April/May 2016 - The American Legion

April/May, 2016
Volume XCIII
Cornhusker Boys State
Planning Study
Cornhusker Boys’ State – Your Feedback is Needed!
Cornhusker Boys’ State is conducting a comprehensive planning study to determine whether we could move forward with
a capital campaign. The potential campaign would seek to establish an endowment to assist the Boys’ State program. We
believe this endowment will further secure the future of Cornhusker Boys’ State, but before we make any decisions we want
to hear from as many of our supporters and friends as possible.
The study starts now and concludes the first week of May.
In addition to providing insight on the level of support for our
needs, it will also help us to identify prospective campaign leaders and establish a realistic campaign goal. Shortly after the
study concludes, we will make an informed decision regarding whether to move forward with a major fundraising effort.
How You Can Participate
The Steier Group, a development firm out of Omaha, is helping us conduct the study. Please go to www.steiergroup.com, select “Client Login” on the upper right corner of the landing page.
On the Cornhusker Boys’ State section, you can click on “View
Project Details” to read more about the proposed campaign. Then,
click on “Take the Survey” and enter the password “cornhusker”.
We look forward to hearing from you! If you have any
questions, please feel free to contact the Department of Nebraska American Legion headquarters at 402-464-6338.
Commander Calls for
U.S. Leadership, Strength
After Brussels Attacks
American Legion National Commander Dale Barnett extended
the sympathies of the nation’s largest veterans service organization to families of the victims of Tuesday’s bombings in Brussels, Belgium. He also called on the U.S. government to demonstrate firm leadership and military strength in the ongoing war
against terrorism in the aftermath of the apparent terrorist attacks
that claimed the lives of at least 26 and wounded another 130.
“The American Legion once again sends its heartfelt condolences to
the victims of another senseless terrorist attack,” Barnett said Tuesday after two explosions at the Brussels Airport and one at a subway
station rocked the Belgium capital city. “This is yet another painful
reminder that terrorists are very much engaged in a war against the
civilized world, whether we recognize it or not. This continues to happen far too regularly. The attack in Paris last November, followed by
shootings linked to Islamic extremism in California in December, and
now this, are clear and deadly messages from the enemies of freedom.
As leader of the free world,
the United States must
exert strong leadership
and eliminate the threats
from radical Islamists who
plot murder and violence
against innocent people.”
To effectively do that,
Barnett added, “America
cannot continue to shrink
military end strength and
restrict funding for the
Department of Defense on
the basis of a federal budget that’s gone awry. The
war on terrorism is a world
war, and America has risen
up from deeper economic
problems in the past to do
what’s right and, through
strength, succeed for the
greater good of the world.
In a time of war, and we are
in just such a time, America
cannot simply stand on the
sidelines and watch because
the budget won’t balance.”
Number 3
Nebraska Legion Family Helping
Homeless Veterans
What do you think of when
you hear the word homeless?
Do you think of veterans? If
not, then you should because
unfortunately the truth is
there are hundreds of homeless veterans living on the
streets every day in Omaha.
Men and women who wore
the uniform, fought proudly
for our Country, and now are
homeless and struggling to
survive. It doesn’t matter what
the situation was that got them
there, they need our help now.
Legionnaire Jim Costello
and myself, both from Martin-Graves American Legion
Post 339 in Bellevue, saw that
need and decided we had to
do something. In 2013, we approached other members of our
post about adopting the newly
opened “Victory Apartments”
and making it the post’s top
priority. Victory Apartments,
located at 825 Dorcus Street
in Omaha, was established to
provide affordable housing to
low income and homeless veterans looking for a chance to
get off the streets and start rebuilding their lives. Residents
of Victory Apartments maintain employment and are required to pay a portion of their
rent with the remainder either
subsidized by the Department of Veterans Affairs or
the Omaha Housing Authority.
When residents began moving into Victory Apartments
in 2013, about the only thing
they had were the clothes on
their backs. In order to provide
these veterans with the comforts of home, Jim and I hit
the pavement and were able
to obtain beds and gently used
furniture for more than 70 veterans. In addition to furniture,
these veterans needed assistance with food. Jim reached
out to the local Hy-Vee grocery store who agreed to donate gently damaged boxes
and cans of food on a weekly
basis to the vets at Victory
Apartments. I started a unique
monthly bingo event in which
food items are the prizes. Any
food item not given away as a
prize is put into a food pantry
to help the veterans throughout the month as needed.
Hy-Vee is not the only local business involved in helping out the vets at Victory
Apartments. DJ’s Dugout, a
local sports bar with five locations in the Omaha metro
area, sets up Christmas trees
with special ornaments every
year. On each ornament is a
gift idea for a needy veteran
at the apartments including
clothes, shoes, kitchen items,
gift cards and bus passes. Patrons are encouraged to pull an
ornament, buy the item and re-
dation, and we just received
word that the grant was approved for $6,680 so the project is now fully funded. Work
by the contractor is scheduled to begin April 25, 2016.
Members of Bellevue Post
339 have really put their
hearts into adopting the veter-
Residents of Victory Apartments prepare to cut the ribbon
dedicating a new pavilion and picnic area they built in 2015.
turn it to DJs Dugout who contacts us to deliver the gifts to
the residents. Because of the
generosity of DJs Dugout and
its patrons across Omaha, 475
Christmas gifts were collected
for the vets as part of the Secret Santa Program in 2015.
To provide the residents with
a place to gather, talk, and build
a sense of community with
each other at the apartments,
Legionnaire George Ziska
(also from Post 339), myself,
and four veterans from Victory Apartments, built a beautiful 12x12 covered pavilion
complete with a concrete pad
and walkway and commercial picnic table installed. The
money to build the pavilion
was generated by fundraisers
and donations collected from
local businesses, and it was
dedicated with a ribbon cutting ceremony in August 2015.
After the pavilion area was
built, it was decided that the
next outdoor space that needed to be overhauled was the
common/grill area to include
refurbishing the concrete patio, installing a sidewalk to
allow veterans with wheelchairs, scooters and walkers
access to the area, and purchasing and installing three
commercial picnic tables. The
total cost for this project was
estimated at $10,680. Despite
the somewhat steep price tag,
Jim and I worked hard to raise
the necessary funds. I am
happy to say that through our
fundraising efforts, we successfully raised $4,000. Also,
I recently drafted and submitted a grant proposal to the
Midlands Community Foun-
ans at Victory Apartments. They have built horseshoe
pits to provide the vets with
recreation opportunities, provided them with refurbished
bicycles so they can have access to transportation, and
hosted special events for them
such as barbeque nights, and
taking them to local baseball and hockey events to get
them out of their apartments.
I am proud of the things
Post 339 has accomplished
to help the veterans at Victory Apartments. What is even
more amazing to me is that
we have never had a club or
even a building of our own.
Over the years, we have met in
the local library, VFW Posts,
and now are using the South
Omaha Legion Post 331. Basically, we meet where ever
we can hang our Legion caps.
The fact that we are a small
post with no post home and
a long list of programs that
our dedicated and passionate
Legionnaires support shows
that we can get the job done!
Post 339 does not do this alone
– the support and generosity
of the American Legion Family and the local communities throughout the state of
Nebraska is amazing. They
continue to support our efforts with the vets at Victory
Apartments, and they are a
vital link to the success of the
projects we do. We at Bellevue
Post 339 are trying to make a
difference and help these veterans make a better life for
themselves, one day at a time.
By Don Kiviniemi
Post 339 Commander
Commander’s
Corner
Michael Reimers
Department Commander
Spring is just around the corner. March is just about over
and so are the District Conventions. I hope every convention
was a successful one. For the districts that held elections for
new officers, I hope that you, the new officers are successful
in your term of office in your district. Legionnaires, let’s give
these new commanders and vice commanders all the help you
can. The job of district commander is one of the most important positions in The American Legion. The commander
can’t do it alone; he or she needs your help to make your district a successful one. Also, the March Legion birthday parties look to be a success, with that being said we need to start
planning for our 100th Birthday Party. All I know is there
were lots of parties. Thank you for all the invites, hospitality
and fine food. To those posts that I could not attend, I wish I
could have attended, but if your post is having another function in the near future, I will do my best to be there for that one.
On February 20th, many members of Nebraska Legion Family
along with our counterparts from the other 54 departments, descended upon Washington D.C. It was time for the annual Washington Conference. It was a chance to get caught up on national issues pertaining to veterans and veterans benefits. Also, we had an
opportunity to visit with our senators and representatives on these
issues. And National Commander Dale Barnet, testified before
Congress on these issues and our concerns about them. He and
his staff were well prepared and gave an outstanding presentation.
As everyone knows the CPR is our report card to Congress.
The American Legion is an organization chartered by Congress
and we need to show them every year what we have done to
deserve this charter. Every one of us needs to report to your
adjutant or post commander your Legion activities. In looking over last year’s reports there are a lot of blank spaces that
could be filled in to show what we really do. Remember every
Veteran related activity can be reported on the PCR. Post Adjutants and post leaders these reports are due at the Department
Headquarters no later than June 1 of each year.This means every post, from the smallest to the largest, EVERY post. Don’t
be the adjutant we have to call to get this information, please.
National Commander Dale’s program is National Emergency
Fund (NEF). Please make an effort to make a donation to this one
or the Legion charity of your choice; Operation Comfort Warrior,
Child Welfare Foundation, Legacy Scholarship Fund, Legion
Endowment Fund, which funds VA & R programs and Children
& Youth programs such as TFA and the newest charity Soldier’s
Wish. The important thing to remember is that there are NO ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS to any of these charities unlike some
other charities. So remember that every dollar helps the cause.
MEMBERSHIP: Nebraska did not win the Big 12 Competition for its membership category. But no one else in our category
won either. We pledged a goal of 92.1% by the March cutoff date.
We need 2,842 members to make our State goal of 100%, 4028
members to make our National goal of 100%. So, Nebraska Legionnaires we need to start pounding the pavement and knocking on doors to get us to the 100% mark. When you knock on
those doors, you aren’t doing it for National Commander Dale
Barnet or for me as Department Commander; you are doing it
for yourself so you can share with your fellow veteran what the
American Legion does for all active military and veterans. When
the Nebraska delegation rolls into Cincinnati in August we need
to be a 100% Department. It can be done. Ask all veterans you
know, young and old, if they would like to be a member of the
world’s largest wartime veteran’s organization. Explain what the
Legion is and does for our country. Tell them about the benefits
they receive for being a Legionnaire. But, most of all, sign them
up. There are a lot of Posts in the state that need between 1 and
5 members to reach their goal. That’s just a few calls or doors to
be knocked on, if we all work together we can reach our goal.
Remember, all you have to do is “Just Ask” and they will join.
Don’t forget to sign up all of the members that you had last year.
The Four F’s; Family, Future, Freedom, Faith”
Department Commander
Mike Reimers
Page 2-The Nebraska Legionnaire-April/May, 2016
HAPPENINGS
Activities From
Around the State
Join us for a fund
raising event
for
Danny Smith’s National
Commander Campaign
Sunday, April 24th
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Biscuits & gravy- sausage
patty- scrambled eggs
Winside Legion Post Home
Roy Reed Squadron 252
Sons of The American Legion
Come visit with Danny Smith
Candidate for National
SAL Commander
Breakfast freewill donations
Priced bake sale items
provided by
Roy Reed Unit 252
American Legion Auxiliary
NEBRASKA AMERICAN LEGION
Department Headquarters Office
Physical Location:
5600 P Street, Lincoln, NE 68505
Phone Numbers:
Adjutant & Staff - (402) 464-6338
FAX - (402) 464-6330,
24-hour access
Business Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Central), Mon-Fri
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5205, Lincoln, NE 68505-0205
Web site:
http://www.nebraskalegion.net
E-Mail Address:
dwsalak@windstream.net
Editor
comdirlegion@windstream.net
Commander . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael G. Reimers, Aurora
Senior Vice Commander. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beth Linn, Scottsbluff
Area A Vice Commander . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rex Sears, Decatur
Area B Vice Commander . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shannon Falk, Norfolk
Area C Vice Commander . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lyle Bartels, Tobias
Area D Vice Commander. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Richard Colson, Paxton
Adjutant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dave Salak, Omaha
Activities Director. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brent Hagel-Pitt, Lincoln
Public Relations Officer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John E. Thompson, Lincoln
Chaplain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Willian Jackson Jr,, Lincoln
Historian. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jennifer Salak, Omaha
Judge Advocate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ronald J. Albin, Norfolk
Finance Officer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Novak, Dawson
Sergeant-At-Arms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rich Lemmerman, Marquette
Asst. Sergeant-At-Arms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roy Vap, Red Cloud
Service Officer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Steven A. Burger, Lincoln
National Executive Committeeman . . . . . . . . . . . . Jerry Landkamer, Norfolk
Alternate NECman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bill Crosier, Kearney
District Commanders
Dist. 1.............Terry Cogdill, Chadron
Dist. 2................Doug Frahm, Amelia
Dist. 3.............Ken Hanel, West Point
Dist. 4.................Jack Bruns, Sidney
Dist. 5...Michael Heinemann, Wallace
Dist. 6.........William Berney, Spalding
Dist. 7...............Joe Osthoff, Weston
Dist. 8................Bob Sadil, Omaha
Dist. 9............Dick Bennett, Elwood
Dist. 10.......Richard Binder, Minden
Dist. 11...........Gary Wooten, Wilber
Dist. 12.Norm Vanderkuur, Talmage
Dist. 13....Rick Gyhra, Pawnee City
Dist. 15...........Ed Schnabel, Lincoln
The Cornhusker State
American Legion members:
Free
Mesothelioma Guide
I came across The American
Legion Department of Nebraska while looking for organizations to reach out to about
mesothelioma and asbestos
awareness. The department’s
extensive history of working to
provide for veterans is incredible. Your department provides
these valuable tools for veterans not only in Nebraska, but
veterans in need all over the
United States seeking the information you are delivering.
