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Home , Baron Hill (politician), Don Sherwood, Earl Hilliard, Felix Grucci, Frank Mascara, George Gekas

Inside: ■ Message from the National Commander page 2 VETS DON’T DESERVE TO FACE MORE RED TAPE ■ National Adjutant’s column page 3 INDIANAPOLIS STUDENTS RALLY AROUND LOVE FOR THEM COUNTRY ■ Sound off PAGE 3 ■ Reconnecting at Camp Lejeune page 4 ■ 3 departments earn special awards page 4 June 8, 2001 Vol. 10, No. 19 ■ NEF support sought page 4 ■ Summaries of key NEC resolutions page 5 ■ Flag vote 2001: Where the House stands page 6 Counting down for Old Glory ■ 8th grader gets flag message across page 7 ■ Dateline: Capitol Hill pages Co-sponsorship drive heats up as flag vote approaches. “ WORLD WAR II LEGISLATION SEES QUICK PASSAGE” By Steve Brooks we're asking them to become co¬ Editor sponsors of the flag amendment." ■ PAGE Taps 8 As the House of Representa¬ Smith said co-sponsorship is tives vote on the flag-protection the key to getting a clear number Up & Coming: amendment draws near, National for House support. Commander Ray G. Smith is urg¬ "We lost two (votes in the 2000 JUNE ing Legionnaires to strengthen Senate vote) from people we 9 - National Miracle Miles for Kids Walkathon. support for the legislation. thought supported the amend¬ 14 - Flag Day (7 p.m. EDT pause for the Pledge). The Cunningham-Murtha Flag Co-sponsorship the key ment but hadn't come on board Protection Amendment, HJ Res. as co-sponsors," he said. "You're JULY 36, is expected to go to a vote in As the House vote on HJ Res. more likely to vote for an amend¬ 4-Independence Day. 36 approaches, the key is to lock the House either June 26 or June up as many official co-sponsors of ment if you're a co-sponsor." 20- 28 - American Legion Boys Nation in Washington, D.C. 27. The one sentence amendment the amendment as possible. A list The amendment currently has 21- 28 - Auxiliary Girls Nation in Washington, D.C. reads, "The Congress shall have of amendment co-sponsors and 203 co-sponsors, while 100 other 25- 28 - Department Service Officers School in Indianapolis. power to prohibit the physical non-sponsors is on Pages 6-7. members of the House have ex¬ 26- 29 - National Membership Workshop in Indianapolis. desecration of the flag of the pressed support for it. ." The amendment ing their congressmen about the Retired Army Maj. Gen. Pa¬ AUGUST cleared the House Judiciary Sub¬ flag amendment," Smith said. trick Brady, Citizens Flag Al¬ 7-12 - Junior Shooting Sports National Championship in committee on the Constitution "Thank those who support it, and liance chairman of the board, of¬ Indianapolis. May 24 by a 5-3 vote. those who don't, try to persuade fered tips for convincing House 15 - Child Welfare Foundation grant application deadline to "I can't overemphasize the im¬ them to support it. And we National Headquarters. portance of Legionnaires contact- should continue to make sure SEE GLORY, PAGE 7 17-21 - American Legion Baseball Regional Tournaments. 24-28 - American Legion Baseball World Series in Yakima, Wash. 24- 30 - 83rd American Legion National Convention in San Antonio. PNC Wagonseller passes away SEPTEMBER World War II hero shaped Department of . 3 - Labor Day. By Steve Brooks He would serve his country well. 15 - Deadline for History Book Contest entries to National Editor Headquarters. An armorer and gunner on B- James M. Wagonseller served 24s, Wagonseller flew on 40 mis¬ 17-Citizenship Day. as national commander of The sions in the European Theater of 21-23 - National Information Conferences in Dallas (Region American Legion from 1974 to Operations. He received the Di¬ 4) and Boise, Idaho (Region 8). 1975. stinguished Flying Cross for his 23-29 - Employ the Older Worker Week. But he'd been making an im¬ heroic efforts during a June 11, OCTOBER pact on the organization long 1944, bombing run against enemy National Disablity/Employment Awareness Month before that. oil installations in Romania. 6- 7 - SAL Fall National Executive Committee Meetings in Wagonseller, a member of the After the bombs in his plane Indianapolis. Department of Ohio's Fairfield failed to release, Wagonseller en¬ 7- 11 - Auxiliary Presidents and Secretaries Conference in Post 11 and resident of Lancaster, tered the open bomb bay and Indianapolis. Ohio, passed away May 26 at 80. manually released the bombs by 8- 11 - National Executive Committee Fall Meetings in Prior to his emergence on the na¬ cutting their cables with a small Indianapolis. tional Legion scene, Wagonseller saw. He did so despite the lack of 16 - Notification of Child Welfare Foundation grant recipi¬ was making a difference in Ohio, oxygen and the fact his plane was ents for 2002. serving as department comman¬ Past National Commander James flying at an altitude of 20,000 feet. der from 1954 to 1955. Wagonseller passed away May 26 at 80. 25- 28 - National Americanism Conference in Indianapolis. Wagonseller returned to Lan¬ "One of the things he was al¬ He served as national commander from caster following the war's end. 26- 28 - Auxiliary Department Chaplains and Girls State 1974 to 1975. ways interested in and proud of Directors Conferences in Indianapolis. He joined Post 11 as a Legion¬ was the development and the the future national commander. naire and in 1949 was elected maturity of the Department of His father, Myrl Wagonseller, post commander. That began a The American Legion Ohio," Past National Commander served as an Army cook during Legion career that included dis¬ national Headquarters NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION John H. Geiger said. "He built World War I. The elder Wagon¬ trict, department and national P.O. Box 1055 U.S. POSTAGE PAID Indianapolis, in 46206 PERMIT NO. 354 that structure and helped devel¬ seller was an active Legionnaire offices before his election as na¬ FRANKLIN, IN 46131 op other states in the adjacency. at Post 11, while his wife, Flo¬ tional commander at the 55th He developed a strong, efficient rence, was busy in the Legion National Convention in Miami. department. And he coached, en¬ Auxiliary. So James Wagonseller Geiger said one of Wagonsell- couraged and trained the people was enrolled in the post's Sons of er's biggest duties during his behind him." The American Legion detach¬ year as commander was moving Wagonseller was a member of ment at a young age. the National Magazine Commis¬ The American Legion for 56 Wagonseller graduated from sion from to its pre¬ years, but his involvement in The Lancaster High School in 1939 sent home of Indianapolis. American Legion spanned a and two years later joined the Wagonseller was busy outside much longer period. In fact, Le¬ Army Air Corps, 11 months prior gion involvement was natural for to the outbreak of World War II. SEE WAGONSELLER, PAGE 3 2 Dispatch June 8, 2001 A message from the National Commander: Vets don’t deserve