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The Magazine for a Strong America Vol. 127, No. 1 ARTICLES July 1989 WHY PUBLISH A HANDBOOK OFVETERANS AFFAIRS AND BENEFITS?
"It is essential that veterans befully informed about the issues that affect them, " says Nat'l Cmdr. HE "Sparky" Gierke. 8 THE AGING VETERAN Who will carefor 9 million aged veterans 10yearsfrom now? 10
STATE VETERANS' HOMES A safe havenfor aging veterans. 12 VAVOLUNTEER SERVICE How to turn spare time into a blessingfor others. 16
THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS What to expectfrom the newest Cabinet department. 18
VA REGIONAL OFFICES Here's where to start whenyou need information about claims or benefits. 19
ASSAULT AGAINSTTHE VA MEDICAL SYSTEM
Years ofunderfunding andfiscal neglect have taken their toll. 20
VA BUDGETING: A COMPLEX PROCESS
Thefightfor a slice ofa budgetpie that isn 't big enough. 23
H0WT0 CLAIM YOUR VA BENEFITS Getting whatyou have earned, step by step. 24
THE AMERICAN LEGION SERVES YOU TheAmerican Legion's commitment to veterans and their families shows through in every program and service. 32
DEPARTMENT SERVICE OFFICERS Legion experts who stand ready to help. 38 THE AGENT ORANGE PROGRAM Aplan to help Vietnam veterans and theirfamilies. 46
NEW LAWS AFFECTING VETERANS The 100th Congress will be remembered as "The Veterans' Congress. 48 DEPARTMENTS
BIG ISSUES Should The U. S. Reduce Troop Strength In Europe? 6 DATELINE 4 VETERANS UPDATE 42 VETERANS ALERT 52 PARTING SHOTS 72
COVER Illustrations by DavidTaylor
The American Legion Magazine, a leader among national general-interest publications, is published monthly by The American Legion for its 2.9 million members. These military-service veterans, working through 16,000 community-level posts, dedicate themselves to God and country and traditional Amer- ican values; strong national security; adequate and compassionate care for veterans, their widows and orphans; community service; and the wholesome development of our nation's youths.
JULY 1989 1 .
America's Singing Sweethearts! NOT AVAILABLE IN STORES I Nelson Eddy & Jeanette mm MacDonald FOR GOD AND COUNTRY Sing 22 All-Time Favorites Editorial Offices Including "Indian Love Call' . . 700 N. Pennsylvania St. Their Most Beautiful Love Song P.O. Box 1055
Here are Nelson Eddy and Jeanette motion picture era ol the century . . 22 Indianapolis, IN 46206 MacDonald serenading you again with the rare performances and every one an 317-635-8411 most beautiful music they ever recorded. original recording. How you'll thrill to Together they melted the hearts ot millions hear Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson H.F. "Sparky" Gierke 22 Songs Records, ol moviegoers as America's singing sweet- Eddy serenade each other with their On hearts. And now they're together once hauntingly beautiful rendition of INDIAN National Commander Tapes & Compact Disc more in an exclusive new collection LOVE CALL. Fall in love with Jeanette available only by mail. No other singers MacDonald all over again as she sings INDIAN LOVE CALL Daniel S. Wheeler ever performed together so beautifully. You her beloved classic BEYOND THE BLUE Publisher/Editor-in-Chief AH! SWEET MYSTERY OF LIFE must agree as you enjoy the magnificent HORIZON. All of their great favorites are WILL YOU REMEMBER (SWEETHEART, golden voice ot Nelson Eddy joining with here including AH! SWEET MYSTERY OF Raymond H. Mahon SWEETHEART, SWEETHEART) the exquisite singing ot Jeanette Mac- LIFE ... WILL YOU REMEMBER (SWEET- Managing Editor Donald as they bring back the best loved HEART, SWEETHEART, SWEETHEART) I'M SEE YOU A6AIN
and most popular hits from Hollywood's . . .ROSE MARIE . . . STOUTHEARTED MEN Joe Stuteville ROSE MARIE greatest musicals. ... ONE KISS .. . ROSALIE. . . and much, Associate Editor ITALIAN STREET SONG From "Naughty Marietta" to "New Moon," much more in a fabulous treasury you T. Douglas LOVER COME BACK TO ME from "Maytime" to "Rose Marie," you get a will enjoy again and again. Money back if Donaldson goldmine of songs from the greatest not delighted. Assistant Editor TRAMP, TRAMP, TRAMP ALONG THE HIGHWAY Plus a FREE GIFT . . . yours for sending us your order within 30 days! Simon Smith SWEETHEART WALTZ NOT IN STORES MAIL COUPON TODAY Art Director
„ . NO-RISK COUPON > I'M FALLING IN LOVE WITH SOMEONE William L. Poff CO., Dept. NJ-01-79 LOVE'S OLD SWEET SONG THE GOOD MUSIC RECORD Production Manager 352 Evelyn Street, P.O. Box 909, Paramus, NJ 07653-0909 VILIA YES please rush me the SWEETHEARTS COLLECTION to preview on your unconditional DRINK TO ME ONLY WITH THINE EYES money-back guarantee (Make check or money order payable to Good Music Record Co. Advertising Director NY & NJ res. add sales tax.) FAREWELL TO DREAMS Donald B. Thomson STOUTHEARTED MEN Send 2 Records Send 2 Cassettes Send Compact Disc The American Legion Magazine $12 98 $12.98 $1498 CIRIBIRIBIN (Enclose $1.50 tor mailing and handling per item.) P.O. Box 7068 Indianapolis, IN 46207 ROSALIE CHARGE IT! VISA MASTERCARD 317-635-8411 GIANNINA MIA Acct. No. Exp. Date WANTING YOU Name Publisher's Representatives BEYOND THE BLUE HORIZON Address Fox Associates, Inc.
WHEN I GROW TOO OLD TO DREAM Chicago: 312-644-3888 City State. Zip- 212-725-2106 ONE KISS J New York: Los Angeles: 213-487-5630 Detroit, Ml: 313-543-0068 Their "Precious Memories" TV Album Is Atlanta: 404-252-0968 Your Chance! San Francisco: 415-989-5804 Sweeping All America! London: 01 -385 8812 The Forester Sisters The American Legion Family Faith The FORESTER Magazine Commission Milford A. Forrester, Chairman, Greenville, SC; J.H. Morris, Vice Chairman, Baton Rouge, LA; James R. Kelley, National Commander's Rep- Sing 24 of America's Best-Loved resentative, Wayne, PA; George F. Ballard, Songs of Hope and Joy Belleville, IL; J. Leslie Brown Jr., Louisville, KY; Joseph Chase, Hatboro, PA; Richard J. Cherry, Sing it loud and sing it in this new two-record TV Toledo, OH; Donald Conn, South Bend, IN; strong! Oh, how that heav- Treasury. You get songs to James W. Conway, Charlestown, MA; Lincoln is heard, soothe your soul lift enly message and Cox, Kirby, WV; Orval E. Faubus, Conway, AR;
when the famous Forester your spirits . . . songs that Halbert G. Horton, Topeka, KS; W.B. (Brad) Sisters perform 24 cher- make you glad to be alive. Jorgens, Beardsly, MN; Eugene J. Kelley, Savannah, GA; Russell H. Laird, Des Moines, 22 Songs On Records, ished songs of timeless faith Share the joy as you listen IA; Larry G. Lewis, Bensenville, IL; Nathaniel and inspiration. Their beau- to their pure sweet voices Tapes & Compact Disc J. McKee, Princeton, NJ; J. Fred Mitchell, tiful voices have won them sing PRECIOUS MEMORIES ... SWEET BY AND BY Brewton, AL; Everett G. Shepard, III, PRECIOUS MEMORIES five No. 1 records and you OLD TIME RELIGION ... OLD Woodstock, CT; George G. Sinopoli, Fresno, R. Bartlesville, OK; Paul T. CHURCH IN THE WILDWOOD will be stirred and uplifted RUGGED CROSS ...TURN CA; James Wood, Woodard, Lacey, WA; Neal L. Thomas Jr., Con- WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS by their glorious musical YOUR RADIO ON ... SWEET sultant, Colorado Springs, CO. all ... I'LL FLY AWAY celebration of your belov- BY AND BY JUST A WHAT A TIME WE WILL HAVE OVER THERE ed favorites. CLOSER WALK WITH THEE Copyright 1989 by The American Legion AMAZING GRACE Their warm family har- ... ROCK OF AGES ... 24 Price: Annual subscription, $12; Post- ROCK OF AGES monies bring special meaning precious memories in all! sponsored gift subscriptions, $4; Single copy, your cherished songs Money back if not delighted. UNCLOUDY DAY to most $2. To subscribe, send $12 ($18 in foreign HOW GREAT THOU ART days! countries) to Membership Processing Dept., Plus a FREE GIFT . . . yours for sending us your order within 30 LOVE LIFTED ME P.O. Box 1954, Indianapolis, IN 46206. NOT IN STORES MAIL COUPON TODAY PEACE WITHIN ^_ - NO-RISK COUPON . Change of Address: Notify The American GRAND CENTRAL STATION THE GOOD MUSIC RECORD CO., Dept. FS-01-79 Legion, Membership Processing, Dept., P.O. WINGS OF A DOVE 3S2 Evelyn Street, P.O. Box 909, Paramus, NJ 07653-0909 Box 1954, Indianapolis, IN 46206. Attach old YES please rush me the new FORESTER SISTERS FAMILY FAITH Collection to preview on THE LORD'S PRAYER address label, provide old and new addresses money order payable to Good your unconditional money-back guarantee. (Make check or and current membership card number. Allow 8 WHISPERING HOPE Music Record Co. NY & NJ res. add sales tax.) weeks for change of address to take effect. Also TURN YOUR RADIO ON Send BOTH Records Send BOTH Cassettes notify your local post adjutant directly at local $12.98 $12.98 SWEET HOUR OF PRAYER (Enclose $1.50 for mailing and handling per item.) post's address. DEEP SETTLED PEACE CHARGE ITI VISA MASTERCARD To request microfilm copies, please write to: OLD TIME RELIGION Acct. No Exp. Date University Microfilms, 300 N. Zeeb Rd., Ann JUST A CLOSER WALK WITH THEE Name Arbor, Ml 48106 LILY OF THE VALLEY OLD RUGGED CROSS
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Youths For Uncle Sam drug-abuse inpatients and 940,000 outpatient cases. VA treats 5,600 AIDS sufferers, who comprise about 7 percent Debate on Capitol Hill has begun again on the possibility of the nation's victims of the disease. In addition to treating of a national service system, and the most discussed and the homeless in VA medical centers, VA has established and controversial bill is one proposed by Sen. Sam Nunn of manages 171 community-based psychiatric facilities for Georgia, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. mentally ill homeless veterans, and is working with local task Nunn's bill, the Citizenship and National Service Act of forces to provide shelters and medical assistance. The VAs 1989, would replace the current federal-tuition loan program involvement in helping the homeless is not expected to and expand the GI Bill to include Americans serving in diminish in light of the large number of homeless veterans. civilian service. Youths who volunteer for military service or specific areas of public service for a certain time would receive government assistance for a college education or to buy a home. The ROTC Marches Back volunteers would be paid a subsistence wage and at the end The Reserve Officers Training Cadet program is thriving at of their service they would be given up to $24,000 to be used more than 1 ,200 schools. for education, job training or a home-loan down payment. The U.S. Army ROTC Cadet Command directs 315 col- Nunn's bill is designed to promote volunteerism, a goal of lege host battalions; 100 extension centers, connected with the current administration. While The American Legion host colleges; and 800 cross-enrolled schools, linked with supports volunteerism, it opposes the Nunn bill and other hosts or extension schools. Currently, the ROTC graduates similar proposals because they would create a "bidding war" about 8,000 commissioned lieutenants a year, and about 70 that would adversely affect the U.S. armed forces' ability to percent of the officers entering the Army. recruit and retain the quantity and quality of people they Harvard is still a dropout, but return to the program is need. being debated there. Meanwhile, about 150 Harvard cadets carry on their training at the nearby Massachusetts Institute of Technology. During the Vietnam War, youth protests led to Rally 'Round The Flag elimination of the ROTC program on 12 college campuses. Because some of the colleges were prominent, the protests Anger still is flaring in Washington because of the disre- captured the nation's headlines. spect for the U.S. flag demonstrated at a Chicago art exhibi- tion where our nation's symbol was displayed on the floor. Bills to prevent further disrespect have been introduced in Congress, and a bill by Sen. Robert Dole of Kansas, the Family Plotting Senate minority leader, was promptly passed, 97-0. Cemetery space for veterans and their families is shrink-
Similar legislation introduced in the House by Rep. G.V. ing. Of the existing 1 1 1 national cemeteries, only 65 are open "Sonny" Montgomery of Mississippi, chairman of the House for burial, and 46 of them are closed to beneficiaries unless a Veterans Affairs Committee, would slap a $1,000 fine on member of the veteran's family is already interred there. violators and include a one-year jail sentence. The measure More than 53,000 veterans and their family members die would expand the 1968 act which penalizes those who each year. By 2010, the annual deaths may escalate to more mutilate, deface or burn the U.S. flag. than 600,000. At Congress' request, the VA has submitted a Another bill, authored by Rep. Harley Staggers of West report asking for 10 additional national cemeteries, especially Virginia would ban the import of foreign-made U.S. flags, a in sunbelt states where many veterans move in their old age. position supported by American Legion Res. 25, adopted by The veterans' burial program, which is more than 125 the National Executive Committee in October 1987. Stag- years old, provides 69 percent of the nation's veterans with a gers said The American Flag Fidelity Act is "an effort to national cemetery within a 100-mile radius of their homes. protect the integrity of our nation's most venerated symbol of freedom, pride and independence." Quote Of The Month "Veterans have been obligated to drop their own affairs and Bucking The Trends take up the burdens of the nation, subjecting themselves to the As VA prepares for its annual battle in Congress for ade- mental and physical hazards as well as the economic andfamily quate funding, the new department also seeks financial help detriments which are peculiar to military senice and which do not from three national programs that have more than $2 billion exist in nonnal civil life. in appropriations. "Our country has a long-standing policy of compensating VA, strongly supported by The American Legion, argues veterans for their past contributions by providing them with that it deserves a portion of the federal money earmarked for numerous advantages. Tltis policy has always been deemed to be the war against drugs, AIDS treatment and research, and legitimate. assistance for the homeless. The VAs contributions in these Supreme Court Justice William H. Rehnquist areas are significant. In a decision reaffirming the special For example, VA annually provides treatment for 29,000 rights of veterans. May 23, 1983.
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SHOULD THE U.S. REDUCE TROOP STRENGTH IN EUROPE?
Rep. Andy Ireland, R-Florida Rep. Henry Hyde, R-lllinois
Red flags went up all over Americans never have been Western Europe in March long on patience. This is when I introduced in the YES particularly true when it House a resolution calling for the with- H r^., M comes to public support for maintaining drawal of American troops assigned to m military forces in Europe. ** the intermediate-range nuclear forces in * M ! In fact, we have shown time and again — Britain, West Germany, Belgium, Italy mwM tnat as soon as the threat to our and the Netherlands. I security and that of our allies appears to The fact that I'm a conservative with a * II subside — intense pressure develops to strong pro-defense record also has our allies and some at the pull our troops out of Europe to save money. Pentagon worried that the perennial troop-withdrawal advo- After World War II, President Harry Truman and Congress cates in Congress had won over a confirmed hawk. swiftly brought home and demobilized our victorious
I am a fiscal conservative with a banker's penchant for armies. We soon recognized that the defeat of Hitler did not frugality. So, after the ratification of the INF Treaty, which eliminate the totalitarian threat to Western Europe. called for eliminating our Pershing II and ground-launched In the early 1970s, when it appeared that detente would cruise missiles, I wondered if those missiles were being transform U.S. -Soviet relations. Congress once again was destroyed, why keep the civilian and military personnel who strongly tempted to bring home our European-based forces. serviced them in expensive overseas posts? The USSR's brutal invasion of Afghanistan showed us just We carefully negotiated the INF Treaty to ensure bilateral how dangerous such a move might be. Today, we once more reductions. Defensively, then, the United States has nothing find ourselves staring over the Iron Curtain at a super-armed to lose by exercising the same fiscal conservatism with the adversary seductively pledging a "kinder, gentler" USSR. defense budget that we demand with the domestic budget. Gorbachev's announced intention to make unilateral cuts According to the Pentagon, about 60 percent of our in forces, and sweeping arms-control agreements have given defense budget is spent for the defense of Western Europe. rise to new calls for our own steps toward disarmament.
We spend more on NATO than the other 15 alliance mem- Regrettably, it appears some of my colleagues' patience is bers combined, and our allies spend a smaller portion of running out at a time when such unilateral steps are their gross national products on defense than the United particularly ill-advised. Despite all the promising rhetoric States. Meanwhile, we tolerate huge trade imbalances and and appearances of change in the Soviet bloc, the reality is struggle with an unbearable federal deficit. that the USSR— like the rest of its empire— is in turmoil. The Congressional Budget Office estimates savings from This turmoil creates opportunities for the West, as well as disbanding those troops could exceed $2 billion over five considerable risks. If we play our cards right, we can help years. transform the Soviet system from one that still poses a We must realign our financial posture in NATO to com- formidable threat to us and our allies into one that does not. pensate for a burgeoning American deficit and to take advan- On the other hand, there will be little reason for the tage of an economically strong Western Europe. Two years of Warsaw Pact to negotiate reductions in the new conventional studying this issue as vice chairman of the House Defense forces talks in Vienna if we appear willing to dismantle our Burden-sharing Panel have convinced me that Western European-based forces. defense will not suffer from dividing defense costs and risks If cuts in military personnel must be made for budgetary more equitably. reasons, then I believe we should make such reductions in When the INF troops follow their obsolete hardware forces stationed in the United States. out of Europe, our conventional troops still will be Of course Europe and, for that matter, Japan must just as effective. With increase their share of the strong White House defense burden. This can YOUR OPINION COUNTS, TOO leadership, America will be accomplished in several achieve equitable burden- Senators and congressmen are interested in constituent view- ways but a precipitous cut points. You may express your views by writing The Honorable (name), sharing and remain the of the U.S. NATO forces at U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C. 20510, or The Honorable (name), leader of a strong Western this particular time would U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. 20515. Alliance. be a serious mistake.
6 AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE - . . .
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Commander's message
Why Publish A Special
Handbook On Veterans Affairs?
The American Legion/Columbia University Study revealed that more than half of the Legionnaires surveyed did not fully understand what their veterans' entitlements are. But there are more compelling reasons..
HIS special handbook pro- brought on by years of decremental vides a summary of pro- funding, and the current crisis stems grams, services and entitle- directly from an estimated $1 billion ments administered by the health-care-funding shortfall in FY Department of Veterans 1989. I fear that this is but the begin- Affairs, the Department of ning. No one dares to guess at the Labor, other government delays, shortages and denial of needed agencies and your Ameri- care that will result when the VA is can Legion. It explains forced to replace medical equipment who is eligible and how to apply for that is already antiquated, and is com- them. It identifies key issues that poten- pelled to come face-to-face with the tially imperil important veterans' en- reality that quality care cannot survive titlements and, if left unchecked, even without basic changes in the law that the very existence of the VA medical governs the hiring and compensating of health-care system. health-care professionals.
For more than a decade, but espe- In briefings I recently received on cially within the past five years, veter- Capitol Hill, congressional insiders ans' benefits have suffered from the from both the House and Senate Veter- onslaught of relentless budget cutbacks. ans Affairs Committees told me that B If these earned benefits are to be pre- and C veterans— those with non-serv-
served, it is essential that veterans be ice-connected medical conditions who fully informed about the issues that Nat' I Cmdr. H.F. "Sparky" Gierke earn even a modest income— will be
affect them and those who now serve on shut out of the VA medical system. I active duty. This handbook— which we also have been told that once this door
plan to re-publish every two years with been denied medical treatment; 113 of is closed, it will never be reopened.
updated information, if you find it 159 medical centers have reduced or [As we went to press in late May, VA worthwhile — examines the issues that eliminated funding for contract nursing- Secretary Edward J. Derwinski did, in are now in the forefront, and medical home care, forcing these facilities to fact, announce a freeze on treating care is key among them. release patients before they are fully categories B and C veterans in VA med- Veterans today are suffering from the recovered. Moreover, many veterans ical facilities, except in emergency worst cutbacks in VA medical care across our nation must wait weeks for cases. Derwinski described the meas- imposed in our history. Nearly 16,000 elective surgeries and prescriptions. ure as temporary, but cautioned that if hospital beds have been shut down — Most wait hours before they can even be supplemental appropriations did not 2,652 within the past year; untold num- seen by medical professionals. reach VA soon, more drastic cutbacks bers of Category B and C veterans have This piteous condition has been would be needed.
8 AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE "Clearly, the impasse on Capitol Hill over supplemental funding left Secre- tary Derwinski with no other choice," said Nat'l Cmdr. Gierke, in response to the announcement.] Some congressmen and federal bud- get experts might justify these cutbacks by telling you that B and C veterans comprise only 6 percent of those seek- ing admission to VA hospitals. I hope you remind them that 6 percent turned away is potentially more than 200,000 sick people who served without ques- tion when their country called them. Now, when they are calling on their country to own up to its obligation to them, their pleas are falling on deaf ears. Perhaps statistics can do without health care, but humans cannot, espe- cially when they are among the oldest, sickest and poorest of our society. And there is one other thing I would like you to remember: we're not talking about 27,279,000 living veterans flooding the VA hospitals. There never have been more than 15 percent who CUTBACKS— Category B and C veterans comprise only 6 percent of the veterans requested care and, even before the who use VA health care, but they may be eliminated from the system. means test which categorized veterans, there was a priority structure. Service- connected disabled always came first, But how does anyone really know all ans have been obligated to drop their along with POWs and certain other the facts? How does anyone know if a own affairs and take up the burdens of veterans with unique experiences. But veteran's life has not been shortened the nation, subjecting themselves to the in the main, the rest of us were told by because of the stress of combat or expo- mental and physical hazards, as well as Uncle Sam, "Come to me if you ever sure to what may have been considered the economic and family detriments need medical care and you can't afford a benign substance at the time? How which are peculiar to military service, to go anywhere else— I'll take care of does anyone know that military service and which do not exist in normal civil you." Uncle Sam never said a thing didn't psychologically affect a veteran life. about making a list by categories and in such a way that the door to job oppor- "Our country has a long-standing then lopping them off from the bottom tunities was silently closed in his face? policy of compensating veterans for when the money got tight. How does anyone know if a veteran did their past contributions by providing How prophetic are the words of not lose out in cases where those who them with numerous advantages. This American Legion Res. 23, which more did not serve profited? policy has always been deemed to be than three years ago urged the President Both the Legion and the nation have legitimate." and Congress to repeal the means test long believed that veterans who served Every time our young men and women and third-party reimbursement. That their country, who exposed themselves marched off to war, they were Amer- resolution stated: "Nothing has occurred to the risks inherent in military service, ica's young heroes— the pride of our in the course of public debate on these should not have to rely on the public nation. And every time when the guns two issues that has caused The Ameri- dole, but should be able to die with fall silent, memories of their sacrifices can Legion to alter its opinion that these dignity when their health has failed. and contributions grow too soon dim, devices will work to the disadvantage The VA medical system is not a hand- as does our government's sense of obli- of veterans who seek care from the VA out; it is part of what a grateful nation gation to care for those who shall have for non-service-connected conditions." has promised to partially compensate borne the battle. Promises made in time Sadly, that is precisely what has hap- the men and women who put country of war should be promises kept in time pened, and we take no joy in saying so. above self when our way of life was of peace. Thousands of veterans, as verified by threatened. This handbook will arm you with the our recent surveys of VA medical The recognition of the special con- knowledge necessary to help your facilities, have been told, in effect, that tributions made by veterans and their American Legion protect our comrades their service to the nation was less unique status in our society, and in who can't protect themselves. It will deserving of medical care than the serv- every civilized society, was aptly help us ensure that benefits promised ice of others because they apparently expressed by Supreme Court Justice to those who need them most are not have not suffered a service-connected William E. Rehnquist in 1983 when he sacrificed on the altar of fiscal expedi- medical problem. stated in a landmark decision: "Veter- ency, n
JULY 1989 9 The AqiNq Veteran
MB HE current and future were provided free VA medical care on M medical needs of America's a space-available basis. RL. 99-272 » aging veterans pose yet enacted in April 1986 eliminated the Mat another challenge to the disbursement of free care granted H VA medical system. Today. solely on the basis of age. The law H more than 7 million veter- established the means test that categor- ans are 65 or older, a ized veterans and set annual income
; number that is expected to thresholds to determine who would MsSktHmBBBm swell to more than 9 million receive priority in VA health care and by 2000. who would be required to share in the With advancing age comes an cost (see Categories of Veterans, page increased number of chronic illnesses, 22). diseases and disabilities. Eighty per- The Legion opposed the means test cent of today's veterans who are 65 or because Legion officials believed the older have at least one chronic disease, vast majority of veterans who seek VA and 50 percent of veterans over 75 suf- health care are those who have either fer from five or more acute, or chronic service-connected disabilities or can- maladies. not afford to go elsewhere for treat-
Despite an already bone-thin budget, ment. After surveying its facilities for a funds to study the aging process and year, VA admitted the Legion was right. diseases that affect the elderly must The Legion also contends that the remain a high VA priority. Additional increased paperwork is dissuading funding must be allocated to the VA's The Legion seeks many eligible veterans from seeking Geriatric Research, Education and more geriotric care. Many of them are among the old- Clinical Centers, where VA scientists est and the sickest — the ones who need are conducting geriatric research on reseorch, nursing VA care the most. such projects as Alzheimer's disease, Current VA cutbacks in medical serv- osteoporosis, blood-pressure regula- homes and skilled ice have also taken their toll on older tion and the immune-system function medical staffs veterans. VA contracts with private in aging. While 25 GRECCs are nursing homes, for example, are reduc- authorized by law, only 10 are in opera- for veterans. ing veterans' stays from six months to tion. The quality of life for all •••••••••••••• 90 days and releasing them before they America's elderly would be improved are fully recovered. by increased VA research, and the need Currently, about 50,000 aging veter- for costly, long-term medical and nurs- The commission, which favored pri- ans receive care daily in VA hospitals, ing care would be reduced. vatization of the VA health-care sys- clinics, nursing homes and domiciii- The Legion, through Res. 247 tem, reported that the construction aries. This number will double during adopted at the 1988 National Conven- costs of VA nursing homes were high the next 10 years. tion, has called on VA to prepare com- compared to private industry. What the At the Department and Post levels, prehensive plans delineating what is commission failed to acknowledge was the Legion's concern is reflected by the needed to deliver health-care services that veterans in VA nursing homes often programs that continue to be estab- and other programs for aging veterans. are more seriously disabled and require lished to meet the needs of aging veter- Legion spokesmen testifying before more specialized facilities than patients ans. The Pennsylvania Department and congressional committees continually in private nursing homes. Posts, for example, have been conduct- have expressed their concern about the The Legion concedes that VA nurs- ing seminars for older veterans and shortage of nursing homes. In recent ing-home construction has been costly. their survivors for the past four years. years, there have been concerted efforts However, Legion spokesmen have Nationally, the Legion will continue to discontinue construction of VA nurs- reminded congressmen that the mini- to press the President and Congress for ing homes because of the recommenda- mal care provided in many private sec- adequate funds for geriatric research, tions of the Grace Commission, a presi- tor units is insufficient to meet the more nursing homes, and the programs dential panel that was established to needs of many aging veterans. and the professional staff to care for find ways to reduce federal spending. Until recently, veterans 65 or older aging veterans.
10 AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE "We call it a skin, this big sheet of aluminum that lines the inside of the
Delta rocket.
The specifications say I've got five thousandths of an inch leeway in cutting out these triangular pockets on its surface. But I like to get closer f than that. W'
So before I load the skin onto my machine, I go over the whole table with a polishing stone. Then I check the numbers after every cut and make adjustments as I go. That way I hold my tolerances tighter- to plus or minus three instead of five.
There's a guy down the line that has to do his job with the skin I make. I'm just making sure he can rely on me. He's doing his job the same way. That's the best way-maybe the only way-to build reliability into
~ Control Machine Operator Joe Hall Delta Rocket < Numerical OUr rOCketS. " > MCDONNELL DOUGLAS A company of leaders. STATE VETERANS' HOMES
ETERANS requiring GEORGIA (Augusta & Milledgeville) MAINE domiciliary or nursing- Pete Wheeler, Commissioner William J. Carney, Administrator Department of Veterans Service Maine Veterans Home home care might be eli- Floyd Veterans Memorial Building Cony Road, R.F.D. #2 gible for residence at 56 Suite E-970 Augusta, ME 04330 state veterans' homes Atlanta, GA 30334 (207) 622-2454 operated nationwide. (404) 656-2300 A state veteran home MARYLAND CONNECTICUT is a facility that provides Thomas M. Bailey, Chairman Col. Nicholas M. Motto, Commandant V shelter and medical care Charlotte Hall Veterans Home Connecticut Veterans Home & Hospital for indigent, disabled or elderly veter- Route 2, P.O. Box 5 287 West St. Charlotte Hall, MD 20622 ans. Establishment and control of the Rocky Hill, CT 06067 (301)884-8171 homes are the responsibility of each (203) 529-2571 state, but VA advises states to ensure MASSACHUSETTS IDAHO Maurice V. Gordon Jr., Commandant that VA guidelines are met. Gary Bermeosolo, Administrator Massachusetts War Veterans Home Thirty-five states operate veterans Idaho Veterans Home 91 Crest Ave. offer homes, and some states more than P.O. Box 7765 Chelsea, MA 02150 one facility. Eligibility requirements Boise, ID 83707 (617) 884-5660 may vary with each state, but most (208) 343-6491 require the veteran to be a state resident James K. Kelly, Superintendent ILLINOIS with an honorable discharge, who is Massachusetts War Veterans Home Col. R.E. Northern Cherry St. disabled or unable to earn a living. Commanding Officer Holyoke, MA 01040 Names and addresses of current state Illinois Veterans Home (413) 532-9475 veterans' homes follow. 1707 N. 12th St. Quincy, IL 62301 ARKANSAS (217) 222-8641 MICHIGAN Jack Embree, Administrator Frederick A. Traill, Commandant Arkansas Veterans Home Albert Keller Jr., Superintendent Michigan Veterans Facility 3000 Monroe, 4701 W. 20th St. Illinois Veterans Home at Manteno N.W. Grand Rapids, Ml 49505 Little Rock, AR 72204 One Veterans Drive (501)371-2272 Manteno, IL 60950 (616) 361-6623 (FTS) (501) 740-5680 (815) 468-6581 Anton (Tony) Wedal, Commandant INDIANA CALIFORNIA Michigan Veterans Facility Robert Hinds, Superintendent Paul 0. Battisti, Administrator P.O. Box 216 Indiana Veterans Home Veterans Home of California 425 Fisher St. LaFayette, IN 47901 Yountville, CA 94599 Marquette, Ml 49855 (317) 463-1502, Ext. 345 (707) 944-4000 (905) 226-3576 IOWA COLORADO Jack J. Dack, Commandant MINNESOTA Marie R. Baughman, Superintendent Iowa Veterans Home Dennis Forsberg Colorado State Veterans Nursing Home 13th & Summit Sts. 1200 E. 18th St. Moore Drive Marshalltown, IA 50158 Hastings, MN 55033 Florence, CO 81226 (515) 752-1501 (612)437-3111 (303) 784-6331 KANSAS Elmer 0. Davis Ambrose Rodriquez, Superintendent Bernard B. Bruner, Superintendent Acting Administrator Colorado State Veterans Center Kansas Soldiers Home 5101 Minnehaha Ave., S. P.O. Box 97 Fort Dodge, KS 67843 Minneapolis, MN 55417 Homelake, CO 81135 227-2121 (316) 721-0600 (303) 852-3591 (612) LOUISIANA Marvin E. Self, N.H.A. Superintendent John E. Donovan, Administrator MISSOURI 851 E. Fifth St. Louisiana War Veterans Home Robert K. Bohrer, Administrator P.O. Box 1420 P.O. Box 748 920 Mars St. Rifle, CO 81650 Jackson, LA 70748 Mexico, MO 65265 (303) 625-0842 (504) 634-5265 (314) 581-1088
12 AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE Join the Forces of the Free and Independent!
Enter the 1989 Electric Mobility Sweepstakes to WIN a Rascal Scooter!
Join the happy free-wheeling people who go everywhere they want on exciting Rascal Electric 3-Wheelers! With just one hand, you can easily control starting, stopping and steering. IMAGINE moving about your house and neighborhood effortlessly and independently! Ride to meet- ings, the grocery store, a friend's house or the
park ... Your 1989 Rascal comes complete with: built- in battery charger; quiet maintenance-free direct drive power, rear suspension system and extra- wide padded swivel seat for a comfortable ride. Your friends and relatives will marvel at the changes you've made in your life! To enter sweepstakes and to get a FREE Color Catalog,
return the coupon below or call Toll-Free: The New 1989 Rascal Take-Apart Frame Makes It
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Veterans Authorized! 1-800-662-4548! ^ ^ Ask for Medicare Details
* * ENTER THE 1989 ELECTRIC MOBILITY SWEEPSTAKES TODAY! * * *
We're giving away one Rascal per month in 1989! The sooner you enter the more chances you have to WIN!
1989 ELECTRIC MOBILITY SWEEPSTAKES
OFFICIAL RULES Please enter me in the Electric Mobility Sweep- stakes and rush me a FREE Color Catalog!
1 . To enter, handprint your name, address, zip code andtelephone number on the attached Enter me in the Electric Mobility Sweepstakes 3" 5" postage-paid sweepstakes entry postcard or on a x card and send it to: Electric Mobility Corporation Sweepstakes, #1 Mobility Plaza, Sewell, NJ 08080. Only one entry per person. and call me to arrange a Free Home Demonstration.
All entries must be postmarked on or before the last day of the month to be included in the current month's drawing and remaining months' drawings. Name 2. The winner will be selected in a random drawing from among all entries received prior to the end of the sweepstakes. Drawings will be conducted by an independent judging Address organization not affiliated with Electric Mobility Corp. The prizes will be awarded and the City winners will be notified by mail. Tax liability is the responsibility of the individual winner. No responsibility is assumed for lost, late or misdirected mail. State Zip 3. Sweepstakes open to individuals 18 years or older except Electric Mobility Corp. Phone( employees and their families, affiliates, subsidiaries or advertising agencies. Subject to all federal, state and local laws. Void where prohibited, restricted or taxed.
4. For the winners' names, send a self-addressed-stamped-envelope to: Electric Mobility Corporation, Sweepstakes Winners, #1 Mobility Plaza, Sewell, NJ 08080 ELECTRIC MOBILITY, #1 Mobility Plaza, Dept. #2337, Sewell, NJ 08080 Carol A. Daniel, Administrator Joseph D. Loudermilk PENNSYLVANIA 600 N. Main Chief Executive Officer Stanley E. Snyder, Commandant Mt. Vernon, MO 65712 P.O. Box 546 Pennsylvania Soldiers & Sailors Home (417) 466-7103 One Veterans Drive 560 E. Third St. Paramus, NJ 07653 P.O. Box 6239 (201) 967-7676 Erie, PA 16512 Donald L. Poskin, Administrator (814) 871-4531 Missouri Veterans Home Saint James, MO 65559 NEW MEXICO David J. Langguth, Commandant (314) 265-3271 Daniel Sandoval, Administrator Hollidaysburg Veterans P.O. Box 927 Home Truth or Conseguences, NM 87901 P.O. Box 319 MISSISSIPPI Hollidaysburg, PA 16648 (505) 894-9081 Frank Godwin (814) 696-5356 Executive Director RHODE ISLAND 4607 Lindbergh Drive NEWYORK Louis P. Alfano Jr., Commandant Jackson, MS 39209 Mary J. Brown, Administrator Rhode Island Veterans Home (601) 354-7205 New York State Veterans Home Oxford, NY 13830 Bristol, Rl 02809-0689 (607) 843-2781 (401) 253-8000 MONTANA M.P. "Pat" Estenson, Superintendent SOUTH CAROLINA Montana Veterans Home NORTH DAKOTA Charles N. Still, M.D., Director Welder, P.O. Box 250 James Commandant E. Roy Stone Jr. War Veterans Pavilion North Dakota Veterans Columbia Falls, MT 59912 Home 2200 Harden St. 892-3256 P.O. Box 673 (406) Columbia, SC 29203 Lisbon, ND 58054 758-0424 (701)683-4125 (803) NEBRASKA Robert W. Broadstone, Administrator SOUTH DAKOTA OHIO Nebraska Veterans Home Fredric V. Janklow, Superintendent Burkett Station Col. John F. Weeks South Dakota State Veterans Home Veterans Grand Island, NE 68801 Ohio Home 2500 Minnekahta Ave. Sandusky, 44870 (308) 382-9420 OH Hot Springs, SD 57747 625-2454 (419) (605) 745-5127
Duane J. Hodge, Administrator Nebraska Veterans Home OKLAHOMA VERMONT E. Ahearn, P.O. Box 409 Joe Mathews, Administrator John Commandant Norfolk, NE 68701 Oklahoma Veterans Center Vermont Veterans Home (402)371-2702 P.O. Box 489 325 North St. Ardmore, OK 73401 Bennington, VT 05201 (405) 223-2266 (802) 442-6353 Gerald N. Rhone, Administrator Thomas Fitzgerald Veterans Home WASHINGTON 156th & Maple Road, Northwest Phillip L. Driskill, Administrator Dale Hoagland, Superintendent Omaha, NE 68116 P.O. Box 988 Washington Soldiers Home & Colony (402) 554-2180 Claremore, OK 74018 P.O. Box 500 (918) 342-5432 Orting, WA 98360 Robert C. Brozek, Administrator (206) 893-2156 Western Nebraska Veterans Home Charles W. Lowrance, Administrator
1102 W.42 I St. Oklahoma Veterans Center Herbert A. Stempf, Superintendent 69361 Scottsbluff, . P.O. Box 1209 Washington Veterans Home 632- (308) / 81 Clinton, OK 73601 Retsil, WA 98378 323-5540 (206) 876-7514 NEW HAMPSHIRE (405) Kenneth M. Tarr, Commandant WESTVIRGINIA New Hampshire Veterans Home James E. Hibdon, Administrator H. Woody Williams, Commandant Winter St. Center Oklahoma Veterans Barboursville Veterans Home Tilton, NH 03276 P.O. Box 1668 512 Water St. (603) 286-4412 OK 73070 Norman, Barboursville, WV 25504 (405) 360-5600 (304) 348-3661 NEW JERSEY Melvin H. Friedman, D.P.A., LNHA WISCONSIN Jerry J. Stewart, Administrator Chief Executive Officer James M. Olson, Commandant Oklahoma Veterans Center New Jersey Home for Disabled Veterans Wisconsin Veterans Home P.O. Box 200 Menlo Park, P.O. Box 2243 King, Wl 54946 Sulphur, OK 73086 Edison, NJ 08818 (715) 258-5586 (405) 622-2144 (201) 499-5705 WYOMING Joseph M. Cagno, Superintendent Harold Lawrence, Administrator Jack Tarter, Commandant New Jersey War Veterans Home Oklahoma Veterans Center Wyoming Soldiers & Sailors Home Northwest Boulevard Route 2, P.O. Box 46 Rural Route 1 Vineland, NJ 08360 Talihina, OK 74571 Buffalo, WY 82834 (609) 696-6400 (918) 567-2251 (307) 684-5511
LEGION MAGAZINE 14 AMERICAN . . .
