QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE 04^ NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION
C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director
HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS BRIEFS FOR WEEK ENDING 3-6-70
A just and honorable peace in Vietnam and continued Congressional support to insure an adequate Veterans Administration Medical and Hospital care budget for 1971 were two major objectives of The American Legion Rehabilitation-Legislative program presented to Congress by National Commander J. Milton Patrick. Patrick outlined the Legion's objectives in the National Commander's traditional appearance before the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, during the Legion's Tenth Annual Washington Conference.
George Shehane of Atlanta, Ga., is the new President of The American Legion Department Service Officers Association. He was elected to succeed as Association President Harry Sawyer of Helena, Montana, during the group's annual meeting held in conjunction with the Legion's U7th National Rehabilitation Conference in Washington.
Richard (Red) Skelton was the recipient of The American Legion National Commander's Public Relations Award during the National Public Relations Commission luncheon at the Legion's Tenth Annual Washington Conference. Due to illness, Mr. Skelton was unable to attend the luncheon and Humorist Herb Shriner accepted the award on behalf of Mr. Skelton.
WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—Administrator of Veterans Affairs Donald E. Johnson has reported that participation by minorities in purchase of property owned by the Veterans Administration has increased by some 9 percent during the past year.
Johnson said minorities accounted for 35 percent of the sales throughout the nation in December of last year compared with 26 percent in December, 1968.
According to Johnson, the majority of sales of VA properties in the large urban areas of Baltimore, Jersey City and Newark, during the month of December were made to Negroes. High rates of sales, exceeding 50 percent, were registered in many of the large urban centers in the east, midwest, far west and south.
Factors accounting for increased minority participation were stepped up emphasis generally, and particularly in VA loan guaranty service, on the non- discrimination aspects of the program. Johnson also attributed improved economic conditions prevailing among minorities for their increased participation in the purchase of VA owned properties.
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U.S.A. "Unity and Service for America" QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION
C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director
HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 KSt., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811
For release 3-6-70
WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—In testimony before the House Veterans Affairs Committee, American Legion National Commander J. Milton Patrick reiterated the Legion's stand for a just and honorable peace in Vietnam, and called for continued Congressional support to insure an adequate Veterans Administration Medical and Hospital care budget for fiscal year 1971.
Expressing the deep concern of The American Legion with current and projected funding for the V.A, medical and hospital programs, Commander Patrick pointed out that 'if the Veterans Administration does not have, or is not permitted to use, sufficient funds to carry on its medical and hospital programs, then this nation is not going to have a medical program for veterans that is second to none. "The American Legion continues to receive reports from the field indicating that all is not veil in V.A. hospital facilities." He pointed out such items as "non-activated beds- special care units for heart, kidney, surgical, blind and other life sustaining facilities and equipment that have not been activated; shortages of vitally needed equipment, and lack of critically needed hospital personnel," resulting in the fact that there are "veterans who are not being treated by the Veterans Administration who need and are entitled to treatment."
Commander Patrick expressed particular concern over "what seems to be a long-range program to phase out the tremendous medical and hospital program of the Veterans Administration," citing statistics showing a decline in occupied hospital beds and daily patient census in V.A. hospitals from 1958 to the present.
The Legion Chief also recommended increased compensation for service disabled veterans to meet the inflationary spiral, and other legislation for raising annual income limitations and liberalizing rates under the Death and Disability Pension, Dependent Parents Indemnity, and Dependency and Indemnity provisions of law.
In concluding his testimony before the House Committee, the Legion Commander requested programs for increasing the amount of Servicemen's Group Life Insurance and provisions of a National Service Life Insurance program for Vietnam Veterans. He further recommended an increase in the allowance payable by the V.A. toward the burial and funeral expense of a veteran.
Rep. Olin E. Teague, of College Station, Texas, Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs presided at the committee session.
Commander Patrick, who outlined the Legion's current legislative objectives before a capacity crowd of Legion leaders from every state in the Union and several foreign countries , was congratulated by the chairman and members of the Committee on the conciseness of the report. Many of the Committee members used such terms as "modest" in commenting on the Legion's legislative proposals and promised their support of the program.
-alns- □ MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION —THE AMERICAN LEGION
C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director
HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811
For release 3-6-70
WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—George Shehane of Atlanta, Ga. , Georgia Department Service Officer, is the new President of The American Legion Department Service Officers Association. He was vice president.
He was elected to succeed in the top position Harry Sawyer, of Helena, Mont., Montana Department Service Officer during a meeting of the group held during the Legion's U7th National Rehabilitation Conference here.
Fred Heinle of Milwaukee, Wis., Wisconsin Department Service Officer, was elevated to vice president from sergeant-at-arms.
Walter Hyde of Providence, R.I., Rhode Island Department Service Officer, was reelected to his eighth consecutive term as secretary-treasurer.
Robert MacFarland of Augusta, Me., Maine Department Service Officer, was elected sergeant-at-arms while Charles Kohler of Philadelphia, Pa., Pennsylvania Department Service Officer, was elected Chaplain. MacFarland was Chaplain.
-alns- EMP0RIA, KANS.—(ALNS)—''The year 1970 marks the beginning of a new decade which could hold great promise for the future of all humanity or take us down the road to enslavement or even the annihilation of mankind," James R. Wilson, National Director or The American Legion Security-Foreign Relations Division told Kansas Legionnaires at their Mid-Winter Forum here. "By action of the National Executive Committee of The American Legion in November, our organization stated its belief that the course President Nixon had chosen is a reasonable one, perhaps the only solution short of resuming all-out war against North Vietnam as called for in resolution 2U0, unanimously adopted by the Atlanta National Convention in Aug., 1969," the Legion security director pointed out. "The American Legion is watching the situation in Vietnam intently. We share the President's feeling that if Hanoi increases the level of combat the United States should not hesitate to take strong and effective measures to deal with that situation," he added. "The decade ahead, during which the United States of America celebrates its 200th birthday, could determine the destiny of freedom for centuries to come. Today, while the Soviet Union builds all elements of its armed forces, there is a rising cry from elements in our society, even in the halls of Congress, for unilateral disarmament,1' Wilson continued. The Legion security director said The American Legion must make its voice heard in behalf of modern, strong military forces until the climate of world conditions makes the outlook for genuine peace more promising than they appear now. "Veterans know from experience the defense of this great heritage founded upon freedom has never been and never will be perpetuated without pain, or struggle, or of individual and collective concern and effort. This truth must be faced by every generation, in every year and in every day of the life of this nation and society," he concluded. -alns- 0MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE 04b NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION
C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director
HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811
For release 3-6-70
WASHINGTON—(ALMS)— Richard (Red) Skelton was the recipient of The American Legion national Commander's Public Relations Award during the National Public Relations Commission luncheon at the Legion's Tenth Annual Washington Conference.
