LEGIONNAIRE Official Publication of the Department of Virginia, Inc

VIRGINIA LEGIONNAIRE Official Publication of the Department of Virginia, Inc. 46,253 December 2016 Highlights from Department Convention July 2016

Department Commander Jim Chapman with Americanism Chairman Tom Queck. Shown are winners from each of the six categories.

Past Detachment Commander Clint Bolt is shown presenting a scholarship check to Andrew Evans. Department Commander Jim Chapman and Children and Youth Chairman John Kokernak with the recipi- ents of the C&Y Awards.

Boy Scout Chairman Lowell Badgley is assisting Commander Chap- Department Commander Jim Chapman with VA & R Chairman Willie Ransom with the winners of the depart- man with the presentation of the Square Knot Award to (L top) Andy ment meritorious service awards. Smith, David Wallace and Beth Rowly.

Commander Chapman assisted by Law and Order Chair- Department Chaplain Frank Carr and Department Com- man Phil Dunn presenting the Department Firefighter of PDC Chapman is introducing newly elected Commander mander Jim Chapman presenting the Chapel of the Four the Year Award to Michael Gilliam. David Stein and wife Rosalyn to the convention delegates. Chaplains Award. From the Rostrum Adjutant’s Log Dave Stein Dale D. Chapman Department Commander Department Adjutant

Playball Signs of Decline As I stand before you here today I their brains and learn so much about As stated in my last column, I setting. am very humbled, honored and very this organization. promised to continue my column Personally Recognize Accom- proud. The hardest thing that I have You all will find out that my theme regarding SIGN OF DECLINE in a plishments: Congratulations from had to do in my 26 year legion ca- this year is Baseball. I played Legion post. a friend is as welcome as an impres- reer is probably writing this speech. Baseball as young man growing up Relationships fade due to various sive trophy. The applause of an ap- When I talk I speak from the heart. in New York. My theme “Swinging reasons such as one of your buddies’ preciative audience, in recognition of I never imagined that I would be for the Fences” is how our goals and moves away and he was one that put a job well done is an act of caring that standing up here today accepting this mind set should be for the upcoming some fun into the meeting. says Thank You. privilege. year. We must give a 100% effort no The new people who replaced the Celebrate group accomplish- There are a few people that I need bunting. If at the end of day you look old gang aren’t very interesting ments – to thank: First my wife Rosalyn, with- back and feel that you left everything I don’t feel like I am included and Team victories merit celebration out her support and love none of this on the field then it was successful. treated as an outsider. by the whole team. The celebration is possible. Remember behind every We have a few milestones com- Here are a few suggestions to pro- of a group accomplishment, such as strong man is a stronger woman. Her ing up in the near future, The legion mote camaraderie in the post: hitting the membership goal, is an love and support has made this jour- is turning 100 years old and we will Arrive early: Be friendly, shake excellent opportunity to promote fel- ney possible and we are looking for have another Candidate for National hands, and learn more about the post lowship. a great year and looking forward to Commander in Brett Reistad. Team- members. Many of the most successful Le- meeting all of the great legionnaires work is essential, in case some of you Listen: Encourage members to gion posts enjoy a strong team spir- of the Commonwealth. did not know T.E.A.M stands for To- talk about themselves giving them it and fellowship. The next person is Fred Miller, my gether Everyone Achieves More. We full attention. There are other very important Father in-law who not only let me must work together as a team just Learning Common Interests: Par- factors such as leadership and pro- marry his daughter (with me being like in baseball in order for us to grow ties, picnics, bowling tournaments, gram quality, and the desire of indi- from New York) but introduced me and achieve our goals. and other outings build camaraderie vidual member to succeed. to this great organization. His men- As we go forward this year we and team spirit. Again, these activi- Lastly, I want to wish you and torship is priceless even though we are going to work on some member- ties provide a chance for members to your families a very Merry Christ- have had our disagreements we both ship things. Department Command- get to know each other in a relaxed mas and a Happy New Year! understand the mission. er Jim Chapman and our Member- The members of the Department ship Chairman Bob Sussan have laid Honor Guard who have shown time out the ground work now it is up to and time again their devotion to the us to pick up the bat and “swing for Veterans and their families. Stafford the fences”. Post 290 ladies auxiliary of unit 290. I am not going to take up any- I cannot say enough of these ladies more of your time. I never could talk without their assistance many things in front of a crowd until I went to Re- would not have been accomplished. cruiters School. My instructors told Frances Shelton my first president my wife that they didn’t think that I when I was commander showed me was going to make it because I was how to lead and set the example. so quiet and shy. As you can see I The Past Department Command- proved them wrong. To my fellow American Legion Post 325 recently held their annual installation dinner. New Officers ers, whenever I had a question they Marines “Semper Fi”. were installed by American Legion Dept. of VA Adjutant, Dale Chapman. Shown front left to right: Evan Snead, Sgt @ Arms, Daryl Mills 1st Vice Commander, Allan Culley immedi- were there to answer it for me. George We are going to have an excep- ate past Commander, Don Mitchell Post 325 commander, Dale Chapman American Le- Lussier and Linden Dixon who trav- tional year. We want to make things gion Dept. of VA Adjutant, Steve Walker Finance Officer, Lee Mayberry member @ large, eled with me this past year when I fun just like the game of baseball re- Ken Powell member @ large, Second row: Pat Meadows member @ large, Dale Rober- visited various districts. Those long member Comrades let’s “Swing for son service officer, Janet Roberson historian, Rob Phelps Judge Advocate, Freddie Cart- hours on the road enabled me to pick the Fences”. er member @ large, Joe Darnell 2nd Vice Commander.

Virginia Legionnaire Department of Virginia Web Page Official Publication of The American Legion The membership report is updated every Thursday. Department of Virginia Upcoming events are listed along with registration forms. Dept. Adjutant Dale D. Chapman - Editor Erica D. Eccleston - Assistant Editor

National American Legion Press Association www.valegion.org Virginia American Legion Press Association Dale - Department Adjutant: [email protected] Erica - Executive Assistant: [email protected] Published three times a year by The American Legion, Department of Virginia, Inc. Subscription rates $6.00 annually. Teresa - Bookkeeper: [email protected] $1.00 single copy. Editorial, business and general offices at The American Legion, Department of Virginia, - Membership Secretary: [email protected] 1708 Commonwealth Ave., P.O. Box 11025, Richmond, Virginia 23230 Linda Contact

(804) 353-6606. Dale D. Chapman, Adjutant the staff: Beila - Receptionist: [email protected]