I contacted you because I’m
part of the Community Outreach team at Mesothelioma
Guide. One third of all mesothelioma patients are veterans,
and approximately 6,000 veterans afflicted with this asbestoscaused cancer died between
1999 and 2005 alone. The reason this cancer targets so many
veterans is because of the
prevalence of asbestos use in
the military in the past. Part of
our mission is to spread awareness to veterans and their families. Our website offers free veteran specific resources and support for patients and families.
Please Contact;
Chloe Ryniewicz Community
Outreach
Mesothelioma Guide:
1-888-385-2024
or
http://www.MesotheliomaGuide.com
(USPS 376-180)
(ISSN 0028-1875)
Official Publication of The American Legion Department of Nebraska.
Published monthly except for January/February; April/ May; July/August and October/November which are combined into one issue.
Subscription included in annual membership dues.
For non-members $8.00 for a years subscription.
John E. Thompson..........................................................Editor
Dave Salak....................................Publisher’s Representative
PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE: L. Geraldine Thomas, Omaha; Paul A. Evans, Bayard and Julie
Schnitzler, Gibbon.
EDITORIAL OFFICE: Editor, The Nebraska Legionnaire, 5600 P St., P.O. Box 5205, Lincoln,
NE 68505. Phone (402) 464-6338. Send correspondence, articles and photo submissions to
above address prior to monthly submission deadline. The Nebraska Legionnaire assumes no
responsibility for material submitted.
ADVERTISING: Rates available upon request to Editorial Office. The Nebraska Legionnaire
reserves the right to refuse any advertisement. Advertising published on behalf of an individual or
organization does not constitute endorsement or reflect the policy of the Nebraska American Legion.
NON-MEMBER SUBSCRIPTION: $8.00 per year, payable in advance. Send change of address
and subscription order to Editorial Office.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Members send old mailing label and complete new address to: The
American Legion, Department of Nebraska, P.O. Box 5205, Lincoln, NE 68505-0205. Nebraska’s
mailing labels are now produced internally, and are maintained on a separate list from the labels
for the National Magazine. Address changes should be reflected within 2-3 weeks after receipt.
Periodical Postage Paid at Lincoln, Nebraska and at additional mailing offices.
Postmaster: Send Form 3579 to P.O. Box 5205, Lincoln, NE 68505-0205
During The American Legion World Series in Shelby, SC
the annual All-Academic Team was announced. The team
is sponsored by Diamond Sports, a leading manufacturer
in baseball merchandise and the official baseball used
during Legion national tournaments. Each of the six players on the team receives a $2,500 scholarship. Dave Smith,
Omaha Post 1 presented Craig Petrich his national award.
6
197
It’s History
E
By Department Historian Jennifer Salak
Straight
Talk
Steve Burger
Department Service Officer
VA Announces Additional Steps to Reduce
Veteran Suicide
Last month I had the pleasure of speaking at the District 6 Convention in Boelus about
the Centennial Celebration and the web pages created for Nebraska posts (http://centennial.
legion.org/histories/nebraska). I wanted the Centennial to have meaning for them so I decided to research District 6’s history and weave the information into my remarks. What I
found was not only interesting, but a testament to the importance of preserving and celebrating posts’ histories across Nebraska as we near the 100th birthday of The American Legion.
As the National Organization was getting off the ground, the American Legion in Nebraska was also just getting started. Veterans from 18 counties across the state gathered in
Lincoln in May 1919 to lay the foundation for the state organization. Out of the 18 counties represented, 3 were from what is now the District 6 area (Buffalo, Hall and Nance).
After the Department became officially chartered, posts across the state started applying for their
charters. Out of 44 posts in District 6, 19 were chartered in 1919, the same year that The American
Legion became a National Organization. Nine posts were chartered the following year in 1920. That
means over half of all the posts in District 6 have been around as long as the national organization.
What I also found interesting was that in 1920, Department Commander Earl Cline put
W.P. Bemis (a member of the Cigar Makers Union in Grand Island and the first post commander of Grand Island Post 53, a District 6 post) in charge of a new committee to start a
Women’s Auxiliary in Nebraska. Before the year’s end, there were 33 auxiliary units and 800
members. Another important figure from District 6 was Edward McDermott, Kearney Post
52’s first commander, who was elected as the state’s first National Executive Committeeman.
The posts in District 6 (as well as many other posts across the state) played an extremely important role in getting this organization started. Reading about this information in Frank O’Connell’s
book “History of the Nebraska American Legion” made me want to learn even more about what
District 6 posts have been accomplishing over the past 100 years. I did a basic Google search
on numerous District 6 posts (as well as posts from other districts around the state). Other than
the occasional obituary of a post member who passed away or a memorial service performed
by a post Honor Guard on Veteran’s Day, I didn’t find very much information. This was very
disheartening for me – I know that posts across the state have done, and are doing, great things.
We need to let others, including potential new members, know about how our Legion posts
have been involved in the community for almost a century – we can do this by using the Centennial website. I wrote about the website in last month’s Legionnaire so if you would like to take
ownership of your post’s Centennial page, please contact me at salak17@yahoo.com or Amanda
Washburn (Department Administrative Assistant) at (afwashburn@windstream.net). We will
send you the login information for your post along with a step-by-step User’s Guide to help you
get started. A good example of a post Centennial page is Papillion Post 32’s page (http://centennial.legion.org/nebraska/post32). Thank you Commander Bendon for doing such a great job!
In addition to using the Centennial website, I would like to start featuring a different post every month
in this Historian’s column. If you are interested in having your post featured in this column, please
contact me and we can work together to develop the story of your post’s history for other readers to enjoy.
After I spoke at the District 6 convention, a Legionnaire approached me and told me that a member
of his post (in Nance County) had attended the Legion’s Paris Caucus in 1919. Soldiers weary from
battle in World War I did whatever they could to make it to the Paris Caucus because they believed
in forming a veterans organization that would help those in need including other veterans and their
communities. Let’s not let their story, the Nance County Legionnaire’s story, or your post’s story fade
away with time. Let’s tell it and celebrate it as we start the next 100 years of The American Legion!
Don Nelsen
POW IS INSPIRATION TO OTHERS
The American POW/MIA
flag is a flag designed as a
symbol of citizen concern
about United States military
personnel taken as prisoners
of war (POWS) or listed as
missing in actin (MIA). In this
article we will be using information from the US Department of Veterans Affairs, information through the internet
and also personal experiences.
Having been in the military, we all know how various things just happen and
there is no reasoning. You
may have been in Pearl Harbor on R&R and end up at a
former high school friend’s
apartment along with five
others also from the military
(Navy, Army, or Marines) all
from your own high school.
Maybe not so surprising if
you are from a bigger city, but
when you are from a small
town of 3,000 people, WOW!
It was in the
early to middle
1980’s
right
around the time
we were having
bank
closings
in our area, and
the world looked
pretty bleak. We
had chartered a
Vietnam Veterans
of America Chapter (Chapter 84),
and around one
hundred Vietnam era Veterans
were members. We could talk
about our various military experiences with our own, who
understood, and as is normal
each branch of the military
teased and made fun of the
others, always in good taste.
It was during this time that
our Veterans Service Officer John
somehow
contacted a Wyoming
POW to come visit and talk to us.
Theodore
W.
Gostas (Ted) was
captured by the
North Vietnam
Army during the
TET Offensive on
February 1, 1968.
Ted was working
with the 135th Military Intelligence Battalion Provisional
as a captain in the US Army.
Ted spent four and a half
years in solitary confinement
Because even one suicide is one too many
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced
new steps it is taking to reduce Veteran suicide. The steps
follow a February 2 Summit, “Preventing Veteran Suicide-A Call to Action,” that brought together stakeholders and thought leaders to discuss current research, approaches and best practices to address this important subject.
“We know that every day, approximately 22 Veterans take
their lives and that is too many,” said VA Under Secretary for
Health, Dr. David Shulkin. “We take this issue seriously. While
no one knows the subject of Veteran suicide better than VA, we
also realize that caring for our Veterans is a shared responsibility. We all have an obligation to help Veterans suffering from
the invisible wounds of military service that lead them to think
suicide is their only option. We must and will do more, and this
Summit, coupled with recent announcements about improvements to enhance and accelerate progress at the Veterans Crisis Line, shows that our work and commitment must continue.”
Several changes and initiatives are being announced that
strengthen VA’s approach to Suicide Prevention. They include:
•Elevating VA’s Suicide Prevention Program with additional resources to manage and strengthen current programs and initiatives;
•Meeting urgent mental health needs by providing Veterans
with the goal of same-day evaluations and access by the end of
calendar year 2016;
•Establishing a new standard of care by using measures of
Veteran-reported symptoms to tailor mental health treatments to
individual needs;
•Launching a new study, “Coming Home from Afghanistan
and Iraq,” to look at the impact of deployment and combat as it
relates to suicide, mental health and well-being;
•Using predictive modeling to guide early interventions for
suicide prevention;
•Using data on suicide attempts and overdoses for surveillance
to guide strategies to prevent suicide;
•Increasing the availability of naloxone rescue kits throughout
VA to prevent deaths from opioid overdoses;
•Enhancing Veteran Mental Health access by establishing three
regional tele-mental health hubs; and
•Continuing to partner with the Department of Defense on suicide prevention and other efforts for a seamless transition from
military service to civilian life.
For information about VA initiatives to prevent Veteran suicide, visit www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/.
If Legionnaires have questions they can contact their
Post Service Officer or my office at 402-420-4021
Steve Burger
State Service Officer
and was a POW for five years, Ted was only in our area for a
five months, and fifteen days. couple of days but made a difThere will be other articles in- ference in our lives. Most of
cluding Ted, but the main im- us still have his art work with
pact of this is this man came certificates of authenticity.
to our small community. He
It is and always will be Vettalked with us about being a erans helping Veterans. In this
veteran of the military, being case a POW hero who may
a POW and because of this I not even remember attending
believe he helped heal many. that meeting for Chapter 84 in
He was taking donations our small town, but he made
for his art work but if you had a difference. Because of him,
no money he just donated one some of us are better people.
or two of his pieces to you. It Thank you Ted Gostas.
was by his actions and deeds
that we pretty much, or partly,
stopped feeling sorry about
ourselves and reached down,
laced our boots up tight,
placed that military look on
our faces; “you all better get
out of the way or get run over”,
and charged back in the world.
Page 3-The Nebraska Legionnaire-April/May, 2016
VA to Commemorate 50th
Anniversary of the
Vietnam War
Exemplifies a MyVA priority to Improve the Veteran
Experience While Thanking Vietnam Veterans and
Their Families.
W A S H I N G T O N million living today, served
– The Department of Vet- during that period, and the
erans Affairs (VA) today Commemoration makes no
announced it will conduct distinction between Veterans
hundreds of events in VA fa- who served in-country, incilities across the nation on theater, or were stationed elseMar. 29 to recognize, honor where during those 20 years.
and thank U.S. Vietnam Vet- All answered the call of duty.
“This Commemoration has
erans and their families for
their service and sacrifices special significance for those
as part of the national Viet- of us at VA because of our
nam War Commemoration. honored mission to serve those
VA Secretary Robert Mc- who have “borne the battle,”
Donald will host a wreath-lay- said McDonald. “It’s also an
ing ceremony at the Vietnam opportunity to remember our
Veterans Memorial – “The VA colleagues who served in
Wall” to initiate VA’s contri- this generation of Veterans, to
bution to the Commemora- extend our heartfelt appreciation. He will be joined by De- tion to them and to their famifense Secretary Ashton Carter. lies who shared the burden
“We are proud to partner with of their loved one’s service.”
More than 329 VA medical
the Department of Defense
in this endeavor. Secretary centers, regional benefit officCarter’s Vietnam War Com- es and national cemeteries will
memoration staff has greatly host events, many in partnerassisted us in planning this ship with local Veteran service
humble tribute to our Vietnam organizations and volunteers.
By presidential proclaVeterans and their families.”
VA, along with more than mation issued on May 25,
9,000 organizations across 2012, the Commemoration
the country, has joined with extends from its inaugural
the Department of Defense event on Memorial Day 2012
as a Commemorative Partner through Veterans Day 2025.
Commemorative Partners
to help Americans honor our
nation’s Vietnam Veterans. – local, state and national orAuthorized by Congress, ganizations, businesses, corestablished under the Secre- porations and governmental
tary of Defense, and launched agencies – have committed to
by the President in May 2012, publicly thank and honor Vietthe Vietnam War Commemo- nam Veterans and their famiration recognizes all men and lies on behalf of the nation and
women who served on active have pledged to host a miniduty in the U.S. Armed Forc- mum of two events annually.
es from November 1, 1955 to To learn more about the VietMay 15, 1975. Nine million nam War Commemoration, go
Americans, approximately 7 to: www.vietnamwar50th.com
Legion to
Geraldine Thomas
Congress:
Endorsed for Area A Vice Commander
VA Must Develop
Post 1 and District 8 have
Patient-Centered endorsed Geri Thomas for
A Vice Commander
Care Strategies Area
An 18 year paid up for life
By Andrea C. Dickerson
Mar 24, 2016
During a recent congressional hearing, The American
Legion presented written and
oral testimony regarding pending legislation on Department
of Veterans Affairs (VA) oversights, access to health care,
and the structure of claims
and appeals management.