National Public Relations Chairman CD. (Deke) DeLoach announced the painful news that Red Skelton was too ill to attend the luncheon. Following is the text of the telegram message:
''You know my respect for the great American Legion, and of my pride in being a member of a group of Americans who wholly believe America is a purpose and that to preserve freedom takes not words but action.
"Knowing your dedication to God and Country, it pains me beyond this illness that now prevents me from being present to accept the honor that you were so graciously about to bestow upon me. Gentlemen, I pledge to you that when health permits it at a later date, I shall give to you my fullest devotion and full measure of my talent.
"To ask you to understand is difficult, for each of you there has contributed far more to country and our American way of life than I. I ask your indulgence for not being able to thank you properly to the best of my ability.
I shall pray for the continued success of your great organization knowing your capable hands forever keep vigilant. For those hands next to God's make it possible for all Americans to rest assured there are men and women who stand ready to protect the dignity of all men. I remain Yours respectfully, Red Skelton."
Humorist Herb Shriner accepted on behalf of Mr. Skelton, the National Com- mander's Award presented by Legion National Commander J. Milton Patrick before a capacity audience of some 800 American Legionnaires and guests.
The plaque is inscribed as follows:
"The American Legion National Commander's Award Presented to Richard "Red" Skelton, Entertainer, Soldier, Patriot for devoted service to his country in war and dedication to his country and his profession in peace. Presented at the Tenth Annual American Legion Washington Conference, March U, 1970."
-alns- WASHIMGTON—(ALNS) — Administrator of Veterans Affairs Donald E. Johnson has announced that Dr. Joseph J. Baker, Superintendent and physician-in-chief of Butler Hospital in Providence, R.I., has been named director of the psychiatry, neurology and psychology service of the Veterans Administration.
In the new post, Dr. Baker and his staff will be responsible for formulating professional standards and policies relating to the three specialities for VA health facilities throughout the nation. Included are 128 general hospitals, 38 psychiatric hospitals and more than 100 mental hygiene clinics and day centers.
-alns- QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE 00 5 u NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION
C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director
HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811
For release 3-6-70
WASHINGTON—(ALNS)~-In a progress report on the status of the law authorizing educational benefits for certain wives and widows of veterans and servicemen, Administrator of Veterans Affairs Donald E. Johnson has announced that some 6,100 eligibles have taken part in the program since the law became effective on December 1, 1968.
The law makes educational assistance available to wives or widows of veterans with total and permanent disabilities, and to the widows of servicemen who die of service connected causes. The wife of any person who has a total disability, permanent in nature, resulting from a service-connected disability, or a widow of^a veteran who died while a disability so evaluated was in existence are also eligible. Children of aforementioned servicemen and veterans are also eligible for benefits.
Johnson has urged individuals who are interested in applying for educational benefits under the wives-widows provision to contact their nearest VA regional office
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WASHINGTON—(ALNS)---In testimony before the Merchant Marine Subcommittee of the House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee, James M. Wagonseller, Chairman of The American Legion's Merchant Marine Committee presented the Legion's views on pending legislation to revitalize the U.S. Merchant Marine.
Stating that the Legion has supported a strong American Merchant Marine since 1921, Wagonseller reviewed the deterioration of the merchant fleet despite increasing evidence of Soviet emergence in this area, and the lessons of the Korean and Vietnam wars where nearly 9%% of all material has been carried by our aging merchant fleet. He stated that "the time has come for new departures and new vitality for American ships and crews on the high seas of the world. The proposed legislation, H.R. 15I+2U, is a significant step forward in achieving this new vitality."
Wagonseller's testimony was in furtherance of resolutions passed by both the 50th and 51st annual conventions of The American Legion.
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WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—The House Committee on Post Office and Civil Service has reported out a bill which will prohibit the sending of obscene matter through the mails. The bill now goes before the House of Representatives for action.
In related action, the House Judiciary Committee and the Senate Judiciary Committee are reviewing closely the constitutional aspects of the obscenity question with action in this area expected shortly.
The problem of obscenity in the United States is the subject of resolutions of the 51st annual convention of The American Legion.
-alns- QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE 051 NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION
C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director
HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis. Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 0 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811 For release 3-6-70
WASHINGTON--(ALNS)--For the 2Uth consecutive year, the Veterans Administration is cooperating with the Hospitalized Veterans Writing Project, a volunteer program founded to assist in the rehabilitation of hospitalized veterans of the armed forces, Administrator Donald E. Johnson announced recently.
Cartoonist, writers and editors will participate as contest judges.
They are, for general articles, Reader's Digest managing editor Walter Mahony, Jr., and associate editor Helen Rector; hook reviews, Life magazine reviews editor David Scherman with the assistance of the Women's National Book Association; greeting cards, editors of Hallmark Cards- poetry, Poetry magazine editor Daryl Hine and John W. Andrews of Poet Lore; short stories, Bennett Cerf of Random House* cartoons, Chicago Daily News cartoonist John Fischetti; and. light verse, Look humor editor J.M. Flagler.
Some 500 donated prizes worth approximately $20,000 will he presented to \finners in the various writing and cartooning categories. Additional awards will be made to hospitals on the basis of their support of the contest and patient participation.
Details on the contest are available to patients and to those who would like to volunteer their services both through Veterans Administration hospitals and from Hospitalized Veterans Writing Project, 333 Huron Street, Chicago, 111. 6o6ll.
-alns- DALLAS, TEXAS—(ALNS)--Gregory S. Gray of Gary, Ind. , 1969 American Legion Boys Nation president, will be honored by the American Academy of Achievement at its annual Golden Plate dinner and weekend here next June 25-27.
