca.; and Sheila Whitfield, Newtown Grove, N.C.

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WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—The House, by an overwhelming majority in each case, voted the passage of three veterans bills. The first, H.R. 1862, provides for approxi- mately a six per cent cost-of-living increase in compensation rates to all veterans disabled by reason of service-connected disabilities. Rates of death and indemnity compensation payable to survivors was similarly increased. The second, H.R. 6501, provides increased awards to those who suffer a service-connected loss or loss of use of paired extremities. The third, H.R. 6502, provides for specially adaptive automotive equipment to World War I veterans. All three measures have been sent to the Senate for its consideration.

-a Ins- I3Z QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

AMERICAN LEGION NEWS BRIEFS FOR WEEK ENDING 6-17-77

Opposition to a recent report by the National Academy of Sciences, recommer.ding that the hospital-medical system of the Veterans Administration be made a part of the general delivery of health services in all communities, was vigorously stated by American Legion National Commander William J. Rogers.

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Representative John Myers (R-Ind.) was successful in denying funds to the Carter Administration to process the President's pardon of Vietnam-era draft dodgers and deserters. National Commander Rogers has commended the Hoosier congress- man for his successful action,

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WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—National Commander William J. Rogers has told Sen. Howard Baker (R-Tenn.) that the Legion shares his concern over the President's plan to withdraw U.S. ground troops from the Korean peninsula.

In a letter to the Tennessee Senator, the Legion chief said that his organLza- tion was "even more concerned over the Foreign Relations Committee endorsement of that plan prior to completely examining the military and national security implica- tions of troop withdrawal." Commander Rogers pointed out further that Senator Baker's amendment to delete section 454 of H.R. 6689, the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, has the Legion's "total support."

The Legion chief also sent a laudatory message to another Tennessee Congressman, Rep. Robin L. Beard. Congressman Beard introduced legislation to deny the use of federal funds for the payment of veterans benefits to those whose discharges are upgraded as a result of "revised standards of review of discharges."

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INDIANAPOLIS— (ALNS)— William F. Hauck, National Adjutant of The American Legion, presented a Betsy Ross designed flag to Indianapolis Mayor William H. hudnut in commemoration of "Bicentennial Flag Day," June 14, here. The event marked the two hundredth anniversary of the American flag.

Following the Indianapolis Mayor's proclamation of "Bicentennial Flag Day, ' before a group of television newspersons, he presented his original copy to National Adjutant Hauck. In the proclamation, Mayor Hudnut called upon all citizens to pay tribute to "this revered symbol of our country by displaying the flag and engaging in appropriate ceremonies honoring it."

-alns- 0MER1CAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION- -THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

For release 6-17-77

INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—Opposition to a recent report by the National Academy of Sciences, recommending that the hospital-medical system of the Veterans Administration be made a part of the general delivery of health services in all communities, was vigorously stated by American Legion National Commander William J. Rogers.

Rogers, who was in Europe at the time the National Academy of Sciences report was made public, issued the following statement through his offices at American Legion National Headquarters here:

"The three year study of the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences on the Veterans Administrations hospital system has been made public, and we of The American Legion are totally appalled by, and adamantly opposed to, the findings.

"Following a thorough study of the report, we intend to elaborate fully on our position during congressional oversight hearings on the Veterans Administration Medical Service scheduled for late July or early August of this year.

"In our view, the report fails in a number of ways. First, it fails to take into consideration the unique character of the VA Medical Service, established as it was to provide medical care either unavailable elsewhere, or priced beyond the reach of the veteran of military service.

"Secondly, the report does not address the fact that with respect to the types of injuries and illnesses treated, VA hospitals have a disproportionate number of spinal cord injuries, paraplegics and psychiatric cases precisely because these are the by-product of the battlefield. As a consequence, the VA System is uniquely equipped to cope with these disabilities.

"We applaude and endorse the comment of Veterans Administrator Max Cleland who responded 'any suggestion for elimination of the Veterans Administration hospital system is contrary to the nation's history of providing for veteran health care.'

"I am sure that every veteran will echo these sentiments."