2 Virginia Legionnaire December 2016 Post Everlasting From the Pulpit COUNTS, PAUL H (0208) GRANT, JOSEPH R (0021) Frank Carr COURTNEY, DENNIS (0079) GRASSI, LOUIS (0016) Department Chaplain COX, JESSIE J JR (0083) GRAY, LEO W (0060) COX, NALBRO L (0240) GREEN, HOWARD T (0130) CRAIG, TERRANCE “TERRY” C GRIESER, ALFRED C (0354) (0354) GURNEY, LOUIS A (0068) CRIST, ROBERT W (0048) HAGGINS, JAMES L (0141) CROUCH, THOMAS W (0003) HALL, JAMES L (0229) Greetings Fellow Legionnaires CROWTHER, LLOYD R (0130) HAMBLETT, NORMAN J (0006) Happy New Year to all my Legion ready, the biggest change of the year CRUMPTON, JAMES H (0325) HAMILTON, CLAIBORNE W (0036) family members around this great should start with us, but committing CULLEN, RONALD J (0290) HAMPTON, ROY D SR (0245) state of Virginia. I pray this year will to a closer walk with God, and stay- DALLY, JAMES C JR (0035) HANBY, JOSEPH P (0105) be your best year ever and lead you ing in His light. DALTON, DENNIS L (0036) HANSEN, ROBERT G (0330) to a close walk with God. I’ve been told if you don’t change DALTON, GARNET (0018) HARNER, ROGER T (0327) Family, this New Year with all the direction you are going in your DAMULIS, NORMAN J (0177) HARP, RONALD W JR (0177) the changes in America and around life, you just might get there. This is DANIEL, GEORGE H (0043) HARRELL, HORACE W (0264) the world that will bring many new telling me, the life you are living is DART, THOMAS L (0072) HARRIS, C B (0280) changes in our lives, we’ve got to get going in the wrong direction. And DAUGHERTY, BETTY P (0014) HARRIS, EVERETT V (0068) ready for these changes. Good or if you don’t change your direction DAVIES, BRUCE T (0021) HARRIS, FRANCIS B (0120) bad these changes are coming, but you’re ending result will be destruc- DAVIS, JAMES R (0241) HARRIS, JUNE (0013) you’ve got to remember, even amid tion. God has given us a clear road DAVIS, W G (0166) HARRIS, RUSSELL C JR (0125) these changes God never chang- map to a life with Him. So, get out DEEL, JACK G (0164) HARRISON, FRANKLIN R (0120) es. All the promises he has given us your road map, the Bible and read it. DEHAVEN, LESTER L (0021) HARTSOOK, DAVID H (0004) through his word is just as real to- My thanks go out to all that sup- DELANO, RAYMOND G (0248) HARTWICK, DANIEL E (0141) day as it was in days of old. And port all the Religious programs DICKIE, JOHN N (0139) HARVEY, BERT J (0009) if you want to stay in his blessings, around Virginia. I’m inviting all DIETZ, DONALD L (1976) HAWKINS, LARRY J (0141) keep looking to God the author and the Chaplains, Posts and Districts to DIGGES, JOHN J (0083) HEDRICK, RICHARD L (0148) finisher of our faith and let his spir- come to the Department Conference DILLARD, CLYDE O (0078) HEFLIN, WILLIAM (0141) DIXON, CLABORNE B (0008) HELM, WAYNE C (0016) it and words of instruction lead you in Virginia Beach for a Chaplain’s DIXON, JOE A (0029) HELYER, GEORGE W (0188) and guide you as you go through Class. And to pray for this great na- DODD, JOHN R (0156) HENDERSON, RODERICK J (0325) this New Year. tion, the American Legion and each DONAHUE, PAUL J (0156) HESS, DANIEL L (0141) Legionnaires if you haven’t al- other. DONALD, JAMES W (0016) HESTER, ANDREW J JR (0325) DORIS, JAMES P (0006) HIND, JOHN JR (0147) DREWERY, ROBERT C SR (0016) HINTON, CHARLES R (0210) EARLY, ROBERT B (0079) HOGGE, DANIEL W (0075) Post Everlasting ECCARD, JOHN C (0146) HOLMES, CHARLES (0128) EDWARDS, JOHN D (0021) HOLT, JAMES D (0260) ADAMS, LYLE M (0150) BREWER, MARTIN E III (0360) ELIADES, HOMER (0146) HOLT, JAMES L (0368) AGOSTINO, VINCENT (0072) BRICE, JAMES P (0003) ELLERS, THOMAS E (0077) HOPKINS, JOHN C (0073) AKERS, JAMES J III (0361) BROMLEY, GEORGE H (0139) ELLIOT, GEORGE P (0141) HOWELL, EDWARD L (0127) ALLEN, HOWARD (0295) BROWN, ALAN G (0327) ESKEW, DOYLE D (0364) HUFF, HARRY C (0013) ALLEY, RICHARD A (0130) BROWN, DONALD M (0073) EVANS, CLIFFORD E (0327) HUFF, WILLIAM E SR (0330) AMES, BERNARD O (0114) BROWN, GRANT S (0108) FABINSKY, WALTER R (0024) HUFFMAN, EMERSON O (0126) ANDERSON, WILLIAM E SR (0003) BROWN, WILLIAM P (0156) FARISH, JOHN H (0215) HUMPHREYS, ROBERT H (0327) ATCHLEY, HUBERT SR (0032) BROWN, WILLIAMS P (0156) FARKAS, ROBERT A SR (0072) HUTCHISON, FREDERICK L (0295) AYERS, ELLIS (0105) BRYANT, WILLIAM S (0076) FARMER, DON R (0243) IRESON, JACK P (0245) AYERS, JOHN D (0003) BRYCE, STEWART L (0177) FEATHERSTON, W.B. (0125) IVIE, CLOYS J (0021) BAHR, ALFRED J (0364) BUCKNER, JULIAN R (0325) FISHER, ROBERT (0009) JACKIE, THEODORE J (0130) BAKER, DAVID M JR (0325) BURT, DOUGLAS C (0146) FLEMING, ROGER LEE (0227) JAKOLA, CHARLES L (0364) BAKER, EUGENE F (0177) BUSSELLS, ISAAC M (0086) FLETCHER, GEORGE H JR (0164) JAMES, WILEY S JR (0009) BAKER, LLOYD J (0135) CALOHAN, EARL W (0016) FLETCHER, LEONARD (0208) JAMISON, ROY W (0141) BALLWEG, JOHN A (0182) CAMPAGNOLA, MARTIN (0117) FORTIN, ARTHUR (0075) JESSEE, JOHN D (0046) BARE, EUGENE R (0166) CAPARATTA, SALVATORE F SR FOSTER, DERISE V (0006) JOHNSON, ROBERT C (0364) BARNES, EDWARD C (0046) (0045) FOX, AL (0180) JONES, JAMES (0073) BEALL, RONALD C (0053) CARLOCK, JACK C (0290) FOX, ARTHUR D (0401) JONES, SAMUEL Y (0120) BEANE, WINSTON L (0182) CARPENTER, ARTHUR (0037) FOX, CHARLES D III (0003) JONES, TRUELY M (0079) BECKNER, HENRY H (0096) CHALFANT, THOMAS W (0104) FREELAND, JOE (0260) KARNECKI, SUSAN (1799) BEHRMAN, ROBERT L (0364) CHAPMAN, ROBERT R JR (0057) FRY, RICHARD R (0054) KEDDELL, PAUL M (0273) BENJAMIN, GALEN K (0141) CHARLTON, RON (0016) FUNK, CHARLES V (0166) KENNEDY, RONALD (0141) BILLIPS, EARL H (0014) CHILDRESS, PERCY (0146) GAINES, DAN JR (0194) KING, ELBERT S (0020) BLACK, ROBERT L SR (0141) CHURCH, ROBERT C (0059) GAITHER, LESTER A (0057) KIRK, WALTER D (0068) BORGUS, NAPOLEON H SR (0291) CLEVENGER, AUBREY L (0053) GARRETT, EARL N (0134) KLIKA, DONALD SR (0021) BOWLES, JOHN R JR (0117) CLINE, AULDY F (0053) GARRETT, JOHN A (0003) KODENSKI, WILLIAM R (0105) BOWMASTER, CHARLES R (0130) COATS, WARREN E SR (0059) GIARDINO, JOHN N (0086) KOGER, MOIR R (0078) BOWRY, JAMES B (0039) COLBURN, HOWARD E (0139) GILLESPIE, BILL H (0020) LARSEN, DALE P JR (0130) BOYD, ALBERT L (0006) COLEMAN, EDWARD A (0114) GILLESPIE, CARL M (0080) LARSON, JOHN N (0003) BRANCH, JAMES H (0117) COMBEST, BOOKER T (0190) GILLEY, ELTON B (0011) LEE, CLAUDE G (0080) BRANTLEY, TERRY O (0085) CONLEY, BEN D (0086) GOLMAN, JIMMY L (0073) LENCO, RAYMOND B (0062) BRAUN, CHARLES H (0086) COOPER, BRIAN A (0190) GOODMAN, NORMAN W JR (0125) Continued on page 4 BRAY, BUDDIE N (1097) COOPER, KENNETH M (0072) GORDON, CHANNING H (0125) Virginia Legionnaire December 2016 3 Post Everlasting