The 17 -year -old Emerson High School senior will receive the academy's Golden Eagle Award for the Promise of Greatness. He will be among 50 national Captains of Achievement and more than 100 outstanding youths attending the "gathering of the greats." -alns-
WASHINGTON--(ALNS)—Secretary of the Army Stanley R. Resor announced Feb. 20 the organization of a General of the Army Omar N. Bradley Museum at Carlisle Barracks, Pa. The museum will house General Bradley's papers and memorabila and will be made a part of the U.S. Army Military History Research Collection.
Dedication of the Bradley Museum will be held at Carlisle Barracks on May 8,, 1970 as part of the Army's observance of the 25th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.
The Military History Research Collection was organized in June 19&7 "to consolidate historically significant U.S. Army materials in one place, preserve them and insure their availability to civilian and military scholars.
-alns- QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE 005k NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION
C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director
HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 KSt., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS BRIEFS FOR WEEK ENDING 3-13-70
American Legion National Commander J. Milton Patrick presented John C. Metzler, superintendent of Arlington National Cemetery, a large marble plaque commemorating the Legion's and Auxiliary's "Gift to the Nation" the lighting system for the Tomb of the Unknowns. The plaque will be placed in the Trophy Room in the Amphitheater at the Cemetery.
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"For the first time in American military history, Veterans Administration representatives have been giving our combat troops overseas information and counseling on their veteran benefits," Administrator of Veterans Affairs, Donald E. Johnson reported to Legionnaires at their l+7th Annual Rehabilitation Conference in Washington, D.C.
The Soviets appear to be developing, testing and deploying naval, air, and missile weapons systems which, in variety and scope, challenge the combined efforts of virtually the entire Free World, The American Legion's National Security and Foreign Relations Commissions have been warned by Adm. Thomas H. Moore, Chief of U.S. Naval Operations.
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WASHINGTON- -(ALNS)—The VA in fiscal year 1971 expects to increase treatment of inpatients by about 3,800, to more than 875 ,800—a recond high for the hospital program.
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WASHINGTON—(ALNS)— The VA estimates that in fiscal year 1971 its Department of Medicine and Surgery will have an average employment of more than lU2,000, the highest in its history.
WASHINGTON —(ALNS)--Some 6,100 wives and widows of veterans and servicemen are taking advantage of educational assistance, according to the VA. Persons interested in such benefits are urged to apply to the nearest regional VA office
WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—According to a VA information sheet entitled "America's Wars," 559 widows and ^00 children of Civil War veterans were on VA's compensation and pension rolls as of Dec. 31, 1969.
-alns- ""V 0MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION
C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director
HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811
For release 3-13-70
WASHINGTON—(ALMS)— American Legion National Commander J. Milton Patrick of Skiatook, Okla., in a historic and dramatic moment for the Legion, presented John C. Metzler, superintendent of Arlington National Cemetery, with a large marble plaque commemorating the Legion's "Gift to the Nation" of the lighting system for the Tomb of the Unknowns.
The Legion Chief made the presentation at the National Commander's Annual Banquet for the Congress of the United States at the Sheraton-Park Hotel here. Presentation of the plaque brought to a close a year long effort of The American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary to raise funds to provide the lighting equipment and perpetual maintenance of the lighting system for the Tomb.
Commander Patrick, prior to presenting the plaque to Mr. Metzler, said in part •
"In the beginning I made mention of our 50th anniversary year and of our Gift to the Nation, and I will close with what may be the final official act of the Legion's Golden Anniversary year.
"Our Gift to the Nation was given so that hallowed spot at Arlington might remain forever, by day and by night, a visible reminder to America and to Americans of the sacrifice that was required to make and to keep America great.
"This gift was made in loving memory of those American servicemen, known but to God, who rest in honored glory within that tomb, and all their comrades-in-arms of all America's conflicts over nearly two centuries, who gave the last full measure of devotion to make and to keep their country free."
The plaque is inscribed as follows:
"The Lighting for the Tomb of the Unknowns was presented as a Gift to the Nation by members of The American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary in loving remembrance of all who have died in defense of America. Accepted and initially lighted by President Richard M. Nixon on the 50th Anniversary of The American Legion, March 15, 1969."
The unveiling of the plaque was originally planned for presentation at Arlington National Cemetery, but due to adverse weather conditions, the ceremony was cancelled.
Danny Scholl, former acting and singing star, and recently named Handicapped American of the Year by the President's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped, opened the program with the National Anthem. Entertainment was provided by Humorist Herb Shriner.
Approximately 330 Senators and Representatives attended the dinner and Legion leaders from throughout the nation filled the ballroom to more than its 2,1*00-person capacity. -alns- QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director
HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 KSt., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811
For release 3-13-70
WASHINGTON — (ALNS)--!'For the first time in American military history, Veterans Administration representatives have been giving our combat troops overseas infor- mation and counseling on their veteran benefits," according to Administrator of Veterans Affairs, Donald E. Johnson.
Speaking before the Legion's ^Tth Annual Rehabilitation Conference here, Johnson cited the Veterans Administration's OUT REACH program and the indispensable contribution The American Legion has made toward it.
"There has been a revolutionary change in the veteran benefits philosophy of the Veterans Administration. As far as I am concerned, this change is not only welcome, but long overdue," Johnson said, and added, "Now, the Veterans Admini- stration operates on the premise that veterans and their families not only have a right to know about the benefits to which they are entitled, but must know about them if they are to take advantage of the benefits which a grateful nation has provided, and wants them to use."
The Veterans Administration head said that in the past three years , more than l,lUo,000 G.I.'s have been briefed by VA representatives in Vietnam and a total of 5^ VA Contact Officers, including nine now stationed there, have served average tours of six months in Vietnam. Two have given their lives in this important work.
"Every veteran benefit is important, and every effort of the Veterans Administration, The American Legion, and our other service organizations, to assure maximum use of each benefit, is essential," Johnson declared, adding, "I think we can safely say that because of these tremendous OUT REACH efforts that our Vietnam era veterans are better informed about their benefits than have been the veterans of any of our earlier conflicts. To me this is the more satisfying, for certainly they have had to fight America's loneliest war as far as national solidarity is concerned."