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WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—A recent Supreme Court decision has established the principle that military service must be counted in computing pension eligibility when a veteran returns to the same employer after military service. Ruling in favor of the plaintiff in the case of Davis vs. the Alabama Power Co. on the pension eligibility matter, the Court decision is expected to benefit thousands of veterans. Veterans who have already retired may apply for recomputation of their pensions based on the decision.

-alns- HMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

For release 6-17-77

INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—Representative John Myers (R-Ind.) was successful in denying funds to the Carter Administration to process the President's pardon of Vietnam-era draft dodgers and deserters. The House added Rep. Myers' restriction to an appropriations bill providing funds for the Department of State, Justice, Commerce and the Judiciary for fiscal year 1978. (See ALNS issue of 5-20-77)

The Hoosier congressman won a similar vote earlier this year when Congress considered a supplemental appropriations measure. While that action affected only those additional funds sought by the Carter Administration for the remainder of the year, the present vote would restrict the use of all funds appropriated for these departments during the next fiscal year.

Rep. Myers said his amendment does not challenge the President's authority to pardon the violators, but only his judgment in doing so. "Just as the President has the constitutional authority to grant these pardons, Congress has the constitu- tional responsibility to decide how the taxpayers' money shall be used.

"The Myers Amendment simply says the American people should not bear the cost of administering the pardon, with all the paperwork, legal steps, and the hiring of additional government employees that inevitably comes with this kind of program.

"I believe Congress has an additional responsibility to go on record on this issue. The President's pardon of an estimated quarter of a million persons who turned their backs on America was, in my opinion, an insult to the more than one thousand who are still unaccounted for..."

National Commander William J. Rogers sent a letter to Congressman Myers com- mending him for his action. Following is the full text of the Legion chief's letter to the Indiana congressman:

"The American Legion is pleased to learn that the House adopted your amendment to the FY 1978 appropriations bill for the Departments of State, Justice, Commerce and the Judiciary. Your proposal to prohibit the use of any appropriated funds to carry out the President's draft evader pardon program had our total support and we were happy to respond to your request for assistance in seeking adoption of this measure.

"We believe that your action, with Senate concurrence, will effectively reduce the impact of the pardon program and we commend you for your leadership in encouraging the House to express its opinion on this matter. As a participant in this effort, The American Legion shares your pride of accomplishment."

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"YOUR AMERICAN LEGION -- IT'S GREAT TO KNOW YOU BELONG" 0MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

For release 6-17-77

INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—A Rome, N.Y., drug warehouse and a Cincinnati, Ohio, manufacturer have been named "Employer of the Year" by The American Legion. The awards, initiated seven years ago, are made annually to employers in two categories who make a conscious effort to hire veterans.

The program was begun in 1970 when The American Legion established the Jobs for Veterans program in an effort to stem the rising tide of unemployment for veterans of the Vietnam War. The program continues to receive major emphasis by The American Legion's National Economic Commission in cooperation with the National Alliance of Businessmen.

Named to receive the award in the small employer category (less than two hundred employees) for 1976 is Carl's Drugs Warehouse of Rome, N.Y. Every individual hired by the firm last year was a veteran, and nearly sixty per cent of the firm's forty employees are veterans.

The Cincinnati Time Recorder Co., a division of General Signal Corporation, has been cited in the large employer division. Every man hired by the firm last year, and nearly ten per cent of the women added to the payroll, were veterans.

The awards will be presented to the representatives of the firms at the National Convention of The American Legion at noon on Wed., Aug. 24, in Denver, Colo.

More than 25,000 American Legionnaires and their families will be in the Mile High City for the Convention between Aug. 19-25.

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CRIME RESISTANCE

A CONTINUING SERIES IN COOPERATION WITH THE FBI's CRIME RESISTANCE PROGRAM

If your property has fences and gates, keep overhanging trees and shrubbery well trimmed, eliminate places of concealment and climbable limbs that provide easy access to your property. Always maintain fences and gates in good condition. Cheap padlocks are not recommended. Purchase a SECURITY padlock of extruded or laminated construction with a minimum 9/32-inch hardened steel shackle with heel-and-toe locking and a minimum of 5-pin tumblers to resist picking. Keep in mind that you want to make the intruder's job as difficult as possible.