OFFICIALLY APPROVED BY THE Look at the protection you can provide AMERICAN LEGION NATIONWIDE your family for less than $100 a yean
APPLY TODAY. Select the number of units BENEFITS—Yearly Renewable Term Insurance (Policy Form GPC-5700-781) Benefits determined by age at death and include 15% SPECIAL for deaths from the chart at right, fill out the enroll- INCREASE occurring during 1989. cov^PJiyS llrYiiled" ment card below and enclose your check or Maximum unit money order for the premium indicated to Age at Death 14 Units 12 Units 10 Units 8 Units 6 Units /4 Unifc / 2 Units 1 Unit Annual Premium $336 per yr. $288 per yr. S240 per yr $192 per yr $144 per yr. $96 per yr\ $48 per yr $24 per yr / f \ provide coverage for the rest of the calendar
Up thru 29 $161,000 $138,000 $115,000 $92,000 $69,000 $46,000 $23,000 } l $11,500 year. \ 30-34 128,800 110,400 92,000 73,600 55,200 36,800 1 18,400 I 9,200 CERTAIN STATES have requirements not 35-44 72,450 62,100 51,750 41,400 31,050 20,700 I 10,350 1 5,175 If 45-54 satisfied by the enrollment card below. 35,420 30,360 25,300 20,240 15,180 10,120 1 i 5,060 1 2,530 you reside in one of those states, your enroll- 55-59 19,320 16,560 13,800 11,040 8,280 5,520 1 2,760 I 1,380 60-64 12,880 11,040 9,200 7,360 5,520 3,680 1,840 1 920 ment and check will be returned to you to 65-69 8,050 6,900 5,750 4,600 3,450 2,300 1,150 575 fulfill those requirements. If that is neces- ' 70-74* 5,313 4,554 3,795 3,036 2,277 1,518 759 1 379.50 sary, your enrollment will not be processed 75-0ver* 4,025 3,450 2,875 2,300 1,725 I 1,150 I 575 P 287.50 until the additional form is returned to us. Annual Premium $140 $120 $100 $80 $60 \ $40 I \ $20 / $10 ANNUAL PREMIUM TO SEND WITH YOUR
*No persons age 70 or over (including those desiring additional coverage) will oe acceite&for i ENROLLMENT. The premiums shown above 13, 11, 9, 7, 5 and 3 units also available. Please write for details. are for the balance of 1989 for approved coinciding with or next following the date Make check payable tb>The American Legion enrollments effective Aug. 1, 1989. Premiums your enrollment is received, subject to In- Life Insurance Plan and mail to: for enrollments effective Sept. 1 or later are surance Company's approval. Insurance may The American Legion Life Insurance Plan proportionately less, by $2 PER UNIT PER 4870 Street Road • Trevose, PA 19049 be maintained in force by payment of MONTH, and any overpayments will be re- premiums due. Plan insured Provident Life Accident Insurance funded. Premiums accompanying non- when by & Company. approved enrollments will be refunded in INCONTESTABILITY. Your coverage shall be Enrollment Subject to Underwriter's Approval full. incontestable after it has been in force dur-
EFFECTIVE DATE. Your insurance becomes ing your lifetime for two years from its effec- effective on the first day of the month tive date.
ENROLLMENT CARD FOR YEARLY RENEWABLE TERM NOTICE OF DISCLOSURE OF LIFE INSURANCE FOR MEMBERS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION INFORMATION
Information regarding your in-
Full Name Birth Date surability will be treated as con- Mo. Day Year fidential except that Provident Permanent Residence Life & Accident Insurance Com- City Zip pany may make a brief report to the Medical Information Bureau Name of Beneficiary _ .Relationship Example: Print "Helen Louise Jones." Not "Mrs. H. L. Jones" (M.I.B.) a non-profit membership
organization of life insurance Membership Card No. _Year_ Post No.. State_ companies which operates an information exchange on behalf I apply for the number of units indicated: j^J of its members. Upon request by The following representations shall form a basis for the Insurance Company's approval or rejection of this enrollment. another member insurance com- Answer all questions. pany to which you have applied
1. Present occupation? Are you now actively working? for life or health insurance, or to
Yes No If no, give reason which a claim is submitted, the M.I.B. will supply such company 2. Have you been confined in a hospital within the last year? No Yes If yes, give date, with the information it may have length of stay and cause in its files. 3. During the last five years, have you had heart disease, circulatory disease, kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease, The Company may also release diabetes, or cancer, or have you had or received treatment or medication for high blood pressure or alcoholism? information in its file to its rein- No Yes If yes, -give details surers and to other life insurance companies to which you may ap-
ply for life health insurance, I or represent that to the best of my knowledge, all statements and answers recorded on this enrollment card are true and complete. I agree
that this enrollment card shall be a part of any insurance granted upon It under the policy. I authorize any physician or other person who has or to which a claim is submitted. attended or examined me, or who may attend or examine me, to disclose or to testify to any knowledge thus acquired. Upon receipt of a request from Signature of you, the M.I.B. will arrange dis- Dated 19 Applicant closure of any information it may The American Legion offers this insurance through Provident Life & Accident Insurance Company. Home Office: Chattanooga, Tennessee have in your file. Medical infor- ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND AUTHORIZATION EA79UN mation will only be disclosed to your attending physician. If you
I have received and read the Notice of Disclosure of Information at right. Further, I authorize any physician, medical practi- question the accuracy of informa- tioner, hospital, clinic, or other medical or medically related facility, insurance company, the Medical Information Bureau tion in the Bureau's file you may or other organization, institution or person having any records or knowledge of me or of my health to give Provident Life seek correction in accordance Accident Insurance information. & Company any such with the procedures set forth in
A photographic copy of this authorization shall be as valid as the original. the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act. The address of the Bureau's
Dated 19_ Signature of Applicant information office is P.O. Box 105, Boston, Mass. 02112; I apply for additional Legion Life Insurance. My present certificate number is Essex Station,
GMA-300-19 (Univ.) ED 1/88 Printed in U.S.A. Phone (617) 426-3660. 1
VERY day, "We'd have a hard time
Legionnaires making a go of it without our across the na- volunteers," said Lee Brown, tion help fellow VAVS chief at Bay Pines veterans in VA (Fla.) VAMC. "If there's a hospitals and need to be filled at our hospi- clinics by roll- tal, we know that we can ing up their count on the Legion to be in sleeves and do- the thick of things to help get ing everything from assisting the job done." in the laboratory to teaching A misconception that arts and crafts. VAVS officials would like to Legionnaire volunteers dispel is that volunteers are play a vital role in helping the mere bedpan carriers and VA meet its obligation to "go-fers," performing tasks deliver health care to veter- the VA staff wants to avoid. ans. In 1988 alone. Legion- On the contrary, many of the
naires donated 1 . 14 million assignments available to hours through the Volun- Legion volunteers are innova- VAs BEDSIDE HELP — Legion volunteers comfort, assist and tary Service (VAVS) program. befriend hospitalized veterans. tive and tailored to their spe- All Legion Posts near a VA cific talents and skills. A car- medical facility are encour- penter, for example, might aged to establish a voluntary-service teers in case of emergencies or last- volunteer to work as an occupational program and appoint a coordinator to minute changes in assignments. For therapist or teach recreational wood- manage it. Many Posts delegate that best results, volunteers should be able to craft to patients; a laboratory assistant responsibility to the Post Service select their own hours and type of duty. might spend off-duty hours at the VA Officer; other Posts may select another After the program is in operation, the hospital, helping VA laboratory techni- Legionnaire who excels at getting proj- coordinator and other Post officers cians and specialists. ects done. should keep track of volunteer needs of Although the number of volunteer The first step is to determine the the VA facility. This can be accom- vacancies vary among VA medical needs of the VA medical facility. Most plished by meeting periodically with the facilities, there are about 150 billets facilities have VAVS chiefs or represen- VAVS representative or inviting him to which Legionnaires may be eligible to tatives who serve as links to veteran speak at a Post meeting. fill. Retired people often make ideal organizations such as the Legion. Posts volunteers, because their years of might be asked to concentrate their ALTHOUGH many people don't seek experience in professions such as volunteer efforts on specific tasks such it, personal recognition is an effec- machinery, maintenance and human as escorting patients to treatment areas, tive way to recruit and retain volun- resources can be a vital asset to any VA visiting patients, manning information teers. The names, duties and hours facility, especially patients. desks, or providing occupational and volunteered can be published in Post Some volunteers might be unable to recreational therapy assistance. bulletins and newsletters. They can be work on a regular basis or meet a Post Many Legion Posts establish trans- submitted to local newspapers and schedule, but they still can donate their portation networks and Legionnaires radio stations, which often recognize time by contacting the Post Volunteer take patients to and from VA medical volunteer workers in their com- Coordinator and the VAVS representa- facilities in their private vehicles. Other munities. tive. What matters is that a need is met,
Posts help disabled and infirm veterans While the notion of veteran helping whether it is done as a Post project or living at home with housekeeping and veteran has great appeal, there is a individually. repairs. more pragmatic reason why the VAVS Legionnaires should contact their The second step is to recruit dependa- is becoming increasingly important. Posts if they wish to participate in vol- ble volunteers. The Post coordinator Budget reductions have curtailed VA unteer work. Additional information is should keep an updated roster of volun- services, programs and staff, leaving available by writing the Veterans' teers and the dates and times they are gaps in the services routinely provided Affairs and Rehabilitation Division, scheduled to work. It's important for the to patients. Volunteers often fill the The American Legion, 1608 K St.,
coordinator to be able to reach volun- void. N. W. , Washington. DC 20006.
16 AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE — ' .
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selling for up to $25 . . adjustable band. Makes a w and it's yours FREE. Slim, wonderful gift. To get n MAIL ORDER COUPON handsome and so light yours, just check the box r the n Now Minerals 1 °° you'll almost forget you're in the order form, add I CALCIUM I 1 88°i lor healthy n needed I I FOR for shipping, return Nerves. Teeth, Bones, n wearing it. It's both: 1. A $1.50 I MAGNESIUM 300 for 2.39 I wpamsmm HE decision to select for VA is merely a sop, a symbol and |L March 15 as the date to nothing more. Not so, according to H establish the Department of Edward J. Derwinski, the first Secre- I Veterans Affairs may have tary of Veterans Affairs. HB been purely arbitrary, but "This action is more than a symbol," WSA IH for The American Legion it he said. "This added visibility from I was a pleasant irony. Sev- Cabinet status will provide new I enty years ago to the day, momentum we can use to make sys- IHBhMHwBi U.S. servicemen gathered tematic improvements in services to in Paris to form what has become veterans." America's largest and fastest growing Indeed, Derwinski's view of the veterans' organization: The American clout that could be wielded on behalf of Legion. veterans was manifested less than two In addition to marking the Legion's months later. A federal court ordered birthday, the new veterans' department the U.S. government to accept a signifi- was the culmination of two decades of cant statistical correlation between vigorous Legion lobbying to provide exposure to Agent Orange and the America's 27 million veterans political development of certain illnesses, rather muscle in the President's cabinet. than a causal connection, which had Early Legion efforts to establish VAs ON GUARD - Veteians Affairs Sec been the previous criterion. forerunner were also relentless. World retary Edward J Derwinsk is the Although such a change will certainly War I veterans faced many problems vete art's point man ir, (he White House cost VA millions of dollars in veterans when they returned home in 1919. Dis- benefits, Derwinski stated that deci- abled, jobless, untrained and hungry- sions must be made based on what is many veterans had lost hope and had no states were summoned to Washington right by veterans, and not based on place to turn. to prove why veterans needed a seat at what a decision will cost. "My job is to The Legion mustered its forces, then the Cabinet table. serve veterans," he said. "They are a million strong, and mounted an assault Finally, after unrelated amendments entitled to their benefits, and I intend to against Congress. Bowing to pressure and numerous tactics to thwart passage see that they get them." unlike any it had seen in recent mem- had all been disposed of, the bill to The Secretary is responsible for man- ory, Congress created the U.S. Veterans create a Department of Veterans Affairs aging a department that operates the Bureau in 1921. Then, in 1930, it brought received the President's signature. nation's largest health-care system, many veterans programs under a single administers a disability and pension aegis with the creation of the Veterans WHAT the Cabinet position means system with 3.8 million recipients, Administration. to veterans was eloquently insures the mortgages on 12 million Six decades later, veterans of the expressed by President Reagan homes, and operates the country's fifth Vietnam War faced problems similar to when he signed the historic legislation largest life insurance program. Because those experienced by the Doughboys. It into law: "This bill gives those who of incessant decremental funding, vir- was clearer than ever that veterans have borne America's battles, who tually every program is experiencing needed direct access to the President. have defended the borders of freedom, serious shortfalls and cutbacks in serv- Opposition to the creation of a and who have protected our nation's ice. But the Secretary is optimistic. Department of Veterans Affairs was security in war and peace, what they "We have the talent, the dedication fierce. Critics charged that it would have deserved for so long— a seat at the and the facilities," Derwinski said. constitute an unwarranted growth of table of our national affairs." "What elevation to the Cabinet adds to government. Congressional opponents Eloquence notwithstanding, some that are the opportunity and obligation used a variety of parliamentary tactics insiders caution veterans not to expect to rejuvenate our processes and pro- to derail the legislation. Undaunted, too much too soon. The budget process grams, and to make the tough decisions The American Legion spearheaded that determines the fate of veterans' that we believe will help us better dozens of meetings with congressional programs remains virtually unchanged. deliver on America's promises to her leaders; key Legionnaires from several Some might even say that Cabinet status veterans." 18 AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE ALABAMA 1000 Liberty Ave. 474 S. Court St. Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Montgomery, AL 36104 VA REGIONAL PHILIPPINES ALASKA Director Anchorage, AK 99501 OFFICES U.S. Veterans Administration APO ARIZONA San Francisco, CA 96528 Contact the VA regional office in your area for infor- 3225 N. Central Ave. mation about any veterans' program or benefit. Phoenix, AZ 85012 PUERTO RICO Federico Degetau Fed. ARKANSAS IOWA NEVADA Bldg. & Courthouse Building 65, Ft. Roots 210 Walnut St. 1201 Terminal Way Carlos E. Chardon Ave. North Little Rock, AR 72214 Des Moines, IA 50309 Reno, NV 89520 Hato Rey, PR 00918 CALIFORNIA KANSAS NEW HAMPSHIRE RHODE ISLAND Federal Bldg. 5500 E. Kellogg Norris Cotton Federal Bldg. 380 Westminster Mall 11000 Wilshire Blvd. Wichita, KS 67218 275 Chestnut St. Providence, Rl 02903 Los Angeles, CA 90024 Manchester, NH 03103 KENTUCKY SOUTH CAROLINA 2022 Camino Del Rio North 600 Federal Place NEW JERSEY 1801 Assembly St. San Diego, CA 92108 Louisville, KY 40202 20 Washington Place Columbia, SC 29201 Newark, NJ 07102 211 Main St. LOUISIANA SOUTH DAKOTA San Francisco, CA 94105 701 Loyola Ave. NEW MEXICO Royal C. Johnson Veterans New Orleans, LA 70113 Dennis Chavez Federal Bldg. Memorial Hospital COLORADO U.S. Courthouse 2501 W. 22nd St. 44 Union Blvd. MAINE 500 Gold Ave. S.W. Sioux Falls, SD 57117 Denver, CO 80225 Togus, ME 04330 Albuquerque, NM 87102 TENNESSEE CONNECTICUT MARYLAND NEW YORK 110 Ninth Ave., South Ribicoff Federal Federal Bldg. Abraham Bldg. Federal Bldg. Nashville, TN 37212-2637 450 Main St. 31 Hopkins Plaza 111 W. Huron St. Hartford, Baltimore, 21201 CT 06103 MD Buffalo, NY 14202 TEXAS 2515 Murworth Drive DELAWARE MASSACHUSETTS 252 Seventh Ave. at 24th St. Houston, TX 77054 1601 Kirkwood F Bldg. Highway John Kennedy New York, NY 10001 Wilmington, DE 19805 Government Center 1400 N. Valley Mills Drive Boston, MA 02203 NORTH CAROLINA Waco, TX 76799 DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Federal Bldg. 941 N. Capitol St., NE MICHIGAN UTAH 251 N. Main St. Washington, V. DC 20421 Patrick McNamara Winston-Salem, NC 27155 Federal Bldg. Federal Bldg. 125 S. State St. FLORIDA 477 Michigan Ave. Salt Lake City, UT 84147 NORTH DAKOTA 144 First Ave., South Detroit, Ml 48226 655 First Ave. North St. Petersburg, FL 33731 VERMONT Fargo, ND 58102 MINNESOTA N. Hartland Road GEORGIA Bishop Henry Whipple White River Junction, VT 05001 730PeachtreeSt.,N.E. Federal Bldg. OHIO Atlanta, GA 30365 Fort Snelling Anthony J. Celebrezze VIRGINIA St. Paul, MN 55111 Federal Bldg. 210 Franklin Road, S.W. HAWAII 1240 E. Ninth St. Roanoke, VA 24011 PJKK Federal Bldg. MISSISSIPPI Cleveland, OH 44199 300 AlaMoana Blvd. 100 W.Capitol St. WASHINGTON Honolulu, HI 96813 Jackson, MS 39269 OKLAHOMA 915 Second Ave., Federal Bldg. Seattle, WA 98174 Federal Bldg. IDAHO MISSOURI 125 S. Main St. Federal Bldg. & U.S. Courthouse Federal Bldg. WEST VIRGINIA Muskogee, OK 74401 550 W. Fort St. 1520 Market St. 640 Fourth Ave. Boise, ID 83724 St. Louis, MO 63103 Huntington, WV 25701 OREGON ILLINOIS MONTANA Federal Bldg. WISCONSIN 536 S.Clark St. Fort Harrison, MT 59636 1220 S.W. Third Ave. Building No. 6 Chicago, IL 60680 Portland, OR 97204 Milwaukee, Wl 53295 NEBRASKA INDIANA Federal Bldg. PENNSYLVANIA WYOMING 575 N. Pennsylvania St. 100 Centennial Mall North 5000 Wissahickon Ave. 2360 E. Pershing Blvd. Indianapolis, IN 46204 Lincoln, NE 68508 Philadelphia, PA 15222 Cheyenne, WY 82001 JULY 1989 19 important to understand how it evolved ThE AssauIt AqAiNST ThE to where it is today. The system traces its roots to the Civil War with the formation of the U.S. Sanitary Commission. While it helped care for sick and wounded Union sol- diers, the commission also realized that veterans would need assistance after the war, especially the disabled. Out of that concern, the government began the National Homes For Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. There were few veterans' health laws in the years between the Civil War and America's involvement in World War I. At the end of the war, the fledgling American Legion urged the President to look at ways to help disabled sol- SYSTE diers. That campaign led to the creation of veterans' medical care under the U.S. Veterans' Bureau. In just a few years, the bureau built and operated 19 For the past several years, the VA medical hospitals around the nation. budget has been underfunded and did In 1930, veterans' healthcare became the responsibility of the newly consoli- not keep pace with inflation or the rising dated Veterans Administration. In 1945, the VA geared up to meet the anticipated cost of health care As a result many demand that would occur once the veterans today are denied VA health care. returning troop ships touched American soil. One of the most important changes separated the VA Medical Service from the agency's construction supply and real estate. A three-point program HE VA medical system has shortfalls and other dismal trends. involving medical care, research and ensured the delivery of Beyond doubt, the VA health-care education was designed to improve VA care to millions of vet- system is under assault on many fronts. health care. A fourth mission— to serve erans since its creation in Those who stand to lose the most are as a medical backup to military hospi- 1930, and has earned a the estimated 3.5 million veterans who tals in wartime— was added later. prominent role in the pro- use VA hospitals, clinics and nursing Today, veterans' care operates under fessional medical world. homes more than 22 million times each the Veterans Health Services and But the foundation of the year. To fully appreciate the gravity of Research Administration, the name veterans' medical bulwark the situation and where the VA health given to VAs Department of Medicine is threatened by the burden of budgetary system appears to be heading, it's and Surgery when VA was upgraded to the Cabinet last March. Other changes have occurred in recent years, many not so elevating. VA health care and its delivery is being attacked on several fronts. It's an assault that The American Legion and others believe is sounding the death knell for the Free World's largest public health-care agency. MEANS TEST The unraveling of the VA health-care system has been a gradual process, but the trend accelerated in September 1986, when Congress passed P.L. 99- 272, creating the means test. The means CLOSED DOOR — Many aging veterans rely on VAs health care, but continued underfunding threatens further care. 20 AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE UNFULFILLED NEEDS — Because of decremental funding, construction of VA facilities and the purchase of equipment, such as CAT Scans, have been delayed. test is an income guideline that is sup- posed to determine if a veteran has the ability to pay for medical care outside the VA system. The law placed veterans in three categories of priorities to deter- mine care eligibility (see Categories of Veterans, page 22). The means test also required many veterans with non- service-connected disabilities to make a copayment for treatment. To the Legion, passage of the means test seemed to be an odd move by a government interested in austerity and cent of those receiving care at VA medi- Finally, the means test was accom- ensuring that the poor received quality cal facilities are listed as Category A panied by another questionable law that medical care. For years, the Legion veterans — mainly service-connected allows VA to bill insurance companies urged VA to establish a profile of VA patients or those too poor to pay for of policyholding veterans for treatment patients to dispel myths that VA care elsewhere. received in VA facilities. Some ques- patients generally could afford health Another troubling aspect of the tioned the legality of that plan, but the care elsewhere. When the means test means test is that it places many vet- matter has not been pursued in the surfaced as legislation, the Legion erans into a limbo where prompt and courts. argued that the law would discourage quality health care are unavailable. The Taken together, means testing and many qualified veterans — the oldest, Legion fears that these veterans, having third party reimbursement should have sickest and the poorest— from seeking no place else to turn to, simply do sent a clear signal to veterans that their treatment because of the complicated without health care. needs were becoming less important. paper work. What is most apparent with the The constant with any generation of What has the means test proven so means test is that the time spent on war veterans in America is that the far? It has proven conclusively that only paper work is greater than the savings more years a nation distances itself the neediest of veterans make up the the government expected to realize by from a war era, the more apt its people majority of VA patients. About 94 per- implementing the law. will forget those who served. JULY 1989 21 "6 percent will be affected." Six per- BUDGETING cent means that more than 200,000 men and women will be forced out of a One of the most clear-cut battle lines system that has promised to care for has been VA's struggle to maintain ade- medical care them. quate funding. VA medical care, which Underfunding also can be directly is considered a discretionary budget is a perennial related to staff shortages. VA currently item, always is a potential target for is experiencing a severe shortage of budget cutting, especially during long target of budget- registered nurses and doctors because terms of deficit spending. cutters during Title 38 of the U.S. Code does not allow Funding VA health programs at suffi- payment of wages and benefits com- cient levels has also been hurt by the long terms of petitive with the private sector, and Gramm-Rudman-Holling deficit-reduc- some medical professionals, if deficit spending. even tion plan of 1986. The measure forced they accept the wages, do not want to VA to slash $234 million from its med- work in hospitals that don't have ical budget the first year, and to trim it modern equipment. by 2 percent for each of the next four Even as this issue went to press, the years. veterans. Some directors said they have specter of underbudgeting of important But GRH is not the sole reason why closed entire patient wards because VA health programs was evident. Con- VA's medical budget is in such a sorry they don't have the staff to provide gress was considering a supplemental state. Most point to the silent process of adequate care. Some outpatient clinics appropriation of $340 million to cover a decremental budgeting, or funding pro- have closed indefinitely and drug and shortfall in the medical budget for the gram at levels that do not keep pace alcohol-treatment programs have been current fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30. with inflation and the soaring costs of halted. Solutions to funding problems do not public health care. For example, the VA At a recent Legion Veterans Planning appear to be overflowing. "The prob- medical budget between 1975 and 1984 and Coordinating Committee meeting, lem has reached crisis proportions and rose only 137 percent, while Medicare Legion leaders were warned that many threatens the quality of care being pro- costs skyrocketed more than 449 per- veterans, especially Category B and vided to veterans," said Dr. Harry cent. Category C non-service-connected vet- Beaty, dean of Northwestern University Indeed, underfunding of veterans' erans, have seen the last of VA services. Medical School at Chicago, whose programs has brought about devas- Unfortunately, the attitude toward institution is affiliated with VA's tating consequences. In a recent survey those veterans on Capitol Hill is not Lakeside Medical Center. "This situa- conducted by the Legion, 135 of 159 encouraging. When asked what will tion did not develop overnight— it's the VA hospital directors said they have happen to these veterans, one congres- result of chronic underfunding." been forced to cut inpatient and outpa- sional source could not understand why Vital VA affiliation programs with tient services for non-service-connected the Legion was concerned because only Please turn to page 56 CATEGORIES OF VETERANS ELIGIBILITY for VA hospitaliza- American War, the Mexican Border $21 ,955 if single, or $27,444 if mar- tion and nursing-home care is period and World War I; veterans elig- ried, plus $1 ,098 for each dependent. divided into categories A, B and C. ible for Medicaid. (2) Non-service- Category C veterans must agree to Veterans are ranked in these cate- connected veterans with an annual pay a deductible for VA health care gories depending on service-connec- income less than $16,466 if single, or equal to the current Medicare deducti- tion and income. Income levels are $19,759 or less if married, plus $1 ,098 ble of $560, which is adjusted annu- adjusted every Jan. 1 by the percentage for each additional dependent. Cate- ally. The VA may provide hospital, that the VA-improved pension benefits gory A veterans shall receive hospital outpatient and nursing home care in are increased. Category A veterans care from the VA and may receive VA facilities to Category C veterans if receive the highest priority for treatment nursing-home care in VA facilities if space and resources are available. and Category C receives the lowest. space and resources are available. For the first 90 days of care during will Category A: ( 1 ) Service-connected Category B: Non-service-con- a 365-day period, C veterans be veterans; former prisoners of war; nected veterans with incomes above charged the cost of care or the Medi- veterans exposed to herbicides while $16,467, but less than $21,954 if care deductible, whichever is less. For serving in Vietnam; veterans exposed single; or above $19,760, but less than each additional 90 days, half the Med- to ionizing radiation during atmos- $27,443 if married, plus $1,098 for icare deductible will be charged. For pheric testing of nuclear devices or each dependent. The VA may provide each 90 days of nursing-home care, during the occupation of Hiroshima or hospital, outpatient and nursing-home the Medicare deductible is charged. Nagasaki and need treatment for a care in VA facilities to Category B veter- For each outpatient visit, C veterans condition that might be related to ans if space and resources are available. pay a copayment which is 20 percent exposure; veterans receiving a VA Category C: Non-service-con- of the outpatient billing rate. The out- pension; veterans of the Spanish- nected veterans with incomes above patient deductible is adjusted annually. 22 AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE VA BUDGETING A COMPLEX PROCESS S demonstrated by the Like other tinuing struggle for scarce federal dol- massive reductions in lars. veterans' medical care federal budgets, Indicative of the current mood of last year, the budget VA budgets Congress are several legislative initia- crisis facing VA is more tives that portend additional cutbacks in serious now than ever must compete VA health care. before. During the past decade or more, VA Years of underfunded for funds has become an innocent victim of the VA budgets, combined drawn from an federal deficit. Since 1980, the deficit with recently mandated cutbacks to has averaged about $140 billion more reduce the national deficit, have left underfilled pot. than the revenues collected from VA medical facilities and programs income taxes and Social Security, the in economic shambles. Hospitals are primary sources of federal income. understaffed, some veterans While spending by other gov- with non-service-connected ernment agencies mushroomed disabilities and illnesses are THE FEDERAL BUDGET to 124 percent, VA has been a being denied care, doctors' HOW IT IS ALLOCATED model of fiscal responsibility, appointments have been ($1.1 TRILLION) with a budget growth of only 45 delayed indefinitely and phar- percent. Since 1979, VA expen- Veterans Benefits BILLION macy services have been cur- $29 ditures for disability and pen- tailed. Other Federal Operations $44 BILLION sions have held steady at about Other factors contributing to $10 billion annually, while Grants To States $120 BILLION the VA budget shortfall include And Localities Social Security outlays have new veterans' programs legis- skyrocketed from $100 billion lated by Congress without to $225 billion during the same appropriating funds to operate Net Interest $170 BILLION period. them. VA medical directors, Despite its frugality, VA's attempting to do more with less, National Defense $300 BILLION portion of the federal budget are using existing resources to has shrunk considerably the implement the unfunded pro- past 14 years. In 1975, the grams and also continuing to money allotted for veterans' pay the 1 percent productivity programs and services repre- Non-veteran Benefit incentives to their staffs, even sented 5 percent of the budget. Payments To Individual^ after funds for them were cut This year, VA's share of the $1.1 $470 BILLION from VA budgets. Other direc- trillion budget was $29. 1 bil- tors report lower patient work- lion, 2.6 percent of the total. loads than actually exist, As the national debt rose to thereby reducing VA budgets $3 trillion during the past nine even further. Also, the escalat- years, Congress searched for ing costs of drugs, supplies and methods to control runaway medical technologies fre- spending. One attempt was the quently are overlooked in VA Gramm-Rudman-Hollings law budget submissions. of 1986, which mandated annual Despite The American cutbacks for all federal agencies. Legion's efforts to document For VA, however, cutbacks the existing health-care shor- can only take place in health tages, Washington insiders are care, which funds are discre- predicting that VA health-care tionary. The major portion of needs will lose out in the con- Please turn to page 66 JULY 1989 23 HOWTO CLAIM YOUR VA BENEFITS Millions of veterans have earned a variety of VA and other federal benefits for themselves and their dependents because of their honorable service to our country. By using this compendium, veterans can determine what benefits they are entitled to and how to claim them. S a veteran who honor- period for which they were originally psychosis and anxiety, if manifested to ably served the United obligated. This provision does not a degree of 10 percent at any time after States, you have earned apply to veterans with service-con- active service. benefits administered by nected disabilities or those who were Benefit: Monthly compensation pay- VA and other government discharged for disability or hardship ments based on percentage of disability, agencies. The benefits near the end of their enlistment. It also as follows: outlined on the follow- doesn't apply to insurance benefits. • 10 percent disabi ity, $73 ing pages are a grateful Veterans in prison or parolees may be • 20 percent disabi ity. $138 nation's repayment to entitled to certain VA benefits as well. • 30 percent disabi ity, $210 you and your family for the sacrifices For information, contact the nearest VA • 40 percent disabi ity, $300 you made while defending our country. office or prison officials. • 50 percent disabi ity, $426 • 60 percent disabi ity, $537 Eligibility Where To Apply • 70 percent disabi ity. $678 Eligibility requirements vary with You may apply for VA benefits at a • 80 percent disabi ity, $784 the type of benefit sought. Some bene- VA regional office or VA medical center. • 90 percent disabi ity, $883 fits require a certain number of active Legion Service Officers also can assist • total disability, $1,468 service days, others require a service- you in applying for benefits. Many vet- An eligible veteran may receive up to connected disability, but nearly all erans' benefits administered by the $4,195 per month for certain severe require that the veteran received a dis- Department of Labor can be obtained disabilities. Veterans with disabilities charge which is other than dishonor- by applying at state employment rated 30 percent or more are entitled to able. Veterans with dishonorable or bad offices. additional allowances for dependents conduct discharges are usually barred and a special allowance for a spouse from receiving benefits; however, they who needs aid or attendance of another may apply for a discharge review by BENEFITS PROGRAMS person. A 24-hour, VA toll-free tele- writing to the appropriate branch of phone number offers assistance to service, or contacting a VA benefits Compensation former prisoners of war. For assistance, counselor or American Legion Service Eligibility': Veterans disabled by injury call 1-800-821-8139. Officer. or disease while on active duty who Most VA benefits are not available to received a discharge other than dishon- people originally enlisting in the mili- orable; and former prisoners of war DISABLED BENEFITS tary after Sept. 7, 1980, and to all other incarcerated at least 30 days who are people entering the military after Oct. entitled to a presumption of service Automobiles or Other Conveyances Eligibility: Veterans mili- 16, 1981 , who do not complete two connection for disabilities resulting and current years' active duty or serve the full from certain diseases, including tary personnel with service-connected 24 AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE loss of the use of one or both hands or $38,000 Grant For Specially Adapted INTENSIVE CARE-More than 90 per- cent of the VA's staff are employed in the feet, or permanent vision impairment Homes medical-care field. of both eyes. Veterans entitled to com- Eligibility: Veterans entitled to com- pensation for ankylosis of one or both pensation for permanent and total serv- knees or hips also qualify to receive ice-connected disability because of the adaptive equipment. EDUCATION BENEFITS loss of the use of both legs, or disability Benefit: The VA will pay up to $5 ,500 which includes blindness in both eyes toward the purchase of an automobile Montgomery GI Bill with only light perception and loss of on a one-term basis and will also pay for Eligibility: Persons entering the mili- the use of one leg; or loss of the use of adaptive equipment, its repair, replace- tary after June 30, 1985, will have their one leg and residuals of organic disease ment or re-installation. pay reduced $ 1 00 per month for the first or injury, or the loss of the use of an arm 12 months of their service, unless they which affects balance or propulsion and Services elect in writing not to participate. Serv- Blind Aids and requires braces, canes, crutches or a Eligibility: Veterans service-connected icemen and women eligible for post- wheelchair. for blindness or entitled to VA compen- Korean Conflict GI Bill benefits as of sation for any service-connected dis- Benefit: A grant of not more than 50 Dec. 31, 1989, who served three years ability; veterans eligible for medical percent up to $38,000 of the cost of of continuous active duty after June 30, services; and veterans with corrected building, buying or remodeling an 1985, or those who served two years' vision of 20/200 or worse in the better adapted home, or paying loans on such active duty followed by four years' eye, or field defects of 20 degrees or less. homes. satisfactory participation in the Benefit: Adjustment to blindness Selected Reserve after June 30, 1985, training, home alterations for the blind, $6,500 Grant For Specially Adapted may also be eligible, but will not have low-vision aids, mechanical aids, guide Homes their pay reduced. They must have been dogs, talking books, tapes and Braille on active duty on Oct. 19, 1984, and Eligibility: Veterans must be entitled literature. A total health and benefit serve continuously without a break in to compensation for permanent and review also is provided annually. service through the individual's qual- total service-connected disability ifying period. Officers receiving their because of blindness in both eyes with Clothing Allowance commissions after Dec. 31, 1976, are 5/200 visual acuity or less, or loss of the Eligibility: Veterans with a service- not eligible. Those persons seeking use of both hands. connected disability who wear ortho- Montgomery GI Bill benefits must ful- pedic or prosthetic appliances that wear Benefit: A grant of up to $6,500 for fill a minimal service obligation or be out or tear clothing. the purchase of a specially adapted discharged for a service-connected Benefit: An annual clothing allowance home or to adapt a home for the veter- disability, hardship or pre-existing med- of $395. an's disability. ical condition. A secondary school JULY 1989 25 , diploma and honorable discharge are active duty for more than 180 continu- pension from Feb. 1, 1985, through required. Eligibility for this program ous days after Jan. 31, 1955, and before Jan. 3 1 , 1992 may be eligible for voca- ends 10 years after the most recent Jan. 1, 1977, and who received a dis- tional training based on a VA evaluation discharge. charge other than dishonorable; veter- of their ability to benefit from such Benefit: Benefits are paid for atten- ans discharged for service-connected training. Veterans less than 50 years old dance at institutions of higher learning, disabilities; and those who continue to who receive pensions must participate non-college degree programs, appren- serve on active duty are eligible. The in the evaluation. Veterans 50 years old ticeships, on-the-job training, corres- Non-Contributory GI Bill ends Dec. or older who receive a pension, or those pondence training and cooperative 31,1989. awarded a pension before Feb. 1 , 1985 courses. Length of active duty deter- Benefit: Veterans are entitled to edu- may apply for an evaluation. mines the amount of the benefit. Active cational assistance of 1 Vi months for Benefit: Veterans may receive up to duty for three years, or two years' active every month in the service, to a 24 months of vocational training. Pro- duty and four years in the Selected maximum of 45 months. Educational gram participants may also receive up Reserve or National Guard will entitle courses covered under the GI Bill to 18 months of employment counsel- servicemen and women to a basic bene- include college or university, coopera- ing, job search and work-adjustment fit of $300 a month for 36 months. Per- tive programs with businesses, farm services. If the pension is terminated by sons who serve at least two years of cooperative training, apprenticeships reason of income from work or training, continuous active duty, but less than or other on-the-job training, corres- the veteran shall retain eligibility for VA three years, will be entitled to $250 a pondence training, high school train- medical care based on prior receipt of month. A discretionary kicker of up to pension for three years. an additional $400 also is available. Those who serve an additional five Veterans' Educational Assistance years' active duty or two years' active Program duty and four years in the Selected Eligibility: Veterans who began active Reserve may receive a supplemental duty after Dec. 31, 1976, and received monthly benefit of up to an additional Eligibility a discharge other than dishonorable or $300, with a discretionary kicker of up continue to serve on active duty but to $300 more for 36 months. varies with have completed their obligated period of service, or serve six years, whichever Montgomery GI Bill For the type of comes first, and who contributed $25 to Selected Reserves $ 100 per month from their military pay Eligibility: Members of the Selected benefit sought, for the program, up to a maximum of Reserve, including the National Guard, $2,700. No one on active duty was who after June 30, 1985, enlist, re- but most require allowed to enroll in this program after enlist or extend an enlistment for six March 31, 1987. years or more; and those serving as a discharge Benefit: The government matches $2 Reserve officers who agree to serve in for every $1 contributed by partici- the Selected Reserve for not less than other than pants. In turn, participants receive six years in addition to any other period monthly payments for the months they of obligated Selected Reserve service dishonorable. contributed, or for 36 months, which- after June 30, 1985. ever is less. The amount of payments is To receive benefits, they must com- determined by dividing the number of plete Initial Active Duty Training and months that benefits will be paid into 180 days in the Selected Reserve/ the participant's fund total. Partici- ing, elementary education, tutorial National Guard; have a high school pants may leave VEAP after any 12- assistance and work-study programs. diploma or equivalent, but not have a consecutive-month period of participa- will receive a refund of their bachelor's degree; and continue to par- Special Program For Unemployable tion and contributions. Participants have 10 ticipate satisfactorily in the Selected Veterans years from the date of their most recent Reserve/National Guard. Eligibility: Veterans awarded 100 per- discharge to use the benefits. Benefit: An eligible Reservist is cent disability compensation because entitled to a maximum of 36 months of of unemployability. This program Veterans' Job Training educational assistance at the monthly extends to Jan. 31. 