Continued from page 3 MORRISON, ROBERT E (0078) ROWLAND, RONEY (0079) MOSES, COMPTON R (0125) RUDRUD, OMER C (0054) STUART, M E (0007) LENHART, J T (0043) MULLINS, CECIL (0164) RUSSELL, HAROLD E JR (0108) STUTZ, JOHN H (0156) LEWIS, MACK G (0078) MURRAY, RALPH O (0008) RUSSELL, HAROLD R (0159) SUTTON, JOHN E SR (0314) LIGON, WILLIAM E JR (0083) NAGY, JOSEPH F JR (0354) SAMUELS, AUBREY C (0055) TAYOR, ROBERT T SR (0159) LIPPOLD, JAMES E (0364) NEIGHBORGALL, ROGER B (0130) SELLEW, WARREN S (0086) TENNANT, FREEMAN L (0146) LOHR, CLARK S (0166) NESSELRODT, CURTIS H (0021) SENEFF, JAMES D (0003) TERRY, LAWRENCE E (0003) LOPEZ, ALBERT M (0177) NEUHAUSER, VICTOR H (0159) SERBOUSEK, GEORGE (0079) THOMPSON, ALFRED H (0177) LUNSFORD, WILLIAM T (0204) OGRADY, JOHN C (0327) SHABLOM, HARRY C JR (0141) THOMPSON, DONALD J (0021) LYKE, JACK E (0013) OPOCENSKY, DONALD P (0146) SHAFFER, RICHARD T (0148) THOMPSON, OLIVER T (0166) LYNCH, GUY T (0006) OSBORNE, KENNETH J (0325) SHEFFIELD, PRESLEY R (0043) TIBBS, JOHN JR (0122) MACNABB, ALEXANDER S (0177) OTOOLE, KENNETH P (0077) SHELTON, PAUL A (0036) TIMMINS, ROBERT H (0354) MAIDEN, LEONARD F (0013) OWENS, HAROLD L (0148) SHEPPARD, JOHN E (0194) TOLLETT, LOUIE S JR (0031) MANNS, CALVIN L (0078) PATTERSON, MARVIN (0047) SHERLOW, WILLIAM L (0146) TULLOS, BRIAN K (0201) MARKUS, FRANK H (0280) PERRINS, TOM J (0354) SHIFFLETT, MEREDITH L (0128) UMBERGER, PAUL J (0141) MARTIN, LACY E JR (0137) PERSIN, NICHOLAS E (0164) SHINAULT, OLEN L (0009) VIPPERMAN, WILLIAM (0042) MARTIN, ROBERT T (0083) PHILPOTT, GEORGE L (0078) SHOWALTER, OWEN B (0188) WALKER, ANDREW B SR (0148) MASON, GARY (0021) PIERCE, JAMES L (0325) SILVEY, JACK C (0330) WALL, LAFAYETTE J (0325) MATHEWS, ROBERT C (0125) PLEASANTS, ALFRED L (0141) SMITH, DONALD (0245) WATTS, EARL A (0008) MAUL, OTIS G (0188) POATES, PERCY C JR (0055) SMITH, HERNDON H (0146) WESCOTT, BENJAMIN (0177) MAYS, EVERETTE W JR (0340) POOLE, BILLY R (0029) SMYTHE, NAT (0265) WEST, ZEBEDEE (0120) MCCAULEY, MEREDITH L (0021) POWELL, WALTER L JR (0006) SNEAD, WILLIAM R (0008) WETZLER, RALPH L (0125) MCFARLAND, PATRICK R (0151) PRICE, BURLEY B (0229) SNIDER, HARRY B JR (0009) WEVER, DONALD (0072) MCGEE, CLARENCE R (0043) PRITCHETT, WILLIAM S (0320) SNIDER, JOHN E JR (0126) WHEELER, LEONARD D (0054) MCLAIN, JOSEPH A (0013) PYLAN, SAMUEL A (0057) SNIPES, PERRY C SR (0141) WHITE, WILLIAM H SR (0149) MCLAREN, RONALD C (0110) RACEY, PAUL M (0077) SOWDEN, MICHAEL (0083) WHYNOT, JAMES E (0072) MCLEMORE, BOBBIE R (0009) REED, AUGUSTUS C JR (0035) SPALDING, LARRY E (0141) WILLIAMS, ROBERT M (0311) MCNAMARA, WILLIAM G JR (0024) REESE, RICHARD (0123) SPENCE, HENRY E (0133) WINGFIELD, JAMES S (0327) MESSIER, E T (0054) REEVES, PHILIP N (0123) SPENCER, ALGIE (0105) WINGO, CHARLES (0229) MIDDLETON, MEDFORD (0077) REYNOLDS, HAROLD M (1097) SPROUSE, DARELL V (0013) WOOD, LAURENCE H (0127) MILLAN, RICHARD F (0035) RICE, CLYDE (0130) SQUIRES, WILLIAM C (0206) WOOD, PURWELL C (0241) MILLER, LESTER W JR (0364) RICE, FRANCES (0182) STALLINGS, VERNON H (0310) WOODS, WESLEY B JR (0029) MILLS, CHARLES L (0130) RICHARDS, LARRY L (0085) STANTON, CHARLES H (0129) WOODSON, PHILLIP P (0361) MINOR, PAUL K (0177) RICHARDSON, WILLIAM A (0072) STEINKE, FRANK C (0123) WOODWARD, ROBERT C SR (0146) MITCHELL, BETTY R (0078) RIDENOUR, IVAN D (0125) STEVENSON, VINCENT S (0085) WRISCHNIK, JOHN W (0325) MITCHELL, CHARLES D (0146) RIGGS, RALPH L (0003) STEWART, SYDNEY L (0079) YORK, ARTHUR P (0327) MITCHELL, CHARLES W (0053) RITENOUR, RAY F (0077) STILLMAN, ROBERT (0079) YOST, LARRY A (0146) MONTGOMERY, PAXTON T JR (0093) ROCHEFORT, RICHARD M (0148) STINESPRING, HOMER W (0013) YOUNG, DANNIE L (0284) MORIARTY, EDWARD W (0039) ROSE, DEMONT F (0003) STRACHAN, JAMES W (0048) YOUNG, RICHARD G (0151) MORRIS, JAMES F (0123) ROSE, DUNCAN R (0130) STRICKLER, BRYAN F (0053) YOUNT, JOSEPH III (0340) MORRIS, JOHN W (0080) ROSS, ROBERT C (0229) STRUDER, JOSEPH G (0123) ZACHARIAS, LOUIS E (0048)

World War II Veterans Honored ‘Their example of citizenship, in in action and, as Crewe Mayor and American heritage. Their example of sents the highest form of citizenship, both war and peace, is their legacy American Legion Post 50 member citizenship, in both war and peace, is patriotism, self-sacrifice and devo- to us’ Greg Eanes noted, “those who came their legacy to us. As long as we re- tion to the principles of American The Leon A. Harper American Le- home and turned their swords into member their sacrifice and emulate Liberty as embodied in the Constitu- gion Post 50 in Crewe was part of a ploughshares to rebuild their fami- their examples, our Republic will tion of the United States. joint team involving Gold Star Me- lies and their communities. “ survive.” Among those present were Navy morial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post Mayor Eanes said, “All of them, veterans Joseph K. Baldwin, Richard 7819 and the Town of Crewe in a men and women, black and white, Certificate and Medals Presented H. Ragan, Cecil Yeatts; Air Force vet- sometimes emotional service recog- Jewish or Christian, sacrificed for the The veterans in attendance were erans Jimmy Jones, Jr., Amos Bow- nizing surviving Nottoway County freedoms we enjoy today. Time does presented with World War II Victo- en and Leonard Hughes; and Ar- World War II veterans. not permit us to tell all their stories. ry Medals and Certificates “from the my veterans Carleton Abernathy, Sr. Eight local World War II veterans, We can shed light on a few in order citizens of the Town of Crewe in re- and Walter Wilson. Mr. Hughes was between 89 and 95 years of age, were to illustrate the service of them all.” membrance and gratitude” for their thought unable to attend at the time honored in a Town of Crewe ‘Service Mayor Eanes said, “The examples service “between 7 December 1941 the service started but was present, of Remembrance and Gratitude’ at many of these veterans set in civil- and 31 December 1946”. Town Man- just not on the front pew with the Crewe United Methodist Church on ian life are as worthy of emulation as ager Wade Walker presented the other veterans. the 75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor the example they set in military life. certificates as Mayor Eanes narrat- Following individual ovations, Day. The hour long service, which Their example, in war and peace, ex- ed. Each veteran’s certificate not- the veterans were collectively re- had moments of emotion, consist- emplifies the Judeo-Christian -prin ed “your personal example of ser- ceived with a warm standing ovation ed of readings of scripture, poetry ciples upon which our republic was vice and sacrifice during our nation’s by approximately 200 in attendance and vignettes of local veterans killed founded and is a proud part of our greatest 20th Century crisis repre- including many young people.