“Even in the best of circumstances, there are situations
where the system cannot keep
up with the health-care needs
of the growing veteran population requiring VA services,
and veterans must seek care
in the community,” the Legion
stated in its written testimony.
“Rather than treating this situation as an afterthought – an
add-on to the existing system
– the Department of Veterans
Affairs must develop a welldefined and consistent non-VA
care coordination program,
policy and procedure to include a patient-centered care
strategy which takes veterans’
unique medical injuries and
illnesses as well as their travel
and distance into account.”
Lou Celli, director of the
Legion’s Veterans Affairs &
Rehabilitation Division, presented the Legion's views regarding Sen. Richard Burr’s
Veterans Choice Improvement Act of 2016 and Sen.
John Tester’s Improving Veterans Access to Care in the
Community Act while testifying before the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
The Legion’s written testimony also focused on rec(Care Strategies Cont. right)
VA Identifies Additional Beneficiaries
in Need of
Fiduciary Assistance
New Technologies Aid VA
in Identifying 14,000 Beneficiaries Delayed for Fiduciary Appointments Due to
Claims Processing Errors
WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs
(VA) announced today that an
information technology system that it deployed in 2014
and enhanced in 2015, the
Beneficiary Fiduciary Field
System, allowed it to identify
claim processing errors affecting approximately 14,000
Veterans and survivors. These
Veterans’ and
survivors’
claims were initially filed over
many years, with some going
back as far as 2000. The errors concern cases in which
VA had proposed that due to
disability or age the beneficiary was unable to manage his or
her VA benefits without assistance, but did not complete the
action by transferring it within
VA for appointment of a fiduciary. These cases represent
approximately four percent
of such proposals since 2000.
VA’s Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) became
aware of a potential problem
when it received inquiries
about delayed fiduciary appointments from affected beneficiaries or their families. A
system-wide review by VBA
using the new technology
found claim processing errors
that had occurred at each of its
Page 4-The Nebraska Legionnaire-April/May, 2016
regional offices and pension
management centers across
the country. In these cases,
one or more of the procedures
for controlling and transferring the workload were not
followed, resulting in the fiduciary appointment delays.
“We sincerely apologize to
these Veterans and their survivors for this regrettable delay,” said VA Deputy Secretary
Sloan D. Gibson. “We are taking immediate action to complete these cases, initiate the
fiduciary appointment process,
and ensure that these errors do
not happen again. We must
also continue to transform the
claim process for beneficiaries
needing fiduciary assistance
and properly resource our fi(Fiduciary Assistance Cont. pg 5)
member of Post 1 Geri earned
her eligibility for The American
Legion by serving in the Army.
Geri has held numerous positions
at post level, at the district has been
the vice commander and district
commander. Was appointed to publications and public relations committee and is also a member of ALA. my husband and I spent a couple of days in December helping with poppy distribution every year,
Last year I helped the ALA at Vets hospital assisting with gift selection wrapping and delivering gifts to confined veterans. Joined forces with post 331 SAL to raise money to purchase
over 100 Josh Dogs and delivered them to Children’s Hospital. We make monthly group visits to Vets home and Vets
Hospital. Rode on 2 missions with Legion Riders, escorted
National Commander to Pilger for flag pole dedication and escorted "Remember The Fallen" display from Omaha to Wausa.
Post 1 and District 8 are proud to ask for your support for Geri Thomas for Area A Vice Commander.
(Care Strategies Cont.)
ommended improvements to
both bills, placing emphasis
on eligibility, network structure, prompt payment requirements, and emergency and
urgent care reimbursement.
The American Legion commends Sens. Burr and Tester
for sponsoring legislation to
fix the Choice program and
codify the new VCP. Both bills
address deficiencies in current laws, as well as provide a
comprehensive framework and
foundation for consolidating
the purchase of care in the community in those circumstances
where it is not readily available
from VA through contracts or
existing sharing agreements.
There is a great degree
of overlap and a lot to like
in these bills, and the Legion looks forward to a final
compromise bill which incorporates the best of both.
“The bills presented today
underscore the commitment
and dedication that this committee has shown to ensuring
that veterans receive the care
and attention they’ve earned,”
Celli said. “The American Legion is proud to be working
closely with Congress, as well
as the Department of Veterans
Affairs, to streamline many of
the services that haven’t been
updated in close to 50 years.”
Celli emphasized the importance of ensuring veterans have
access to appropriate, timely,
high-quality health care. VA
needs to overhaul its outside
care reimbursement programs,
consolidating them into a
more efficient system able
to dynamically interact with
the network of federal, public and private providers that
are to supplement VA direct
provided care, Celli testified.
During the past two weeks,
the Legion has furthered efforts to make improvements
and advancements for veterans as they seek access
to high quality health care,
identifying the necessary improvements that need to be
made in regards to veterans
disability claims and appeals.
Celli noted recent work
the Legion accomplished after spending three days at the
Board of Veterans Appeals
proposing suggestions to
streamline the appeals process.
“A good portion of the initial time was spent developing trust – not only from the
(veterans service organization)
and advocate’s stand point,
but also from the VA’s,” Celli
said. “While we didn’t cure the
ills of the world in three days,
what we were able to accomplish was everyone’s ability to
get it all out on the table and
deal with what was there.”
“By the end of the threeday session, the group was
able to agree on a path to
move forward, a basic framework for what an improved
program might look like, and
a fundamental understanding
that there is no better opportunity for positive change to
take place for the betterment
of veterans in the claims and
appeals process than now.”
In closing, Celli pledged
the Legion’s commitment to
working with Congress and VA
to improve the programs that
support the nation’s veterans.
“It’s an exciting time right
now as we all work together
to improve the programs that
serve and support our veterans,” he said. “The House
Committee on Veterans’ Affairs has pledged their support for change. The veteran
service organizations have
committed to working with
Congress and VA to improve
our programs. VA has committed to Congress and the VSOs
to work comprehensively together to design and support
change, and the president of
the United States has charged
us all with making it happen.”
Children and Youth
Here it is March already, we had our Midyear Conference in Nebraska City and made plans for the new year for the Children and
Youth program. The committee gave out little red piggy banks to
be taken home to be filled and brought back to Department Convention in Kearney in June for the Child Welfare Foundation.
The three main focuses and Primary areas of concern of the
American Legion are:
* Child Health
* Child Safety
* Family Support
We have two new members on the Children and Youth
Committee, they are Bill Nelson from Valentine and Dick
Bennet from Elwood. April is Children and Youth month,
there is still time to plan a special project at your post.
Valparaiso will be hosting a Children and Youth Fun day on
April 30th from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. We will have numerous activities for our community children and as well military children. If you would like to attend, you are more than welcome. If
you would like some information on how to host your own Fun
day at your post just give me a call, I would be glad to help you.
I will be attending the Spring Meetings in Indianapolis in May, at this time I will be getting updates on our new
programs and our new partners for Children and Youth.
The Committee and I would like to thank all of you for your
support of the Nebraska Children and Youth Program, without your support we would not have the success that we have.
If you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to give
me a call at 402-326-0463 or email me at donfarms@aol.com.
Department Children and Youth Chairman,
Don Suchy
Events Calendar
April-Children and Youth Month
2 District 1 Convention, Chadron Post 12
13 Membership Target Day (95%)
15-17 Annual National Oratorical Contest-Indy
May
2-5 Spring Meetings, Indianapolis, IN
8 Mothers Day
11 Membership Target Day (100%)
15 Peace Officers Memorial Day
21 Armed Forces Day
22 Maritime Day
30 Memorial Day
(Fiduciary Assistance Cont. )
duciary program to ensure
that beneficiaries have the
help they need to effectively
use the benefits they earned.”
VBA has set up a dedicated
team to immediately review
the cases, notify beneficiaries,
complete the claim processing steps, and appoint a fiduciary as quickly as possible.
Because the law requires
VA to check the qualifications of the fiduciaries it appoints, including conducting
a face-to-face interview, VA
anticipates that it may take as
much as six months or more
to complete the fiduciary appointment process for these
beneficiaries. However, the
beneficiaries will continue
to receive their monthly benefits as VA works to appoint
a fiduciary to assist them.
Additionally, VBA has already modified its systems to
better track this workload and
plans to remove manual transfer processes that are prone to
error through enhancements
to its automated claims processing system, the Veterans
Benefits Management System.
For more information, Veterans
can contact (1-888-407-0144).
Additional Information on
VA’s Fiduciary Program:
The VA fiduciary program
provides oversight of beneficiaries who, due to injury, disease, or the infirmities of age,
are unable to manage their VA
benefits. VA’s role is to conduct oversight of beneficiaries
to ensure their well-being, and
oversee the fiduciaries it appoints to assist beneficiaries
with the management of their
VA benefits. In 2015, VA
protected more than 224,000
beneficiaries, who received
over $3 billion in VA benefits.
Beneficiaries in the fiduciary
program include Veterans, surviving spouses, dependent parents, adult children, and minor
children. The number of beneficiaries served by the program
has grown by 50 percent since
2011 and VA projects continued growth as it increases its
benefit claims production (1.4
million claims in 2015) and the
beneficiary population ages.
Medicare Supplement
It’s no secret that while it gives basic protection against health
care costs, Medicare won't cover all your medical expenses. To
help cover some of the items that Medicare does not cover, many
members, just like you, have chosen the group Medicare Supplement Plan endorsed by your Department of The American Legion.
Other great reasons for choosing the Legionnaire Insurance
Trust plans:
• Legionnaire Insurance Trust regularly monitors the program. • The excellent value the plans provide for the price—the group
Medicare Supplement plans have a competitive group rate (these
plans are not available to the general public).
• The convenience and exceptional service whenever you need
it—whether you’re preparing to enroll, have questions about
your benefits, and especially when it comes to efficient claims
payment with no hassles—get answers to your questions over
the phone or online.
Where can you get more information on selecting a Medicare Supplement plan? You will receive prompt, personal and
responsive service from courteous customer service representatives ready to answer your questions.
Call1-800-247-1771
(Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST)
Or visit our website
http://www.thelit.com/medicare-supplement
Underwritten by: Transamerica Life Insurance Company, Cedar Rapids, IA and Transamerica Financial Life Insurance Company, Harrison, NY (for New York Residents only)
Limitations and exclusions apply. Please see your certificate
for details.
June
5-11 Cornhusker Boys State
13-17 Junior Law Cadet (Female)
14 Flag Day
19 Fathers Day
20-24 Junior Law Cadet (Male)
23 Department Dec Meeting
24-26 Department Convention-Kearney
July
4 Independence Day
19-13 Junior Shooting Sports Championships-
Colorado Springs, CO
24-30 Boys and Girls Nation, Washington, D.C.
28-30 National Membership Meeting, Indy
Special Note:For information pertaining to
American Legion Baseball go to:
www.nelegionbaseball.net
Page 5-The Nebraska Legionnaire-April/May, 2016
Chaplain’s
Corner
Dr. William Jackson
Department Chaplain
Real Climate Change
Talking about the weather sort of takes me back to a time
when I really was not sure what weather was. Oh, sure. I knew
about rain and snow and winds and temperatures going up and
down with no seeming rationale to them. But, as we all do, or
have done at some time or another, we simply go about our daily
haunts as if nothing different has been going on. Besides, talking about the weather never hurt no body, has it? Of course not.
Who’s in Control? But what about climate change that
regularly affects us, day in and day out? I mean the kind of climate change that speaks of itself as some sort of...tradition...
that no one has to challenge, defend, be afraid of, or in any
way need to be a “Jack-or-Jill-of-all-trades” for information
and procedural directions. In other words, let someone else be
the “big cheese” when it comes to making worthwhile decisions regarding you and your family’s welfare and sufferance.
Climate change now becomes personal, because that person
you’ve put on a pedestal is telling you—and yours—not only
what the weather is, as if you can’t see it for yourself, but how
you and yours should think and feel about that same weather
occurrence. Now, doesn’t it seem kind of funny, what with your
wonderful knowledge and experience from serving in America’s
armed forces, and of actually setting foot on a number of
foreign terrains across this great globe we call Earth, that you
must “kowtow” to the capricious (i.e., fickle behavior) whims of
another human being, or group of self-appointed experts, in order that you know what is real? You can find some corroboration
on this theme from Apostle Paul’s comments in Ephesians 4:14.
Naw, you wouldn’t do that, you say, and yet, just look
around at the goings-on in this once great land of ours, once
touted as the “home of the free,” and “land of the brave,” or
some such doggerel, that it’s a wonder any of us still remember.
It’s there in our “Star Spangled Banner” we call our national
anthem. Some say the climate of America is better heralded
with “America the Beautiful,” or “My Country ‘Tis of Thee.”