1992. Eligibility: Veterans who served hon- rate of $140 for full-time, $105 for Benefit: Veterans may participate in a orably during the Korean War or during three-quarter time; and $70 for half- rehabilitation services and training the Vietnam era for at least 181 days; time training. Eligibility will end 10 program and receive assistance in veterans who were discharged for a years from the date eligibility began or obtaining employment. Once the vet- the the service-connected disability; or are date of separation from Selected eran is employed, his or her unemploy- entitled to disability compensation. Reserve. Assistance is payable for an ment rating will remain the same until Veterans must be unemployed for at undergraduate degree and non-college the veteran has worked continuously for least 10 of the 15 weeks immediately degree programs at an institution of 12 months. higher learning. preceding the application. To be eligi- Special Training Program For ble, veterans must train in an occupa- Non-Contributory GI Bill Veterans Receiving Pensions tion in a growth industry or an occupa- Eligibility: Veterans who served on Eligibilit} .- Veterans receiving a VA tion requiring use of new technological 26 AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE—A VA home loan may be used to buy or build a home, and requires no down payment. skills, or a job for which demand for an impairment to obtain or retain active duty or the full time (at least 181 labor exceeds supply. Training will not employment, and the service-con- days) for which they were called to be funded for seasonal or temporary nected disability must contribute to the active duty. Also eligible are veterans jobs, jobs that pay commission or for veteran's unemployability. Veterans' who completed at least 181 days of political-, religious or federal employ- eligibility ends 12 years, from the date active duty and received a hardship ment. The program must require at least they were notified of their entitlement discharge, those who received certain six months' training. Payments for a to VA compensation. other discharges for the convenience of job training program cannot be made Benefit: Eligible disabled veterans the government, those with compensa- on an application received by VA after may receive up to four years or more of ble service-connected disability, or Sept. 30, 1989, or if the training full-time training. Veterans may enroll those who were discharged for a serv- doesn't begin until after March 31, in trade, business and technical schools ice-connected disability with less than 1990. or colleges, or train on the job, either in 181 days of service. Benefit: Fifty percent of the veteran's special rehabilitation facilities or at Military personnel currently on starting wage up to $10,000 is payable home. After training, VA shall assist the active duty are eligible. Also eligible are to employers of veterans participating veteran in finding a job. unmarried surviving spouses of veter- in approved programs. Veterans with ans who served anytime since Sept. 16, service-connected disabilities rated VA Home Loans 1940, and who died because of a serv- either at 30 percent or more, or at 10 Eligibility: Veterans who received a ice-connected disability; and spouses percent or 20 percent, if the veteran has discharge other than dishonorable and of service personnel listed as missing in a serious employment handicap, are served on active duty for at least 90 days action or prisoners of war for at least 90 entitled to a maximum 15 months' during wartime or 181 days in peace- days. training. Other veterans receive up to time before May 8, 1975, unless they When a veteran sells a home financed nine months' training. received an earlier discharge because of with a VA loan and the purchaser a service-connected disability. assumes the veteran's loan, the veteran Vocational Rehabilitation Post-Vietnam Eligibility: Veterans who may be released from liability to the Eligibility: Veterans entitled to com- enlisted before Sept. 8, 1980, or whose government, provided the loan is cur- pensation for a service-connected dis- service as an officer began before Oct. rent, the purchaser is rated a good risk ability suffered on active duty on or 17, 1981, must have 181 continuous by the VA and will assume all the veter- after Sept. 16, 1940, who received a days of active duty which occurred after an's liabilities. This release of liability discharge other than dishonorable; and May 7, 1975, and received a discharge does not mean veterans can have their those who are hospitalized awaiting other than dishonorable or received an VA home loan entitlement restored, separation for disability. Eligibility earlier discharge for service-connected unless the purchaser is an eligible vet- includes veterans who would receive disabilities. eran and agrees to turn over his eligibil- compensation except for receipt of mili- Veterans who enlisted after Sept. 7, ity to the seller. Usually, the VA restores tary retirement or severance pay. VA 1981, or whose service as an officer entitlement only when it is no longer must determine the veteran needs began after Oct. 16, 1981, must have liable to the lender on the guaranty and vocational rehabilitation to overcome completed 24 continuous months of when a veteran buyer uses his or her JULY 1989 27 own VA entitlement to buy the home Veterans Group Life Insurance instead of the seller's. Since March 1, Eligibility: Persons released from 1988, the VA must make a release- active duty on or after Aug. 1, 1974; from-liability determination in every Reservists who, while on active or inac- case involving the assumption of VA- A tive duty for training less than 31 days guaranteed loans. The person who who suffer an injury or disability which assumes a VA loan must pay a fee to VA /ABOUT renders them uninsurable at standard equal to one-half percent of the loan ONE MILLION premium rates; and members of the balance. If a person disposes of prop- Ready Reserves and Inactive National erty secured by a VA loan without first SURVIVING SPOUSES Guard. Military members on active notifying the holder of the loan, the duty can convert their SGLI insurance holder may demand immediate and full AND DEPENDENTS to VGLI following discharge. payment of the amount owing on the Benefit: VGLI coverage may be in the loan. Veterans may obtain their Certifi- RECEIVE ANNUAL amounts of $50,000, $40,000, $30,000, cates of Eligibility for a VA home loan $20,000 and $10,000, but not more by sending VA Form 26-1880, "Request COMPENSATION OR than the amount of SGLI carried when for Determination of Eligibility and discharged. Available Loan Guaranty Entitlement," PENSIONS TOTAL- along with required supporting docu- Veterans Mortgage Life Insurance ments to a VA regional office nearest ING $14 BILLION. Eligibility: For veterans who have them. been awarded specially adapted housing Benefit: A VA home loan requires no grants, VMLI insurance is automatic down payments, and interest rates often unless declined in writing. Premiums may be less than conventional loans. are deducted from VA benefit payments There are no maximum loan amounts. or paid direct if the veteran does not by 50 percent at age 65. If the policy- VA guarantees 50 percent of loans up to draw compensation. Premiums will holder desires, the reduced amount may $45,000 and 40 percent of loans of continue until the mortgage has been be replaced with a Special Ordinary more than $45,000 with a maximum liquidated, the home sold or until the Life insurance plan. On July 1 , 1972, a guaranty of $36,000, but not less than coverage terminated when the veteran Modified Life at age 70 plan also $22,500. Loans may be used to buy, reaches age 70 or dies. became available. Similar to the age 65 build, improve, repair or refinance Benefit: A group mortgage life insur- plan, the face value of this policy homes, manufactured homes or condo- ance plan of up to $40,000. doesn't reduce until age 70. miniums. VA loans also may be used to Pensions equip a home with solar heating or cool- Dividends Eligibility: Wartime veterans with ing, or other energy-conserving Eligibility: Policyholders of U.S. Gov- limited income who received a dis- measures. ernment Life Insurance plans. Veterans charge other than dishonorable and Veterans ineligible for a VA loan may Special Life Insurance plan, Veterans who served at least 90 days' service or be able to obtain a loan from the Fed- Reopened Insurance plans and some were discharged earlier because of a eral Housing Administration. National Service Life Insurance plans service-connected disability; veterans may receive dividends. No applicaion is who are totally and permanently dis- necessary because the dividends are abled as long as the disability didn't INSURANCE paid automatically on the anniversary result from willful misconduct; and date of the policy. Dividends are not veterans who are 65 years old or older Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance paid to Service Disabled policyholders and not working. Eligible veterans must Eligibility: Veterans separated from and certain National Service Life Insur- have served during the Mexican Border service on or after April , 1 95 , 25 1 who ance policyholders. Period, World War I, World War II, the are granted a service-connected disabil- Korean War, or the Vietnam era. Veter- ity but are in otherwise good health may Servicemen's Group Life Insurance ans with estates that can provide apply for service-disabled veterans Eligibility: All members of the armed adequate support are not eligible for VA insurance within one year from the date services, including cadets and midship- pensions. Under the old pension law notified the veteran of the service- VA men of the service academies are auto- before July 1, 1960, pension is not connected disability rating. matically insured for $50,000 unless payable to a veteran or surviving spouse Benefit: Life insurance of up to they state in writing that they do not whose annual income exceeds $6,435 $10,000 at standard rates. wish to participate, or they wish lower for a veteran or surviving spouse with coverage. Full-time SGLI coverage is no dependents, and $9,279 for a vet- Modified Life also provided to volunteers in the Ready eran or surviving spouse with depend- Eligibility: Effective May 1, 1965, a Reserves, persons eligible for assign- ents. The income of the veteran's Modified Life at age 65 insurance plan ment to the Retired Reserve and who spouse is not countable. became available to National Service have completed at least 20 years of Under the Section 306 pension Life Insurance policyholders. creditable retirement service. Part-time before Dec. 31, 1978, pension is not Benefit: The low premiums remain coverage may be provided to Reservists payable to a veteran or surviving spouse constant throughout the premium-pay- who do not qualify for full-time cover- whose annual income exceeds $7,351 ing period, but the face value reduces age. for a veteran or surviving spouse 28 AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE with no dependents, and $9,885 for yearly based on the Consumer Price VA, the pension is reduced to an amount a veteran or surviving spouse with Index. not in excess of $60 per month after two dependents. The income of the veter- Pensioners entitled to benefits as of full months of care. If furnished hospi- an's spouse is countable in certain Dec. 31, 1978, who do not elect to tal or nursing home care, the reduction instances. receive a pension under the improved will be after three full months of care, Under the improved pension plan, pension program continue to receive unless the hospital or nursing home pension is not payable to a veteran or pension benefits at the old rate as long care is continued to provide the veteran surviving spouse whose annual income as they remain permanently and totally with rehabilitation. Under the exceeds $6,463, and $8,466 for a vet- disabled, don't lose a dependent or their improved and section 306 pension eran or surviving spouse with depend- incomes do not exceed the adjusted plans, the pension is reduced to $60 per ents. The incomes of the spouse and income limitation. month after two full calendar months of children are countable. When a veteran without a spouse or domiciliary care, and after three full The income limits are increased a child is furnished domiciliary care by calendar months of hospital or nursing care. Under the old pension plan, the pension is reduced to $30 or 50 percent of the pension, whichever is greater, after six full months of domiciliary, hospital or nursing care. Improved Pension Rates Effective Dec. 1, 1988, the improved pension program awards eligible veter- ans annual payments based on the fol- lowing scale: Veterans without dependent spouse or child, $6,463. Veterans with one dependent, $8,466. Veterans in need of regular aid and attendance without dependents, $10,338. Veterans in need of regular aid and attendance with one dependent, $12,341. Veterans permanently housebound without dependents, $7,899. Veterans permanently housebound with one dependent, $9,902. Two veterans married to one another, $8,466. APPRENTICESHIP-On-the-y'ob train- THE GRADUATES— More than 20 million veterans have taken advantage of the ing is available through the Montgom- benefits of the Gl Bill since its in 1944. inception ery Gl Bill benefits. JULY 1989 29 is limited to specific categories of mili- tary personnel and veterans, except in the case of cremated remains to be placed in the columbarium. For infor- mation about burial in the Arlington National Cemetery, write the Superin- tendent, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA 22211, or call 1-202- 695-3253. Burial Flags An American flag is available to drape the casket of an eligible veteran. After the funeral ceremonies, the flag is given to the next of kin or a friend. VA also issues flags for veterans who are missing in action and presumed dead. Apply at any VA regional office or local post offices. Headstones or Grave Markers Eligibility: See eligibility for burial in national cemeteries. Benefit: The government will furnish a free headstone for any eligible veteran buried in private or national cemeteries. Headstones in national cemeteries are also available for immediate family IN GRATEFUL MEMORY— American flags are given to the next of kin or a friend members of veterans. The applicant of an eligible veteran, including veterans missing in action and presumed dead. must pay the cost of placing the marker in a private cemetery. For veterans of World War I and the payment not exceeding $150 for a plot Headstone or Grave Marker Mexican Border Period, add $1 ,461 to or interment also will be paid when the Monetary Allowance the applicable annual rate. For each veteran is not buried in a national Eligibility: The deceased must have additional dependent, add $1 ,098. cemetery or other cemeteries under been buried on or after Oct. 18, 1978. federal government jurisdiction. A claim must be filed within two years from the date of burial, purchase of the DEATH BENEFITS Burial in National Cemeteries headstone, or additional engraving, Eligibility: Military members who whichever is later. The claim must be died on active duty and veterans Service-Connected Veterans Burial who accompanied by a receipt. were discharged or separated from Allowance Benefit: VA pays an amount not to Eligibility: active duty under conditions other than Veterans who died as a exceed the average actual cost of a gov- result service-connected dishonorable are eligible to be buried in of disabilities. ernment headstone or marker as partial national cemeteries. Benefit: An amount not exceeding reimbursement for the cost incurred by Veterans active $1 ,500 will be paid for veterans' funeral who entered duty as the person acquiring a non-government will enlisted personnel after Sept. 7, 1980, and burial expenses. VA also pay headstone or marker for placement in a all veterans the cost of transporting the remains of and who entered active cemetery other than a national cemetery, duty after Oct. , serve deceased, service-connected disabled 16, 1981 must at or for additional engraving of the veter- least active veterans to the national cemetery near- 24 months of duty or the an's data on existing monuments. The est their home. period they were called to active duty, amount, which changes yearly, is cur- or have a hardship discharge or a serv- rently $80. Non-Service-Connected Burial and ice-connected disability. Plot Allowances Burial in a national cemetery also is Memorial Markers and Memorial Eligibility: Veterans entitled to pen- available to eligible spouses, unmarried Plots sions or compensation, or veterans who widows or widowers, minor children Eligibility: A memorial headstone or died while hospitalized or domiciled in and in some cases unmarried adult marker may be furnished on application a VA facility or another facility at VAs children. by the next of kin to commemorate any expense. Indigent veterans whose Applications for burial should be eligible veteran, including a person remains are unclaimed also may be made only at the time of death of the who died in active military service, eligible for a burial or plot allowance. veteran or that of an eligible dependent. whose remains have not been recovered Claims must be filed within two years Ordinarily this is done by the attending or identified, were buried at sea, of burial or cremation. funeral director. Burial in Arlington donated to science or were cremated Benefit: A payment not to exceed National Cemetery, which is under the and the ashes scattered without inter- $300 for burial expenses. An additional jurisdiction of the Department of Army, ment. 30 AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE Benefit: A memorial may be erected *There are special rates for certain per- charged for a service-connected disabil- in a private cemetery in a plot provided sons in these categories. ity and have received a discharge other by the applicant or in a memorial sec- than dishonorable. If the death occur- tion of a national cemetery. Reinstated Entitlement Program red in military service but not in the line for Survivors of duty, benefits may be payable if the Presidential Memorial Certificates Eligibility: Survivors of deceased vet- veteran completed at least two years of Presidential Memorial Certificates erans who died of service-connected honorable active service. are available to the next of kin of causes before Aug. 13, 1981 . The bene- Surviving spouses and unmarried deceased eligible veterans or persons fits are similar to the benefits for stu- children under 18, or up to 23 if attend- who were military members at time of dents and surviving spouses with chil- ing a VA-approved school, of deceased death. Eligible recipients include dren between the ages of 16 and 18 veterans with wartime or conflict serv- widow, widower, oldest child, parent, which were eliminated from the Social ice may be eligible for a pension based oldest sibling or friend. Notice of a Security Act. The amount of benefits is on need and income. veteran's death is normally received by based on information obtained from the Qualified children who become per- a VA regional office and the office iden- Social Security Administration. manently incapable of self-support tifies the next of kin from the veteran's because of a physical or mental defect records, and requests a certificate from Death Compensation Relating to before becoming 18 years old may the National Cemetery System, Wash- Deaths Before Jan. 1, 1957 receive a pension as long as the condi- ington, D.C. Eligibility: Surviving spouses, unmar- tion exists, or until they marry. Also, a surviving spouse who is a patient in a nursing home or determined SURVIVORS' BENEFITS to need regular aid and attendance of another person or is permanently Dependency and Indemnity housebound may be entitled to higher Compensation benefits. Pensions are not payable to Eligibility: DIC payments are author- those with estates large enough to sup- ized to surviving spouses, unmarried MItIany port the survivors. children under 18, helpless children, Benefit: The death pension is gener- children between the ages 18 and 23 employment ally payable monthly, and annual pay- attending a VA-approved school and ments are reduced by the amount of some parents of service personnel, or benefits are annual, countable income of the surviv- veterans who died because of a service- offered bythe ing spouse and dependent children. The connected disability or while on active annual payments range from $4,331 for or inactive duty for training. Also eligi- labor department a surviving spouse without dependent ble are spouses of veterans who died children to $8,267 for a surviving because of a non-service-connected through state spouse in need of regular aid and atten- reason, if they were continuously rated dance with one dependent child. For totally disabled for 10 or more years, each is employment additional child, another $ 1 ,098 or five or more years from military added to the annual payment. discharge. OFFICES. If death occurs after service, the Survivors' and Dependents' Education veteran must have received an other Eligibility: Generally, survivors of than dishonorable discharge for family deceased veterans, spouses of living members to qualify for compensation, veterans and children of either, attend- and the death cannot be the result of ing school between the ages of 18 and willful misconduct. ried children under 18, certain helpless 26, when the veteran dies or suffers Benefit: Monthly DIC payments children, and children between 18 and permanent and total disability which based on the military pay grade of the 23 who are attending a VA-approved was the result of military service after veteran are: school, and dependent parents of serv- April 21, 1898, are eligible. Spouses icemen and women or veterans who and children of servicemen who were PAY MONTHLY PAY MONTHLY died before Jan. 1, 1957, from a serv- missing in action, captured, forcibly GRADE RATES GRADE RATES ice-connected cause that was not will- detained or interned in the line of duty E-l $539 W-4 $773 ful misconduct. by a foreign power for more than 90 E-2 $555 O-l $682 Benefit: Monthly payments. How- days also are eligible. The period of E-3 $570 0-2 $704 ever, survivors may opt for Dependency eligibility extends to 10 years from the E-4 $606 0-3 $754 and Indemnity Compensation pay- date the veteran was first found to have E-5 $622 0-4 $797 ments which generally pay greater a service-connected, total disability, or E-6 $636 0-5 $879 rates, especially for surviving spouses from the date of the service-connected E-7 $667 0-6 $991 and children. death of the veteran, whichever is later. E-8 $704 0-7 $1,071 Eligibility ends on a child's 26th birth- E-9* $735 0-8 $1,174 Non-Service-Connected Death day. W-l $682 0-9 $1,259 Pension Benefit: In addition to educational W-2 $709 O-IO* $1,381 Eligibility: The veteran must have had assistance granted to family members W-3 $730 90 days wartime service unless dis- Please turn to page 62 JULY 1989 31 THE AMERICAN Through the Legion's services and programs, 2.9 million Legionnaires LEGION help themselves while helping Serves You others. OR the past 70 years, four generations of Legion- naires have been bound together by the Preamble of The American Legion Constitution: For God and Country, we associate ourselves together for the following purposes: To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States ofAmerica; to maintain law and order; to foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism; to present the memories and incidents ofour associations in the Great Wars; to incul- cate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation; to combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses; to make right the master ofmight; to promote peace and good will on earth; to safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles ofjustice, freedom and democ- racy; to consecrate and sanctify our com- radeship by our devotion to mutual helpful- ness. Lofty goals, indeed, yet they are meaningless words without the cor- responding deeds that give them sub- stance. The American Legion's 2.9 million members and 1 . 1 million mem- bers of the American Legion Auxiliary, Eight and Forty, and Sons of The Amer- ican Legion manifest their devotion to those goals every day through their selfless deeds in every corner of this great nation. When each of us joined The Amer- ican Legion, we publicly affirmed our commitment to God and Country. Our fellow Americans recognize the blue, white and red caps of The American Legion as symbols of patriotism; obli- Please turn to page 34 AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE BUILDING COMMUNITY TIES AS a tax-exempt organization, The goods donated to 287,000 needy American Legion is not operated children. to make profits from products or serv- • Donated about $10 million to ices and must exist for the public children and youth programs. good. To illustrate the Legion's value • Sponsored more than 5,000 to the nation, Legion officials rely youths in The American Legion heavily on Consolidated Post Reports, Oratorical Contest at a cost of more which are among the most important than $237,000. documents Legion Posts complete • Sponsored 8,600 color guard, each year. firing squad, drum and bugle corps, The CPR records the millions of band and drill team units at a cost of dollars and volunteer hours that nearly $2 million. Legion Posts spend helping veterans, • Awarded more than 10,000 needy Americans and the nation's ROTC medals. children. • Conducted Legion firearm safety "Many Legionnaires don't fully programs at a cost of more than realize how much they mean to their $105,000. communities," said Herman G. Har- • Developed crime resistance pro- rington, chairman of the Internal grams with local law agencies. Affairs Commission. "The CPR • Assisted the Red Cross in disaster shows what a difference they make in relief projects. their hometowns, states and the • Conducted fire protection — pro- nation." CARING Legionnaires worked grams. more than 1.1 million hours to help Legion officials cite' the CPR • Promoted Americanism in their sick and disabled veterans. during their testimony before House communities. and Senate committees to support the These impressive statistics would organization's non-profit postal not be available if it were not for the status, and its tax-exempt status, and The Consolidated CPR, which creates for the Legion a to document its saving enormous con- Post Reports prove positive image on Capitol Hill and tributions which, in the absence of the brings national attention to Post Legion, would be paid for by Amer- our community involvement in their communities. ican taxpayers. For example: The National Commander also uses • involvement and Because the Legion donated $1.7 the CPR to support Legion positions million in cash aid to veterans last provide legislative when he testifies on veterans' issues year, those needy veterans were less in Congress. tax- dependent on government and ammunition on However, the CPR is not only payer money. important in Washington, but also it is Capitol Hill. • By Legionnaires devoting more used to inform Post members how than volunteer • .• • :•. to : 1.14 million hours .. . r their dues are being spent. care for sick and disabled veterans in Impressive as the CPR statistics VA hospitals, the government saved involved in cancer research and are, however, they tally about half of what it would have had to pay for more helping disabled children. the tireless and selfless efforts of nurses and hospital workers. • Donated 109,000 pints of blood. Legionnaires across the nation. Last • In helping to find jobs or job • Spent $2.5 million to send more year, only 53 percent of the Posts sub- training for 71,000 veterans, Legion than 1 8 ,000 young men to Boys State. mited reports. That means 1 million Posts helped reduce the number of • Sponsored more than 8,000 members and their activities are not unemployed and dislocated veterans American Legion Baseball and other represented in the current CPR. and bolstered economic growth. athletic teams at a cost of $8 million. Post Commanders are encouraged to Legion Posts also: • Presented scholastic achievement submit their reports to National Head- • Volunteered more than 2 million awards to more than 20,000 students quarters by June 15 annually. Regard- hours of community service at an esti- at a cost of more than $779,000. less of the number of programs in which mated cost of more than $5.4 million. • Sponsored Boy Scout troops for a Post is involved, all Post reports are • Awarded $2 million in student 52,000 boys at a cost of more than vital to provide America with a com- scholarships. $1.3 million. plete picture of the achievements of • Gave $7 million to the United • Spent more than $4 million in The American Legion and of its com- Fund, Red Cross and organizations cash aid, clothes, food and other mitment to God and Country. JULY 1989 33 gation to community, veterans and their information, along with recommenda- families; and devotion to the whole- tions for improvements, is submitted to some development of children. VA officials and Congress. When we erect monuments and Burial Services. Post Service Offi- decorate the graves of our fallen com- cers assist survivors of veterans in rades, we remind our countrymen of .MERICAN A obtaining burial benefits from VA. the heroic sacrifices and of the horrors Many Posts have color guards and of war. As veterans, we know that war Legion Service burial details to provide military burial is diplomacy failed. That is why Legion- Officers can save services for veterans. For more infor- naires in their communities and Legion mation, contact your nearest American spokesmen in the nation's capital con- veterans time ' nation's defense Legion Post. tinue to monitor the frustration posture and encourage our nation to and VA Claims Assistance. Legion follow a policy of "peace through when filing claims. Department and Post Service Officers strength." provide information and assistance to We take pride in being Legionnaires veterans, their dependents and sur- because we know that only a select service to veterans depends on Depart- vivors in preparing VA claims for death group of Americans have earned the ment, District and Post Service Offi- and disability compensation, pensions, right to be one. The Legionnaires in cers who usually are the first to be con- burial benefits, education and employ- 16,000 Posts make a difference in tacted by veterans and their families. ment assistance, medical care and other America. We have a right to brag, but Service Officers are responsible for veterans' entitlements. we let the myriad services and pro- notifying all veterans and dependents grams of The American Legion do the How To File A Claim. Any veteran or of their rights and benefits granted by talking for us. spouse who has been through the proc- law. In support of Service Officers, the ess knows that it takes a lot of patience, Legion publishes the ''Manual for Post paperwork and perseverance to file a Service Officers, " which is updated AMERICAN LEGION SERVICES claim for VA benefits. annually. To receive a copy, write to the Seeking early help from an American The cornerstone of The American Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Legion Service Officer can save time Legion's service to our nation's veter- Division, The American Legion, and frustration. All Legion Depart- ans is the Veterans Affairs and Rehabili- 1608 K St., NW, Washington, DC ments (see page and most Posts tation program. Armed with Legion 20006. 38) mandates, the Legion's Washington have Service Officers, and a Legion staff continually petitions Congress and Field Service. Legion field represen- Service Officer is located at each VA VA, and testifies on Capitol Hill to tatives regularly make site visits to VA regional office (see page 19). ensure that the government keeps its medical facilities across the country to As a veteran or a spouse, you are not promises to veterans. gather information on the quality of required to be a Legionnaire to have a But the effectiveness of the Legion's medical care provided to veterans. This Department or Post Service Officer represent you. You must, however, grant the Service Officer power of attor- ney by completing VA Form 23-22, which also authorizes the Service Officer access to your VA records. The Service Officer will help you obtain the necessary forms to be sub- mitted with your claim, or you can get them at any VA regional office or medi- cal facility. The first requirement in filing a claim is to prove that you are a veteran. The most common proofs are the dis- charge certificate and DD-214, a state- ment of your military service. If you cannot locate them, a Legion Service Officer can assist you in requesting an official copy of these and other service records from the National Personnel Records Center, St. Louis. The next step is to gather all docu- ments and evidence to support your claim. Depending on the benefits that you are seeking, other required docu- ments may include: marriage, birth or PEOPLE'S VOICE-Eac/i year, about 18,000 young men learn how government divorce decree; state- works through participation in the Boys State Program. death certificates; Please turn to page 36 34 AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE THE AMERICAN LEGION FAMILY AS indispensable members of the Legion family, the American Legion Auxiliary, Eight and Forty, and Sons of The American Legion comprise another 1 . 1 million volunteers who contribute significantly to their communities and the nation. Last year, the Auxiliary raised- more than $20 million for veterans and children. Since its inception at its first National Convention in 1921 , the Auxiliary, which now numbers 1 mil- lion members, has continued "to con- tribute to the accomplishment of the aims and purposes of The American Legion," as stated in its Preamble. Auxiliary membership is open to wives, daughters, granddaughters, mothers and sisters of Legionnaires; and mothers, sisters, wives and female descendants of honorably discharged veterans from World War I , World War LEGION PARTNERS— To raise money for veterans, last year the Auxiliary sold II, the Korean War or the Vietnam 9.4 million poppies, a perennial program of theirs. War, or those who died in service. The Auxiliary's contributions to the nation and local communities are The Eight and Forty, officially known shopping trips and fishing trips. embodied in such programs as: as La Boutique des Huit Chapeaux et • Child Welfare Foundation. Last • The Children and Youth Program. Quarante Femmes, has about 22,000 year, SAL contributed more than During 1987-88, the Auxiliary members, whose major fund-raising $54,000 to the Child Welfare Founda- devoted 1 . 