A Sign at Bastogne by Al Zdon Razor, Had Hit His Best Friend, Who Was in the Same Fox Hole, in the Back

The Minnesota American Legion and Auxiliary

LegionnaireVolume 96, Number 12 For God and Country December 2014 Minnesotans named to national Legion VA, Congress roll out new committees, panels Minnesota Legionnaires were named to four chairman- VeteransBy Al Zdon Choice program ships and two vice chairmanships for this coming year by Are you eligible for VA care, and did you get your National Commander Mike Helm of Nebraska. Veteran’s Choice card yet? You will. Serving as chairmen at the national level: All those who are eligible for VA health care — all -- Mike Bredeck of Madison will chair the Committee on nine million nationwide — will receive the Veterans Youth Education. Choice card by sometime in January. Nearly 700,000 eli- -- Chuck Kruger of Byron will be the chair of the gible veterans have already received their card. Conventional Armed Forces Committee. What can you do with the card? The Veterans Access, -- William Goede of Plainview will chair the National Choice and Accountability Act of 2014 was signed into Guard and Reserve Forces Committee. law in August, and the program began in November. -- Thomas Mullon of Eagan will chair the Health Essentially the Veterans Choice program, which is Administration Committee. temporary, tries to answer the issues that were raised by The two vice chairmanships announced included: -- Peggy Moon of St. Joseph will be a vice chairman of the Legion and other vet- Continued on Page 7 erans groups about long appointment times and long distances from VA But hang on, it’s not quite like Huey pilot facilities. Two groups of veter- had three ans will mainly benefit. winning the publisher’s lottery power I guess I’ve devel- One will be those who choppers oped somewhere, some- have appointments longer how, over time. shot out from than 30 days out. The sec- I’ve learned over the ond group are those who Veterans Affairs under him years that in such live more than 40 miles inevitable instances of from a VA hospital or and Rehabilitation learning news “too good clinic. By to be true” that in most Pages Those veterans can Tom Newman cases it’s important to do use their card to get care 8-10 your homework. from non-VA facilities. Is it possible that Santa, most comprehensive letter Some years back I had The program will last working in cahoots with the I’ve ever received outlining once before received an for three years, or until United States Federal a new program of such official looking piece of the money runs out. Government, decided to magnitude, I’ll concede it postal communication. The American Legion deliver the holiday season a provided all the necessary On that particular occa- warned in a recent press bit early to Veterans this information to understand sion it was an envelope Past Commander release, however, that year? the very basics of the pro- stamped “URGENT.” “the care is not a free pass That’s what I asked gram and what it may mean Contained was my notifi- for unlimited health care Bob Flaherty, 86 myself after clumsily for our Minnesota Joe and cation from Publishers Past Department from any provider you unwrapping the official Jane Veteran. Clearinghouse declaring Commander Bob Flaherty may choose in the private looking envelope marked to It certainly was a better me their official winner of of Forest Lake died Nov. 6, sector.” my attention from the U.S. read then the federal regula- over a million dollars in 2014. Before you can use the Department of Veterans tion itself - which by the cash and prize. Flaherty served as com- card, the VA must verify Affairs. Contained in the way made me feel very I remember dancing mander in 1988-89, part of your eligibility and pro- envelope were my new sleepy. my version of the Irish jig a long Legion career span- vide advance authoriza- Veterans Choice Cards. But not so fast, Batman. believing my ship had ning over 40 years. tion. You can’t simply use In addition to the card Unfortunately, I happen to finally arrived - I had hit He served as Third the card to get treatment was a letter outlining the be a nervous-nellie and my the big time. District Commander, 1979- at your local clinic. It Veterans Choice Program one bad eye has a frequent Now I generally don’t 80, Department must be pre-approved by and who to call in order to tendency to begin twitching prefer to revisit disap- Membership Director, the national VA. access non-VA healthcare uncontrollably when I pointing chapters from 1982-83, and Department In Minnesota, VA under the eligibility stan- receive information I my early adult life, but Vice Commander, 1985-86. operators at the dards and rules of the pro- believe either too good to let’s just say that with the He was also commander Minneapolis VA Health of his home post, Forest gram. be true or is information I exception of receiving a Lake Post 225. Continued on Page 3 Although it wasn’t the judge to be BS. It’s a super- Continued on Page 3 Continued on Page 5 ROBERT FLAHERTY A Christmas story A Sign at Bastogne By Al Zdon razor, had hit his best friend, who was in the same fox hole, in the back. Stan Kaminski Sgt. Joe Powell hunkered down was dead before Joe Powell could even further in his fox hole. extend his hand to him. Above his head, the world was He and Kaminski had been best friends exploding as another barrage of for over two years, starting with Airborne German artillery rocked the training at Camp Taccoa in Georgia. They ground, tore huge craters in the had trained together, jumped out of air- snowy landscape and shattered the planes together, and planned what they tall pines above. might do together after the war. Now, Two days earlier, an 88 shell Powell couldn’t get the memory of those had exploded among the pines and lifeless eyes staring back at him out of his sent wicked splinters of a tree mind. hurtling down on the troops in their fox holes. One piece, about the size qqqqq of a baseball bat and sharp as a Continued on Page 6 Page 2 Minnesota Legionnaire December 2014 PATCHES: I BUY PATCHES THAT I NEED I AM LOOKING FOR OLDER AIR FORCE, AIR NATIONAL GUARD, NAVY, NAVY AIR, SHIPS, COAST GUARD, ARMY, MN NATIONAL GUARD, USMC, JACKETS, HELMETS, National Commander’s Tour slate revealed CALL JOE, 612-801-4673 AFTER 6 The National -- North Branch Post 85, noon, 507-357-4787. -- St. Peter Post 37, Commander’s Tour sched- 6 p.m., 651-674-6100. -- New Ulm Post 132, 6 noon, TBA. ule has been announced for Wednesday, Feb. 4 p.m., 507-354-4016. -- Apple Valley Post Thinking of 2015. The tour will take -- Rosetown Post 542, 8 Thursday, Feb. 5 1776, 6 p.m., 952-431- * place across the state from a.m., 651-483-3535, Tosha. -- Redwood Falls Post 1776, Joan. Feb. 2-5. -- Le Center Post 108, 38; 8 a.m., 507-641-5406, National Commander Jerry Ludwig. *Viagra is a registered trademark of Pfizer & is not associated with Great Health Nutrition. Mike Helm of Nebraska will be visiting 12 posts in Viagra? four days in a tour that Try ‘The Silver Bullet’ crosses both northern and It only takes one! southern Minnesota. No Prescription needed . Low Helm was elected at the Cost . 36 Hour Performance national convention held 1360 University Ave. this year in Charlotte. 651-645-2315 The meetings at the 5192 Central Ave. NE 763-571-5544 posts will include breakfast, 1668 Robert Street lunch or dinner. The dinner 651-453-9150 meetings will be preceded by a 5 p.m. social hour. Traveling with the national commander will be Department Commander Peggy Moon, Department Membership Director Pat Logan, and Department Adjutant Randy Tesdahl. All posts that are at goal by the time of the visit will receive a certificate and have their picture taken with the national commander. Those pictures will appear in the Minnesota Legionnaire. Those who plan to attend should made reservations Independent Rural Living with the hosting post. All Senior apartments for elderly and those with details about the meal and disabilities. Safe, convenient, comfortable, and its cost are being handled affordable rural living in Southeast Minnesota. by the local post. The place, time and con- Also available: Housing with tact information are listed Services, below. Nursing Home, The schedule includes: Subsidized Contact: Monday, Feb. 2 Rent, -- Moorhead Post 21, 8 Homemaker Samantha 507-864-7714 services or www.goodshep-rushford.org a.m.; Delyle Ishaug, 701- 361-3652. -- Detroit Lakes Post 15, noon; 218-234-7315, Eric Wilkens. -- Walker Post 134, 6 p.m., 218-547-1011, Tony. Tuesday, Feb. 3 -- Grand Rapids Post 60, 8 a.m., 218-326-9141. -- Brainerd Post 255, noon, 218-829-2249. s Worker’s Compensation s Antonio Tejeda Guzman Social Security Disability Attorney at Law s VA Disability Appeals A Veteran serving Veterans Display, Protect and Preserve Your Memorial United States 320-262-3669 Flag in a Beautifully Handcrafted Solid Oak Flag Case 877-544-3164 with a Glass Front, Removable Back and Engraved Plate 214 4th St. SW, Willmar www.tejeda-guzman.com with Name and Branch of Service of Veteran.