Change in the wind, So why has the climate, the very democratic atmosphere that lead all of us within the reading of this
article, now appear...dull...lackluster...with barely any alabaster shine? Did we serve as American soldiers, sailors, airmen,
marines, coastguardsmen, and merchant-mariners for the look
of a woman or man in uniform? Or how about travel, different people, and yes, the horror of battle when you were afraid
to admit what many of us felt staring at death’s door? We did
what we did, whether through the stink of battles hard to forget,
the drudgery of rear echelon support duties, or leave all to short
for a return to duty. And now we’re Legionnaires, espousing to
continue serving our country at the community level. Yet, out
comprehension of climate change called for steady weather,
with little chance of disturbing and contrary influences, as we
stayed the course. In short, we served because we knew that
democracy needs to be stood up for, and believed, and lived.
By now you probably realize that the climate issue revealed
here refers to what our American socio-culture believes about its
democracy, and how Americans live out their democratic beliefs
through their socioeconomic awareness of their capitalist system of economy, education, income, and opportunity. By all accounts, I’d say that our American dream is facing a living terror
in the running with “Nightmare on Elm Street.” I don’t know
about you, but I do get scared of scary situations. Does America of this 21st century scare you? If not, why not? Do you believe our great nation is heading for a fall for not heading God’s
Forecasting of bad weather ahead for us because we’re not
taking things seriously enough to get our “ship of state” back
on course? In other words, whom do we serve: God, or mammon (i.e., the world of men). Read in Scripture what our Lord
and Savior said about that in Mark 12:17 and Matthew 6;24.
It’s time we returned to our own weather vane, like we used
to do before our wonderfully modern technology, and the “politically correct” crowd, took over our right of choice, and make
decisions for ourselves, and our families, based upon the truth
of God’s Word. We do not presume to think for God, but we
do take into account His Way of Living—holiness—requiring
us to live apart from mammon’s demands for our blind loyalty.
We’re not better—or worse—than anyone else. We’re simply
sinners saved by His Grace (i.e., Romans 1:5 and Ephesians
2: 8, 9). Let’s take charge of our lives as American countrymen and countrywomen, former armed forces people, and now,
just, plain veteran citizens with families, to steer our beloved
nation back on its course to real freedom and justice for all.
Dr. William Jackson
Department Chaplain
Page 6-The Nebraska Legionnaire-April/May, 2016
CDL Waivers
Available for
Military Service
Members
The State of Nebraska is helping military and veteran drivers get employed doing what
they do best - driving commercial vehicles - by recognizing
their military driving experience to obtain their Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
Military service members and
veterans who are currently licensed and who are or were
employed within the past year
(12 months) in a military position requiring the operation
of a military vehicle equivalent to a Commercial Motor
Vehicle (CMV) are eligible
to waive the CDL skills test
(driving, vehicle inspection,
control). This allows a qualified service member to apply for a
CDL without skills testing,
however, the written exam must
still be completed. There is no
fee to take the written exam.
The Military Waiver can be
found at www.dmv.nebraska.
gov under Forms on the home
page. The CDL written tests
can be taken at any state Department of Motor Vehicles
office that offers testing.
Study materials for the written tests are in the Nebraska
CDL Driver's Manual. Copies
of the manual are available in
DMV Offices around the state
and are online under Driver's
Manuals. Office locations and
hours can also be found online.
The CDL license waiver is
a federal program and is not
limited to Nebraska military
and veterans. However, unlike some other states, written testing is free in Nebraska.
Please encourage military and
veterans currently residing
out-of-state to relocate to Nebraska to start their next career.
If you have any questions
contact:
CDL Program
Manager,
Matt Coatney, 402-471-1472
Small business
access to capital
The legacy of the original
GI Bill is remarkable. But as
times change, GI Bill benefits
need to evolve. Access to education is no longer the issue
it was in the 1940s and '50s.
Today, access to start-up business capital for veteran entrepreneurs is an unmet need
for veterans, who may lack
equity or collateral but not the
capability to succeed in business upon exiting the service.
WHAT CAN CONGRESS
DO?
•Support and pass legislation that would expand availability of GI Bill benefits to
help veterans with access
to small-business capital.
S.A.L.
Notes
Keith Kearns
Detachment Commander
We have had an unbelievably nice winter so far and with
the nice weather, our thoughts should be turning towards
things growing. That includes membership with The American Legion Family. The District Conventions are pretty much
all complete and I hope that many of you were able to attend
your local convention. SAL Detachment officers attended each
and brought greetings and information about the Sons. Danny
Smith, Alternate National Executive Committeeman and Candidate for Sons of The American Legion National Commander
attended as many of them as was possible to fit into his busy
schedule. By now we are starting to focus on the home stretch
with the Legion year, Boys and Girls State, Jr Law Cadet,
High School graduations will all be coming up fast. These are
all great opportunities for our Squadrons to be involved with
projects and events in our Communities. These are chances
for our local squadrons to support The American Legion Family and its programs as well as our youth and communities.
We also have more somber and ceremonial events coming
up such as Memorial Day and this should be a time where our
Squadrons can participate and help out, through participating as
part of the Color Guard, laying of a wreath to honor our veterans, sponsoring a program, helping with a meal. If this is not
something that you want to take on as a full squadron project,
reach out to the other branches of The Legion family and offer help out in any way that you can to make Memorial Day a
success in bringing the attention to our Veterans and the sacrifices that have been made by each of them and their families.
Look for opportunities to help a local veteran or their family in
some small way. If there is not an immediate need in your community, there are always opportunities through The American
Legion to help with programs like Operation Comfort Warrior
where you can help our veterans. Your local Squadron could
look into sponsoring a Walk for Veterans event as well. These
events are great opportunities to raise awareness of our veterans
and to raise money to help address needs that our veterans have.
As I mentioned at the start of this letter, it is time to really
start thinking hard about membership. We are in the home
stretch and trying to round up those last few renewals that are
sitting out there. Reach out to these members, make that personal contact and let them know that their membership in this
great organization is important. When you are talking to that
member about the Sons, don’t just ask for their dues. Be ready
to share some of the accomplishments that your squadron has
been responsible for this past year. Share accomplishments of
the Detachment as well since your contributions to the Detachment through dues, and donations to projects and programs endorsed by The American Legion family are accomplishments
that we all share a part in. Let that member know that there
is room for them to participate and help out with things going
on in their Squadron and seek their thoughts on other things
that your squadron could do to help out in your community.
In closing as I also mentioned at the start of this letter, our
own Alternate National Executive Committeeman Danny Smith
is a candidate for National Commander and he could use the
support of each and every Squadron and member to make this
endeavor a success. Danny is passionate about our Veterans
and The American Legion Family. We could not ask for a better representative and spokesperson for this great organization. But this is not an easy undertaking that he has agreed
to so please, as part of your next Squadron meeting consider
hosting an event or fund raiser to help out his campaign.
Sincerely
Keith Kearns
Detachment Commander
WE NEED PICTURES AND STORIES
LET US KNOW WHAT YOUR POST, SQUADRON OR
RIDERS ARE DOING.
WE TAKE ITEMS FOR ARTICLES AND PICTURES BY
E-MAIL AT
comdirlegion@windstream.net
The American Legion Riders
Spring is FINALLY here! YIPPIE! And not a day too soon either.
Yes, it’s time to get those motor scooters ready for some serious
road therapy….that’s been LONG overdue. If you’re looking forward to it as much as I am, you’ve already checked your battery,
taken the winter dust cover off and possibly even taken the old girl
(or boy) out for a ride on one of the nice days we’ve had recently.
Before you get too excited, Spring also brings to mind a few
serious topics about staying alive. I hate to be a buzz kill, but
facts are facts kids and the fact is that most “cage dwellers” aren’t
aware of two-wheelers on the road in August and September,
let alone April and May. So,
with that, I thought it was fitting to talk about some Spring
safety tips before you raise
that kickstand, gently twist the
throttle and ease off the clutch
for the first time in 2016.
Living in the Midwest means
there’s a lot of junk on the
roads from Old Man Winter. Be it sand or chemicals
used to melt the snow and
ice, or chunks of concrete and asphalt from the countless potholes on our roads. The main thing early on, until we get a
few of those good old hard rain storms to clean things off, is
to keep your eyes peeled and sharp for all the CRAP on the
roads. And, speaking of rain, the weather is very unpredictable
in the Spring. Even a light shower can be hazardous for two
and four wheelers alike. A little moisture mixed with the oil
and dirt can be a bad situation waiting to happen. So, slow is
better my friends. Plus, it means you’re riding your bike longer (…now that’s good biker logic right there). Be a defensive
driver all the time, but especially in Spring when all the “cage
dwellers” are being re-indoctrinated to the two-wheelers on the
roads. Remember this short acronym: SIPD = scan, identify,
predict and decide IN ADVANCE of what your course(s) of
action will be. And, most importantly, keep your brains in a
brain-bucket (WEAR A HELMET). I know, I know….when
most of us are riding outside of our great state we loose the
helmets. I get it. Just saying that when road, weather and driver
conditions are against you, leverage all means of precaution.
With that, just want to make everyone aware that the Gretna
Post 216 and Omaha Post 1 ALR chapters are hosing a Motorcycle Safety Course on May 1, 2016 at the Gretna post (11690
S 216th St, Gretna). Starts at 10:00AM and you can get lunch
for $5. John Hanzlik (Post 1 Road Captain) will be instructing folks on how to perform a 24’ U-turn and staying in the
friction zone. You can also practice the 12’ cone weave, the
offset cone weave, learn your lean limits and more. Will be
a good time and a great opportunity to hone your riding skills
while also getting to know your bike and your own riding capabilities much better. It’s not a competition, just a good
learning experience. You never know when you’ll find yourself in a tough spot or bad situation on the road. These skills
could save your life one day. I hope to see a big crowd there!
Be safe my friends.
Ride as One, Band Together as One....for Those Who Served
and Serve Today.
Kind regards,
Brian Mann
Nebraska State Liaison
American Legion Riders
The Dannebrog Post 241 had a Fish Fry Fundraiser. The
Post was raising funds for a new roof for their Legion
Post. The Central Plains American Legion Riders Chapter 119 presented a donation of $200 to the Post. Pictured (l-r) American Legion Riders Mike Rowley, Marlene
Rowley, Lori Leonard, Chris Leonard, Renee Van Winkle,
Dannebrog Post Commander Leanna Obermiller, American Legion Riders John Van Winkle and Kelly Cumming.
Artz, Merle W., Orleans, WWII
Atkinson, James E., Kearney,
Korea
Bagger, Richard L., Albion,
Korea
Bals, John F., Crete, WWII
Bang, William, Omaha, Vietnam
Bates, William F., Pender,
WWII
Baumfalk, Steven T., Norfolk,
Vietnam
Behmer, R. C., Plattsmouth
Bennett, Francis, Havelock
Blackburn, James R., Plattsmouth, Vietnam
Bockerman, Bernard J., Doniphan, WWII
Bryant, Donald W., Lincoln,
Korea
Buchholz, Robert J., Lincoln,
Korea
Buckmaster, Gary, Norfolk,
Korea
Burnett, James E., Lincoln,
Korea
Burton, Jay E., Nelson, Korea
Carmichael, John, Wymore,
Vietnam
Collingham, Larry F., Aurora,
Vietnam
Dales, William K., Tilden,
WWII
Breiner, Michel, York
Davis, Robert J., Eustis,
Vietnam
Deuser, Richard E., Omaha,
WWII
Dively Darrell R., Lincoln,
WWII
Divis, Arthur, Dwight, WWII
Dobson, Roland, Cedar Rapids, WWII
Dyer, Leonard M., Glenville,
Korea
Elfgren, Oscar T., Lexington,
Vietnam
Fahrenholz, Gerald D. Sr.,
Stuart, Korea
Farrall, Harold J., Harvard,
WWII
Fox, Donald A., Fremont,
Korea
Freese, Donald L., Norfolk,
Korea
Fuller, Menzo, North Loup,
WWII
Gall, Stanley, Clarkson, Vietnam
Gallant, William J., York,
WWII
Gange, Harold N. Dr., Columbus, Korea
Gemmell, Jack, Ogallala,
WWII
Glore, Chet C., Papillion,
Korea
Goodrich, Herbert T., Fairbury,
WWII
Harris, Lee M., Millard, WWII
Hartz, Kenneth M., Lincoln,
Vietnam
Hasse, Lyle L., Steele City,
Korea
Hastings, Keith H., Table
Rock, Vietnam
Heckert, Ralph W., Neligh,
Vietnam
Hiner, Kenneth, Wymore,
Vietnam
Hodgin, Daryl L., Lincoln,
Korea
Hofacker, Robert, Elgin, WWII
Hoffart, Warren, Plainview,
WWII
Hollatz, Melvin R., Creston,
Korea
Hoody, Robert N., Stuart,
WWII
Hughes, Gordon A., Neligh,
Korea
Humlicek, Richard, David City,
WWII
Igo, John F., Bennet, Vietnam
Jackson, Wayne W., Central
City, Korea
Johns, Warren S., Millard,
Korea
Johnson, Forrest D., Farnam,
Korea
Johnson, Harris C., Newman
Grove, WWII
Johnson, Larry D., Craig,
Vietnam
Karpf, Charles T., Morrill,
WWII
King, Bennie L., Silver Creek
Ksiazek, Edward L., Belgrade
Kucera, William F., Osceola,
Korea
Kurtenbach, Norman W.,
Lindsay
Lane, Robert W., Beatrice,
S.A.L.