1 million volunteer hours efforts support: tion, which provides annual grants to and donated $4.2 million to needy • Scholarships to train graduate organizations that benefit children. children. nurses to treat cystic fibrosis and other Many of SAL's activities support • Girls State/Girls Nation. About lung diseases. During 1987-88, the the programs and fund-raisers of the 30,000 high school girls participated Eight and Forty awarded 2,500 schol- 3,700 Legion Posts that sponsor SAL in leadership and civics programs arships worth $50,000. squadrons. sponsored by the Auxiliary, and 98 • The National Jewish Center in SAL membership is open to sons, girls from Girls State attended Girls Denver. The Eight and Forty donated adopted sons, stepsons and other male Nation in Washington, D.C. , last year. $50,000 to the center to provide medi- descendants of American Legion • Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation. cal care and equipment for children members or honorably discharged One of the primary functions of the with cystic fibrosis. World War I , World War II , the Korean Auxiliary is to assist in the rehabilita- The 100,000 members of the Sons War, or the Vietnam War, or those who tion of veterans. Auxiliary members of The American Legion help their died in the service. volunteered almost 3 million hours to communities and veterans through improve the lives of veterans and their such programs as: INTERESTED IN JOINING? families. • Say No To Drugs. SAL squadrons For further information on these • Education. Auxiliary members sponsor programs and produce organizations, contact a local Amer- believe the youth of America deserve brochures to educate children and ican Legion Post or write to: the best education possible. The parents about the dangers of drug use. National Headquarters, American Auxiliary last year provided more • Veterans Rehabilitation. SAL Legion Auxiliary, 777 N. Meridian St. Indianapolis, IN 46204. than $1 million for scholarships. members made 1 ,500 visits to VA , As a subsidiary of the Auxiliary, hospitals during 1987-88, volunteer- Mrs. May Malone, National Secre- taire-Cassiere, Eight and Forty, Eight and Forty membership is lim- ing more than 21,500 hours, and 4325 S.W. Fifth St., Miami, FL 33134. ited to women who have been donated $69,000 to VA hospitals and Sons of The American Legion, Auxiliary members for at least three veterans homes. During visits, SAL P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN years and who have performed out- members conducted bingo games and 46206. standing service to the organization. card parties, and organized picnics, JULY 1989 35 — merits from employers explaining the ment agencies, and will ask your per- of overpayments and reimbursement of effect your disability or injury has had mission to review your medical unauthorized medical services. on job performance; "buddy state- records. The staff of the Legion's Appeals ments" from people who witnessed As your accredited representative, Unit in Washington provides representa- events that relate to your claim; or doc- the Service Officer reviews all rating tion in all appeals in which The Amer- tors' statements that provide details decisions and information related to the ican Legion holds power of attorney. about the injury or treatments relating case, including all correspondence VA The records are reviewed and a written to your claim. sends you. At your request, the Service brief on each case is prepared. The burden of proof rests on you, so Officer will make inquiries about your If you seek a personal hearing before you should provide as much detail as claim without interrupting the claims the BVA, a Legion representative will possible. Include all times, dates and process. He may also seek additional appear with you. A decision by the places, and encourage doctors, employ- information about your medical back- BVA will usually take several months. ers and witnesses to be thorough in ground from other sources such as the If you believe the BVA has made an their written statements. Department of Defense. The Legion error in its decision, the Service Officer If you need to locate witnesses to also employs medical consultants to at the VA regional office will help you support your claim, ask a Legion Serv- assist Service Officers with medical prepare a request for an expanded sec- ice Officer for a Legion SWF Form, questions and evidence. tion of the BVA to reconsider your case. Request For Search For Witness In Sup- If the claim is denied at the regional Your case records will be returned to port Of A Veteran's Claim. After com- office and you wish to pursue the case, Washington where the Legion's Appeal pleting the form, send it to your Depart- the Service Officer will assist you (or Unit will make a further review and ment Service Officer. The completed your next of kin) in obtaining appeals present the case to the BVA. form will then be sent to the Legion's hearings at both the regional level and P.L. 100-687 (see page 48) estab- VA & R Division in Washington, D.C. before the Board of Veterans Appeals lished the U.S. Court of Veterans VA & R will process your request and (BVA) in Washington, D.C. Appeals, which will consider certain forward it to The American Legion cases where claims were denied by the Magazine, which will publish it in the How To Appeal A Denied Claim. If BVA. To receive a hearing before the "Comrades In Distress" column. Power your claim is denied by VA and you new court, a veteran must have applied of attorney must be given to the Legion want to appeal a decision, a Legion for benefits, been denied by a VA before CID notices can be published. Service Officer will assist you in filing regional office, filed a notice of dis- Before you submit your claim to the the proper appeals forms and in obtain- agreement on or after Nov. 18, 1988, VA regional office, get copies of all ing a hearing before the VA regional and been denied by the BVA. Other documents certified by a Legion Serv- office. If you seek further appeals, the previously denied claims can reach the ice Officer or a VA benefits counselor. Service Officer will assist you in filing court by reopening the cases. They will check your claims application an appeal to the BVA. You have one The court will not review cases unless and supporting documents for com- year to file an appeal. there is a clear and obvious error of fact pleteness. Always submit copies and Not all cases can be appealed, but an or law, or a question of constitutionality keep the originals. In processing the appeal to the BVA can be made in cases of the VA law. The new court will review claim, VA usually obtains service involving compensation and pensions, only the case records that went before records and reports from other govern- education benefits, waiver of recovery the BVA. No new evidence can be pre- sented. Criteria for representing veterans before the CVA has not been published as we went to press. Discharge Review Assistance. The American Legion represents veterans seeking to change or correct their mili- tary discharge status or personnel rec- ords. The Legion's network of Service Officers and accredited representatives will assist in preparing your case for review by military Discharge Review Boards (DRBs) or the Boards for the Correction of Military and Naval Records (BCMR). DRBs have the authority to upgrade military discharges and change the reasons for your military separation. The statute creating DRBs was part of the GI Bill of Rights enacted in 1944, which was written, sponsored and sup- ported by The American Legion. You should contact a Service Officer if you STRAIGHT TALK Legionnaires speak at schools about the dangers of drug abuse, representation at a per- and the Legion publishes a pamphlet on how to detect and prevent drug abuse. want Legion sonal hearing before DRBs. 36 AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE As the title suggests, BCMRs correct errors or injustices in military records. BCMRs consider a wide range of issues, including entitlement to disability retirement rather than retirement based on length of service, the Survivor's Benefit Plan, medals and awards, Reserve retirement pay, and line-of- duty determinations in disability cases. A Service Officer also can help you receive Legion representation at a per- sonal hearing before the BCMRs. AMERICAN LEGION PROGRAMS VA Hospitals. Department and Posts contribute ambulances, wheelchairs, televisions and other equipment to VA hospitals. In addition to providing trans- portation for veterans to and from VA hospitals, many Legionnaires donate OLD GLORY— The Legion's Flag Education Program instills patriotism in our nation's youth by teaching flag etiquette at schools. thousands of hours of service to patients under the VAs Voluntary Service pro- gram (see page 16). Other Posts pro- vide similar programs and services for assistance are unavailable. Mainte- help for readjustment or psychological community hospitals. Some Depart- nance grants can be made for shelter, problems. In addition, the Legion has ments, such as Kentucky, have estab- clothing, food, utilities and other basic applied for a grant to provide counsel- lished a program in which Posts open necessities of life. Health-care grants ing and other services for Vietnam vet- their doors to VA mobile clinics so that are for hospitalization, pharmacy serv- erans (and their families) suffering veterans who lack transportation or live ices, surgery, dental care and other from the effects of Agent Orange or in remote areas can still receive locally professional services. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (see the medical care they need. Another Although TFA is directed primarily page 46). program that has long been adopted by to the needs of the children, the whole Aid To Disabled Veterans. The Posts is The Gifts For Yanks Who Gave family benefits. Membership in the American Legion Endowment Fund program, which benefits veterans in VA was established in 1925 as a perpetual hospitals. trust to secure continued Legion serv- Veterans Employment. The Legion's ices for disabled veterans and their Jobs for Veterans program calls on A children. Today, more than $7 million is Departments and Posts to promote full held in trust, and the interest gained from re- employment of all veterans. The pro- AYnnual investments supports the Legion's and gram features three national awards awordsfor na- habilitation program for veterans honoring employers with excellent rec- the Children & Youth program. ords in hiring the disabled, older workers tional and depart- and other veterans. On the grassroots NATIONAL SECURITY level, Posts work closely with Job Serv- ment oratorical ice offices and conduct job fairs, which contest winners The deep-rooted interest of The bring potential employer and employee American Legion in the security of the together. Other programs are designed total $138W0. nation goes back to its earliest years. to get the estimated 150,000 to 650,000 Legionnaires have a vested interest in homeless veterans off the streets and an adequate defense establishment ca- into jobs. The Department of Pennsyl- Legion is not a requirement to qualify pable of protecting the sovereignty of vania, for example, bought housing and for If veteran with TFA funds. you are a the United States. The collective objec- cooperates with in operating the needs VA wartime service and your family tive of The American Legion dealing facility as a shelter for homeless vet- temporary relief that you cannot get with National Security is to maintain or erans discharged hospitals. a local from VA elsewhere, you should contact restore the strategic, conventional and Legion Post or write to the 'National industrial strength of the United States Temporary Financial Assistance. Children and Youth Division, The to a position of world pre-eminence. Since 1926, The American Legion has American Legion, P.O. Box 1055, Indi- Among Legion National Security pro- provided more than $3 million in emer- anapolis, IN 46206. grams are: gency cash assistance to needy veterans and their families. TFA provides main- Veterans Outreach. Many Depart- Crime Prevention. Since 1975, The tenance and health-care grants based ments and Posts provide referral pro- American Legion has supported a on a family's needs when other forms of grams for Vietnam veterans needing Please him to page 40 JULY 1989 DEPARTMENT SERVICE OFFICERS MONG the 2.9 million indemnity compensation, emergency work of service to veterans. The PSO Legionnaires, none are military retirement pay, insurance, counsels veterans and assists them in more important than the burial allowance, vocational rehabilita- preparing VA claims and in obtaining Department Service Off- tion, education and training, war the necessary supporting evidence. icers and their counter- orphans' educational assistance, loans When the claims forms are com- parts at the Post, County and many other benefits. pleted, they are forwarded to the DSO, and District levels. The DSOs are well versed in the reg- who is The American Legion's accred- Department Service ulations and operations of VA, the ited representative for presenting Officers, who normally Department of Defense, Labor Depart- claims to VA. are located in VA regional offices, are ment and state offices that assist veter- The services provided by DSOs, employed or appointed by American ans. In some states where there is a PSOs and County and District Service Legion Departments to assist veterans large concentration of veterans, there Officers are free to all veterans, even if and their families in obtaining VA and may be more than one VA regional they are not members of The American other veterans' benefits. office and more than one DSO Legion. They help veterans or their next of At the community level, the Post Following are the names and addres- kin file for disability and death com- Service Officer is the vital link in The ses of American Legion Department pensation, pensions, dependency and American Legion's nationwide net- Service Officers: ALABAMA James L. Fitzgerald DELAWARE A. V. Akin, Jr. (Bubba) Robert Carter Supervising Claims Representative Billy Hughes Dept. Service Officer Dept. Service Officer The American Legion Dept. Service Officer The American Legion The American Legion 211 Main St., Rm 1211 The American Legion 140 Story St. County Activities Bldg. San Francisco, CA 94105 1601 Kirkwood Highway Ashburn, GA 31714 P.O. Box 401 (415) 397-0494 Elsmere (912) 567-2431 Troy, AL 36081 Wilmington, DE 19805 (205) 566-1780 Teri A. Lotze (302) 998-9448 HAWAII Supervising Claims Rep. Arthur F Doll The American Legion Dept. Service Officer ALASKA DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA The American Legion, c/o VARO c/oVARO, Rm209 Cleveland Jordan (Acting Chief) John L. FitzSimons Del Rio North P.O.Box 50188 2022 Camino Officer Dept. Service Officer Dept. Service Honolulu, HI 96850 San Diego, CA 92108 The American Legion The American Legion 541-3409 (619) 557-5718 c/oVARO, 1211F (808) 235 E. Eighth Ave. Rm 941 N. Capitol St., NE Anchorage, AK 99501 CANADA IDAHO 276-8211 Washington, D.C. 20421 (907) Theodore Snow James Dubois (202) 737-5050 Dept. Service Officer Dept. Service Officer ARIZONA The American Legion The American Legion, c/o VARO Arthur W. Brest 7044 141 st St. FLORIDA Federal Bldg. & U.S. Courthouse Dept. Service Officer Surrey, B.C. George E. Calder 550 W. Fort St. The American Legion, c/o VA V3W6L4 Dept. Service Officer Box 044, Room 789 3225 N. Central, Rm 421 (604) 591-2185 The American Legion Boise, ID 83724 Phoenix, AZ 85012 P.O. Box 1437 (208) 334-1245 277-8052 (602) COLORADO St. Petersburg, FL 33731 John C.Wilson (813) 898-4443 ILLINOIS ARKANSAS Dept. Service Officer John Cryan American Legion Director of Rehabilitation Hershel Gober, Director The FRANCE c/oVARO, Box 25126 The American Legion, c/o VARO Dept. of Vet. Affairs Eugene W. Gibbs Federal Building c/oVARO, Box 1280 44 Union Blvd. PSC RO. Box 6977 Denver, CO 80225 536 S. Clark St. North Little Rock, AR 72115 APO NY 09633-5423 Chicago, IL 60605 (501)370-3820 (303) 980-2810 (312) 353-2615 CONNECTICUT GEORGIA CALIFORNIA Paul Pobuda Robert S. Turner INDIANA Al Krank Dept. Service Officer Dept. Service Officer for Claims James R. Shearer Dept. Service Officer The American Legion The American Legion Dept. Service Officer The American Legion Federal Building, Rm 105 c/oVARO, Rm215 The American Legion, c/o VARO 11000 Wilshire Blvd. 450 Main St. 730 Peachtree St., NE 575 N. Pennsylvania St. Los Angeles, CA 90024 Hartford, CT 061 03 Atlanta, GA 30365 Indianapolis, IN 46204 (213) 473-6534, 6535 (203) 240-3350, 3347 (404) 347-3484 (317) 226-7918 IOWA MEXICO Chester W. Howard c/o VA Medical Center H.Valore Likens, Jr. Paul M. Badgley Dept. Service Officer 3200 Vine St. Dept. Service Officer RO. Box 3087 The American Legion Cincinnati, OH 45220 The American Legion ABMC Mexico 813 Griffith Ave. (513) 559-5030 1033 A Federal Bldg. Laredo, TX 78044 Las Vegas, NV 89104 210 Walnut St. 211-00-42 Ext. 3202 (702) 384-1579 Robert W. Gainer Des Moines, IA 50309 Dept. Service Officer (515) 284-4539 MICHIGAN NEW HAMPSHIRE The American Legion, c/o VA Robert VanHill Keith G. Fleury 1240 E. Ninth St., Rm 1017-D Director of Rehabilitation Dept. Service Officer Cleveland, OH 44199 ITALY The American Legion, c/oVARO The American Legion, c/oVARO (216) 522-3504 Vincent G. McAloon Patrick V. McNamara Bldg. Rm 1210 Norris Cotton Federal Bldg. Director of Rehabilitation 477 Michigan Ave., at Cass 275 Chestnut St. John F. Claggett Via Fara Sabina 2 Detroit, Ml 48226 Manchester, NH 03101 Dept. Service Officer Scala B, int. 9 The American (313) 964-6640, 6641, 6642 (603) 666-7658, 7627 Legion 00199 Rome, Italy RO. Box 335, VA Center MINNESOTA NEW JERSEY Dayton, OH 45428 KANSAS Lyle r. Foltz (513) 268-6511, Ext. 2966 Raymond L. Zawacki Kenneth L. Harms Director of Rehabilitation Dept. Service Officer State Service Director OKLAHOMA The American Legion, Rm 174 The American Legion, c/o VARO The American Legion, c/oVARO I rvin Walker Ft. Snelling Federal Bldg. 20 Washington Place 901 George Washington Blvd. Dept. Claims Officer St. Paul, MN 55111 Newark, NJ 07102 Wichita, KS 67211 The American Legion (612) 726-9313 (201)623-6298 (316) 267-1977 Federal Building 125 S. Main MISSISSIPPI NEW MEXICO KENTUCKY Adrian Grice, Manager Muskogee, OK 74401 Luis B. Madrid William A. Metcalf The American Legion Claims Office (918) 687-2426 Dept. Service Officer Dept. Service Officer McCoy Federal Bldg., Rm 120 The American Legion, c/o VARO 100 W. Capitol St. OREGON The American Legion 500 Gold S.W. Jackson, MS 39269 Carl E. Williamson c/oVA, Rm136J Albuquerque, NM 87102 600 Martin Luther King Jr. Place (601)965-4820 Dept. Service Officer (505) 766-3473 Louisville, KY 40202 The American Legion 1220 (502) 582-5852 E. L. Reeves NEWYORK S.W. Third Ave. Dept. Service Officer Portland, OR 97204 Anthony Druzbik The American Legion (503) 221-2616 LOUISIANA Dept. Service Officer RO. Drawer 410 John F. Scorsone The American Legion Tylertown, MS 39667 PANAMA Dept. Service Officer Federal Building (601)876-3534 Edwin Warley The American Legion 111 W. Huron St. Dept. Service Officer LDVA Claims Office Buffalo, NY 14202 MISSOURI The American Legion RO. Box 52438 (716) 846-5101 P.O. Box 184 New Orleans, LA 70152-2438 Gary W. Jones Service Officer Escazu - 1250 (504) 568-4946 Dept. Daniel F. O'Sullivan The American Legion San Jose, Costa Rica Dept. Service Officer c/oVA, Rm 4027 Central America MAINE The American Legion, c/o VARO 1520 Market St. Robert A. Owen 252 Seventh Ave. St. Louis, MO 63103 PENNSYLVANIA Dept. Service Officer New York, NY 10001 (314) 539-3181 Robert M. Krepps The American Legion 620-6317 (212) Dept. Service Officer C/oVARO, Box 411 MONTANA The American Legion Togus, ME 04330 NORTH CAROLINA Frank L. Kankelborg RO. Box 13399 (207) 623-8411 John B.Tyndall Dept. Service Officer Wissahickon Ave., & Manheim St. Dept. Service Officer The American Legion Philadelphia, PA 19101 The American Legion 951-5605 MARYLAND Fort Harrison VA Center (215) c/oVA, Rm 424 Earl Wright Fort Harrison, MT 59636 251 N. Main St. Charles A. Zeglin Dept. Service Officer (406) 442-6410, Ext. 270 Winston-Salem, NC 27102 Dept. Service Officer The American Legion (919) 761-3471 The American Legion The War Memorial NEBRASKA Federal Building Baltimore, MD 21202 Jim B. Hurlbert NORTH DAKOTA 1000 Liberty Ave. (301)962-4700 Dept. Service Officer The American Legion, c/oVA John N. Berge Pittsburgh, PA 15222 1000 Centennial Mall North Dept. Service Officer (412) 644-6792 MASSACHUSETTS Lincoln, NE 68508 The American Legion Ralph E. Woodward (402) 437-5021, 5022 Box 2666 Daniel C. Cunningham Dept. Service Officer Fargo, ND 58108 Dept. Service Officer The American Legion NEVADA (701)293-3120 The American Legion John F Kennedy Bldg. Robert G. Mayhew 19-27 N. Main St. Government Center Commissioner for Vet. Affairs OHIO Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701 Rm E-313 1201 Terminal Way Franklin D. Lemons (717) 824-0911 Boston, MA 02203 Reno, NV 89520 Dept. Service Officer (617) 565-2591, 92, 93 (702) 789-0155 The American Legion Continued on next page JULY 1989 39 national crime prevention program developed by the FBI and the Police Foundation. Legionnaires and local DEPARTMENT SERVICE OFFICERS Posts are urged to publicize in their communities, with the cooperation of local police, what ordinary citizens can William Pinamonti The American Legion, c/o VARO to Dept. Service Officer 1400 N.Valley Mills Drive do discourage crime and avoid The American Legion Waco, TX 76799 becoming its victims. The American P.O. Box 2324 (817) 757-6890 Legion's National Security-Foreign Harrisburg, PA 17105-2324 Relations Division offers a free 16-page (717) 763-7801 UTAH booklet of common-sense tips on how Duane S. Willis to prevent crime at home, on the road, PHILIPPINE ISLANDS Dept. Service Officer in the streets, on vacation, and how to Dept. Service Officer The American Legion handle objectionable phone calls. To The American Legion 125 S. State St. receive a copy, write to The National U.S. Embassy Office Bldg. Salt Lake City, UT 84138 Security-Foreign Relations Division, 1131 Roxas Blvd. (801) 524-5943 Legion, 1608 St. Manila, PI 2801 The American K , NW, (521)7116x2546 VERMONT Washington, DC 20006. Milton Willis Jr. PUERTO RICO Dept. Service Officer Fire Protection/Prevention. A re- Angel Noriega The American Legion lated program concerned with fire pro- Dept. Service Officer VA Center tection and prevention was authorized The American Legion White River Jet., VT 05001 by the 65th National Convention. An Eighth St. #82-C (802) 295-9363, Ext. 301 orange-colored booklet was published Saint Just, Puerto Rico 00750 to provide Legionnaires with VIRGINIA many hints RHODE ISLAND Samuel M. Black helpful designed to decrease the John E. Tatro Sr. Dept. Service Officer risk of becoming a victim of fire. Dept. Service Officer The American Legion The American Legion, c/oVARO 210 Franklin Road, S.W. Foreign Relations. The Foreign Rela- 380 Westminster Mall Roanoke, VA 24011 tions program provides an opportunity Providence, Rl 02903 (703) 982-7104 for Legionnaires to help shape U.S. for- (401)528-4409 eign policy so that our freedoms will be WASHINGTON preserved and protected. The large SOUTH CAROLINA William R. Wallace membership and wide reach of the Billie J. Sams Dept. Service Officer Legion opens doors in the Executive State Service Officer The American Legion and Legislative branches for Legion 227 Brown Bldg. New Federal Bldg. Rm 1044 input on many vital issues, including 1205 Pendleton St. 915 Second Ave. Columbia, SC 29201 Seattle, WA 98174 U.S. -Soviet relations, arms control, (803) 734-0200 (206) 442-7043 accounting for POW/MIAs and Central America. SOUTH DAKOTA WESTVIRGINIA ~ James Deremo John W. Moon EDUCATION State Service Officer Director of Veterans Affairs SD Div. of Veterans Affairs 605 Atlas Building As founder of American Education c/oVARO, RO. Box 5046 Charleston, WV 25301 Week in 1921 , The American Legion Sioux Falls, SD 57117 (304) 348-3661 has long had a commitment to quality (605) 336-3230, Ext. 6100 American education. The Legion be- WISCONSIN lieves a strong education program is an TENNESSEE Lee E. Murry Dept. of Veterans Affairs Dept. Service Officer important part of maintaining American Claims Division, Rm A310 The American Legion, c/o VARO traditions and instilling in our young 110 Ninth Ave. South Veterans Administration Center people a sense of civic obligation and Nashville, TN 37203 P.O. Box 6 responsibility. Programs include: (615) 736-5348 Milwaukee, Wl 53295 (414) 671-8245,8246 Need A Lift? The Legion annually TEXAS publishes the booklet "Need A Lift?" Jose A. Villarreal WYOMING and distributes it directly to America's Dept. Service Officer John W. Hopkins high schools, and through Departments The American Legion, c/o VARO Dept. Service Officer to Posts and Auxiliary Units so they 2515 Murworth Drive The American Legion, c/o VARO may offer students information on Houston, TX 77054 2360 E. Pershing Blvd. scholarships and financial assistance (713) 660-4216 Cheyenne, WY 82001 that is available for higher education. (307) 778-7342 Grady "Wes" Vaughn The book emphasizes scholarships Dept. Service Officer for children of deceased or disabled vet- erans, but the book's goal is to help all students find financial help to further 40 AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE their education. To obtain a copy of the book, contact your local Legion Post or send $2 to National Emblem Sales, The American Legion, P.O. Box 1050, Indi- anapolis, IN 46206. Educational Assistance Program. As an adjunct to "Need A Lift?, " The American Legion will soon join with National College Services Ltd. and the Indiana National Bank to provide an electronic scholarship search and loan outreach for students wishing to attend college or graduate school. For more information write to: The Americanism and Children & Youth Division, P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206. School Awards. The Legion's School Awards Program emphasizes courage, honor, leadership, patriotism, scholar- ship and service. In support of the pro- DOUBLE PLAY— American Legion Posts sponsored more than 79,000 boys in gram, Posts present medals, plaques Legion Baseball last year at a cost of more than $8 million. and certificates to the most outstanding boys and girls of graduating classes in and math skills, either one-to-one or in Codes and "Let's Be Right on Flag elementary schools, junior and senior groups. Etiquette" pamphlets to local schools high schools and colleges. Contact the Posts and Units can receive help in and youth groups as a community serv- nearest Legion Post for further informa- establishing a Volunteer Literacy pro- ice. Many Posts also provide flags for tion. gram by writing Laubach Literacy Inter- schools and public buildings. The national, American Legion is the second largest Cadet Awards. Most Departments Peter Waite, Executive Direc- tor— LLA, 1320 Jamesville Ave., P.O. retailer of U.S. Flags, selling 680,000 and Posts also present awards to out- Box 131, Syracuse, NY 13210. flags annually. standing cadets in ROTC units in col- Single copies of flag literature are lege, and the Legion recognizes top A Guide for Parents and Students. available free from the National Ameri- graduates of the U.S. military academies Copies of this helpful publication are canism and Children & Youth Division. each year. available from Emblem Sales. The Flags and bulk quantities of the pam- phlets are sold by Emblem Sales. Con- TARGET Interactive Project. sult the current Emblem Sales Catalog Known as TIP, the program uses com- for prices. puter and video technology to help high school students make informed choices about using drugs and alcohol. The AMERICAN LEGION Legion encourages Posts to contribute 'ONATING YOUTH ACTIVITIES funds or conduct fund-raising cam- pints of paigns to help buy TIP equipment for I 109W0 Since its founding in 1919, The community high schools. For further American Legion has been at the fore- I blood last year, information, contact TARGET, National front in developing programs for chil- Federation of State High School Associ- is dren and youth. Goals of the programs I the Legion one ations, 11724 Plaza Circle, P.O. Box vary from building physical, mental 20626, Kansas City, MO 64195. I of the nation's and moral alertness to cultivating • top blood donors. strong character, wholesome ideals and Adult Literacy. Departments and a deeper appreciation for our American Posts also participate in Project Liter- heritage, to developing civic responsi- acy U.S. (PLUS), which is promoted by bility. Contact your nearest Legion Post guide assists high school students in the PBS and ABC networks. PLUS is for details. planning for college. designed to help America fight adult illiteracy, which costs the nation tens of Boys State. Each, year about 28,000 billions of dollars a year in unemploy- Flag Education. The major objective high school juniors learn about govern- ment, crime and substandard job per- of the Legion's Flag Education Pro- ment by participating in Boys State, formance. Participating Legion Posts gram is to instill patriotism in our youth which is sponsored in each state by and Auxiliary Units have established a and to develop a thorough understand- Legion Departments. Each youth is Volunteer Literacy program to provide ing of proper flag display and respect. assigned to a mock political party and individualized instruction for adults Each year, Posts throughout the nation elections are held to fill various city and and teen-agers in basic reading, writing distribute about 450,000 copies of Flag Please turn to page 60 JULY 1989 41 , Veterans update Q Uix bills to improve veterans' benefits were in forcing veterans to show causal relationship between their introduced in Congress in April at the request of The Amer- ailments and Agent Orange exposure. To date, VA has ican Legion. Rep. G. V. "Sonny" Montgomery of Mississippi, awarded compensation to only five of the 33,272 veterans the chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, who claimed injuries from the effects of exposure to the introduced the bills which, if enacted, would satisfy the herbicide. VA, however, provides medical care to Agent objectives of six Legion resolutions. Orange victims on a presumptive basis. H.R. 2009 (Res. 246) would restore burial allowances for The judge directed VA to end its policy of denying claims, all veterans and increase the benefit from $300 to $400. noting that never before in VA's history had claims for H.R. 2010 (Res. 440) would increase from $60 to $75 the disability been subjected to such strict standards of proof. In monthly amount of pension paid to certain veterans who are addition to relaxing its standards for Agent Orange compen- receiving VA domiciliary, hospital or nursing care. sation, VA will readjudicate all benefit claims previously H.R. 201 1 (Res. 316) would increase the disability and rejected. death pensions for veterans, surviving spouses and children. VA Secretary Edward J. Derwinski said his department H.R. 2012 (Res. 299) would provide medical care and will not challenge the federal court's ruling and will begin non-service-connected disability pensions to certain mem- revising the regulations governing Agent Orange claims. bers of the Canadian armed forces living in the United States "The American Legion is extremely encouraged by the for 10 or more years. federal court's decision and Veterans Affairs Secretary H.R. 2013 (Res. 505) would provide a $150 monthly Derwinski 's announcement that he will not appeal the ruling pension to World War I veterans who meet certain income, and will begin changing its regulations," said Nat'l Cmdr. length of service and discharge conditions. H.F. "Sparky" Gierke. H.R. 2014 (Res. 280) would increase the burial plot Derwinski said VA would follow the judge's orders to base allowances for veterans from $150 to $250. claims on the lower standard of "statistically significant correlation" between dioxin and diseases like malignant tumors in soft tissues, lymphomas not caused by Hodgkin's disease and deficiencies in liver enzymes (PCT). He said he hoped the new regulations would be in place by October. A many as 108,000 Kentucky veterans may be fls Speaking at a news conference at National Headquarters in eligible for a Vietnam service bonus, which was approved by Indianapolis, Gierke told the media that Derwinski's deci- state last year. Application forms are avail- the government sion "is a logical, first step toward resolving the Agent able at county clerk offices, Department of Employment Orange issue, a decade-long goal of The American Legion. Services statewide. field offices and National Guard armories Gierke said the Legion intends to be a vocal participant when Kentucky veterans who served in Vietnam between July 1 proposed regulations are published for review." 1958, and May 15, 1975, are eligible to receive $25 per The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), mandated by month of service, up to a $500 maximum. Other servicemen Congress to study the problems of dioxin exposure on and women who were on active duty at least 90 consecutive Vietnam veterans, has spent millions of research dollars with days, other than training, between Aug. 5, 1964, and May few results. The CDC claims that it could not find enough 15, 1975, are eligible for $15 per month, up to a $300 veterans exposed to the defoliant to conduct a valid study. In veterans have maximum. Eligible must been Kentucky the past, VA has not challenged the CDC's findings. residents at least six months before enlistment. However, The American Legion/Columbia University Families of deceased veterans also are eligible for the study conducted by Drs. Jeanne and Steven Stellman clearly bonus, which would be paid in the following precedence: shows that Agent Orange exposure can be statistically surviving spouse; or child or children, sharing equally; or supported by examinations of the records of Agent Orange mother and father, sharing equally. spray missions and troop movements and deployments in Applications must be submitted no later than Feb. 28, Vietnam. 1990. Payments of the bonus will begin after April 1, 1990. "We have made the results of our study available to VA in 1-800 223- For further information, veterans should call the past," said Gierke. "With this apparent change in direc- 0713 toll free. This hotline is for calls in Kentucky only. tion by Secretary Derwinski, it is our hope and expectation Eligible veterans outside the state should contact Larry L. that they will look at it again with a less jaundiced eye." Arnett, Department of Military Affairs, Capitol Building, Frankfort, KY, 40601 , or call 1-502 564-8514. Fun refunds are available to Legionnaires and American Legion Auxiliary members who subscribed to the defunct Better Times magazine in 1985. have gained a monumental victory as a result of a federal Subscribers who have not already filed for claims should court's ruling against VAs rigid policy on Agent Orange com- write to: National Judge Advocate, The American Legion, pensation. RO. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206. Please enclose a On May 8, 1989, U.S. District Court Judge Thelton copy of the canceled check (front and back) and a copy of any Henderson of San Francisco ruled that VA had been too strict other correspondence or documentation of the subscription. 42 AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE . Remember Your First Experience With Fine China? Mess . . . Chow lines . . . C rations . . . from talking some unsuspecting new troop into trading his pound cake for a can of ham and eggs chopped ... to creating descriptions like "(something) on a shingle", our collective mealtime genius is history. It's an endless source of humor for everything from movies to music. But what most people don't realize is that veterans never ate alone. Maybe it was a buddy whose rations were lost in combat or an orphan, begging on a dusty road to nowhere ... we shared what we had. War has a way of teaching the virtue in being your brother's keeper. So it's not surprising that last year Legionnaires spent over forty-eight million dollars helping others. From emergency aid for our fellow veterans to caring for orphans here at home . . America is still counting on us. There are times when doing nothing is not an option. Renew your membership today ~~. jjpi ... because doing nothing is not an option. THE LEGION'S LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES THE following resolutions were 233 Increase the monthly rates of disability com- non-veterans in VA medical care facilities pensation 456 Support outpatient dental care to World War I approved at the 1988 National Con- 246 Restore the burial allowance for all veterans veterans vention in Louisville, and at the 1988 and increase it to $400 498 Support restoration of services at Veterans Fall and 1989 Spring National Execu- 247 Develop a comprehensive health-care pro- Memorial Medical Center in the Philppines gram and related services for aging veterans 499 Expand medical treatment for radiation tive Fall meeting Committee Meetings. 249 Support sufficient funding to assure health exposure cases resolutions are indicated with the suffix care for the maximum number of veterans who 500 Support adequate funding for the veterans seek such care healthcare F and Spring meeting resolutions with system construction program 250 Oppose the transfer of veterans' benefits and 501 Exempt Chapter 34 benefits from future S. These resolutions comprise the services reductions under the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Legion's legislative objectives for the 278 Opposition to means test and third-party reim- Act bursement 502 Within certain limitations, authorize statutory 101st Congress. 279 Increase dependency and indemnity compen- protection of disability compensation ratings sation rates that have existed for 10 or more years VETERANS AFFAIRS 280 Increase burial plot allowance to $250 503 Legion policy on Medicaid/veteran home per AND REHABILITATION 282 Standardize eligibility for burial and plot diem offset 1 F Support VA reimbursement for privately pur- allowances 504 Legion policy on exposure to ionizing radia- chased headstones 283 Oppose all recommendations that would tion 1S Support legislation to provide adult day-care, eliminate or curtail veterans' benefits or health 505 Establish a special pension for World War I hospice and respite programs in state veterans' care veterans homes on a cost-sharing basis with the VA 284 Provide clothing allowance for veterans with 506 Legion policy on presumptions for POW dis- 2F Support two-year presumption for psychosis compensable conditions that spoil clothing abilities 3F Support supplemental funding for VA health 286 Support full funding for all veterans programs care 290 Support alcohol and drug treatment as a high 3S Support legislation to waive VA insurance priority in funding veterans' health-care ECONOMIC 11 contracting of jobs reserved for premiums for 100 percent permanently and programs Oppose veterans totally disabled veterans 299 Provide benefits to Canadian veterans 1 2S Oppose the transfer of the office of Assistant 4S Support legislation to make National Service residing in U.S. similar to those for U.S. veterans Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment Life Insurance available to Vietnam veterans residing in Canada and Training 5 Provide homebound benefits for certain recipi- 306 Eliminate time limits for seeking correction of 14S Veterans' Vocational Training and Retraining ents of parents' DIC military or naval records Entitlement Program 5S Support legislation to increase the face value 310 Legion policy on Agent Orange 30 Eliminate the termination date in the definition of RH Insurance 311 Legion policy on the use of Resource Alloca- of Vietnam veterans for employment services 6S Support legislation to provide a more equal tion Methodology in veterans' health care 62 Improve unemployment benefits criteria for partnership between state and federal govern- 312 Oppose granting a federal charter to the veterans ments in state veterans' homes National Association of State Directors of 94 Extend and fund the Veterans JobsTraining Act 7S Support improved compensation and special Veterans Affairs 112 Support legislation to provide adequate pay provisions for VA health-care professionals 314 Authorize VA to fill non-VA prescriptions for funding for Title IV-C of the Jobs Training 8S Support the findings of The American Legion veterans suffering service-connected Partnership Act and Columbia University Vietnam Veterans disabilities 149 Enforce affirmative action for veterans Study on Vietnam Veterans 315 Support adequate funding for veterans' required of federal contractors 9S Support legislation to increase the limit of medical research 171 Support efforts for aiding homeless veterans payments to incompetent veterans 316 Improve disability and death pension for 173 Enforce veterans preference in Postal Service 10S Urge the Congress and the President to veterans and their dependents 184 Support adequate funds for Veterans Employ- provide adequate funding for the continued 317 Oppose personnel reductions in the Depart- ment and Training Service and state employ- operation of the PTSD inpatient treatment ment of Veterans Benefits ment services program and for needed expansion 320 Support competitive salary levels for VA 220 Support expanded veterans services in the 29S The American Legion policy on proposals to nurses Jobs Training Partnership Act merge VA and DoD medical programs 440 Increase pension rates for veterans receiving 329 Support greater employment opportunities for 79 Authorize medication to certain veterans in domiciliary, hospital or nursing care veterans who are dislocated workers nursing homes under VA contract 441 Officially recognize alcoholism as a disease 438 Support veterans preference at all gov- 80 Support additional monthly death compensa- 443 Oppose income tax on disability compensa- ernmental levels tion to children in need of aid and attendance tion 467 Legion policy on Federal Unemployment Tax 102 Support concurrent receipt of VA compensa- 444 Waive the one-year presumptive period and Act tion and military retired pay the one-year limit on retroactive compensation 472 Support new income source for VA home-loan 138 Oppose consolidation of VA regional offices payments for disabilities related to Agent program 204 Legion policy regarding Social Security Orange exposure turn to page 58 205 Oppose contracting for delivery of integrated 445 Legion policy on "mainstreaming" veterans Please quality medical care to eligible veterans health care 206 Support seven-year presumptive period for 447 Legion policy on interpretation of PL. 99-272 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 451 Oppose veteran designation for those who did For a copy ofthe complete text ofany 228 Legion policy on the co-location of VA facilities not render active U.S. military service 229 Support adequate funding for "state of the art" 452 Support income tax credit for expenses resolution, wtite to The American Legion, medical care to eligible veterans incurred in the care of elderly veterans Office ofArchives, P.O. Box 1055, Indi- 231 Increase Chapter 34 education/training rates 453 Oppose further cuts in veterans' health-care 232 Improve dental benefits for service-con- benefits anapolis, IN 46206. nected veterans 454 Oppose any action authorizing treatment to 44 AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE WE WILL SEND A GENUINE i 18K GOLD FLASH CHAIN i TO EVERY READS FOR THIS IS ONLY NOT A MISPRINT. [OFFER ENDS WHEN TEST MARKETING SURVEY INVENTORY IS EXHAUSTED] That's right! While limited inventory lasts, a gleaming 18-Karat Gold Flash Chain can be yours for only $1. This luxurious personal ornament—currently the rage in London, Paris, and Rome—will be shipped to you directly from our Fifth Avenue jewelry depository in New York, accompanied by a certified Deed of Ownership. How can we make such an incredible offer—a genuine full- length (18-inch) Gold Chain for only $1? It is possible only because we are doing it as part of a Test Marketing Survey ... to determine where it would be best to concentrate our advertising efforts — in newspapers, maga- zines, radio or TV. The number of replies from each medium will guide us in appropriating a possible multi-million dollar advertis- ing budget. These beautiful 18K Gold Flash Chains will not be sold by this company in any store. There is a limit of three (3) chains per address at this $1 price, but orders mailed within the next seven days may request up to five (5) chains. All chains are uncondi- tionally guaranteed to please, or return within one month from receipt for a prompt and full refund— no questions asked. FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE INSTRUCTIONS TO RECEIVE YOUR 18-inch 18K GOLD FLASH CHAIN 1. Mail this orginal printed notice (no xeroxes, photostats or fax copies will be accepted) together with your name and address (please print clearly) and $1 for each chain requested to THE ROTHCHILD DEPOSITORY, 521 Fifth Ave., 17th Floor, New York, NY 10175, Dept. AL2KC1 2. IMPORTANT - Please add $1 per order to cover postage and special handling. Thank you. ©1989 IRPI THE AGENT ORANCE PROGRAM HE American Legion has projects that provide: the Agent Orange Class Assistance been awarded a grant of • Assistance for Vietnam veterans' Program when it passed Res. 1 at a post- $547,756 to assist Viet- children with birth defects and other Convention meeting in Louisville last nam veterans and their special needs, and for the children's September. families who suffer from families. Although the project will be con- the effects of Agent • Counseling and support for ducted in four Departments initially, Orange and Post-Trauma- families of Vietnam veterans. the Legion plans for it to evolve into a tic Stress Disorder. • Assistance for Vietnam veterans in nationwide network that coordinates T The grant was awarded obtaining benefits. and develops new volunteer programs by the Agent Orange Class Assistance • Services for disadvantaged or and expands existing ones. Emphasis Program, which was established to homeless Vietnam veterans, including will be placed on providing Agent distribute the settlement of a class- treatment and counseling for Post- Orange information and aid to veter- action suit filed by Vietnam veterans Traumatic Stress Disorder and sub- ans' families, especially those with and their families against the manufac- stance abuse, and help in finding jobs children suffering from birth defects. turers of Agent Orange. and temporary housing during treat- The Legion project will identify Over the next seven to 10 years, the ment periods. existing health and genetic services and court will distribute $52 million to social- Plans call for the Legion project to link veterans and their families to the service projects that benefit Vietnam begin in New York. Pennsylvania, Kan- services through an outreach and refer- veterans and their families. The Legion sas and Kentucky. The court has limited ral network. The plan includes the is one of 140 organizations which has participating veterans' service organi- development of a directory of services, applied for a grant under the program. zations to communities where the which Legion Department representa- Some small grants were awarded in needs of Vietnam veterans and their tives will use to guide veterans and their March. Additional grants are expected families have not been met. families in need of help. to be awarded through August 1989. The Legion's National Executive Each Department involved in the Grants will be given for innovative Committee authorized participation in project will provide office space, tele- phones and administrative assistance. Departments will be required to estab- lish an advisory committee to select Districts and Posts to participate in the project, to review operational proce- dures, and to ensure compliance with policies set by National Headquarters and the court. A state coordinator will be assigned to each Department to manage the project. When the grant is received, New Futures Inc. , a firm that specializes in the development of community health and outreach services, will train state coordinators and provide technical assistance manuals. In a nationwide Legion survey, many Posts submitted their suggestions for programs that would best serve the needs of Vietnam veterans and their families. Legion officials urge other Posts to complete and return the survey questionnaires, will be used to REACHING OUT— The Legion will establish a health and genetic information which network for afflicted children of Agent-Orange-exposed veterans. develop future proposals to serve America's veterans. 