“Made by Veterans for Veterans” Minnesota Veterans Home Phone: 651-539-2486 1200 E. 18th Street Fax: 651-480-0058 Hastings, MN 55033 December 2014 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 3 Tom Newman: Let’s look at the Did you get your card yet? Continued from Page 1 fineContinued print from Page 1of Veteranscare by the VA).Choice Veteran B can either Care System have been trained to refer very handsome set of emblazoned steel schedule their appointment by contacting veterans to the natio nal Choice Act Szechwan stake knives with authentic high the TPA for scheduling care close to home number to verify eligibility. That num- polish bamboo grips, and which were in and in the community or will “choose” to ber is 1-866-606-8198. fact very nice, the really big cash prize I wait to receive care from within the VA In addition, there will be eligibility had expected didn’t come to fruition like despite the delay in doing so. staff located in the Minneapolis VA expected. In some cases a Veteran may find that Medical Center on the first floor atrium When I had attempted to complain it despite the delay accessing VA Healthcare from 7:30 to 4:30 p.m. to answer veter- days out, the card is being sent to all VA was eventually demonstrated to me that I and thereby prompting a Veterans eligibili- ans questions. And, each Community enrollees because there may come a time had in fact been negligent of having not ty for Veterans Choice - the VA is still Based Outpatient Clinic in the state will in the future when they might qualify for read the fine print next to my signature capable of seeing you at a much earlier have a “champion” who is prepared to Veterans Choice. block. date than can be found in the community. answer questions. Even before the roll out of the In St. Cloud, staff has been trained to Veterans Choice program, the VA had So, concerning Veterans Choice - What VACAA requires by law that Veterans answer veterans’ questions about options to purchase non-VA care for some if anything is included in some of the fine disclose other healthcare insurance held. Veterans Choice, but Public Affairs veterans. That program is still in place, print that you should be aware? In essence, Not doing so will disqualify you from Officer Barry Shelton pointed out that and was enhanced by the Veterans Choice all Veterans currently enrolled in the VA using the program as the TPA will also be this is a national program and the Act. Healthcare System (VHA) prior to 1 the responsible party for processing insur- administration of the program is being The 40-mile limit will be determined August 2014 as well as any new enrollees ance claims. handled by third-party health care com- by a straight line measurement from the in the VA Healthcare System, provided this It’s been stated that qualifying insur- panies. veteran’s residence to the nearest VA particular group are Combat Veterans, will ance held by the Veteran, with the excep- Shelton also noted that as veterans facility. It does not matter whether or not be receiving the new Veteran Choice Card. tion of Tricare & Medicare, will be billed make their health care choices, “the that facility provides the exact care the As it’s a possibility that all currently for healthcare costs associated to any con- local VA medical center is a choice as veteran needs. enrolled Veterans as described above could dition being treated which is not service well.” When veterans call to verify their eli- at some point be eligible for Veterans connected. Shelton said the St. Cloud system gibility, they will be asked to provide Choice, as a result all Veterans will receive It’s important for Veterans to realize that held a meeting with county veterans information what other health insurance the cards. a Veteran may have medical billing liabili- service officers and others recently to they have. If a veteran does not receive The cards are part of the Veterans ty depending on the nature of their health help ramp up for Veterans Choice. approval before he or she uses the card, Access, Choice and Accountability Act insurance. Here are a few examples pro- The American Legion also pointed they may be responsible for all or some of (VACAA) of 2014. VACAA is intended to vided in the VA training I attended. out that Medicare, Medicaid and TRI- the expense incurred. accomplish several things, which include *Veteran is seen for a specialty appoint- CARE are not approved plans under the The act provides $10 billion for this affording Veterans with the opportunity to ment. Veterans Choice program, and if a vet- increased access to non-VA care. About access non VA Healthcare services closer The visit is $250 and the Medicare Rate erans uses these plan instead of the $500 million would be spent on hiring to a Veterans home during instances when is $250 for the care provided. If the Veterans Choice card, he or she will be more nurses and doctors to work for the accessibility or other timeliness access to Veteran has no other health insurance the liable for any out-of-pocket expenses. VA. care standards can’t be met using tradition- total cost assumed by the VA is $250. The Veterans are also cautioned not to Other provisions of the bill include al VA Healthcare services. total charges to the Veteran would be $50 throw away their regular VA identifica- authorization for the Secretary of the VA Two categories of Veterans will be eli- (Includes VA copayment and insurance tion card. The Veterans Choice card to fire top executives, money to build 26 gible for Veterans Choice. First, I’ll cost share). In another example, Veteran does not replace it. new facilities, and a requirement that col- explain the category of Veteran I’ll refer to receives the same care mentioned above, While the primary users of Veterans leges and universities offer veterans the as group A. Group A Veteran will be deter- but the Veterans health insurance denies Choice immediately will be those who in-state tuition rate. mined eligible for Choice based simply on the claim. live outside the 40 mile limit or who Each card that is sent out will come residing greater than 40 miles from a VA In this case the total cost to the VA is have appointments of more than 30 with a letter explaining the new benefits. Healthcare System hospital or clinic, as $250 and the total charges to the Veteran is calculated by straight line distances. $50 (VA Copayment Rate). In another Under Veteran Choice, Group A example, Veteran receives the same care Veterans will simply need to call the 1-800 mentioned above, Veterans insurance pays phone number listed on the Choice card in the medical bill in full, VA has $0 cost, and order to schedule their medical care by a the Veteran has $0 cost as the Veterans VA non VA provider closer to home. The 1- copayment is offset by insurance. 800 number is managed by a VA In the last example, Veterans health Contracted Third Party Administrator insurance requires $250 of outpatient (TPA). In addition to the third party deductible applied to the claim and there- A Chistmas gift administrator (TPA) authorizing care for fore insurance pays nothing. Total cost to group A Veterans they will also be respon- the VA is $250 and the Veteran’s liability is sible for making a determination of the $50 for the VA copayment. for the reader in medical necessity for any episode of care appointments requested by the Veteran. I’ll disclose that what I’ve written in your family Veterans will only be eligible to receive this article concerning the Veteran Choice the health care services offered all other program is in no way intended to be a com- Give the gift of military his- Veterans as described within the VA plete or comprehensive assessment for tory as experienced by Healthcare Benefits Package - which how this program will/will not impact Minnesotans to your loved shouldn’t be stressed about as it’s fairly those Veterans who “choose” to utilize comprehensive. Veteran Choice. one. I believe this program has some poten- The second category of Veterans I’ll tial to positively impact certain Veterans, War Stories II refer to as group B Veterans. Group B perhaps none more so then our Veterans impacted by hefty traveling distances has 35 stories about Veterans are those who can’t get care from Minnesota veterans and within the VA Healthcare System within 30 which make accessing VA Healthcare days of either the clinically indicated date impractical. over 300 pictures. (CID) assigned them by their VA doctor or Its simply unfortunate it may likely in some other instances can’t receive time- remain the case that for many of our ly access to VA Healthcare within 30 days Veterans who live in our more rural areas To order, you can use the of a Veterans desired appointment date. of Minnesota, they may still find difficulty blank below and enclose a Mail to: Books accessing quality care close to home. Theoretically you could live directly check. Or you can go to Room 300A across the street from a VA Medical Center It’s simply a fact that medical hospitals and at some point be found eligible for and clinics, especially those with high www.mnlegion.org. and use 20 West 12th Street Veteran Choice as a group B Veteran. As skilled medical specialist, tend most often your credit card. St. Paul, MN 55155 an example, if Veteran B sees their urolo- to locate themselves within larger metro gist and the doc concludes that the Veteran and suburban population centers. is to return to be seen in four months for Although Veterans having a “choice” is an Name______Phone______follow up care - the Veteran would be awfully good thing - It should be promoted assigned a clinically indicated date (CID) that a Veteran making a choice should Address______which is approximately 120 days out. include a strong encouragement for our If that Veteran can’t be seen until 130 Veterans to continue “choosing” the VA ______days out, then that Veteran would be noti- Healthcare System designed specifically for what we need it to be. fied by the VA and placed on the official Please send me _____ copy(ies) of War Stories Volume II Veteran Choice List (VCL). The VCL is I encourage you to read more about this uploaded daily to the TPA. After Veteran B program -- you may do so at: Cost is $29 per book. Includes shipping and handling. is notified by the VA as being approved for www.va.gov/opa/choiceact Veterans Choice it’s at that time the Please send me _____ copy(ies) of War Stories Volume I Veteran would be responsible for making a Cost is $23 per book. Includes shipping and handling. “Choice”. [email protected] Veteran B would contact the TPA (TPA Total amount enclosed: $ ______determines that the Veteran has been placed on VCL and is therefore authorized Page 4 Minnesota Legionnaire December 2014 deployed this spring to West Africa to assist with the Ebola outbreak. That means it is up to us to spring into action, again, to reassure them we are here to help their families in Chaplain’s whatever way we can during their absence. Stop by your COMMANDER’S local Armory, and make it known that The American Legion Corner COLUMN is here to help in any way possible. Since we are entering the last month of 2014, how is By your Post doing on membership? Anyone who has not paid their 2015 dues will no longer be an active member. Have Steve Klinkner By Peggy Moon you personally contacted them? Not only do we need their voice and support, but our troops need their assistance as It’s hard to believe we are already into the month of well. District membership teams should be ready to support December and the Holidays are here to be with family and any Post that is below goal. Visit them, and help them make friends. those calls. The 10th District will be doing a revitalization I received a call from my brother on Sunday informing the first week in December. They could also use some help, us that his son, who is a member of Madelia Legion Post 19, and it will give your own teams the opportunity to learn is among the 698 soldiers with the 34th Red Bull Infantry Happy December. some new tools to help with your own district membership Division to be deployed to Monrovia, Liberia, to assist with It seems like winter arrived with a loud bang, and with programs. Let’s work together to keep Minnesota on top! the Ebola mission. Holidays are always tough on families very little notice. We are all learning how to drive again in Due to the death of my father, Elmer Kriesel, I missed when they receive such news. If you know of a family that this messy slush. As I drive around this state, the main the membership dinner at Royalton, and also the 95th has a loved one that will be deployed and in need of help, roads seem to be in good shape, however, the side roads are Anniversary Dinner of The Hellenic Post. Thank you for contact the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon group for assistance. miserable. It reminds me of the great Halloween storm your understanding. On a personal note, thank you to I would like to congratulate Alberta Marth Wohlfeil of where your hubcaps would travel down the road faster than everyone for the outpouring of cards and condolences. It New Ulm Post 132, 2nd District, who will be inducted into the car. was heartwarming to see so many of you at his memorial the MN American Legion Hall of Fame. The award was Last month we celebrated Veterans Day, and I hope you service. He was a wonderful man, and I miss him. During announced at the Department Fall Conference. all had the opportunity to share a meal and friendship with the last month, he was unable to travel, but I know he is Congratulations, Bert, on this great achievement. the other veterans in your community. Carl and I attended with me now as I navigate my way around the state. I can And here we are, the Season of Advent when Joseph and the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Ceremony, actually feel his strong, guiding presence. Thanks, Dad. Mary were packing their donkey, sneaking out of town and and it was wonderful. We listened to addresses by By the way, if you’re keeping track, I just passed 14,000 traveling through the desert on their way to Egypt. They Commissioner Larry Shelito, Senator Amy Klobuchar, miles on the odometer. Mid-Winters start in January. probably didn’t feel exceptionally heroic. They didn’t make Senator Al Franken, and Representative Betty McCullum. In closing, Carl and I wish all of you a very Merry any headlines at midnight by their simple acts of faith and We also heard a fantastic performance by the Red Bull Christmas and a safe, joyous New Year. As we pause to cel- love on Christmas Day. Today God is reminding us that he band, and witnessed approximately 15 new enlistees take ebrate the birth of the Christ Child, it is with that same wants us to do the same thing in our lives. When you get their oath of office. We also attended the Walker Post that excitement and anticipation that we await new life in our stuck in traffic on the way to work, when you are having evening, who, once again, did a fantastic job. Thank you. own family. Our daughter, Angie, is scheduled to give birth trouble paying the bills and keeping food on the table, when It was a memorable day. December 1, if the little bundle of joy doesn’t arrive earli- an unforeseen crisis wakes you up at midnight and demands While we were there, we stopped in at Northern Lights er, and, after this month, I am looking forward to holding a immediate action, and when suffering takes up residence in Casino outside of Walker and signed the contract for my new baby. Since we know this one is a girl, it is doubtful your homes, these are not just life’s accidents to be endured testimonial. It is scheduled for Saturday, March 21, 2015. they will name her Elmer -- but there is a chance for an Ellie and ignored. God is present in them; God is acting through A block of rooms will be available under The American -- so we’ll just have to wait and see. them. And when we struggle to stay faithful to Him in the Legion. We have some special entertainment planned, and Don’t forget to say a prayer for all those serving in vari- middle of it, to live thru all of our tasks, responsibilities, it should be a fun evening. I know there are other events ous locations around the world. They’re missing this won- and challenges as Christ would want us to live, we can be planned that day, but it was the only slot available. I hope derful holiday at home so that we are free to celebrate with sure that through God’s grace working in our souls, we are most of you can make it. our own families. God bless them. doing our part to save the world. God is saving the world We received the news this month that yet again, another Until next month...... through all of us as long as Christ is at the Center of our 700 members of the Minnesota National Guard will be Hearts, our Families, our Dreams and our Country. I often hear people saying, especially as we get closer to Christmas,”Well it is just one thing after another.” In reality that is a pretty good description of life, isn’t it? We never do stay in one place. We never stay the same, we just get through one thing and no sooner do we say “Whew, I’m Editorial hospital or clinic, will now be able to use the card to get glad that is over,” and then something else happens. Veteran’s Choice Act care at a local clinic or hospital of their choice. I read in an old magazine a story about two elderly ladies In response to the VA’s problems with scheduling and The second group will be those who cannot get an both over 80 years old. They were living on a farm. It was dealing with claims, the Congress in August came up with appointment within 30 days of what their doctor thinks is a dumpy farm. In fact, it was the dumpiest farm you had a comprehensive bill to deal with some of the problems. proper. For instance, if a doctor wants to see you in 90 days, ever seen. The chicken coop was falling down. The barn Part of the bill is the Veteran’s Choice Card which every and no appointment is available for more than 120 days, was falling down, the rusted machinery was falling apart veteran who’s enrolled in the VA will receive by January. you’re eligible. and the elderly ladies were falling apart. But they were It’s not a get out of jail free card, but it will help two Both these circumstances must be pre-approved, though. tough as nails. They had weathered every storm for the past groups of veterans who’s ability to get VA care has been a You cannot act on your own. And it should be remembered sixty years. Well, it so happened that a nephew came to visit problem. that this is a temporary program, lasting for three years or them one day from the big city and he took out his new ipad The first group are those veterans who live in the hinter- until the money runs out. and took a picture of his weathered aunts, with the barn and lands. Sometimes the price for living in God’s Country is For a few, this will be a great program allowing them to the chicken coop and the rusted machinery in the back- that you are far away from services. Many veterans in get care closer to home or to get medical treatment on a ground. The aunts stood there, straight and stiff for the pic- Minnesota live a considerable distance from a VA facility. more timely basis. It’s not a cure-all, but there are veterans ture. The nephew later sent them a copy of the picture and Those veterans, who live more than 40 miles from a VA who will greatly benefit. the old aunts loved it. They decided to use it for their Christmas card and at the top of their picture they put the words “MERRY CHRISTMAS” in bold letters. At the bot- tom of the picture in bold black letters were the words: “God is with us in this mess.” Mail Call Legion, Detachment of Minnesota, was another success Merry Christmas to all. Destroyer action To the Editor: story. It was with great interest that I read the story about Lee The four hunters enjoyed the opportunity to hunt deer this year at Legionville with all the hunters seeing deer. We Nordgren in the October issue of the Minnesota The Minnesota Legionnaire. You see, that was our first “action” in the harvested three deer with the four hunters. The four were Pacific. from different Legion districts and represented the 3rd, 4th, Official PublicationLeg of iando Ownednn Exclusivelyair bye The American Legion, Department of Minnesota Prior to this, we, the Destroyer USS Benson, DD 421, 6th and the 10th districts. They were all happy that they had been deployed in the Atlantic Theater. After the inva- were chosen for the hunt. They all commented on the spe- Al Zdon, Editor sion of Africa at Casablanca, we entered the Mediterranean cial treatment, camaraderie and fun memories they will First published in 1920 as the Hennepin County Legionnaire, and took part in the invasion of Sicily at Gela, and later in have the rest of their lives. the Minnesota Legionnaire is now in its 95th year of publica- Itala at Saleno and in southern France at St. Tropez. Our hunt would not have been a great success without tion. It is published monthly by The American Legion, Toward early summer, German air and submarine power Commanders Peggy Moon and Dennis Henkemeyer adding Department of Minnesota, Room 300A, 20 West 12th Street, were just about nil, so we were ordered to the Pacific. to the deer camp camaraderie for both commanders taking St. Paul, MN 55155-2000. Periodicals postage is paid at St. When we were off the coast of the Carolinas, Germany the time to be at our hunt. Thank you also to Randy Paul, MN, and at additional mailing offices. The Legionnaire surrendered. We sailed through the Panama Canal to Pearl Tesdahl, Department Adjutant and SAL North Advisor, is a member of the Minnesota Newspaper Association and the National American Legion Press Association. Harbor where we were assigned to a carrier group, includ- Walt Folendorf, for helping to make it a success. The success of the hunt always relies on our volunteers. SUBSCRIPTION: $10 for non-members. Members receive ing the Cowpens on which Nordgren was assigned. the Legionnaire as part of their dues. It was “booked” as a 500-plane raid on Wake Island as Starting the weekend of the American Legion Riders Romp we thank Tom Kunkel, Greg Teigland, Steve Sullivan and PHONE: 651-291-1800, 866-259-9163, FAX: 651-291-1057 we passed by and headed on to the Philippines. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The American The USS Benson went on to convoy the occupation Daryl Rossberg. Also helping with the hunt were Cal Van Legion, 20 W. 12th Street, St. Paul, MN, 55155-2000. (USPS troops into Yokohama Harbor, and on Sept. 2, we were Horn, Joe Lembeke, Doug Handley, Justin Borden, Lee No. 013-679.) (ISSN No. 1644270) anchored astern of the USS Missouri as the Japanese signed Borden, Steve Bilderback, Dave Vulcan and Bill Stein. ADVERTISING RATES: Contact Al Zdon, 651-291-1800 the surrender. Thanks to all of you that made the 2014 hunt a great suc- E-MAIL: [email protected] Former chief gunner’s mate cess. WEBSITE: www.mnlegion.org The Sons of The American Legion would also like to BOARD OF PUBLICATION MEMBERS: President Peggy Kenneth R. Felt Moon, St. Paul; Vice President Don Amundson, Blue Earth; Shevlin thank the Legionville Board of Directors for their continued support of this event. Also thank you to Roy Kruger for all Secretary Randy Tesdahl, Elk River; Treasurer, Richard his work at the camp to make this event possible. Horn, Melrose. Board Members include: Bob Locker, Fridley; SAL Deer Hunt Clinton Burt, Slayton; Joe Bayer, Minneapolis; Pat Logan, To the Editor: Bill Stein Bloomington; Virgil Persing, Columbia Heights; Chris The 2014 John Zgoda Memorial Disabled Deer Hunt on Co-chair John Zgoda Memorial Disabled Deer Hunt Ronning, Maple Grove; Sandy Fredrickson, Glenville. Oct. 3-5, solely sponsored by the Sons of The American Co-Chairs – Dave Vulcan and Steve Bilderback December 2014 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 5

