H ml , ^ *>* >«C* « #>***!» *» «* •»! . Saluting The American Legion . colleagues in commitment. There are only three hospitals and 42 health plan locations in the entire The Johns Hopkins Hospital world privileged to display this sign. It stands for the Hopkins tradition of The Francis Scott Key Medical Center medical excellence, and a profound commitment to providing affordable, accessible Hopkins quality care for you and your family. The Homewood Hospital Center Today, the members of the Johns Hopkins Health System are working The Johns Hopkins Health Plan to live up to the accomplishments of the past and the challenges of the future . bringing better medicine to more of the people of Baltimore. Look for the blue box and the hospitals and health plan locations commit- The commitment continues . ted to carrying on the Hopkins tradition. • • • • THE JOHNS HOPKINS HOSPITAL 600 North Wolfe Street 955-5000 / THE FRANCIS SCOTT KEY MEDICAL CENTER 4940 Eastern Avenue 550-0100 THE HOMEWOOD HOSPITAL CENTER • SOUTH—2724 North Charles Street • 338-2000 • NORTH—3100 Wyman Park Drive • 338-3000 THE JOHNS HOPKINS HEALTH PLAN • Over 40 Maryland Locations • 444-5400 FOR GOD AND COUNTRY WE ASSOCIATE OURSELVES TOGETHER FOR THE FOLLOWING PURPOSES THE AMERICAN LEGION 71st To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States ofAmerica; to National Convention maintain law and order; to foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism; to preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in the Great Wars; to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation; to combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses; to make right the master of might; to promote peace and good will on earth; to safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles ofjustice, freedom and SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION 18th national Convention democracy; to consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness. AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY 69th national Convention LA BOUTIQUE DES HUIT CHAPEAUX ET QUARANTE FEMMES 71st National Convention 68th Marche nationale September 1 thru 7, 1989 • Baltimore, Maryland 1 The American Legion 1989 Convention Program Baltimore, Maryland Contents Agenda, The American Legion 18 Military Project Officers 71 Annual Reports 76 Officers, National Convention Corporation of Maryland 45 Auxiliary Program 50 Parade Information 72 Board of Directors, National Convention Corporation of Maryland 45 Past National Commanders 42 Commission and Committee Patriotic Religious Service 41 Meetings 30 Regional Leadership Convention Commission 37 Seminars 29 Convention Committee Meetings 34 Registration, Information and Tickets 4 Convention Corporation Committee Chairmen 47 Reunions and Dinners 32 Delegation Hotels 26 S.A.L. Convention Program 64 Distinguished Guests 22 Standing Rules of Convention 38 Distinguished Service This Is The American Legion Book 49 Medal Recipients 43 Youth Leaders 69 8 et 40 Program 59 ABOUT THE COVER: The Inner clipper ship reproductions the Harbor is located only one block perfect atmosphere is set for that from the Baltimore Convention special moonlight sail. Cover Center where all the sessions will photo courtesy of Baltimore be held. With the 1 9th century Convention Bureau. 2 system. The American Legion led the Welcome to fight for adequate funding. We lead the fight to care for those veterans of Baltimore and Vietnam who suffer from the effects of Agent Orange and Post Traumatic The American Stress Disorder. Last Veterans Day, I held a news Legion’s 71st conference in Washington, D.C. to announce the results of a five-year Annual National study on Vietnam veterans. The American Legion-Columbia University Convention Study clearly illustrated a direct relationship between exposure to Agent Orange and a myriad of medical problems. As part of our effort to ^luring my year as your National publicize this information, The Commander I have witnessed a American Legion produced a 30- growing spirit throughout The minute film which was made available American Legion. That Spirit is the one to all Departments and the media. The that our successful film explored the results of the reports guided H.F. “Sparky” Gierke membership efforts. You can be and looked into the effects of combat justifiably proud of our reaching the 3- in Vietnam and its toll in human terms. million member mark. It was a lofty We did not limit our attention to the goal and our success permits us to veterans of Vietnam. The American continue to make The American Legion continues to work closely with In acceptance speech in Legion the largest and fastest growing my members of Congress and the Louisville, 1 told you my theme would veterans organization in the world. Department of Veterans Affairs to be “Proud to be an American.” My But the spirit you displayed these ensure adequate funding for veterans fellow Legionnaires, 1 