more red tape Concurrent receipt should be decided in Congress, not in DoD review. Many career military members pay from a private-sector job. Also free report not later than 30 days after the pending bills in the House and Senate paid an incredibly high price of offsets are federal civil-service retire¬ date of adoption of this resolution to afford opportunities to correct wrong¬ while serving our country. ment (including disability retirement), the Committees on the Budget on the headed votes. That price may have included the loss retirement pension from non-federal risk that provision of full concurrent ■ HR 303, the Retired Pay Restora¬ of a limb or one of their senses. Some jobs, or federal workers compensation receipt of military retired pay and dis¬ tion Act of 2001, introduced by Rep. battle through the mental strain of their (benefits for work-caused disability or ability compensation would reduce the Michael Bilirakis, R-Fla., would allow disabilities. Many deal with a 100-per- illness provided under the Federal surplus below the level of the Medicare military retirees with at least 20 years cent disability every day. Employees' Compensation Act). Only Hospital Insurance Trust Fund." of service and a service-connected dis¬ Unfortunately, their battles don't military retired pay is reduced dollar Associating this issue with Medicare ability to receive both military retired end with these scars. Those career ser¬ for dollar by VA disability compensa¬ is another scare tactic. The money to pay and VA disability compensation vice members tion payments. Other federal employ¬ fund concurrent receipt shouldn't without reduction of either. are forced to ees can receive both retirement benefits come from Medicare; it should come ■ S 170, the Retired Pay Restoration use their retire¬ and disability payments without off¬ from the savings the DoD has been get¬ Act of 2001, introduced by Sen. Harry ment pay to sets. ting because of the disability offsets for Reid, D-Nev., would end the current fund their VA I have been calling on Legionnaires more than a century. practice of deducting disability benefits disability pay¬ to support legislation currently in both Existing law dishonors service-con¬ from the amount of retirement pay a ments. And in the House of Representatives and the nected disability by penalizing a ser¬ military retiree receives. It would cover some cases, Senate making concurrent receipt a vice member's longevity benefits. The all military retirees with 20 or more when the dis¬ reality. Legionnaires should make their only appropriate action is one that will years of service. ability receives The recent power shift in the Senate a high enough provides the perfect opportunity to rating to offset place S 170 on the front burner. Sen. the entire pen¬ 44 It’s time the government honor service- Thomas A. Daschle, D-S.D., the new sion, the veter¬ majority leader, is a co-sponsor and an doesn't get a disabled military veterans by fully awarding now in a position to move concurrent dime of the mil¬ receipt legislation forward. The Amer¬ itary pension he or she spent 20 or them the benefits they earned. ican Legion encourages Daschle to do more years earning. . so. Concurrent receipt deserves a fair Most Americans probably are un¬ hearing and expeditious vote. aware that those who are physically or voices heard. It is especially important provide funding to end this madness. I urge members of The American psychologically disabled as a result of since recent action by Congress casts After more than a century of giving Legion family to doritact their congres¬ their sacrifice are not entitled to receive into doubt the fate of concurrent re¬ career service members the shaft, it's sional officials and ask them to co¬ full military retired pay. It has been ceipt any time soon. With the adoption high time the government honor ser¬ sponsor and, more importantly, vote that way for more than a century, but it of Section 314 of House Concurrent vice-disabled military retirees by fully for concurrent receipt legislation. Pe¬ is not right, and The American Legion Resolution 83 - introduced by Rep. awarding them the benefits they nalizing military retirees for choosing is fighting hard to change that. William "Mac" Thornberry, R-Texas earned, benefits that meagerly return to serve their country for an entire ca¬ The issue is called "concurrent - the House and Senate voted to send the personal price they paid for our lib¬ reer is not only an injustice to those receipt." Simply put, it's paying veter¬ concurrent receipt to the Department erty. who have served but also a deterrent to ans their VA disability payments with¬ of Defense for further study. "Study" is What makes the most recent action those who may be considering a life of out cutting into earned retirement ben¬ a Washington euphemism for delay. by Congress perplexing and distressing military service. All service-connected efits. Military retirement pay is a bene¬ Ironically, Thornberry is a co-spon¬ is that a majority of congressional disabled military retirees deserve fair fit for a career of honorable military sor of a House resolution supporting members - 65 senators and 335 repre¬ and equitable treatment. service. VA service-connected disabili¬ concurrent receipt. sentatives - are co-sponsors of two Congress should pass and fund con¬ ty compensation is for medical condi¬ In agreeing to Section 19, Congress pieces of pending concurrent-receipt current receipt legislation. The presi¬ tions incurred or aggravated while on found that the "Secretary of Defense is legislation. It appears disingenuous dent should sign it. Then DOD should active duty. Benefits and compensation the appropriate official for evaluating congressional leaders would on the one implement it. are separate issues and should not be the existing standard for the provision hand call themselves co-sponsors and Military service rendered in defense linked in any way. of concurrent retirement and disability on the other hand vote to virtually kill of and on behalf of the nation deserves A veteran who is not a military benefits to retired members of the concurrent receipt it by sending it to special consideration when determin¬ retiree can receive VA disability com¬ armed forces and the need to change DoD for review. ing policy toward such matters as ben¬ pensation without any offsets, reduc¬ these standards." It's not too late to urge the House efit offsets. The American Legion isn't tions or limits while collecting unem¬ HC Res. 83 also requires "the Con¬ and Senate to reverse course and pass asking for preferential treatment for ployment compensation from Social gressional Budget Office and the Office concurrent-receipt legislation and ap¬ these veterans. We just want what is Security, federal civil-service pay or of Management and Budget should propriate funds to pay for it. Two fair.