He told Legion Rehabilitation program supervisors and workers that the President on Nov. 26, 1969, approved the F.Y. 1969, VA budget which included nearly $1,5^2,000,000 for medical care. Johnson pointed out that this was the amount recommended by the out-going Chief Executive and by Congress , and represented the most money ever appropriated for this purpose. He further pointed out that all of the monies appropriated, have been made available to the agency and about one month ago, the President submitted to Congress for F.Y. 1971 a budget that included $1,702,000,000 for VA medical care, another record sum.
"To the $1,5^2,000,000 already appropriated for this fiscal year will be added another $91,000,000 to help cover salary increases," he said.
The Veterans Administrator added that we are today treating more sick and disabled veterans than ever before in the history of the Veterans Administration.
He explained that at a time when the President was reducing employment else- where in the government by about 50,000 jobs, the President authorized a VA increase of 1,500 employees, with the vast majority of the increase ticketed for the medical program. (MORE) Page 2 ■— Johnson's Rehab Conference Speech 005D
He informed the rehabilitation workers that the new budget for the next fiscal year calls for another increase of 2,150 medical employees.
Citing recent criticism of the VA, Johnson said, "I speak for the President of the United States as well as Don Johnson when I tell you that there is no program, long-range , short-range or intermediate-range — to phase out, or in any manner diminish VA hospital and medical care."
As proof of this assertion, he said, "It strikes me, as a matter of fact, that providing more funds, and treating more sick and disabled veterans than ever before in the history of our nation is an odd way to go about phasing out a program."
"Should there ever be at anytime in the future, any attempt, by anyone in or out of the government, to phase out, destroy, or in any way lessen the importance of the VA medical program, let me assure you of one thing. The first person they will have to deal with is Don Johnson," the VA chief emphasized.
"Those of you who remember the fight I led in 1965 against the VA hospital closings decreed by the former President might agree, I believe, that Don Johnson can battle pretty effectively when veteran programs are threatened," he reminded Rehabilitation Legionnaires.
I am the same Don Johnson. My title may have changed, but certainly not my regard for veterans, nor my concern for their welfare," he concluded.
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For release 3-13-70
WASHINGTON—(ALNS)— Maj. Charles S. Coulter, 88, of this city, a founder of The American Legion and a past president of the Society of the 1st Division, died Wednesday, March h, 1970.
A combat veteran of World War I, he was a member of the original caucus to meet in Paris in 1919 to organize The American Legion. Major Coulter served as recorder of the War Department Battle Participation Board after the war. In 1925 he became executive officer of the Historical Section of the Army War College.
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MANNING, S.C.—(ALNS)—Charles W. Griffith, 73, of this city, American Legion National Resolutions Assignment Commission Chairman, died Tuesday, March 10, 1970.
A World War I veteran, he had served as Department Commander of the South Carolina American Legion during 19^5-^6.
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WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—According to the VA, about 3,300 payments not to exceed $1,600 each will be made in fiscal year 1971 to veterans who, as a result of performance of military duty, lost the use of an extremity or were blinded.
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WASHINGT0N—(ALNS)—The VA says certain permanently and totally disabled veterans are eligible for grants up to $12,500 for the construction or remodeling of homes.
-alns- 0MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE 005* NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION
C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director
HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 0 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811 For release 3-13-70
WASHINGTON—(ALNS)— "With a gross national product of less than half of ours, the Soviets have continued to fund military research and development at levels approximating those of the United States," Adm. Thomas H. Moorer, Chief of U.S. Naval Operations told members of The American Legion's National Security and Foreign Relations Commissions, during the Tenth Annual Washington Conference here.
"They appear to be developing, testing and deploying naval, air, and missile weapons systems which, in variety and scope, challenge the combined efforts of virtually the entire Free World," he warned.
Moorer cited the following "discernible technological trends and new weapons :f systems 5 of particular significance: 1. High priority efforts to improve the already potent intercontinental ballistic missile systems. 2. Progress in special programs related to solid propellants, multiple re-entry vehicles and fractional orbit bombardment technology. 3. Continued construction and deployment of the Polaris-type submarines. h. Development of several new classes of attack submarines. 5. Entry into service of a second Moskva-class guided missile helicopter ship. 6. Continued design, development, and production of several new types of fighter aircraft. "From a naval standpoint, as we consider their oceanic capabilities, paradox and perspective are sometimes difficult to keep within reason or balance, the Admiral said. "There are some, for example, who look on the salt water Soviet bear as being 10 feet tall — towering over the remnants of a once-mighty American Navy.
"I can assure you, as I stand here, this is not the case — for one very good reason; that reason is the Attack Aircraft Carrier Weapons System; we have them and he doesn't.'' Moorer said that the preceding difference, more than any other, keeps the Soviet's height at a controllable level on a conventional combat fleet to combat fleet basis. He also pointed out that there is no item in our arsenal that the Kremlin would rather see us down-grade and eventually discard than the attack carrier, "I believe, as many do, that our future defense posture will depend on attributes which have sustained us in the past; controlled visibility, mobility, self-sufficiency, limited reliance on foreign bases and selectivity in use of response. "I believe, as many do, that the deterrence of aggression will continue to depend in large measure on the credibility of our forward defense posture — and the obvious capabilities of the military forces that sustain it to prevail in wartime," he added. "To me the real issue is how tall we want to let that Bear get — in this decade and the next," Moorer concluded. -alns- QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE 005 NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION
C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director
HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. ^As*^ Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 ® (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811 AMERICAN LEGION NEWS BRIEFS FOR WEEK ENDING 3-20-70
American Legion National Commander J. Milton Patrick presented plaques to Mexico and the Federal District of Mexico (Mexico City) for their fine efforts in connection with the 1968 Olympic Games during his recent visit to the Department of Mexico.
Four grants totaling $32,500 were made by The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation, Inc., during the Legion's 10th Annual Washington Conference.
Among recommendations favorably considered by The American Legion Rehabilitation Commission during the Washington Conference, was one calling for an upgrading of the Legion's rehabilitation program.
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Administrator of Veterans Affairs Donald E. Johnson has urged all veterans with five-year level premium term insurance policies to review their insurance requirements to determine whether to convert term insurance to a permanent plan on next renewal.
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National Director of Civil Defense John E. Davis has announced the production of a new film, "In Time of Emergency," for use by state and local civil defense officials.