4 Virginia Legionnaire December 2016 Minutes of The American Legion, Department of Virginia Executive Committee Meeting Friday, July 8, 2016, Double Tree, Richmond The meeting of the Executive Com- Post 1. nament is back on track. A successful committee had two contracts to con- mittee was called to order by the De- Commander Chapman then pre- tournament was held in February and sider. The 2017 Fall Conference at partment Commander Jim Chap- sented two posts with “All Time High” they are actively looking for a host for Fort Magruder in Williamsburg with man at 11:00 a.m. The invocation was in post membership. They were Posts 2017. The Golf Tournament was a suc- the rate being $115/night. He asked given by Dr. Frank Carr prior to the 88 and Post 1. cess at Goodyear Golf Course, Dan- for a motion to approve this contact, Pledge of Allegiance and the Pream- REPORT OF DEPARTMENT ville, VA on June 3-5, 2016. The fall seconded, approved. The second con- ble to the American Legion Constitu- OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE tournament will be held in Staunton tract was for the Centennial State Con- tion. Sergeant at Arms John Hess con- CHAIRMEN at Ingleside Golf Course. The Softball vention in Roanoke at the Holiday ducted the POW/MIA ceremony. NATIONAL EXECUTIVE subcommittee had no report. Baseball Inn and Sheraton with the rate being Adjutant Dale D. Chapman called COMMITTEEMAN Subcommittee Chairman Jim Grenier $129/night plus 13.3% tax for a total the roll. Those present: No Report. reported that on the new tournament of $146.16/night. Committee felt rate DEPARTMENT OFFICERS: DEPARTMENT JUDGE process, discussed registration issues was too high plus consensus was not Jim Chapman, Department Com- ADVOCATE and discussed tournament cost. He to split Auxiliary and Legion at 100th mander; Gerald Rhoads, Immediate No report. is actively looking for a host for the Anniversary Convention. A discus- Past Department Commander; Dale DEPARTMENT TREASURER 2017 Junior and Senior Tournaments. sion was held to initiate guidelines for D. Chapman, Department Adjutant; Tommy Lee reported that the bud- The Junior Tournament for 2016 will conferences and conventions to see if Mike Mitrione, Alternate National Ex- get for the year 2017 will be presented be played August 3-7, 2016 hosted by amount of space needed could be re- ecutive Committeeman; Brian Mulli- during the convention meeting for ap- Stafford Post 290; Senior Tournament duced. Nancy Harting to replace Gin- can, Department Service Officer; Dr. proval. He stated that the department will be July 25-30, 2016 hosted by Dan- ny James to represent Auxiliary on Frank Carr, Department Chaplain; is within budget and is following the ville Post 325. Leesburg Post 34 will Committee. A motion was made, sec- Ron Fanning, Department Sergeant- direction of the Department Finance host the Mid-Atlantic Region Tourna- onded and passed to make sure de- at-Arms; Sam Ramseur, Department Committee and the Department Exec- ment August 3-7, 2016 and the World partment supply lanyards for con- Historian; Tommy Lee, Department utive Committee. Series will be played August 11-16, ferences and conventions so they are Treasurer DEPARTMENT CHAPLAIN 2016 in Shelby, NC (20 present) available when needed. (10 present) DEPARTMENT VICE No Report. BOYS STATE COMMITTEE FINANCE COMMITTEE COMMANDERS: DEPARTMENT SERVICE OFFICER Bill Stramm turned in a written re- Doug Ramos stated that the bud- Bob Brady; Jim Flint; Earl Pierce No Report. port that stated a recap was given of get will be up for approval during the DISTRICT COMMANDERS: DEPARTMENT HISTORIAN 13 no shows, 30 alternates attended, finance meeting. He also stated that 1st – Bill Stramm, acting; 2nd – Sam Ramseur reported that 2 books 3 left sick, 1 sent home for discipline the budget meeting was in May and it Alonzo Scott; 3rd – Linda Fanning; 4th were turned in and he was extending issues with a total of 683 completing is difficult to prepare a budget when – James Rovinski; 5th – Tom Hart; 6th the due date until Saturday at 9 a.m. the program. The Samsung Scholar- budget requests do not come in. – Malcolm Ray Barbour; 7th – Arse- for the history contest. ship had 128 applicants and for the INTERNAL AFFAIRS nius Terrill; 8th – Bill Lark; 9th – James DEPARTMENT ADJUTANT first time ever the winner had a per- Vice Chairman Brett Reistad re- Eubank; 10th – Buck Owen; 11th- Ter- Dale D. Chapman mentioned fect score. The attendance level needs ported on the meeting that was held ry Brentlinger; 12th- Brian William- thanks to committee chairmen and to be at 800. Stressed the need for le- at Department Headquarters June son; 13th- Joseph Dudley; 14th- Joe district commanders for their hard gion member on interviewing boys. 10th. He reported on the post issues McGugan; 15th- Lauretta Lockhart; work. He commended the office staff Consent forms changes looming that with Post 368 and Post 225. An ad- 16th- John Ward; 17th- Bob Eidsvoog, for hard work and dedication. He will require parents’ acknowledgment hoc committee was created for the Acting spoke on the response (closing the they will pick up disciplinary reject- prison posts. A discussion was held Absent: loop) on TFA’s from headquarters. ed boys. They will arrange transpor- on the Legion Riders Constitution and Thomas Saunders, National Execu- Each District Commander needs to tation or pick up sick boy leaving Boys Bylaws. The Lucian Butler Scholar- tive Committeeman; Joe Vaccaro, De- complete the circle with a follow up State. Food donations will continue. ship was discussed with some minor partment Judge Advocate email or phone call to department on (34 present) changes. Dave Wallace from Post 162 Commander Chapman welcomed the status of the request. CHILDREN AND YOUTH was chosen to attend National Lead- all attendees and reminded them of AMERICANISM COMMITTEE COMMITTEE ership College. The Yearbook project the Rules of Order of Business of the Tom Queck turned in a written re- John Kokernak turned in a written fundraiser was approved. Sons of the Department Executive Committee port that stated all of his sub commit- report that stated the briefing that was American Legion dues to be increase meeting. tees gave reports. The national Amer- given to the New Officers Conference effective July 1, 2016 by $1 per mem- Commander Chapman then recog- icanism report was turned in by the on Thursday was restated. Handouts ber. . Brett made a motion that all nized Past Department Commanders deadline. He reported that Consoli- on information of the Assistance re- actions of the Internal Affairs Com- in attendance: dated Reports must be completed (25 quests, TFA program for 2015-2016 mittee become part of the Department Dale Chapman; George Lussier; present) and the annual reporting were all dis- Executive Committee; seconded; ap- Brett Reistad ; Ron Miluszewski; JROTC DRILL TEAM cussed. (12 present) proved. Doug Ramos; Mike Mitrione; Linden Robert Cardwell turned in a written CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE Dixon; Dan Dellinger; Andy Robert- report that stated there has become an COMMITTEE Rick Oertel turned in a written re- son; Les Clevinger; Gerald Rhoads issue with schools not allowing weap- Joe Vaccaro turned in a written report that stated a discussion was held The minutes of the last meeting, ons on the premises. Schools are not port that Resolution #1 Membership to those in attendance that might wish having been mailed previously, were replying to requests to participate. He Eligibility was greatly discussed. Af- the General Assembly to consider any approved without reading. reported that the lack of communica- ter much discussion a vote was made legislation for the 2017 session. Issues The local Convention Commit- tion is a big problem. The Competi- and the decision was to unanimously discussed: potential liability of claims tee was recognized by Commander tion will be held at Little Creek during reject the resolution at this time. (5 officers, Dale Chapman Department Chapman for their hard work. the Spring Conference. (8 present) present) Adjutant reported that accredited Commander Chapman then pre- ATHLETIC COMMITTEE CONVENTION & CONFERENCE claims officers have liability coverage; sented National Commander Dale Tommy Whitlow turned in a writ- COMMITTEE Barnett’s Post Excellence Award to ten report that stated a bowling tour- Ron Miluszewski reported that the Continued on page 6 Virginia Legionnaire December 2016 5 Minutes of Executive Committee Meeting MINUTES from page 5 Academy. There were three LEOY ap- AMERICAN LEGION RIDER’S stitution and Bylaws. Resolution #2 plications and one Firefighter/EMS SUB COMMITTEE Defibrillators was referred to Conven- Rick was asked to speak with Brian application for review. (8 present). J. J. Jones turned in a written report tion Committee on Veterans Affairs Mullican, DSO to ascertain what leg- ORATORICAL COMMITTEE that stated the Legacy Run and Leg- and Rehabilitation. (2 present) islation might assist in getting claims Greg Mueller turned in a written re- acy Fund were discussed. This year DIVERSITY TRAINING through Roanoke and a disconnect port that stated a discussion was held there are over 2000 ALR chapters with COMMITTEE in communication/coordination be- on Tim Park’s participation at the Na- estimated 110k-150k members. Re- Rita Chandler turned in a written tween the state DVS and the USDVA tional level. Input was taken on ways ports were given from each Region- report that stated the significance of in regards to homeless veterans was to get word out to students about the al Director. JJ stated that many other both women and men respecting one noted. (13 present) contest. Suggestions included con- states are following VA ALR’s lead in another in the work place; and how MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE tacting those who attend Boys and several areas. It was reported that ma- we perceive each other. Diversity No Report. Girls State, local newspapers, word of ny posts have had various rides that will change significantly in the work- NATIONAL SECURITY mouth, interaction with youth organi- all have great outcomes. place soon. There has been a variety COMMITTEE zations including Boy and Girl Scout S.A.L. SUB COMMITTEE of misunderstandings. A good lead- Deloris Todman turned in a writ- troops and 4H. Find judges for your Les Clevinger turned in a written er will encourage his staff to stop and ten report that stated a discussion was local contests with school officials, -po report that stated several questions think about how you set your invisi- held on Legion concerns that were lice, and military, state and local gov- were answered by the subcommittee ble boundaries. Attitudes start at the mentioned in the American Legion ernment officials are all good sources. in forming new squadrons and sev- top and filter down; involve and fos- brochures by Commander Barnett. Every two weeks or so the Depart- eral questions were answered about ter an attitude of openness. Grow by Some key issues were Veterans health- ment Oratorical Chairman will pass their eligibility in becoming a mem- communication, showing advance- care, Veteran job, Education and Flag to District Commanders and Oratori- ber. (12 present) ment and broaden community net- protection. A discussion was held on cal Chairs contact information on stu- VAVS COMMITTEE work. (21 present) the battling of immigration and there dents interested in the contest. (10 Margaret Fields turned in a written Commander Chapman then recog- are still problems. The blood drive present) report that stated the hospitals gave nized the three vice commanders and report from Maudie Price stated that MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS reports on what activities they are do- the district commanders and thanked Post 176 had a blood drive and re- COMMITTEE ing. (16 present) them for their year of service. ceived 55 pints. (9 present) Buck Owen turned in a written re- NEW POST & REVITALIZATION UNFINISHED BUSINESS FOREIGN RELATIONS port that stated a presentation on the COMMITTEE None SUB-COMMITTEE 100th anniversary of the American Le- Lewis Field stated that there was an NEW BUSINESS: Al Steward turned in a written region was shown. A DVD on American addition of one new post this year and None. port that stated a discussion was held Legion Post 104 was presented and a there have been ten revitalizations. CLOSING on not having a strong nation show- discussion followed. Facebook is a BOY SCOUTS SUB COMMITTEE In closing, Jim Chapman expressed ing to other countries. It was stated great way to promote but it must be No Report. his sincere appreciation to everyone that China and North Korea have no kept updated. Media and history go WOMEN’S OUTREACH that had helped him during his year respect for the US. We need all NATO hand in hand; keep records of events SUB COMMITTEE as Department Commander express- nations to pull their loads in support at your post. (18 present) No Report. ing special thanks to certain PDC’s, of conflicts. (4 present) VETERAN AFFAIRS AND RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE Committee Chairmen, Department LAW & ORDER/YOUTH CADET REHABILITATION COMMITTEE No Report. Vice Commanders, District Com- LAW ENFORCEMENT SUB Willie Ransom turned in a written RESOLUTIONS ASSIGNMENT manders and Department Staff. COMMITTEE report that stated Resolution #2 Defi- COMMITTEE The Memorial Prayer was given by Phil Dunn turned in a written re- brillators was discussed and then ap- Thomas Saunders turned in a writ- Dr. Frank Carr. port that stated a discussion was held proved. (30 present) ten report that stated Resolution #1 The meeting was adjourned at on the upcoming Youth Enforcement AWARDS & RECOGNITION Membership Eligibility was referred 12:06 p.m. program July 17-22, 2016 at the Police No Report. to the Convention Committee on Con-