• the AMERICAN LEGION EDITOR Steve B. Brooks Still Serving America CONTRIBUTORS James V. Carroll Does your Post have an tion, please be sure to include Matt Grills ongoing program or activity Elissa Kaupisch your full name, address and Jeff Staffer that serves your community? telephone number. There's a Do you have any Post members Vol. 10, No. 19 June 8, 2001 SUBSCRIPTIONS good chance the information Robin Bowman who go above and beyond the you send us will make it into Published semi-monthly, except September and P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206. For subscriptions or call of duty to help others? The Dispatch. December. Printed by the Daily Journal, Franklin, Ind. All customer service, call: (317) 630-1349. Annual subscription Drop us a line and tell us Send your news items to: American Legion publications are entitled and encouraged rate: $15. what your Post and its members Still Serving America, The to reproduce all staff-written stories within, but please Editorial office: (317) 630-1352 credit Dispatch as the source. Send correspondence and FAX: (317) 630-1280 are doing to demonstrate they American Legion Dispatch, P.O. letters to the editor in care of: The American Legion Dispatch, Online at: http://www.legion.org are Still Serving America. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN

A proud member of The National American Legion Press Association In submitting your informa¬ 46206. Dispatch 3

Sound off: From the desk of the National Adjutant: Letters from readers Editor's note - Readers with questions or comments concerning An A+ in patriotism Legion matters can write to The Dispatch at P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206 or e-mail [email protected]. Indianapolis students rally around love of their country. Smith’s visit prompts reunion Will Ellery and Brett On April 27, Post 2 of Bristol, Conn., was honored Crousore, teachers at with a visit from National Commander Ray G. Smith. Lawrence North High We had a reception at our post for him. While he was School in Indianapolis, saw there with his aide, Frank Stancil, I introduced him to something special in this year's the mayor of our city, Frank Nicastro, who is a vet and combined honors history/litera¬ also a member of Post 2.1 explained to Commander ture class. Smith that the mayor was a Navy veteran, and he told So the pair challenged juniors us that his aide was also a Navy vet. The mayor then to create a said he was in the Navy from 1959 to 1963, and Com¬ tribute to mander Smith said that Frank was in at the same time. Robert W. the sol¬ Commander Smith then asked the mayor what ship diers and he served on, and the mayor responded that he was Spanogle sailors the on the Fisk. Commander Smith looked at the mayor ' class had with a puzzled look and said Frank was also on the spent the year studying. same ship. The class met the challenge We looked around for Frank and saw him coming head-on and delivered a memori¬ into the room. The mayor took one look at him and al to veterans of all four branches said he looked familiar. When the two of them started of the military. In doing so, the talking, they realized they were on the Fisk at the same students exceeded even their time. The mayor then left the post and returned in a teachers' expectations while few minutes with his copy of the ship's book, and lo proving once again that patrio¬ and behold, two pictures of them were on the same tism isn't a lost quality in our na¬ page, looking a bit younger than they now look. tion's youth. Steve B. Brooks Needless to say, the rest of their visit was spent "The military has always been sharing old stories. important to me," said Ellery, the We all talked about what the odds were of a chance son of an Air Force veteran and younger brother of a Navy vet. meeting like this. They had not seen each other in Students at Lawrence North High School in Indianapolis recently completed work on a more than 40 years. The visit was a complete success, "Our kids hadn't come into the memorial honoring veterans of all four branches of the military. The memorial con¬ and they parted saying that they will be keeping in class with that appreciation. But sists of Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines flags, as well as a plaque mounted at the touch. they certainly developed it base of the American flag. Roland Lamothe, Post 2 Commander, through the year. bridled ideas," he said. "Some singing of the national an them by Bristol, Conn. "It's going out of vogue to say were pretty extravagant and pret¬ the audience. the Pledge of Allegiance, but ty costly, but we settled on flags "The ceremony was very well Post provides lasting memory we've been saying it in our class from the four services around a done," Ellery said. "It brought As a 33-year member of The American Legion, I from day one. And at sporting plaque." tears to a lot of veterans and a lot have participated in numerous memorial services. On events and things like that, we Next up for the students was of those non-veterans who at¬ May 15,1 contacted the Medina, Ohio, post to inquire expect our kids from the class to soliciting funds for the project. tended." if my cousin, Air Force Capt. Jeffery Leckie, who stand up with their shoulders Ellery said local businesses and The class project was just the served from 1965 to 1969, was a member there. After back and their heads held high companies were supportive. beginning, Ellery said. He wants 32 years of telling my cousin why he should belong to during the national anthem." With the money in the place, it to be an ongoing project for The American Legion, he joined, but I didn't know Ellery said he and Crousore the students themselves set out future classes as well. He's al¬ where. He passed away in July 2000, and I wanted to sensed this year's class was building the memorial: digging ready received a request to place ensure he had the appropriate marker and flag for unique early on. The students up the ground, planting the flag¬ a POW-MIA flag on the memori¬ Memorial Day. I was informed he belonged to the seemed to appreciate the people poles, everything. Upon comple¬ al. Ohio DMS post in Delaware, Ohio. they were studying, whether they tion, a dedication ceremony was "This was an ideal situation I then asked if my cousin had been given any were the founding fathers or sol¬ scheduled. But it wasn't just an for a teacher, because our stu¬ memorial service at his funeral. The answer was no. diers in various American mili¬ average dedication. dents really responded to what Lou McDonald of the Medina post said he would call tary campaigns. "Each student had to do re¬ we were trying to each," Ellery me back. Within one hour he contacted me and said a "The kids really became inter¬ search on a specific veteran, said. "This was a completely self¬ memorial service would be performed at 6 p.m. May ested in what we were studying, someone they knew or a member less act on their part." 18. so we wanted to challenge them a of their family," Ellery said. "The These students at Lawrence I did not know what to say. To me, a post doing little more," Ellery said. "At the students wrote a paper explain¬ North deserve credit for taking this without being asked was the greatest thing that start of second semester, we ing the veteran's service, and all on this difficult task and turning could happen. The post honor guard was there with asked them what they thought of of the papers went into a book for it into something their entire eight members and did a wonderful service for his creating a veterans memorial for the school library." community can be proud of and widow, son and family. the school. The response was The veterans also were invited cherish. But behind every great These fellow Legionnaires know what belonging is very positive." to attend the May 17 dedication project are leaders. Ellery and about. It made me proud to wear my Legion cap along Ellery said the first step was ceremony. Forty attended, along Crousore delivered in that role. with the honor guard and salute a fallen comrade. coming up with a design for the with more than 200 other stu¬ America could use more teach¬ Thank you, my fellow comrades, for this lasting memorial, which showed just dents, teachers and community ers like these two young men - memory, both for his family and myself. how creative the students could members. The ceremony includ¬ and more students like the patri¬ Nickolis Pulver, Post 392, Deerfield, Mich. be. ed a speech and poem honoring ots at Lawrence North High "We had a competition to veterans, the singing of songs School. draw up the plans for the memo¬ from all four branches of the ser¬ Patriotism isn't lost. Some¬ rial, and the kids had some un- vice by the class choir and the times it just needs to be nurtured. Get-well notice people and candidates to come through our office," Department of Utah Adjutant Randy Knight recent¬ WAGONSEUER FROM PAGE 1 Geiger said. "I'm very proud to have been associated ly underwent serious surgery. His prognosis is good. with him." Get-well cards and notes can be sent to him at 277 of the Legion, working in real estate in serving on He is survived by two sons, Thomas and John, Country Club, Stansbury Park, UT 84074-9651. several community boards. and a daughter, Anne Bauswein. "He was extremely loyal to all the organizational For more information, see "Taps" on Page 8. NEF Commander’s Challenge ‘Semper Fi’ in the 21st century Department Goal Contributions Category 1 (100,000 plus) $25,633 $8,109 Legionnaires 'reconnect' with Marines at Camp Lejeune. $21,742 $5,352 Illinois $26,459 $3,380 By John Raughter $23,834 $3,726 Rain, mud and cold. Legionnaires were treated to all three Minnesota $21,770 $53,243 elements during a