46 AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE especially for JOegion 2i^erican Leqion fU? I 'SH Hr/ Mvu aa '-ALL-CLUB mSStm 1800-REDBWLL 1-800-VlP-MOVEor 1-800-351-1212 ^/twS^SS ENDLESS VACATION OUINTA * fWOj [ TR/VEL © Harriott 'GirRental 1-800-128 l.flon r,-.«« MOTCI s . DC e /i r> -r * |-8Q(V367-??7;1-800-367- 2 60II -800-53I-59OO H OTELS • RESO R TS 2? 7 Thrifty- Legion legion Code9H6 S>2?>o id. 1-800-228- Number WFO0IO06H73 4 RGGaLSinn RAMADA ^SeaW6rld The Affordable Inn 1-800-228-2828 1-800-327 2^20 1-800-851-8688 1-800- 2?8-20OQ ^National 7^ Car Rental northAmericanVanUnes 1-800-215-6895 . l-800-CARRENT Vanlmes 5176669 Call your nearest Legion ID Number Agent UrVrtsd Van Unes as advance Remember to call ahead For further information on each American Legion Life Insurance Plan, call the toll-free number listed below: ALLIP (DECREASING TERM) 1-800-542-5547 ALLVET (RETURN OF PREMIUM TERM) OR ALL GI (WHOLE LIFE) 1-800-523-5758 For more information regarding each company's specific offer, write to: FAMILY BENEFITS PLAN COORDINATOR THE AMERICAN LEGION NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS P.O. BOX 1055 INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 (317) 635-8411 *or call the 800 numbers listed above : law, attorneys may now charge up to 20 percent of the awarded claim. Other provisions of P. L . 1 00-687 • Transferred $3 million in VA funds, LAWS AFFECTING in NEW appropriated 1984 for the FY Agent Orange epidemiological study, to the Air Force for its study of "Operation Ranch Hand." The operation was a massive spraying of Agent Orange con- ducted throughout Southeast Asia VETERANS between 1962 and 1971. More than 12 million gallons of the herbicide were sprayed during that period. The 100th Congress will be remembered os • Authorized $1 million in VA funds appropriated in FY 1984 to be used for 'The Veteran's Congress" for its landmark a review of scientific literature per- legislation that established the Court taining to the health effects of exposure to dioxins found in herbicides. of Veterans Appeals and expanded programs • Provided that payments received from the Agent Orange settlement fund in that veterans. other areas concern shall not be counted as income by VA when it considers non-service- connected claims filed by Vietnam veterans. • Authorized a 4.1 percent cost-of- Veterans' Judicial Review tion procedures for veterans' claims living increase for veterans receiving Benefits Improvement Act were finally achieved. Most of the law's VA compensation benefits. A similar provisions originally were included in increase also was provided to widows SOME veterans whose VA benefit H.R. 5039, the Veterans Reassurance and orphans of veterans who died of claims have been denied during the Act, which was written by the Legion service-connected conditions. appeals process will have an opportu- and introduced in Congress in July • Allocated $6 million to the Ameri- nity to present their cases to a new 1988. can Battle Monuments Commission for branch of the federal court system. H.R. 5039, which evolved from restoration and maintenance of the P.L. 100-687, the Veterans' Judicial Legion Res. 34, reaffirmed veterans' Pacific War Memorial on the Philippine Review/Veterans' Benefits Improve- right to appeal and established provi- island of Corregidor. ment Act of 1988, created the U.S. sions that would improve the VA claims Court of Veterans Appeals, which will process. Both the Legion resolution Landmark Legislation have the authority to review certain and the bill called for a repeal of the $ 10 Bolsters Health Program claims denied by the VAs Board of ceiling on attorney fees. Under the new Veterans Appeals. The court, which is MANY of The American Legion's scheduled to begin operations Sept. 1, legislative priorities were enacted 1989, will rule only on cases filed with into law with the passage of P.L. 100- the VA after Nov. 18, 1988. It will be 322, the Veterans' Benefits and Serv- composed of a chief judge appointed by ices Act of 1988. As many as 16 Legion the President, and up to six associate resolutions were incorporated in the judges. legislation, which included 70 provi- Operating independently of VA, the sions and contained some of the most court will have the power to uphold, significant changes in VA policy in modify or reverse BVA decisions, and recent years. will have the jurisdiction to consider all Among the key provisions were: factual, legal and constitutional ques- tions on claims denied by the BVA. At Outpatient Care press time, officials had not yet The Department of Veterans Affairs announced the criteria that would deter- is required to provide outpatient care to: mine the type of cases allowed to go • All veterans with service-con- before the court. nected disabilities. However, a veteran seeking a review • Veterans with service-connected by the court must file a notice of appeal disability ratings of 50 percent or more, with the court within 120 days of a BVA for any disability. decision. A maximum $50 filing fee • Veterans disabled by previous VA will be charged. treatment. APPEALING — The new Court of Vet- With the enactment of P.L. 100-687, • Veterans disabled while par- erans Appeals will protect the legal ticipating in vocational rehabilitation. the longstanding objectives of The rights of veterans. American Legion to improve adjudica- VA also is required to provide outpa- 48 AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE tient care prior to hospital admissions, or outpatient care that would eliminate hospitalization to those with 30 percent to 40 percent service-connected dis- abilities. Care also is guaranteed for veterans whose annual incomes do not exceed the ceiling on non-service- connected pensions. While veterans in the aforemen- tioned categories have top priority for outpatient care, VA also may pro- vide care to veterans with service-con- nected disabilities with ratings of less than 30 percent; those in need of exami- nations to qualify for compensation and pensions; former POWs; veterans exposed to Agent Orange; those exposed to ionizing radiation while serving in occupied Hiroshima and Nagasaki and in subsequent nuclear testing; Mexican Border and World War I veterans whose annual incomes exceed the maximum VA pension; and veterans receive increased who pen- HAND-ON-TRAINING — Rehabilitation programs for disabled and Vietnam-era sions and compensation, but whose veterans were strengthened by the 100th Congress. incomes are below the Category A limit, which is $16,466 or less. • The deductible will be modified by VA also is authorized to provide grave Beneficiary Travel the same percentage if beneficiary liners in VA cemeteries, and the same VA was given discretionary au- travel payments are increased. authority is given the Secretary of the thority to provide beneficiary travel Also authorized is the use of special Army for liners at Arlington National payments to certain veterans traveling transportation to VA facilities when an Cemetery. to and from VA medical facilities. Vet- emergency exists. Payment may be pro- The law also lifts a restriction that no erans are eligible for reimbursement or vided without determining eligibility state may receive more than 20 percent personal transportation costs related to and would be recovered later from of the federal government's total annual any service-connected disability. ineligible veterans. grants for establishing, expanding or Others eligible for beneficiary travel VA also is required to consult and improving state veterans' cemeteries. are: coordinate with the Department of • Veterans receiving VA pensions. Transportation and service officers of VA Staff Incentives • Those whose annual income does veterans' groups to establish and main- Several provisions included in PL. not exceed the maximum annual rate of tain local volunteer transportation net- 100-322 are designed to recruit and pensions, which is $6,463. works. retain nurses and other health-care • Veterans unable to pay for transpor- specialists. Registered nurses are eli- tation costs. Vet Centers gible for annual bonuses of up to $4,000 • Those requiring special transporta- PL. 100-322 restricts VA from if they sign extended-work agreements. tion but are unable to pay the costs. moving Vet Centers from neighbor- Also, RNs can receive premium pay for • Veterans scheduled for examina- hood, storefront locations to VA med- Saturday work and participate in tui- tions for compensation and pensions. ical facilities. Each year, Congress tion-reimbursement programs. The law Some of the conditions that have requires VA to submit a detailed plan also requires that the chief of nursing at been set: outlining how each Vet Center will each VA medical facility be included in • A $3 deductible for a one-way trip operate in the coming fiscal year. The each policy-making committee at the to a VA medical facility. Reimbursed at agency is prohibited from taking any facility. the rate of 1 1 cents per mile, a veteran action with a center until 120 days after would have to travel about 27 miles, the operation plan is submitted. Other Key Features one way, to satisfy the deductible. • Authorized fee-basis medical care • A monthly cap on deductibles for a Burial Benefits for certain service-connected veterans pre-approved "frequent traveler" is Burial allowance for veterans who residing in Canada and the Philippines. $18. die of service-connected disabilities • Increased the VA per diem rates for • Deductible would not apply for was increased to $1,500. The require- state veterans' home care to $8.70 for scheduled compensation and pension ment for upright markers also was domiciliary care; $20.35, nursing- examinations, and special modes of waived for veterans buried in ceme- home care; and $15.25 for hospital transportation. teries on or near VA medical facilities. care. VA also can increase rates annu- • The deductible may be waived Flat markers are authorized for cre- ally, within certain limitations. when a financial hardship exists. mated remains in national cemeteries. • Provided outpatient dental care for JULY 1989 49 - former POWs in captivity at least 90 • Ensured adequate funding for days. Local Veterans' Employment Represen- • Raised automobile allowance for tatives (LVERs) and Disabled Veterans' disabled veterans to $5,500. Outreach Program (DVOPs) special- • Increased the specially adapted ists. housing-allowance to $38,000; and • Prescribed the LVERs hired on or increased to $6,500 the adaptive after July 1, 1988, must be hired housing assistance for service-con- according to the following priority: (1) nected blind veterans and those who qualified service-connected disabled have lost the use of both hands. veterans; (2) qualified veterans; and (3) • Required VA to launch a two-year qualified eligible persons. pilot program for mobile health-care • Required performance standards to clinics for veterans who live in remote be established for LVERs and DVOPs areas or at least 100 miles from the that are consistent with their statutory nearest VA medical facility. duties and functions. • Restricted the VA secretary from • Directed the Secretary of Labor to curtailing the agency's health-care establish better coordination and con- services, except during national or sultation with VA, especially in read- regional emergencies. justment counseling, training and • Authorized $6 million for a pilot rehabilitation of disabled veterans. program to aid homeless, chronically • Authorized waiving residency mentally ill veterans. requirements to appoint any qualified • Required VA to convert 500 acute- ASSURED ASSISTANCE-^// veterans veteran as a state Director of Veterans' care beds in urban medical facili- with service-connected disabilities Employment and Training (DVET) or ties for use by homeless veterans. will now receive outpatient care. Assistant Director of Veterans' Employ- The agency also is required to make ment and Training, (ADVET), if no annual reports to Congress on efforts to qualified veteran with the residency help homeless veterans during the next men's Group Life Insurance and Veter- requirements is available. three years. ans' Group Life Insurance policies. • Required DVETs and ADVETs to • Established confidential treatment • Established a revolving fund from monitor compliance of federal laws of AIDS patients' records, except in the sale of VA-owned properties to requiring veterans' employment prefer- medical emergencies, or when it is build or renovate VA nursing homes. ence in federal jobs, and to report non- necessary to others' health. Also • Authorized the agency to provide compliance to the Office of Personnel banned discrimination in admission or domiciliary care to veterans whose Management. treatment of AIDS veterans, or those incomes do not exceed the maximum • Required the Assistant Secretary addicted to drugs or alcohol. annual VA pension, or to veterans con- for Veterans' Employment and Training • Produced a presumption of service sidered to have no adequate means of to conduct an unemployment study connection for former POWs suffering support. every two years of special disabled from peptic ulcer disease and irritable- veterans and veterans who served in the bowel syndrome and neuropathy, Veterans' Employment, Vietnam Theater. The first study is to be except when those conditions occurred completed in November 1989. Training and Counseling during the course of another disease. Another bill. PL. 100-647, the Tech- • Provided a presumption of service TWO bills enacted by the 100th Con- nical Corrections Act of 1988, provided connection for systemic lupus gress placed job-training programs a one-year extension of the Targeted erythematosis that manifested to a for veterans on more solid footing and Jobs Tax Credit program, which gives degree of 10 percent or more within a extended tax incentives for employers employers substantial tax credits for year of a veteran's discharge from the who hire veterans. hiring under-employed or unemployed military. The Legion played a major role in Vietnam-era veterans and others. • Expanded the VA secretary's drafting PL. 100-323, the Veterans' Employment, Training and Counseling authority to recognize certain veterans Veterans' Benefits and as former POWs if they were held by Amendments Act of 1988, which: Programs Improvement Act governments other than enemy govern- • Established a National Veterans' ments during World War II. Employment and Training Institute to VETERANS who suffered from • Directed the Treasury Department train employment specialists, and chronic alcoholism and were to return agency funds taken under the authorized $2.6 million to fund the unable to use education and rehabilita- Gramm-Rudman-Hollings bill to bal- operation in FY 1989. tion benefits before the time expired, ance the budget. • Provided a two-year extension of will receive an extension from PL. 100- • Authorized VA, rather than com- the Veterans' Job Training Act through 689, the Veterans' Benefits and Pro- mercial companies, to provide mort- March 31 , 1990, and extended through grams Improvement Act of 1988. gage life insurance to veterans eligible Sept. 30, 1989, the deadline for The measure is significant because for VA specially adapted housing applying for VJTA training. However, VA views alcoholism as willful miscon- assistance. as of press time, Congress had not yet duct. Claims based on alcoholism are • Barred states from collecting taxes appropriated the funds to operate the routinely denied by VA, a policy upheld on premiums paid by the VAs Service program. Please rum to page 67 50 AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE . . . The Last of Veteran's Data Record an American, Cfas (Please Print) The American Legion has fully accredited Service Officers located in each VA Regional Office. These representatives are at your service to help develop and file claims and assist you and your dependents in applying for the various benefits to which you may be entitled. Local American Legion Posts generally have a Post Service Officer who can provide guidance necessary to filing your claim. It is recommended that you list numbers and locations of the following noted items so that your family will have the details necessary to file for benefits if you are incapacitated or deceased. You should file this form in a safe place at home or provide it to your Post for safekeeping. The Last 20 Years of Full Name . Indian Head Pennies... Date of Birth. Year-Date Set (1890-1909) In early 1909, the last Indian Head Location of Birth Certificate. Penny was struck, ending the reign of one of the most popular coin series in U.S. Social Security No history. Today, Indian Head Pennies are almost never seen in circulation. They are Military Service No. highly prized by collectors whenever they are found! Their impressive design and Branch of Service rich heritage make them the most uniquely American coin ever designed! Place of entry into Service. Now you can acquire : • 20 Indian Pennies in all ... 1 from Dates of Service each year, 1890-1909! • All over 80 years old! Discharge Type • All minted in 95% pure copper! • All in Very Good or better Condition • Comes with a Deluxe Display Album, Location of Discharge Certificate or DD-2 14_ fascinating historical information and a signed Certificate of Authenticity. Name /Address of those you served with: YOUR FREE GIFT! You will also receive the highly prized 1 909 first-year Lincoln Penny, the famous coin that marked the end of the Indian Penny ... and the beginning of another Duty Stations. great Penny series! VA Claim No.. All yours for a single payment of only $49! You must act fast ... orders tilled on a first-come, first- served basis only. Your satisfaction 1 00% guar- County/State where Discharge is recorded. anteed by our famous 30-day money-back re- turn privilege. For fast credit-card ordering, call toll-free ...1-800-328-6169 Ext. 449 Spouse's Full Name. Order Form Mail to: Calhoun's Collectors Society, Date/Place of Marriage. 7401 Cahill Rd., Minneapolis, MN 55435 Please rush my Location of Marriage Certificate. Indian Head Penny Year-Date Collection(s) on your money-back guarantee. Names of Children One Collection at $49, plus $3.50 postage Location of your Children' s Birth Certificate. and insurance 307-337 Two Collections at $98, plus $3.50 postage and insurance 307-338 Three Collections at $ 1 47, plus $3.50 Other Information: postage and insurance 307-339 Check is enclosed for $ Wills Location. (MN residents please add 6% sales tax) Charge my: VISA MASTERCARD Insurance. AMEX DISCOVER Exp Acct. No. Bank Accounts. Signature:. Mortgage Telephone No.: Miscellaneous: Itn expedite vour orde Name Address You have earned the right to certain veterans' benefits. Use this form to make City . State .Zip. it easier for your family in case of an emergency. Make sure to retain a copy Over 1 million satisfied customers for your own records. All orders subject to acceptance, ©1989 Calhoun's Collectors Society 9793-1 . j JULY 1989 51 ) Veterans alert 24th Constab. Sq. . D Trp. (Redes fr 22d & 91 st) (Fall- Willard Boyer, 330 Indest St., New Iberia, LA 70560 Wilmington, NC) Robert Yow, 1906 Stanley Dr., 116th F.A., 31st Inf. Div. (WWII) (Nov-Tampa. FL) Agustin OUTFIT REUNIONS Greensboro, NC 27407 (919) 299-4585 Gonzalez, 3010 Collins Ave., Tampa, FL 33607 (813) 28th General Hospital (1951-53) (Oct-Little Rock, AR) 879-0596 — Guidelines Outfit Reunion notices must be Floyd Friloux Sr., Box 338, New Sarpy, LA 70078 (504) 116th Inf., 29th Div., E Co. (Sept-Hampton, VA) Joe submitted on official forms only. To obtain forms, send a 764-6030 Dickerson, Box 279, Murfreesboro, NC 27855 (919) 398- self-addressed, stamped envelope to: O.R. Form, The 28th Inf. Div. Vets (Sept-Ft. Indiantown Gap, PA) 28th Div. 3887 American P.O. Legion Magazine, Box 1055, Indianapolis, Heritage Assn., 14th & Calder Sts., Harrisburg, PA 17103 116th Inf., 2nd Bn. Officers (Sept-Hampton, VA) Robert IN 46206. Notices must be received at least five months 30th Inf. Div. (Great Lakes Chapter) (Sept-Toledo, OH) Garcia, 4420 Albany Way. #72, San Jose, CA 95129 before reunions are will published only scheduled and be Bob Vollmer, 8915 Manton, Plymouth, Ml 48170 (313) (408) 296-4497 on a first-come, first-served basis. Notices are published 451-6868 120th Station Hospital (WWII) (July-Hartford, CT) only one time per unit per year. 32nd Gen. Hospital (WWII) (Oct-Faquay-Varina, NC) Charles Schenz. 3450 Behymer Rd., Cincinnati, OH W.D. Ashworth, 104 Wilcrest Dr., Faquay-Varina, NC 45245 (513) 752-3646 27526(919)552-4256 124th AAA Gun Bn. Mbl. (Oct-Vancouver, WA) Norman Army 34th Combat Engr. Bn. (1945-47/Korea) (Sept-Bran- Goodsir, 2204 Larch St. S.E., Lacey, WA 98503 (206) son, MO) Adam Schadler, Box 516, Elgin, ND 58533 491 -3443 (701)584-3244 124th Cav. Assn. (Oct-Brownsville, TX) Robert Blanken- 1st Signal Bn. Assn. (Sept-Columbus, OH) Hudson 36th Cav. Recon. Sq. (WWII) (Oct-Nashville. TN) Vernon ship, 7711 Morley. Houston, TX 77061 (713) 644-4533 Thompson, 2331 W. Pintura Ct., Peoria, IL 61614 Poynter, 816 Chateau Valle, Bedford, TX 76021 129th Inf., 37th Div., D Co. (Aug-Monroe City, MO) Phil 2nd Bn., 21st Inf. G Co. (1942-46) (Aug-New Ulm. MN) 36th Spec. Serv. Co. (CBI) (Oct-St Louis) Bill Peel, 1229 Whipple, 1475 Conway Wallrose Rd., Freedom, PA Lawrence Johnson, 312 S. Main St., LeSueur. MN 56058 Grand Ave. #10, Keokuk, IA 52632 (319) 524-3347 15042(412)869-3669 (612) 665-2131 37th Ord. Co. (WWII) (Sept-Baltimore) Tony Gailes, 481 133rd Inf., 34th Div., E Co. (Sept-Webster City, IA) Arthur 3rd Chemical Mtr. Bn., B Co. (Korea) (July-St. Louis) Dawson Ave. #104, Pittsburgh, PA 15202 (412) 734- Philbrook, 1045 Elm St., Webster City, IA 50595 (515) Frank Tenney, 2425 Parkdale Ave., Louisville, KY 40220 3275 832-3321 (502)451-1862 38th Field Hospital (Sept-Williamsburg, VA) Rex 135th Combat Engr. Bn. (WWII) (Oct-Hagerstown, MD) 3rd FAOB (Aug-Spnngfield. MO) Walter Caldwell, 2449 E. Hughes, 1505 E. 600 South, Jonesboro, IN 46938 (317) George Mezzadra. 2321 Eilen Ave., Baltimore, MD Livingston Ave., Columbus, OH 43209 (614) 235-7918 674-4983 21234 (301) 665-0604 3rd General Hospital (WWII) (Aug-Louisville, KY) Harold 41 st A.I.B., 2nd Arm'd Div., B/HQ Cos. (Oct-Elkhart, IN) 137th Signal Radio Intell. Co. (Sept-Myrtle Beach, SC) Hammon. 6112 Harwood Rd., Louisville, KY40222(502) Francis Squires, 7751 White Birch Dr., Farwell. Ml 48622 John Murphy, 405 Bayside, Breezy Point, NY 11697 (718) 426-4930 (517)386-3580 474-5505 5th Engr. (C) Bn., 1278th Engr. Grp. (WWII) (Oct- 41st Inf. Sunset Div. (Sept-Kahspell, MT) Fran Roe. 111 141st Signal Co., 1st Arm'd Div. (Aug-Lafayette, IN) Jacksonville, FL) C.C. Holbrook, Box 758, Ponte Verde 10th St. W., Kalispell, MT 59901 Kenneth lllingworth, 1104 Logan Ave., Lafayette, IN Beach, FL 32082 (904) 285-5234 45th Inf. Div. Assn. (Aug) William Wilson, 2145 N E. 36th 47905(317)474-9146 6th F A. Assn. (Oct-Fayetteville, NC) Paul Victor, 6101 St.. Oklahoma City, OK 73111 144th Inf., D Co. (Sept-Garrison, TX) Alfred Hudgins, Rt. Luzon Dr.. Orlando, FL 32809 (407) 855-7339 50th Engrs., C Co. ( Aug-Denison. IA) Charles Shives, 1, Box 126, Daingerfield. TX 75638 (214) 656-2278 7th Base Post Office (Sept-St. Louis) Leo Brown, Box 67, 423 N 18th, Denison, IA 51442 (712) 263-2773 148th General Hospital (WWII) (Oct-Williamsburg, VA) Mediapolis. IA 52637 (319) 394-3520 52nd Signal Bn. (Oct-Lake Kiamesha, NY) Frank N.W. Riley, Rt. 1, Box 570, Gastonia, NC 28052 (704) 7th Conv. Hospital (Oct-Jekyll Island, GA) A. A. Eason, Carpenteri, 23 Larch St., Hicksville, NY 11801 (516) 932- 867-6000 285 Colonial Way, Jesup, GA 31545 (912) 427-6501 9695 148th Inf. Rgt. (Aug-Camp Perry, OH) Robert Albright, F.A., Div. Allen 55th F.A. Bn. (Sept-Ligonier, Philip 5th St. Toledo, 8th 25th (1950-51) (Nov Belhesda, MD) (WWII) PA) Noto, 1305 428 , OH 43605 Smith, 3338 Dupont No., Minneapolis, MN 55412 (612) Mitman Rd., Easton, PA 18042 (215) 252-4117 148th Inf. Rgt., 3rd Btry., HQ & K Cos. (Sept-St. Marys, 529-4567 55th General Hospital (July-Toledo, OH) Pat Van Etten, OH) Don Elking, 600 Butler St., Coldwater, OH 45828 678-8171 8th FAOB (Oct-Mobile, AL) James Lipman, c/o 8th FAOB 4833 Brott Rd . Toledo, OH 43613 (419) 475-7214 (419) Assn., Box 3339, Arlington, VA 22203 (703) 528-1669 62nd AA, C Btry. (WWII) (Sept-Lake George, NY) E.F 148th M.V.A. (WWII) (Oct-Louisville, KY) Norman Brink, 9th F.A. Bn., 3rd Inf. Div. (Sept) Don Welling. 100 Henley Snyder, 1 Cooper. Greenwich. NY 12834 (518) 692-7885 3222 Pomeroy Dr., Louisville. KY 40220 (502) 491 -1753 Dr„ Grand Haven. Ml 49417 (616) 842-4953 67th AA Gun Bn., C Btry. (WWII) (Oct-Myrtle Beach, SC) 148th Station Hospital (WWII) (Oct-lndianapolis) 9th Inf. Rgt. Manchu Assn. (July-Harnsburg, PA) Ray W. Billy Gibson, Box 776. Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 775- Raymond Cichowicz, 220 McClellan St., Reading. PA Tarabusi, Box 1186. Englewood, FL 34295 (813) 475- 6195 19611 (215)777-3658 6063 69th Gen. Hospital (Sept-Albany. NY) Joseph McFerron, 151st Inf., 38th Div., Cannon Co. (Sept-Peru, IN) John 10th U.S. Inf. Assn. (Oct-Oak Hill, WV) James Reistad, 127 Melrose Dr., Box A, New Stanton, PA 15672 (412) Olinger. 695 W River Rd., Peru, IN 46970 (317) 473-7316 5216 Sharon Dr., Jefferson City, MO 65109 (314) 893- 925-2979 153rd Engrs. (C) Bn. (Aug-Oil City, PA) John Mantini Sr., 7520 69th Recon. Troop (Oct-Orlando, FL) Mike Moscantolo. Rt. 3, Box 214, Holsopple, PA 15935 (814) 479-4406 19 Trotters Cir. Inf., Bridge, 11th Arm'd Cav. Rgt. How-I (Sept-Colorado Springs. , Kissimmee, FL 32743 (407) 348-6527 156th Co. F & MP Cos. (WWII) (Oct-Breaux CO) James Clow, 1146 N. 3rd, Fargo, ND 58102 (701 75th CA AA, A & I Btrys. ( Aug-Arkdale, Wl) Orlando LA) John LeBlanc, 716 S Main, Breaux Bridge, LA 70517 232-8394 Cottonville 332-2908 Warp, 1893 Ave . Arkdale, Wl 54613 (608) (318) 11th Rgt. Combat Team (WWII) (Sept-Ft. Indiantown 564-7624 158th General Hospital (Eng/WWII) (Aug-Merrillville, Gap. PA) 28th Div. Heritage Assn.. 14th & Calder Sts., 75th Station Hospital (Sept-Lancaster, PA) Edward IN) Mike Knezovich. 3652 Adams St.. Lansing, IL 60438 Harrisburg, PA 17103 Dickson, 433 Sycamore Rd., West Reading, PA 19611 (312)474-7810 12th FAOB (July-West Liberty, IA) Mrs. J. Banasiak, 6547 (215) 376-9657 160th F.A. Bn., 45th Div. (Sept-Tulsa, OK) Joseph Cherry, Nebraska Ave., Hammond, IN 46323 (219) 844-9129 81st Chemical Mtr. Bn. (Sept-Washington) Edward 7445 E. 29th St., Tulsa, OK 74129 (918) 627-2063 13th Arm'd Div. (All Bns.) (Sept-Louisville, KY) Miller Tibeno, 259 Pumpkin Hill. New Milford, CT 06776 (203) 163rd Engr. Combat Bn. (WWII) (Sept-Paris, TN) Joe Hanly, 3702 Pennsylvania Ave., Charleston, WV 25302 354-6718 Walker, 428 Raven St. , Martin , TN 38237 (901 ) 587-2487 (304) 343-8288 81st Ord. Co. (HM-Tank) (Aug-Breezewood, PA) George 167th General Hospital (Sept-Manitowoc, Wl) Albert 13th C.A. Assn. (Oct-Pensacola Beach, FL) Philip Kleponis, 905 Center St., Ashland. PA 17921 (717) 875- DeFeo, 1314 N. 10th St., Manitowoc, Wl 54220 (414) Stroupe, 5550 Knight Arnold Rd., Memphis, TN 38115 2177 684-9549 (901) 795-2929 85th Rgt., 10th Mtn. Div., F Co. (Sept-North Adams. MA) 170th Combat Engrs., A/B/C/HQ Cos. (Sept-Des 14th Arm'd Div. Assn. (Sept-New Orleans) Andrew William Ballek, 1147 River N. Cir., Macon, GA31211 (912) Moines, IA) Bill Long, 914 W. Summit, Crescent. IA50801 Tierno, 42 Vestal Ave., Binghamton, NY 13903 (607) 745-1877 (515) 782-5112 724-1958 86th Mt. Inf. Rgt., 10th Mt. Div., C Co., (July-Denver) W. 173rd F.A. Grp. (Sept-Belle Vista. AR) Chester Sather, 4 14th FAOB (Aug-Cedar Rapids, IA) Nick Kenitz. 312 2nd J. McGrath. 2721 W. Jade St., Tucson. AZ 85705 Cumbrian Dr., Bella Vista, AR 72714 (501 ) 855-2171 St., Wabash, MN 55981 (612) 565-3827 91st Chemical Mtr. Bn. (Sept-Nashville, TN) Lee Vanoer, 179th Inf. Rgt. Assn. (Aug-Edmond, OK) Robert Bryan. Inf. Rgt., Serv. 6861 3020 Dogwood Dr., Edmond, OK 73013 (405) 341 -4983 15th Co. (Korea) (July-Cincinnati) T.M. Bacon Ln , Chattanooga. TN 37421 (615)892-6697 Przygucki, 1202 N. Decatur, #9, Las Vegas, NV 89108 93rd AAA Gun Bn., A Btry. (Sept-Phoenix) Bernard 191st Signal Repair Co. (Oct-Clearwater, FL) Ralph (702)648-9258 Duquette, 9202 N. 52nd Dr., Glendale, AZ 85303 (602) Limpert, 10871 103rd Ave. No., Largo, FL 34648 (813) 16th Arm'd Div. (Sept-Harrisburg, PA) Paul Cooney, 937-4906 398-5310 Benners Mobile Court, Lot Y, Thompsontown. PA 17094 100th Chemical Mtr. Bn., B Co. (Prev. 508/637th CA 203rd F.A. Bn. (Oct-Tulsa. OK) Bill Cottingham, Rt. 1, Box (717) 535-5187 AAA Bns.) (Sept-Sandusky, OH) Jerry Zuzzio, 215 307, Big Cabin, OK 74332 (918) 782-3759 16th Cav., E Co., Trp. F (Sept-Misquamicut, Rl) Thor Shore Dr.. Highlands. NJ 07732 (201 ) 872-0825 217th General Hospital Nurses (Eng/France/WWII) (Sept-Denver) Eunice Dumler, 3212 Chase St., Denver, Carlson, 134 89th Ave , Treasure Island, FL 33706 (813) 100th Hwy. Transport Serv. AFWESPAC (WWII) (Nov- 360-7818 Houston) Paul Kelley, Box 50233, Tulsa, OK 74150 918) CO 80212 ( 16th FAOB, HQ Btry. (Sept-Seattle) Luther Winsor, 12705 742-3892 235th FA Observ. Bn. (Aug-Pioneer. OH) Jack Barber, 95th Ave., Gig Harbor. WA 98335 (206) 857-5050 101st Airborne Div. Assn. (Aug-Milwaukee) 101st 504 Crestview Dr., Madison, Wl 53716 (608) 222-2705 17th Air Dpt. Gp., 417th QM Serv. Ptn., 2488th QM Trk. Airborne Division, Box 586, Sweetwater, TN 378 74 (615) 235th QM Salv. Coll. Co. (Sept-Kerhonkson, NY) Buzz Co. (WWII) (Sept-Amana, IA) Russell Heinrich, 507 4th 337-4103 Burzamato, 630 Woodrow Rd., Staten Island, NY 10312 St. E., New Hall, IA 52315 (319) 223-5117 108th Evac. Hospital (Oct-Abingdon, IL) Gabe Pica, 100 (718) 966-3795 17th Arm'd Engrs., E Co. (WWII) (Sept-Niagara Falls, N. Sanitary Rd., Box 272, Abingdon, IL 61410 239th Engrs. (Sept-Fredericksburg, TX) Wally Han- Inf., Div., 317 W. Hackberry, Fredericksburg, TX 78624 NY) Mrs. W. Stewart, 188 Hinds St. , Tonawanda, NY 108th 40th B Co. (WWII) (Oct-Geneva, NY) nemann, 14150(716)693-3396 Homer Stratton, 32 Mill St., Waterloo, NY 13165 (315) 243rd F.A. Bn., 3rd Army (WWII) (Oct-Myrtle Beach, SC) 17th Ord. Co. Tk. Maint. (1941-45) (Sept) John Crago, 539-2201 James Henderson, 5415 Wedgewood Dr.. Charlotte, NC 615 Lehmeyer St., Huntington, IN 46750 108th Inf., M Co. (Oct-Ogdensburg, NY) Louis Burgess, 28210 17th Signal Bn., 29th/447th Sig. Bns., 175th Sig. Co., 21 GrasmereTerr.. Massena, NY 13662 (315) 769-2685 246th C.A. Assn. NG (Sept-Natural Bridge, VA) Ray 516th Sig. Grp. (Sept- New Orleans) Jim Randall, Box 112th AAA Gun Bn., C Btry. (WWII) (Oct-Falmouth. MA) Cross, 1209 Kerns Ave S.W., Roanoke, VA 24015 (703) 324, Solomons, MD 20688 Robert Ruthven, 61 Cedar Knolls Dr., Branford, CT 343-4085 18th C.A.C. (Sept-Celina, OH) Charles Justus, 625 06405 (203) 488-9006 248th CA Rgt. (Aug-Ft. Worden State Park, WA) Leroy Yaronia Dr. No., Columbus, OH 43214 (614) 268-2566 112th Cavalry (Midwest Members) (Sept-Joliet, IL) Huff, 1025 E. 5th St., Port Angeles, WA 98362 22nd General Hospital (Sept-Charlottesville, VA) Roger Lionel Carter, 1621 Cleveland St., Evanston, IL 60202 252nd CA, F Btry. (Nov-Litchfield Beach, SC) Sam Haugen. 1580 Old Oaks Dr., Charlottesville, VA 22901 (312)475-8882 Snead, Box 487, Red Springs, NC 28377 (919) 843-3774 (804) 293-2955 112th Evac. Hospital (WWII) (Oct-New Iberia. LA) 252nd Ord. Co. MM (Sept-Cleveland) Cletus Stewart, 52 AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE ) ) Veterans alert 1179 Lazy Lake Rd. W., Dunedin, FL 33528 (813) 733- 546th AAA, B Btry. (Sept-Tulsa, OK) B.W. Bickel, 1410 N. 1724th Ord. MM Co. (Sept-Nashville, TN) Wilbur Albright, 6661 Choctaw PL, Claremore, OK 74017 627 State St., Greensburg, PA 15601 (412) 837-5174 254th F.A. Bn. (WWII) (Sept-Kent, OH) Bill Vellon, 664 547th AAA, A Btry. (Oct-Guntersville, AL) A.E. Sumners, 1913th AVN Engr. Bn. (Oct-Arlington, VA) Bill Albert. 641 Longcoy Ave., Kent, OH 44240 Rt. 3, Box 336. Centre, AL 35960 (205) 927-3441 Lance Dr., Des Plaines, IL 60016 (312) 437-3391 256th F.A. Bn. (Sept-Newark, NY) Robert Chetney, 412 554th AAA AW Bn. (Sept-Metairie, LA) Fred Lab Jr., 10101 3485th Ord. Co. (Aug-Mandan, ND) Melvin Skager, 106 West Ave., Newark, NY 14513 (315) 331-3945 Burnt Store Rd. #23, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 (813) 637- 11th St. N.W.. Mandan, ND 58554 (701 ) 663-5153 273rd F.A. Bn. (WWII) (Aug-Yankton, SD) LaVern 7148 8608th AAU/116th Signal (Schereyn, Germany) (Oct- Wermers, Box 310, Parkston, SD 57366 555th Engr. Grp. (Sept-Seattle) Clyde Trent, 13620 13th Charleston, SC) Bill Case, Box 108, Frankfort, Ml 49635 285th Engr. Combat Bn. (WWII) (Oct-Louisville, KY) Ave. Ct. E.,Tacoma,WA 98445 (206) 531-5317 (616) 352-7379 Walter Maxwell, 309 Brock Rd., Springfield, PA 19064 568th/580th SAAW Bns., 7th AAF (WWII) (Sept- A.G.F. Dpt. 2, 1st Rgt., E Co. (Ft. Ord) (Oct-Milwaukee) (215) 543-6666 Williamsburg. VA) Ed Zoladz, 528 Shoreline Rd., Lake Ed Ehlers, 1483 Overlook Dr., Hubertus, Wl 53033 (414) 285th FAOB (Sept-Morgantown, PA) Charles Hammer, Barrington, IL 60010 (312) 382-0889 628-2583 767 Pearl Ave., Manheim. PA 17545 (717) 665-4754 593rd Eng. Boat & Shore Rgt. (Sept-Daytona, FL) John MAMWON Bunch (EX-POW/Korea) (Sept-Carmel, IN) Dr., Shively, 40216 L.T McDaniel, 650 1st Ave. N.E., Carmel, IN 46032 (317) . 291st Rgt., 75th Div., M Co. (Sept-Nashville, TN) Carl McGrath, 2239 Mary Catherine KY Bailiff, Rt. t, Box 103, Smithville, TN 37166 (615) 597- (502)448-3118 846-3950 5632 601st F.A. Bn. (Pk), A Btry. (Sept-Greensboro. NC) L.G. Ranger Bn. Assn. (WWII) (Oct-Washington) Howard 297th Inf. Bn. (Alaska) (Sept) Patrick Hagiwara, 15631 Cotton, Rt. 13, Box 264, Reidsville, NC 27320 (919) 342- Baker, 360 Blue Ridge Dr., York, PA 17402 (717) 741 -3930 South, Rt. S.E. 24th St., Bellevue, WA 98008 1134 Stark General Hospital (Aug-Atlanta) Joseph 301st Signal Oper. Bn. (WWII) (Sept-Cape Cod, MA) 602nd F.A. Bn. (Pk) (WWII) (Sept-Harrisonburg, VA) 2, Box 102, Lavonia, GA 30553 (404)356-2521 John Donovan, 141 Wilmont St. ,Wethersfield,CT 06109 Kimberly Brabson, Rt. 2, Box 343, Elkton, VA 22827 U.S.A.T. Peter Syvestor Survivors (2/6/45) (Aug- 310th Signal Oper. Bn. (Sept-Indiana, PA) Frank Straka, (703)289-5566 Sterling, IL) Burdette Burch, 27207 Maple Dr., Sterling, 536 Laurel St., Reading, PA 19602 (215) 372-2864 609th F.A., A Btry. (Pk) (Sept-Colorado Springs, CO) IL 61081 (815) 626-0943 322nd Signal Bn., C Co. (1950-58) (Aug-Washington) R. Lorraine Hammer, 6305 Wicklow Cir., Colorado Springs, US Forces (Austria) (Sept-Vienna, Austria) Bill Billet, Box Riker, 261-05 Hillside Ave., Glen Oaks, NY 11001 (516) CO 80907(719)598-7959 206, Red Lion, PA 17356 (717) 244-5368 775-3438 612th Engr. L. Equip. Co. (Sept-Indianapolis) Norman Women's Army Corps Assn. (Oct-Des Moines, IA) 328th Inf. (WWII) (Oct-Poconos, PA) Bob Clapp, 208 Misfeldt, Box 391, Arlington, NE 68002 (402) 478-5241 Ronnie Millard, 13313 E. 53rd St., Kansas City, MO AspinwallAve., Brookline, MA 02146 (617) 566-7147 613th Engr. LP Co. (WWII) (Sept-Virginia Beach, VA) 64133 (816) 358-0480 338th Engrs., D Co. (Oct-Riviera Beach, FL) Walter Kirby, James Feeney, 250 Ridge Ave., Kittanning, PA 16201 1018 Chadwell Dr., Madison, TN 37115 (615) 865-1300 (412) 548-4583 350th Engr. Gen. Serv. Rgt. (WWII) (Sept-Lake Tahoe, 710th Tank Bn. (WWII) (Sept-Lancaster, PA) Mike Navy CA) John Crabtree, 2795 King Edward Dr., El Dorado Mezzacappa, 22 Andrews St., Staten Island, NY 10305 Hills, CA 95630 (916) 933-6110 (718) 727-1575 376th AAA AW Bn. (Sept-Burlington, NC) William Arierett, 711th Tank Bn., C Co. (Aug-Branson, MO) Wesley 5th Spec. NCB (Aug-Naples, FL) Henry Lemus, 313 New 300 Oakview Rd., Williamston, NC 27892 Danekas, Rt. 2, Box 214, Wheatland, MO 65779 (417) Market Rd., Immokalee, FL 33934 (813) 657-3783 387th Rgt., 97th Div., M Co. (Nov-New Orleans) Joseph 282-6487 28th Spec. NCB (Oct-Fayetteville, AR) Jimmy Hopkins, Majeski, 108CranfordAve., Linden, NJ 07036 (201)486- 720 MP Bn., A/B/HQ Cos. (Oct-Rockford, IL) Mark 13776 Keno-Worden Rd., Klamath Falls, OR 97603 2140 Peterson, 5925 Twin Orchard Dr., Rockford, IL 61111 (503) 882-0897 389th FA Bn., C Btry. (Oct-Buffalo, NY) Jack Imperi, 883 (815) 633-7330 41st Spec. NCB (Sept-New Orleans) Nelson Hebert, Rt. Richmond Ave., Buffalo, NY 14222 (716) 886-2883 724th F.A. Bn., C Btry. (Aug-Denver) John Turner, Box 1, Box 244. Jeanerette. LA 70544 (318) 276-5819 389th Inf., 98th Div., H Co. (Oct-Evansville, IN) Kenneth 1645, Decatur, GA 30031 (404) 378-3543 47th NCB (Oct) J.K. Mendenhall, 1203 S. Evanston, Tulsa, Messamore, 260 S. School, Colby, KS 67701 (913) 462- 726th Amtrac Bn. (WWII) (Sept-Pigeon Forge, TN) OK 74104 (918) 592-1863 3589 Robert Priest, 2359 N. 23rd St., Lafayette, IN 47904 52nd Seabees (Aug-Huntsville, AL) H.W. Wardlaw, Box 411th Inf., 103rd Div., C Co. (WWII) (Aug-Oklahoma (317) 423-4426 40, Altheimer, AR 72004 (501 ) 766-8181 City) Jim Pepper, 114 Shawnee St., Box 223, Bloomfield, 726th ROB (Sept-Ft. Wayne, IN) Harold Nern, Rt. 2, 57th Seabees (1942-45) (Oct-Charleston, SC) W.W. MO 63825 (314)568-3452 Antwerp. OH 45813 (419) 258- 2533 Skipper, Rt. 1, Box 397, Harrisburg, NC 28075 (704) 547- 425th Med. Bn. Sep & Attach. Amb. Cos. (ETO/WWII) 727th Amph. Tractor Bn. (Oct-Lenexa, KS) Donald 0398 (Oct-Orland Park, IL) Bill Brandner, 13811 S. 80th Ave., Staton, 8200 W. 61st St., Merriam, KS 66202 (913) 432- American APD Corp. (Sept-Pensacola, FL) Jack Orland Park, IL 60462 (312) 349-3579 1121 Pennock, 4001 Constellation Rd., Lompoc, CA 93436 445th Ord. HAM Co. (Sept-Lexington, OK) Leroy Law, Rt. 744th Tank B., C Co. (Oct-Nashville, TN) Alex Tyrity, 2202 (805) 733-3412 3, Box 175, Lexington, OK 73051 (405) 872-3052 7th St. S.W., Akron, OH 44314 (216) 745-9900 American Battleship Assn. (Oct-Moscow, Russia) 446th AAA AW Bn. (WWII) (Sept-Morton, MS) W.T 745th Heavy Shop Co. (Aug-Tampico, IL) Harold Beam, David Graham, Box 11247, San Diego, CA 92111 (619) Tramel, Box 85, Raleigh, MS 39153 (601 ) 782-4326 Box 481, Tampico, IL 61283 (815) 438-3024 271- 6106 449th AAA AW Bn., B Btry. (Oct-Rocky Hill, CT) John 745th Rwy. Oper. Bn. (Sept-Nashville, TN) Cliff Estes, CBMU 545 (Oct-Ft. Myers, FL) Wallace Lawrence Jr., Box Markoya, 1083 Capitol Ave., Bridgeport, CT 06606 (203) 1807 Montclaire Dr., Birmingham, AL 35216 (205) 823- 675, Bokeelia. FL 33922 (813) 283-5922 336-2000 0919 FASRON 118 (Okinawa/Guam) (Sept-Kansas City, MO) 455th AAA AW Bn. (WWII) (Sept-Nashville, TN) Richard 748th MP Bn. (Oct-Las Vegas, NV) Louis Duthoo, Box W.J. Kuhn, 3605 N E 48th St.. Kansas City, MO 64119 Hollister, 3844 Faxon Ave., Memphis, TN 38122 (901 1931, Fritch, TX 79036 (806) 857-3847 (816) 454-8376 323-5859 749th Tank Bn. Assn. (Aug-Dayton, OH) Robert Myers MCB 12 Seabees (Sept) Robert Williams, Box 48, Ludlow. 