am proud not past 12 months has not been limited to medical care. This is a battle which will only to be an American, but proud to membership growth. Throughout the remain as part of The American be a veteran and most of all proud to year I witnessed this spirit build and Legions agenda for all time. We will be a member of The American Legion. take shape. The American Legion not waiver from our responsibility to successes of this year have been You and your fellow Legionnaires see that all veterans receive the care varied. Some, like the elevation of the throughout the world helped make this and benefits they earned as a result of Veterans Administration to Cabinet the proudest year of my life. their service to the nations. level, were the culmination of years of Throughout my travels I have been The American Legion is stronger greeted by the finest citizens this great work. today than it was a year ago. I know nation of ours has to offer. tireless Others, like our positive protest of The with your hard work and dedication it work dedication of the Supreme Court decision on and the 3-million will become even stronger still. You burning our flag, the living symbol of members of The American Legion have demonstrated with determination does not all our freedoms, are just the beginning go unnoticed. and dedication that all things are of another fight for what we know is 1 often had the opportunity to speak possible. Our 3-million members are right. with people of other groups outside proof of that. Be we cannot let up. We are committed to press on, for as our organization. I told them about the Tomorrow we will face greater long as it takes, with our nationwide great programs of The American challenges. These will be challenges campaign for a constitutional Legion. 1 told them about our work which will try the very fabric of our amendment to protect our flag. Our with the children and youth of this ogranization. Together we will meet actions reflect the true spirit of our nation. I spoke of American Legion those challenges head-on. nation s flag, our freedom and Baseball, Boys State and Boys Nation, As we begin our 71st National democracy, and we will triumph if we the American Legion Child Welfare Convention here in Baltimore, the work together to STAND BY OCR Foundation and our countless other home of the Star Spangled Banner, FLAG. programs designed to help our young you can be proud to be an American, The American Legion is filled with people grow into strong, healthy, caring proud to be a veteran and proud to be the spirit of America and America adults. a Legionnaire. Pride comes from our deeply needs the patriotic example of We all know this has been a year of service to God and country and The American Legion. continuing assault on the VA medical nobody can take that away from us. 3 Where to Register and Obtain Information Registration and Information Booths will be operated in Baltimore for the convenience of conventioneers. Booths will be located in the — Baltimore Convention Center Stouffer Harborplace Hotel Booths will operate from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Friday, September 1 through Wednesday, September 6. The Registration Booths will operate for those persons who have not previously registered and wish to attend Convention Sessions. All persons (except those under age 12) are to be reminded that the official convention badge or other approved credentials are required to gain entry to the General Convention Sessions. Americans have always looked on the bright side. We’re born optimists. As long as things are going good we keep going good. We sometimes forget the 1970’s when our dependence on foreign oil lengthened the lines at gas stations. And increased reliance on foreign oil can result in decisions that do not truly reflect America’s best interests. As veterans who have shared responsibility for America’s security, you can appreciate that the greater this country’s dependence on foreign oil, the greater the risk of committing military resources in order to maintain access to that oil. It’s something to remember these days. „ ' Chevron ©1988 Chevron. U.S. A. As President and as Commander in Chief I am proud to extend my warmest greetings to the members of the American Legion gathered in Baltimore, Maryland, for your 71st National Convention. During the past seven decades, the American Legion has provided support and a voice for millions of individuals who have earned the title, "American Veteran." I am proud to be among your number. The men and women of the American Legion did not stop serving our country when they stopped wearing its uniform. That is why this wonderful organization is a source of pride and strength for the United States. The nearly 16,000 posts around the world that constitute the American Legion give clear testimony to what can be accomplished by individuals and groups who are dedicated to solving the problems currently facing our nation.