late-April visit with Marines at Camp New York $35,451 $36,356 Lejeune, N.C. Ohio $27,946 $420 $45,009 $7,235 "I thought I was back in basic training," Department Commander Horace Nixon, an Army veteran, said. "I was amazed watching the Marines storm the beach Iowa $13,292 $871 while I was freezing on the pier, getting wet from the rain. Maryland $14,291 $2,705 That water must have been 40 degrees, and they were jump¬ Michigan $16,775 $7,976 ing in with no wet suits on." New Jersey $14,359 $16,682 $15,924 The Legionnaires spent two days St the base as part of The Texas $905 $13,585 $1,968 American Legion's Reconnect program. Inspired by former Defense Secretary William Cohen's goal to "strengthen and Category 3 (40,000 plus) sustain the bond between America and its great military," Georgia $8,054 $9,336 Legionnaires have visited Fort Sill, Okla., Fort Knox, Ky., Kansas $9,135 $2,463 , Ga., Fort Bragg, N.C., and several other mili¬ Massachusetts $11,967 $785 tary installations. Missouri $11,394 $1,629 $10,527 $4,200 During the Lejeune visit, Legionnaires witnessed one of North Carolina $8,496 $870 the Marine Corps' largest capability demonstration exercis¬ Virginia $9,256 $1,380 es, featuring air, ground and sea elements of the II Marine Expeditionary Force. According to the base newspaper The Category 4 (25,000 plus) Globe, planning for the exercise lasted 45 days and involved Arizona $6,985 $2,704 more than 1,000 Marines and civilians. Connecticut $5,641 $1,228 Even though Camp Lejeune was officially recognized with Kentucky $5,832 $1,300 $6,771 a Commander-in-Chief Award for Installation Excellence, Le¬ Louisiana $1,007 Maine $4,800 $10 gionnaires left with two impressions: the Marines were doing Oklahoma $5,434 $525 a magnificent job, and their pay and benefits are lacking. Oregon $4,956 $738 Capt. Michelle Kane, a planning officer at the base, said South Carolina $4,423 $3,595 she is concerned about her lower-ranking troops. "Marines South Dakota $4,996 $210 Infantry Marines from II MEF, above, practice urban warfare during a Tennessee $6,091 may bring their kids to a hospital off base and get stuck with hostage evacuation exercise. Ohio Department Commander Ron Easter, $1,100 the bill. I had a bill for an entire year before the red tape was below, chats with Camp Lejeune Marines during the Legion’s Reconnect Washington $6,844 $10,310 visit in April. West Virgina $4,977 $3,824 SEE RECONNECT, PAGE 5 Category 5 (10,000 plus) $4,470 $57 Arkansas $4,037 $90 Colorado $4,423 $7,832 Idaho $1,997 $340 Mississippi $3,391 $5,046 Montana $2,174 $25 New Hampshire $4,461 $100 New Mexico $2,516 $185 North Dakota $4,355 $2,000 Rhode Island $1,853 $0 $3,115 $1,030 Category 6 (under 10,000) Alaska $1,589 $1,000 Marine Sgt. Shawna Clay, right, visits the Maj. Gen. John A. Lejeune Delaware $1,783 $1,000 Memorial with North Carolina Department Commander Horace Nixon. Dist. of Columbia $608 $0 Hawaii $602 $500 Nevada $1,275 $420 Puerto Rico $1,594 $2,045* 3 departments earn special awards Utah $1,667 $170 Wyoming $1,442 $0 Totals $500,000 $217,985 Earlier in the membership year, Na¬ tional Commander Ray G. Smith of¬ fered a new incentive award to all de¬ NEF support sought partments. The top three department At the Commanders and Adjutants commanders and membership chair¬ Conference during the NEC Fall Mee¬ men attaining the highest percent of tings, National Commander Ray G. membership gain, excluding direct Smith issued a National Emergency mail solicitation members, from Feb. 1 Fund challenge to each department to May 9 would earn distinguished, commander. Departments are encour¬ specially selected gifts on stage at the aged to contact districts and posts to national convention, in San Antonio. arrange fund-raising projects. Com¬ Those qualifying departments and Department of France Department of Delaware Department of Vermont manders of departments reaching or their specially selected gifts are: Commander Nola Maloney Commander Newton Brackin Commander Donald Tetreault exceeding their fund-raising goal will ■ First place - engraved diamond- plaque awarded to Department of Ver¬ commander, adjutant and membership win a dinner with the National Com¬ studded gold ring awarded to Depart¬ mont Commander Donald T. Tetreault, chairmen of those departments reach¬ mander at the National Convention in ment of France Commander Nola L. 0.97 percent gain. ing 100 percent or more of their mem¬ August. Donations can be sent to Maloney, 1.06 percent gain. In addition, all three department bership goal by the May 9 target date National Emergency Fund, P.O. Box ■ Second place - engraved dia¬ NECmen, commanders, adjutants and will be Smith's honored guests at the 6141, Indianapolis, IN 46206. mond-studded silver ring awarded to membership chairmen will be special reception. The Commander's Challenge ends Department of Delaware Commander guests at a reception hosted by Smith Those departments are Nevada, Aug. 1. Above is a current breakdown Newton R. Brackin Jr., 0.97 percent and conducted in their honor during France, Arizona, Delaware, Utah, of each department's goal and where it gain. the convention. South Carolina, Florida, Colorado, stands in its fund-raising drive as of ■ Third place - engraved bronze Also, the department NECman, Georgia, Alabama, Virginia and Idaho. June 4. le 8, 2001 Dispatch 5 Key resolutions from the Spring NEC meetings The following are brief descriptions of a few key resolutions passed at the 2001 National Executive Resolution No. 21: Expand the Interment Committee Spring Meetings in Indianapolis May 7-10. Capability of the National Cemetery A total of 40 resolutions were passed by the NEC. Administration Calls for the National Cemetery Administration Resolution No. 1: E. Roy Stone Jr. Room to expand its interment schedule to better accom¬ Renames the office at National Headquarters modate the needs of deceased veterans' families. where the Subcommittee on Resolutions meets the "E. Roy Stone Jr. Room." Resolution No. 22: Support Medicare Subvention for the Department Of Veterans Resolution No. 2: The American Legion policy Affairs on Agent Orange Advocates to Congress amending Title XVIII of Calls for the liberalization of the rules relating to the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.), to the evaluation of studies involving exposure to di¬ allow Medicare subvention for VA on a fee-for-ser- oxin and the ajudication of claims based on Agent vice basis for treatment of nonservice-connected Orange exposure; for the Legion to continue to medical conditions of enrolled, Medicare-eligible closely monitor the development of all ongoing veterans and that enrolled, Medicare-eligible veter¬ research on the long-term effects of Agent Orange ans be authorized to participate in the Medicare + exposure and point out to the proper officials any Choice option by choosing VA as their primary perceived deficiencies or discrepancies in these health care provider. projects; and to ensure that government commit¬ tees charged with review of such research are com¬ posed of impartial members of the medical and sci¬ Resolution No. 23: Amend VA Burial entific community; for Vietnam veterans reporting Eligibility for Qualified Military Reserve to VA medical care facilities claiming exposure to Component Members Agent Orange to be provided examinations and Urges the secretary of the United States Depart¬ treatment which are thorough and appropriate, National Security Commission Chairman Allen L. Titus ad¬ ment of Veterans Affairs and the Congress of the and that VA physicians demonstrate compassion in dresses the National Executive Committee during the 2001 United States to immediately pass legislation and re-sponding to the medical needs of these veterans; Spring Meetings in Indianapolis. implement regulations which would allow reserv¬ and urges Congress and VA to take appropriate ists who enlisted after Jan. 1,1973, and who have action to ensure that Agent Orange related com¬ honorably completed their initial term of enlist¬ pensation and other benefits currently afforded to Resolution No. 13: ment, to be eligible for burial at national veterans' Vietnam veterans are extended to veterans who Rangers and Black Berets cemeteries. served along the DMZ in Korea in 1968 and 1969. Reaffirms that military berets or any United States military uniform items, equipment, systems and components be procured only from American Resolution No. 24: The American Legion sources in accordance with Buy American laws. Policy on Radiation Seeks legislation to eliminate the radiation dose estimate requirement in claims of veterans who Resolution No. 14: Support for Improvements were exposed to ionizing radiation during their to the All-Volunteer Force Educational military service, to recognize military duty at all Assistance Program DOE nuclear weapons development, testing, and Support passage of major enhancements to the manufacturing facilities as a "radiation-risk activi¬ current All-Volunteer Force Educational Assistance ty" and to include in Title 38, United States Code, Program, better known as the Montgomery GI Bill those diseases recognized for benefit purposes un¬ to include several improvements. der the Radiation Compensation Act of 1990 as amended, including those resulting from exposure to beryllium and silica. Resolution No. 16: U.S. Postage Stamp to honor Richard Ira Bong Recommends to the United States Postal Service Resolution No. 26: Support VA as a Primary Citizen's Stamp Advisory Committee that a com¬ TRICARE Contractor memorative first-class stamp be issued in honor of Calls on Congress to pass legislation that would Richard Ira Bong for his heroic actions while in ser¬ create the provisions for VA to become a TRICARE vice to his nation. primary contractor.