Throughout the Department of Minnesota, a "Gift of Life" program in cooperation with the Upper Midwest Kidney Foundation has been set up whereby American Legion Posts and Auxiliary Units will become the registration center for persons wishing to donate parts of their body after death for the benefit of patients who are in need of kidneys or other body organs.
WASHINGTON (ALNS) -The Veterans Administration expects some eight million outpatient visits in fiscal year 1971.
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"Everybody has a built-in 'it can't happen to me* complex. But unfortunately, we live in a world where it could happen to us. That's what Civil Defense is all about.5' — John Davis, Director of Civilian Defense.
-alns- AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director
HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811
For release 3-20-70
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO—(ALNS)—American Legion National Commander J. Milton Patrick presented plaques to Mexico and to the Federal District of Mexico (Mexico City) for their fine efforts in connection with the 1968 Olympic Games and in accordance with National Convention Resolution No. 205 during his recent visit to the Department of Mexico.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Carrilo Flores, received the plaque on behalf of President Gustavo Diaz Ordaz. Mayor Alfonso Corona del Rosal received the plaque presented to Mexico City.
The Legion chief also laid a wreath at the United States Cemetery in Mexico City and at the Independence Monument (The Angel) in honor of the Mexican independence heroes.
Commander Patrick paid a visit to The American Legion School at Magdalena Petlacalco, near here, which was built by the Legion 12 years ago. The school has an enrollment of over 300 students, first grade through sixth. Alan Seeger Post No. 2, Mexico City, presented the school to the Mexican government and maintains it at an annual average expense of $1,000. The teachers are provided by the Educational Ministry of Mexico.
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MINNEAPOLIS, MINN.—(ALTTS)—In The American Legion's great tradition of service to God and Country, the Department of Minnesota has entered into an agreement with the Kidney Foundation of the Upper Midwest to participate in a statewide 'Gift of Life" program to register volunteer donors for post mortum organ transplants.
The program, sponsored and administered by the Kidney Foundation, as the authorized central agency for donor enlistments, will see Legion posts active at the community level in telling the "Gift of Life Story" and active as local registration points for prospective donors. Legion post and Auxiliary unit chairmen for the project will be setting up registration stations in various public places within their communities.
The program for voluntary donation, after death, of vital organs for transplant has received impetus from recent advances in technology making transplants feasible and successful in many cases. Although the "Gift of Life" program involves registration for all of the IT transplantable organs, it has been pointed out that kidney transplants have been among the most successful.
The Department of Minnesota officials will observe closely the first statewide registration program, to be conducted the last two weeks in March. If results are up to expectations, a resolution will be developed for presentation to the Depart- ment Convention urging that The American Legion and its Auxiliary enter into a working agreement with the National Kidney Foundation that would establish the Posts and Units throughout the nation as the registration points for anatomical gift donors. -alns- QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION
C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director
HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811
For release 3-20-70
WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—Four grants totaling $32,500 were made by The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation, Inc., during the Legion's 10th Annual Washington Conference here.
Approved projects included the authorization for the expenditure of $5,000 to reprint and distribute 250,000 copies of a brochure entitled, "Parents Guide to Marijuana.1 The Pacific Division of Western Electric Co., which originally printed and distributed 1-million copies of this publication as a public service, has now discontinued the printing and has granted the Legion reprint privileges. It is anticipated the new publication will be available about April 15.
The National Cystic Fibrosis Research Foundation, Inc., was awarded a grant of $7,800 to help finance three training programs in pulmonary diseases. The programs will be attended by physicians working in cystic fibrosis centers throughout the United States. To a large extent, the foundation money made available through this grant was contributed by the Eight and Forty, an organization of women affiliated with the American Legion Auxiliary.
A grant of $10,000 was made to the Berkshire Farm for Boys, Institute for Training and Research, to continue the production and distribution of a series of tapes known as "Listen to Their Voices." The tapes are interviews conducted by the Berkshire Farm with troubled youth. They are currently being used by many commercial and educational radio stations throughout the United States as well as the Voice of America and some 300 Armed Forces Radio Stations.
A grant of $9,700 was made to the Woodhaven Learning Center, Columbia, Mo., to continue a research project to find how surface muscle energy of physically handicapped children may be converted into electrical energy and such electrical energy utilized in a manner that will permit handicapped children to perform many manual functions. The University of Missouri's engineering department is working with the center on the project but does not share in the grant.
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WASHINGTON—(ALNS) —-The Department of the Army is seeking the assistance of veterans organizations in gaining public recognition and understanding of the Gold Star Lapel Button.
A brief description follows:
The Gold Star Lapel Button consists of a gold star on a purple circular background, bordered in gold and surrounded by gold laurel leaves.
The lapel button is given to next of kin of members of the armed forces of the United States who lost their lives in a hostile fire zone during World Wars I and II, Korea and subsequent conflicts.