What’s Happeninthe University of Seattle. g Calendars are out Discount tickets are available by contacting the Gopher Legal Clinics The 2015 Minnesota American Legion official calendar Ticket office by phone, Steve Walter, 612-626-1592. Or you There will be drop in legal clinics in several locations, has been mailed to the membership. The company that pro- can purchase the tickets online by going to the Minnesota sponsored by the Minnesota Assistance Council for duces and mails the calendar does not send them to every American Legion website, mnlegion.org, and clicking on Veterans. The clinics offer help on housing, employment, member, but instead sends them to members who have “Discount Gopher Basketball Tickets.” benefits, wills, debt collection, and family law. made contributions in the past plus a sampling of the entire The official Minnesota Color Guard from the Third Clinics include: memberbership. In all, 35,000 calendars are sent. District will do the colors before the game. -- Dec. 9, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the VA Medical Center If you have not received a calendar and would like to, in Minneapolis, co-sponsored by Fredrikson Law. please contact Jennifer Kelley at Department Headquarters, -- Dec. 16, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the St. Cloud VA 866-259-9163. Operation Homefront Medical Center, co-sponsored by LSC. The calendar contains the photo winners from veterans The Operation Homefront holiday toy distribution will -- A legal consultation session will be held at in this year’s calendar contest. The photos were taken while be held Sunday, Dec. 7, at Fort Snelling, 506 Roeder Circle, Montevideo CBOC from noon-2 p.m. on the third Friday of veterans were serving. St. Paul, 55111. Eligible recipients include deployed mili- each month. Call 320-403-1051 for an appointment. tary, wounded, active duty personnel, active and inactive For more information, contact Sara Sommarstrom at Guard and Reserves, all ranks. Priority is given to E-1 651-224-0292. Rally is moved through E-6. The Dec. 6 Pearl Harbor Rally has been moved from Registration is required and may be done at the website: Apple Valley to Montgomery Post 79. www.events.OperationHomefront.net. Round Tables The membership turn-in will be from 3-4:30 p.m. and The Scott Hosier Roundtable in Rochester will meet dinner will be at 5. Dec. 8, at 7 p.m. and the program will be “Liverpool, Upcoming Department England in WWII.” There will be theater and singing. Admission is $5 and the location is the Autumn Ridge Bowling Tournament events Church. The 2015 Minnesota American Legion Bowling The Department Convention Corporation has announced Tournament will take place from February through April at The World War II History Round Table at Fort Snelling the schedule of events for upcoming conventions and fall History Center will meet Thursday, Dec. 11, with the pro- the Brunswick Zone XL in Brooklyn Park. The 68th tour- conferences. ney is being sponsored by Osseo/Maple Grove Post 172. gram “Christmas at Bastogne.” Leo Barron and Don Cygan, Conventions will be held at: Redwood Falls, 2015; authors of “No Silent Night” and veterans will explore a There is a $22 entry fee per event. There is also an all Rochester, 2016; open, 2017; Rochester, 2018. events category available for $2 per person. turning-point battle in the Battle of the Bulge. Admission is Fall Conferences will be held at: Pequot Lakes, 2015; $5. Entries and fees for reserved shifts must must be post- Marshall, 2016; Willmar, 2017; open, 2018. marked by the end of the year. For information or to regis- The convention this coming year will be held from July ter, contact John Torma, 7724 82nd Ave. N., Brooklyn Park, 16-18, and the Fall Conference will be held Oct. 23-24. Town Hall Meetings MN 55445. Cell: 612-749-3704. E-mail: A town hall meeting will be held for veterans in [email protected]. Rochester on Thursday, Dec. 11, at the National Guard Divison I is for Legion competition with at least one Snowmobile Ride Armory in Rochester. Another will be held Wednesday, Legion member per team. Division II is for Auxiliary with The 7th annual snowmobile ride, sponsored by MSEAF Dec. 10, at the Monticello American Legion Post 260 on four Auxiliary members per team. The tourney is open to all and MnUSA will be held Saturday, Jan. 10, at Silver Bay. Elm Street in Monticello. Both meetings are at 5 p.m. Legion members and all SAL member who are over 18. All veterans are welcome to join, and those who do not The town halls will provide veterans with a chance to There will be handicap and scratch brackets, kangaroo have sleds, snowmobiles and gear will be furnished. express their concerns and hear from VA staff. The bracket and a 30 Clean Jackpot. Pre-registration is required. Contact the Minnesota Monticello meeting will be staffed by St. Cloud VA staff, Snowmobilers Association at 866-811-7669 or email: veter- and the Rochester meeting will be staffed by the [email protected] or go to the website: Minneapolis VA officials. Legion Day at Gophers www.mnvetsnowmobileride.org. The annual American Legion Family Day at the Gophers In the future, Town Hall meeting are being slated for Mens Basketball will be held Friday, Dec. 19, in a game vs. Alexandria, Montevideo and Brainerd.