FROM PAGE 4 added that the Corps' high opera¬ Despite the quality-of-life concerns, Air Force Base in Ohio. I thought the RECONNECT tional-tempo is hurting retention. "To¬ Ohio Department Commander Ron Marines were outstanding, but I am straightened out," she said. "I have to day's Marine Corps, compared to Easter was impressed with the dedica¬ very concerned about what I was hear¬ wonder what would happen if I were a when I joined in 1982, is better. The tion and pride he saw in the Marines. ing about the military's TRICARE in¬ Pfc (private first class) or lance corpo¬ Marines are smarter and more high- "I think they stand ready, and the surance program," he said. "Nobody ral." tech. But the Marine Corps is spread country is in good hands." seemed happy with it, including the She also said the wait time for some throughout the world. When a crisis The Lejeune visit was a homecom¬ generals that I talked to. If the Legion is Marines to obtain base housing is happens, someone has to go. A lot of ing for Easter, who was stationed there to help them, we have to hear this." sometimes a year and a half. Marines are married, and they are from 1954 to 1956. "I wanted to partici¬ Master Sgt. James Syas, the head¬ going to get out if they are spread too pate in the program and hopefully plan John Raughter is editor of The quarters battalion operations chief, thin." a Reconnect visit to Wright-Patterson American Legion Magazine. 6 Dispatch June 8, 2001 Flag vote 2001: Where the House stands The House of Representatives will vote on the flag- age all others to lend their support to it by becoming trict offices can be obtained from the blue pages of protection amendment, HJ Res. 36, June 26 or June 27. official co-sponsors of the Cunningham-Murtha Flag your local phone book or by calling the U.S. Capitol Below is a list of those representatives who have Protection Amendment. House members can become switchboard at (202) 224-3121. Letters should be signed on as co-sponsors of the amendment and those sponsors by calling Reps. or Randy addressed to The Honorable (full name), United who have not. "Duke" Cunningham. States House of Representatives, Washington, D.C., Thank those who support the measure and encour¬ Telephone numbers for U.S. Representatives dis¬ 20515. Co-sponsors of HJ Res. 36 Non-sponsors of HJ Res. 36 Alabama Jerry Costello (D-12) Samuel Graves (R-6) Alabama Florida (D-5) (R-l) J. (R-14) Roy Blunt (R-7) Earl Hilliard (D-7) Joe Scarborough (R-l) Elijah Cummings (D-7) (R-2) Donald Manzullo (R-16) Jo Ann Emerson (R-8) F. Allen Boyd Jr. (D-2) Connie A. Morelia (R-8) (R-3) Ray LaHood (R-18) Kenny Hulshof (R-9) Arizona Cliff Stearns (R-6) (R-4) John Shimkus (R-20) Jeff Flake (R-l) John Mica (R-7) Massachusetts Robert Cramer (D-5) Nebraska Ed Pastor (D-2) C.W. Young (R-10) John Olver (D-l) (R-6) Indiana Doug Bereuter (R-l) John Shadegg (R-4) Jim Davis (D-ll) Richard Neal (D-2) (D-3) (R-2) Jim Kolbe (R-5) Adam Putnam (R-12) James McGovern (D-3) Alaska (R-4) Thomas Osborne (R-3) Dan Miller (R-13) Barney Frank (D-4) Don Young (R-at large) (R-5) Arkansas Porter Goss (R-14) Marty Meehan (D-5) (R-6) New Hampshire Marion Berry (D-l) Dave Weldon (R-15) John Tierney (D-6) Arizona Brian Kerns (R-7) John Sununu (R-l) Vic Snyder (D-2) Carrie Meek (D-17) Edward Markey (D-7) Bob Stump (R-3) Charles Bass (R-2) Vacant seat (3) Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R- Michael Capuano (D-8) J.D. Hayworth (R-6) Iowa Michael Ross (D-4) 18) Vacant seat(D-9) Leonard Boswell (D-3) New Jersey Robert Wexler (D-19) William Delahunt (D-10) California Greg Ganske(R-4) Frank LoBiondo (R-2) California Peter Deutsch (D-20) John T. Doolittle (R-4) Tom Latham (R-5) Jim Saxton (R-3) Mike Thompson (D-l) Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R- Michigan Richard Pombo (R-ll) Christopher Smith (R-4) Wally Herger (R-2) 21) Peter Hoekstra (R-2) (D-18) Kansas Marge Roukema (R-5) Doug Ose (R-3) (D-23) Vernon Ehlers (R-3) George Radanovich (R- Jerry Moran (R-l) Michael Ferguson (R-7) Robert Matsui (D-5) Fred Upton (R-6) 19) Jim Ryun (R-2) William Pascrell Jr. (D-8) Lynn Woolsey (D-6) Georgia Nick Smith (R-7) Calvin Dooley (D-20) Todd Tiahrt (R-4) Steven Rothman (D-9) George Miller (D-7) Jack Kingston (R-l) Dale Kildee (D-9) Howard McKeon (R-25) Rodney Frelinghuysen (D-8) Cynthia McKinney (D-4) David Bonior (D-10) Steve Horn (R-38) Kentucky (R-ll) Barbara Lee (D-9) John Lewis (D-5) Sander Levin (D-12) Edward Royce (R-39) Edward Whitfield (R-l) Robert Menendez (D-13) Ellen Tauscher (D-10) Charles Norwood (R-10) Lynn Rivers (D-13) Gary Miller (R-41) Ron Lewis (R-2) Tom Lantos (D-12) John Conyers Jr. (D-14) Joe Baca (D-42) Anne Northup (R-3) New Mexico Fortney Stark (D-13) Hawaii Carolyn Kilpatrick (D- Dana Rohrabacher (R- Ken Lucas (D-4) Heather Wilson (R-l) Anna Eshoo (D-14) Neil Abercrombie (D-l) 15) (C 45) Harold Rogers (R-5) Joe Skeen (R-2) Mike Honda (D-15) Patsy Mink (D-2) John Dingell (D-16) (D-46) Ernest Lee Fletcher (R-6) Zoe Lofgren (D-16) Darrell Issa (R-48) New York Sam Farr (D-17) Illinois Minnesota Randy Cunningham (R- Louisiana Felix