-alns- QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE 0Q6 C. D. DeLoach, Chairmen James C. Watkins, Director HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811 For release 3-20-70 WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—Among recommendations favorably considered by The American Legion Rehabilitation Commission during the Washington Conference, was one calling for an upgrading of the Legion's rehabilitation program and a review of other Legion programs with the view to placing each in its proper perspective with relation to rehabilitation. Other recommendations favorably reported by the recommendations committee include: That legislation be sponsored to remove the requirement in 38 USC l68k that a minimum of fourteen semester hours or its equivalent is required for "full time" under graduate schooling. (Many colleges and universities now require less than fourteen semester hours for "full time" students. ) That The American Legion support legislation to provide that NSLI Trust Funds be made available for Direct Loan Program. That a staff study be made by the Rehabilitation Commission to determine the basis and justification of the existing two-year time limitation on filing application for VA burial allowances; and if such study fails to justify this limitation, that legislation be sponsored and supported to remove the two-year restriction. That the National Rehabilitation Commission be known as the "Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Board." That The American Legion National Rehabilitation Commission insist that sufficient time be provided during the Mid-winter Conference so that the members of this Commission can conduct and complete its scheduled business. That the National Staff of The American Legion National Rehabilitation Commission make a study to determine the feasibility of sponsoring and supporting legislation to provide complete medical care under VA facilities rated permanently and totally disabled, as well as survivors who are entitled to or in receipt of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation. That the National Staff of the National Rehabilitation Commission make a study of the 10-P-10 procedures to ascertain what steps, if any, should be taken to amend the hospital admittance requirements. -alns- WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—"Cry Help," a ninety minute television special on mentally disturbed youth, is scheduled to be aired on the NBC Television Network on Saturday, April 25 from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. (EST) pre-empting the Andy Williams Show and Adam-12. The documentary is of interest to all Legionnaires, but will especially interest those actively engaged in child welfare. -alns- 0MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE 06i NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 KSt., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 0 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811 For release 3-20-70 WASHINGTON—(ALNS) —Administrator of Veterans Affairs Donald E. Johnson has urged all veterans with five-year level premium term insurance policies to review their insurance requirements to determine whether to convert term insurance to a permanent plan on next renewal. A total of 667,000 term policies are due for renewal this year, with an additional 932,000 to he renewed next year. Johnson pointed out that the five year term insurance, while serving the pur- pose for which it was intended ~ the provision of adequate, low cost insurance for a specific period of time - it must be renewed every five years with an increase in premium. Since the premium is based on age, term insurance becomes very costly in later years. In addition to the advantage of a fixed premium, once established, permanent insurance has cash and loan values, as well as paid up and extended insurance values. Johnson added the longer the individual waits to convert his insurance, the higher in cost his permanent plan will be. He added that it is not necessary for the veteran to convert all of his insurance at one time, and that it is possible to convert in multiples of $500 after initial conversion of a minimum $1,000, and continue the remainder as term insurance. No physical examination is required for the conversions. Johnson urges all veterans seeking information, or desiring to convert their term insurance to contact the VA office to which they send premiums, requesting an application form, premium rate schedules and any other information desired con- cerning the conversion. -alns- WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—The House-Senate Conference Committee, appointed to resolve differences between the two bodies on HR 11959, a bill to increase subsistence allowances for veterans undergoing education or training under the G.I. Bill, met again on March 10, 1970. Some progress was reported in resolving differences, which focus primarily on the amount of increase in subsistence authorized by House and Senate versions of the bill. House conferees are reported willing to offer a maximum of $172 per month., while the Senate group was unwilling to go below $179- The Conferees are scheduled to be called into session again during the week of March l6, 1970. -alns- WASHINGTON-(ALNS) —The Veterans Administration has announced the appointment of Dr. Lyndon E. Lee, Jr. as Assistant Chief Medical Director for Research and Education. Formerly the VA Director of Surgical Service and Chief, Extra-VA Research, Dr. Lee will exercise VA responsibility for a $75 million medical research program, carried out in lU5 agency medical facilities, in his new position. -alns- 0MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE 0G6* NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811 For release 3-20-70 WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—National Director of Civil Defense John E. Davis has announced the production of a new film, "In Time of Emergency," for use by state and local civil defense officials. The film, a 25% minute, l6mm color production, highlights basic lifesaving information every American needs to prepare for the possibility of nuclear attack, including facts about fallout, types of public and private shelters, how to improvise fallout protection, attack warning, emergency supplies, reducing the fire hazard and actions to take if caught in the open. Copies of the new film have been distributed to state and territorial civil defense directors, coordinators for the State Civil Defense Education and the University Extension Programs, all OCD Regions, and the OCD Staff College. The film, "In Time of Emergency," follows the handbook, newspaper, radio and television kits, all with the same title, previously made available to state and local directors as emergency public information tools for use before and during crisis periods. Further information concerning availability of the film for screening may be had from the nearest Civil Defense activity. -alns- BARRE, VT.--(ALNS)—C.S. (Larry) Campbell, of this city, has been appointed successor to Rep. Stephen B. Martin, for the completion of the unexpired term resulting from Rep. Martin's appointment to the Superior Court bench. An Army veteran of World War II, Campbell is a member of Barre Post 10, The American Legion and served as post and county commander. Campbell is Past Department Commander of the Department of Vermont (19I+7-U8) and has served as chairman of the Resolutions Committee of the NEC. He vras later appointed to the National Economic Commission, serving recently as chairman. -alns- INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS) —Larry S. Bogue, 28, of this city, has been named assistant general manager of The American Legion's National Emblem Sales, effective March 16, according to National Adjutant William F. Hauck. A Navy veteran of the Vietnam Era, Bogue is a member of Post 12, Frankfort, Ind. He served as Indiana's representative on the National Vietnam Era Advisory Committee at The American Legion's 1967 National Convention in Boston, Mass. Bogue is a graduate of Frankfort High School and attended the University of Notre Dame. He previously was employed by IBM Corp. here. -alns- □■M ERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE 006* NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 KSt., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811 For release 3-20-70 WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—Through the Coramander-in-Chief, U.S. European Command, the Department of Defense has been asked to assist in locating persons to help in the production of a series entitled "Battle of the Pacific" on French television. Active duty personnel or veterans who speak French are desired to assist in this project if they meet the qualifications listed below. There is a possibility that the French television network will transport individuals to the Pacific locations involved if suitable arrangements can be made. Personnel with the following qualifications are desired: 1. Officer or NCO veterans of Corregidor who was taken prisoner of the Japanese. 