TaBreth, psReinhard , 87, Army veteran of the Korean War, Post 212. Korean War, died Oct. 19, 2014. He was a past commander died Oct. 26, 2014. He was a member of Upsala Post 350. Vokes, Wallace, 90, Army Air Corps veteran of World of Lonsdale Post 586. Jensen, Wayne D., 70, Marine Corps veteran of the War II, died Nov. 11, 2014. He was a ball turret gunner on Bies, Richard E., 86, Army veteran of the Korean War, Vietnam War, died Oct. 15, 2014. He was a member of a B-17. He was a member of Park Rapids Post 212. died Oct. 12, 2014. He was a member of Pequot Lakes Post Hopkins Post 320. Erdmann, Elroy H., 78, Air Force veteran of the 49. Nash, Eric, 57, Navy veteran of the Persian Gulf War, Vietnam War, died Nov. 16, 2014. He served 25 years in the Gasow, Alexander O., 88, Army veteran of World War died Oct. 27, 2014. He retired after 22 years as a chief petty Air Force. He helped found the Legion Children’s Fishing II, died Oct. 18, 2014. He was a chauffeur for a general and officer on nuclear submarines. He was a member of Park Contest. He was a member of Hackensack Post 202. a mechanic. He was a member of Gaylord Post 433. Rapids Post 212. Hanna, Lewis Edward, 86, Army veteran of the Sward, Ray, 86, Army veteran of the Korean War, died Poeppel, Joseph, 85, Army veteran of the Korean War, Vietnam War, died Nov. 16, 2014. He had a 21-year Army Oct. 2, 2014. He served in Korea. He was a member of died Oct. 25, 2014. He was a member of Little Falls Post career and served in Germany, Vietnam and Japan. He was Mora Post 201. 46. a member of Lanesboro Post 40. Anderson, Herbert, 85, Marine Corps veteran of the Hamersly, Winston C., 89, Navy veteran of the Korean Welsh, Walter, 72, Army veteran of the Vietnam War, Korean War, died Nov. 18, 2014. He was a member of the War, died Oct. 17, 2014. He was a member of Albert Lea died Oct. 31, 2014. He was a member of Eyota Post 551. Little Falls Post 46. Post 56. Burmeister, Albert D. “Abbie,” 81, Army veteran of Skogquist, Robert, 91, Marine veteran of World War II, Wright, Ethmer E., 88, Army veteran of World War II, the Korean War, died Nov. 13, 2014. He served in Alaska. died Oct. 24, 2014. He served in the Pacific. He was a past died Oct. 5, 2014. He was a past commander of Albert Lea He was a member of Lakefield Post 4. commander of Falldin Post 555. He also served as Fifth Post 56. Keller, Jack D., 88, Army veteran of World War II, died District Adjutant. Lovin, Eugene, 84, Navy veteran of the Korean War, Oct. 7, 2014. He served in Europe. He was a member of died Nov. 1, 2014. He was a radio operator on the USS Alexandria Post 87. Hunt. He was a member of Park Rapids Post 212. Gross, Lloyd, 95, Army veteran of World War II, died Bob Flaherty Norby, Loren C., 87, Navy veteran of World War II, Oct. 26, 2014. He was wounded during the war. He was a Continued from Page 1 about anything, he would died Oct. 28, 2014. He was a member of Mora Post 201. member of Pierz Post 341. Flaherty was a veteran of enthusiastically give you Kroll, George J., 83, Navy veteran of the Korean War, Torborg, Alfred, 85, Army veteran of the Korean War, the time you needed.” died Nov. 3, 2014. He was a member of Little Falls Post 46. died Nov. 5, 2014. He was a member of St. Joseph Post 328. the Korean War. He was survived by his Ludwig said Flaherty Hockert, Alfred, 94, Army Air Corps veteran of World Reischl, Richard J., 70, Army veteran of the Vietnam was commander when the War II, died Nov. 3, 2014. He was a member of Cold Spring War, died Oct. 31, 2014. He was a member of St. Joseph wife, Joan, four children, 22 grand children and five Brain Science campaign Post 455. Post 328. topped the $1 million goal. McNulty, Leo B., 90, Army veteran of World War II, Phinney, Norma, 92, Navy veteran of World War II, great grandchildren. “He was passionate Past Department died Nov. 5, 2014. He was wounded in the war. He was a died Oct. 6, 2014. She was a pharmacist mate second class. Commander Lloyd Ricker 72-year member of Park Rapids Post 212. She was a member of Cloquet Post 262. about the Legion and a great teacher,” Past said, “He followed me as Reiss, Darrell Eugene, 72, Navy veteran of the Vietnam Klaphake, James L., 69, Army veteran of the Vietnam commander, and he was a War, died Oct. 15, 2014. He served on the USS War, died Oct. 15, 2014. He was a member of St. Joseph National Commander Dan Ludwig said. very good commander. Northampton, CC1, President Kennedy’s flagship. He was Post 328. “Not a lot of people real- a member of Rochester Post 92. Helgemoe, Leonard Alan “Skip,” 86, Navy veteran of Ludwig noted that several times in the 80s and 90s, ize that Bob started the Gylfee, Robert, 83, Army veteran of the Korean War, World War II, died Oct. 7, 2014. He served in the Pacific. Minnesota American died Nov. 8, 2014. He was a member of Cold Spring Post He was a member of Rochester Post 92. he and Flaherty held district or department level posi- Legion Foundation. He also 455. Hanneman, Donn C., 88, Navy veteran of World War had a hand in the old Kriesel, Elmer W., 88, Army veteran of World War II, II, died Oct. 2, 2014. He served in the Pacific. He was a tions at the same time. “Before Bob Flaherty, Minnesota Legion died Oct. 29, 2014. He was a member of Zimmerman Post member of Rochester Post 92. College,” Ricker said. 560. He was the father of Department Commander Peggy Holland, Joseph, 88, Navy veteran of World War II, the Third District was kind of a ho-hum district. He “And except for maybe Moon. died Oct. 6, 2014. He was a ship’s cook aboard LST 1029. Don Miller, Bob Flaherty Girard, Kenneth, 89, Army veteran of World War II, He was a member of Rochester Post 92. brought the district from obscurity into a position of was the best at parliamen- died Oct. 14, 2014. He was a member of the Rainbow Matson, James T., 76, Army National Guard veteran of tary procedure. He know Division. He was a member of Tri-City Post 513. the Vietnam War, died Oct. 16, 2014. He was a member of respectability and leader- ship. the Legion and he knew Tobias, Norman, 90, Army Air Corps veteran of World Thief River Falls Post 117. parliamentary procedure.” War II, died Nov. 9, 2014. He was a member of Park Rapids Skluzacek, Norbert John, 84, Army veteran of the “If you approached him Page 6 Minnesota Legionnaire December 2014 A Christmas Story The paratroopers had been in this group of trees for Stan Kaminski: Awould wantSign you to do something at foolish thatBastogne seven days, holding the line against the German soldiers could get you killed?” who were encamped in the woods nearby. A wide clearing Powell paused. “No, sir, I don’t suppose so.” separated the enemies. Chaplain Peters looked at Powell. “I’ve got a problem The Battle of the Bulge had begun on Dec. 16, 1944, here, sergeant. What if I send you back to the front and you when the German tanks and soldiers had ripped through the do some other looney tunes stuff? What if I tell Lt. Greaves American lines in a long line, mainly in Belgium. Powell’s that we had our little chat and you’re okay and then you do airborne division had been resting in France, following a something stupid and get killed? What if I have to write tough time in the Netherlands for Operation Market your parents a letter? That would make me both very sad Garden, when the offensive began. and very angry.” The men had been loaded into open air trucks without Powell shuffled in his chair. “I don’t know what to tell enough winter clothing and without enough ammunition. you sir. Maybe I can’t take it anymore. Maybe I have that The paratroopers were considered America’s best fighters, battle fatigue or whatever the lieutenant called it. Maybe the and it was their job to protect the encircled Bastogne. If the next time the shelling starts I’ll climb up in one of those Belgian town fell, the German advance would have control trees. Maybe I don’t think God is in charge around here. of a vital transportation junction. Why should I?” Now, it was Christmas Eve. Powell felt the ground Powell was visibly agitated. “What are you going to tell around him shake. He made himself as small in the hole as me, padre? That everything’s going to be all right? That he could. God will provide? My buddy just died in my arms. Where A tree-burst not more than 30 feet away sent a shower of was God? Where was his mercy and goodness? Why should splinters, large and small, down upon him. I trust in God?” Powell vaulted out of the hole. As the shells continued to The chaplain stood up and walked around his desk. He rain down on the American position, Powell stood on the sat down on a corner of it, and took a few breaths. edge of the fox hole, waved his fist at the sky and yelled, “Son, if I was you, I’d probably feel the same way. I “Come and get me! You killed Ski, you might as well kill can’t explain why your friend got killed. I can’t explain why slowly emerged from their holes. They saw Powell staring me. Come on, you bastards, drop one right here!” the shelling never stops. I can’t guarantee that you won’t in his fox hole and they gathered around. It didn’t take long Troopers in adjacent foxholes yelled at Powell to get lose another buddy tomorrow. to see what had happened, and the men began to clap back in his hole, but he continued to rant at the sky. “But you know what? Tomorrow is Christmas. I know Powell on the back. “Why you lucky son of a gun,” one And then the shelling stopped. The silence was deafen- that doesn’t mean a great deal in the midst of this hell on shouted. “It was a dud.” ing. earth, but you know what happened on Christmas? God sent First a few men, then dozens came up to the hole to see Powell stood there, shaking. He was soon joined by sev- his son down to save us. God became one of us so that we the miracle. Powell could only stare as his comrades oohed eral of his comrades. “Hey, buddy, what’s going on? What could fix this world and find a little heaven on earth. Well, and aahed, offering congratulations to the sergeant. happened, Joe? You’ve got to hang in there. Don’t let those we haven’t done it yet. Krauts get to you. That’s not what Ski would have wanted.” “But we’ve all got to keep the faith, sergeant. We keep qqqqqq The little knot of men around Powell soon parted to the faith not just to honor God, but to honor our friends. I’m allow Lt. Ben Greaves to approach. telling you without a doubt, it’s what Kaminski would have An hour later, Powell and the others had their mess kits “What’s going on soldier?” Greaves asked, putting his wanted.” out and were enjoying some hot turkey and dressing. It was arm on Powell’s shoulder. “You trying to kill yourself?” Powell didn’t look convinced. “I know what you’re say- like heaven. They washed it down with hot coffee. There “No, sir,” said Powell. “Well, I’m not sure. Maybe I was. ing, padre. I know we’ve got to carry on. But it’s just been was general contentment all around. They killed Ski, they might as well blow me up too.” so unrelenting. It never gets better, it only gets worse. Powell, with some tremors still running through his The lieutenant looked at Powell for a few moments. Sometimes I think if I could just see one little sign of God’s hands, ate with relish. He was bent over his task, when he “Come with me, sergeant. There’s somebody I want you to grace, I could get my hope back again. But that doesn’t saw some boots just in front of him. He looked up, and there talk to.” Greaves grabbed Powell by the arm and led him seem very likely.” was Lt. Greaves. toward the rear. “You know what you just did could get you The chaplain smiled again. “You know you can go “Powell, I think you’d better come with me. There’s a ticket to the hospital. They call it battle fatigue. You could through life looking for that big sign from God and never something I think you should see.” sit in a ward with the rest of the wackos. get it. And then, maybe, you look back and see that God Powell, with mess kit still in hand, followed his officer a “But you’re one of my best guys, Powell. You’re a real often gives us hundreds of smaller signs rather than one big short ways away where a small group was gathered around leader in this company, both you and Kaminski. The new one. a shiny object. guys need your help. So I’m going to give you a chance to The chaplain looked directly into Powell’s eyes. “But “The bomb disposal guys got that shell out of your fox redeem yourself, but you’ve got to see my friend.” you know what. I think you’re going to get that big sign. I hole,” Greaves said, “and they found something very inter- The lieutenant put Powell in a Jeep and told the driver. can feel it.” esting.” Take this man to headquarters. He wants to see Captain “Whatever you say, chaplain.” Powell walked up to where the group was examining the Peters. “Powell, I’m going to send you back. I think you’re shell. One of the bomb disposal experts looked up. “Oh this “Wait a minute, sir,” protested Powell. “I don’t want to going to be okay. Don’t let me down. Your buddies are must be the luckiest guy on earth. You’re the guy that was see no damn chaplain.” depending on you. Kaminski is up in heaven, and he’s in that fox hole when this came down?” “Okay, fine,” said Greaves, turning to the driver. “Then depending on you. “That was me,” admitted Powell. just take this man to the field hospital and tell them that he “And you know what, I hear they might even get some “Well, look here,” the man said. “We took this thing was last seen standing on the edge of his foxhole during an hot grub up to your position tomorrow. Maybe that’s the apart because we always like to know why a shell doesn’t artillery barrage, yelling and shaking his fist at the sky.” sign you’re looking for.” explode. You see that gap here in the workings of the “Okay, wait,” said Powell. “I’ll do whatever you say, “Yes, sir,” said Powell. “Maybe that’s it. Thanks for talk- shell?” sir.” ing to me, padre. I’ll be okay. I’ll stay in my fox hole. I Powell leaned over and peered at the guts of the shell in promise. I’ll survive.” qqqqqqq the dim light. “Yeah I see it.” qqqqqq “Well, that’s where the detonator should be. This shell was a non-starter from the time it left the ordinance factory. The chaplain’s office was in an abandoned farmhouse. I’ve never seen anything like it.” Powell was told to wait outside until the chaplain was The next day the sun came out for the first time in a Powell said, “Well, I’ll be darned.” ready. He stamped his feet on the snowy ground to stay week. Powell eyed the woods across the fields. Somewhere “Oh that isn’t the best part,” said the bomb expert. “Look warm as he waited. Finally, an aide showed him in. over there the Germans were also cold, hungry and maybe at this.” He turned the shell over, and there in the shiny cas- Captain Peters was a man in his early 40s, with a touch scared too. They were also trying to make the best of a ing were etched two words. Powell leaned closer and could of gray in his hair. He rose from his desk and greeted Powell Christmas far from home. just make them out. with a warm handshake. “Have a seat. I just read a note One of the first sergeants came by. “Get your tummies “Frohe Weihnachten.” from your company commander. He thinks we should have ready for a treat,” he shouted. “Word is that there will be Powell looked up. He was puzzled. “What does that a heart to heart. Apparently he doesn’t approve of his ser- some hot chow here in about an hour.” mean?” geants leaving their foxholes at inappropriate times.” The happy announcement was like a signal for more bad “Well, I just know enough German to translate. It means, The chaplain smiled. things to happen. All heads turned as the faint whine of the ‘Merry Christmas.’ I mean somebody not only left the det- “I understand you were close to Sgt. Kaminski,” the 88s could be heard coming their way. The men dove for onator out, but they wrote you a message. Damndest thing chaplain inquired. their fox holes. I ever saw.” “Yes, sir. He was my best friend.” No replacement had come for Kaminski, and so Powell “That’s incredible,” said Powell, looking at the other “Well, I knew Kaminski pretty well too. In fact, I was still had the two-man hole to himself. Again the ground men. just writing a letter to his parents. It’s the worst part of my shook, and again the air-bursts shattered the trees and sent “I’ll tell you what it is,” said the bomb expert. “It’s like job. Kaminski was a great guy, and he rarely missed mass if lethal shards toward the ground. Again the sound was loud a sign from above. I’ll tell you, it’s just like a sign from he could make it.” beyond belief. above.” “Yes, sir, I know that.” Powell had lost his urge to get killed, and he stayed as The chaplain stared at Powell for a long second. “Tell me low as he could while the forest blew up around him. son, are you a Christian?” There seemed to be a silence for just a moment, and then “Yes, sir. Well at least I was raised that way. I’m not so one last shell came screaming in. Powell could tell it was sure anymore. How could God allow this war? How could going to be close, very close. he let the best guys get killed? We lost three guys in our pla- Suddenly the shell landed right in Powell’s fox hole with toon in the last three days. I’ve known those guys forever, a tremendous thump. Dirt flew up and covered Powell as he and then they’re blown up. The shelling never stops. I don’t instinctively put his arms over his head and closed his eyes. know what I am anymore.” Then it was quiet again. “You know what they say, Powell. There are no atheists Just as he had the day before, Powell sprung out of the in fox holes.” hole like he’d been launched. He stared at the hole the shell “Well I don’t know, sir. I don’t see God making things had made and could still see the backside of it just sticking any better.” out. It had to explode. But it didn’t. “Yes, I understand that, son. Well, let me ask a dumb For a minute, Powell stood alone by the side of the hole. question, and I think you know the answer. Do you think As they realized the barrage was over, other paratroopers December 2014 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 7 Hospital Association Sons of The American Legion claims declining The American Legion Family Hospital Association had a By drop in the number of claims made during the 2014 fiscal Dennis Henkemeyer year. The Association, which helps Legion, Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion members with hospital bills, I just returned from Pasadena, California, where I had received 34 claims in 2014. the true honor of introducing PNC Joe Mayne of the Sons Claims Representative Roger Myren said that number of The American Legion. Commander Mayne was induct- compared to 45, 47, and 42 claims over the prior three ed into the SAL Hall of Fame along with four other indi- years. Myren made his report at the annual meeting of the viduals at a gala event at the Pasadena American Legion Association at the Fall Conference. Post 13. What an exciting time for me, and I am sure for Total medical assistance, totaling $31,000 in 2014, was Commander Mayne and his children as well. It is an award about the same as last year. The prior three years show that is truly deserving of Commander Mayne. As I stated in assistance expense at $44,000 for 2011, $52,000 for 2012 my introduction of him, when Joe Mayne talks about the and $31,000 for last year. Sons of The American Legion, it is all about passion. His Incoming money was also down a bit. Dues from the SHOP, SHIP AND SHARE -- Commander Peggy Moon, center, helped pack boxes at the Fourth ability to communicate is something more than a skill; it’s three groups served totaled $34,000 last year compared to even more than a talent. His love for the organization $35,000 in 2011, $36,000 in 2012 and $38,000 in 2013. District’s annual Shop, Ship and Share at the Maplewood Mall. The event, in cooperation with the comes in loud and clear, with quick wit and eloquence, that Donations in the last four years have been $11,800 (2011), comes straight from the heart. That’s why whenever Joe $15,000 (2012), $15,000 (2013) and $7,900 this year. U.S. Postal Service brings gifts to those men and women serving overseas. Mayne talks about the Sons, those who listen are inspired to Total income for the fund dropped from a hight $52,000 take this organization to new levels of effectiveness and in 2012 to $48,000 this year. advocacy in timeless respect of those who fought for our Because the medical assistance paid out by the freedoms. Congratulations PNC Mayne on an honor that Association has been declining, the net assets of the you are so deserving of. Association are growing, Myren said. This past year, As for our annual fall conference, I want to label it as a $19,000 in medical assistance was paid to Legion members, huge success. In addition to all of the fine reports, we had $12,000 to Auxiliary members and nothing to the SAL. a class on parliamentary procedure and a proposal on some The Hospital Association currently has $242,000 in net possible changes to the detachment that would mirror those assets, compared to $231,000 in 2011. of The American Legion. We had many guests address our The Association elected two incumbents to their posi- members including Dale Barnett, leading candidate for tions. Nick Kakos, representing The American Legion, and National Commander of The American Legion. I want to Dennis Blue, representing the SAL, were re-elected without personally thank Detachment Adjutant for keeping me on opposition. track for the entire conference. I also had the opportunity Orv Otterness asked President Blue why he hasn’t seen to receive a good number of donations for my commander’s Hospital Association board members at district or other project, the Fisher House in Minneapolis. meetings talking up the Association. Blue said it is the pol- Under the direction of our Detachment Membership icy of the board to only go to meetings if they are invited. Director Paul Spyhalski, the Detachment of Minnesota is Later, at the board meeting of the Association, Marie well ahead of pace for the year. As of this writing, Goede was elected president of the Association, Marland Minnesota continues to be in the top ten nationally and is Ronning was elected vice president, and Jan Walker was VETERANS DAY -- State Commander Peggy Moon the only detachment with a membership of over 10,000 that elected secretary. handled the emcee duties at the official Minnesota is in the top ten. We are presently in third position in the Other members of the board are Jim Kellogg, Peggy Veteran’s Day celebration at Inver Grove Heights. Central Region. Thanks to everyone for their hard work. Moon, Chris Ronning, and Dennis Henkemeyer. Sen. Al Franken and Sen. Amy Klobuchar were also Since this will be my last article before the holiday sea- part of the program. son begins, I want to wish everyone a belated Thanksgiving, a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous National appointments New Year from my beautiful wife Denise and myself. May Continued from Page 1 2015 be a year of peace and may all of our troops return the Committee on Children and Youth. Moon was also reap- home safely. Please keep all of our troops in your daily pointed a member of the committee. prayers not only during the holiday season, but year around. Thomas Schottenbauer of St. Louis Park will be vice chair of the Conventional Armed Forces Committee. (The following list reflects only those who were appointed or re-appointed to national positions and not those who will continue to serve from previous appointments.) Marie Goede, and Auxiliary member from Plainview, was named to the Committee on Youth Education, American Legion Auxiliary Representatives. Phil Bellefeuille of Callaway, John Bey of Baudette, James Copher of Mound, Wayne Gilbertson of Zimmerman, Carl Hendrickson of Cloquet, and Richard Wog of Willmar were named to the Americanism Council. Ray DeZurik of Breezy Point was named to the Convention Committee Liaison Committee. Don Hayden of LeCenter was appointed to the Internal Affairs Commission. Richard Janssen of Richmond was named as the National Commander’s Representative to the MAYNE INDUCTED -- SAL Past National Commander Constitution and By-Laws Committee. MOON ON RADIO -- Department Commander Peggy Joe Mayne from Minnesota was inducted into the SAL Don Pankake of Hutchinson was named to the Moon recorded her Veterans Day message at the Hall of Fame in Pasadena. From left: Detachment Membership and Post Activities Committee. Curt KFAN studios in St. Louis Park. The ad was run on Commander Dennis Henkemeyer; Connor Mayne, Norenberg of Roseville was named as a Consultant to the Veterans Day on a statewide network. Amanda Mayne, Joe Mayne, Spencer Mayne. Aerospace Committee. Michael Ash of St. Paul, Wayne Hammon Jr. of Le Roy, and Robin Picray of St. Paul were named to the Media and Thank you Communcations Council. I am overwhelmed with Don Amundson of Blue Earth, Richard Gosse of emotion as I write a heart- felt Thank You to all in the Membership Chart Wabasha, Robert Haugen of Moorhead, Steven Johnson of Olivia, Jim Kellogg of Taopi, Lloyd Ricker of Dawson, Minnesota American Mike Schaffer of Fulda, Don Schroedl of Minneapolis, E. Legion Family for their As of Nov. 19, 2014 Jerry St. Michel of Grand Rapids, Wes Thompson of recognition of my induction District 2015 Total Total Percent Same Sartell, and Cal Van Horn of Morris were all named to the into the National Sons of Goal 2014 2015 of Goal Date ’13 The American Legion Hall National Security Council. 1 9,976 9,918 7,883 79.02 8,241 Jeffrey Olson of Green Valley, Arizona, will be the of Fame in Pasadena, National Commander’s Representative on the Veterans California this past month. 2 8,110 8,026 6,315 78.00 6,525 Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission. William Special thanks to 12,486 12,421 9,847 78.86 10,219 Detachment Commander 3 Barbknecht of Underwood will be a member of the com- 4 2,554 2,530 2,008 78.62 2,129 mission. Dennis Henkemeyer for his Floyd Kumerow of Lamberton will serve on the National introduction of me at the 5 2,959 2,936 2,271 76.75 2,354 Cemetery Committee. ceremony and to Steve and Diane Sullivan for accom- 6 12,698 12,627 10,100 79.54 10,403 Clinton Burt of Slayton, James Blakesley of Aitkin, Tom 7,245 7,167 5,599 77.28 5,949 Conway of Argyle, Denise Milton of Bagley, and Orville panying the Minnesota 7 Otterness of North Branch were named to the Veterans Delegation to the event. It is 8 4,768 4,727 3,586 75.21 3,963 certainly an unexpected Affairs and Rehabilitation Council. 9 7,443 7,378 5,836 78.41 6,139 Marland Ronning of Maple Grove and John Torma of honor in my Sons of The Brooklyn Park were named to the Veterans Employment American Legion career. 10 11,243 11,189 8,846 78.68 9,340 and Education Council. Joe Mayne, PNC At-large 2,340 2,338 2,079 65.83 1,934 Squadron 85 North Branch Totals 81,822 81,257 64,370 77.91 67,196 Page 8 Minnesota Legionnaire December 2014

Les Rasset signed up for helicopter school in the U.S. Army in 1970. His THREE career in Vietnam included having three Hueys shot out from under him. But he, his crew, and his sol- CHOPPERS dier/ passengers walked away unscathed all three times.