460th Engr. Dpt. Co. (Aug-Colorado Springs, CO) M.B. Jr., Box 35, Englewood, OH 45322 (513) 836-5995 VT 05149 Furr, 624 Hamilton St., Newton, NC 28658 (704) 464- 754th F.A. Bn. (Sept-Denver) R.A. Smith, 20740 W. 343rd MCB 6 Seabees (Sept-Westbrook, ME) Harry Sparks, 0308 St., Wilmington, IL 60481 (815)476-6635 422 Sebago Lake Rd., Gorham, ME 04038 (207) 892- 461st Ord. Ammo Co. (Oct-Minneapolis) Ralph Koch, 762nd MP Bn. (WWII) (Sept-Findley, OH) C.L. Meek, 117 5037 4721 2nd Ave. So., Minneapolis, MN 55409 (612) 822- S. Lake St., Carey, OH 43316 (419) 673-6263 Medical Research Unit 2 (WWII) (Oct-Albuquerque, 8633 774th Tank Destroyer Assn. (Oct-Baton Rouge, LA) NM) Chuck Davison, 1122 Holmes PL, DeKalb, IL 60115 463rd Base Dpt. (Aug-Hammond, IN) Horace Mamala, Robert King, 3982 Green Forest Pky., Smyrna, GA (815) 756-2618 1343 170th, Hammond, IN 46324 (219) 844-0270 30082 (404) 432-9413 Mobile Boat Pool #1 (1948-49) (Oct-Lincoln, IL) Delmar 463rd Ord. Evac. Co. (Sept-St. Paul, NE) Harold Wieser, 790th F.A. Bn. (Oct-Orlando. FL) James Brady, 11136 Bergman, 603 6th St., Lincoln, IL62656 (217) 732-9446 223 9th St., St. Paul, NE 68873 (308) 754-4760 Riaza, #4, St. Louis, MO 63138 (314) 355-1519 SS John W. Brown (Sept-Baltimore) A Knapp. 8045 472nd AAA Bn. (Sept-Plymouth Meeting, PA) Edwin 813th AVN Engr. Bn., A Co. (Sept-Galesburg, IL) Ed Fritz, Winding Wood Rd., #11. Glen Burnie, MD 21061 (301 Ln. Justice, IL 60458 (31 839-0475 Kwiat, 838 Victory , 2) 499 Isle Royale, Galesburg, IL 61401 (309) 343-6995 969-8409 479th Amph. Trk Co., 1st Engr. Spec Bde. (Oct-Port 825th T.D. Bn. (WWII) (Oct-Myrtle Beach, SC) Louis Torpedoman's Mates Assn./USS Everglades AD 24/ Charlotte, FL) Ignatius Janusz, 13352 Englewood Rd., Celentano, 400 Blatchley Ave., New Haven, CT 06513 Currituck AV 7 (Sept-Phoenix) Ronald Curtis, 2954 Port Charlotte, FL 33981 (813) 697-2529 (203) 776-1907 Hilleman Ave., St. Louis. MO 63114 (314) 427-6140 488th AAA Bn. Grp. (Sept-Kenosha, Wl) Art Blase, 190 S. 826th Ord. Dpt. Co. (Sept-Pigeon Forge, TN) William USS Adams DM 27 (July-Montgomery, AL) Howard WoodDale Rd. #707, WoodDale, IL 60191 (312) 766- Osterbrock, 8901 Tripoli Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45251 (513) Brewer, 119 Sterling Dr.. Montgomery, AL 36104 (205) 7375 729-5371 272-6809 489th AAA AW Bn. S.P. (Aug-Fort Mill, NC) A.C. Sander, 853rd Engr. AVN Bn. (CBI) (Sept-Salt Lake City) Kenneth USS Appalachian (Oct-Reno, NV) Cliff Hollander, Rt. 1, 10 Brookwood Dr., York, SC 29745 (803) 684-9166 Gerrard, 493 E. Millcreek Way, Bountiful, UT 84010 (801) Box 521, McAlester, OK 74501 (918) 423-4310 497th AAA Gun Bn., D Btry. (Sept-Andover, MA) John 295-4016 USS Anthedon AS 24 (WWII) (Oct-Jacksonville, FL) Carl Buotte, 97 Knox St., Lawrence, MA 01841 (508) 685- 858th Ord. HAM Co. (Q) (Sept-Lexington, KY) James Kay, 207 N. 11th St., Keokuk. IA 52632 (319) 524-3653 6883 Reid, 2057 Cardinal Dr., Danville, KY 40422 (606) 236- USS Antietam CV 36 Assn. (Sept-Norfolk. VA) Edward 502nd AAA Bn. (Sept-No. Falmouth, MA) Jim Seibert, 3135 Craft, 9701 Bownman Ave., Pensacola. FL 32514 Valley Wheeling, 242- 868th F.A. Bn. (Sept-Baltimore) Thomas Gilbert, 1301 Unit 18 (1943-45) (Oct-Dallas) A W 1310 View Ave. , WV 26003 (304) USS Argus, 5153 Fuselage Ave., Baltimore, MD 21220 (301) 687-8051 Newman. 325 Shepards Hill. Rockwall, TX 75087 (214) 510th Engr. Co. (Sept-Clinton, IA) Henry Rakers, 111 S. 871st A/B Engrs. (Sept-Lexington, MA) John Feeley, 21 722-0098 Shores Dr., Decatur, IL 62521 (21 7) 423-3797 Alaska Ave., Bedford, MA 01730 (617)275-7862 USS Barney DD 149 (Oct-Pensacola, FL) James Burke, 4 673- 518th AAA Gun Bn. (Oct-Gatlinburg, TN) Noah Cantrell, 888th Signal Co. Dept. AVN (Sept-El Paso, TX) A.F Overbrook Ct., Ormond Beach. FL 32074 ( 904 ) 2917 Meadowlark Dr., Sierra Vista, AZ 85635 (602) 458- Larson, 15348 70th Ave. N.E., Bothell, WA 98011 (206) 3898 3864 488-7463 USS Bergall SS 320 (Aug-Sparks, NV) Carl Weber, 15 524th MP Bn. (Aug-Countryside, IL) Bob Gott, 4900 S. 894th Ord. HAM Co. (Sept-Little Rock, AR) Ray McCright, March St.. Nashua, NH 03060 (603) 888-2675 Tripp Ave., Chicago, IL 60632 (312) 585-0098 14013 High Point Dr., Little Rock, AR 72211 (501) 224- USS Boggs DMS 3/AG 19/DD 136 (Oct-Vallejo, CA) Mark 526th QM Railhead Co. (Sept-Monteagle, TN) John 5317 Schaitel, Rt. 1, Box 254, Sparta, Wl 54656 (608) 269- Bailey, 30 Coventry Cir., Clarksville, TN 37043 (615) 552- 896th Signal Dpt. Co. AVN, 9th AAF (Oct-Albuquerque, 7266 1444 NM) David Townsend, 6220 Mesquite Dr. N.W., USS Bordelon DDR 881 (Sept-Norfolk, VA) Cecil Briley 533rd AAA Bn. (WWII) (Sept-St. Louis) George Rasmus- Albuquerque, NM 87120 (505) 899-1507 Sr., 6321 Nell St., Ft. Worth, TX 76119 (817) 534-9690 sen, 1 347 Cabrillo Dr., St. Louis, MO 631 38 (314) 741 -7049 897th HM Ord. Co. (WWII) (Sept-St. Petersburg Beach, USS Borie DD 704 ( Aug-Lancaster. PA) Thomas Glick. 535th Ord. Co. (Sept-Denver) Wayne Ball, 3465 W. FL) Clifford Jensen, 216Thrush Dr., New Port Richey, FL 2737 Brookfield Rd.. Lancaster, PA 17601 (717) 569- Mississippi Ave., Denver, CO 8021 9 (303) 935-7820 34652 (813) 847-4196 2773 JULY 1989 53 Veterans alert USS Borum DE 790 (Sept-Atlantic City, NJ) Lem Beatty, KY) R.B. Thomas. 2658 Worden St. #228, San Diego, 88th Bomb Grp. (WWII) (Sept-St. Louis) Bert Grue, 350 69 Lake Rd., Morristown. NJ 07960 (201 ) 538-4593 CA 92110 (619) 224-4218 Cameron Rd.. St Louis, MO 63137 (314) 867-7322 USS Champlin DD 601 (Oct-San Diego) NR. Glass, 22 USS Panaka AFT 108 (Nov-San Antonio, TX) F.N. 89th Airdrome Sq. (Sept-St. Louis) Arnold Braun, 1803 Sauk Tit, Indiana Head Park, IL 60525 (312) 246-1579 Bolding, 7206 Danwood Dr., Austin. TX 78759 (512) 258- Kilrea Dr.. St. Louis. MO 63136 (314) 868-9935 USS Chaumont AP 5 (Sept-Colorado Springs, CO) Bill 0400 93rd Ftr. Sq., 81st Ftr. Grp. (Oct-Pittsburgh) John Molen, Box 602, Milan, IL 61264 USS PC 1137 (Oct-Bradenton, FL) William Mowery, 403 Dougherty. 201 Bartram Ln.. Ocean City, NJ 08226 (609) USS Chester CA 27 (Sept-Portland, OR) Clint Moffitt, 46th St. N.W., Bradenton, FL 33529 (813) 748-7217 398-5375 2036 N.W. 14th, Gresham, OR 97030 (503) 661 -1761 USS PC 574 (Sept-Joplin, MO) Ralph Piercy, Rt. 5, Box 312th Bomb Grp. (Roarin 20s) (Sept-San Francisco) USS Chevalier DD 805 (Aug-Chicago) Ted Mezyk, Box 360, Carthage. MO 64836 (417) 358-7560 Bob Spencer. 17250 Highland Mission. Sonoma. CA 697. New Carlisle, IN 46552 (219) 654-8413 USS Phaon ARB 3 (Sept-No. Wildwood. NJ) George 95476(707)938-8165 USS Chilula ATF 153 (Oct-Winston-Salem, NC) Charles Pinzel, 111 Crestridge Dr., Vernon, CT 06066 (203) 871- 315th Bomb Wing Assn. (Oct-Crystai City, VA) Clarence Buice, 1401 Leheigh Ct., Winston-Salem, NC 27103 0067 Juett. 3057 Page St., Redwood City. CA 94063 (415) (919) 725-5694 USS Phoenix CL 46 (Oct-Phoenix. AZ) Andy Wilson. Box 366-6687 USS Colahan DD 658 (WWII) (Sept) Ted Knudson, 1106 154. Vader. WA 98593 (206) 295-3811 320th Bomb Grp. (B-26s) (Oct-Norfolk, VA) Stu Rowan. 636-1591 Picking N. 24th Ave , Kelso, WA 98626 (206) USS DD 685 (WWII) (Sept-Columbus. OH) Bert 108 Aspm Hereford. TX 79045 (806) 364-4015 USS Columbia CL 56 (Oct-Charleston, SC) Bill Bohne, Radebaugh. 311 S. Vine St., Marion, OH 43302 (614) 339th Ftr. Sq. (WWII/Korea) (Sept-Colorado Springs. 248 Worrell Dr., Springfield, PA 19064 (215) 543-9073 383-1585 CO) Richard Cowles, 745 Harrison, Belding, Ml 48809 USS Cross DE 448 (Nov-Kissimmee, FL) Albertus Vander USS Randolph CV/CVA/CVS 15 (Nov-Mt Pleasant, SC) (616) 794-2083 Meer, 2005 S.W. 18th Dr., Boynton Beach, FL 33426 Walter Timmons, 785 Temple Ave., Orange City, FL 359th Ftr. Grp. & Support Units. (England/WWII) (Aug- (407) 734-4731 32763 (904) 775-3721 Oconomowoc. Wl) Charles Staley, 2546 Austin PI., USS Elden DE 264 (Oct-Norfolk, VA) Paul Pontuis, 10009 USS Rocky Mount AGC 3 (Army/Marines/Wounded Beloit.WI 53511 (608)362-5513 Broad St., Bethesda, MD 20814 (301 ) 530-3472 Personnel Included) (Oct-Valley Forge, PA) John 367th Ftr. Sq. (Dynamite Gang/WWII) (Sept-Niagara USS Epperson DD 719 (July-St. Louis) Tom Peltin, 325 E. Vreeland. 3710 Armstrong St.. San Diego, CA 92111 (619) Falls, NY) William Lippert. 1485 Tonawanda Creek Rd.. Sunset Ct., Madison, Wl 53705 (608) 231-2269 277-0689 No Tonawanda, NY 14120 (716) 691-7525 USS Fechteler DE 157/Muir DE 770/Sutton DE 771 USS Rodman DD 456/DMS 21 (Sept-Norfolk, VA) 370th Bomb Sq. (Sept-Spokane. WA) Ira Anderson Jr.. Bill Baur, E. Kenilworth, Villa Park, Norman Simonelli, 4648 Paul Rd., Virginia Sybil Tyler. 561 -2832 (Sept-Chicago) 522 Revere 1800 Ln , TX 75703 (214) IL 60181 (312) 832-1336 Beach, VA 23455 (804) 464-2845 390th Sq. (San Marcos, TX Air Field) (Oct-Tulsa. OK) USS Fidelity AM 96 (Sept-Louisville, KY) Jim Minor, 224 USS Roe DD 418 (Sept-Denver) Marvin Scholl, 2330 S. Milton Pfalzgraf. 8225 25th Ave., Kenosha, Wl 53140 449-5352 Linley Ct.. Denver, 80219 934-8123 (414)697-0080 AngelusDr , Salinas, CA 93906 (408) CO (303) USS Fort Defiance LST 946 (WWII) (Sept-Boston) Willis USS Samaritan AH 10 (Sept-Colorado Springs. CO) 416th Night Ftr. Sq. (WWII) (Oct-Huntsville. AL) Joe Post, 25 Sherrick Ave., Holbrook, MA 02343 (617) 767- James Wilhoit, 107 S. Cherokee, Clinton. MO 64735 Warson, 18203 Redtern, Detroit. Ml 48219 (313) 538- 4115 USS Sarita AKA 39 (Aug-Columbus, OH) Eugene Kozuk. 7060 USS Fremont APA 44 (Sept-Pittsburgh) Robert Brown, 8509 W. Red Bud Ln , Muncie. IN 47304 (317) 759-6023 435th T.C. Grp., Grp. HQ (WWII) (Oct-Orlando. FL) Gene Cedar Crest Apt. 301-D, Lower Burrell, PA 15068 USS Southern Seas PY 32 (Oct-Des Moines. IA) Armond Fosburg. 1678 Woodbine Cir. So.. Galesburg. IL 61401 USS Garfield Thomas DE 193 (Oct-Washington) Howard Ruppel. Rt 1, Box 45. Webster City. IA 50595 (515) 832- (309) 342-5456 3151 Ferguson, 12W. Lillie Ave . Beach Haven Park, NJ 08008 437th Signal Constr. Bn. (Oct-Newport News, VA) (609) 492-5558 USS Stevens DD 479 (WWII) (Oct-Allentown. PA) James Leach, 527 Walnut St., Lemoyne, PA 17043 (717) USS Gatling DD 671 (Oct-Norfolk, VA) Eugene Wood- Richard Bond. Box 25. Newark. OH 43055 (614) 345- 737-6644 ward, 3301 Maverick St., Virginia Beach, VA 23452 (804) 1041 447th BG (H), 8th AF (July-Norfolk, VA) Pete Petrillo. 955 340-1496 USS Takelma ATF 113 (Sept-Forsythe, MO) Joseph N Pasadena. Elyna. OH 44035 (216) 365-2561 USS Gladiator AM 319/USS Sepulga AO 20 (Sept) Don Stortz, 431 N. Walnut St., Mayville, Wl 53050 (414) 387- 449/452nd Bomb Sqs., 322nd Bomb Grp. (Sept-Long Cir. Beach, CA) Robert Wittling. 240 N. Edison Ave., So. Westerlund, 4708 E. Florian . Mesa. AZ 85206 (602) 3522 830-1161 USS Texas BB 35 (Sept-Norfolk. VA) Vincent Mossucco. Bend. IN 46619 (219) 287-0364 USS Grayson DD 435 (WWII) (Oct-New Orleans. LA) 225 Silver Bay Rd.. Silverton, NJ 08753 (201 ) 255-6734 450th Bomb Sq., 322nd Bomb Grp. (M) (Oct-Savannah, John Passerella, 11240 W. 76th Way., Arvada. CO 80005 USS Wadsworth DD 516 (Oct-Nashville, TN) Carl Werner. GA) Eugene Allen, 412 Homer Rd., Minden, LA 71055 (303)421-4754 717 Shawnee Ave., Cumberland. MD 21502 (301) 722- (318) 377-5614 USS Helm DD 388 (Oct-Norfolk, VA) Clifford Ryan. 6957 8248 454th Bomb Grp. (Italy/WWII) (Oct-Charleston. SC) Riddick St., Norfolk, VA 23518 (804) 855-5976 USS Walter C. Wann DE 412 (Sept-Charleston, SC) Ralph Branstetter. Box 678. Wheat Ridge, CO 80034 USS Henley DD 391 (Sept-Kissimmee, FL) Roy Anglen, William Weaver, Rt 1, Box 281, Clarion, PA 16214 (814) (303) 422-6740 Box 3, Hume, IL 61932 (217) 887-2372 764-3442 463rd Bomb Grp. H (Attach. Sqs.) (Nov -San Diego) USS Hoe SS 258 (Aug-Reno, NV) Harry Flagg, 7003 23rd USS Wasp CV 7 (All Sqs.) (Sept) Emory Wilson. 8515 Rev E E. Parker, Box 127, Edwardsport, IN 47528 Springfield, (M), Ave.W., Bradenton, FL 34209 (813) 792-6916 Durham Ct. , VA 22151 (703) 978-8893 552nd Bomb Sq. 386th Bomb Grp., 9th AF (A/B- USS Hollister DD 788 (1945-79) ( Aug-Monterey, CA) USS Wheatear AM 390 (Sept-Charleston, SC) Rod 26) (Sept-Colorado Springs. CO) Armando Madeira, John Mills Jr., 1329 Walker Dr., Soledad, CA93960 (408) Gaumer, 1221 Orange St., Berwick, PA 18603 (717) 752- 8204 Citadel Way, Sacramento, CA 95826 (916) 383- 678-3285 6401 3133 USS Hope AH 7, 215 Hosp. Ship Compl. (Oct-Las USS Whipple & Blackhawk (Aug-Tacoma. WA) Ed Kult, 558th Bomb Sq., 378th Bomb Grp. (M) (WWII) (Sept- Vegas, NV) Rew Wilson. Box 3613, Eureka. CA 95502 Rt. 3. Box 98, Coon Rapids. IA 50058 (712) 684-5473 Nashville, TN) V. Turner, Rt. 3. Box 84, Lawrenceville, IL USS Hopping DE 155/APD 51 (Oct-Norfolk, VA) Charles USS William C. Miller DE 259 (Oct-Louisville. KY) Haldor 62439(618)928-2672 Buice, 1401 Lehigh Ct., Winston-Salem, NC 27103 (919) Gustafson. 1403 Kenwood Ave., Duluth, MN 55811 (218) 560th, 561st, 562nd S.A.W. Bns. (Oct-Dayton, OH) Lee 725-5694 728-3545 Cordell. 2830 Brighton Ct., Westchester, IL 60154 (312) USS Hull DD 350 (Sept-Las Vegas, NV) M D. Hoffman, USS YMS 118 (July-St. Louis) M.D. Hayes, 412 4th St. E., 562-1520 1214 N. Kennedy, Enid. OK 73701 (405) 237-5593 Tracy. MN 56175 (507) 629-4851 585th Bomb Sq. (WWII) (Sept-Billings, MT) Tom O'Brien, USS Huse DE 145 (Oct-Newport. Rl) Glenn Malone. 1479 VB/VPB 133 (Venturs PV-1) (Oct-St. Louis) Bob Oley. 1907 Rio Vista Dr., Ft. Pierce. FL 34949 (407)465-7974 Bldg. 34641 536-3651 720 16th St.. New Cumberland. PA 17070 (717) 774-2505 S. Belcher Rd , S, Largo. FL (813) 2072nd QM Trk. Co. (Sept-Omaha. NE) Vernon Carson, USS James E. Craig DE 201 (Aug-Nashville, TN) Robert VPB 26 (WWII) (Sept-Jacksonville, FL) FrankTally, 13923 108 Cayuga Cove, Lake Kiowa, TX 76240 (817) 665- King, 401 S. Holly St., Monterey, TN 38574 (615) 839- Manderin Oaks Ln., Jacksonville, FL 32223 (904) 268- 8431 2352 3079 Air Transport Command (Karachi, India) (July-Kansas USS Keith DE 241 (Oct-Clearwater, FL) Herbert City, MO) Earnest Norton, 1129 Glenda Dr., Bedford, TX Schwartz, 2922 St. Andrews Blvd., Tarpon Springs. FL 76022 (817) 282-6853 34689 (813) 942-2666 Army Air Forces AirCrew Surv. Equipmentman School (Aug-Lakehurst, USS LaGrange APA 124 (Oct-Boston) Stanley Paul, 230 NJ)Tom Butler, NATTC. PR School, Lakehurst, NJ 08733 Hamilton Ave., Bethlehem, PA 18017 (215) 866-2262 (201)323-2477 USS LST 1005 (Sept-White Plains, NY) G.H. Taylor, 4 2nd Emer. Rescue Sq. (Sept-Colorado Springs, CO) Pilot Class 43-E (GCTC) (Nov-Orlando, FL) Hugh Myers. Willetts Rd., Mt. Kisco, NY 10549 (914) 666-8608 Charles Carver Jr., 15 Sunset Ave., Amherst, MA 01002 624 San Luis Rey Rd . Arcadia. CA 91006 (818) 447-6140 USS LST 310 (July-Placid Harbor, MD) Robert O'Dell, (413) 549-5714 Stalag Luft IV & VI POWs (Sept-Niagara Falls, NY) 13151 S. Francis Rd., DeWitt, Ml 48820 (517) 669-3163 3rd Air Commando, 5th AF, 341st Airdrome Sq. (PI/ Leonard Rose, 8103 E. 50th St., Indianapolis, IN 46226 USS LST 347/72 (Aug-Kansas City, KS) Dale Nelsen, Okinawa/WWII) (Oct- Indianapolis) Cliff Burk, 4228F (317) 546-1860 6712 Caenen Lake, Shawnee, KS 66216 (913) 768-6984 Knob Oak Ln. Charlotte, NC 28211 USS LST 356 (Aug-Pittsburgh) Anthony Pucci, 4363 Inlet 15th Tac. Recon. Sq. (Sept-St. Louis) Robert Dawson, Rd., Marietta, 926-0013 363- GA 30066 (404) 5830 Knight Arnold Rd., Memphis, TN 38115 (901 ) Air Force USS LST 392 (Oct-Ocala. FL) Nick Economos, 456 Pent 7377 St., Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 (813) 937-5854 19th Bomb Assn. (Aug-Dayton. OH) James Kiracofe, 274 (Aug-Pittsburgh) Mike Matosh, 1608 Walnut USS LST 469 Quinn Rd. , West Alexandria. OH 45381 (513) 839-4441 2nd Strat. Air. Dpt., 8th AFSC (Oct-Gatlmburg, TN) St., Monessen, PA 15062 (412) 684-8769 22nd Bomb Sq., 341st BG (M) (CBI/WWII) (Oct-Reno, Edward Hunt, Rt. 4, Box 636. Gatlmburg. TN 37738 (615) USS LST 619 (Oct-Williamsburg, VA) Carlton Purser, Box NV) W E. McDowell. 15601 S.E. 42nd PL, Bellevue, WA 436-5526 148, Woodland, NC 27897 (919) 587-6701 98006(206)641-4650 7th Photo Recon. Grp., Mt. Farm, Eng. (Oct-Denver) USS LST 670 (Aug-Pittsburgh) Paul Scherer, 644 7th St., 24th Combat Mapping Sq. (CBI) (Sept-Orlando. FL) Pat George Lawson, 4390 14th St. N.E., St. Petersburg, FL Carlstadt, NJ 07072 (201 ) 438-6072 Coady. 1003 E. 3rd Ave.. Lawton. Ml 49065 (616) 624- 33703 (813) 526-8480 USS Major DE 796 (Oct-Orlando, FL) Bob Young, Box 251, 3651 8th Photo Recon. Sq. (Sept-Dayton. OH) Sid Chalupa. Gardena, CA 90248 (213) 321 -5949 33rd Air Corps Grp. (Sept-Ft. Mitchell, KY) Herbert 324 Highland Park Dr., Kelso, WA 98626 (206) 425-0094 USS Mayrant DD 402 (Oct-San Diego) S. Sobel. 3716 Cooper. 643 Reynosa Ct., Berea, OH 44017 (216) 234- 15th Air Force Assn. (All Grps.) (Aug-Las Vegas, NV) Hermon Ave., San Diego, CA 92104 9007 15th Air Force Assn., Box 6325, March AFB, CA 92518 USS Missouri Assn. (Sept-Charleston, SC) Angelo 38th Air Serv. Sq. (Oct-Shreveport, LA) George Clayton, 44th Dpt. Repair Sq. (So. Pacific/WWII) (Sept- Goffredo, 1105 Jerry Ave., Schenectady, NY 12303 18403 Meyer Ave., Port Charlotte, FL 33948 (813) 629- Lafayette, LA) Fred Owers. Rt. 2. Box 97, Duson, LA USS Mt. Olympus AGC 8 (Oct-New Bern, NC) Albert 5693 70529(318)234-8737 Young, 8 Foxtail Ln., Foxfire Vlg., Jackson Springs, NC 63rd AAF-FTD (Douglas, GA) (Oct-Jekyll Island, GA) 58th Ftr. Control Sq. (Aleutian islands/WWII) (Sept- 27281 (919) 295-1966 Paul Schlundt, 3149 N. Winfield Ave.. Indianapolis, IN Reno. NV) George Mederios, 6711 Airline Hwy., Tres USS Oracle AM 103/Revenge AM 110 (Sept-Louisville, 46222 (317) 924-1825 Pinos. CA 95075 (408) 628-3264 54 AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE Veterans alert 86th Air Serv. Grp., 349th Air Engr. Sq. (Overseas Elmer A. Cohen, Harry K. Frank (1988) Post 4. members) (Sept-Lexington, KY) Franklin Watson, 2521 St. Louis, MO 18th St., Columbus. IN 47201 (812) 379-9249 Coast Guard Charles Banian, Henry T. Bushway, Louis P. Chasse, 97th Bomb Wing (1946-59) (Sept-Bossier City, LA) Norbert J. Couture, Henry J. Mercier, David Graver Kimball, Rt. 1, Box 169B, Coushatta, LA 71019 Michaud, Francis C. Vincent (1987) Post 69. Somers- (318) 932-5607 USS Allentown PF 52, Escort Div. 33 (Sept-Long Island. worth, NH Paul 107th Tact. Recon. Sq. (Oct-Charleston, SC) Ernest NY) William Finger, 19 Erick Ct., Cold Spring Harbor, NY DeForge (1989) Post 359, E. Syracuse, NY Holland Jr., Rt. 4, Box 1240, Manning, SC 29102 (803) 11724 (516) 692-6850 Walter J. Beattie, HoraceW. Post(1988) Post 862, Lake 478-4613 USS Gen. Wm. Black AP 135 (Oct. -St. Louis) Robert Luzerne, NY 111th Tact. Recon. Sq. (WWII) (Oct-Tampa, FL) Tony Frisby, 1605 Wiltshire Rd., Akron, OH 44313 (216) 864- James W. Burden, Mack H. Conway Jr. (1988)Post 255 Suarez, 810 W. Peninsula Ave., Tampa, FL 33603 (813) 9482 Newport News, VA 229-2429 USS Joyce DE/DER 317 (Oct-Charleston, SC) Joe Peter Pappas (1985), Richard F. Good, Loring P. 303rd B.W. (B-47) (1952-64) (Oct-Rio Rico, AZ) O R. Helminger, 1513 Huron Ave., Metairie, LA 70005 (504) LaRose, Robert D. Smith, Joseph W. Welch (1986), Smith, 1321 N.Via RondaOeste, Tucson, AZ85715 (602) 831-1454 Leo A. Matton Jr. (1987), Ralph Atwell, Bruce G. 722-9437 USS Machias PF 53, Escort Div. 33 (Oct-Milwaukee) McLaughlin (1988), Robert W. Finn, Edward T. 381st Bomb Grp. (Sept-Salt Lake City) Ford Thueson, John Jones, 806 Helene St., Wantagh, NY 11793 (516) Houle, Arthur S. Vancour (1989) Post 6. Portsmouth, 746 South 750 East, Bountiful, UT 84010 (801 ) 298-0179 731 -0442 NH 390th Bomb Grp. (H) (Oct-Colorado Springs, CO) Dean USS Peoria PF 67 (Sept-Boston) Philip Wright, 1533 John P. Dermanoski, Frank H. Schroer (1988) Post Settles, Box 252, Woodland Park, CO 80866 (719) 687- Greenfield Ct., Fremont, OH 43420 (419) 332-3434 430, Cologne, NJ 2909 USS Richey DE 385 (Sept-No. Dartmouth, MA) Henery 390th Bomb Sq., 42nd Bomb Grp., 13th A.F. (Sept- Konrad, 18437 University Park., Livonia, Ml 48152 (313) Olympia, WA) James Short, 9101- 27 Steilacoom Rd. 464-6537 S.E., Olympia, WA 98503 (206) 456-6231 USS Samuel Chase APA 26 (Oct-Savannah, GA) Russ 397th Bomb Grp. Assn. (Sept-Las Vegas, NV) Nevin Kellems, 420 Whiteheath Rd., Louisville, KY 40243 Price, Box 1786, Rockville, MD 20850 (301 ) 460-4488 (502) 245-7973 455th Bomb Sq., 323rd Bomb Grp., 9th AF (White Taps Notices mention, whenever possible, those Tailed Marauders/WWII) (Oct- Myrtle Beach, SC) Legionnaires who have held high national or department Frank Brewer, Box 59273, Birmingham, AL 35259 (205) office in the Legion or the U.S. government, or who have 823-2694 attained other forms of national prominence. 582nd Air Resupply Grp. (Sept-Ft. Walton Beach, FL) Miscellaneous F.W.Mittelstadt, 805 Jack St., Rothschild, Wl 54474 (715) 359-8428 Albert M. Becker, NY Department Vice Commander (1981-82). 692nd Radar Sq. (Civilian Included) (July-Baudette, Airways & Air Communications Serv. (Oct-Montgom- George Abalan, MN Alternate National Executive MN) 692nd Reunion Committee, Box P560, Baudette, ery, AL) Alton Erdman, 3025 Pelzer Ave., Montgomery, Committeeman (1963-69), Department Commander MN 56623 AL 36109 (205) 272-9130 (1961-62), Department Vice Commander (1952-53; 832nd AVN Engr. Bn. (Sept-Orlando, FL) William Kratz, 5 Alaska Vets (Sept-Denver) Adrian Ingersoll, 244 Ohio 56-59). Dr.Terre 877-2795 Chickadee Haute, IN 47803 (812) Ave., E. Alton, IL 62024 (618) 254-4665 Marvin H. Brook, NV Department Commander (1974-75). 901st Engr. 8th AF, HQ Co. (Wide Wing) (Sept-Ruidoso, American EX-POWs (N. Carolina) (Oct-Hickory, NC) James M. Callahan, NY District Vice Commander (1924), NM) Jack Barber, Box 2807, Ruidoso, NM 88345 (505) Davis, Box Bethleham, NC 28603 Wade 6059, (704) Bernice Ferrand, DC Department Vice Commander 258-3348 495-8104 (1968-69). 6005/7025 USAFPCS (Sept-Montgomery, AL) Jim Civilian Conservation Corps (1933-42) (Sept-Dayton, 774- Norbert H. Gadlage, KY National Executive Commit- Foshee, 3509 Deer Trail, Temple, TX 76504 (817) OH) Stanley Jerkins, 9943 S. Spaulding Ave., Evergreen teeman (1983-85), Alternate National Executive 7303 Park, IL 60642 (312) 425-5000 Committeeman (1973-83), Department Commander 7531st ABRON & Attach. Units (Bovingdon Bunch) Morocco Vets (Oct-Ft. Worth, TX) Charles Nichol, 3709 (1971-72), Department Vice Commander (1970-71). (Sept-Hemel Hempstead, Eng.) John Hill, 3101 S. Wildwood Rd. , Ft. Worth, TX 761 07 George Greer McCallister, National Historian (1971-72). Nichols Dr., Sierra Vista, AZ 85635 (602) 378-0261 Medical Bn. (Aug-Ft. Mitchell, KY) Nicoli VAC FMF Stewart W. Parker, DC National Executive Commit- Air Commandos (Vietnam) (Sept-Kokomo, IN) Dale Massarelli, 1340 Oakmont Ave., Hamilton, 45013 OH teeman (1968-70), Alternate National Executive Dahlke, 1426 D St., Lorain, OH 44052 (216) 288-3780 (513)868-6138 Committeeman (1966-68). Canberra Assn. (Sept-Albuquerque, NM) Robert Lewis, Department Commander (1971-72), Department Vice Commander (1953-54). 10812 Academy Ridge Rd. N.E., Albuquerque, NM 87111 (505) 299-8122 G.Y. Fails, National Vice Commander (1979-80), NM Det. 100, (Beuchel, Germany) (Sept-Austin, TX) Curt National Executive Committeeman (1967-73), Depart ment Adjutant (1954-59). Camp, 224 Cedar St., Haughton, LA 71037 (318) 949- LIFE 0512 MEMBERSHIPS William J. Meade, Paris Caucus Delegate. Eagle Sq. Assn. (Sept-Colorado Springs, James Arthur P. Melies, NE Department Commander (1950-51 ). CO) Life Membership notices are published for Legion- Gray, 7283 Kolb PL, Dublin, CA 94568 (415) 828-1350 Department Vice Commander (1948-49). naires who have been awarded Life Memberships by their Office Springs, Candidate Class 48A (Sept-Colorado posts. CO) Andy Hudak, 4331 Old Dominion Rd., Orlando, FL Life Membership notices must be submitted on official 32812(407)855-0449 forms which may be obtained by sending a self-addressed, Ranch Hand-Vietnam (Oct-Ft. Walton Beach, FL) Jack stamped envelope to: Life Memberships, The American Spey, 850 Tarpon, Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548 (904) Legion, PO. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206 243-5696 COMRADES IN DISTRESS Strategic Support Sqs. (Oct-San Antonio, TX) Howard Earle W. Briggs, Bruno Pysznik, Stanley Sass (1989) Readers who can help these veterans are urged to Wakefield, Box 241, Carrizo Springs, TX 78834 (512) Post 154, Enfield, CT do so. Usually an eyewitness statement is needed in 876-5322 Lawrence Bucci William Beran, Bruce (1983), support of a VA claim. Nissley, Robert E. Williams (1987), Frank Aldridge, Notices are run only at the request of American Legion Richard E. Barton, Wayne Simmons, Raymond St. Service Officers representing claimants, using Search for Post 33, Washington, Armond (1988) DC Witness Forms available only from State Legion Service Ervin E. Baker Jr., Johnny B. Bedwell, Calvin C. Marines Officers. Please contact CID (number). The American Hunton, Randall L. Latham, Henry S. Long, Tom E. Legion Magazine, P.O. Box 1055. Indianapolis, IN 46206 McGinnis, Louis Priest, Stan Wagner, Howard W. 1 st Arm'd Amph. Bn. (Sept-Washington) Al Scerbo, 1267 Williams (1989) Post 216, Mableton, GA 1st Bt., 5th Mar., 1st Div., HQ Co. Comm. Pt. Lawrence Birch St., Boonton, NJ 07005 (201 ) 263-3831 Robert A. Farinelli (1982), Barney Bernath (1983). L. Bagwell needs witnesses to verify that he served in 1st Combat Engr. & Pioneer Bn., 1st Mar. Div. (WWII) Leo May (1985), Betty Brier, Tom Deedrick, Virginia several battles while stationed in Korea from August (Aug-Boston) Joseph Romanchick, 2813 N. Ridgewood Deedrick, Helen Fitzgerald, Charles B. George, 1950 to April 1951 Contact CID 1204 St., Santa Ana, CA 92701 Paul Haburay (1988) Post 66, Griffith, IN 8077th AUTTRD, 8th Army Richard Eugene Coon needs 3rd Amph. Trac. Bn. (WWII) (Oct-St. Louis) Dominic Harvey Baber, Carl D. Reed, Earl Smith (1988) Post 19. witnesses to verify a claim that while stationed at Seoul. Finazzo, 4943Tholozan, St. Louis, MO 63109 (314) 481- Winchester, KY Korea in 1955, he suffered injury to his back and right 3165 Fredrick Wasilenko (1989)Post 224, Easthampton, MA knee when he was thrown from a train during a train 3rd Bn., 8th Mar., 2nd Div. (WWII) (Sept-Nashville, TN) Elmer Blower, Joseph Lacina (1989) Post 413, Grand accident. Contact CID 1205 Ed White, 717 N. Main. Centerville, IA 52544 (515) 856- Blanc, Ml Lacklin A.F. Base Marlon C Jordan needs witnesses to 2511 George P. Hendrickson (1989) Post 245, Tower, MN verify a claim that while stationed at Lacklin AFB in 16th Field Dpt., 1st Mar. Div. (PELELIU) (Sept-Niagara William B. Parsons, Robert E. Young (1988) Post 9, February 1956, he was hospitalized in base hospital. Falls, NY) John Hinds, 50 Miramar Rd., Rochester, NY Carthage, MO passed out in Ward B1. Contact CID 1206 14624(716)328-2179 Mike Graci (1969), Hon. Joseph J. Takacs (1970), USS Aishain Victor Buck needs witnesses to verify a 23rd Mar. Rgt., 4th Div., Weapons Co. (Oct-Bedford, PA) William J. Kaye (1974), Everett P. Gardella (1976), claim that while aboard ship on January 1. 1952, he Paul Policastro, 2722 North Bend Rd., Cincinnati, OH Frank L. Facchini, John A. Meseroll, David Miller, suffered a knee injury when he was hit by a fender 45239 (513) 681-9843 Rollin E. Rathbun Sr., Charles E. Riva, William J. Contact CID 1207 Hotel-7/Combined Action Grp. (Aug-Bay City, TX) Thomson (1986), John A. Adochio, Charles H. 21 st T Cor Co. A. 8th Army HQ G4 Mearl F Nelson needs Cesar Coronado, 3021 Avenue G, Bay City, TX 77414 Bradford, Nicholas V. Distefano, John Sinko, Peter witnesses to verify a claim that while stationed at Seoul. (409) 245-2319 J.Tomori (1988) Post 25, Milltown, NJ Korea during 1952. he suffered from backaches. Contact Marine/Navy Paratroopers (WWII) (Oct-San Antonio, Arthur Alnstead, Michael Lewicki, Jack McDonald, CID 1208 TX) D.E. Severance, Box 1972, LaJolla, CA 92038 Ann O'Neil, John Schaffer, Wilson Shea (1988) Post 3nd Bn., 59th Arty., A Btry. Glenn Michael Wike needs Mike Co., 3/7 Vietnam Assn. (July-Grand Junction, CO) 184, Hudson, NY witnesses to verify a claim that while stationed at J.C. Anderson, 202 North Ave., Ste. 112, Grand Junction, Alfred R. Ortiz (1987) Post 334, Floral Park, NY Riverside. Wl in 1969. he injured his head when he fell CO 81501 (303)434-0567 Morgan Strunk (1989) Post 346, Stroudsburg, PA from a pickup truck and was unconscious for a time. He VMD 154 (Oct-Portland, ME) Chester Wood, 305 S. John C. MacPherson, Robert J. Rockwell (1987) Post suffered his first seizure while stationed at Hank Btry. in Harwood, Orange, CA 92666 (714) 538-6889 553, Elizabeth, PA Korea. Contact CID 1209 JULY 1989 55 . northAmerican VA MEDICAL Offers Moving Continued from page 22 Discount I of HUY-BaSAW trained have socccedad In this fascinating anl highly profitable field the nation's You Can Do It Too!.. medical schools and uni- versities are threatened by under- budgeting, according to Beaty. "In hos- WWfli pitals where the quality of care has Never before have money-making opportunities been so eroded because of budget shortfalls, the great for qualified Locksmiths. Now lucrative regular lock and key business has multiplied a thousandfold as ability to sustain meaningful education millions seek more protection against zooming cnme. Save 35% On Your Yet there's only one Locksmith lor every 17,000 peo- Next Interstate Move programs is in jeopardy," he said. VA ple! Train FAST at Home — Collect CASH PROFITS Right Away You're in business ready to earn up to North American Van Lines offers American has affiliation programs with 103 $26.00 an hour a few days after you begin Foley- Belsaw's shortcut training Take advantage of today's Legion members a 35% discount on interstate medical colleges across the nation. unprecedented opportunities in Locksmithing for year- moves. Let northAmerican, the world's largest round EXTRA INCOME in spare time — or full time in a Each year, thousands of doctors, nurses high-profit business of your own. Hundreds we've professional mover, transport your household trained have done it So can YOU! All tools plus profes- with services to every need and other health professionals gain sional Key Machine given you with course. These plus goods moving meet practice materials and equipment, plus simple, illus- and budget. clinical experience at VA hospitals. trated lessons, plus expert supervision, plus business- For more information or free estimate, call building guidance will enable you to KEEP THE MONEY More than half of physicians today have COMING INI Ideal for retirement — good jobs, too. Andy Mento at Quality Movers/North American SEND FOR EXCITING FACTS — NO OBLIGATION! Van Lines. worked in VA hospitals during their PRO KEY MACHINE YOURS TO KEEP f rEE ALL SPECIAL TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT 1-800-245-6895 In PA 1-800-822-2079 careers. This machine can add up INCLUDED $200 3 month to your in- Funding problems have also saddled . It won't cost you come . "SPECIAL OFFER" a penny extra with your \1 HnM:mr/ many VA facilities with obsolete or training. FOLEY- BELSAW I VSTIF FIND OUT ABOUT IT unserviceable medical equipment. Cash 6301 EQUITABLE flD.. DEPT.11649 RUSH COUPON TODAY KANSAS Cin. MO 64120 shortages have caused many directors There is NO OBLIGATION * NO SALESMAN Will Call -ever! to defer maintenance on X-ray machines FOLEY-BELSAW INSTITUTE 6301 EQUITABLE HD DEPT 11649 and other diagnostic and treatment KANSAS CITY, MO 64120 PLEASE RUSH FREE BOOK "Keys lb Your Future' equipment. Antique Toy Moving Van/Coin Bank. Full color While the demand for veterans' NAME replica of our 1937 moving van. Hurry while health care has been on the rise in ADDRESS supplies last. Only $14.95 plus $3.00 S&H Order recent years, and is expected to con- using toll-free numbers listed above. CITY-STATE-ZIP tinue as the veteran population ages, real spending has decreased. VA med- ical directors have been forced into the Catch-22 situation of having to do more r YOUR OWN 'ROOSTER' WEATHERVANE with less. But the result always will be i ARMED SERVICES RING • Roof * Almost 3 Feet High the same. Many veterans' hospitals and • Porch $T Full Color clinics will be forced to join the facili- ties that already have closed their doors LAYERED IN 1 8KT GOLD • Mail Box b J on sick and needy veterans. For some of • Garden Ruby- Red 3 Ct. Faceted Stone II W±*T these veterans, there is but one alterna- LAYERED IN 18 KT GOLD Fence tive if they are unable to receive VA MARINE health care, according to Nat'l Cmdr. H.F. "Sparky" Gierke. "The answer for them is that they go home and wait— and die," he said. MERGING SERVICES One of the many "cost-saving" meas- No. 8147 Schooner ures that some on Capitol Hill are with is a plan that would consoli- A" Country Classic" . . . the Rooster Weathervane. Our full toying ITS OFFICIAL! Now, you can gel an ARMY, NAVY, MARINE, AIR color version stands almost 3 FEET TALL and measures date VA medical services with those pro- FORCE or COAST GUARD RING, no matter how long it has been since UV2" across. Specially crafted for us with heavy-duty you served 1 Here's the ring you always wanted — so rugged ... so vided by Defense Department hospitals. manly and so finely detailed Each one has deeply sculpted official metal mounting hardware and weatherproof hi- impact insignia and symbols for that particular branch of service Elec- materials. Easy to assemble hardware adapts to any angle The Legion is not opposed to the VA troplated in GENUINE 18 KT GOLD not ordinary plating but roof. Attaches to porch, fence or mail box too. Can and military hospitals sharing equip- certified HEAVY GOLD Electroplate. Big 3 CARAT Multi- faceted, be mounted on pole (included) for your yard or garden. . Ruby- Red Stone. It's the ring you can really wear with pride because ment and other materials, but it believes it makes a charming garden accent! And it really does you served your country well Available in sizes 7 -14 both should retain their respective auto- work. . . tells which way the wind is blowing. Look at the No. 5623— Armed Services Ring $12.95 price — now, that is a good old fashioned bargain! nomies because their missions are dif- .NOW AVAILABLE (Sizes 5 -10) No. 8143 D— Rooster Weathervane $14.95 ferent. facilities and medicine are No. 5095— Ladies Service Ring $12.95 VA No. 8147 — Schooner Weathervane $14.95 Special: Any Two Only $22.95 (Specify Size & Branch) geared primarily for geriatric care and SAVE— ANY TWO $27.00 rehabilitation. Military hospitals serve 3 * Mail Order with check, cash or money order. Include $2.85 postages handling fee (non- refundable) Allow - 5 weeks delivery, generation medical All merchandise shipped under no risk, 30 day home trial. N.Y.S. residents must include local sales tax. Send order to: a younger whose I needs are far different than veterans. |F0tftt- TCFJYTJN^ 00/^ JJEPT.J 23^ J^HM^l NJJ0538] The merger proposal is expected to 56 AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE 1 surface in the current Congress. At the Legion's VPCC meeting, congressional "DO YOU KNOW sources offered cryptic insight about the merging becoming a hot legislative THESE NATURAL item. "There is no proposal to merge services— yet," said Jonathon Stein- HEALTH SECRETS berg, counsel to the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. AND CURES?" Merging VA medical care with other public-health groups, such as military AN AMAZING GOLD MINE OF 21 hospitals, neglects not only the special LITTLE HEALTH needs of veterans, but also ignores the KNOWN economic reality that VA health care is SECRETS more efficient than Medicare. (By Frank K. Wood) FC&A, a Peachtree City, Georgia, publisher, announced today the release LINE "We are so positive that THE BOTTOM of a new book for the general public, one of our natural healing "New Health Tips Encyclopedia". The assault on VA health care and its secrets will work for you that we will send a free delivery to veterans did not begin, nor LOOK AT THESE EYE-OPENERS you will it disappear, overnight. The pri- gift just for trying them." The danger of microwave popcorn, mary victim of the assault has been a especially to older people. continually eroding VA budget, unable less. Dizziness: 3 little known causes. to keep pace with the real costs of pro- Back trouble in older women: what to virus that causes cancer. viding timely and quality care. A do. Delicious "miracle food" lowers cho- To examine the depth to which fund- Alzheimer's Disease: A little known, ing and other problems have hampered lesterol 20%. easily prevented possible cause. little trick to lose weight the delivery of VA care, the Legion A known Stroke coming? An early warning without dieting. recently appointed a three-member task sign that can help prevent it. Cancer: simple test you can do force, whose mission is to: A How a little sugar may help you avoid • Visit VA medical centers with yourself to rule it out. cancer. resource-sharing with mili- nutrient that keep you from agreements A may A natural home remedy that works to tary services the effects heart attack. and determine having a halt an asthma attack. that agreements are having on the pure well or spring water Why may Why chicken-pox attacks older adults beneficiaries of both entities, and if any prevent senility. in the disguise of shingles. (How it show indications of full mergers. False senility reversed. Little known got its name — not from chickens!) • Identify and meet with Category B cause. Plop, plop, fizz, fizz — the truth and C veterans who have been denied people on low-meat diets should Why about which pain reliever is best. health out they VA care and find where not drink tea. A "healthy" beverage that causes currently obtain medical services, if that heart A bottled drink may cause headaches, loss of sleep and alarming any at all. attack or stroke. The VA medical system should not be side effects. Joint pain from too much of this good burdened with new or expanded pro- Enjoying the sun without getting skin nutrient. grams without Congress providing cancer. Poor sleep? Is it too much salt? additional funds. A delicious food that brings choles- Early warning of heart problems. For example, VA hospitals were terol levels down by 20%. common household spray that causes required to establish infectious disease A IT'S EASY TO ORDER cancer. programs and AIDS prevention meas- Just return this notice with your name ures at a cost of $20 million, but Con- TAKE CONTROL AND and address and a check for $3.99 plus gress did not appropriate the money for KEEP CONTROL OF $2.00 shipping and handling to: FC&A, the changes. The result is that other YOUR HEALTH — TODAY! Dept. 5AM-7, 103 Clover Green, vitamin programs and services go without A that helps prevent loss of Peachtree City, Georgia 30269. We funding. sight. will send you a copy of "New Health self-test to Taken together, these problems pose Going blind? An easy see Tips Encyclopedia" right away. a single, threat to if 're getting this preventable blind- monumental a system you Save! Return this notice with $7.98 whose successes have benefited not only ness. + $2.00 for two books. (No extra ship- veterans, but also society as a whole. A food that helps prevent heart attacks ping.) It's more than just a government agency and strokes. You get a no-time-limit guarantee of that is inching toward obsolescence. Hearing loss in elderly restored by satisfaction or your money back. "The VA medical system may be the mineral supplement. IMPORTANT — FREE entity under assault," Gierke id, "but A food that often stops intestinal GIFT OFFER EXPIRES the victims will s all- be veterans. u an cramps, pain and noisy gurgling. AUGUST 26, 19°<> out assault that The American Legion Senility: Something on your table top All orders mailed t; August 26, has vowed to repel with every ounce of can cause it. 1989, will receive a rre : gift Order its strength— the 2.9 million men and A medical test that's almost worth- women who are proud to call them- right away! selves Legionnaires." JULY 1989 C"7 . . - ®/4 INTEREST PRIORITIES ~ MODEL Continuedfrom page 44 CLQSEOUT LOW, LOW DOWN PAYMENT 2 & 3 Bedroom Single-Family SWEETWATER NATIONAL SECURITY Manufactured Homes With Lots 2S Promote domestic manufacture of defense GOLF 81 TENNIS CLUB weapons systems MANUFACTURED HOME COMMUNITY 10F Support CHAMPUS availability past age 65 *50's-90's 11 F Support full funding for military medical care • Waterfront Country Club Community 19SThe American Legion policy on medical user RETIRE IN STYLE TO fees • Low cost of living with central utilities 20S The American Legion policy on national • Professionally-Managed service programs recreational and social programs FLORIDA 24 Support oil exploration in Arctic region 25 Support the federal oil and gas leasing system 30S Oppose FSX coproduction HOME PURCHASE LOT PURCHASE If you are ready lo buy now 42 Improve military of life FLY'SEE-BUY pay and quality $34,900 514,990 45 Support the military draft FLY-to Florida for $99.00 per person* 46 Modernize Army and Marine land forces - 5,235 Down 2,250 Down SEE-Sweetwater, Winter Haven's New Payment Payment 47 Support military commissary operations Lakefront Community by being our $29,665 Mortgage $12,740 Mortgage guest and staying 3 days and 2 nights. 