Grucci Jr. (R-l) William Thomas (R-21) Bobby Rush (D-l) Betty McCollum (D-4) 51) David Vitter (R-l) Peter King (R-3) Lois Capps (D-22) Jr. (D-2) Martin Olav Sabo (D-5) Duncan Hunter (R-52) Jim McCrery (R-4) Carolyn McCarthy (D-4) Elton Gallegly (R-23) Luis Gutierrez (D-4) Collin Peterson (D-7) John Cooksey (R-5) Joseph Crowley (D-7) Brad Sherman (D-24) Rod Blagojevich (D-5) James Oberstar (D-8) Colorado Richard Baker (R-6) (R-13) Howard Berman (D-26) Henry Hyde (R-6) Bob Schaffer (R-4) Sue Kelly (R-19) Adam Schiff (D-27) Danny Davis (D-7) Mississippi (R-5) Maine (R-20) David Dreier (R-28) Janice Schakowsky (D-9) Bennie Thompson (D-2) Thomas Tancredo (R-6) John Baldacci (D-2) Michael McNulty (D-21) Henry Waxman (D-29) Mark Kirk (R-10) John Sweeney (R-22) Xavier Becerra (D-30) Jerry Weller (R-ll) Missouri Connecticut Maryland (R- Hilda Solis (D-31) Judy Biggert (R-13) William Clay Jr. (D-l) Robert Simmons (R-2) Robert Ehrlich Jr., (R-2) 23) Vacant seat (32) Timothy Johnson (R-15) Richard Gephardt (D-3) James Maloney (D-5) Albert Wynn (D-4) John McHugh (R-24) Lucille Roybal-Allard Lane Evans (D-17) Karen McCarthy (D-5) Nancy Johnson (R-6) Roscoe Bartlett (R-6) Thomas Reynolds (R-27) (D-33) David Phelps (D-19) (R-30) Grace Napolitano (D-34) Montana Florida Michigan Maxine Waters (D-35) Indiana Dennis Rehberg (R) Corrine Brown (D-3) Bart Stupak (D-l) North Carolina Jane Harman (D-36) Peter Visclosky (D-l) Ander Crenshaw (R-4) Dave Camp (R-4) Walter Jones Jr. (R-3) Juanita Millender- (R-2) Nevada Karen Thurman (D-5) James Barcia (D-5) Richard Burr (R-5) McDonald (D-37) (R-8) Shelley Berkley (D-l) Ric Keller (R-8) Michael Rogers (R-8) Mike McIntyre (D-7) Jerry Lewis (R-40) Baron Hill (D-9) James Gibbons (R-2) Michael Bilirakis (R-9) Joseph Knollenberg (R- Robin Hayes (R-8) Ken Calvert (R-43) (D-10) Mark Foley (R-l 6) 11) Sue Myrick (R-9) Mary Bono (R-44) New Jersey E. Clay Shaw Jr. (R-22) Cass Ballenger (R-10) Christopher Cox (R-47) Iowa Robert Andrews (D-l) Minnesota Charles Taylor (R-ll) Susan Davis (D-49) Jim Leach (R-l) Frank Pallone Jr. (D-6) Georgia Gil Gutknecht (R-l) Bob Filner (D-50) Jim Nussle (R-2) Donald Payne (D-10) Sanford Bishop Jr. (D-2) Mark Kennedy (R-2) North Dakota Rush Holt (D-12) Michael Collins (R-3) Jim Ramstad (R-3) Earl Pomeroy (D) Colorado Kansas Johnny Isakson (R-6) Bill Luther (D-6) Diana DeGette (D-l) Dennis Moore (D-3) New Mexico Bob Barr (R-7) Ohio Mark Udall (D-2) Tom Udall (D-3) Saxby Chambliss (R-8) Mississippi (R-2) Scott Mclnnis (R-3) Louisiana Nathan Deal (R-9) Roger Wicker (R-l) Michael Oxley (R-4) William Jefferson (D-2) New York John Linder (R-ll) Charles Pickering Jr., (R- (R-5) Connecticut W.J. Tauzin (R-3) Steve (D-2) 3) (D-9) John Larson (D-l) Chris John (D-7) (D-5) Idaho Ronnie Shows (D-4) Patrick Tiberi (R-12) Rosa DeLauro (D-3) (D-6) C.L. Otter (R-l) Gene Taylor (D-5) (D-13) Christopher Shays (R-4) Maine Jerrold Nadler (D-8) Mike Simpson (R-2) James Traficant Jr. (D- Thomas Allen (D-l) Anthony David Weiner 17) Delaware (D-9) Illinois Missouri Steven LaTourette (R-19) Michael Castle (R) Maryland (D-10) William Lipinski (D-3) Todd Akin (R-2) Wayne Gilchrest (R-l) Philip Crane (R-8) Ike Skelton (D-4) SEE C0-, PAGE 7 Benjamin Cardin (D-3) SEE NON-, PAGE 7 Dispatch 7

vote of 305-124. But the Senate amend¬ FROM PAGE 1 GLORY ment was lost when it failed by four members to support the amendment. votes - 63-37 - to reach the supermajor¬ "If (representatives) tell you we can¬ ity required for a constitutional amend¬ not legislate patriotism, tell them that ment. patriotism is the last refuge of a free In 1989, the U.S. Supreme Court people and that every law we pass took from the American people the should inspire, teach, endorse and en¬ right to protect their flag by invalidat¬ sure patriotism in the people," Brady, a ing flag-protection laws in 48 states Medal of Honor recipient, said. "Patri¬ and the District of Columbia. To date, otism is simply love of country - our 49 state legislatures have passed me¬ land, our neighbors and our leaders. morializing resolutions asking Con¬ "Never forget that the foundation of gress to pass an amendment and send all we are doing for the flag is the Con¬ it to the states for ratification. stitution. It is under attack and little "The support is out there, and it's Photo courtesy Al Krawczyk understood by too many of our peo¬ not just the Legion. The public has ple." great support for it," Smith said. "I Flag protection has won in the really don't think I've had a chance, House before. During the 106th Con¬ since I've been traveling, to talk to two gress a flag-protection amendment people not in favor of the flag amend¬ passed overwhelmingly in the United ment. After all these years, there's still Sharon, Vt., eighth-grade student Brian Kent, center, receives a joint house resolution honoring States House of Representatives by a solid support for it." him from Vermont State Reps. Al Krawczyk, left, and Steve Adams. Kent was selected to partici¬ pate in the RespecTeen National Youth Forum because of a letter he wrote to U.S. Rep. Bernard Sanders (l-Vt.) opposing .