2. One or more officers who knew General MacArthur personally during his arrival in and departure from the Philippines. 3. A Marine who participated in the assault on Okinawa. k. Army and Navy personnel who were present at Pearl Harbor during the Japanese attack. 5. A naval officer who was part of Admiral Nimitz's staff and knowledgeable on American naval strategy in the Pacific during the war. 6. Air Force pilot who participated in the bombing of Japan. This request has also been sent to the Services. In the event that veterans from your organization would be qualified and interested, they should contact: Major Anderson Audio-Visual Division Directorate for Defense Information Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (PA) Washington, D.C. 20301 Telephone: Area Code 202, 0X5-0168 -alns- WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—George Ehinger of Dover, Del., has been re-elected president of The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation, Inc. Other officers, elected at a Foundation Board of Directors meeting here during the Legion's 10th Annual Washington Conference, are: Walton D. Griffin of Nashville, Tenn. , vice president-, David V. Addy of Detroit, Mich. , secretary; William E. Christoffersen of Hyrum, Utah, treasurer. Also appointed were Randel Shake as executive secretary and W. Francis Polen as assistant treasurer, both of Indianap-. olis, Ind. -alns- GJMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE 00S4 NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 El (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811 For release 3-20-70 INDIANAPOLIS--(ALNS)--Eighteen state winners in The American Legion's 1970 National High School Oratorical Contest have received various awards from Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, Pa. Recipients of Nathan Hale Youth Awards, consisting of $100 and the George Washington Honor Medal Awards are: Rodney McFall of Kulpmont, Pa.; Michael Parrott of Detroit, Mich.- and Kathleen Smyth of Sparks, Nev. Recipients of George Washington Honor Medals are: J. Michael Ainsworth of Florence, Miss.:, Stanley A. Gacek of Portland, Ore.: G. David Gearhart of Fayetteville, Ark..; and Robert A. Isaacson of Lewiston, Me. Recipients of Honor Certificate Awards are: Jon T. Anderson of Brattleboro, Vt.: Kathy E. Best of Peoria, 111.: Douglas A. Cleeton of Springfield, Va. ; David Ebner of Denver, Colo.; John W. Head of Palmyra, Mo.; Eric S. McPherson of Perryton, Tex.; Arthur T. Poulos of Dover, N.J.; Sara E. Sedgwick of Minneapolis, Minn.:, Howard E. Seufer, Jr. of Williamstown, W.Va.• Dennis Smid of Granville, Iowa; and John E. Stevens of Clarksville, Tenn. -alns- CHICAGO, ILL-~(ALNS)--The 3rd annual observance of "Family Reunion Day" will be held on Sunday, Aug. 95 throughout the United States and Canada "to dramatize the family and reaffirm its role as the basis of the nation's strength and its morality." Kiwanis International of Chicago, 111., sponsors of the observance, suggests that the day be dedicated to the holding of family reunions, dinners,picnics and other outings and events and emphasizing family relationships. Kiwanis also suggests that the day: --Be used in getting the family up-to-date on addresses, birthdays, anniver- saries, deaths and other significant events. —Familiarizing younger members of the family with sacred historic documents. —Development of family research projects with emphasis on the participation of younger members of the family. As for the significance of Family Reunion Day, Kiwanis believes that not only can the special day dramatize the family, reaffirm its role as the basis of national strength and morality but it also can act as a powerful weapon against lawlessness, disorder, corruption and moral laxity. It is a powerful step toward the solution of these problems. -alns- QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE •J "i NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION —THE AMERICAN LEGION C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director HEADQUARTERS P. 0. Box 1055 1608 KSt, N. W. m Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 B (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811 AMERICAN LEGION NEWS BRIEFS FOR WEEK ENDING 3-27-70 A bill to increase G.I. Bill educational benefits has been given final Congressional approval. The Senate passed the bill March 23 and sent it to the White House for President Nixon's signature. « » * Rate reductions of up to 35 percent have been announced for certain classes of National Service Life Insurance by the Veterans Administration. -x « * "The American Legion has long been concerned with the maintenance of the physical and mortal strength of America, as a means of preserving our treasured freedoms and for extending the values of human dignity to ever greater numbers of people in ever greater degree. "We recognize that we also must be concerned with the preservation of our natural environment, both on the earth and in the atmosphere, where life is sustained and value and meaning are given to such things as human dignity, justice and freedom." — American Legion National Commander J. Milton Patrick, before a Chamber of Commerce luncheon in Portland, Ore. WASHINGTON—(ALNS)--Veterans 65 or older no longer have to disclose financial details to be admitted to a Veterans Administration hospital. Previously this information was required from all veterans who did not have a service-connected disability and were not drawing a pension. The new rules were sent to VA field stations by VA Administrator Donald E. Johnson. The change modifies instructions for filling out VA applications for hospital care by exempting veterans 65 and older from completing questions which deal with financial details. Veterans in this age group need only to certify that they are unable to pay for needed hospital or domiciliary care and for transportation for non-service related medical conditions. * * M "You can't learn anything while you're protesting, arguing, or being belligerent. Spend one third of your time beefing and two-thirds of your time listening and you've got to come out ahead." — Jackie Gleason. -alns □ MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE 06^ NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811 For release 3-27-70 WASHINGTON— (ALUS)—A bill to increase G.I. Bill benefits for veterans attending college or job training courses was given final Congressional approval March 23. The Senate passed the bill and sent it to the White House for President Nixon's signature. For example, the measure would boost benefits for an unmarried veteran attending college from $130 a month to $175 a month. The bill would also increase monthly living allowances for the disabled veteran undergoing rehabilitation training. "If the President signs the bill into law as I profoundly hope he will, an estimated l.U-million veterans now going to school or taking job training will benefit," said Sen. Alan Cranston of California, Chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Subcommittee. -alns- NEW YORK---(ALNS)—American Legion and Auxiliary departments and posts and units may want to consider submitting nominations for the 1970 Lane Bryant Annual Awards for outstanding volunteer service in the United States. Lane Bryant has announced that any individual or organization engaged in voluntary and unpaid activities benefitting the community, state or nation is eligible for nomination. May 1, 1970 is the deadline for nominations for work performed during the year 1969. One award will be presented to an individual and one to a group. Each winner will be presented $5,000 and a plaque. Official nominations forms must be used for all nominations. A summary of the candidate's accomplishments not exceeding U00 words is required. Newspaper clippings, pamphlets and other supporting material may be included. Brochures and nomination forms will be supplied through the Legion's National Americanism Commission to Legion and Auxiliary departments. Additional forms may be obtained by writing Lane Bryant Volunteer Awards, 1501 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10036. -alns- WASHINGTON--(ALNS)—An eight-minute TV film entitled, "Light A Light," featuring outdoor lighting and starring Raymond Burr, is in production by Walter Klein Associates for seven United