52 Support funding for anti-satellite weaponry Payment Payment BUY-at our reduced final closeout prices 53 Support of the national space policy 54 Procure additional launch vehicles 'Price includes: Air fare, airport pick-up & delivery, lodging, space dining, tours, golfing, dances, cookouts and lots of fun! 115 Support the National Guard and Air National TOTAL PAYMENT $254.00 PER MONTH, HOME AND LAND Guard 176 Support modernization of the nuclear force c NOT READY TO MOVE? SEND MORE DETAILS- SWEETWATER /0 West Florida Communities structure WILL BUY NOW AND WE P.O. Box 7627, Winter Haven, FL 33883-7627 179 Support for the C-17 aircraft IT RENT OUT FOR YOU 1 80 Support the enhancement of strategic bomber UNTIL YOUR RETIREMENT. Name. force YOU'LL ENJOY TAX ADVANTAGES BY BUYING 181 Support the Peacekeeper missile system NOW. Address. 237 Support ROTC program For more information 261 Improve U.S. Army strategic mobility improve- City . Stare .Zip. call ments 263 Support the Strategic Defense Initiative TOLL FREE Phone ( ) 265 Support regular adjustments in military retired / want to take advantage of FLY-SEE-BUY 1-800-331-8605 pay / am interested in owning for investment 266 Support the Selective Service System 1-800-722-6601 THIS ADVERTISEMENT IS NOT AN OFFERING NO OFFERING CAN BE MAOE UNTIL AN OFFERING PLAN IS FILED WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW rORK THIS ADVERTISEMENT IS MADE PURSUANT TO COOPERATIVE POLIC 267 Require proof of Selective Service registra- c (in Florida) STATEMENT NO 1 ISSUED Bv THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE STATE O NEW -OPK (FILE NUMBER H88-0157). MASSACHUSETTS REGISTRATION NUMBER 0 S 88 009 054 OFFER VOID WHERE PROHIBITED Br LAW tion prior to federal employment or receipt of benefits 307 Support military interdiction of illegal drug traffic 343 Support the strengthening of the Merchant Marine "OFF-LAWN" Mower 353 Support the modernization of the U.S. Navy The facility 354 Support the Curtis Bay Coast Guard 355 Support ground proximity warning systems At LASTL.m machine that 357 Support mine detection countermeasures 359 Support the civil defense program 364 Support chemical warfare defense makeswow entireproperty 365 Support Former Spouse Protection Act amendments more useable, accessible 367 The American Legion's strategic nuclear anabeautifull policy 370 Support the modernization of the U.S. Air Force If you have over an acre of land, the 377 Modernize the Malcolm Grow Medical Center 380 Support the military and peaceful use of TROY-BILT TRAIL BLAZER® Sickle space 381 Support the improvement of Command, Bar is the perfect "off-lawn" mower to Control, Communications and Intelligence cut grass, weeds, even light brush of (C31 ) systems 383 Support ARAPAHO (U.S. Navy and Marine any height in all types of terrain. Corps) 510 Support the U.S. Coast Guard • Amazingly fast!... 511 Oppose registration of firearms 512 Support a 15-carrier battle group Navy cuts 1,500 sq. ft. of overgrown weeds in under 5 minutes! CHILDREN AND YOUTH 474 Support funds for juvenile delinquency pre- • Blaze nature trails for 317 vention hunting, skiing, snowmobiling. Troy-Bilt Mfg. Co. walking, Dept. Al 136 476 Legion policy opposing pornographic litera- 102nd St. and 9th Ave., Troy, N.Y. 12180 ture • Enhance the beauty of 477 Support observance of "National Family YES! Please send me your FREE Catalog on how Week" your place by clearing unsightly suckers, the TROY-BILT TRAIL BLAZER Sickle Bar can 478 Support school nutrition programs vines and bushes. help me unlock the full beauty and enjoyment of my 479 Support financial aid to families with children property. ..plus details on prices, models and savings suffering catastrophic illness now in effect! • Have a safer place, too! ...without fire hazards, driveway blind NAME FOREIGN RELATIONS spots and poison ivies, oaks or sumacs. ADDRESS- 24F Support the re-examination of Panama Canal Treaties Send for FREE Catalog TODAY! CITY _ 70 Oppose transfer of Bering Straits Islands to Soviet Union STATE. _ZIP_ 119 Amend death declaration in Missing Per- sonnel Act 58 AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE . 1 23 Support military sales to the Republic of China 1 24 Legion policy on the Republic of China 125 Legion policy on the Republic of Korea 126 Oppose military sales to mainland China 289 Support for the Inter-American Development Bank 294 Legion policy on U.N. involvement in POW/ MIA issue 303 Legion policy on Vietnam 304 Legion policy on the Southeast Asia POW/ MIA issue 308 Legion policy on strategic nuclear forces 384 Legion policy on Afghanistan 385 Legion policy on Panama Canal 389 Legion policy on Costa Rica 390 Legion policy on Cuba 391 Legion policy on El Salvador 392 Legion policy on Guatemala 393 Legion policy on Honduras 394 Legion policy on Mexico 395 Legion policy on Nicaragua 396 Support for the Inter-American security 397 Legion policy on the Middle East 398 Legion policy on Libya 399 Legion policy on Central America 400 Legion policy on the Caribbean Basin "We're so positive that these patterns and designs will open up a new world of 401 Legion policy on Korean Conflict POW/MIAs woodworking for that we'll send you free gift just for trying them." 402 Support for the Philippine Armed Forces you a 403 Legion policy on the Philippines 404 Legion policy on Japan 406 Legion policy on strategic arms reduction 407 Support for INFTreaty "312 408 Legion policy on Turkey WOODWORKING 409 Oppose technology flow to the Soviet bloc 410 Legion policy on South Africa 411 Legion policy on Canada SCROLL SAW PATTERNS" 413 Legion policy on Namibia 415 Legion policy on Mozambique 416 Legion policy on Angola 417 Legion policy on the United Nations IF YOU LIKE TO CUT PATTERNS OUT OF WOOD, THIS IS 418 Legion policy on terrorism 419 Recommended principles of U.S. foreign THE BOOK FOR YOU! YOU'LL FIND A TREASURE policy 420 Support for a bipartisan foreign policy HOUSE OF IDEAS INSIDE. OVER 300 BEAUTIFUL 421 Support foreign aid 422 Support more funds for the U.S. Information WOODWORKING PATTERNS AND DESIGNS. Agency 423 Support aid for freedom fighters worldwide 424 Oppose nuclear proliferation (By Frank K. Wood) 425 Restrict lobbying for foreign governments 513 Legion policy on NATO FC&A, a Peachtree City, Georgia, The entire United States to cut out as 514 Support immigration of Amerasian children to publisher, announced today that it has United States a puzzle or just your own state released for sale the eagerly awaited Sconces for walls and holders for AMERICANISM book, "Encyclopedia 312 ScrollSaw 33F Support for Constitution Day of candles, chickens and puppies and 34F Oppose diversion of taxes paid by conscien- Designs" quiet village scenes tious objectors from military spending 65 Amend Flag Code regarding Pearl Harbor Day LOOK WHAT YOU'LL IT'S EASY TO ORDER 254 Oppose convening a constitutional conven- FIND IN THIS NEW BOOK return this notice tion Just with your name 481 Support observance of "I Am an American" Pandas, pigs, pineapples, penguins, and address and a check for $5.99 plus Day rabbits and cats and gaggles of geese 482 Legion policy on illegal aliens $2.00 shipping and handling, and we 483 Amend Flag Code to include Father's Day Horses, houses and rainbows ofpeace will send you a copy of "Encyclopedia 484 Support legislation to include "Pause for the Tulips, towel holders, rooster, robin Pledge" in National Flag Day Celebration of312 ScrollSaw Designs" right away. 485 Legion policy on private initiatives by Amer- Teddy bears and tennis rackets Or for only plus shipping ican citizens to affect U.S. foreign policy $9.99 $3.00 486 Support voluntary school prayer legislation Keys, clips and strange little people and handling you can get both the book 487 Support legislation to strengthen the CIA & Magnets, toys and galore FBI numbers and an extra 100 large patterns too big 488 Restore patriotic holidays to traditional dates Shoes, gloves, boots and saddles to fit into the book. 489 Legion position on U.S. internal security and strawberries 490 Support reciting Pledge of Allegiance in Con- Apples and games Send your check along with your gress for grandchildren name and address to: Dept. 491 Mandate English as official U.S. language FC&A, 492 Amend Flag Code to observe POW/MIA Loving hearts and flying doves ZAM-7, 103 Clover Green, Peachtree Recognition Day Cows and sheep, squirrels and fish, 493 Support citizenship for certain Filipino City, GA 30269. veterans the alphabet from A to Z You get a no-time-limit guarantee of 494 Re-establish House Internal Security Com- mittee Musical notes and all sorts of instru- satisfaction or your money back. 495 Prohibit import of foreign-made American ments, drums and horns, banjos and IMPORTANT — FREE flags 496 Support several amendments to the Flag pianos GIFT OFFER EXPIRES Code Jewelry holders to keep you organ- AUGUST 26, 1989 INTERNAL AFFAIRS ized, blackboards for special phone All orders mailed by August 26, 1989, 31 F Support preservation of historic military sites messages 36F Support legal immunity for volunteers will receive a free gift. Order right 90 Oppose appropriations for reparation pay- Christmas ornaments away! ©fc&ai989 ments to Japanese internees 21 3 Support for World War 1 1 Memorial JULY 1989 59 contest winners at the national and CRU ISE Department levels. In addition, Posts AMERICAN LEGION and Districts provide scholarship the Continuedfrom page 41 awards to winners at local competi- CARIBBEAN tions. Each year, more than 30,000 students participate in the contest, ABOARD NORWEGIAN which has awarded more than $1 mil- CRUISE LINE'S county offices. State legislative ses- lion since its inception in 1938. For more information, contact your local M/S . STARWARD sions, court trials, law and police schools, evening assemblies, bands and Legion Post or write to The American- glee clubs are popular activities in a ism and Children & Youth Division. typical Boys State. Missing Children. Many Depart- ments and Posts conduct programs in Boys Nation. Two outstanding stu- 8 days support of kidnap prevention, including from dents at Boys State each year are child fingerprinting and other identifi- selected by each Legion Department to cation programs in cooperation with attend Boys Nation in Washington, $1JJ2l local law-enforcement authorities. D.C. During the week-long session, the Some Departments and Posts have ini- young men participate in politics and tiated legislation to provide more help government on the federal level, hear in locating missing children and many from those who are prominent on the Posts contribute to organizations that AMERICAN LEGION MEMBERS Washington scene, and visit govern- help prevent kidnapping and conduct SAVE MORE THAN 10%! ment agencies, memorials and histori- Various departure dates searches for missing children. The cal sites. One of the highlights is their October - Decern her. 19X9 American Legion Magazine regu- visit to the White House and a meeting larly publishes photographs of missing with the President. As an American Legion member, you children. The Legion also publishes a can enjoy 1 0% OFF NCL's retail prices as pamphlet that explains how parents can Boy Scouts of America. For 70 you bask in eight days of sun and fun prevent children from being kidnapped years, The American Legion and the cruising aboard the M/S Starward. Visit or lost. For more information, contact Boy Scouts of America have been six fascinating ports of call: San Juan, the nearest Legion Post or write to the "Partners for God and Country." Legion Barbados, Martinique, St. Maarten, An- Americanism and Children & Youth Posts and Auxiliary Units sponsor tigua, and St. Thomas. Division, The American Legion, P.O. 2,500 Scout units throughout the coun- There's room for all kinds of fun. Enjoy Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206. try. Many Posts also sponsor Explorer all the ship's facilities, many daily activi- Scout programs. Each year, the Legion Child Welfare Foundation. Since it ties, a Welcome Party, Gala Farewell its the Year and he selects Boy Scout of was established in 1954, the Child Wel- Dinner, four meals a day, and a Midnight is honored along with other Legion fare Foundation has awarded more than Buffet. Of course, round-trip scheduled youth champions at the National Con- $1.2 million to non-profit organiza- jet transportation and transfers are in- vention. tions and agencies for children and cluded, as well as round-trip baggage youth projects. This year, the Child handling to the pier (except through Cus- Boys' Clubs of America. Boys' Welfare Foundation awarded $256,700 toms). Cabin upgrades are also avail- Clubs, especially in large cities, help in grants to non-profit organizations able for purchase. get underprivileged boys off the streets that design programs to benefit children. Space is filling fast on this popular and into good surroundings by provid- cruise. Call 1-800-243-4868 today for ing character-building opportunities Drug Abuse. In addition to its sup- reservations and/or information. Or, and skilled leadership. Legion Posts port of TIP, the Legion also publishes send the coupon below for more details. donate money to establish Boys' Clubs, pamphlets on how to detect drug abuse Legionnaires serve on governing and how to prevent it. Legionnaires boards, and as volunteer instructors, '"send me details on this great"] from Posts nationwide speak at schools counselors and coaches. about the cruise vacation aboard and other public meetings dangers of marijuana, cocaine, alcohol NCL's M/S Starward Legion Baseball. One of the premier and other drugs. Complete, clip, and mail this coupon to: | youth programs in the nation, Amer- I ican Legion Baseball teaches practical Teen Suicide Prevention. Concerned lessons in sportsmanship and citizen- that suicide has become the third high- I TRANS NATIONAL TRAVEL 2459DEV ship to more than 75,000 boys yearly. est cause of death among teen-agers, 1062-NC89 2 CHARLESGATE WEST I than mil- DJ-DR Legion Posts spent more $8.2 many Departments and Posts conduct BOSTON, MA 02215 I lion last year to sponsor baseball and suicide prevention programs in their NAME other sports for youths. About 58 per- I communities. The Legion's National ADDRESS cent of today's major league ballplayers Commission on Children & Youth pub- I CnY STATE_ ZIP learned the values of fair play, competi- lishes a brochure explaining the warn- PHONE (daytime) I ( )_ tiveness and hard work while they par- ing signs of suicide and provides advice Prices are per person, based on double occu-| 1 ticipated in American Legion Baseball. for youths who are at risk. pancy from most major U.S. cities and reflect economy season prices; value season prices are| slightly higher. Single supplement and third person- The National High School Oratori- Special Olympics. Legion Depart- pricing upon request. Port taxes are not included,! cal Contest. The Legion awards ments and Posts provide funds and vol- |knd are an additional charge of $35 per person .u $138,000 in scholarships annually to unteer assistance in support of the Spe- 60 AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE cial Olympics program for disabled and other subversive activities. The cost directed to The American Legion children. is $5 per year for single subscriptions. Magazine, P.O. Box 1055, Indianao- Write to Firing Line, The American olis, IN 46206. Blood Donor Program. Legion- Legion, PO. Box 1055, Indianapolis, naires have made The American Legion IN 46206. American Legion VISA Card. This one of the largest identifiable groups of preferred credit card offers Legion- blood donors in the nation. Last year, Community Betterment. Posts naires a competitive interest rate; up to Posts' blood drives collected 109,000 initiate numerous programs to support $10,000 line of credit; emergency cash pints of blood for the nation's hospitals their communities. Projects often in- services; up to $3,000 in lost baggage and collection centers. clude landscaping and beautification insurance; travel and rental-car insur- programs, providing lighting systems ance; and other benefits and services. Disaster Relief. Legion Posts and for playgrounds, Get-Out-The-Vote For more information, call toll-free Auxiliary Units cooperate with The campaigns, and spearheading drives to 1-800-847-7378. American Red Cross during national establish veterans' memorials. disasters and other public emergencies. Posts offer the use of their facilities to The American Legion Money Service to God and Country. The the Red Cross, prepare meals for victims Market. This money-market account is Legion's Service to God and Country and provide other volunteer assistance. a safe, solid and secure way for Legion- program emphasizes the vital part the naires to invest and plan for their future. church must play in every community. Safety Programs. The American The program offers the interest rates of Its threefold goal is to encourage atten- Legion has long been active in promot- a T-bill and the services of a checking dance at churches and synagogues, ing programs to prevent accidents. The account. For more information, call promote daily family prayer and devo- National Commission on Children & toll-free 1-800-321 -VETS. tion and support religious training for Youth publishes several brochures that children. By furthering these goals provide safety tips for parents and chil- National Emblem Sales. Each and Legion Departments, Districts and dren. Among them are safety tips for every member can buy American Posts continue to call on all Americans outdoor fun, safety tips for indoors, and Legion ceremonial and patriotic mer- to fulfill their duty to God and Country. tips for a safe Halloween. Popular acci- chandise at reasonable prices from dent-prevention programs conducted Emblem Sales. Of particular note is the by many Posts include: BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP large variety of U.S. Flags available to • Gun Safety. With the assistance of American Legion members and their Family Benefit Plan. By making the National Rifle Association, many families at most competitive prices. reservations in advance and showing Posts have established gun-safety and Many items listed in the Emblem Sales Legion membership cards, Legion- marksmanship courses for their com- Catalog provide members with the naires and their families can reserve munities. opportunity to display their pride in The nationwide discounts from certain • Bicycle Safety. Posts work with local American Legion. To receive a catalog, motels, car rental agencies, household police and safety officials to sponsor write to National Emblem Sales, The movers, entertainment parks and motor bicycle safety and inspection programs American Legion, P.O. Box 1050, Indi- clubs (see page 47). for children. anapolis, IN 46206. Other safety programs supported by American Legion Life Insurance. the Legion include fire prevention, Low-cost group whole life and term Post Homes. As a Legion member, school safety patrols and learn-to-swim insurance policies are available to no matter where you travel, you always campaigns. Legionnaires and their spouses (see have a friend. About 8,000 Legion posts have homes, many including din- Law Enforcement. Posts also are page 11). ing facilities and social activities. You active in community programs to pro- National Convention. The American are invited to stop for refreshments or to mote young people's respect for law Legion National Convention is held in a share in the camaraderie. and order. Junior Law Cadet programs different city every year, and Legion- have been established by Legion Depart- naires always find time to break away ments in many areas of the country. SUMMARY from meetings to relax and enjoy some Junior Shooting Clubs. Another of the sights. This year's convention is While it would be nearly impossible youth activity gaining popularity with in Baltimore, Sept. 1-7. Legion Depart- to list every single American Legion Posts is Junior Shooting Clubs, which ments also hold conventions in their program, service and benefit of mem- promote gun safety and marksmanship states, providing members with similar bership since so many of them are the for boys and girls 14 to 20 years of age. advantages. unique inventions of individuals and Disabled children also shoot and com- Posts who have seen a need and filled it, pete in events. The Legion selected the The American Legion Magazine. and continue to do so on an ongoing .177-caliber airgun for this program The Legion's nationally recognized basis, the foregoing provides a com- because of cost factors, safety and the magazine is distributed monthly to prehensive summary. access of suitable ranges. every Legionnaire, government agen- Longtime Legionnaires and new cies and non-member subscribers. The members alike are encouraged to con- Counter-Subversive Activities. The magazine publishes feature articles tact their local Posts and get involved in American Legion has always opposed about national and international topics, American Legion programs. Your help every form of anti-Americanism and and news of Legion concerns and pro- is needed and would be appreciated. subversion. The Legion publishes "Fir- grams. A "Talking Magazine" service is For after all, it's not the programs, ing Line" monthly to inform its mem- available to vision-impaired members. services and benefits that make The bers and other Americans about current Questions regarding subscriptions and American Legion the premier organiza- events relating to communism, terrorism the "Talking Magazine" should be tion that it is . . . it's you. JULY 1989 61 . NATIONWIDE Domiciliary Care CONSUMER Eligibility: Veterans with service- ANNOUNCEMENT: VA BENEFITS connected disabilities who have no Continuedfrom page 31 adequate means of support, are unable to earn a living and meet certain other requirements. Veterans with non-serv- — 1 Authorized ice-connected Liquidator disabilities who are of veterans, disabled children of veter- unable to earn a living but do not ans may receive special vocational or require hospitalization are also eligible, restorative courses and counseling if they are unable to defray the cost and from VA. meet other requirements. Benefits: Care is provided on a non- bedridden, self-care basis for veterans HEALTH CARE disabled from age or disease who do not require hospitalization and do not need Agent Orange and Nuclear Exposure the skilled services of nursing homes. Treatment Eligibility: Veterans who served in Hospitalization Vietnam from Aug. 5, 1964, to May 7, Eligibility: Category A veterans shall 1975, who suffer from ailments related receive VA hospital care; Category B to dioxin or herbicides used in Vietnam. veterans may receive treatment if space Genuine BEL Radar Detector Also, veterans who were exposed to and resources are available; and Cate- ionizing radiation while on active duty gory C veterans may receive treatment during a test of a nuclear device or if they agree to pay a deductible, and if during the American occupation of space and resources are available (see C.O.M.B.'S AUTHORIZED PRICE Hiroshima or Nagasaki, Japan, during page 22, Categories of Veterans). Sept. to July 1946. That's right—SAVE OVER 75% 11, 1945, 1, Benefit: Hospital care at VA facilities on famous MICRO-EYE performance! Benefit: Veterans are given a com- or facilities approved by VA. Treat- BEL's Compu-Heterodyne Model 864 prehensive medical examination which ments include surgical and dental serv- Radar Detector warns you of radar from assists in detecting any illnesses or ices, examinations and diagnostic ahead or behind. Sensitive Micro-Eye injuries. The findings of these examina- services. circuitry uses a microprocessor to detect distant K- or X-band radar. This unit is tions are entered into a registry for so popular, it has sold out in the past. future reference. Medical care is pro- Nursing-Home Care However, C.O.M.B.'s persistency paid vided for conditions related to exposure. Eligibility: See requirements for hos- off—we've secured a new inventory- priced list! pitalization. Admission to private nurs- $90 off Alcohol and Drug Dependence ing homes at VA expense is available to • Dual LEDs and Audio Alarm Alert You Treatment • Duration and Frequency of Beeps service-connected, disabled veterans; Eligibility: See requirements from and Soft Clicking Signals Increase and non-service-connected veterans as Radar Gets Closer hospital and outpatient care, veteran • whose income exceeds a certain Mounts on Dash or Sun Visor eligibility categories A, B and C. • Compact Size: 1 WH x 3 1/4"W x 4 1/2 "D amount, if they agree to make copay- • Built-in Test Sequence Benefit: After hospitalization for drug ments. Normally, VA-authorized care 1-Year Limited Factory Warranty and alcohol treatment, the VA may may not be provided for more than six or $ authorize outpatient treatment pay months, except for veterans who need Mfr. List Price 1 19.95 for the services of a halfway house. nursing home care for a service-con- C.O.M.B. nected disability or veterans who are Authorized Price . . *29 Beneficiary Travel Item H-3998-7410-947 S/H: $5.00 ea. hospitalized primarily for treatment of a Eligibility: Veterans with a 30 percent Check local laws lor possible use restrictions. service-connected disability; military or more service-connected disability; personnel who need extended nursing- = HMi'il l Authorized Liquidator veterans with less than 30 percent disa- care; veterans who are dis- 1405 Xenium Lane N/ Minneapolis, MN 55441-4494 home and bility traveling in connection with treat- Send Radar Detector(s) Item H-3998-7410-947 at $29 charged from a VA medical center and each, plus $5.00 each for shipping, handling. (MN ment of a service-connected condition; residents add 6% sales tax. VA residents add 4.5% sales receive VA home health-care services. tax. Sorry, no CO D. orders.) veterans receiving pensions; veter- VA Benefit: Skilled or intermediate-type My check or money order is enclosed. (No delays ans with annual incomes less than or in processing ordersorder paid by check.) medical care I nursing care and related PLEASE p^SH equal to the maximum base VA pension ' for convalescents or veterans who are CHECK: rate; and veterans traveling in connec- not acutely ill and do not need hospital . Exp.. L or pension PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY tion with a compensation care. Veterans with service-connected Name examination. disabilities are given first priority. Benefit: The VA will pay for travel in . Apt #_ an emergency when a delay would have Medical Care For Dependents City_ . State been hazardous to the patient's health and Survivors Phone i_ or when transportation such as ambu- Eligibility: The Civilian Health and lances or wheelchairs are needed by the Medical Care Program of the VA Sign Here patient. Also, veterans may receive (CHAMPVA) is available to depen- QUANTITIES LIMITED! ORDER NOW! reimbursement for travel from one VA dents and survivors of certain veterans Toll Free 1-800-328-0609 facility to another. Other travel pay- as long as they aren't eligible for Use your credit card. Lines open 24 ments are subject to a monthly deducti- the Civilian Health and hours a day, 7 days a week. CHAMPUS, ble cap of $ 1 8 Medical Care Program of the 62 AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE Uniformed Services. Eligible are the spouse and children of veterans with total, permanent service-connected BE YOUR OWNBOSSINA BUSINESS disabilities; the spouse and children of veterans who died because of a service- WITH CLE^-CUTPROFITS! connected disability; and surviving spouse and children of veterans who died on active duty and not because of willful misconduct. Benefit: Normally, care related to CHAMPVA will be at non-VA facilities, but VA facilities may be used when ' equipped to handle the care and when i - the use of the facilities does not inter- „/- * / FOLEy fere with veterans' treatment. Apply to » CHAMPVA Registration Center, Depart- XBEbSRUi ment of Veterans Affairs Medical Gain Financial Center, 1055 Clermont St., Denver, Independence by Operating "A Sharp Outlook on the Future!" CO 80220. Your Own Sharpening Business. The secret to starting a business that will really pay off is to Don't wait! Return the coupon below! offer a service that people in your area need. That's why a Medical Care for Merchant Seamen i carbide sharpening business is such a low risk venture. Foley-Belsaw Co., 6301 Equitable Rd.. Dept. 6063, Eligibility: Certain Merchant Marine Carbide tools have become a common fixture in many Kansas City, M0 64120 businesses and home hobby shops. But it takes a seamen who served in active, ocean- YES! I want to know more about how I can sharpening shop with specialized equipment to keep succeed at my own sharpening business. Please going service from Dec. 7, 1941, to them in top cutting condition! Whether you live in a send me my FREE Business Owner's Fact Kit. rural community, or a big city, there are hundreds of Aug. 15, 1945, are considered veterans (There's no obligation, and no salesman will call.) carbide tools that need sharpening in your area. and may be eligible to receive VA health Foley-Belsaw wants to work as your partner in this Name care. In addition, Civil Service crew- lucrative line of work. Whether you want to set up a members aboard U.S. Army Transport full-time business, or just make a few extra dollars to supplement your income, we'll supply the equipment Service and Naval Transportation Serv- and training you need to make money from day one. All we ask from you is an entrepreneurial spirit and an ice vessels in ocean-going service or City Zip up-front investment so small it quickly pays for itself! foreign eligible to waters also may be Send lor your Free Business Owner's Fact Kit! Area Code Phone Number receive VA health care. Individuals should present their DD-2 14, discharge certificate or other proof of service at any VA health-care facility when applying. See requirements for hos- pitalization. MAKE A BOLD STATEMENT Outpatient Medical Treatment WHENYOU WEAR THIS Eligibility: Outpatient medical treat- ment will be finished, without limita- tion, to veterans with service-con- PATRIOTIC WATCH nected disabilities; for any disability of FREE WEATHER-PROOF a veteran with a combined service- SURVIVAL LIGHTER connected disability rating of 50 per- WITH THE FIRST SOLD cent or more and veterans who suffered 100 WATCHES an injury as a result of VA hospitaliza- tion; and any veteran in a VA-approved ORDER WITH A iriwV > 30-DAY vocational rehabilitation program. Out- FRIEND AND SAVE MONEY BACK patient treatment for non-service-con- EVEN MORE! GUARANTEE! nected conditions is also available to 1 any veteran on a pre- or post-hospital ''THESE COLORS DON'T RUN." Imprinted in Bold RED, WHITE & BLUE Letters MYSTERIOUSLY in Lieu care or ambulatory care basis to prevent OLD GLORY ORBITS THE DIAL of a Second Hand Genuine Black Leather Band, Silver-Tone Dial & Cold-Tone Case the need for hospitalization if the vet- Fine Quartz Movement, Accurate and Never Needs Winding eran is rated 30 or 40 percent service- Will Be A Cherished Gift With A One-Year Warranty connected and to any veteran whose annual income does not exceed the THIS IS A LIMITED TIME OFFER AND MAY NOT BE REPEATED! THIS WATCH IS NOT AVAILABLE IN STORES! maximum applicable rate of pension for a veteran in need of regular aid and Manufacturer's Retail Price 3S9fQQ.each. attendance. The veteran's income level Our Low Prices, One Patriotic Watch for $58.95 and save over 40% or, must be lower than that level which will Two or More Patriotic Watches for only $53.95 ea. and save over 45%. qualify him or her for Category A hospi- Specify Men's or Women's and Order Today! Send check or money order along with faf^ tal care. $2.50 per watch to cover Shipping, Handling & Insurance to: World Wide Gifts / Outpatient medical service may be P.O. Box 49 / Dept..AL79 / Huson, MT 59846-0049, Include your return address & phone number. VISA & M.C. Customers call 1-406-626-4371 to order. furnished, without limitation, to any Allow 4-8 weeks for delivery. If paying by check add 1-2 weeks to the veteran who is a former prisoner of war; delivery time of this High Quality, Imported Time-Piece. THANK YOU! Please turn to page 64 JULY 1989 63 . ditions which are service-connected exceed the income threshold applicable VA BENEFITS and compensable; and veterans need- to hospital-care eligibility may be ing one-time treatment of dental condi- authorized dental treatment only if they Continuedfrom page 63 tions or disabilities which are not com- agree to pay a copayment. pensable but existed at time of dis- charge for at least 180 days. The veter- Benefit: Outpatient dental care ans must apply to VA for outpatient includes examinations and diagnostic, World War I or Mexican Border Period dental care within 90 days following surgical, restorative and preventative veterans; veterans receiving aid and separation. Ineligible are veterans in dental care. attendance of housebound pension ben- this category whose separation docu- efits; veterans on a pre- or post-hospital ments indicate that dental examinations Prosthetic Appliances care or ambulatory-care basis to pre- and treatment were completed by mili- Eligibility: Veterans are eligible based vent the need for hospitalization, tary dentists 90 days before separation. on a VA determination of feasibility and including veterans exposed to a toxic Also eligible are veterans who need medical need when they are receiving substance in a herbicide or defoliant care for service-connected, non-com- hospital, outpatient, domiciliary or used in Vietnam and those exposed to pensable dental conditions resulting nursing-home care. radiation because of participation in from combat wounds or service nuclear tests or while serving with injuries; and former prisoners of war Vet Centers occupation forces in Hiroshima or with service-connected, non-compens- Eligibility: Veterans who served on Nagasaki before July 1, 1946. Also able dental conditions. Complete dental active duty during the Vietnam era may eligible are Category A, B or C veter- care is available for prisoners of war for be provided counseling for readjust- ans, however, non-service-connected more than 90 days and veterans who are ment to civilian life. Services include Category C veterans must agree to pay receiving disability compensation at individual counseling, Post-Traumatic the applicable copayment to be eligible the 100 percent rate for service-con- Stress Disorder counseling, group for outpatient care. nected conditions. Outpatient care also counseling, family counseling and employment counseling. Benefits: Outpatient care includes is available for veterans with non-serv- medical examinations, medicine and ice-connected dental conditions which medical services such as rehabilitation, the VA determines are associated with a consultation, professional counseling, service-connected medical problem; OTHER FEDERAL BENEFITS training and mental-health services. disabled veterans participating in rehabilitation programs and Spanish- Federal Housing Administration Outpatient Dental Care American War veterans. Non-service- Home Mortgage Eligibility: Veterans with dental con- connected veterans whose incomes Eligibility: Veterans on active duty who originally enlisted before Sept. 7, 1980, or who were on active duty before Oct. 14, 1982 who served at no More Thinning Hair! least 90 days and who received a dis- charge other than dishonorable; veter- THICKER, RICHER HAIR ans who enlisted after Sept. 7, 1980, or who were on active duty after Oct. 14, GUARANTEED OR 1982, must have served at least 24 months unless discharged for hardship YOUR MONEY BACK. or disability. Benefit: Home loans that require a 60 million men and women RISK FREE OFFER smaller down payment than other FHA suffer from thin, weak and programs. The Department of Housing brittle hair. Does your hair Order "T.E.N." Hair and Urban Development administers break off in bunches? Are you Grooming Formula today. We embarrassed by lifeless look- guarantee, with just one ap- the program. ing hair?Have you tried every plication, you will notice your thing to bring your hair back hair is remarkably thicker and to life . . . protein treatments, fuller ... or we will refund your ASSISTANCE conditioners. . .but nothing full purchase price. EMPLOYMENT works! Then you owe it to "T.E.N." is available only yourself to try "T.E.N." Hair by mail. Order today and see Affirmative Action in Employment Grooming Formula and see the difference at once. Eligibility: Vietnam-era veterans, the amazing difference 30-DAY, NO-RISK TRIAL OFFER veterans with more than 30 percent immediately. disability and those whose discharge "T.E.N." Hair Grooming E. BURNHAM COMPANY, INC. IL. of serv- Formula was developed by a 4560 W. Touhy Ave., Dept. AL79 Lincolnwood. 60646 from active duty was because European pharmaceutical ice-connected conditions. Enclosed is $ .for. .bottles of "T.E.N:' Hair company. With just one appli- Grooming Formula. If my hair doesn't look thicker and fuller after just one Benefit: The affirmative action fed- price no questions asked. cation of "T.E.N. ", you will ac- application, you will refund my full purchase eral law prohibits employers with fed- tually see your hair look thicker 1 bottle $19.95 plus $2.50 P&H 2 bottles $34.50 (Postage Free) Check Money Order or Charge my VISA MasterCard eral contracts or subcontracts of and fuller. We Guarantee it! "T.E.N." is formulated for Card § Exp. Date $10,000 or more from employment both men and women. Just discrimination against Vietnam-era Print Name . . gently work a small amount veterans and special disabled veterans. Address . through your hair. . .that's all Under the Labor Department program, . State Zip. you do. City . L J contractors are required to take positive 64 AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE . steps to hire and recruit Vietnam and provide information about job markets, should receive appropriate seniority, disabled veterans. Vietnam veterans are on-the-job apprenticeships and training status, pay and benefits. Protection covered by this program through 1991 opportunities. Both the Local Veterans against dismissal without just cause for Employment Representative (LVER) one year after re-employment is also Disabled Veterans Outreach Program and the Disabled Veterans Outreach ensured. The program is conducted on for Jobs Program (DVOP) person, who are the state and local levels by the Depart- Eligibility: Available to all disabled located at the local Job Service office, ment of Labor's Office of Veterans' veterans, especially disabled Vietnam are specially trained to provide job Employment and Training Service. The veterans. services to veterans. U.S. Office of Personnel Management operates the program's federal employ- Benefit: The program provides states Job Training Partnership Act ment opportunities. with funds to help disabled veterans Disabled, Vietnam and recently dis- find jobs, and is administered by the charged veterans can receive assistance Unemployment Compensation for Labor Department's Assistant Secre- in acquiring skills for a job. The Depart- Ex-Service Personnel tary for Veterans Employment and ment of Labor offers this program A weekly income is provided for a Training. through state employment and job serv- limited time to help recently discharged ice offices. military personnel meet their basic Employment in the Federal needs while searching for employment. Government Re-employment The amount of income and its duration Eligibility: Disabled veterans; Viet- Eligibility: Veterans of World War II, is determined by the state. Veterans nam veterans; unremarried widows and Korean War, post-Korean period, Viet- should apply at their nearest Job Serv- mothers of certain deceased veterans; nam era and peacetime service who ice office. spouses of service-connected, disabled didn't serve more than five years after veterans unable to work in their occupa- , in their Aug. 1 1 96 1 , may be reinstated Small Business Administration tions; and mothers of permanently and jobs. Eligible veterans must have other The SBA administers a program to totally disabled service-connected vet- than dishonorable discharges and be help Vietnam-era veterans and disabled erans. qualified to perform the jobs. Veterans veterans get loans to start or expand Under the expanded Veteran Read- must apply within 90 days of separa- small businesses. SBA assistance justment Appointment (VRA) authority, tion. includes surety bonding, and financial a non-disabled Vietnam-era veteran Benefit: Veterans are restored in the and management assistance. For more who has completed no more than 14 position they would have attained if information about an SBA loan, call years of education may be hired by a they had not been absent. The veteran 1-800-368-5855. federal agency without taking a regular civil-service examination, provided that the veteran agrees to participate in an education or training program. The Presenting... 