Lastovica, Frank R., Omaha,
WWII
Lawless, William J., Palisade,
Korea
Linke, Charles B., Lincoln,
Korea
Mach, Charles, Omaha,
Korea
Machacek, Edward J., South
Omaha, WWII
Masonbrink, John J., Shubert,
Korea
McClain, Chester A., Lincoln,
Korea
McConnell, Walter, Lincoln,
Vietnam
McMahon, Stanley J., Blue
Hill, Korea
Meyer, Lendall L., Havelock
Minzel, LeRoy, York, Korea
Moreau, Antoni J., Kearney,
WWII
Morris, Lewis D., Lincoln,
Korea
Moss, Darrell E., Fremont,
WWII
Mowry, Gerald L., Gering,
Korea
Neugebauer, Robert L., Lincoln, Korea
Nicholson, Charles F., Tryon,
WWII
Niederhaus, Steven L., Valparaiso, Vietnam
Nixon, Eldon, Wakefield,
Vietnam
Oehlerich, Bobby C., York,
Korea
Oestmann, Harold O., Johnson, WWII
Parks, Jerry E., Valentine,
Korea
Paulsen, Charles, Laurel
Payne, Hubert E., Hastings,
WWII
Pearson, Robert, Wahoo,
WWII
Persons, Lynn A., Central
City, WWII
Phillips Norman, Lincoln, WW
II
Podany, Virgil J., Randolph,
WWII
Quinn, Daniel L., Millard,
Vietnam
Reeves, Lawrence C., Central
City, Korea
Reiman, Gerald, Butte, Korea
Rezaber, Edw. F., Wilber,
WWII
Riddle, Robert R., Omaha,
Korea
Riha, Kenneth E., Spencer,
Korea
Ring, Merle D., Wakefield,
Korea
Rissell, Charles L., Lincoln,
Korea
Roe, Gary J., Superior, Vietnam
Ruskamp, Raymond, Dodge,
Korea
Sandoval, John, Papillion,
Vietnam
Schlegelmilch, Dale L., Lincoln, Korea
Schneider, Dennis L., Lincoln,
Korea
Shrader, Ruth A., Ewing,
WWII
Skutchan, Anton B., Pleasant
Dale
Smith, Alva, Pender, WWII
Smith, Gerald L., Omaha,
WWII
Stegeman, William R. Jr.,
Chappell
Stone, Jack D., Lincoln, WWII
Stout, Jr. Maurice., Lincoln,
WWII
Stroup, Robert D., St. Paul,
WWII
Terry, Timothy N., Columbus,
WWII
Timm, Marvin D., Millard,
Korea
Urwiler, John D., Laurel, WWII
Valasek, Mike, Palmer
Vercruysse, George M.,
Omaha, WWII
Vogt, Milfred L., Kearney,
Vietnam
Watchorn, David R., Ponca,
WWII
Wayman, Troy, Ainsworth,
Persian Gulf
White, Floyd S., Lincoln, WW
II
Wilkinson, James, Lincoln,
Vietnam
Wood, William R., Lincoln.
Vietnam
Yeck, Leo F., Tobias, WWII
Ziska, John A., Atkinson,
Korea
Zoucha, Adam E. Dr., Omaha,
WWII
Zuck, Gerald W., Millard,
WWII
If you had a name or
war era that were listed
incorrectly in the TAPS.
P l e a s e l e t u s k n o w.
Page 7-The Nebraska Legionnaire-April/May, 2016
Walter V. Bosak was recently recognized for 70 years of
continuous membership with the Genoa American Legion
Post 144. Pictured are (l-r) Post Adjutant Stanley Tarnick,
recipient Walter V. Bosak, and Post Commander John Buhl.
Commander Darius Maltbie, Gordon American Legion
Post 34, presented certificates to long time members
at the American Legion Birthday Dinner on March 9,
2016. Hudson "Bud" Morey and Neal Green, 70 year
members, Harold Hupp, 60 year member. Not pictured
are 50 year members Don Kaplan and Marvin Nielson.
Arnold American Post 130
made sure Clarence Cunningham of Loveland, Colorado received his pin and
certificate for his 70 years
of continuous membership
in the American Legion.
Earl Anderson of Shickley, Post 164, celebrated
his 100th birthday on Feb.
23rd. Earl was a survivor in
the battle of Guadalcanal,
in WWII. Earl still lives alone
and had two other brothers that served in WWII.
Elwood Legion and Auxiliary Post 290 endorses District 9 Commander Dick Bennett for Area
D Commander. Dick was chosen to serve on the
Children and Youth committee. Pictured (l-r) MarieAtterberry, Janice Divis, Dick Bennett, Lola Debban
(mother), Lola Debbban and Charlene Rimmenga.
Utica Post 49 honored World War II Veteran Loren McNeil for 70 years continuous membership in the American Legion. His award was presented at the Memorial Day ceremony Pictured are (l-r) Deb Day Past Area
C Commander, Loren McNeil, James Deremer Commander presenting the award to Loren and Janelle
Gladson. Loren has since gone to post everlasting.
Reunions
Seven members of the American Junior Legion Championship baseball team from 1965 held a special reunion
as part of the American Legion Youth Steak Fry held at
the Vets Club in Dodge in March, 2016. Seated in front
are Dr. James Groene, Gerald Eikmeier, Jim Schulte, and
Delbert Mendlik, In back are Paul Mestl, Paul W. Pieper
and Duane Mendlik. Mestl is proudly wearing his baseball
jacket with the large baseball patch, “State Champs 1965”.
At the American Legion Birthday celebration held for Callaway Post 59, two members were recognized for 50 continuous membership in The American Legion. Pictured
(l-r) Leroy W. Schaad, Post Commander Ed Lashley and
Elmo Witthuhn. Leroy a WW II veteran was part of the occupying forces in Japan and Elmo is a Korean veteran.
Page 8-The Nebraska Legionnaire-April/May, 2016
Tin Can Sailors 26th Annual
Midwest
Bull
Session
Saturday, April 30, 2016
Hilton Garden Inn, Downtown
Haymarket
801 R Street, Lincoln, NE
68508
For Reservations:
(402) 475-9000 Ask for the
TCS room rate of $83.00 plus
tax before 4/15/16
Bring Your Memorabilia and
Raffle Item
$40.00 per person (Includes
Dinner, Coffee Service,
Registration, etc.) Deadline for
Dinner Reservation April 21,
2016
Make checks payable to:
Tin Can Sailors, Inc.
mail coupon and check to: Tin
Can Sailors PO Box 100,
Somerset, MA 02726
Or call TCS at (877)
846-2267 to register using a
credit card.
For more information contact
Nicole Smith at (402) 4720609 or nicole.smith@unl.edu
GOD PLEASE
WATCH
OVER
AND
PROTECT
OUR TROOPS
Ashton Post 108 and Auxiliary honored their 50 and 60
year continuous members at a supper. Top row Tom Jarzynka (50), Kenny Skarniak (50), Department Commander
Mike Reimers, Fritz Fredrick (50 ) and Don Jerhorek (50).
Front row Robert Skorniak (50) and John Jarzynka (60).
Brainard American Legion Post 273 presented Certificates of Membership following a meal provided by
the Ladies Auxiliary. (l-r) Commander Jim Polivka,
60 year members Jerome Slama and Francis Novak
and 70 Year Member Albin Rerucha. Unable to attend
were 50 Year members Ray Havlovic and Edwin Divis.
The Shubert American Legion Post 222 Auxiliary hosted
a potluck supper for the American Legion Members and
their families to celebrate the 97th American Legion Birthday. Legion members in attendance (l-r) Jerry Nelson,
Wayne Williams, Howard Vice, Richard Wing, John Banks,
Alan Williams, Marvin Dettman, and Bobby Beckett.
!
The American Legion Auxiliary
Department of Nebraska
The Star
April 2016
PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE
A question about proper ways can require that main motions
to move a motion and to get items be submitted by the mover in
up on the floor for discussion writing. This makes it easier for
has come to the attention of this the secretary to have the exact
Parliamentarian.
wording when writing up the
First of all, the parliamentarian minutes.
is to be impartial and know the
When a committee
rules and be knowledgeable of chairperson presents the report or
Robert’s Rules of order. Members recommendations, they will say:
of our organization are not the “By direction of the Committee,
only ones to have a problem with I move the adoption of the
getting matters on the floor for resolution just read.” Assuming
Barb Skillman
discussion.
the committee has at least two
It is proper to do this by members or more, no second is
moving
question the required.
By BARBwhatever
SKILLMAN
member
may
want to bring for
I would suggest that all
Department
President
discussion or approval by the parliamentarians at all levels
DearWhen
Members,
body.
you make a motion, have in their position a copy
I
would
like to
say thank not
you for
the“Robert’s
work you have
doneof
thisOrder
year.
say, “I move
that......,”
“I allof
Rules
And
thank
you
for
allowing
me
the
privilege
to
serve
as
your
motion” or “I want to make a Newly Revised,” 11th Edition.
Department President. The time did go very fast and I will have wondermotion.”
Language should be OR, there is a “Robert’s Rules
ful memories of the visits, special meetings, and the special Auxiliary
clear,
brief,
and
Consider
of special.
Order Newly Revised IN
members I havespecific.
met that made
this year
what
action
being
BRIEF”
which explains
questions
I hope
you is
will
attendproposed,
the Department
Convention
June 26-28
at the
when
it Inn
becomes
effective,
a brief
mannerguest
but will
also
Holiday
Kearney.
Please and
come in
meet
our special
National
President
Jefford.
will
it be Janet
accepted
by a majority give references to page numbers
I have
received our last membership
from National
are
of the
members.
andupdate
paragraphs
in the we
larger
doing
well
on
renewals
—
Nebraska
is
in
first
place;
on
our
Numeric
goal
The purpose of the “second” Robert’s Rules for a more lengthy
we are slipping fast — we are at 9th place.
is
toHave
understand
there is a second explanation.
you renewed your membership? Iif not do so today. Unit memBonnie
person
who
agrees
that do
a motion
bership chairman please
not hold any dues to be sent
in for Dumler,
processshould
discussed.
chair Department
ing. Webe
need
every paid The
membership
we can get ourParliamentarian
hands on to make
Freedom, Faith,
Family
our goals. Thank You!
I just returned from a special event at the Harry S Truman Library and
Museum remembering our President for his 131st birthday and the 70
years
since VE Day. It was a wonderful
day.
CONGRATULATIONS,
LOTTERY
WINNERS!
I will have the pleasure to attend Girls State on May 31 through June
Aprilspecial
1, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Annette
Richards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6. Our
guest will be Northwestern
Vice President Lori $100.00
Skallerud
2, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cie
$100.00
I amApril
looking
forward meeting allKauth
the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . girls you chose from your
Unit to
Aprilthis
3, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tyree
Hunter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50.00
attend
special week.
April 4, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jim Scott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
April 5, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carmie Marotz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
April 6, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tyree Hunter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $100.00
April 7, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Squadron 371 SAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
April 8, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40&8 Voiture 1015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
April 9, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dave Bruckner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
April 10, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adam Steinkamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50.00
By JACKI
O’NEILL
April 11, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Steve
Haffke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50.00
Department
Secretary
April 12, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fred
Schneider . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
April 13, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Donna E Hume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
Department
Convention plans
are set
April 14, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GeraldThe
Capek
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $200.00
April 15, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eileen
Gentrup
$50.00June
and now
we . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . need you to come to Kearney
April 16, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carol
Ulrich
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00The
26-28
to join
us. What’s new for this year?
April 17, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joyce
Petersen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . items
on hand from Flag and Emblem$50.00
sales will
April 18, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nathan
Hendrickson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . be available
to purchase. Copies$25.00
of new
April 19, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Breanna
Eltingand
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . brochures
pamphlets will be$100.00
available.
April 20, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bonnie
Erickson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Everyone
that attends will receive a $25.00
packet of
April 21, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Holli
Chetta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00with
new brochures and a Convention Annual
April 22, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gary
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . the Moody
chairmen
reports and awards$25.00
listings.
April 23, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unit 271 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
Membership cards will be available to pick up
April 24, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brian Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $100.00
for each unit. Those not picked up will be
April 25, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gerald W Erickson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
mailed from Department Headquarters after
April 26, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dan O’Neill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
Convention.
Anyone
wanting
their
cards mailed to the unit membership chairmen
April 27, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unit 283 Platte Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
priorApril
to Convention
will need to call 402-466-1808
and submit a request.$25.00
28, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unit
371 Valparaiso . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thanks
to
all
of
you
that
submitted
your
volunteer
hours and dollars
for our
April 29, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jerome Menke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
year-end
Those numbers are331
so So.
important
to this organization when
April reporting.
30, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unit
Omaha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00The
American
reports to congress. Zierke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $75.00
May 1, Legion
2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eileen
By
you know being an Wegner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . American Legion Auxiliary member
Maythe
2, way
2016 did
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elaine
$25.00literally May
took3,an2016
Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sue
of Congress to make Ellen
that available
to you? Please let other
eligible
Hammer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
women
important their belonging
to this organization means
to our
May know
4, 2016how
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rhame
Seydlitz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
Veterans.
time
to be proud to say - I belong
because MY Veteran made
it posMay 5,It’s
2016
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charlotte
Zieg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
2016
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jim
$25.00
sibleMay
for6,me
through
his/her serviceFortkamp
to this . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . great country and with an
Act of
May 7, At
2016
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathy
$25.00
Congress.
Department
Convention IEberly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . will be reporting on what I learned
at the
May 8, 2016
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eileen
Gentrup
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Department
Leadership
National Conference
this
May in Indianapolis.$100.00
Mayyou
9, 2016
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Evelyn Dvorak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
See
in Kearney!