FROM PAGE 6 Tennessee Virginia CO- William Jenkins (R-l) Jo Ann Davis (R-l) Vermont 8th grader’s letter Oklahoma John Duncan Jr. (R-2) Edward Schrock (R-2) Steve Largent (R-l) Zach Wamp (R-3) Virgil Goode Jr. (1-5) hits mark on flag protection Ernest Istook Jr. (R-5) Van Hilleary (R-4) Bob Goodlatte (R-6) Frank Lucas (R-6) Bob Clement (D-5) Eric Cantor (R-7) His strong opposition to flag dese¬ The RespecTeen National Youth Bart Gordon (D-6) Frank Wolf (R-10) cration helped an eighth-grade student Forum was established to help young Oregon Ed Bryant (R-7) Thomas Davis III (R-ll) from Sharon, Vt., get selected as a state teen-agers understand the issues that Greg Walden (R-2) representative in the RespecTeen Speak affect their lives and the role they, as Texas Washington for Yourself Youth Forum in Washing¬ citizens, can play in addressing those Pennsylvania Max Sandlin (D-l) (R-4) ton. issues. Melissa Hart (R-4) (D-2) George Nethercutt Jr. (R- Brian Kent was chosen because of Teen-agers from across the country John Peterson (R-5) Sam Johnson (R-3) 5) the letter he wrote to Rep. Bernard were invited to write their members of William Shuster (R-9) Ralph Hall (D-4) Jennifer Dunn (R-8) Sanders, I-Vt., opposing flag burning. Congress expressing a viewpoint on an (R-10) Joe Barton (R-6) Adam Smith (D-9) In his letter he wrote, "I am writing important issue currently under de¬ Paul Kanjorksi (D-Tl) Jolm Culberson (R-7) lawmakers to bring flag-burning to bate. John Murtha (D-12) Kevin Brady (R-8) West Virginia their attention and ask them to consid¬ One representative from each state (R-15) Nicholas Lampson (D-9) Alan Mollohan (D-l) er passing a new law to prosecute any was chosen to attend the youth forum Joseph Pitts (R-16) Chet Edwards (D-ll) Shelley Moore Capito person unlawfully burning or desecrat¬ and meet with their members of Con¬ (R-17) Ruben Hinojosa (D-15) (R-2) ing-the flag of the United States ... gress. Mike Doyle (D-18) (D-17) Nick Rahall (D-3) Burning of the American flag is an act Kent also has served as a page in the Todd Platts (R-19) Larry Combest (R-19) perpetrated against both our country Vermont Statehouse and later was hon¬ (D-20) Lamar Smith (R-21) Wisconsin and our government and should be ored with a joint house resolution by Philip English (R-21) Henry Bonilla (R-23) (R-l) prosecuted as a federal offense. Every the Vermont House of Representatives, Ken Bentsen (D-25) Mark Green (R-8) unjustifiable burning of the American commending Kent for his initiative and South Carolina Gene Green (D-29) flag is a mockery of the patriots who the serious manner in which he exercis¬ Floyd Spence (R-2) Wyoming died for 'liberty and justice for all.' es his citizenship responsibilities. Lindsey Graham (R-3) Utah Barbara Cubin (R) "For many Americans, our flag has Kent also was invited to attend The James Hansen (R-l) lifted their spirits through the darkest American Legion State Convention in South Dakota hours of our nation's history. The Vermont but can not attend because of John Thune (R) American flag is not only our nation's a prior commitment to be a student emblem; it's part of our everyday life." ambassador in Australia.

“ FROM PAGE 6 Ohio Pennsylvania Texas Virginia (R-l) Robert Brady (D-l) Pete Sessions (R-5) Bobby Scott (D-3) (D-ll) Tony Hall (D-3) (D-2) Lloyd Doggett (D-10) Vacant seat(D-4) Nydia Velazquez (D-12) (D-6) Robert Borski (D-3) Kay Granger (R-12) James Moran (D-8) (D-14) David Hobson (R-7) (D-6) William Thornberry (R-13) Rick Boucher (D-9) (D-15) (R-8) (R-7) (R-14) Jose Serrano (D-16) (D-10) Jim Greenwood (R-8) Silvestre Reyes (D.-16) Washington (D-17) (D-ll) Joseph Hoeffel III (D-13) Sheila Jackson Lee (D-18) Jay Inslee (D-l) (D-18) Thomas Sawyer (D-14) William Coyne (D-14) Charles Gonzalez (D-20) Richard Larsen (D-2) James Walsh (R-25) (R-15) Tom DeLay (R-22) Brian Baird (D-3) (D-26) (R-16) Rhode Island Martin Frost (D-24) Norman Dicks (D-6) Louise MclntoshSlaughter (D- (R-18) Patrick Kennedy (D-l) Richard Armey (R-26) Jim McDermott (D-7) 28) James Langevin (D-2) Solomon Ortiz (D-27) John LaFalce (D-29) Oklahoma Ciro Rodriguez (D-28) Wisconsin Amory Houghton Jr. (R-31) Brad Carson (D-2) South Carolina Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-30) (D-2) Wes Watkins (R-3) Henry Brown Jr. (R-l) (D-3) North Carolina J.C. Watts Jr. (R-4) Jim DeMint (R-4) Utah Jerry Kleczka (D-4) Eva Clayton (D-l) John Spratt Jr. (D-5) James David Matheson (D-2) Thomas Barrett (D-5) Bob Etheridge (D-2) Oregon James Clyburn (D-6) Chris Cannon (R-3) Thomas Petri (R-6) David Price (D-4) David Wu (D-l) David Obey (D-7) Howard Coble (R-6) Earl Blumenauer (D-3) Tennessee Vermont F. James Sensenbrenner (R-9) Mel Watt (D-12) Peter DeFazio (D-4) John Tanner (D-8) Bernard Sanders (I) Darlene Hooley (D-5) Harold Ford Jr. (D-9) 8 Dispatch June 8, 2001

Dateline: Capitol Hill World War II Memorial legislation sees quick passage On May 28, President Bush signed Public Law ■ A coordinated care health plan, in which veter¬ 107-11, a measure to expedite construction of ans would enroll in a program which provides a full the long-overdue World War II Memorial on continuum of health care similar to Medicare+Choice; the National Mall in Washing¬ and ton. The House of Representa¬ ■A fee-for-services plan, in which an enrolled vet¬ tives approved the legislation, eran could essentially use VA only when he or she introduced by House Armed wished. Services Chairman Bob Stump, Up to 10 sites would be selected for this demon¬ R-Ariz., on May 15 by a 400-15 stration project. At least two sites would be required vote. The Senate then passed in rural areas, one hosting a coordinated care health the bill by unanimous consent plan and the other a fee-for-services plan. on May 21, substituting similar The HHS secretary would reimburse VA from the language in the bill and send¬ Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Fed¬ ing it back to the House for eral Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund for further action. The House ap¬ Medicare health care services furnished to targeted proved the amended bill May Medicare-eligible veterans who are older than 65, in John A. 22 by a voice vote, sending the VA's health care priority categories 5, 6 or 7 and are Brieden III measure to the president for enrolled in the proposed demonstration project plan. final action. The demonstration project will run from House and Senate leader¬ ■Jan.l, 2003, for three years at a site with a coordi¬ ship deserve a great deal of credit for expediting pas¬ nated care health plan model; and sage of this legislation prior to the Memorial Day re¬ ■Jan.l, 2004, for three years at a site with a fee-for- cess. Members of The American