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"YOUR AMERICAN LEGION -- IT'S GREAT TO KNOW YOU BELONG" EJMEFUCAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. 0. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

For release 6-17-77

LOS ANGELES, CA—(ALNS)—A total of twenty-five former American Legion Base- ball players are on the rosters of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the St. Louis Cardi- nals for the June 21 game here, when the Dodgers play the Cardinals at 7:30 p.m.

The American Legion, during the 7:00 p.m. (PDT) pre-game ceremonies, will present Dodgers' Robert (Rick) Monday with the Legion's Baseball Graduate of the Year Award for 1976. Legion National Commander William J. Rogers will make the presentation. Monday, who played Legion Baseball with the Santa Monica Bay Cities Post 123 of Santa Monica, Calif., is the first Dodger player to win the Legion award.

Members of the Dodgers team who played American Legion Baseball as a stepping stone to the major leagues are: Dusty Baker, Al Downing (disabled list), Mike Garman, Steve Garvey, Charlie Hough, Tommy John, Rick Monday, , Rick Rhoden, Bill Russell and Reggie Smith.

The following St. Louis Cardinal players formerly played American Legion Base- ball: Mike Anderson, Clay Carroll, Larry Dierker, , Bob Forsch, Don Kessinger, Bake McBride, Butch Metzger, Dave Rader, Ted Simmons, Garry Templeton, Mike Tyson, John Urrea and Joel Youngblood.

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MATTAPAN, MASS—(ALNS)—Louis S. Silvey, 90, a life member of Mattapan Post 128 whose lifelong motto "For God and Country" merited him the title of Mr. American Legion in his area of Massachusetts, died June 8, here.

Mr. Silvey was a past commander of Post 128, and in 1964 was the recipient of a National Commander's citation for outstanding acts of character. He also served as a vice chairman of the Legion's Distinguished Guest Committee.

Services were held June 10, at Stanetsky-Schlossberg-Solomon Memorial Chape], Brookline, Mass. Expressions of sympathy may be donated to Louis Silvey J.W.V. National Scholarship Fund and forwarded to Department Adjutant John Swift, 546-2 State House, Boston, MA 02133. Survivors include one brother who lives at 43 Badger Road, Hyde Park, Mass.

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GRIFFIN, GA. —(ALNS)—J. S. (Jack) Langford, 71, former Georgia National Executive Committeeman of The American Legion (1962-63), died May 31 here. He also served as Legion Department Commander of Georgia in 1954-55.

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INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—Mr. Raymond L. Smith, father of Mrs. Paul Brown, National President of the American Legion Auxiliary, died June 9. Funeral services were conducted June 11 in Twin Falls, Idaho. The National President's home address ie Route 1, Filer, ID 83328. -alns- IH3 QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION —THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

AMERICAN LEGION NEWS BRIEFS FOR WEEK ENDING 6-24-77

Responding to apparent threats to veterans benefit programs, American Legion National Commander William J. Rogers has announced the appointment of a special committee to spearhead the Legion's efforts to protect veterans benefits.

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President Carter's administrator of veterans affairs, Max Cleland, a combat veteran of the Vietnam War, will discuss his plans for the Veterans Administration in a message to the delegates and guests at the 59th annual National Convention of The American Legion, Tues., Aug. 23, 1977, in Denver, Colo.

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Speaking on behalf of The American Legion before a special oversight subcom- mittee on the Committee on Veterans Affairs recently, Robert E. Lyngh, deputy director of the National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission, voiced the Legion's firm opposition to the Administration's Special Discharge Review Program.

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Two American Legion officials, Austin E. Kerby, director for Economics, and James C. Watkins, director of Public Relations, met recently with President Carter and some three hundred of the nation's top leaders of business, labor and veterans organizations to launch HIRE (Help through Industry Retraining and Employment) program.

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INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—Civil Service Commission chairman Alan (Scotty) Campbell said that veterans preference has "damaged the quality of the senior civil service and he would like to see it sharply curtailed," according to a report from the 6-20-77 issue of Federal Employees' News Digest.

The Digest further noted that veterans preference will be studied by the Carter task force on government personnel reorganization.

Under the present system in government hiring, veterans get preference and veterans with compensable disability get absolute preference.

The American Legion is on record, through Resolution 186 of its 1976 National Convention, to reaffirm opposition to any and all attempts to weaken or reduce veterans rights and benefits in federal government.