May 10, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pam Lloyd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
May 11, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ken Hanel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
May 12, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gene Twiford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
May 13,Hartford,
2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeff
$75.00
The
which is Schelkopt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . an approved member benefits
May 14, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Steve Haffke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
provider
of the American Legion Auxiliary, will be mailing
May 15, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fran Shaffer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $100.00
members
about
their Senior Term$50.00
Life
May 16, 2016information
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aaron
Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Insurance.
These
mailings
are
scheduled
to
be
sent
out
May 17, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Steve Totten . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
May 18,Monday,
2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elizabeth
Paes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
starting
May 18th. More
information regarding
the
May 19, 2016
Guenther . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hartford
can . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sharlene
be found on the
national website $25.00
in the
May 20, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unit 26 Glenvil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
Members
Only section by clicking on Member Benefits.
May 21, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bill Ward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
May 22, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Menke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $75.00
May 23, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unit 279 Hershey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
Star
May 24, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Esther
Svitak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
Inside The
May 25, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beverly Bartek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
May 26, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kimberlee Faugh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
Lottery
Winners, Service to Veterans, Convention
May 27, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alden Sabalka . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
Schedule
Page 2
May 28, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unit 123 Bassett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
InMay
Memoriam,
Unit
Activities,
Special
Notices,
Thank
29, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gerald Paes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50.00
Yous
Page 3
May 30, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unit 326 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $500.00
Chairman
Reports,
Scholarships,
Help
Wanted
Page
May 31, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Leatrice Doolen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $200.00 4
From The Desk
Of The Department Secretary —
!
March 2015
on the yellow reporting form,
and includes individual hours/
donations with the reporting
form so that every member gets
credit for her hours. Hours/
donations could be for making
Janet Jefford, of Manchester, Conn.,
was
elected
national president
of
tray
favors
or centerpieces,
doing
the American Legion Auxiliary during
the organization’s
94th of
National
sewing
projects or Quilts
Valor,
Convention in Charlotte, N.C., Aug. 22-28.
playing Bingo with Veterans at
Jefford joined The American Legion Auxiliary through her father
a
home,
transporting
William Lucas, a WWII Army veteran.nursing
She is also
eligible
through her
Veterans,
travelling
son,
Jeff, aWashburn
Desert Storm Army veteran. Jefford is a member of to/from
GoodaleBarbara
Veterans facilities. If you have
Rameker
Unit 56. President
Department
of Nebraska
questions,
please contact
Sharon
Jefford
is the
first Connecticut resident
to represent
the American
American
Legion
Auxiliary
2015-2016
Legion
Auxiliary as national presidentScott,
since Helen
Lee Gilbert
during the
our VA&R
Chairman. 1944-1945 administrative year. She has held
posiWillnumerous
we need aleadership
dues increase
tions in the organization at the unit, district
and department
levels,
includin
2018?
The
Finance
committee
we need
a County
The future of the American ing Why
eight do
national
program
chairmanships. She currently serves on the
is working
the budget and
The
County
Legion Auxiliary depends on organization?
2014-2019 Centennial Strategic
Planning
leadershiponteam.
has
been
very
diligent
to make
provides
members
all of us. You have heard me organization
Jefford recently
retired
as vice president of institutional effectiveness
ends
meet.
Our
fund-raisers
have
opportunity
to inshare
ideas Conn. She served as a commissiontalk about membership and the the
at Goodwin
College
East Hartford,
helped
bridge
any
funding
er on others
an agency
that in
accredits
schools and colleges, and as presidentgap;
and
living
the same
importance of keeping members with
chairman
of
the
Board
of
Connecticut
a communitylookingCenter,
forward,
the fundand recruiting new members. It area, plan County Government but,Training
based and
nonprofit
training
center.for
Jefford
has two
and two There
grandraisers
maychildren
not be enough.
gather
together
is April. Remember that our 2016 Day,
children. All are members of The American
Legion
Family.
are
two
ways
that
we
can
increase
membership year runs through fellowship. The County level
December 31, 2016; so NOW is also provides a direct pipeline our revenue so that we can
the time to get those renewals so between the District and Unit, cover our expenses: 1) increase
membership or 2) increase dues.
the District President
that members can take advantage helping
Reminders
—
More
information will be shared
of benefits, vote, and serve as an stay in touch when she is unable
prior
to
Department Convention
officer. And, new members can to travel to individual Units. The
so
that
all
members
are aware.
Girls
State.....................................................................................May
31-June
6
enjoy
8 months
of benefits --- so County level is an extremely
Be
sure
to
complete
your
important cog in our wheel.
why wait to sign them up?
yellow
reporting
and return
I have enjoyedConvention...............................June
visiting with Please keep yours vital and
Department
25-28
Holiday
Inn,form
Kearney
it
to
Department
Headquarters
by
so many of the unit members and active.
Please make plans to attend the 2015 Department
Convention
May
1st
--and
consider
applying
How do I report my hours
building new friendships. It has
a “Convention
Call” to for
promote
attendance
to
some of
the many awards
for Veterans?
Every member
been aEvery
specialUnit
honorPresident
to meet newreceived
available
from
Department
and
the Department
Thekeep
business
willvolunteer
take place on Thursday and
track of her
members
or first-timeConvention.
meeting should
National.
The
list
is
in
the
front
and donations
for each
attendees
and welcome
them hours
Friday followed
by Chairmen
reports
which include
many awards distributed to
the ABC Book.
Veterans
facility
in
which
you
to units
our organization.
Feeling
and members. Each Unit is allowed delegates andofalternates
according to
Always Remember that our
welcomed and included is an volunteer (VA Medical Center or
the unit paid membership by May 24.
important part of retaining all Nebraska Veterans Home) as well mission is to serve our veterans
REGISTRATION
FEEour
— Delegates,
and Senior
members
will be
and military
families.
as outside ofAlternates
a Veterans facility.
members
--- but especially
charged
$10.00.
Provide
this information to
newer
ones. a registration fee of
your Unit
annual
And now
to the will
second
Junior
members
be charged
a President for
registrationthefee
of $5.00,
that fee
will and
notCountry.
In Service
to God
report.
The
Unit
summarizes
all
installment
of
“What
ARE
You
Barbara card
Washburn
include the packet with the Convention Annual. Have your 2015 member
members’ hours and donations
Talking About”?
Department President
available for quicker registration.
National President To Visit
Nebraska ALA Convention At Kearney
Barbara Washburn
Department of Nebraska President
American Legion Auxiliary
2015-2016
POPPY
AWARENESS MONTH
Girls
Nation.........................................................................................July
18-25
May is Poppy month and
when the American Legion
Auxiliary gives attention to our
Jackson
#175 their
veterans
and Unit
remembers
recently of
sponsored
a have
sacrifices
war. Units
Poppypoppy
Poster
Contest and
made
centerpieces
andpreparing
an Americanism
are
for one or two
Essay Contest.
distributions of poppies during
Poster winners are
this
firstmonth.
through third place,
let’s—
do Tia
one Pick,
more thing
3rdBut,
Grade
toBrady
makeCarnell
our communities
and Taylor more
aware
of
the
“Poppy”.
Fleury; 4th Grade Let’s
— (all
Auxiliary
Units) have
a Poppy
Abbie Hrouda,
Briena
Gallardo Display
and Marianna
Window
during the
Romero;
5th 23Grade
period
of May
- May —
27. This
Faith
Mackenzie
will
not Pick,
be a contest,
but this will
Schram
andeducational
Kennedy time
be
a fun and
Harding;
6th
Grade
for your unit. Through—the red
Nayleli Cabrales, Eli
poppy
flower, we will remind
Riedel, and Jocelynn
the
public
spread
the word of
Graves; and
and
Special
our
freedom.
Ask
a
business
for
Needs
—
Hannah
permission
to
put
your
display
in
Wahls, Lucas Twohig
their
window
--give
back
a
thank
and Nate Coffman.
youEssay
or an appreciation
gift.
winners are,
Features may include the
story of the poppy, benefits
derived from the poppy sales, the
Flanders Field poem, a miniature
cemetery, battlefields and fields of
poppies, poppy decorations, and
many other ideas of your own.
Make your display attract people
passing by. Take a picture of your
display and send it to me or bring
the picture to the Department
Convention in Kearney, June 2326th. I will have a bulletin board
for all pictures to be displayed.
So, let’s try this and make the
public more aware of the Poppy
Program. In 1950, the Auxiliary
had a “National Poppy Window
Contest.” In 2016, the Auxiliary
will have a “Poppy Window
Display”.
Jenice Bates
Poppy Chairman
first through third place,
3rd Grade — Lily Korth,
Deighton James and
Dylan Kastning; 4th
Grade — Abbie Hrouda,
Cole Jackson and Ellie
McAfee; 5th Grade —
Taylor Korth, MacKensie
Schram and Matthew
Lenz; 6th Grade —
Caden
Schram,
McKensie Kneifl and
Kaden
Fields;
and
Special8 President
Needs —Sally
Nate
District
Johnson installed the 2016-2017 Washington
Coffman,
County
Officers atJackson
their convention held Monday, February 8th at Blair
Stroud Legion
and Auxiliary
Ava Unit # 154 Pictured (L to R) Secretary
American
Fontenot.
Anita Kusek of Fort Calhoun Unit #348 , Vice President Sue Ellen
Hammer of Herman Unit #274, and President Rennea Jensen - Brown,
also of Fort Calhoun Unit #348. Unit Fund-Raising opportunity from
Nebraska Life magazine.
Units are encouraged to take
advantage of a generous offer from
Nebraska Life magazine. Your Unit
will receive $10 for new
subscriptions and $5 for renewals
from current subscribers if you
participate in this fund-raising
activity. All proceeds remain within
your Unit.
Nebraska Life will provide all
needed materials free of charge to
the Unit.
Please contact Department
Headquarters as soon as possible
with contact information if your
Unit wants to participate.
2015-2016 DEPARTMENT OFFICERS & CHAIRMAN
Department Officers
President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Barbara Washburn . . . . . . . 455 County Road 7, Ashland, NE 68003
Vice President . . . . . . . . . . Debra Albers . . . . . . . . . . . . 1759 5200 Road, Davenport, NE 68335
Historian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathy Mazur . . . . . . 13932 Meadow Ridge Road, Omaha, NE 68138
Chaplain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beverly Neel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57580 847th Road, Wayne, NE 68787
Secretary/Treasurer . . . . . . Jacki O’Neil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PO Box 5227, Lincoln, NE 68505
National Committeewoman
Barbara Skillman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6910 SW 91st ST., Denton, NE 68339
District Presidents
One . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Karol Lockmon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PO Box 147, Rushville, NE 69360
Two . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Karen Ohlrich . . . . . . . . . . 1104 South 9th, No. 2, Norfolk, NE 68701
Three . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cheryl Schulz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PO Box 45, Beemer, NE 68716
Four . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Donna Bratt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 541 2nd Avenue, Bayard, NE 69334
Five . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pat Heinemann . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312 W Rodney, Wallace, NE 69169
Six . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vicki Cyboron . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5152 N 155th Ave, Omaha, NE 68116
Seven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Contreras . . . . . . . . . . . 3115 N 47th Ave., Omaha, NE 68104
Eight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sally Johnson . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17511 “O” Street, Omaha, NE 68135
Nine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . M. Joyce Petersen . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73474 RD 390, Curtis, NE 69025
Ten . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diana Aldrich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PO Box 317 Orleans, NE 68966
Eleven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Judy Bespalic . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1140 Grove Avenue, Crete, NE 68333
Twelve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jody Schmale . . . . . . . . . 4930 Cleveland, Apt. 1, Lincoln, NE 68504
Thirteen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kay Ebeler . . . . . . . . . .72656 608 Avenue, Crab Orchard, NE 68332
Department Chairmen
Advisory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cheryl Vap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1189 RD CD, Red Cloud, NE 68970
Americanism . . . . . . . . . . . Pat Wiseman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PO Box 58, Homer, NE 68030
Auxiliary Emergency Fund . Cheryl Vap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1189 RD CD, Red Cloud, NE 68970
Cavalcade of Memories . . . Kathy Mazur . . . . . 13932 Meadow Ridge Road, Omaha, NE 68138
Children & Youth . . . . . . . . Sharon Brozovsky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PO Box 86, Wilber, NE 68465
Community Service . . . . . . Diana Langer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PO Box 282, Osceola, NE 68651
Constitution & Bylaws . . . . . Betty Snyder . . . . . . . . . 1942 South 42nd Road, Talmage, NE 68448
County Government . . . . . . Donna Campbell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PO Box 26, Stuart, NE 68780
Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vicki Colson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PO Box 61, Paxton, NE 69155
Finance/Publications . . . . . Elizabeth Paes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PO Box 92, Prague, NE 68050
Girls State . . . . . . . . . . . . . Renee Van Winkle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2063 9th Ave., Farwell, NE 68838
Junior Activities . . . . . . . . . Amanda Washburn . . . . . . . 455 County Road 7, Ashland, NE 68003
Leadership . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vicki Ozenbaugh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 515 Road 18, Ohiowa, NE 68416
Legislative . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Ann Boldt . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79006 Dr. 419, Callaway, NE 68825
Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . Barb Meyer . . . . . . . . . . 12455 Riverdale Road, Riverdale, NE 68870
Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marlene Meyer . . . . . . . . . . . 501 Douglas St,, Creighton, NE 68729
National Security . . . . . . . . Barbara Skillman . . . . . . . . . . 6910 SW 91st ST., Denton, NE 68339
Parliamentarian . . . . . . . . . Bonnie Dumler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PO Box 179, Davenport, NE 68335
Past Presidents Parley . . . . JoAnn Ward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72655 Ave 359A, Palisade, NE 69040
Poppy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jenice Bates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1355 Walnut, Syracuse, NE 68446
Public Relations . . . . . . . . . Alice Vieselmeyer . . . . . . . . . . 409 S. Pine Street, Friend, NE 68359
President’s Publicity Scrapbook . . . Kimberly Gurley . . . . . . . . . . PO Box 277, Milligan, NE 68406
“The Star” Editor . . . . . . . . Lorene Bartos . . . . . . . . . . . . 7441 San Mateo Lane, Lincoln 68516
Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation:
Chairman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sharon Scott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PO Box 97, Niobrara, NE 68760
Service to our Veterans . . . Connie Frandson . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Egan Road, Chadron, NE 69337
Veterans Administration Medical Center Representatives:
Lincoln . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Omaha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gertrude Johansen . . . . . 10102 N 156th St., Bennington, NE 68007
Grand Island . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathryn Cyboron . . . . . . . . . . . . 2454 7th Avenue, Boelus, NE 68820
Veterans Administration Medical Center Associate Representatives:
Hot Springs, SD . . . . . . . . . Karol Lockmon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PO Box 147, Rushville, NE 69360
Nebraska Veterans Home Chairmen:
Grand Island . . . . . . . . . . . . Jessie Kiser . . . . . 410 E. Roger Welsch Ave., Dannebrog, NE 68831
Norfolk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Karen Ohlrich . . . . . . . . . . 113 N Franklin St. Brunswick, NE 68720
Eastern Nebraska . . . . . . . . Louise Nichols . . . . . . . . . 908 South Jefferson, Papillion, NE 68046
Scottsbluff . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marilyn Schutt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1630 T, Gering, NE 69341
Honorary Department Junior Officers
Honorary President . . . . . . . Ella Wilkens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Milligan
Honorary Vice President . . . Emma Thede . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wilber
Honorary Historian . . . . . . . Daisha Hoffman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dorchester
Chaplain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Katelyn Babula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Milligan
Department Headquarters contact information
PO Box 5227, Lincoln, NE 68505 Telephone: 402-466-1808
Email:neaux@windstream.net
Web: nebraskalegionaux.net
MANY ROADS; ONE DESTINATION
Last week, I traveled to
Scottsbluff for the District 4
Convention. I was fortunate to
have my husband with me --- he
always uses the Garmin on his
phone and sets the destination.