14 years of education restriction does not apply to Vietnam-era veterans who The DR™ FIELD and receive disability compensation or Viet- nam-era veterans who were discharged BRUSH MOWER because of service-connected dis- abilities. --the amazing walk-behind - Disabled veterans with a compensa- "brush hog" that •CLEARS MAINTAINS meadows, ble service-connected disability of 30 & / So pastures, roadsides, fences, wooded percent or more may be given a non- / WHY and rough non-lawn areas wilh ease. competitive appointment which might MESS Mows over 1/2 acre per hour! with hand- later lead to career employment. •CUTS tall grass, weeds, brush, held brush Benefit: The government promotes brambles, sumac - even hard- cutters that are so job opportunities for qualified disabled wood saplings up to 1" thick! dangerous, slow and tiring to veterans and Vietnam veterans through use... OR with the Vietnam-era Veterans' Readjustment sicklebar mowers Act of 1974. Veterans receive points that shake unmer- added to their scores on federal civil- cifully and leave service examinations, waivers on cer- such a tangled mess? tain job requirements, job preference •Plus PLEASE MAIL CHOPS/ and preference for retention in layoffs. COUPON MULCHES most For more information, write to the U.S. below for details about the everything it cuts; Office of Personnel Management, Amazing DR™ FIELD and leaves NO TANGLE of BRUSH_MOWER! Federal Job Information Center, 1900 E material to trip over or to pick up like ' , hand-held brush cutters and sicklebar mowers. Please rush complete of the St. N. W. , Washington, DC 20415. 'YES! FREE DETAILS 1 DR I L wi BRUSH MOWER including pric- •POWERFUL 8HP Briggs & Stratton engine with BIG ™ P es f Off-Season Savmgs now in effect ' "V^^ns, 20" SELF-PROPELLED WHEELS! Rolls through ditches, Job Placement Assistance | Name Veterans receive help in finding jobs furrows, over bumps and logs with ease. Address through the local Job Service office. •Perfect for low-maintenance wild/lower State ZIP These offices offer job counseling, /nea growth... walking paths...or any area that you only want to I To: COUNTRY HOME PRODUCTS, Dept. A4907F testing, employment referral and place- mow once-a-month.. .or once-a-season! ®i989 chp. inc. ^x^,C^BeacMoa^amla^VT_ 05445_ ment services for veterans. They also |_ j JULY 1989 65 . easily could result in a presidential We plan to VA BUDGETING veto. Continuedfrom page 23 Considering the current climate on Capitol Hill, the Legion and the lose money nation's veterans are facing a road ahead that is all uphill with budgetary on this curves that threaten the VA medical the VA budget is spent on entitlement system. Congress and the President offer! programs such as education benefits, must be persuaded that maintaining vocational training, and disability com- adequate funding of veterans' pro- pensations and pensions, which are grams and health care should be second protected by law from the budget ax. only to national defense among federal An overall budget agreement for FY spending priorities. As it is every year, 1990 calls for a ceiling on domestic the most important Legion appearance spending that will also affect the VA's before Congress in 1989 will be the ability to provide health care to National Commander's testimony veterans. before the veterans' affairs committees Also, still in jeopardy as we went to of both chambers in September. The press in mid-May is the proposed FY National Commander will reiterate 1989 supplemental appropriation that the Legion's deep concerns over includes an extra $1.2 billion for veter- inadequate VA funding and those con- ans programs, $340 million of which is. cerns will be passed on in person to the for health care. The appropriation origi- President during the National Comman- nally called for $3 billion in spending der's annual visit to the White House a Get a genuine Brilliant and $800 million in savings. However, few weeks later. Uncirculated Morgan as it made its way through the House, "The Legion supports a national silver dollar for just other domestic programs were added budget free of debt," said Nat'l Cmdr. and the cost rose to $4.6 billion, with- H.F. "Sparky" Gierke. "However, we $39 out any provisions for savings. Since firmly believe that no other American the projected 1989 deficit already adults deserve their earned federal ben- Why are we running this expen- exceeds the $146 billion limit set by efits more than those who now wear the sive ad offering a mint-state Gramm-Rudman-Hollings, the addi- uniform of this country and those who Morgan silver dollar at an ir- tional cost of the supplemental measure defended America in the past." O resistible low price? Because we're in business for the long term — we figure that even if some of our ads lose money, HOW THE BUDGET PROCESS WORKS we'll acquire satisfied new customers. And once you're ac- LIKE other federal departments, decrease in spending for VA pro- quainted with the way we do VA's fiscal year begins Oct. 1 grams. A non-binding budget resolu- business — our strict grading, and ends Sept. 30. Each fiscal year tion must be completed by May 15. prompt delivery, personalized is numbered for the year that it ends. • Members of the veterans' com- service and free research reports For example, FY'89 will end Sept. mittees meet in conference to settle — we hope you'll want to con- 30, 1989. differences on VA budget programs tinue with us, for the long term. Although it's impossible to pre- before June 15. Here's the offer: dict specifically the time and date • By June 30, the House, the fis- that proposed legislation will be cal arm of Congress, is required to While supplies last, we'll sell under consideration by various com- complete work on VA's appropria- new customers a guaranteed budget process does tion for the next fiscal year; the mint-state Brilliant Uncirculated mittees, the of events. Senate deadline is not until Oct. 1 Morgan silver dollar (Order follow a general timetable • Based on budget proposals, the #7537) for just $39 - or a roll Here's how the process works: • Office of of 20 for just #750 (save #30). Fifteen days after Congress con- White House's Manage- All coins are conservatively venes in January, the President sub- ment and Budget and Capitol Hills' graded by our ANA-trained ex- mits a budget proposal for VA and Congressional Budget Office each perts and come with a certificate other departments for the next fiscal estimate what the national deficit of authenticity. You have a year. will be for the upcoming fiscal year. 15-day no-questions-asked return • Budget committees in the These estimates are based on spend- privilege. Limit 3 rolls. House and Senate review the White ing targets to achieve across-the- To order by credit card, call House's proposal and submit their board cuts mandated by the Gramm- toll free 1-800-451-4463 at own recommendations and resolu- Rudman-Hollings deficit-reduction any time. Or send your check or tions on what spending should be. law. The OMB and CBO submit their order to: International money • By April 15, House and Senate findings to the President and Con- Coins Inc., &Currency, HE. Veterans' Affairs committees examine gress. State St., Box 218, Dept. 959, the budget and consider the budget • Congress should complete a Montpelier, Vermont 05602. As committees' recommendations. The final, binding resolution on the VA our way of saying thank you, veterans' committees decide either budget by Sept. 15. your order will be shipped to recommend an increase or • Oct. 1 begins the new fiscal year. postpaid. 66 AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE cancer, pancreatic cancer, breast • A veteran exposed to ionizing radi- cancer, cancers of the pharynx, ation must have served with U.S. occu- NEW LAWS stomach, esophagus, small intestines, pation forces in the Japanese cities of Continued page 50 from gall bladder, bile ducts, and primary Hiroshima or Nagasaki between Aug. liver cancer (except if cirrhosis or 6, 1945, and July 1, 1946. Other expo- hepatitis B is indicated) and multiple sures to radiation must have occurred myeloma and lymphomas, except while serving on active duty during Hodgkin's disease. nuclear testing between 1945 and by the U.S. Supreme Court. Further criteria include: 1962. The Legion and other groups such as • veteran suffering from leukemia The Department of Defense esti- the American Medical Association con- A had to contract the disease within 30 mates that about 200,000 veterans tend that alcoholism is a disease. years of exposure and, as a result, must were exposed to ionizing radiation. Vet- P.L. 100-689 also grants death bene- be rated at least 10 percent disabled. erans who believe they were exposed to fits to survivors of service members The other forms of cancer must have radiation should contact the Defense enrolled in the Montgomery GI Bill, if developed within 40 years and also Nuclear Agency, Attention: RARP- they die on active duty. The benefit is render a veteran at least 10 percent dis- NTPR, Washington, DC 20305-1000, equal to the amount deducted from a abled. orcall collect, (703)285-5610. participant's basic pay— $100 for each of the first 12 months — minus any Advertisement amount of educational assistance the participant already received. Amazing New Study Shows The act also requires service mem- bers on active duty from Oct. 19, 1984, A Will May Be Hazardous To through June 30, 1988, to have a secon- dary-school diploma or equivalency Your Family's Financial Health certificate by Dec. 31, 1989, to be Canton, (Special) - You can spend 'In contrast, a living trust is settled eligible to participate in the Mont- OH money for a Will only to have a without courtproceedings. Your spouse, gomery GI Bill. In addition, a GI Bill substantial part of your assets needlessly child, or other person you designate participant who is discharged from taken by lawyers, courts, executors and simply distributes your assets according military service because of a pre- tax authorities through the probate to the trust' s instructions. An accountant existing medical condition or reduction process. or notary public may certify any transfer in force is now entitled to one month of Why should you avoid probate? of titles. The process is much quicker, educational assistance for each month Simple. It costs too much and takes too cheaper and more private than settling a served on active duty. long. Probate also creates an "invasion will, and it may save on estate taxes." Other provisions of P.L. 100-689: of your family's financial privacy!" Lawyers charge an average of $60 • Provided service-connected, dis- Now there's a far better way to for writing a will — and then get as in rehabilitation abled veterans VA protect your estate than having only a much as eleven percent of the entire training with the opportunity to receive will. A new study reveals that a Living estate after the client dies and the will is unpaid training or work experience Trust is a low-cost alternative to probated. That percentage could cost with state or local governments. Previ- probating a will, even for an average your loved ones several Thousand ously, only federal agencies were per- sized estate. Dollars even if your estate is small. mitted to provide unpaid training or With access to the best estate and Working with a team of legal work. financial planners in America, the "Wall scholars, the highly respected DSA • Expanded the VAs authority to Street Journal,' told in a recent article Financial Publishing Corp. of Canton, contract with halfway houses and other about the advantages of Living Trusts Ohio has prepared a Living Trust Kit community outreach facilities for the over Wills. The article states that "More designed so you can easily set up your treatment of veterans suffering from and more Americans are putting their own living trust You'll get complete drug or alcohol problems. assets in Revocable Living Trusts while instructions written in easy-to the owner is still alive. You can act as understand, step-by-step simple your own trustee so there are no language. You'll also get complete Radiation-exposed Veterans management fees or loss of control. You guidelines on how to custom tailor your Entitled to Compensation can change the trust at any time. You personal Living Trust so that any special also keep the bulk of your estate out of wishes you may have for your estate are VETERANS who were exposed to probate court with no public record or carried out ionizing radiation during nuclear the usual nine months delay." It's easy to get your Living Trust testing or while serving in the U.S. The "Wall Street Journal' report Kit All you have to do is send a check occupation of Japan won a significant went on to say: "The advantages of or money order in the amount of $19.95 victory in the final session of the 100th living trusts over wills are considerable. plus $2 postage and handling or charge Congress. You may reduce taxes and simplify the to your VISA/Mastercard by including P.L. 100-321, the Radiation-exposed transfer of assets to your heirs and loved account number and expiration date to: Veterans' Compensation Act, requires ones." DSA Financial Publishing Corp., benefits VA to pay compensation on a "Under a will, an estate must be 708 - 12th St. N.W., Dept. W301, presumptive basis to veterans who were settled in probate court. Lawyers' fees Canton, Ohio 44703. For even faster exposed to ionizing radiation and and court costs are often quite expensive. service call toll free 1-800-321-0888, developed certain types of cancer There may be exasperating delays and Ext. W301. A 90 day money back within 30 years of exposure. the proceedings are a matter of public guarantee is naturally offered. Do it The diseases include all forms of record." The intimate details of your now . . . while there is still time to protect leukemia except chronic lymphatic family's finances are laid bare for all to your loved ones. leukemia. Also included are thyroid see! ©1989 DSA DW260-3 JULY 1989 67 MISCELLANEOUS CABLE TV CONVERTERS, all models. For more informa- tion, call toll free (800) 344-4270. Access Electronics, 214 N. Main St., Algonquin, IL 60102 (no IL orders). MONEYMAKING OPPORTUNITIES MAKE MONEY: CUSTOM AUTO TAG KITS. New selling Classified items. Heart/Flower letters and frames. Manufacturer direct. Call Creative Plastics, (813) 885-4257, P.O. Box 260365, Tampa, FL 33685. $11 00 PER WORD WORD COUNT: Count street address and box numbers as two words; __, _ . all city, state and zip codes as three words. OF INTEREST TO ALL 1 vJ IvHALri DEADLINE: Advertising copy must be received 60 days before cover HELP-PERSONAL POEMS OF VIETNAM. My collection, date of desired issue (Example: For September issue — copy must be 7 000 000 my writing-never released. $12.95. M. Thorn, 350 Oak- ncAnCDC received by July 1). dale, Coldwater, Ml 49036. JXE,/\iJJC,tVO PAYMENT: Must be received with order or charge to VISA or MC. LOCATE OLD FRIENDS/LOST RELATIVES. Nationwide registry service. Annual listing only $12. Information and MAIL TO: Ms. Carey Hull, Classified Advertising Dept., The American Legion Magazine, c/o Fox Associates. listing forms $1. (P&H) to: People Connection Registry, Box 1412A, Champaign, IL 61820-1412. Inc., 1 16 W. Kinzie St., Chicago, IL 60610, (312) 644-3888. RADIATION-RESISTANT Containers. Air tight, water tight, for Remittance of $ is enclosed to cover insertions in the _ issue(s). chemical resistant: underground storage small, medium, large, custom sizes upon request. For more info Charge to Exp. Date VISA. MC. write: Alglas Industries, Inc., P.O. Box 616, Brigantine, NJ 08203. HERBS YOHIMBINE, Pau D' Arco, others. Catalog $1 (refundable). Jude Herbs, Box 563AL, Huntington Station, NY 11746. MESSIAH PROMISED LIFETOTHE OVERCOMER. Send for your free copy of "The Psychology of Purity & Chastity" to: Schizophrenics International, P.O. Box 50456, Ft. Worth, TX 76105. PERSONALIZED GREETINGS FROM SANTA/EASTER BUNNY. Unique gift for that favorite child. Birthdays, Christmas, Easter, Valentines Day. Full details/pamphlet NAME. PHONE. $1 (P&H) to: Cards for Kids, Box 359A, St. Joseph, IL 61873. COMPANY NAME. DISADVANTAGED VETERAN SEEKS BUYERS for his air ADDRESS refreshener products. Sample package, send $2 ppd. 3 packages, send $5 ppd. John Wall, Box 134, Walton, NY 13856. CITY/STATE/ZIP_ PERSONALS NICE SINGLES with Christian values. Free magazine. AUTOMOTIVE/ETC. COINS Send age, interests. Dept. ALM, P.O. Box 454, Crossville, TN 38557. PICKUP INTO PICKUP Ford, Chevy, GMC, COIN COLLECTORS/INVESTORS. Get six free issues of TURN DUMP ASIAN WOMEN! Sunshine International Correspondence, Dodge 1 /2-3/4 ton. Factory direct, $995. FOB, E-Z Lift. Box the U.S. coin hobby's oldest and most reliable publication. Box 5500-HK, Kailua-Kona, HI 96745, (808) 325-7707. AL1499, Estes Park. CO 80517. Free brochure, SASE Write Numismatic News. 700 E. State St., lola, Wl 54990. (303)586-5195. Dept. FAD. SUMMER CARLISLE Collector Car Flea Market & Corral. REAL ESTATE July 28-30, Carlisle Pennsylvania Fairgrounds, 100s of COLLECTIBLES "OK, SO YOU WANTTO SELL YOUR OWN HOME?" cars and parts for sale. Win a 1970 Plymouth Superbird. Broker's new 160-page book gives inside information. Why Information: The Flea Marketeers, 1000 Bryn Mawr Road, COLLECTOR BUYING WWII SOUVENIRS. German flags, pay commission? Save $$$$. 30-day, money-back guar- Carlisle, PA 17013-1588. Phone: (717) 243-7588 weekdays. daggers, medals, uniforms, swords, helmets. Call (201) antee. $24.95 plus $3 P&H. Order today! Allied Publishing. 652-5927 or write, Phil Capone, P.O. Box 422, River Street 3800 N. May. #648A, Oklahoma City, OK 73112. BOOKS & MAGAZINES Station, Paterson, NJ 07544 NON-RESIDENT UNIVERSITY DEGREES. Free booklet. RECIPES Dr. John Bear, 862 Southampton Road. Ste. 102-184, EDUCATION & INSTRUCTION NO-COOK ROCKY ROAD CANDY. $3 plus SASE. Write: Benicia, CA 94510. KNOW WHATTHE LAWYERS KNOW AND/OR BE A Bess's Kitchen, 52 Seminole Court, Ft. Myers, FL 33916 or NEW! TALES OF BATAAN. Allegories, based on atrocities, PARALEGAL. Write for free catalog 100 years of approved (813) 694-0670. illustrated, 127 pages, paperback, $10. Don Schloat, legal training. Blackstone School of Law, P.O. Box 790906, 29326 The Yellow Brick Road, Valley Center, CA 92082. Dept. AL. Dallas, TX 75379. TRAVEL & RECREATION ENJOY THE BOOK "FREE ENTERPRISE PATRIOT" as BECOME A PARALEGAL. Work with attorneys. Home serialized in this magazine. $5 plus$1 postage. Book Tree, study. Free catalog. (800) 223-4542 Dept. LG142. SEA VILLAGE HAWAII, Kailua-Kona. Ocean-front vaca- 1825 High Oak Road, St. Louis, MO 63131. tion condominiums/kitchens. Free brochures. Toll free: ELECTRONICS (800)367-5205. BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES CULTURGRAM: Four-page briefing on foreign country: OSCILLOSCOPES, MULTIMETERS, POWERSUPPLIES. Customs, Courtesies, Lifestyles, People, Nation, Map, VENDING: CASH PURCHASE OF 10-GET1 FREE. Buy new instruments from Tektronix, Fluke, B&K, more! etc. 96 countries; Travel, educational, business uses: Variety of new machines for sale at discount prices. Most American made. Call Instruments Engineers for Sample Culturgram and Catalog: Send SASE to: BYU, qualifies 526- Capital/strong credit fo 50% financing. (800) special veterans' discount. (800) 444-6106. 280-A HRCB, Provo, UT 84602. (801 ) 378-6528. 7366 Bordon Sales Group. SELL VENDING MACHINES to business owners. 100% EMPLOYMENT & LABOR EXCHANGE WANTED financing. F.M., Box 1779L, Pes Moines, IA 50306. HELP US HELP YOU. Most consistently rated home BEST JOB-SEARCH ADVICE you'll ever get! Guaranteed. BUYING 1940s and 1950s WURLITZER JUKEBOXES, businesses today. Unlimited income details. Proctor SASE, Jamenair, RO Box 241957-LEG. Los Angeles, CA working or not. Call Fred collect at (313) 453-2085 House Enterprises, 1422 S. Wheeler, Tacoma, WA 98444. 90024-9757. (evenings, within 500 miles of Detroit). OPENS ANY LOCK WITHOUT A KEY! Amazing key gun POSTERS WANTED: WWI & WWII. Rail. Travel, Advertis- sells fast to police departments, car dealers, towing FINANCIAL ing Call Dave (312) 461-9277 or write: Poster Plus, Dept. companies, etc. Retails $99. Distributorships available. AL, 210 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. IL 60604. Contact Panasony Corporation, RO Box 3043, Skokie, IL DEBTS? BILLS? BAD CREDIT? No problem. We'll help 60076, (312)675-7807. now. Applications accepted $500-$50,000. Not a loan company. Free applications:TCAC, Dept. AL. 400 Century Park South #117, Birmingham, AL 35226, or call (205) CAMPING/CAMPING SUPPLIES 979-1400. AUTO THEFT PROTECTION-ONLY $5 GENUINE MILITARY CLOTHING, gear, equipment and Every 24 seconds, an auto is stolen or broken insignia. Our name has meant quality for over 65 years. FUND RAISING victim! Don't Catalog, $2. Kaufman's Army & Navy, Dept. C-207, 1660 into— don't become a Eubank, Albuquerque, NM 87112. CUSTOMIZED CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS, plates, experience the cost and inconvenience! mugs, steins, etc. (800) 843-3279. Mass (413) 533-4655. I MIS VEHICLE IS PROTECTED (Bp | CATALOGS & BROCHURES BV AN ANTI-THEFT DEVICE! I HEALTH & HEALTH-CARE PRODUCTS j FLAGS. FLAGPOLES. "Any flag, any size." Military, historical, holiday. Catalog $2. All American Flags, 737A FACTORY-DIRECT PRICES! Health and Personal Care A "marked" vehicle tells a thief to by-pass Manuela Way, Arroya Grande. CA 93420, (800) 448-3524, products. Guaranteed. Free Catalog. Harvest of Values, your vehicle— go to a less challenging one. (805) 473-0395. P.O. Box 612167, San Jose, CA 95161, toll-free (800) 535- Even, if you have a security alarm, manufact- 7742. VIDEOS. WWII jeeps, trucks, tanks, more. Free catalog. urers' stickers "tell all" to a professional thief Large SASE, Vintage Video, Box 551 -L, Greencastle, PA FREE HEARING AID CATALOG. Save Vi by mail! Write: —these generic decals disguise your 17225. "Money$avers," 9530AL-7 Langdon Ave., Sepulveda, CA system, confuse deactivation. 91343. 3-V2" x 1" DECALS are metallic silver on DO-IT-YOURSELF clear. A set of 4 (enough for 2 cars!) cost INVENTIONS $4 plus $1 S/H. Send cash or money order to; REVOCABLE LIVING TRUSTS. Attorney's complete do-it- Mattlck Business Forms yourself kit: $17.50. C.L. Johnson, JD, Box 1773, INVENTIONS, IDEAS, TECHNOLOGY WANTED! Industry Dept AL789 Box P Wheeling. IL 60090 Englewood, CO 80150. presentation/national exhibition. Call 1 -800-288-IDEA. 68 AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE . . Legion shopper T A Japanese Dream CLASSIQUE elevator. Only 50< Ideal for homes or condos. Pearl Harbor was only the beginning! • Affordable and elegant addition. Thinking they might rule the U.S., • Ideal when stairs are a problem. Japan printed invasion currency from • Requires no more space than a 1942-44. Order these 5 handsome ex- normal closet. amples of their wildest dream, including • existing dwellings. the $10.00 Malaya note issued for possi- For new or ble use in the US for Only 50c! You'll Ask about other Cheney products. also receive other fine Bank Notes on FOR FREE BROCHURE, WRITE OR CALL: approval. Buy what you like. Return the Balance - Order Today. 1-800-782-1222 Jamestown Stamp Co., Inc. IN Wl 1-800-552-7711 Stairsteps mean barriers to anyone who finds it Dep t. 5B79AL - Jamestown, NY 14701-0019 difficult or impossible to climb stairs. Member ASDA, APS Freedom of Movement- ||k Our 50th year 1939-1989 AMERICAN STAIR-GLIDE is leading the way to cheneyX eliminate these barriers with a wide range of A Mediqutp Healthc are Company ^| stairway lift models to fit your specific stairway. Dept. LE789 P.O. Box 51188 Custom made to fit curved and straight stairs. 2445 South Calhoun Road, New Berlin, Wl 53151 MAIL COUPONJODAY FORFREE BROCHURE s _ _ _ Make 25 to '100 per hour Name with ViadgefLWlinit Address Yes, it's really possible by making and selling brigbt, colorful Badge- City A-Minit buttons. Buttons are proven money-makers at fairs, State/Zip _ flea markets, conventions, or anywhere people congregate. Telephone They're fast and easy to make with Badge-a-Minit and inexpensive! AMERICAN STAIR-GLIDE Send for a FREE Full color CORPORATION catalog and idea book, or 4001 E. 138TH ST., GRANDVIEW, MO. 64030 Dept. # AL-0789 (816) 763-3100 send for a Starter Kit, only NEW IMPROVED 2-PIECE SEAT 1-800-383-3100 $29.95 plus $1.75 shipping _ pi TOLL FREE BRIKE PUTS IN (IL residents add $1.87 tax) A NEW DIMENSION FITNESS " Badge A-Minit Dept AL789 BRIKE'S patented technology means you simply lean your to steer. The seat front unit IIL 61301. Phone 224-2090 body and wheel swivel as one on 348 North 30th Rd , Box 800. LaSalle. (815) rubber dampened pivot points. Cambered rear wheels allow hard cornering. Shimano coaster brake, standard bicycle components, leg adjustability, and comfortable fiberglass TABLE PADS seat give years of durability. All models differ only in size and color. Experience fitness, fun and recreation riding tomorrow's SAVE technology today. Order nowl -7II0/ MODEL WHEELS AOES COLOR COST SHPO. UP TO How Sweet it is 70% 2000- 20* 1 2-Adull Metallic LI. Blue or Gold $24999 $24 Quality Pad 1600- 16' 6-11 MefalllcLt. BlueorRed $10999 $16 Size 1200- 12' 4-7 Metallic Pearl While $149.99 $12 Any Normal Unbelievably Priced From CRIBBAGE MIKE INT. LTD. 16152 S W 72nd Ave ji BOARD CHAMPIO Portland, Oregon 97224 $29.95 (503)684-6185 FOR ORDERS ONLY (800) OO HIKE GAMES */$9.95 Each Compare at 99.95 Box 108 Duncan Inc. itiipfMng Min. 5 year guarantee — MC/VISA Look under table & give us any numbers Canada V9L 3X1 US DES PAT 300121 FACTORY DIRECT TABLE PAD COMPANY Toll Free Number: 1 (800) 428-4567 KILROY IS BACK on Quality Short-Sleeved Polo Shirts. Rib-knitted collar and SLOT MACHINES sleeves. Two button clean- fmished placket. This classic U.S. MEDALS & RIBBONS H you can afford a $30 bankroll and like to play logo embossed on left chest. (FULL SIZE AND MINIATURE) 50/50 poly'cotton in White, 16 PAGE PICTURE CATALOG the slot machines, I can make you a winner Royal and Navy SENT 1ST CLASS MAIL $1 00 KILROY SHOULDER PATCHES. WINGS BADGES. the $1 slot. For FREE playing only State size S-XXL. $21.95 ea INSIGNIA, IDENTIFICATION BOOKS. ETC KILROY WAS HERE 48 PAGE CATALOG INFORMATION; write: SENT 1ST CLASS MAIL S2 00 Box 786 BOTH CATALOGS $2 50 REYNOLDS Dept. 170 Winter Haven. FL 33882 SUSAN OUINCY SALE P.O. Box 630154 Miami, FL 33163 P O BOX 700113- AL-7 TULSA. OKLA 74170 BRONZE STAR AWARD CASES ALSO MEDALS & RIBBONS Solid hardwood, gunstock walnut fin- $200 ish. Full 1" between glass and black, $10,000 blue or red velvety mounting board. CASH NEW., battery-operated scooter puts more 4"- TOLL FREE 800-435-5119 5"x7"-$1 8.45, 8"x1 0"-$23.45, 1 1"x1 PAID fun into life. ..use it at home, go shopping, $28.45, 14"x20"-$39.95. FREE Ship- ch Art Glass (Galle, Daun visit friends, travel. Lightweight, fits all ping by UPS. lamps also wantec car trunks. Money Back Guarantee! R. ANDREW FULLER COMPANY David E J Pepin— Member nbthk. Tokyo. Japan STRUCK CORP.* Dept: AM79S Box 2071-L, Pawtucket, Rl 02861 Dept. AM.P O Box 354, Grant Park, il 60940 Wl 53012 (Write lor FREE Catalog) CEDARBURG, JULY 1989 69 . V Legion shopper $79.95 THE ORIGINAL $49.95 Value TS45 Special PROSTATITIS • Side tever Cocking • AduK Type • 177 Cal • 800 FPS • 300 Yard Range • Hardwood Stock • Adjustable Sights HEMORRHOIDS • All Metal Part Blue IMPOTENCY If you are suffering from frequent THE ULTIMATE IN CHINESE AIR RIFLES urination, especially at night, back, hips, The Eternal Revenue Service wants you to commemorate yourself with a badge leg pain, nervousness and fatigue, it of distinction honoring the person who pays all the bills This impressive shield Manufactured Irom Rear Sight is solid bronze and enlaid with red, white and blue cloisenamel. Complete with high quality materials. Cylinder may be signs of prostate infection. Exquisite workman custom carrying case and personalized I.D. card. A real conversation piece and Barrel ship. Excellent unique collectors item. Q01-TAX Taxpayer Badge $19.95 Front Sight Rectal pain, burning and itching accuracy. Stock are most likely indications of internal " Phone & Mail Orders Accepted Pull Rod Lock Plate hemorrhoids, a painful condition in both Call Toll Free 800-444-8643 Side Lever Trigger men and women. B|||g (For Credit Card Orders Only.) Add $3.50 shipping and cm?s , insurance charges. CA residents add sales tax. Impotency, a problem seldom dis- * Excellent Target & Training Rifle cussed, but common in men of all ages. Color Catalog Free With Order or Send $3.00 To: * Order now and receive 200 rounds of ammo free A time tested, non-surgical treat- 60 day money back guarantee THE QUARTERMASTER Dept az ment method is available for all of these Orders shipped within 24 hours. MasterCard & Visa conditions. 750 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90813 Personal checks held 10 days. Send check or money order: Compasseco Inc., P.0.423, 1 1 0Taytorsville, Bloom- The Excelsior Institute Clinic will field, KY 40008. 502-252-7226. Add $4.00 per rifle ship- send you a FREE BOOK that explains ping. KY residence add 5% sales tax. Buy from a life member. how these problems may be corrected LEGIONNAIRES without surgery. Send for book today. SURVIVAL Excelsior Institute Clinic BOOT 110 E. Broadway, Dept. 104E Watches Wanted Excelsior Springs, MO 64024 KNIFE Your quality men's vintage wrist ONLY watches from the 1920 s - 1960 s s 95 could be worth 12 1 60% MORE JUICE $1.05 Hnd Add Thousands * FROM YOUR APPLES! $ of Dollars The secret is the "APPLE EATER" grinder which Model reduces the fruit tc a fine /4>v Rolex. Patek Philippe, pulp. Has stainless steel K-99A knives and will grind a box ol 8c Vacheron Constantin, whole apples in less than five Double edge 440 stainless Movado, Audemars minutes Makes 2 to 3 gallons steel blade. Fult tang one of cider per tub. Heavy 1 Piguet, others. piece construction. Leather & acme screw and casl iron sheath with quick release cross beam All hardwood How valuable is YOUR watch? construction Four models snap and metal boot/belt from single tubs to double clip. Money Back Guaranteed Call Us Toll Free 1800 842 8625 tub Completely assembled or II Not Fully Satisfied" InTX 1-214-902 0664 low cost kits Send St 00 or WESTBURY SALES CO., DEPT BK-7-AL call 913-849 3103 for 156 Post Ave., Westbury, New York 11590 Wingat.e s Quality Watches catalog P.O. Box 59760 Dallas. TX 75229-1760 HAPPY VALLEY RANCH Rt. 2 Box 83-25 Paola, Ks 66071 U.S. MILITARY CAPS The same baseball caps sold aboard U S. Navy warships. They are navy blue ORDER THIS BUMPER STICKER with gold embroidery, fu h (n ot meshtackl and adju^jjije (one size fits all) ! CA? $ooo 40, 50, 60 WZIZZ- _ A \ POSTAGE PAIDPAIC Men! & Beyond! 2FORS3.00 MAOElNVJ^£j m^d I have discovered how to . . . M Enjoy Healthy Vitality! — LUIIYELL OUTLET and my customers often report results more amazing than my own! FORMULA" VBE-21 pillsand P.O. BOX 23033 • ST. PETERSBURG, FL 33742 Now I invite you to try my "SPORTSMAN'S see what a good nutritional booster can do for you! FREE REPORT or BATTLESHIPS: IOWA, NEW JERSEY, MISSOURI, WISCONSIN,' NEW send $5.98 for 30-day trial supply of VBE-21 pills. (Regularly J10.89) YORK, TEXAS, ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA, WEST VIRGINIA. WASHINGTON Umit one per household. Dealer kit available. Frank E. Bush. Inc.. Dept. AIRCRAFT CARRIERS: MIDWAY, CORAL SEA, FORRESTAL, SARATOGA, 12701 Call (914) 796-2445. RANGER, INDEPENDENCE KITTY HAWK, CONSTELLATION, ENTERPRISE, NE-06, Box 5009. Monticello, NY AMERICA, JOHN F KENNEDY, NIMITZ, EISENHOWER, VINSON, ROOSEVELT RETIRED: NAVY, MARINES, COAST GUARD, ARMY, AIR FORCE. EMBLEM: NAVY (officer), (officer retired), (C.P.O -E-9, E-8, E-7). (C.RO.-. retired - E-9 retired. E-8 retired. E-7 retired), (wings - pilot, flight officer, flight crew), (submarine dolphins), (seabees). (seals), MARINES, COAST NORMANDY VETERANS GUARD. ARMY, AIR FORCE, and TOP GUN. OVER 500 TYPES Normandy Veterans Association UK have CUSTOM: Any ship not listed above or any military unit is available as a commissioned a medal to commemorate the custom cap. The minimum quantity for a custom cap is two per ship or unit FULL COLOR CAT./S3 campaign ol 1944, struck by lhe Royal Mint. (both with eggs or both without eggs). Custom caps must ordered in be even U.S.A. EAGLE INSIGNIA COMET Dept. AL Available exclusively to veterans ol the Nor- numbers. The top line is twenty spaces maximum and the bottom line is twelve ' mandy Campaign or their next of kin. Full + 3 00 shi in 101 B Cherry Parke spaces maximum. EMBLEMS ARE NOT AVAILABLE ON CUSTOM CAPS C1 R OR PP 9 I Visa Accepted 9 3.99 M/C Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 Productions Ltd.. PO Box 30, Haslemere. Caps are $12.00 each or $14.00 each with scrambled eggs. Add S2.50 tor Award Tel. (609) 795-4810 Surrey GU26 6UT. UK, Tel. UK - 42873 7267 shipping, CA residents add 6% Allow eight weeks for delivery No CODs, WHOLESALE ACCOUNTS INVITED HAMPTON COMPANY, Dept. T, P.O. Box 3643. Tustin, CA 92681 Award Productions Ltd., PO Box 10097. St. John"s. Newfoundland. Canada A1 A 4L5. ,;r.v :;:i".!\G.l. DOG tags c i c FLORIDA Fieldmower Adapter Neck chains 70 AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE . See Advertisement Back Cover Men's Seersucker Slacks 2 2995 3 for $44.75 4 for $59.50 SLACK SIZES WAISTS: 30 32 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 *BIG MEN'S: add u oo per pair for 46 48 50 52 54 INSEAMS: SI27-28) HN29-30) LI31-32) XLI33-34) CI 1PIIC WH4T WHAT H0W SLALKS INSE AM ? MANY Haband °- SIZE? TAN 265 N. 9th St. - Paterson, N.J. _ BLUE 07530 GREY F CORAL YES! Send items! MATCHING SHIRTS $1050 DELUXE POLYESTER KNIT Ada ea. OUR MONEY REGULAR 8(14-14%) BACK APPROVAL SIZES: 1*1(15-15'/!) LI16-1654) XLM7-1754) GUARANTEE *BIG MEN'S: add S2.00 per shirt assures you that if you for2XL(18-18'/2 ) 3XLU9-19V4) do not choose to wear the items you selected, WHAT HOW 15Y SHIRTS SIZE? MANY? you may return them A TAN within 30 days for a FULL REFUND of the C BLUE purchase price! D GREY And we promise F CORAL exceptional value! SLACKS PRICE Fast, reliable service! CHECK M SHIRTS PRICE YOUR METHOD OF PAYMENT: 3.45 Enclosed Visa MasterCard TAKE $2 OFF! 2.00 TOTAL Name _ Street Apt. I . City State. Zip_ 7TY-088-15Y See Advertisement Inside Front Cover ''COOL * \ 4 for 26.S0 I OPEN 5 for 32.75 I MESH All 6 for 39.25 HABAND 265 North 9th Street, Paterson, NJ 07530 FIND YOUR SIZE HERE! I n America, there are a few things that everyone can 0 Width (Medium) 6'/i 7-7'/> -8-8'A -9-9V> 10-10 Vi 1112 13 7-7 -9-9'/! 10-10% -11-12-13 EEE (Wide) now same low price '/> -8-8'/i enjoy, like fishing with a good friend. I GUARANTEE: If I do not ! choose to wear the shoes, NAVY LOAFER And there are others, like using smokeless tobacco, which are for I I may return them within BROWN LOAFER 30 days for a FULL REFUND GREY LOAFER adults only. I of every penny I paid you. KHAKI LOAFER BLACK OXFORD j CHECK M WHITE OXFORD The smokeless tobacco industry believes that youth should not I METHOD OF PAYMENT PRICE Visa use our products. We have a strict policy that prohibits us from | Check enclosed 2.45 | EXP. DATE: I marketing to anyone under 18, and we work hard to see that it's CREDIT . | CARD enforced. TOTAL Yet, some people don't even think adults have the right to use our Ship To _ | Strut _ products. j |»Pt.»- . City . That's wrong. L Stilt _ 7A7-44T. Like you, we believe adults have the ability to choose what they want to do. Prevent Impotence You fought hard for many things. Being able to choose your own before it becomes a problem . . way of life was one of them. or Control Existing Impotence with the REVIVE SYSTEM™ THE NEW PATENTED EFFECTIVE SYSTEM WITH- OUT SURGERY, DRUGS, INJECTIONS OR VACUUM PUMPS! The most uncomplicated method on the external market today . . . ENHANCES NORMAL PERFORMANCE AND ENDURANCE. . . Our system is 95% effective. No product has been proven safer. NO PRESCRIPTIONS - MONEY BACK GUARANTEE. Send self-addressed stamped envelope for valuable report to: WETOO INC., Smokeless Tobacco Council, Inc. P.O. Box 7329, Dept. # AL-103 The Louisville, KY 40207 JULY 1989 71 " . Parting shots J ! ( Ta— "Is there some way you can prove this head injury you allegedly suffered in 1944 was " service related? "Although you're right to ask about your rights and benefits, you may not benefit from certain rights. The right rights and benefits may benefit you right now, but not be beneficially right in the long run. Wliile you do have the right to benefits, you do not have the benefit of insight to the right rights. TJiat is those rights rightfully beneficial and those " benefits beneficially right. Is that clear, Mr. Wright? "Death. . .dependents . . .disability. . "We're going to watch grandpa march in "Anybody here know 'It's a Long Way to discharge... drugs. Nope. No VA dieting the parade. Your grandpa was one of the Temporary'?" program. most decorated soldiers in the war!" 72 AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE , FROM THE MAKERS OF AMBERVISION® COMES... FOR ONLY cffiaht^ion.¥ $7959 AMBBRVISiOH f>^X% 4 As part of a nationwide publicity campaign; Ambervision® America's most widely known brand name of vision enhancement FREE EXTRA BONUS! glasses, will offer one million pairs of its latest vision break through — Nightvision ... for the unbelievable publicity price of just $7.95 25, only to those persons who respond before Midnight, August For a limited time, all those who order 2 pair of 1989. Nightvision will receive an extra pair absolutely FREE! The Ultimate Night Driving Solution! But hurry, you must order by the date below. Even for the best of drivers, driving at night can be a real problem -especially in bad weather conditions. But, just imagine Just like Ambervision, these incredible new glasses are what it would be like to drive at night just as easily as you do during the strictest quality control the day. Slip on a pair of these innovative new glasses, and you'll manufactured under standards using for ultra notice an unbelievable change in your night vision. The scientifical- the latest and highest quality materials. Designed durable ly designed ClearSpectrum (tm) lenses used in these glasses have wear and tear in a sleek, hi-fashion frame suitable for both men and addition line. the amazing ability to completely cut out all traces of harsh, blinding women, these glasses are a proud to our Ambervision glare caused by such potential hazards as oncoming headlights, As usual, each pair comes complete with a one year money back road lamps, electrical signs, rain slick pavements, and snow banks- guarantee. There is a limit of two (2) pairs per address at this price, but to six. -all the things that normally make driving at night miserable and requests made early enough, (before August 20), may order up dangerous! The Worse The Weather Conditions, To Order: Simply send your name, address, and $7.95 for The Better They Work! each pair. Add just $2.50 to cover shipping, handling, and in- surance no matter pairs you are requesting. Please What's more, because these remarkable new glasses cut out vi- how many or clip-ons. Virginia residents 36 cents sales sion distorting blue rays as well, you'll be able to see much better specify glasses add pair. for shipment. Mail to: even in the worst weather conditions. Even eye straining light tax per Allow up to 60 days dispersements caused by rain, haze, fog and snow almost com- Ambervision, Dept. NB2228 pletely disappear. With Nightvision, you'll feel so comfortable driv- One American Way, Roanoke, VA 24016 ing at night, that you'll wonder how you ever got by without them! ©AGV, INC. 1988, (1999) . "5 TO KEEP THIS COVER INTACT USE COUPON ON PAGE 70 NOW TAKE SEER HABAND COMPANY SLACKS 265 North 9th Street Paterson, New Jersey 07530 BLUE BLUE GUARANTEE: If I do not choose GREY to wear the items, I may return them within 30 days for a full CORAL refund of every penny I paid you. SLACKS PRICE CHECK Method of Payment: Check enclosed DVisa DMC M SHIRT PRICE Name . Apt. # . State .TOTAL 7TY-088-15Y COOL, CRISP, TWO-TONE Seersucker Summer Slacks All NEW COLORS for '89! You'll be amazed that such lightweight, zephyr cool, tropical fabric could ever be made! These exciting new Summer Colors update the world's favorite hot weather fabric — cool, crisp, lightweight Seersucker! You will enjoy the two-way woven s-t-r-e-t-c-h polyester, the 100% No-Iron easy care, and the neat vertical lines that make you look slimmer and taller. Add one of the matching shirts and be instantly co-ordinated, top to toe! You'll look and feel rejuvinated, and your wallet will really love the price: UNDER $15 A PAIR! HABAND 265 North 9th Street™ Paterson, NJ 07530 Take $2 OFF and Pay Only 2 for 27.95!