VA Claims Clinic at American Legion Post 134 and VFW Post 8446 in Buckingham

Western Region Service Officer, Sarah Maddox held a VA Claims Clin- ic at American Legion #134/VFW Post #8446 in Buckingham, Virginia Charles Leftwich (AL Post #134), Lynn Metaxas Hawkins, Nancy Megginson, Angela Mackzum, Eddie Hin- on 7/12/2016. Assisting with registration were members of Maysville ton, David Williams, Cornell Bynum, Ed Miller, Sarah Maddox, Rick Mitchell, Melissa Bailey, and Claude Re- Presbyterian Church, Pastor Matt Bowman and Don Williams as well eson. Not pictured but assisted: Commander Ed Dunn, AL Post #32. as Vietnam Veteran Ms. Marie Sweeney.

6 Virginia Legionnaire December 2016 Minutes of The American Legion, Department of Virginia New Executive Committee Meeting July 10, 2016, Double Tree, Richmond

The meeting of the new Execu- Rovinski; 5th – Leonard Smith; 6th - er; Joe Vaccaro, Department Judge tive; Bob Brady, Membership; Deloris tive Committee was called to order at Walter Davis; 7th - Etthan Miller; 8th Advocate; Sam Ramseur, Department Todman, National Security; Al Stew- 10:02 a.m. by the Department Com- – Perry Johnson; 9th – James Eubank; Historian; Brian Mullican, Depart- ard, New Post and DMS; Greg Muel- mander Dave Stein. The Department 10th – Buck Owen, Acting; 11th – Al ment Service Officer ler, Oratorical; Buck Owen, Media Chaplain Dr. Frank Carr gave the in- Hillman; 12th – Millie Hampton; 13th- The new Department Officers were and Communications; Willie Ransom, vocation. Garold Stephenson; 14th – Joe McGu- given the oath of office. Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Adjutant Dale D. Chapman called guan; 15th- Lauretta Lockhart; 16th- Linden Dixon, Boys State Presi- A motion was made that any er- the roll. Those present: Willie Barr; 17th- Robert Eidsvoog dent, gave a report on the recent Boys rors in this listing of committee mem- DEPARTMENT OFFICERS Absent: State program. The next Boys State bers be corrected and any vacancies Dave Stein, Department Com- Brian Mullican, Department Ser- will be June 18-24, 2017 at $400 per at- occurring in any appointed office or mander; Jim Chapman, Past Depart- vice Officer tendee. standing committee may be filled by ment Commander; Thomas Saunders, Commander Chapman asked all Dan Dellinger, Chairman of Inter- the Commander with the advice and National Executive Committeeman; the Past Department Commanders to nal Affairs stated that on July 9, 2016 counsel of the Internal Affairs Com- Mike Mitrione, Alternate National Ex- rise and be recognized. Those present: the American Legion Riders rules and mittee. This motion carried. ecutive Committeeman; Ron Hesson, Linden Dixon; Dale Chapman; Tom procedures were reviewed. He also Dale D. Chapman then explained Department Sergeant-at-Arms; Sam Saunders; Doug Ramos; Mike Mitri- stated that an ad-hoc committee was to the travel and officers expense -al Ramseur, Department Historian; Dr. one; Bob Hannon; Les Clevinger; Jim created with Jim Chapman as Chair- lowance for District Commanders Frank Carr, Department Chaplain Chapman man. A motion was made to accept and Department Vice Commanders DEPARTMENT VICE This being the first meeting of the the above, seconded and approved. as well as travel for the Department COMMANDERS new Executive Committee there was Next, Dale D. Chapman read the Executive Committee. Frank Hillyard; Ray Barbour; Greg no old or unfinished business. following list of Committee Chair- Department Adjutant Dale D. Mueller NEW BUSINESS man for confirmation by the Board: Chapman reminded District Com- EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS The first order of business was the Thomas Queck, Americanism; manders in attendance that they Dale D. Chapman, Department Ad- confirmation of Dale D. Chapman as Tommy Powell, Athletic; Thomas needed to provide the names, adjutant; Tommy Lee, Department Trea- Department Adjutant and the head- Saunders, Awards and Recognition; dresses and post numbers of all those surer; Joe Vaccaro, Department Judge quarters staff salary 2016-2017 at Bill Stramm, Boys State; A B Brown, they appointed to committees for De- Advocate; $263,760 per annum. Children and Youth; Ron Miluszews- partment Headquarters inclusion in DISTRICT COMMANDERS The Department Officers listed -be ki, Convention and Conference; Doug the Department Directory. 1st – Steven Atkins; 2nd – Alonzo low were also confirmed: Ramos, Finance; Dan Dellinger, In- There being no further business, the Scott; 3rd - Joe Shine; 4th - James Tommy Lee, Department Treasur- ternal Affairs; Rick Oertel, Legisla- meeting was adjourned at 10:40 a.m.