-alns- Hi QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

For release 6-24-77

WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—Responding to apparent threats to veterans benefit programs, American Legion National Commander William J. Rogers has announced the appointment of a special committee to spearhead the Legion's efforts to protect veterans benefits.

In announcing the formation of the new committee, the Legion chief said: "We can now identify some of those whose thinking is in the direction of the elimination of veteran programs, or their merging with social welfare programs. The American Legion will not stand idly by while some turn their backs on those who have fought the nation's wars. We intend to tell the American people what is happening, and to rely on their gratitude for the sacrifices made by the nation's veterans, which they have shown through the veterans benefit programs enacted by Congress."

The new committee, which will be known as the Committee on Special Problems of the Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Program,will be chaired by William F. Lenker of South Dakota. Other members will be Frank Hamilton of Indiana, Al Keller of Illinois, Harry Davison of Colorado, Dorothy Andrews of Iowa, Chester Stellar of Ohio and Thad Gnidziejko of New Jersey.

Acting as consultants to the full committee will be Roy Stone of South Carolina, Dyke Shannon of Florida and Dr. Kenneth J. S. DeSimone of Kentucky. The new Committee is expected to hold its first meeting in Washington, D.C., in mid-July.

At the National Commander's request, the Special Committee will first address itself to three dangers that Rogers outlined: an effort to merge veterans compensa- tion and pension programs into social welfare programs now administered by HEW; a newly released report of the National Academy of Sciences that suggests merging the VA hospital system with community health care programs; and the continuing danger to VA hospitals that is posed by National Health Insurance.

Commander Rogers stated that the Legion will conduct an all-out effort to insure that all present veterans programs are maintained intact, and that they continue to be administered for veterans by the Veterans Administration.

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INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—A former Legion Baseball graduate, Robert (Rick) Monday, was presented The American Legion Baseball Graduate of the Year Award for 1976 by National Commander William J. Rogers at Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, Calif., on June 21, prior to the St. Louis Cardinals game. Monday is a centerfielder with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Monday's former American Legion Baseball club, Santa Monica Bay Cities Post 123, of Santa Monica, Calif., whose present team won the World Series of American Legion Baseball in Manchester, N.H., last year, was saluted on the field by the Dodgers prior to the Monday presentation.

-alns- HS QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

For release 6-24-77

INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—President Carter's administrator of veterans affairs, Max Cleland, a combat disabled veteran of the Vietnam War, will discuss his plans for the Veterans Administration in a message to the delegates and guests at the 59th annual National Convention of The American Legion, Tues., Aug. 23, 1977, in Denver, Colo.

This will be Cleland's first talk to a Legion audience since his nomination and confirmation earlier this year. Prior to being named by President Carter to head the VA, the largest independent agency in the federal government, Cleland was a member of the staff of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee.

Mrs. Paul (Norma) Brown, president of the American Legion Auxiliary, also is scheduled to greet the delegates to the Convention. The Auxiliary is active in veterans affairs and rehabilitation programs, children and youth activities, and most all other efforts in which The American Legion is active.

Other messages will be presented by Gordon Thomson, Dominion president of the Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans in Canada; T. Y. Chao, chairman of the Vocational Assistance Commission for Retired Servicemen, Republic of China (Taiwan), and Lee Maeng Kee, president of the Korean Veterans Association.

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INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—Gen. Louis H. Wilson, commandant of the United States Marine Corps and a World War II Medal of Honor recipient, will be the military speaker for The American Legion's 59th annual National Convention. He is scheduled to address the delegates to the Convention at 10:00 a.m. on Aug. 25, 1977, in the Denver Convention Complex.

In announcing Gen. Wilson's appearance, Legion National Commander William J. Rogers noted that a long-standing Legion custom calls for rotating National Conven- tion appearances among representatives of the several armed services.

A native of Mississippi, Gen. Wilson has had a long and outstanding record with the Marine Corps following his enlistment in May, 1941, in the Marine Corps Reserve. He was commissioned in November, 1941, and saw action in the Pacific Theater during World War II, and subsequently in Korea and Vietnam.

He served in a variety of command and staff assignments with the Corps, culminating in his promotion to brigadier general in 1966. Following a series of senior command and staff assignments he was appointed commandant of the Marine Corps by then President Ford on July 1, 1975.