We found there were three
ways to go. One way with the
best road would take more miles;
one was the direct route with the
fewest miles and would get us
there 5 minutes sooner; and the
third would take more time --- but
would be the scenic route. Each
would reach the same destination.
The goals in our units can be
reached in many ways. Do not
scoff at the suggestions of unit
members just because “we’ve
never done it that way before.”
Welcome any suggestions because
there often is no one right way to
Kaylee and Cynthia O’Donnell
Missy Jech
HENRY DAVIS POST 161
Henry Davis Post 161
Constance Livingston gave a
Auxiliary in Rushville hosted witty and informative presentation
an appreciation luncheon for its about her experiences at Girls State
members in February. Thirty in 2015. Missy Jech shared her
ladies, including both junior and memories of attending a National
senior members, enjoyed the Wild Turkey Federation event
luncheon.
and accepting her $10,000 award
Current President Betty for winning competition. Both
Schultes emceed the program. She young ladies are new adult
was honored for being a member members of the Auxiliary. Anna
for 10 years. Cynthia O’Donnell Janssen, Membership Chairman,
and daughter Kaylee --- both new pinned them with angel pins in
Auxiliary members --- provided recognition of that transition.
the entertainment. Special mention was made
Deb Albers
Vice President
Constance Livingston
of Maxine Kearns for 73 years of
membership. Eunice Britt, a 67year member, was in attendance.
Betty Schultes announced
the 28 members who were
honored for their membership
from 5 years through 55
years. Cathleen Burback will
receive a certificate for 55 years of
membership. Marybelle Johnson
was given hers for 40 years of
service. SERVICE TO
VETERANS
Here is a photo of the Callaway American Legion Auxiliary Juniors
holding the snowman tray favors they made for the Western Nebraska
Veterans Home at Scottsbluff for January. Back Row: Kaygan
Witthuhn, Ava Boldt, Morgan Boldt, and Joslyn Reiff. Front Row:
Kelynn Witthuhn, Neltje Reiff, Tyra Brestel, and Lauren Reiff.
The members of the Pleasant Dale Junior American Legion Auxiliary
Unit #354 visited the veterans who are residents at Sunrise Country
Manor. They were able to spend some time with the veterans and gave
each one a Christmas tree that they had made. Their advisor, Linda
Anderson, treated them to lunch after their visit. Junior members
pictured are – Back row: Mariah Richards, Brooklyn Minzel, Nancy
Skutchan, and Grayson Piening; Front row: Addison Sample and
Loryn Piening.
do something. “Variety is the
spice of life.” It keeps things
interesting, and just maybe you
might learn something or have
some fun along the way.
Wherever you go, there are
many roads. It’s your choice.
Ladies, thank you for the
amazing job you have done in
making dining a more pleasant
experience a for our veterans
by keeping our veteran facilities
supplied with tray favors and
table centerpieces!
The 2016 calendar is complete.
With that being said, it is not too
early to request an assignment
for 2017. Please give me a call
at 308-430-1750 or send an email
to connief_scottish@hotmail.com
to request an assignment or if you
have any questions.
Connie Frandson
Chairman
The Am
EDITOR’S NOTE
Please send articles and pictures for future editions of “The Star” to Lorene
Bartos, Editor, 7441 San Mateo Lane, Lincoln, NE 68516 or email to
ALATheStarNE@yahoo.com. Send photos jpg as attachments. Materials for
the next issue need to be submitted by May 10, 2016.
Dep
2016 CENTERPIECE AND TRAY FAVOR ASSIGNMENTS
Bellevue
GI Med Center
GI Veterans Home Eastern NE
Norfolk VA Home
Western NE Home
10 Cntrpc
215 Tray Fav VA Home 20 Cntrpc 7 Cntrpc
24 Cntrpc
April . . . . . . . . . . #126 Broken Bow . . . . . . . #193 Ohiowa . . . . . . . . . . #171 Milford . . . . . . . #283 Platte Center . . . . . . . #40 Grant . . . . . . . . . .
May . . . . . . . . . . #166 Bruning . . . . . . . . . . . #225 Eddyville . . . . . . . #264 Dorchester . . #97 Homer . . . . . . . . . . . . . #137 Gurley . . . . . . . . .
June . . . . . . . . . . #294 Hallam . . . . . . . . . . . #132 Stromsberg . . . . . . #156 Burchard . . . . . #326 Osmond . . . . . . . . . . . #213 Wallace . . . . . . . .
July . . . . . . . . . . #310 Gibbon . . . . . . . . . . . . #6 Central City . . . . . . . #353 Louisville . . . . . #172 Neleigh . . . . . . . . . . . #17 Sidney . . . . . . . .
August . . . . . . . . #163 N. Platte . . . . . . . . . .#209 Franklin . . . . . . . . . #3 Lincoln . . . . . . . . . #302 Leigh . . . . . . . . . . . . . #243 Plymouth . . . . .
September . . . . . #335 Davenport . . . . . . . . #218 Exeter . . . . . . . . . . . #273 Brainard . . . . . . #73 Newman Grove . . . . . . #12 Chadron . . . . . . . .
October . . . . . . . #316 Elm Creek . . . . . . . . . #225 Eddyville . . . . . . . #273 Brainard . . . . . . #372 Thurston . . . . . . . . . #133 Culbertson . . . .
November . . . . . . #198 Baykin . . . . . . . . . . . . #364 Naponee . . . . . . . . #156 Burchard . . . . #357 Brunswick . . . . . . . . . #57 Hyannis . . . . . . . .
December . . . . . . #257 Eustis . . . . . . . . . . . . #166 Brunning . . . . . . . . . #273 Brainard . . . . . . #62 New Castle . . . . . . . #95 Curtis . . . . . . . . . .
Western NE Home
Omaha Med Center
90 Tray Fav75 Tray Fav
#40 Grant . . . . . . . . . #264 Dorchester Jrs.
#243 Plymouth . . . . . #222 Shubert
#230 Thedford . . . . . . #364 Naponee
#17 Sidney . . . . . . . #364 Naponee
#10 Morrill . . . . . . . . . #146 Rising City
#12 Chadron . . . . . . . #197 Eagle
#133 Culbertson . . . #294 Hallam
Skillman
#57 Hyannis . . . . . .Barb
. #354 Peasant
Dale
#95 Curtis . . . . . . . . . #222 Shubert
Fre
By BARB SKILLMAN
Department President
Dear Members,
I would like to say thank you for al
MEMBERSHIP
“Many of life’s failures are
people who did not realize how
close they were to success when
they gave up.” Thomas Edison
What would our world be
like if Mr. Edison had given up?
Thankfully, his inventions were
completed after, I’m sure, many
failures. His passion and goal
achievement changed the world’s
way of life.
Now, what, you are asking,
does that have to do with
membership in the American
Legion Auxiliary? He, like our
members, share a passion. He
brought light to the world. You
--- as a member --- bring the
light of respect, compassion, and
honor to our veterans. It changes
their world. We, like him, can
never give up. Instead, we need
to invent new ways to grow our
organization. We need to go from
25 Watt to 150 Watt and keep
going.
Edison started with a plan, a
base of knowledge, and simple
tools. He knew what had, and
had not, worked before. As an
American Legion Auxiliary
member, you, too, possess those
things . Turn on that light. Look at
that list of members who are still
unpaid --- the ones you say never
pay on time or think might have
moved, etc. That is where your
plan should begin.
Make contact, research, and
use those tools to reach that
special member. They may need
updated information on who,
what, and where to pay dues. I
make it a practice not to pay my
bills unless I know the amount
owed, to whom I am writing the
check, and where to mail it. The
same goes with membership.
Another point of confusion
we have come upon is the situation
where “we have all the members
on our roster paid, why are we
not 100%?” The goal number
given your unit is what you need
to get 100%. You may need new
members to achieve it. Many
units are forgetting to recruit
Junior members --- who count as
new members. Grandmas --- sign
up those precious girls.
From this article on until
convention, there are many goals
and awards available to every
unit. Don’t give up and miss the
success of knowing you were
there for our veterans. Please let
me know how your plan became
successful on that gold citation of
merit report, under Membership,
due May 1.
Always Remember to Keep
the Promise. Are You In? This
article was written in a CRAB
FREE ZONE!
Dates to Know!
May 1, 2016
Dept. Miriam Kirchefer Award, Unit with Highest % Juniors
National Deadline for all Rejoin, Recruit 1&10 members and Silver
Brigade awards
ARE YOU A TORTOISE OR A HARE?
Do you remember the story
of “The Hare and the Tortoise”?
Once upon a time, there were
two friends --- a hare and a
tortoise. Of course, the hare was
known for his swiftness and
the tortoise for being extremely
slow. One day, the hare began
making fun of the tortoise for his
slowness. Although the tortoise
was annoyed, he smiled at the
hare and said “I may be slow, but
I can beat you in a race.”
As the story goes, the hare
can’t believe that his friend thinks
he can outrun him. So a date is
selected with a rat appointed
as referee and the race route
established. A large field beside
a river was the site with a big
banyan tree as the winning post.
It was about a mile in length. The
day came. “On your mark, get
set, go,” called the rat; and the
race began.
Off at lightning speed was the
hare, and he was soon out of sight.
At a very slow pace the tortoise
began the race. The rat thought
“Poor tortoise. The hare will win
the race hands down. . .no match
at all!”
About half-way to the finish
line, the hare stopped to see where
the tortoise was; but he could
not see him at all. So the hare
decides to wait until he can see
the tortoise and then finish the rest
of the race. While waiting, he ate
some grass and was going to rest.
After snacking and drinking some
water, he lay down in the shade of
a tree to watch for his friend. With
the cool air from the river, he fell
into a deep sleep. Meanwhile, the
tortoise kept moving slowly but
steadily.
When the hare woke up after
a lengthy nap, he looked around
and could not see the tortoise
anywhere. He was rested and
decided to finish the race; but, as
he approached the finish line, he
couldn’t believe what he saw. The
tortoise had already reached the
finish line. He had lost the race.
The hare graciously accepted the
defeat and never poked fun at the
tortoise or his slowness again.
The moral of the story is if
you have all that you need to win
the race, the only thing that could
stop you from winning is lack of
persistence in effort. The lesson,
therefore, is to be consistent like
the tortoise was. He believed that
no matter how tough the goal was,
if he kept at it and did a little at a
time, he would be able to achieve
his goal. Also, it doesn’t matter
what others are able to do or not
do, his achievement came from
being consistent --- working
slowly and steadily. Therefore,
taking time to do the right things
at the right time, day in and day
out, makes your achievement
effortless.