By Al Zdon this stuff, the power and the pedals and everything, but I got DOWNthe helicopter into a pendulum, swinging side to side. I was en. Colin Powell fixed his gaze on the 21-year- over-reacting to everything. It was a humbling experience. old warrant officer. But you get better at it. I thought it was fun.” After about 10 or 12 hours with the instructor, the GIt was 1971 in Vietnam. Powell wanted to learn first- trainees get to solo. “You’ve got to take off and land and do hand about the Huey helicopter that had been shot down a all this other stuff. I was sweating bullets. And then you few days before. have to listen to the instructor’s critiques. I remember he “The report says you were shot down in Laos,” Powell told me I should be watching my airspeed, and I told him I said. was so busy flying, I wasn’t watching anything. He said, “Yes, sir,” replied Warrant Officer Les Rasset. ‘Well, you should be.’” “We’re not fighting a war in Laos,” said the general who Rasset recalled one exercise where the new pilots were would one day be Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and sent off in their Hughes 55s to find a series of check points, then Secretary of State. re-fuel after two hours, and find their way home. He and “Oh, yes, sir,” replied Rasset and began to tell him about another trainee were cruising over the West Texas country- the covert missions, the involvement of the CIA, and other side and they saw a group of other Army training helicop- details of the Laos missions. ters in front of them. “Stop,” interrupted Powell. “I don’t want to hear anoth- “We laughed. All we had to do was follow the other air- er word.” He sent the young Minnesotan back to his unit. craft. It was so easy. But then we heard over the radio that After all, the United States was not fighting in Laos, there- the lead helicopter had reached the check point. The people fore it could not lose an attack helicopter there. on the ground radioed back wondering why they thought they were at the check point. They said they could see the rrrrrrrrr water tower. The ground people replied there was no water tower at that check point. You should have seen all the little ester Rasset grew up in Maple Lake on a dairy helicopters heading off in every direction. They finally had months after he was drafted, he was in the war zone as a farm. “From the time I was six years old, I was to look at their maps. Just when you think you’ve got it helicopter pilot. with my dad all the time. I was his right-hand man. mastered, you find out how pathetic you are.” “We went from Oakland to Anchorage to Japan to Ton I thoughtL it was wonderful. I had good parents, a loving After four months at Fort Walters, it was on to Fort Son Nhut airbase near Saigon. It finally hit home where we family and I grew up in a great community.” Rucker in Alabama for training in the Army’s primary were going when they turned off all the plane’s directional He graduated from Maple Lake High School in 1968, workhorse helicopter, the Bell UH-1 Iroquois, usually lights and cabin lights before we landed. I thought, ‘This is and went to the University of Minnesota. He made it into called the Huey. serious.’” his second year before he dropped out and volunteered for One foggy morning, he was to go up with a veteran train- the draft. It probably wouldn’t have taken very long for er. “It was rainy and cloudy and foggy. I was sure they he next day he was off to Da Nang in the northern Uncle Sam to grab him anyway, since his draft lottery num- would cancel, but the pilot said, ‘Let’s go up for a little region – at that time the busiest airport in the ber was 61 out of 366. weather check.’ He told me, ‘When you get to Vietnam, it world handling nearly 2,600 flights a day. And “I thought I’d get in, do my two years, and get out.” won’t be up to you. You gotta go.’” from there it was up to Camp Eagle, near Hue, even further In January, 1970, he was sent to basic training at Fort Rasset was still surprised they were going up. “I could- T north. It was the home base for the famed 101st Airborne Bragg. “But then we had an orientation on helicopters, and n’t even see across the parking lot. We got up about 30 feet Division. I decided I wanted to be a helicopter pilot.” He filled out the above the deck and we went right down the road. He told “I thought Vietnam was hot, dirty and dusty. It was just appropriate paperwork and took a physical. me that in monsoon season in Nam, you just had to find so different.” He had already been assigned to Fort Sill to become a landmarks, like a road or a river. He asked me what I He was shown into the office of the executive officer. forward artillery spotter when he got his orders to helicop- thought, and I said, ‘I hope there’s no tall telephone poles “He said, ‘Well, Mr. Rasset, we’ve been looking for you. ter flight school. He was told to report to Fort Walters in around here.’” We’re glad you could make it. Welcome to the party.’” Texas. The training, he said, stressed safety, taking precautions, He was shown to his quarters. “There were all these guys Rasset’s prior experience in flying was limited to a and doing a good pre-flight of the aircraft. He earned his hanging around with cut-off fatigues, t-shirts and slippers. neighbor taking him for flights in a little plane. He had wings and his warrant in early 1971. Then I realized, these are the pilots. I thought, ‘Well, I’m never been in a helicopter. Rasset estimates that ninety or ninety-five percent of his over-dressed.’” “That’s the great thing about the Army,” Rasset said. class got orders to Vietnam. By March of 1971, thirteen The pilots in his unit were called the Kingsmen, and “Who else can spend a half million dollars to train somebody to fly a helicopter? I thought it was great.” The training was intense and challenging and included six to eight hours of classroom study each day combined with time on the flight line and the other duties of a soldier. Rasset said he was fortunate enough to have the funda- mental skills of a pilot including a good math background, and good hand-eye coordination and depth perception. Others were not so blessed. “I think we had about a 60 percent attrition rate.” Training was in the small Hughes T-55 Osage helicopter, a flying machine that consisted of an engine, a rotor, a bub- ble where the pilot and trainee sat, a tail and a tail rotor. “When it crashed, you could pick everything up and put it in the back of a pick-up truck.” His first journey into the air was with a pilot who had just completed two tours in Vietnam. “He lifted the helicopter about five feet off the ground and just held it there. It looked like he wasn’t even moving his hands. I thought, ‘This is so easy.’” During an orientation flight, though, the trainer told Rasset, “Okay, you have the aircraft now.” The next few minutes were not pretty. “You read about LES RASSET LES RASSET At home in Maple Lake As a warrant officer in the Army December 2014 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 9 Rasset was given the handle, Kingsman 11. They served in the 101st Airmobile Battalion. He was assigned to his room in the “hootch.” “It was about an eight-by-twelve foot room with two bunks in it. That’s where you spent your year. You put all your stuff in there, everything you owned.” Rasset was welcomed into the group. “There was a lot of camaraderie. It was a very tight-knit group. We were basically on call 24/7, but we’d get a day off now and then.” There was one little initiation ceremony the new pilots had to go through. In the Kingsman officer’s club, late one night, the new pilots were each given a glass of booze. “I don’t know what it was, but it burned.” The concoction was lit on fire, and the trick was to drink it dry while keeping the fire going. If the fire went out, or the glass wasn’t empty, the new guy had to do it again. “The first time, I didn’t do very well, but then I got the hang of it. On the second try, I burned off half my mustache, and I had second degree burns all down my neck, but I did it right. I could join the older pilots. They thought it was hilarious.” The pilots’ main job was to bring troops to a landing zone (LZ), extract troops from an LZ, and bring supplies and ordinance to the fight. Each Huey had a crew of four including the air commander, the pilot (actually a co-pilot or “peer pilot”), a crew chief who was in charge of main- taining the aircraft, and a door gunner. Both of the latter two manned .30 caliber machine guns at the Huey’s doors. His first job was as the pilot in the right hand seat, training under veteran pilots. “If anything happens to the pilot, your job is to get the chopper back home.” A Huey touches down in Vietnam to extract soldiers from a landing zone. (National Archives.) The helicopters were sometimes so loaded down with ordnance or people that they would have to bounce down the runway until they could build up enough speed to take off. “If it was 70 degrees, it would have been easy, but when it’s 106 degrees and humid, it’s a little more difficult.” The first missions were easy and involved little danger – often just bringing someone to another base. “After a couple of weeks of this, the other pilots would ask sarcastical- ly, ‘How’s the taxi service going today?’”

inally the day came when he was assigned to a mission that would extract soldiers from a “hot LZ,” one that was under attack. “I flew with the flight commander,F and I thought he would be a great high school teacher. He was really by-the-book. I never wanted to fly with him again.” Rasset’s Huey was one of four on the mission. “It was my first exposure to real combat. We had the Cobra gun- ships along with us. As we got over the LZ, I could hear these ticks or thuds. I asked, ‘What is that?’” He was informed that it was bullets hitting the helicopter. “Just then the crew chief was on the headphone. He said, ‘Let’s get the hell out of here. They’re shooting up our fuse- The officer’s club for the Kingsmen pilots at Camp An initiation rite for new pilots was to down a glass of lage. I don’t want to be up all night patching holes.’ ” Eagle near Hue was the scene of some relaxation and burning booze without putting the fire out. A pilot is After the extraction, the pilot took the Huey up to about recreation. shown attempting the trick in the upper right. Note the five thousand feet. “There were two theories about that. warrant officer, lower right, with the fire extinguisher. One was to get high enough to get out of the small arms fire. The other was to just go along the treetops. They could hear you coming, but its jungle and they can’t see you. By the time you’re over them, you’re gone. It would take a lucky shot to get you.” During Rasset’s time in Vietnam, he said the war would heat up and then cool off for different periods. About three months into his tour, it heated up, particularly in the A Shau Valley near Hue, where the 101st was conducting operations. “There was a lot of activity, and it got pretty ugly. We lost a couple of pilots. There was a lot more contact with the enemy than before. They were behind you, and then they’d be in front of you. It was often our job to get the wounded out.” The enemy had RPGs, rocket-propelled grenades, that could take down a helicopter in a hurry. One day in this campaign, Rasset, who was still the co- pilot on his Huey, helped bring in a load of troops, about eight or nine soldiers. “We were third in line of four choppers. We had about thirty seconds to get the soldiers on the ground and then get out of the way for the next chopper. We knew this LZ was hot. We had just landed our guys, and we were beginning to pull off when we got hit by an RPG.” The explosive shell hit the helicopter with a shock. “All of a sudden, you’re not going anywhere. All you can try to do is slow down the crash. We were now over the jungle and as we went down the rotor was cutting off the trees. The pilot did a great job. He was pulling all the pitch he could from the rotor just before we hit the ground. We all walked A Huey lands in Vietnam with its doors closed, an unusual event. Rasset said some Hueys didn’t even have away.” doors anymore. “The ones we were flying were pretty beat up.” (National Archives) The Huey was crushed, but the landing had been just soft enough for survival. Main rotor: 48 feet “We didn’t spend much time on the ground. We walked The Huey Maximum speed: 135 miles an hour back to the LZ and the next Huey coming in picked us up. Range: 315 miles It worked out really well.” BELL UH-1D IROQUOIS Service ceiling: 19,390 feet The action got even more intense in the following Crew: 1-4 Rate of climb: 1,755 feet per minute weeks. “It was a real reality check. It changed the whole Capacity: 3,900 lbs (14 troops, six stretchers or cargo) Introduction: 1959 dynamic of the war. It wasn’t somebody else that crashed, it Length: 57 ft. Produced: 1959-1986 was guys we knew, crews we knew. Width: 8 ft. 7 inches Number Built: 16,000 “Guys that drank, drank a little more. Guys that had a Height: 14 ft. 5 inches Armament, combination of: 2 M60 machine guns bad attitude, got a little worse attitude. It was just stress.” Power plant: Lycoming T53-L-11 turboshaft, 2 19 round rocket pods 1,100 horsepower 2 .303 Browning Mk II Page 10 Minnesota Legionnaire December 2014 bout that time, Rasset was promoted to the left hand seat as air commander. He had to fly a check ride with an experienced pilot to make sure he couldA do all the things that might be required on the missions. Again, he was only assigned to safe missions for a time. A typical day usually started with breakfast at 4:30 a.m. followed by a thorough pre-flight of the aircraft, and making sure everybody had done their job, such as loading ammo for the guns. “These are really high maintenance vehicles.” The day might include operations off and on. “Sometimes at 10 at night I’d still be helping the crew chief get the chopper fixed.” Rasset generally flew with the same crew, but when the chopper was down for maintenance or to fix bullet holes, the crew would get a break and Rasset would take up another chopper. “The crews worked hard, and we liked to give them a break and not beat them to death back there.” The Hueys nearly always flew with the doors open, and the crew chief and gunner would have to deal with the wind, the elements, and everything else. “Some of the Hueys didn’t have doors at all. I don’t know what happened to them.” Rasset said the constant flights into dangerous neighbor- hoods became somewhat addictive for the pilots. “There’s just that adrenaline rush of doing it.” During this time, the pilots could volunteer for what was called Command and Control North. “It was basically a classic CIA covert ops thing. We’d fly special forces recon teams in so they could do surveillance.” Many of the flights were into Laos. On one flight, the group of helicopters was joined by a silver-painted Huey. “They flew right with us. I looked over and these guys were wearing white shirts and ties and the Rasset at the controls of his Huey during his tour in Vietnam. reflective sunglasses. And they had their doors closed. They just gave us the thumbs up. There was no radio contact. Did we know who they were? We had no idea.” The teams that would be brought in often consisted of three or four Special Forces troops and maybe 12 indige- nous fighters, usually Hmong or Cambodian. “When we put people into Laos, they didn’t have any trouble finding the bad guys. They were all around. And they always knew we were coming.”