First Vice Commander’s Legionnaire Special “Gung Ho” Column License Plate Project Brother and Sister Legionnaires, fights and win without proper train- The License Plate Project is at 100% stay on our fast track. We can be ready families, and friends, ing? The answer is doubtful. Instead, of the goal of 450 inquiry applica- by the time the legislators go back in- How many of us remember the I left the Leadership College with a tions. Department HQ has emailed or to session in the Fall! Success time is words “train as you would fight?’ renewed belief that EVERY member mailed the DMV application to all of totally dependent on the response of Those words came to mind as I was (old and new) should be trained. Just the members who participated in the our members. sitting in class at the Department of like in combat, our Legion and Post pre-application process. NOTE: If your license plate comes Virginia’s Leadership College. Truth- members must be trained in order to The DMV form must be completed due before we have the Legion plate fully, I had a billion other things to be ready for combat. The best sport and mailed back to Department with issued, renew your plate(s) as you do on my Saturday to include work- teams, Olympians, companies, col- the $10.00 fee. normally would. DMV will mail your ing on my son’s Eagle Scout project. leges, and militaries all train to be the Once we receive all 450 DMV ap- Legion plate to you when it becomes However, our Commander (like all best…so why shouldn’t we? I encour- plications and fees at Department we available. good Commanders) encouraged his age all Post members to seek training will transfer them to DMV. Right now we are at about 52.4% of Vice Commanders to attend so I felt on-line, at our American Legion col- On arrival at DMV of the 450 ap- our goal. (It is a lot more difficult to obligated to go (just like all those ear- leges/conventions, and/or through plications, Virginia Delegate Ander- get the $10.00 from our members than ly morning runs with the Battalion our Commander. The training I re- son will introduce a bill in the legis- the free pre-application form.) CO). After the third session of the ceived at the Leadership College was lature so it becomes law. The Legion We get an update on our stats once day, I came to realization that Amer- superb, meaningful, and made me plate will then be produced and sent a month from Department. You can ican Legion training is invaluable and a better Legionnaire. I also wish to to the applicant via mail. check those stats by clicking on the more importantly, our Legion must be thank those Legionnaires who pro- The above sequence to obtain a Department web page. You can also well trained if we are to win the ma- vided the outstanding instruction. So special plate is required by the Virgin- download a application – questions ny fights we face in the coming years. next time there are training opportu- ia State Legislators and DMV. to 540-337-4305 or legioncom.hesson@ What fights you ask? The fights are nities at our Post please join me so we It normally takes about 2 years to yahoo.com protecting our Veterans and their can strive to make our Post even bet- get a special plate approved in Virgin- DEPARTMENT WEB PAGE : benefits, defense of our great Na- ter. Proudly serving. ia. We were well ahead of that sched- http://valegion.org/ tion, teaching Americanism and God, Semper Fi, ule at the inquiry stage. Having said Media-Communications Commit- and lastly, protecting our youth and –Rod Sansone, that, it is important for all of our mem- tee children. Could I enter any of these First Vice Commander, Post 162 bers to promote the project so we can Virginia Legionnaire December 2016 7 Packages for the Military The veterans of American Le- travel size packages of Kleenex, gion Post 39 Williamsburg have shampoo, toothpaste, soap, de- launched a new initiative names: odorant, crossword puzzles, Su- “Operation: Military Overseas doku books, Readers Digests, Morale”. The program is de- gum and mints, etc. Post 39 is al- signed to help bolster the mo- so self-funding purchases of these rale of those active duty mili- materials as well. tary serving in far-away places. Commander White reports: Bill White, Post Commander, ex- We’ve had a great response from plains: “We’re sending packag- the troops: Katie Weisbacher on- es of comfort food and necessi- board the USS Bonhomme Rich- ties to two forward outposts right ard LHD 6 and Captain Kathryn Tags Bull Run Wounded Warrior Retreat, Haymarket, Operation Comfort Warriors, The American Legion, Virginia, Warrior Transition, Wounded Warrior, donation. John Domi- now. We want them to know they Yates, USN, and LTC Jesse Cruz, nick of Serve Our Willing Warriors (right) accepts a commemorative brick from members are not forgotten by those of us at USA, in Afghanistan. As Captain of The American Legion Post 1799 (left to right), Richard Menton, Tom Henning and Mi- home.” Yates relayed: “I never realized chael High, during an Operation Comfort Warrior donation in Haymarket, Virginia on May “Operation MOM, as it is af- how Spartan conditions were, and 12, 2016. Photo by Eric Kruszewski. fectionately known, consists of how much care packages meant to collecting from Post 39 members, the troops. I know now from per- such items as: packaged candy, sonal experience that the packag- granola bars, beef jerky, lip balm, es are a high boost to morale.”

Post 55 Commander Tommy Lee presented a Honorary Life Membership to Ed Mercer during a recent meeting. Looking on is Department Adjutant Dale Chapman.

Troops on the LHD-9 amphibious assault ship show off their packages from Post 39

American Legion Post 325 recently honored Bill Stevens as a charter member and 70 year member of the post. Stevens joined the Marines during WWII and after Parris Is- land volunteered for sea school and served on many ships during the war. Shown are: Post 325 Commander Don Mitchell, Richard Gunn, Kenny Fitzgerald, Stevens, Linwood Phelps, Ken Powell, Joe Darnell, Rob Phelps and Dale Roberson

Installation of Officers of Post 55 by Ron Miluszewski Past Department Commander

Lani Burnett was elected the new Post Com- mander of Post 290 for the year 2016-2017. Lani is the first female Commander in the Post long 70th year history. She is a retired Master Sergeant of the United States Air Force. Pic- tured with Lani (Front) rear, left John Hill and American Legion riders, Last Capital Chapter, recently prepared to ride to Dan River High right John Cox School for a 9/11 remembrance ceremony. Shown left: Joe Darnell, Danny Coleman, Van Elliott, Kenny Fitzgerald, Roy Craft Jr., Brandy Heath, Freddy Hill and Gary Knick.

8 Virginia Legionnaire December 2016 American Legion Baseball 2016: From the Baseball Chairman Congratulations for another great baseball selection now follows a more standard qualifi- Baseball Committee will soon consider strategic season. It was over it seemed as soon as it be- cation process. initiatives to ensure funding of the tournaments gan. The Department of Virginia restructured With funding for the baseball program com- with the goal of continuing to provide a memo- 36 Senior Teams and 26 Junior teams into 6 ing almost solely from the team fees (fees have rable experience for the players and teams. The leagues. The league structure was created to been unchanged over perhaps a decade) and Committee previously committed to not raising balance the number of teams played across the with significant decline in the number of teams per team fees), will develop ways for Posts to leagues and to set a path for earning a spot in over the last 4 years, this places significant - fi host a baseball tournament as an opportunity the Department tournament. Tournament bid nancial burden on a Host Post. The Department for Post revitalization.