Legion family should services model. thank their elected officials for the timely manner in Currently, approximately 10.1 million veterans are which this legislation was considered and passed. Dateline: Capitol Hill Medicare-eligible solely based on their age. More The World War II Memorial was first conceived in than 734,000 Medicare beneficiaries lost their HMO 1987 when Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio, was asked by minder of the triumph of democracy over tyranny." coverage between 1999 and 2000, with an additional a veteran constituent why there was no national me¬ Construction of the memorial will likely begin 934,000 seniors projected to be dropped by the HMO morial to honor World War II veterans. Shortly after¬ within the next two months, with final dedication of plans this year. Many VA-eligible beneficiaries are in ward, Kaptur introduced legislation to create explor¬ the site projected for 2004. those two groups and will eventually come to VA for atory panels to authorize the memorial's design and care. As more Medicare-eligible veterans seek first¬ construction. It took an additional six years before Medicare subvention bill introduced time care in the Veterans Health Administration of that legislation, PL 103-32, was enacted May 26,1993. On May 17, Rep. James Saxton, R-N.J., introduced VA, health care costs and subsequent waiting times The Commission on Fine Arts of the District of Co¬ HR 1911, the Veterans Medicare Reimbursement will increase. lumbia and the National Capital Planning Commis¬ Demonstration Act of 2001. This bill is similar to a While the demonstration project outlined in HR sion approved the design last year, and a ground- measure that Saxton introduced last year in the 106th 1911 is not exactly the Medicare subvention plan that breaking ceremony was conducted last Veterans Day. Congress. One of the central components of The The American Legion has in mind, it serves as a good Many Legion dignitaries attended the ceremony, in¬ American Legion's proposed GI Bill of Health would vehicle for opening the debate. It is imperative that cluding National Commander Ray G. Smith, National allow Medicare-eligible veterans to bill Medicare for Congress examines this issue and takes the necessary Adjutant Robert Spanogle and National Chaplain the cost of treatment they receive at VA health care actions to ensure that VHA receives all funding neces¬ Calvin Turpin. facilities. sary to execute its health-care mission in a quality and On May 22, Smith praised passage of the legisla¬ Under the provisions of HR 1911, the Secretaries of timely manner. tion, saying that "after 22 public hearings in the past Veterans Affairs and Health and Human Services six years, the American people can be confident that would set up a demonstration project comprised of John A. Brieden III is chairman of The American Legion the World War II Memorial will be an appropriate re- two components: Legislative Commission. Taps

John L. Fitzsimons He is survived by his wife, Lori, three partment of Ohio) passed away May 26 at Committee Ex-Officio member from 1974 Anchorage, Alaska daughters and two sons. the age of 80. He was a World War II Army to 1975, National Overseas Graves Dec¬ John L. Fitzsimons of Post 1 (Depart¬ Memorial contributions can be made to Air Corps veteran with 56 continuous years oration Trust chairman from 1974 to 1975, ment of Alaska) passed away March 26 at Jack Henry Post 1, P.0. Box 91285, An¬ of Legion membership. National Overseas Graves Decoration Trust the age of 68. He was a Korean War veteran chorage, AK 99509-1285. Mr. Wagonseller served as national vice chairman from 1975 to 1976, National with 27 continuous years of Legion mem¬ commander from 1974 to 1975. Advisory Committee to the National Com¬ bership. John F. Foster He also served as national vice com¬ mander vice chairman from 1976 to 1977 Mr. Fitzsimons served as department Elizabethtown, Ky. mander from 1960 to 1961, chairman of and Citizens Flag Alliance consultant from commander from 1989 to 1990, depart¬ John F. Foster of Post 113 (Department the National Advisory Committee to the 1994 to 1996. ment adjutant from 1988 to 1989, National of Kentucky) passed away May 18 at the National Commander from 1975 to 1976, He was a member of the National Exec¬ Americanism Council vice chairman from age of 64. He was a Korean War Marine department commander from 1954 to utive Committee from 1956 to 1958, Na¬ 1987 to 1988, department R0TC chairman Corps veteran with 27 continuous years of 1955, department finance officer from tional Advisory Committee to the National from 1985 to 1988, department sergeant- Legion membership. 1951 to 1952, department vice commander Commander from 1973 to 2001, the Na¬ at-arms from 1986 to 1987, department Mr. Foster served as department vice from 1952 to 1954, department M&PA co- tional Child Welfare Commission from vice commander from 1987 to 1988 and commander from 1999 to 2001, depart¬ chairman from 1952 to 1953, department 1945 to 1947, the National Legislative 1988 to 1989, department Americanism ment contest chairman from 1999 to 2000 M&PA chairman from 1953 to 1954, Na¬ Commission Liaison Committee from 1956 chairman from 1987 to 1988, department and National Distinguished Guests Com¬ tional Public Relations Commission nation¬ to 1958, the National Law and Order Com¬ finance officer from 1988 to 1989, depart¬ mittee vice chairman from 1999 to 2001. al commander’s representative from 1955 mittee from 1960 to 1962, the National ment M&PA chairman from 1988 to 1989, He is survived by his fiancee, two sons, to 1956, National Americanism Commis¬ Merchant Marine Committee from 1965 to department Naval Affairs chairman from a daughter and a stepdaughter. sion vice chairman from 1958 to 1960 and 1975 and the National Overseas Graves 1999 to 2000 and department blood donor Memorial contributions can be made to 1961 to 1962, National Merchant Marine Decoration Trust from 1975 to 1977. chairman from 1977 to 1978,1980 to 1981 Kentucky Legion Boys State in care of Committee vice chairman from 1966 to Mr. Wagonseller is survived by two and 1982 to 1984. Hardin Post 113. 1968, National Merchant Marine Committee sons and a daughter. He served on the National Law & Order chairman from 1968 to 1972, department Memorial contributions can be made to Committee from 1976 to 1978 and the Na¬ James M. Wagonseller legislative chairman from 1969 to 1972, The American Legion Child Welfare tional Naval Affairs Committee from 1990 Lancaster, Ohio department Merchant Marine chairman Foundation, P.0. Box 1055, Indianapolis, to 1999. James M. Wagonseller of Post 11 (De¬ from 1970 to 1974, National Finance IN 46206.