n a mission to bring in a team, Rasset’s helicopter was the first of four coming into a hot LZ. As the Huey was approaching the LZ, it was struck hardO in the tail section by an RPG. “You talk about those Bruce Willis movies where the helicopter goes spinning around. That was us. If that RPG had hit about 10 feet forward, we’d all been dead.” The other Hueys aborted the mission and headed home. “That’s what they were supposed to do. They did the right thing.” Rasset’s Huey corkscrewed into the ground. “We were lucky we didn’t get hung up in the trees.” The next thing Rasset knew, he was coming to with his Huey crashed into the jungle. “I must have been stunned, because I kind of woke up and the crew chief was telling me we had to get out of the aircraft. He unhooked my harness Rasset had his wings pinned on him by one of his Chistmastime brought a bounty of treats from families and got me out of my seat and told me we’d better f—-ing friend’s sister. back home. get out of there.” But Rasset’s training was taking over. Despite his mental fog, he knew he had to get his gun. “All I could think of was do I have enough ammunition?” He got his gun and his just between you and me and the mouse, we were never what it was like in Vietnam. There would be a war going on ammunition, and the crew chief thought he could get Rasset there.” over here, and a few miles away they’d be having pot luck. away from the crashed chopper, but not quite yet. Rasset replied, “That works for me, sir.” That’s the way that crazy war went on.” “I told him I had to get the black box. They train us that And that was the end of Rasset’s interview with the man Despite the fact that in 11 months in Vietnam, having we have to get the black box. He looked at me and said, who many thought would run for president of the United flown over 900 combat hours and having crashed three of ‘Really? Just leave that piece of crap. The whole aircraft is States in years to come. Uncle Sam’s helicopters into the ground, he said none of going to burn in about 10 minutes.’ But I said, ‘What if it Months later, near the end of his tour, Rasset and others those miraculous escapes were his most exciting mission. doesn’t burn?’ What a fiasco.” were in a ceremony where medals were being presented. That came when the pilots were asked to go down to The crew of the Huey joined the team they were sup- Rasset had earned two Bronze Stars, several Air Medals and DaNang and pick up Bob Hope’s Christmas show and bring posed to land. “These were the specialists. They knew what other awards during his time in Vietnam. Present for the it to Camp Eagle. they were doing. They immediately started using the hand ceremony was none other than General Colin Powell. “They told us we’d probably have to stay overnight, but signals, and we moved off into the jungle without a sound. “When he got up to me, he looked and said, they told us not to get too drunk so we couldn’t fly back. We I knew enough to keep my big mouth shut and follow the ‘Congratulations, Mr. Rasset, we meet again. Have you said, ‘Yeah we can do that.’ leader. If I’d been in charge, we’d have ended up in been staying home?’ I just said, ‘Yes, sir.’” “I remember writing my mother that I was giving a ride Thailand or China.” to Miss World. I told my mom that my life was pretty damn To this day, Rasset doesn’t understand why the enemy ut he hadn’t been staying home. While still chauf- good right now.” didn’t come to finish them off. “They knew exactly where feuring troops back and forth to Laos, Rasset He said Bob Hope came over and talked with the pilots we were. We were sitting ducks.” guided one more chopper to the ground. “We were and crew and was very friendly. By the second day, the little group of survivors found a extracting a team. But the LZ was being hit with mortars river bed, and the going got somewhat easier. B and was basically overrun. The guys on the ground were And then it was time to go home. “Some pilots stayed in They still had their radio, and on the third day when they trained for that stuff. I wasn’t.” and did other tours. But I could see it wasn’t my calling. I came to a clearing along the river bed, they were able to call The Huey never actually landed, but tried to pick up the enjoyed what I did, and I liked the people, but it was time for a helicopter to pick them up. team by hovering just off the ground. “They were piling in, to move on. You can feel it. Your mind and body just wear “They took us to Da Nang and then back to Camp Eagle. and then it was go, go, go. We were probably doing 90 down.” The next day, this guy shows up and says that Gen. Powell miles an hour over the tree tops. Just then, the crew chief Rasset was sent back to Fort Lewis in Washington and wants to see me and that a vehicle is waiting. I said, ‘Holy said on the headphones, ‘There’s a couple of those little was expecting duty somewhere in the States or Germany to shit.’ I had to go through about three layers of offices, and I guys hanging on the bars outside.’ Somehow he was able to complete his enlistment. Instead, he was immediately told the secretary I had an appointment with Gen. Powell. drag them in.” processed out of the Army. “Talk about culture shock.” They brought me in. Afterwards, Rasset said the Huey started acting sluggish. He returned to Maple Lake and the dairy farm which he “My knees were shaking so bad, I was sure that he could “It was probably a mortar that got us, but it hit a hydraulic worked for the next 30 years. Eventually he found that a hear them.” line. Everything on the helicopter runs on hydraulics. Pretty small dairy operation could not survive in the new world of The two chatted a bit about the 101st, and then Powell’s soon I couldn’t do anything with the aircraft.” mega-agriculture and he sold the farm some years ago. He demeanor changed. “Now let’s get to the point. What were By this time, though, the helicopter had crossed back took a job in town. you doing in Laos?” into Vietnam and Rasset found an abandoned airstrip to He and his wife, Kitty, who just celebrated their 40th After Rasset’s stumbling account of Command and crash on. “Luckily it wasn’t booby trapped.” Again, every- wedding anniversary, have six children, four boys and two Control North and the CIA, and after Powell had silenced one survived. girls. him, he said to the young warrant officer: “Okay fine. But “We called Triple A, and they came and got us. That’s December 2014 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 11

DistrictFIRST Commanders“Thank you to God” for allowing us to live in the greatest nation on earth. I am very thankful to be a member of this SEVENTH DISTRICT great organization. We take care of our veterans and support DISTRICT those men and women now serving at home and abroad. Myron Ehrich Victor Gades Commander We also care for their families and our communities. Legionnaires, “thank you” for that and for supporting the Commander Greeting from the Big Red. 2014 Shop, Ship and Share. It was a great success. I’m sure we will receive wonderful reports from our troops. Greetings from The Mighty 7th. The month of November was a busy one here. I was at The holiday season is now in full swing. Let’s not forget Triton school for their Veteran's Program. The kids sure put Congratulations to SSG Johnny Angelo, American Legion Department of Minnesota’s Outstanding NCO of our active military members who are away from home and on a good program for us. their loved ones. You don’t have to be in a combat zone to I went to Kellogg Post 546 for their program as well as the Year. Mark your calendars. January 31 is the date for the ALR be away from family. Remember, we do have remote bases a meal. Thank you to them for the invitation. and ships deployed at sea on watch 24/7. They all are I also attended a meal at Dodge Center Post 384 on and Minnesota Veterans Homes Ice Fishing Tournament at Disabled Veterans Rest Camp on Big Marine Lake. Don’t defending our freedoms and keeping vigilance for us 24/7. November 12. It was a good turn out. A short note to them can immensely lift their spirits. Now December is here. The Pearl Harbor Day Rally is miss this “cool” event. The District (RCCC) meets the second Thursday in the Similarly a brief conversation will have the same effect on to be held in Montgomery. our Veterans. Some of them are in nursing homes, hospitals, The 1st District Christmas Party is Dec 14th. It will be month starting at 7 p.m. Dinner is served after the meeting. Our December RCCC will be held at Rosetown Memorial or are without family -- silently suffering. Remember this held at the Stewartville Legion Post. season of rejoice is for everyone. I would like to wish all Legion members, Auxiliary Post 542. Our guest speaker will be a representative from the VA Regional office. He will be making a brief presen- My theme this year is “Building a Stronger America” members, SAL members, and Legion Riders a Merry and my Commander’s Project is raising funds for the shad- Christmas and a Happy New Year. tation on retirement and survivor benefits. We hope you will mark your calendar and plan to join us. ow (memory) frames for the Fergus Falls Veterans Home Please as always, keep our service men and women and residents. their families in your thoughts and prayers. According to History.com, in December, 1914, warring countries refused to create an official cease-fire. However, Membership is moving along at a fair pace, due to the Christmas Eve, many German and British troops sang good work by the membership team. Now as we tend to get SECOND Christmas Carols to each other across the lines. At the first busy with family, let’s not forget to make that one contact DISTRICT light of dawn Christmas Day, some German soldiers for renewal or ask if someone you met is a Veteran and a Jennifer Kafka approached the Allied lines calling out “Merry Christmas” member of The American Legion. Commander in their enemies’ native tongue. In 1914, World War I, we A little housekeeping: District 7 Mid-Winter will be did have a Christmas cease-fire. I would to God that in January 17 in Olivia. We will be having a Mid-Winter mem- 2014 we could have a world-wide cease-fire. Please don’t bership rally the same day. This will be a full agenda, but Greetings and Merry Christmas to all, as I write this a list we can make this a productive event. of everything from rallies, midwinter and holiday celebra- forget our troops during this holiday season. Pray for peace on earth. May your new year be filled with many blessings and tions run through my head. Like many, this is a busy time accomplishments. of year so I’d like to take a moment out of my busy schedule to remember why I get to have the freedoms to celebrate and say Merry Christmas. We have them because of FIFTH EIGHTH unselfish American men and women who stand watch, safe- DISTRICT DISTRICT guarding some of our most cherished traditions, while they Wayne Glanton Wilson Spence and their families sacrificed theirs. Many have come home Commander yet, tens of thousands of others will continue their difficult Commander and lonely missions of protecting us. Greeting from the Fighting 5th. Greetings from the Great Arrowhead 8th District of the The holidays can be a time for many to remember loss In membership, we are a little behind. Try using E-mail Minnesota American Legion. and sacrifice. We as an American Legion Family need to be to pay your dues. Again the members of The American Legion have made there when our Veterans and Soldiers need us most. A The fall conference held in Mahnomen was well organ- a difference in this nation and the Eighth District. Legion moment of our time is the best gift we can give but a card ized, and the 5th District had a number of our people in key members contacted their congressional representatives and or letter, sending a package to those away from home, or positions making it run very smooth. made a difference. The funding for active duty service visiting a family who has a member overseas these are just Curt Norenberg did an excellent job. I met a Legionnaire members at funerals has been reinstated. The presence of a few things we can do to show we appreciate their sacrifice who is running for National Commander. He was trying to the service members at funerals brings professionalism and so we can celebrate with our families. visit all of us at the Fall Conference. To me this is a big job. great dignity to the American hero about to be interned. Thank you my fellow Legionnaires for everything you I wish him well. American Legion members obtained another benefit do day in and day out, I am honored and humbled to be part Our consolidated post reports will be made easy if you after contact with their legislatures. On December 1, 2014, of such a great organization. May you all have a Merry start making notes now of your activities. Thanksgiving is the VA Twin Ports Clinic is scheduled to have the equip- Christmas. over and we getting ready for the big one: Christmas. ment to provide the new VA Veterans Health Identification Card. The Veterans Health Identification Card provides THIRD SIXTH many different benefits. It identifies the VA patient with their records at the VA Medical system. It provides proof of DISTRICT DISTRICT a VA disability to allow the disabled veteran to ride any Duane Anderson Carl Moon public transportation at no cost. It also provides proof for Commander Commander businesses that the cardholder is a former service member for discounts of goods and services. Now the members of Greetings from the Thundering Third Fall Conference has come and gone and I believe was the Eighth District may obtain the card in their district and Last month was again full of activities involving duties not only very well attended but very educational. Oh, by- not have to go to Minneapolis. I want to thank every mem- of a District Commander. Attending the Fall Conference at the-way, did I mention that the 6th District took first place ber who contacted the legislators and those who will con- Mahnomen was a good time and a learning experience in Membership. tact the new members of congress. again this year. This conference is always a good time to Congratulations to the hardest working Membership I would like to wish everyone a Happy Hanukkah and a reunite with other Legionnaires, Riders, Auxiliary and SAL Director that I know, Mr. Jim Lucas, and to all of our posts Merry Christmas with family and friends. folks that you’ve met in the past and to meet new ones. Last for such a great turn-in. week was Veteran’s Day with a couple of days attending The leading candidate for National Commander 2015- and speaking at various activities in our area. It is a good 2016, Dale Barnett of Georgia, gave an impressive speech TENTH feeling to see school children and other folks expressing and I believe he will be an outstanding leader for our DISTRICT their gratefulness and appreciation of the sacrifices that our organization. veterans have given to keep our country free and strong. I I hope that everyone had a wonderful and successful Tom Sanders read an e mail message that stated that it seemed appropri- Veteran's Day program. I was able to accompany our Commander ate that Thanksgiving Day and Veteran’s Day were in the Department Commander to the Official Minnesota Greetings American Legion Family of the "Mighty" same month because they represented similarities in appre- Veteran's Day Program in Inver Grove Heights where Tenth District and the "Mighty" state of Minnesota. Here ciating our country and our freedoms that we many times Commander Peggy was the MC. Wow, what an impressive we go into another month and I want to wish all the take for granted. I hope you all had a good Thanksgiving program. Great speakers , wonderful music by the Red Bull American Legion Family a very happy holiday season and and were able to participate in Veteran’s Day in some way. Band and over 15 new inductees into our Armed Services a very properous new year. We now are only a couple of weeks away from Christmas took their oath to serve our country. The month of November went so fast and the hospitality and the holiday season. I wish you all a very merry As the holiday season is upon us, please consider help- from all the posts that I and President Robin Dorf had din- Christmas and when the next newsletter is in print we will ing those veterans and their families who are not as fortu- ner at, we will never be able to measure. Your Dictrict be enjoying 2015. nate as we are. Invite them to a Thanksgiving or Christmas President and I have had such a load of fun being able to Embrace Change/Maintain Mission meal, visit with them and offer your assistance and support. "mingle" amungst the American Legion Family and intro- Especially, during this holiday season, keep our active duty duce ourselves. Thank you for the "invites" and "Cap's" off troops in your thoughts and prayers. Have your post send to all for what you do for membership and the American FOURTH some goodies, personal supplies or just write a few notes to Legion Family and its programs as an organization. DISTRICT those troops stationed overseas and let them know how This years District Project, which is a combined effort, much they mean to us and our country. is "Helping Paws." We wish to thank everyone for there Dan Williams The Pearl Harbor Rally will have come and gone by the Commander kindness and their generous donations to our project. At the time you read this article. Will the 6th District be able to 10th District Midwinter Conference, which will be held at Greetings from the “Fabulous Fourth.” Always give retain their lead in Membership Turn-In? The 3rd and 10th Anoka Post 102 on Jan. 3rd,we will be having a demon- thanks. Districts look like they might be trying to give us a little stration of "Helping Paws" and its program. This is the time of year when most of our nation is in the challenge for first place title. Good luck to all. As always the programs of the Ameican Legion Family hustle and bustle for “The Holidays.” Let me remind you A very happy Thanksgiving and merry Christmas to all. would not be complete without the effort of all you "Blue of a portion of our preamble. For God and country we asso- Cappers", my Cap’s off to you and all you do. ciate ourselves together… It’s within this association I say Page 12 Minnesota Legionnaire December 2014 Listening Post News from around the State

BRAIN SCIENCE SCHOLARSHIPS -- At the annual American Legion Brain Science Lecture, two graduate students received The American Legion scholarships of $1,000. Both are PhD candidates at the University of Minnesota’s FALLDIN POST VETS DAY -- Minneapolis Falldin Post 555 greeted veterans and Neuroscience Graduate Program. From left: Jim Kellogg, president of The handed out gifts at Applebee’s Restaurant in St. Anthony Village. The restaurant American Legion Family Brain Science Foundation; Scott Warren, scholarship provided free meals for the vets on Veterans Day, and the post was allowed to set recipient; Chris Ronning, Auxiliary President; Fatou Amar, scholarship recipient; up and help host the event. From left: Applebee’s Manager Mike VanVelkenberg; and Dr. Apostolos Georgopoulos, Director of the Brain Sciences Center. Donovan Orttel, Milt Stacy, Dave Roberts, Bill Tiede, Virgil Persing and Ray Eiden.