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"YOUR AMERICAN LEGION -- IT'S GREAT TO KNOW YOU BELONG" Itlo ESMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 KSt., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

For release 6-24-77

WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—Speaking on behalf of The American Legion before a special oversight subcommittee on the Committee on Veterans Affairs recently, Robert E. Lyngh, deputy director of the National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission, voiced the Legion's firm opposition to the Administration's Special Discharge Review Program.

Lyngh told the subcommittee that The American Legion, by mandate of its National Convention of Aug. 1976, and by resolution of its National Executive Committee in May, 1977, is categorically opposed to the Special Discharge Review Program, primarily because it deals with only one specific group of veterans. He pointed out that The American Legion supported the establishment of military discharge and review boards and has worked closely with these boards for the past 33 years, offering counsel to all veterans seeking redress before these boards.

"The special program, from the standpoint of justice, is an insult to all who served this country. To select one group, and to expect less of it than is required of all, is to smear the honor that has always characterized the soldier and the tradition of arms," Lyngh added.

In summing up his testimony Lyngh said, "We believe that it is necessary and essential that the character of service rendered by members of the armed forces must be judged by a single standard that applies to all."

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WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—Two American Legion officials, Austin E. Kerby, director for Economics, and James C. Watkins, director of Public Relations, met recently with President Carter and some three hundred of the nation's top leaders of business, industry, labor and veterans organizations to launch HIRE (Help through Industry Retraining and Employment) program.

The American Legion's pledge, given at an earlier date by National Commander William J. Rogers, of utilizing its vast organization to bring awareness regarding the HIRE program to the attention of both unemployed veterans and prospective employers was repeated to the President.

Information is being forwarded to all American Legion departments throughout the fifty states and their more, than sixteen thousand posts to encourage all unemployed veterans, including disabled and Vietnam-era veterans, to go to their local employ- ment offices and register for the HIRE program.

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"YOUR AMERICAN LEGION -- IT'S GREAT TO KNOW YOU BELONG" M ESMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeUoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 0 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

For release 6-24-77

INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—Delegates and guests to The American Legion's 59th annual National Convention, to be held in Denver, Colo., Aug. 19-25, 1977, will hear words of welcome from several Colorado dignitaries.

Colorado's dynamic young governor, Richard D. Lamm, and Denver's mayor, William H. McNichols, Jr., are among the officials who will greet the conventioneers. Mayor McNichols is scheduled to address the opening session, Tuesday, Aug. 23, while Gover- nor Lamm is expected to be present for the closing session, Thursday, Aug. 25.

Also bringing the delegates greetings will be Vinton R. Guy, Denver, immediate past commander of the Colorado Department of The American Legion, and Robert B. Grauberger, Hauxton, Colo., president, 1977 National Convention Corporation — The American Legion, Inc. Guy and Grauberger have long been active in The American Legion at the state and local level and Grauberger is also currently serving as a National Vice Commander.

This is the second time the Legion has held its National Convention in the Mile High City. The first was in 1961.

William J. Rogers, Kennebunk, Me., National Commander of The American Legion, will preside over the 59th Convention, which will elect his successor as its final act.

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INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—A leader of the Philippine Resistance Movement during World War II, who later served his nation as secretary of national defense, Alejo S. Santos, of Manila, and a Nationalist Chinese business leader, Yen Hsiao-Chang of Taipei, Republic of China, will be awarded the International Amity Awards of The American Legion at the Legion's National Convention to be held in Denver, Colo., Aug. 19-25, 1977.

The International Amity Award is presented to individuals who are members of veterans organizations of nations allied with the United States during wartime, and recognizes outstanding service in the field of veterans affairs and for service and contributions made in the development of international goodwill and comradeship between his organization and The American Legion.

Santos escaped the Bataan Death March during World War II and established the resistance program in the Bulacan area. Following the war he served as military governor of the province and as a congressman, was elected governor and served as secretary of national defense. He is a member of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines and The American Legion.

Yen retired from the Chinese Army as a colonel and operates an engineering firm that specializes in road building. He has made a conscious effort over the years to provide jobs for veterans and has assisted The American Legion in various capacities including arrangements for visits of National Commanders to the Republic of China.

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