Scholarship Award Mid-Atlantic Regional Baseball Champion Congratulations to Depart- Post 34 Leesburg (tournament host) ment of Virginia and Colonial Heights Post 284 Adam Con- way for being named as team captain for the annual All-Aca- demic Team. The team is spon- sored by Diamond Sports, a leading manufacturer in baseball merchandise and the official baseball used during Le- gion national tournaments. Each player on the team receives a $2,500 scholarship. Adam was named as an over- all top academic player and named the team captain and awarded a $5,000 scholarship. Leesburg Post 34 Rangers won the 11-9 on Aug. 6. The Rangers tallied burg, Post 293 Purcellville, Post 150 American Legion Mid-Atlantic re- five runs in the ninth to tie it at 9-9 Sterling, and Post 2001 Ashburn for gional baseball tournament title as before succumbing in extra innings. bringing this tournament to the Lou- the host team. Rangers infielder and pitcher Kur- doun County community. Addition- The tournament was held at Fire- tis Meyer, was awarded the tourna- al thanks to 16th District financial man’s Field in Purcellville, featured ment’s Most Valuable Player. Meyer contributions and member partici- eight-team double-elimination re- was named MVP owing to his seven pation, the Loudoun County Posts gional tournament. Post 34 met innings of one-run relief work, sav- provided a memorable experience challenges from the state champi- ing two Leesburg victories and earn- for Championship teams across the on squads of Maryland, Delaware, ing the win in the title-clincher. He Mid-Atlantic Region. Pennsylvania and New Jersey. reached base nine times, scoring six The Rangers represented the De- Leesburg tasted defeat for the only times. partment of Virginia in the Ameri- time when Virginia champion Dan- It was a multi-Post team ef- can Legion World Series, Aug. 11-16 ville Post 325 upended the local boys fort. Many thanks to Post 34 Lees- in Shelby, N.C.

Department Baseball Champion Post 325 Danville (tournament host) Post 325 Danville hosted the De- over Post 2001 Ashburn, Post 21 Win- partment of Virginia Senior Division chester, Post 280 Chesapeake, and tournament at American Legion Field Post 13 Staunton; they then defeated in Danville VA. Many thanks to Doug Post 280 Chesapeake in the champi- Heptinstall, Tournament Director, onship game. and Post 325 Danville membership Post 325 Danville advanced to the for hosting the tournament. Mid-Atlantic Regional tournament Tournament Sportsmanship award in Purcellville VA. Post 325 lost their winner was Nathan Davis from Post first game then picked up 3 consecu- 2001 Ashburn and the most valuable tive wins to play Post 159 Flemington player was Corbin Watson, Post 325. NJ for the right to play Post 34 Lees- Post 325 advanced undefeated burg in the Championship game. NJ through the tournament with wins advanced to the championship game. ALB Department of Virginia Junior Division Tournament Congratulations to Post 16 Lynch- nament. Many thanks to Bill Gilm- burg Cardinals for winning the De- ore and Fred Miller and from Post partment of Virginia Junior Division 290 Stafford for hosting the tourna- Champion. ment. Post 16 Lynchburg defeated Post Tournament Sportsmanship 284 Buccaneers 15-3 in the final game award winner is Stafford Post 290 of the tournament. The rain didn’t team and the most valuable player is cooperate but, we finished the tour- from Post 16, Jakes Seldon. Virginia Legionnaire December 2016 9 T:6.5”

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REGISTRATION AND RESERVATION FORM News Release for Department Newsletters THE AMERICAN LEGION‐THE AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY‐SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION – AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS Consumer Contact: The Legionnaire Insurance Trust Job # USA1-AFM-16-03582 DEPARTMENTDocument OF VIRGINIA Name 223240-0316-USA1-AFM-16-03582_002.indd SPRING CONFERENCE – MARCH 10‐12, 2017 Last Modified 7-8-2016 5:35 PM 800-235-6943 VIRGINIA BEACH RESORT HOTEL AND CONFERENCELinked Graphics CENTER Colors In-Use Job Description PC TAL State Bundle PRINT Art Director TBD User Printer Output Date Media Contact: Amanda Smith 2800 SHORE DRIVE, VIRGINIAusaa_txp_vrt_1cp_unc_n_blk.tif BEACH, VA. 23451Gray 514 ppi Black BOSMLW-NMXMT1HL None 7-8-2016 5:41 PM 805-566-9191 x2535 Bleed None Mech Scale 1:1 Copy Writer TBD usaa_flr_chv_1cp_sld_wht.ai PLEASE READ AND FOLLOWLUM_TAL_1cp_KO.ai THESE INSTRUCTIONS: Mechd By: Cassello RTVd By: TBD Trim 6.5” x 8” Print Scale None Requests for Projaccommodations Mgr Coniff/Bacon must usaa_fln_1od_1cp_sld_wht.aibe received by February 15, 2015. Car-R.ai Live None The Stock registration None fee of $6.00, includingAcct Svc Chester persons sharingHouse-R.ai rooms, Juniors and Sons, must accompany this form. Piggy_Bank-R.ai Medicare Supplement Insurance Folded Size None YOU MUST BE REGISTEREDProd Mgr Butts TO ATTEND ANY FUNCTION OR REQUEST A ROOM. CD/ACD COPYWRITER AD RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE THROUGHCONTENT THE REGISTRATION COMMITTEE: CONFERENCE Finishing None Art Buyer TBD REGISTRATION ALFRED STEWARD (757) 573-3966 or email QUESTIONS to: AL at [email protected] NUMBER It’s no secret that while it gives basic protection against health care costs, Medicare mayColors not Spec’d B/W Newspaper Copy Edit TBD ACCT SERVICE PROD COPY EDIT Special Instr. None REGISTRATION – TO ATTENDMac Cassello THE CONFERENCE AND EVENTS: ( ) 7-8-2016 5:41 PM PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY BY SIGNING YOUR INITIALS ABOVE, YOU ARE STATING THAT YOU HAVE READ AND APPRO cover all your medical expenses. To help cover some of the out of pocket costs, that many VED THIS WORK. Publications State Pubs-Group E DISTRICT POST SQDN UNIT members, just like you, have chosen the group Medicare Supplement Insurance Reg Nr:_____NAME: (LEG/AUX/SAL) ADDRESS Plan endorsed by your Department of The American Legion. Reg Nr:_____ NAME: (LEG/AUX/SAL) CITY

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Reg Nr:_____NAME: (LEG/AUX/SAL)  Legionnaire Insurance Trust regularly monitors the program. NOTE: To register additional persons use separate sheet of paper  The excellent value the plans provide for the price—the competitive group Medicare # ATTENDING COST PER PERSON AMOUNT Supplement Insurance Plans are not available to the general public. REGISTRATION FEE $ 6.00 $  The convenience and exceptional service whenever you need it—whether you’re PLUS EVENTS # ATTENDING COST PER PERSON AMOUNT preparing to enroll or have questions about your benefits—get answers to your questions E FRIDAY NIGHT BINGO $ 5.00 $ V over the phone. E SATURDAY BANQUET $ 37.00 $ SATURDAY DANCE $ 6.00 $ T COMPLETE EVENT PACKAGE $ 54.00 $ Where can you get more information on selecting a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan? S PRIME RIB or FISH ______$ You will receive prompt, personal and responsive service from courteous customer service

representatives ready to answer your questions. TOTAL (REGISTRATION FEE + EVENTS) $ NOTE: Make your check for the events and Registration Fees payable to the 2nd DISTRICT ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE

HOTEL RESERVATIONS – COMPLETE ONE FORM FOR EACH SUITE REQUESTED Call 1-800-247-1771 Reservations will be on a first‐come, first‐served basis. SPECIAL REQUESTS MUST BE IN WRITING DAILY RATE $102.46 per day including tax. Check in time is 4:00 p.m. Free Parking onsite. (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST) Reservations must be made through the Reservation Committee. DO NOT CALL HOTEL! Or visit our website http://www.thelit.com/medicare-supplement NAME: ______EMAIL______CONFERENCE REGISTRATION This is a solicitation for insurance. Your call to customer service may connect you with a licensed CITY______STATE ______NAME NUMBER RIB or FISH agent/producer. ZIP PHONE ( ) NAME Arrival date: Departure date: Handicapped (Y/N) Underwritten by: Transamerica Premier Life Insurance Company, Cedar Rapids, IA Accommodations: King Bed Double Bed TO GUARANTEE SUITES – MAKE SEPARATE CHECK FOR ONE NIGHT’S ROOM RATE PAYABLE to Limitations and exclusions apply. VIRGINIA BEACH RESORT HOTEL for one night OR GUARANTEE BY CREDIT CARD by completing the following: Policy Form MS8000GPT. Please see your certificate for details. Not connected with or endorsed by the US Government or Federal Medicare Program NAME ON CREDIT CARD ACCOUNT # TYPE OF CARD (VISA, MC, AMEX, ETC) EXPIRATION DATE SIGNATURE LITMSAD16 AT#1441735 40246 MAIL COMPLETED FORMS AND CHECKS TO: 2nd District Activities Committee, c/o Al Steward, 4643 Fern Oak Ct., Virginia Beach, VA. 23462.