-- Department National AWARD PRESENTED NORTH BRANCH PINS -- North Branch Post 85 pre- Security /Foreign Relations Chairman Curt Norenberg sented 45-year pins to Duane Damm, left, and Russell WILLMAR SERVES VETS -- Willmar Post 167 served presented an Outstanding National Guard Award to Good, right. Presenting was Post Vice Commander 43 veterans in area nursing homes a high quality SSG John Angelo, Army National Guard, St. Paul. He Darcy Doble. She also presented Randy Coe with a meal. Shown is Post Commander DuWayne was unable to be at the Fall Conference where the pin for 25 years. Underthun on the serving line. awards were presented originally.

DOG TAG RETURNED -- Matt Rybakowsk, left, was digging in his garden in Holt when he found a dog tag with the name Henry Horack inscribed on it. Rybakowsk contacted his veterans service officer and BACKUS BREAKFAST CREW -- The Backus Post and Auxiliary breakfast crew was connected with the Horack family in Mahnomen. wound up their nine-month season recently. From left, standing: Mickie Durheim, He presented the tag to Horack’s wife Bernice and son Henry Horack as a mem- Suke Wolf, Jean Dawson, Larry Whalen and Judy Johnson. Sitting: Mike Elsner, Robert in Bagley. It is believed the dog tag had been ber of the Army Air Corps Janine Thaler and Lynne Gagnon. Funds from the breakfast go to post and auxil- missing for over 55 years. in 1946. He died in 2013. iary programs throughout the year.

REDWOOD FALLS SHOOTERS -- Medals were pre- WELLS HONORS 60 YEAR MEMBERS -- Wells Post DONATION TO VIETNAM MEMORIAL -- Randy sented to the top three regional shooting champions in 210 honored 60-year members at the annual birthday “Hook” Eberling and his wife, Kerri, presented a check the American Legion Junior Shooting competition at party. From left: Second District Commander Gene for $2,200, that they raised, to the Vietnam Veterans Redwood Falls. From left: Post Commander Jeff Olswold, Donald Ehrich, Donald Schmidt, William Memorial Education Center slated to be built in Olson, Melanie Foy, Sarah Ludwig, Kylie Doering and Barr, Larry Majeski, Department Vice Commander Washington DC. Accepting was Tim Tetz from the Jim Mertens. Clinton Burt. VVMF. December 2014 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 13 World War II History Round Table Wild Bill Donovan founded America’s first spy organization Wild Bill Donovan is one of the most intriguing, heroic and dominant personalities in 20th Century America. He earned the Medal of Honor in World War I, served as President Roosevelt’s personal envoy before World War II, and during the war established the OSS, the nation’s first spy operation. Oh, and along the way, he was also a founder of The American Legion. Two men with intimate knowledge of William J. Donovan addressed the World War II Round Table in November at the annual Harold C. Deutsch Lecture at Historic Fort Snelling. Douglas Waller, a journalist and former correspondent for Time Magazine, is the author of “Wild Bill Donovan, The Spymaster Who Created the OSS and Modern American Espionage.” Waller gave a physical description of Donovan: Five feet, nine inches tall; piercing blue eyes, expert ballroom dancer and singer of Broadway show tunes, non-smoker and non-drinker, and what some called “penguin shaped.” “He never laughed out loud, and he never told a dirty joke,” Waller said. Donovan was born in 1883 in Buffalo, N.Y., and for a while thought he would become a priest in the Irish family tradition. Instead he went to Columbia University where he was a star running back. He later attended Columbia Law School and was a classmate of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s. In World War I, he led a battalion of the famed “Fighting 69th” Division out of New York, and received the Medal of Honor. Waller said a compatriot at that time said of Donovan, “He was the only man I ever met who actually enjoyed combat.” Waller attributes his Wild Bill nickname to an incident in the Army, while other sources say it came from his football days at Columbia. “He told people he didn’t like it, but later his wife said that he secretly did enjoy the nickname.” William Donovan earned a Medal of Honor and founded the OSS during his Army career. He hoped to become U.S. Attorney General, and was promised the position by Herbert Hoover before he became president, but once Hoover got into office, he reneged on in the bathroom at his London hotel.” from him.” the promise. “To the day he died, Donovan never forgave As the war progressed, he managed to make enemies of On another occasion, the base was flooded and other Hoover.” many in top positions including J. Edgar Hoover, head of arrangements had to be made for lunch outside the com- He ran for governor of New York as a Republican and the FBI, and Gen. Douglas MacArthur and Admiral Chester pound. The Army cleared all the native Chinese out of a lost, but as war approached he and FDR, though separated Nimitz in the Pacific theater. “He once said that his enemies restaurant in town, and Donovan and his party dined there. by politics, found a common denominator. “FDR was trying in Washington D.C. were worse enemies than Hitler in “Donovan had a briefcase that contained all his secret to build the country up for war, and Donovan agreed. They Germany.” papers. It had information about the atomic bomb and the were two very canny politicians who were seeing a com- And Donovan was dismayed by the inter-service rivalry timing of using it. And it had his plans for the OSS after the mon cause.” in intelligence gathering. “How in the world can we spy on war. Donovan wouldn’t let anybody else carry it except FDR made Donovan a special envoy on several mis- other nations when we’re so busy spying on each other?” he himself.” sions, including a key assignment to England to find out if is reported to have said. Back in the Jeep after lunch, heading back to the base, that nation could survive the war. “He came back with two When the war ended, the animosity he had built up crip- Donovan turned to the people on board and asked them if satchels of notes. He told Roosevelt that Britain could sur- pled his chances to lead any kind of post-war OSS. Plus, he they had the brief case. Nobody had it. vive the war, but it would need a great deal of material sup- was not a great favorite of Roosevelt’s successor, Harry S They hustled back to the restaurant, and Maynard was port from the United States.” Truman. sent in to find the brief case and retrieve it. Roosevelt won a tough election over Wendell Wilkie in The Central Intelligence Agency was formed in 1947 “I went back in, but now there’s about six Chinese eat- 1940, but, Waller said, he was dismayed at his lack of infor- and was put under the control of one of Donovan’s former ing at the table we were at. But there was the briefcase, mation on international affairs. “Roosevelt was making employees, Allan Dulles. Donovan never held any major leaning against the leg of the table. I brought it back out to decisions largely blind about what was really happening.” position during his lifetime. He died in 1959. the Jeep, and there was silence for a long time. Finally, In July, 1941, as Roosevelt began his third term, he Donovan said, ‘I won’t tell anybody if you don’t.’” signed a one-page document establishing Donovan as ob Maynard, a Minnesotan who served for a time Maynard’s final story was about a time when tee-totaler “Coordinator of Information.” It started as a one-person as Donovan’s aide during World War II when the Donovan was meeting with top Chinese leaders. He asked agency that later became the Office of Strategic Services. OSS leader was doing work in China, recalled his the planners if there would be alcoholic toasts. He was told It was Donovan’s job to coordinate the fractured infor- experiencesB for the Round Table. there would be. He asked if he could have a designated mation gathering being done by many government agen- Maynard was in the Field Artillery, but got recruited into drinker. He was told he could. He picked Maynard, who cies, but he quickly began building his own agency which the OSS after officer’s training. hadn’t had a drink since that day back in OSS evaluation. eventually had thousands of employees. During an evaluation period, Maynard got drunk when “Whenever they had a toast, Donovan would hand it to somebody spiked what they were drinking after a basketball me and I had to drink it. As I recall, there were four large Donovan had an endless stream of ideas, Waller said, game. “We had all been given fake names and backgrounds. glasses of vodka. I felt like a garbage disposal. I was rather and wasn’t shy about trying them all. He used private com- But this one guy came up to me and said we should get sick the next morning, but Donovan gave me a very nice panies that had sales forces overseas, he used the Kodak together later, and he asked my real name.” piece of jade he said he had bought for his wife. He said I Camera Club to gather intelligence photos, and he used a The next day, Maynard found himself in front of a panel deserved it. I still have it.” major airline to get entry into other nations. “He was open of evaluators, and his “friend” from the night before was to any idea that crossed his desk.” part of the group. “I thought, ‘I’m out of here.’ But they told Dr. Connie Harris was the moderator of the evening, and He also kept $2,000 in cash in his desk at all times to pay me I talked too much, that I didn’t know how to hold my she gave a presentation on the connection between for sources. liquor, but that I was still part of the OSS.” Donovan and Deutsch, who was head of research for the As the operation grew, it started to develop spy gadgets When Donovan planned a trip to China, his regular aide OSS during the war. like miniature cameras and exploding pencils. It also devel- did not go with him, and Maynard was picked as his fill-in. oped drugs to use while interrogating prisoners. “I didn’t have a clue what an aide was supposed to do, but Some ideas were total flops, like the plan to attach incen- they told me just to do whatever Gen. Donovan told me to diaries to bats and set them loose all over Japan. Another do. And that was the truth.” plan was to find the source of Hitler’s vegetables and inject Maynard confirmed that Donovan, who had earned them with female hormones so the German leader’s mus- many medals in his long career, only wore one ribbon on his tache would fall out and he would get a falsetto voice. “That uniform – the Medal of Honor. “It was light blue just like would have been a bummer for Hitler.” the color of his eyes. It was my job to lay out his uniforms, In the end, Waller said, “He was a horrible manager, but and it was on every one of them. I didn’t see it, but I sus- a very charismatic leader. The agents loved him.” pect it was on his pajamas too.” Donovan had a sense of derring-do about him that was One time, Donovan asked Maynard to find him a good extraordinary. For instance, he landed with the troops on barber, and Maynard brought in a native Chinese barber every major invasion of Africa and Europe during the war. who was known to be very skilled. “The barber laid out his After landing in Normandy, he stayed with the soldiers into straight razor, and Donovan looked at him and asked me, the hedgerow country. ‘Has this man been cleared by security?’ I had to admit that “He had all these secrets in his head. If he’d been cap- he had not.” tured, he would have been quite a prize. When he was in Luckily, Mayard had a backup, a corporal who could cut Normandy, he found himself in a place where the Germans hair. When it was over, Donovan quietly said to Maynard, were shooting machine guns. Donovan reached to see if he “The corporal was a better choice, wasn’t it?” had his ‘L pill,’ which contained cyanide, but he had left it “Donovan never got mad, so that was like six lashes DOUGLAS WALLER BOB MAYNARD Page 14 Minnesota Legionnaire December 2014 The Auxiliary Bulletin No. 15-5 December 2014 President Chris Ronning Secretary Sandie Deutsch Department Headquarters, Veterans Service Building, St. Paul, MN 55155 651-224-7634

