» welcomes mefican Legion The water tower decanter, an exact replica of the famous old Chicago landmark, will be a lasting memento of your 1982 American Legion Convention in the "Windy City.” A permanent and inspiring reminder of good fellowship, this one-of-a-kind collector decanter is made of genuine Heritage China with 24 kt. gold leaf. When the convention has ended, the molds will be destroyed and your decanter will become a true collector's item. These unique limited edition decanters are filled with 750 M L Ezra Brooks Bourbon, Kentucky's only real sippin' whiskey. Remember your visit to Chicago and your 64th Annual Convention with this attractive commemorative decanter of Ezra Brooks Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the " real" sippin’ whiskey. mmI®. 90 RARK 01.1 -GENUINE SWR MASH* Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 80 Proof, a product of Ezra Brooks Distilling Co., Owensboro, Kentucky. FOR GOD AND COUNTRY THE AMERICAN LEGION 64th WE ASSOCIATE OURSELVES TOGETHER National Convention EOR THE FOLLOWING PURPOSES To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America; to maintain law and order; to foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism; to preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in the Great Wars; to SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION inculcate a sense individual obligation to the community, state and nation; of 11th National Convention to combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses; to make right the master of might; to promote peace and good will on earth; to safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy; to consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to niutual AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY 62nd helpfulness. National Convention LA BOUTIQUE DES HUIT CHAPEAUX ET QUARANTE FEMMES 61st 64th NATIONAL CONVENTION Marche Nationale August 20-26, 1982 • Chicago, Illinois 1 The American Legion 1982 Chicago, Illinois Convention Program INDEX Page Page Airline Information 85 8 et 40 Program 65 Annual Reports 85 Fire Safety 47 Auxiliary Program 52 Military Project Officers 80 Board of Directors, Officers, Convention Corporation Convention Corporation of Illinois 34 of Illinois 34 Business Sessions, Parade Information 81 The American Legion 16 Past National Commanders 44 Commission and Committee Patriotic Religious Service 41 Meetings 26 Regional Leadership Seminars 32 Convention Commission 25 Registration, Information Convention Committee Meetings 28 and Tickets 4 Convention Corporation Reunions and Dinners 31 Committee Chairmen 50 S.A.L. Convention Program 70 Directory, Delegation Hotels 22 Standing Rules of Convention 36 Distinguished Guests 19 Team “82” Commanders 73 Distinguished Service Youth Leaders Medal Recipients 45 48 2 National Commander’s Message of Welcome to Delegates and Guests 64th Annual National Convention, Chicago, III. Welcome once again to Chicago, and to the 64th annual National Convention of The American Legion. The year now ending has been an immensely challenging and rewarding one for our organization. The challenges have been met with courage and resolve, and we can look back upon this year as one of impressive accomplishment and success. During this year, America began the long and sometimes painful recovery of its economic and military strength. The nation’s youngest veterans finally were assured of the just recognition they deserve for brave and loyal service in a bitter, devisive war. And Americans rekindled their pride in our role as leader of the world’s free people. Throughout it all, American Legion interest, support and counsel was decisive. When some sought to balance the federal budget at the expense of veterans, Legion reaction was immediate and persuasive. We pressed for full funding of all veterans pro- grams, justified as a legitimate cost of war, and saw an ac- ceptable budget emerge. When the veterans health care system was threatened by delay and suspension, Legion reaction was swift and un- equivocable. We fought to see the integrity of the Veterans Administration hospital system preserved, and we will con- JACK W. FLYNT tinue as long as threats to it exist. National Commander us in demanding the nation’s power and influence to be When America’s Vietnam Veterans saw their memorial turned once again to the defense of freedom wherever it is threatened by discord and divisiveness, Legion reaction threatened in the world. was rational and conciliatory. We mediated the differences and helped forge the compromise that allowed construc- Americans are gaining a new sense of what it means to tion to begin. We were there with our hearts and our be citizens of this nation. We of The American Legion can hands, and we gave unselfishly more than $1 million to see take immense satisfaction from knowing the effort we it become a reality. have expended this year is being returned in a rebirth of Americanism and pride in the sacred obligation America And when the call went out for this nation’s people to holds for the world. I honored and to have once again demonstrate the kind of citizen participation am humbled had a role in all this, and will always grateful that made America great, the Legion’s tradition of volun- be to each of you for allowing me this opportunity. I will always tary service and commitment was called forth as the And remember that I was not alone, that I stood in the example. We met in the highest councils of the land to de- com- pany of true patriots each scribe the millions of hours — and dollars — Legionnaires day. devote each year to their community and their nation. And Our record is the result of inspired leadership and total we pledged our continuing dedication to America’s needy, commitment by men and women throughout the Legion her youth, and her vital institutions. who have held steadfast to the ideals and principles upon which this Because of The American Legion, the American people great association was founded. In the years ahead, such leadership and commitment will continue to have come again to realize that this nation is great because be America’s greatest asset. of its values and strength. When concerned but misguided citizens cried out for disarmament, when some turned As the deliberations of this 64th National Convention away as the longing for liberty in the hearts of millions was get underway, let us remember that our every action is, and ruthlessly crushed, the majority of Americans joined with should be, for God and Country. 3 WHERE TO REGISTER AND OBTAIN INFORMATION Registration and Information Booths will be operated in Chicago for the convenience of conventioneers. You may register for the convention at a fee of $5.00 per adult. Booths will be located in the — Conrad Hilton Hotel Palmer House Hyatt Regency Hotel Booths will operate from 1:00 P.M.-5:00 P.M. on Thursday, August 19 and daily thereafter from 9:00 A. M. -5:00 P.M. until taken out of service at the direction of the Convention Corporation. Additionally, conventioneers may register at the Convention Corporation Office, Suite 457, Conrad Hilton Hotel. All persons (except those under age 12) are to be re- minded that the official convention badge or other approved credentials are required to gain entry to the General Convention Sessions.. “WE HELP AMERICA WORK” 4 1 ° the white house Washington June m f i 9 q 2 r t end wishes°to the wa ™est A m |rirican greetingetln s your Sixtvlxty-FPo, ?? Legion =,? & and bes ourth National U gather Conven L°0 n Legionnaires .« Nave come to rsthaM how earnn f^ we asaa a na „ today. Yon h o Peace and tion of pers m our Oherlshla °nally saorfff®' we enjoy generations to ensu defense 5 ^ tb!t f,V consequences s Par e d war -5 futur e t?h anad tS Put °,Ugh today terr our nation k we are ^ ^)le through 0und 1 " fiscal restra" ? f tnancial^foL 8 to are 1 lng nonetheless det^^' assure you th°? basic commitment ?; ermin ed not thafc We who 0 to fJif„lter have answ^nl Provide for thl m our answered^our " and nation -s oa j\ w°"en ou have mv bp<5f 15 for •nJoyable leeUn? a Productive Convention ^1 am confident and„ „ inii-ff:tes service as another your a " year^r*^ all for ia *ue nvalua *>le Americans s of v uJLa concern to £ CTKOJU)^ . w _ =5706 ;t_D 6<; SPR ,NGF'' 1982 20 , fuiq ust THOMPSON j*mes R . cove"" 0 " v,eleo»e S . zaires* a»P—4a to 0 x °ear H11” ^onventio"- st n„r of ,! *-d£a to - -at to the vetv gssr^--* . and ”°Untl°n XU ' to — „e— =— all o— JRT/^ 6 A new world of General Motors cars is at your GM dealeers now. Close to a decade ago General accurately adjust the air/fuel mixture Motors embarked on a massive on our gasoline engines. This system program to redesign its cars to has helped us achieve the highest meet the challenge of a changing Corporate Average Fuel Economy in world. our history, while also reducing Since then we have resized exhaust emissions to the lowest in virtually our entire family of cars, GM history. making them significantly more But engineering advances are only efficient in terms of weight, part of the story. roominess and fuel economy Our commitment also extends to We have added a variety of all-new the constant improvement of the small cars. quality and value we build into our We have introduced front-wheel products. drive to an ever-increasing number of But there is no way you can truly our carlines. appreciate the many dramatic We’ve developed a new family of improvements in today’s lineup of smaller, more fuel-efficient engines, new GM cars without seeing and including America’s first driving them firsthand.