States power companies. Presented as a service to America's progressive communities, it will illustrate the use of lights to fight crime on the streets and in homes throughout the United States, as well as sports, monuments and national shrines of America and industry. Among the national shrines featured, will be the Tomb of the Unknowns at night, including shots from The American Legion banquet with President Nixon accepting the lighting system of the Tomb of the Unknowns. -alns- 0MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE I NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 KSt., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811 For release 3-27-70 WASHINGTON--(ALMS) -Pate reductions of up to 35 percent have been announced for certain classes of National Service Life Insurance by Administrator of Veterans Affairs Donald E. Johnson. Policies affected are those with a "J" prefix, not "JR" or "JJS," issued in 1965 when insurance programs were opened up to certain disabled veterans who were insurable as standard insurance risks. Premium reductions will also affect a second group of policies bearing "V," "RS" and !,W" and carrying the optional total disability income rider. Those affected will be notified of the premium reductions by the VA. It will not be necessary to contact the VA concerning this matter. -alns- INDIANAPOLIS —(ALNS)- Robert C. May, of Mooresville, Ind. , has been appointed Contest Coordinator for American Legion Uniformed Groups competition, succeeding C.L. (Bud) Johnson, Legion National Adjutant William F. Hauck announced recently. A veteran of the Korean War, May served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 until 1956 with sea duty in the Pacific Theater from 1952 to 1955. He is a member of Madden- Nottingham Post 3^8, The American Legion, Indianapolis. Prior to joining the National Headquarters staff of the Legion in I96U as a supervisor of stock and inventory for the National Emblem Sales Division, May had served as an assistant manager at the Claypool Hotel, and as manager for Hertz Rent--A-Car and Airport Limousine Service in Indianapolis. -alns-- WASHINGTON--(ALNS)- In a letter to Walter J. Fried, president of The American Chess Foundation, Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird commended organizations sponsoring the annual Armed Forces Chess Championship Tournament, including The American Legion, 'for this most generous contribution to the recreation program of the men and women in the Armed Forces.i? Again this year. The American Legion will host the annual chess tourney in the Washington Headquarters Hall of Flags during the week of Nov. Ik, 1970. At the conclusion of the tournament, The American Legion will honor contestants at a press reception scheduled for the evening of Nov. 20. The formal awards dinner will be held on the evening of Nov. 21, in the Sheraton-Carlton Hotel. -alns- 'Peace must be far more than the absence of war. Peace must provide a durable structure of international relationships which inhibits or removes the causes of war." — President Richard M. Nixon. -alns- □ MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE 08*3 NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 0 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811 For release 3-27-70 WASHINGTON--.(AUTS)---The selection of Red Skelton for The American Legion National Commander's Public Relations Award, based on his now famous personalized rendition of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, has seen the initiation of a number of projects related to the Pledge of unusual significance in the Americanism area. At the annual Public Relations luncheon, where Red Skelton was honored in absentia because of his illness, a total of 1,000 copies of the Pledge were distributed to luncheon guests. In Indianapolis, the Pilot Club, a group of business and professional women, started a project to give recordings of the Red Skelton Pledge to schools. Under the leadership of Miss Marjorie Bills, Legion National Headquarters employe, a club committee planned originally to provide the recordings to k5 inner city schools. The gift was so well received that the director of Indiananolis Elementary Schools asked the club to furnish records to all 109 elementary schools. The records are used as part of the public schools' American Heritage Social Studies unit in grades one to three. Still another example of the Skelton Pledge being put to good use to foster Americanism comes from an item in the Free State Warrior, the official paper of the Department of Maryland. Cissell Saxon Post kl, of Silver Spring, Md., at the instigation of its Past Commanders group, purchased an initial 6k recordings of the Pledge from funds furnished by the Past Commanders. The local school officials announced the availability of the recording and found an overwhelming response. The Post has furnished an additional case of the records to the schools. The Warrior further reports that children from the third and fourth grades of the school system have written to the Post expressing the thought that they now know what the Flag and the Pledge stand for. The choice of Red Skelton for this year's Public Relations award is expected to trigger similar responses throughout the country. His outstanding version of the Pledge of Allegiance provides an unsurpassed example of true love of flag and country, particularly for young and impressionable children, at a time when these virtues are being talked down by some individuals. •alns- WASHINGTON—.(ALNS) -The American Legion's National Security Commission has honored its Chairman, Emmett G. Lenihan of Seattle, Washington, and the Chairman of the National Security Council, Granville S. Ridlejr, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, for 'dedicated service'' to the Legion. In a ceremony conducted during the recent Washington Conference, both men were presented plaques of appreciation on which were mounted The American Legion's Silver Medallion. Both prominent attorneys, Lenihan has been Chairman of the National Security Commission since 1066 and UrirHey has chaired the Security Council since 19h6. -alns- QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE 006^ NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811 For release 3-27-70 WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—The U.S. Civil Service Commission has announced its second annual award of "outstanding handicapped federal employee of the year" to Robert L. Smith, of the Veterans Administration. A quadruple amputee of the Korean War, Smith overcame his handicap to rise to his present position as a computer programmer. A family man, he also finds time to serve as a volunteer at Walter Reed Army Hospital, where he counsels young amputees in the effective use of prosthetic devices and advises them in the selection of equipment suited to their needs. The standard for the award is "exceptional job performance in spite of severely limiting physical factors." Threefold objective of the award is to point up valuable contributions of handicapped: publicize Federal employment opportunities open to handicapped and to show handicapped are capable of high quality work in government and in private industry. -alns- TOPEKA, KANS.—(ALNS)—Through an in-depth feature story on its department commander, the Kansas American Legion has displayed its programs and objectives to a major segment of the Sunflower State through the pages of the Kansas Electric Farmer. Department Commander Lyle L. Seymour of Bird City caught the interest of the official publication of Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc., as one of the state's most successful farmers who was giving up a year to serve The American Legion. During his interview with the magazine which is distributed to more than 200,000 electric utility customers, Department Commander Seymour reflected the enthusiasm of the Legion service programs which have contributed to the Sunflower Department's last five consecutive years of membership growth. In addition to his record of service in behalf of The American Legion, Department Commander Seymour has gained national recognition for his farming achievements. In 1963, he was presented a National Ford Foundation Farm Efficiency Award for corn production at the lowest average cost per bushel in the country. His 11-year average for corn production is 132 bushels per acre at a production cost per acre of $35 to $U0 less than average. -alns- LIVE RATHER THAN EXIST "Do more than exist—live; do more than touch—feel-, do more than look—observe; do more than hear—listen; do more than listen—understand; do more than think— ponder- do more than talk—say something." — The Ruritan Magazine. -alns-