The December is Veterans Affairs President’s andDecember is VeteransRehabilitation Affairs and Rehabilitation month. special President’s Month Projects to purchase outdoor furniture, a Column There are a number of special programs the Auxiliary is grill and recreational items for the Adult Daycare Center at involved with this month, such as Gift Shop, our $5.00 Bill the Minneapolis Veterans Home. She also would like to Shower, Christmas parties, etc. These are in addition to the give both the Minneapolis VA and St. Cloud VA monies to By regular activities our Hospital/Home Representatives and use for the Minnesota Creative Arts Program. Any addi- their many volunteers sponsor at their respective facilities. tional funds raised would go towards the completion of the Chris Ronning Is your Unit planning on doing something special for our Educational Building at Legionville. These programs veterans? depend on donations to function. Your support of our Don’t forget the veterans in the local hospitals, nursing Department President’s projects is appreciated. Please send homes and assisted living facilities as well as those who are your donation to the department office earmarked for the shut-ins in your community. Make December a special Department President’s Project and indicate how much month for them. should go to each part of her project. As we gather with family and friends for Christmas, let’s VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED - Our veterans remember the less fortunate. As we sit in our warm houses answered the call when our country was in need. Won’t you MEMBERSHIP GOING UP filled with laughter and joy, many sleep in the streets, under answer the call when they are in need? Become a volunteer How is your Unit doing in membership? Every Unit bridges and some find shelter somewhere else. Many of the at one of the VA Medical Centers, a Field Service volunteer should be at/above 75% of their Unit’s membership goal by homeless are Veterans, what a shame that these men and or a Home Service volunteer and assist our veterans. They Saturday, December 6, the date of the Pearl Harbor women cannot be surrounded by loved ones. Lot of our ser- need you! Department Membership Rally in Montgomery. Turn in vicemen and women are on foreign soil fighting so the $5.00 BILL SHOWER - This year each hospitalized vet- starts at 3:00 and dinner is at 5:00. These rallies are really world can be a better place. eran in the nine hospitals/homes where we carry on our a lot of fun and everyone should attend one - hope to see December is a time for our gift shop at our VA Facilities department program will receive $5.00 during the holidays. you in Montgomery. and Veteran’s homes and it is the time when we bring a lit- AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY HOSPITAL PRO- Now is the time to recruit new members - explain our tle sunshine into the Veterans life. Thanks to the V4V as we GRAM - We have nine facilities in which the Auxiliary car- organization and programs and the rewards that are reaped are able to give them a little more this year. A check for ries on extensive programs for our hospitalized veterans. from them towards our veterans and military families. $20,000.00 was given to the American Legion Auxiliary at This takes funding as we provide many of those extras to Make sure that after a new member is signed up you spend our Fall Conference. We cannot thank them enough for our veterans. Your financial support is needed. Please send time explaining our organization and get them involved. what they did and our Veterans thank them also. I want to your contributions to the Department Office earmarked thank all the Units that have donated to the Gift Shop and “$5.00 Bill Shower” and “American Legion Auxiliary MEMORIAL/CHAPLAIN $5.00 bill shower. Hospital Program”. Thank you for your support. Please As our Department Chaplain Erma Redden is compiling With all the hustle and bustle, we still have a lot of work call the Hospital Home Reps to see what their needs are at a book of prayers and devotional thoughts for President to do especially with membership. We are in the top 4 on this time. Chris, she would appreciate you sending her any readings the national level but we can’t stop now. This is now the you find that would be appropriate for Chris’ keepsake. critical time when membership slows down. If your mem- V4V DONATION Please email or mail them to the Department Office or call bership dues are not paid by December 31st, you will lose On behalf of the American Legion Auxiliary Department and we can get you Chaplain Erma’s address. Chaplain benefits your membership gives you. Not only will you lose of Minnesota, each one of our members would like to shout Erma is also looking for prayers to be included in a new, your privileges but our programs will suffer. out a huge thank you to the V4V Board of Directors approv- updated Department Prayer Book - please forward those on December is Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation month; ing a grant to our Gift Shop Program. With this wonderful now. this is one of our most important programs. It is all about donation our Veterans can enjoy an even better Christmas our Veterans and this is what we are all about, helping for both themselves and their families this year. Veterans and their families. MEMORY BOOK When our Department President Chris visits your Unit This month has been very busy, many, many miles, vis- please send any newspaper clippings, pictures and snap- iting with old friends, and I don’t mean age old, made many FORGOTTEN CHILDREN’S FUND Established in 1941 the Forgotten Children’s Fund is a shots to the Memory Book Chairman Jill Mueller, or to the new friends and let’s not forget all the delicious meals and very important part of our children and youth program. Its Department Office for our Department President’s memory desserts. This is not too good on the waist line, but it just purpose is to provide those extra items and gifts for children book. Your help in making this a special remembrance for tastes so good. I have attended membership dinners, who are in the care and custody of the state as dependent or President Chris is appreciated. Veterans Day dinners, and 5 Pheasant dinners. Our driver neglected children. The state provides these foster children (yes, Marland the Chauffeur) took us to Silver Bay, New with room, board, clothing and medical care. But there are London, Waseca, my own Post Osseo, Duluth, St. Paul and no funds available from the state for more than the necessi- SCHOLARSHIPS the list keeps getting longer and still more food. What has your Unit done with the department and ties of life. Through the Forgotten Children’s fund, the national scholarship application forms you received in the I do run into Commander Peggy once in a while, but Auxiliary provides some of those extra comforts and needs sometimes we are like ships passing in the night. Lots of Unit mailings? Remember putting the application forms in such as radios, graduation pictures, class rings, music les- your file won’t help those who need assistance. Get those fun and good company where ever we go. Marland and I sons, instruments, bikes, class trips, etc. Application for had the honor to attend a dinner of the 95th Anniversary of applications into the hands of those who are eligible to these funds is through the county social services depart- apply. the Hellenic Post 129. The dinner was held at the Orthodox ment. Greek Church overlooking Lake Calhoun. What a great If you need additional forms, duplicate those you experience, there were a lot of dignitaries in attendance and received or contact the department office for additional I had the pleasure of sitting next to the Commissioner of GIRLS STATE INFORMATION copies. The forms are also on our website. Information needed to reserve a place for your Girls Veterans Affairs Larry Shellito. State citizen(s) for the 2015 session of the American Legion I had the opportunity to talk to Dr. Apostolos Auxiliary Minnesota Girls State will be included in the DONATIONS Georgopoulos, who is the U of M Brain Science Chair and Please see the Unit Guide for a list of those programs the January Unit mailing. Please make sure and go through all the Director of the Brain Sciences Center at the Department Department Executive Committee has approved for the the information. The Committee has made some very excit- of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Minneapolis. solicitation of funds. Please keep in mind those showing an ing and positive changes to this year’s session! It will By the time you read my article I will have attended the * by them are our own Auxiliary programs within the include an American Legion Auxiliary Minnesota Girls Shop Ship and Share at the Maplewood Mall, getting ready Department of Minnesota. We need to support these caus- State informational brochure, a cover letter from the to ship packages to our Servicemen and Women that are in es – no one else does. Remember also that the Brain American Legion Auxiliary Minnesota Girls State harms way and bring a little Christmas cheer to make their Science Foundation and the Legacy Scholarship Fund has Chairman and a reservation form. After the department season a little brighter. been added to our list of funds to solicit for. It is a won- office receives your reservation form and your registration Also my Homecoming will be past and I want to thank derful organization that is making tremendous strides to check of $300.00 per girl, a packet will be sent to the Unit. everyone that attended and I hope you all enjoyed your day help out veterans returning from combat duty. This packet will include a set of registration forms for each with me. As I write this I have no idea what’s in store, but I girl you will be sponsoring. It will include the enrollment know it will be fun. card, information sheet, pledge, brochure, dress code, order God Bless all of you and God Bless this great country form for the polo shirts, etc. The packet will be sent to the Kris Nelson has health challenge and let’s pray for the safety of our deployed Service men person who signs the reservation form. The registration and women. Past National President Kris Nelson of Baxter is materials must be returned to the department office on or From our house to yours we wish you a Merry Christmas being admitted to the University of Minnesota Hospitals before May 1. If you have any questions, please contact the and a Happy New Year und Froehliche Weihnachten und for tests. She will be having surgery the week of Nov. department office. ein Glueckliches Neues Jahr. 24. Cards of well wishes can be sent to: Kris Nelson PRESIDENT’S PROJECTS 14678 Fairway Drive Department President Chris Ronning has chosen as her Baxter, MN 56425 December 2014 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 15

AuxiliaryContinued from Preceding Bulletin Page POPPY POSTER CONTEST Please encourage your schools to participate in the Poppy Poster Contest. There are classes for all grades. All of the rules are in the December Unit Mailing included in the Trophy and Awards booklet. All of this information is also on our website mnala.org. This is a great way to teach our youth all about the Poppy, our Memorial Flower. Last year the entries were very good. We have many talented children - let’s do our best to promote the contest at our schools. UNIT MAILINGS We asked for your help in letting us know if you would rather get the Unit Mailing electronically or continue to get them by regular mail. Many of you have responded but we are still waiting to hear from some Units. You will continue to receive them via mail unless we get your response. Do let all of your members know that anyone can read or print out any of the mailing articles from our website. DEPARTMENT TESTIMONIAL -- Department President Chris Ronning was helped in her Testimonial by the highly talented district presidents. EMBLEM SALES CATALOG The 2015 National Emblem Sales catalog is in the mail. Every Unit President should receive her copy shortly. Program of the Month: Vets Affairs and Rehab These catalogs are mailed out bulk rate. If anything is in Volunteers are always Mary Ann Davis, Pres Chris needs are. Have a sewing error on a person’s address the catalog will be destroyed by needed. Hospitals and Ronning, St. Cloud VAHCS party or fundraiser to fill the post office. If a person has moved since August, the cat- Homes need your help to - Jan Benson; Sioux Falls these needs. alog was probably mailed to the former address. assist our veterans. If not VAHCS - Gloria Lindquist, Another major area of If your Unit President does not receive her copy of the there, than maybe as a LuVerne - Judy Kumerow, this program is the “Gift 2015 National Emblem Sales catalog she can request one Service to Veterans volun- Silver Bay - Phyllis Mealey, Shop”. This area assures directly from National Emblem Sales, PO Box 1050, teer. Field Service and Minneapolis Home - Sandy that every veteran and Indianapolis IN 46206. Home Service were com- Gibson, Fargo VAHCS - member of their immediate bined to form the Service to Carolyn Albertson, Fergus family receives a gift at MERRY CHRISTMAS Veterans program. Thanks Falls - Doris Lafayette and Christmas. Thanks to Deb Bayer Carol Kottom On behalf of the office staff at the American Legion to Diane Strassburg for Hastings - Darlene Wondra. Chairman Sally Strasser Auxiliary, Sandie and Jan, we want to wish each and every chairing that portion of this Every hospitalized veteran and Committee member one of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year program. Help our veterans in these facilities will Deb Bayer for buying and and hope Santa brings you everything you ask for. We are at home – bake for them, receive $5 this year. distributing all the gifts sure you have been good all year. mow their lawns, shovel the The “American Legion needed at the facilities. snow from their sidewalks. Auxiliary Hospital Has your Unit sent in Save postage stamps (com- Program” participates at your donation for these pro- GIFT SHOP DISTRIBUTION DAY memorative and foreign) these nine hospitals and grams yet? Please send Sally Strasser, Department Gift Shop Chairman assem- and picture post cards. homes. The representatives your checks to the bled her crew to sort and distribute all of the Christmas Spend some time with the of the Auxiliary work with Department Office. The Diane Strassburg Sally Strasser Gifts for our Veterans and their families to be given out at people who serve or have our veterans to assure they American Legion Auxiliary all nine VA facilities during their Gift Shop days. served OUR country when have the extras they need. Veterans Affairs and Approximately $64,000.00 was spent on gifts this year. called upon. They go on outings and Rehabilitation program and Our Finance Committee and Executive Committee took a The Department of have birthday parties along the Gift Shop combined very big leap of faith and again approved the increased Minnesota has 9 hospi- with making sure they have budget totals more than budget this year. Our veterans are what our organization is tals/homes where we carry all the personal care items $110,000 for our veterans. all about and this small act of kindness at the holiday sea- out our programs. they need. Call the repre- We need your help. son is very important. Our Units have really stepped up and Following is the facilities sentative of the -- Carol Kottom increased the amount they are donating to this program. and the representatives: hospital/home nearest you Hospital Representatives Thank you so much for your help in making this program a Minneapolis VAHCS - and find out what their success. Here is a reminder of the Gift Shop Dates: Fargo VAMC - December 1 (evening) Fergus Falls Veterans Home - December 8 Hastings Veterans Home - December 11 Luverne Veterans Home - December 4 Minneapolis Veterans Home - Dec. 3,4 & possibly 5 Minneapolis VAMC - December 2 & 3 Silver Bay Veterans Home - December 11 Sioux Falls VAMC - December 18 St. Cloud VAMC - December 1-3 SECRETARY SANDIE’S NOTES In last month’s Legionnaire you may have seen a job posting for a Bookkeeper for our Department Office. Our Department Treasurer Cathy Radil has resigned her posi- SHIRTS FOR SALE -- Shirts are available in sizes tion. I would like to thank her for all she did for our organ- small through 4X. They can be ordered by emailing ization and wish her only the very best. I am very happy to [email protected] or calling 651-224-7634. The report that Jan Lauby, our Administrative Assistant has been cost of the shirt is $25.00. offered and accepted the bookkeeping position. Jan is a very capable, valuable asset to our organization and she will do a great job. I am now looking for an Administrative Assistant. If you know of anybody with excellent office skills, have them drop me a resume at [email protected]. I Auxiliary won’t be writing again before the rapidly approaching holidays but I would like to wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Remember Membership this is your Department Office and if you need any help or have questions, feel free to contact us at any time. I am still as of Nov. 19, 2014 reformatting the Annual Report forms and they may be a lit- District 11-19 Tot. Percent Goal tle late in coming this year. Last year they went out very First 3,147 52.82 5,847 early in January. It may be closer to the end of January - Second 3,678 64.61 5,693 have patience - they are coming. Third 3,225 64.26 5,019 We initiated a Department Fundraiser this past spring Fourth 551 63.33 840 and are looking for interested buyers. We came up with a Fifth 588 57.70 1,019 Department of Minnesota polo shirt. They are $25.00 each Sixth 4,464 63.12 7,072 and we have all sizes from small to 4X. They are light- 2,936 64.32 4,565 weight and easy to care for (no shrinkage). We bring the Seventh shirts along to all membership rallies, conferences and con- Eighth 1,099 56.80 1,935 ventions but you can order them just by either calling the Ninth 3,196 63.16 5,060 Department Office or sending an email. It is so nice to go Tenth 3,791 62.95 6,022 to functions and actually have one of our own Department Depart. 103 59.20 174 of Minnesota shirts. Total 26,778 61.88 43,276 Page 16 Minnesota Legionnaire December 2014

Attention Veterans! This is your northern Minnesota resort. Barrier-free and open 12 months a year. Gateway to the BWCA. 800-777-7538 email: [email protected] www.veteransonthelakeresort.com All cabins have a lake view.

RESORT FOR DISABLED VETERANS, ACTIVE DUTY AND ABLE BODIED VETERANS, DISABLED GENERAL PUBLIC AND FAMILIES. JON BROWN VA DISABILITY APPEALS 952-201-1799 Former VA Decision Review Officer CALL TODAY!

www.vaappealsagent.net Reverse [email protected] Mortgages Call for a free consumer guide and personal quote. -- Must be 62 or older. -- Never make a monthly mortgage payment again. -- Receive a lump sum of cash, credit line or monthly payments. -- Income and credit not required.

Let a retired active duty veteran you can trust show you how you may benefit from a Reverse NMLS ID #283509 Mortgage.

Mike Kraus Serving MN and WI 7365 Kirkwood Court North, Suite 300 Maple Grove, MN 55369 763-355-8540 [email protected]