10 Virginia Legionnaire December 2016 Legion outlines veterans’ priorities to Trump Transition Team The American Legion hosted a that we value our Department of Vet- team and briefly lay out their main to increase physician and nurse meeting with President-elect Don- erans Affairs,” said Jones. concerns. Other issues addressed staffing within the VA especial- ald Trump’s transition team and rep- “Dollar-for-dollar, there is no bet- during the meeting included: ly for amputee care, mental health resentatives from more than 30 other ter care or value available anywhere • The delivery of high qual- care and other specialized services veterans service organizations today in the United States – period. While ity, accessible, comprehensive • Provide adequate resources to ade- to address concerns and lay out top we will always support strong and and veteran-centric health care quately expand VA infrastructure priorities leading into the new ad- expeditious accountability measures • A properly funded 21st centu- Thomas J. Snee, National Execu- ministration. for bad actors, the institution of the ry Department of Veterans Affairs tive Director of the fleet Reserve As- The veteran-focused meeting was Department that was designed to • Sustainment and strengthen- sociation echoed the sentiments of the first of its kind held between care for those who have borne the ing of specialized and integra- fellow VSO representatives while Trump’s team and any outside orga- battle is sacrosanct, and it belongs tive services for veterans seek- they addressed transition team nization. American Legion Executive to the more than 22 million veterans ing spinal cord injury/disease members as a united front. Snee stat- Director Verna Jones, affirmed the who risked their lives in defense of care, treatment for blindness and ed that he was encouraged and hope- commitment of veteran service orga- this country, many of whom left sig- poly- trauma care ful about President-elect Trump’s nizations to advocate for those who nificant pieces of themselves on the • Timely and accurate delivery of all 10-point plan (to reform VA), and have “borne the battle” – veterans battlefield.” earned benefits to veterans and their looks forward to future conversa- from all eras. Additionally, The American Le- eligible dependents and survivors tions with the president-elect’s team. The American Legion co-authored gion initiated a call-to-action on fair- including disability compensation, The transition team stated their a three-point position paper along ly new Legion priorities – support pensions, education, housing assis- willingness to keep the lines of com- with executive leadership of the Big of research related to the impacts of tance and other necessary support. munication open with VSOs and Six Congressionally chartered service medical marijuana and the Drug En- Although the 114th Congressed committed to continue to advocate organizations, supporting the Trump forcement Administration’s reclassi- focused a great deal of attention on for all veterans. administration’s efforts to strength- fication of cannabis from a Schedule I reforming key elements of the deliv- “The American Legion greatly ap- en, reform and sustain the Depart- drug to Schedule III. Reclassification ery of veterans health care and ben- preciates the priority and focus the ment of Veterans Affairs (VA) Heath of the drug would allow easier ac- efits, VSOs urged the Trump admin- transition team has shown by mak- Care System, remove budget con- cess to pure strains of the substance istration and the 115th Congress to ing this their first stop in a critical straints that negatively impact vet- to cultivate quantifiable research and consider recommendations outlined transition process,” Jones added. eran-centered programs, and reform statistics regarding marijuana’s med- in their three-point letter to: “We are encouraged that the incom- the VA’s claims and appeals process. ical benefits. • Take the necessary ing administration chose veterans “The American Legion would like Each VSO in attendance had the steps to end sequestration and they did a great job of setting the the Trump administration to know opportunity to address the transition • Sufficiently appropriate funds tone for a very productive meeting.”

Legion Supports Efforts to Assist Veterans Impacted by ITT Closures The American Legion is supporting federal efforts to assist stu- dent veterans impacted by the closure of ITT Technical Institute (ITT Tech) by providing educational counseling through its service officer network. ITT Tech announced it was permanently closing all its cam- puses nationwide Sept. 6, citing actions by the U.S. Department of Education to ban the for-profit institution from enrolling new students using federal financial aid over concerns of financial mismanagement. This announcement directly affects more than 6,000 military veterans expected to attend fall 2016 classes using GI Bill funds. Accredited American Legion service officers are specially trained to provide expert assistance, which is free to all veterans and their families. While the majority of a service officer’s work involves application for VA disability benefits, these professionals also provide information, referrals and resources on education. MERRY CHRISTMAS Recently, service officers have received information to specifically counsel veterans affected by the ITT Tech closings. AND HAPPY NEW YEAR “We are deeply troubled by ITT Tech’s abrupt closing and the FROM YOUR blockade it has placed in front of veterans seeking higher education,” said American Legion National Commander Charles E. DEPARTMENT STAFF Schmidt. “Since its inception, The American Legion has honored its commitment to veterans and their families in readjusting to ci- vilian life. Today, our service officers assist veterans with under- standing their benefits, solving VA’s health-care maze and find- ing educational opportunities that match their interests. We are honored to serve as the nation’s vanguard for veterans’ education benefits by counseling these veterans through our service officer network.” To contact your nearest department service officer for ITT Tech information or questions on your VA benefits, visit www.legion. org/serviceofficers.

Virginia Legionnaire December 2016 11 Rob Whittman with Legion and Auxiliary officers at Post 55 Veterans Day Dinner.

Post 10 Bugler Mark Meier sounds colors as a final salute is rendered. To most veterans the flag of the Unit- ed States of America holds a special place in our hearts. From our first day as a service member we salute the flag and follow it into battle until the day it covers us in our death. Americans often miss an important aspect of displaying the flag; that is what to do with the flag when it becomes worn or otherwise unservice- able. One only has to drive down the streets of any community to see faded and frayed flags flying from homes and businesses.

The American Legion Dept. of VA 6th District recently held their fall conference at Post 42 in Martinsville. Representatives of area posts discussed the recent Dept. of VA conference in VA Beach and dis- cussions of how to reach out to veterans was on the agenda. Front row: 6th District Commander Walter Davis from Post 29 and Adjutant Charlie Price Post 29, and back row: Dept. Vice Commander, Western Zone, Ray Barbour and 6th District Vice Commander Reginald Ben- nett Post 1097.

Immediate Past Department Commander Jim Seated is Mr. Hill Felton who was Chapman accepting presented a Certificate honoring the 100% him for 70 years of continuous Consolidated Post membership in the American Le- Reporting during gion Post 8 in South Boston. The the 2016 National award was presented by (stand- Convention ing-R) Jimmy Gulley Post 8 his- in Cincinnati. torian and Mickey Conner Post 8 adjutant.

American Legion NON-PROFIT ORGAN. U.S. POSTAGE Department of Virginia PAID 1708 Commonwealth Ave. WOODSTOCK, VA Richmond, VA 23230 PERMIT NO. 82

Tags Bull Run Wounded Warrior Retreat, Haymarket, Operation Com- fort Warriors, The American Legion, Virginia, Warrior Transition, Wounded Warrior, donation.Members of The American Legion Depart- ment of Virginia., The American Legion Post 1799 and Serve Our Will- ing Warriors pose for a portrait during an Operation Comfort Warrior donation ceremony in Haymarket, Virginia on May 12, 2016. Stand- ing (left to right) are Richard Menton, Tom Henning, John Dominick, Dale Chapman, John Ward, Bob Brady, Sitting (left to right) are Michael High, Jim Chapman. Photo by Eric Kruszewski.