On the other hand, what made
the hare lose the race? He knew
May 24, 2016
National Promise Award Units with 90%. Also Dept. 90% receives
$250
May 24, 2016 (30 days before Dept. Convention)
Dept. deadline for unit All-Time High Ribbons
Dept. Always Remember Citation for Units reaching or exceeding
numeric goal
June 5, 2016
Dept. (1) Unit in each District with Highest % of renew/rejoin $15
CONGRATULATIONS! from Dept. to the first 5 units reaching
100%, each received $10: Unit 348 Ft. Calhoun, Unit 208 Ashton, Unit
227 Newport, Unit 215 Decatur, and Unit 13 Gresham. Ada Vicker
Award to District with highest numeric goal by Jan.31, 2016 goes to
District 1. Keep in the Race.
Papillion Unit 32 hosted the Sarpy County ALA Convention on January
24. Pictured, left to right, are District 8 President Sally Johnson
installing the 2016-2018 Sarpy County Officers --- President Charlene
Marchand, Vice- President Mary Dolan, and Secretary/Treasurer
Kathy Mathews.
TOP TEN (March 3, 2016)
Unit 348 Ft. Calhoun 139.130% Unit 377 Wilcox 100%
Unit 138 Crawford 118.182% Unit 319 Cody 100%
Unit 227 Newport 109.804% Unit 108 Ashton 100%
Unit 279 Hershey
105.405% Unit 363 Winnebago100%
Unit 215 Decatur
101.724
Unit 13 Gresham 100%
DECISION
AMERICA
RALLY
Christian Evangelist
Franklin Graham, son of Billy
Graham, will lead a noontime
prayer rally on May 18th on
the north plaza of the State
Capitol. The Billy Graham
Evangelistic Association is
conducting prayer rallies in all
50 states this year. Lincoln,
Nebraska will be the 24th
stop on the tour. “America’s
attention is on this election
year, Franklin Graham
said. But I do not believe
Republicans or Democrats or
any other party can turn this
nation around – only God
can.” The Decision America
rally will challenge Christians
to pray for America and its
leaders, Graham said.
“Decision America” tour
in Lincoln on May 18th for information go to www.
decisionamericatour.com
Beverly A. Neel
Department Chaplain
Barb Meyer
Membership Chairman
The Bristow American Legion Auxiliary Unit of the Finn L. Nelson
Post #76 was originally organized in 1920 with 21 members. There
are no records indicating when it disbanded.
The present unit reorganized in July of 1962 and received its charter
in January of 1963 with 25 members. Annual dues were $2.50.
Still in the Bristow Unit are 3 of the charter members: Margaret Ann
Landholm, Marion Nelson, and Elsie Johnson.
he could win, yet he thought
the effort could wait until the
goal was near. If the effort is
inconsistent, the ability to win is
inadequate.
So now what does this have
to do with the American Legion
Auxiliary? Did your unit set
goals at the beginning of this year
with what they would achieve
in our programs? Was your unit
a hare or a tortoise in reaching
your goals? The next step in the
race is to report what your unit
accomplished from May 1, 2015
to April 30, 2016. Hopefully,
you aren’t the hare and haven’t
waited until the last moment to
complete the reports. Instead,
you’ve been the tortoise and have
worked consistently over the year,
completing the reports as you
have worked the programs.
Some reminders from your
leadership “rat” referee. All
programs will be reported on one
form --- it’s yellow! Once your
unit has it completed, mail it to
Department Headquarters at PO
Box 5227, Lincoln NE 68505 by
May 1. You do not have to report
to each Department Chairman.
Our wonderful Auxiliary staff will
forward the reports to us. Now
isn’t that easy!
Vicki Ozenbaugh
Leadership Chairman
Shirley Malone is pictured with
her brother, Max Gaston, of
Marysville, Kansas. She presented
him with an “Honor Quilt” from
Burchard Unit 156. Max is a
WWII veteran and got to go on
an Honor Flight to Washington,
D.C. last year.
Wilma Poss, a 37-year ALA member of St. Paul Unit 11, was recognized
on her 101st birthday by unit members. Standing are nieces Jean Poss
(Chaplain) and Elizabeth Poss. Kneeling next to Wilma is President
Geri Pearson.
The American
Departmen
CHAPLAIN’S CORNER
2 Chronicles 7:14 If My
people who are called by My
name will humble themselves, and
pray and seek My face and turn
from their wicked ways, then I will
hear from heaven, and will forgive
their sins and heal their land.
(Dwight D. Eisenhower, 34th US
President and Ronald Reagan,
40th US President, placed their
hand over this verse as they took
the Presidential Oath.)
National Day of Prayer:
On January 25, 1988, the United
States Congress, by a Joint
Surrounds
om-Faith-Family’
Resolution of the 100th Congress,
declared the first Thursday of
each May to be recognized as
a National Day of Prayer. “Be
it enacted by the Senate and
House of Representatives of
the United States of America in
Congress assembled, That the
joint resolution entitled ‘Joint
Resolution to provide for setting
aside an appropriate day as a
National Day of Prayer,’ approved
April 17, 1952 (Public Law 82324; 66 Stat. 64), is amended
by striking ‘a suitable day each
year, other than a Sunday,’ and
Chaplain’s Corner
inserting in lieu thereof “the
first Thursday in May in each
year.’” (The American Patriot’s
Bible, The Word of God and the
Shaping of America, Dr. Richard
G. Lee, General Editor granting
permission to use this content.)
us reflection, appreciation, and at
times apprehension. Through
your wisdom and guidance we
will persevere to grow and harvest
your bounty. We pause this
May to rededicate our lives to
our beloved Veterans who have
passed that their sacrifices have
Dear Heavenly Father,
not been in vain. Through your
holy name, Oh Lord, we pray,
Your trees are budding, your Amen.
fields are greening, and your
farmers are preparing for a safe
Beverly A. Neel
planting season. We thank you
Department Lay Chaplain
for the seasons of the year and the
seasons of our lives. They provide
nephews with the talent of making me laugh before we can finish a
conversation. In this day and age of putting one’s self first, the talent
we need to expend before we face our Maker is the talent for making other peoples’ needs a priority in our lives, also.
Some of the needs of our veterans, our children and our communities can be met through the programs of the American Legion
Auxiliary. The talents of our members are necessary to execute these
programs through creative projects. If you’re a member, find a way to
get involved and share your talents and ideas. If you’re not a member
and eligible (I know there are ladies who are reading the
Legionnaire/STAR right now), come join us. Be that person who can
stand and say . . . I used everything you gave me.
Phillipians 2:4 – Let each of you look not only to his own interests,
but also to the interests of others.
Almighty God, you have blessed each of us with unique gifts, and
have called us into specific occupations, relationships and activities
using those gifts. Enable us to use our talents to witness to our faith in
you and to communicate your love to the people we meet each day.
Empower us to be ministers of love, hope and justice. Keep us steadfast in our commitment to serve actively in your name, Lord. Amen
By KATHY MAZUR
I have “spring
during
April. Watch your
Let us “always remember” Patriotic:Battle Hymn of the
When my children were
much
younger, I never had much time to sit and
fever.”
Do
you? newspapers,
and
whenever
to
count
our blessings as we
Republic
read; but when I did, I enjoyed
reading
ime for District
anything by Erma Bombeck. She had a
d also for celeofg
findingu
the humor
in everyday
life,
O p e n iway
n
p
you
see
some
great
honors
and
celebrate
Easter
and
Mother’s
Fellowship:
You Are My
erican Legion's
work, home and child rearing, and writing
efully many of
about it. I hadn’t
thought aboutaccomplishments
her in years
windows, letting
the
by
our
youth,
Day. Pray
for
peace,
our
military
Sunshine
to attend these
until a few months ago when I saw a poster
and meetings.
with one of her quotes. It read, “When I
Music is a great
fresh
in,
smelling
send
and
their
families,
and
all
in
May:
die and standair
before God,
I hope
to not have one bit of talent
left in mea congratulatory card letting
k you" to veterso I can say . . . I used everything you gave me.”
naires for their
the
aroma
offorms.new
them
need. Remember all veterans Hymn: God Will Take Care of
Talent is
ability that has many
Some people have
artistic tal- know we are noticing them. efforts which
ent, some culinary talent, some leadership talent; I have a couple
e freedoms we must NEVER take for grantgrass and flowers, hearing birds Also, try hard to attend all the this Memorial Day and tell them You
sing God Bless the USA and Auxiliary
singing,
and
“Spring Musicals” in the schools. “thank you” as we continue Patriotic: God Bless America
oth of these are especially
fitting as we
cel- seeing all the signs of
-Faith-Family" with our American Legion
“Extra,
Extra…
Cornhusker
Girls
State 2015During May,
new
life
around
us
gives
me
“new
involve your
Juniors “Serving our Veterans for Peace”. Fellowship: M-O-T-H-E-R
l selections are:
Election Volunteers Needed —
of our Fathers
Read
All
About
It”
We Want You!
energy.” How
about
you? with
distributing
poppies
and
u're a Grand Old Flag
By SHARON BROZOVSKY
Plans are underway for Girls State
My Wild Irish Rose
Childrenwith
& Youth Chairman
Marlene Meyer
Let’s share this
energy
Memorial Day April:
2015 new
and we need
your help.helping
Election volunteers
are needed toactivities.
help
April, designated as the American Legion’s Children and Hymn: He Lives
Music
Chairman
with
our
Children
and
Youth
our Security
Youth Month, is fast approaching. Units are asked to conduct
ensure that the election procedures
a special activity preferably with your Post that places emphaPut in Box
run smoothly and efficiently.
ational Security
sis on the Children and Youth Program. Be sure to publicize
whatever activity you plan. Ask the mayor to issue a proclamation naming April as Children and
Youth month. Send a news release
to your local paper, with a brief
explanation of the Children and
Youth Program and the details for
the activity to be held. Remember,
programs affecting the children
and youth in your community is
newsworthy!!
Youth Hero and Good Deed
Award presentations during a
school assembly in April is a perfect time to recognize deserving
youth. Work with your school
principal and/or school counselor in identifying youth who
qualify for these awards. Don’t forget to invite the media.
A brochure which highlights April Is Children & Youth
Month can be downloaded at www.legion.org.
Lastly, PLEASE, PLEASE remember to report the details
of your activity on the end of the year Children & Youth report
form due on May 1.
TO OUR VOLUNTEERS
By JOANN WARD
National Security Chairman
In a matter of weeks you
will need to prepare those
dreaded annual reports. There
is a questionnaire on page 80
of the ABC book for National
Security. Quite frankly I wish I
could do it over as the questions would be different. You
see, chairman also learn as
they go along and now I have
learned of many things you
easier. So... when you make your reports
ative that tells me something about collectoverseas; A Christmas card drive for active
ecial efforts made for active duty service
ng drives for rehab facilities; food pantrys
ss. If you're reporting these things to
ust be sure they are reported.
lf acquainted with how Cyber Security
s still an area of great concern among our
embers. Their families wil need help. A staare 1,639 service members unaccounted for
nam war. Remains were returned to a
y just a few months ago in 2014. A tragedy
ware of.
d remember: Freedeom — Faith — Family
Volunteers are needed on the following
dates and times:
Monday, June 1 - Filing for Office - 8:00
a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Tuesday, June 2 - Primary Election 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Wednesday, June 3 - General Election 9:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
(all times are approximate – location is
University of Nebraska-Lincoln)
V is for the Very special people that you are
O is for the Overwhelming support & compassion you offer others
during their time of need
L is for the Little things you do that make such a difference in someone’s life
If you are interested
volunteering,
U is for the Unspoken
wordsin that
sometimes mean just as much
please contact either
N is for the Need youKrisit
fillNohavec
whenatothers aren’t able
T is for the Time kristi.nohavec@gmail.com
youor give
of yourselves on top of your own busy
402-416-9380
or Heidi Kaschke at
schedules ichbinheidi@mac.com
Speaking Of Scholarships
or 402-926-9605
E is for the Emotional
support
you continually
By MARY give
ANN BOLDT
Those who volunteer
will receive
more
Education Chairman
information in mid-May.
E is also for the Endless
energy you all seem
to
possess
Scholarships are due to the Unit
by Sunday,once
March 1, complained
and to
R is for the Responsibility you have taken onPresidents
&
never
Department, post marked by Sunday,
15. The American Legion
Community
Service
—&March
S
is
for
the
Smiles
you
bring
to
patients
families
by
just
being you
Auxiliary offers the National
A Poppy With Pride!
Scholarships Children of Warriors,
What
HaveLEGION
YOU AUXILIARY
AMERICAN
-Unknown National
Presidents’
Scholarship,
the
TES
Spirit of Youth, and the NonBeen Doing?
n
DEPARTMENT OF NEBRASKA
Traditional Student Scholarships.
By DIANA LANGER
MEMBERSHIP
RECEIVED THROUGH MARCH
This year 10,
there2016
are only the Vocational Technical
you contacted your local schools for the Poppy Poster
Community Service Chairman
Scholarship and Nurses Scholarships on the Department level.
er contest available to the Units is the miss Poppy
Units are encouraged to visit charter and private schools, as
or both contests are in the ABC Book. I encourage
REPORT, REPORT, REPORT your Community well as put an ad in the newspaper for those who are homegin making plans for their distribution of Poppies
Service volunteer
hours andLEGION
dollars. The
next schooled. We want to be sure all students have the information
AMERICAN
AUXILIARY
emember, you can do this any time of the year and
reports are due on May 1, 2015. Ladies, keep a available to them.
me. Make contacts with your newspaper, mayor, busiDEPARTMENT
NEBRASKA
record of what
you do, the amountOF
of time
given,
Be sure and check the rules sheet for pertinent information
embers, Brownies/Girl Scouts and have a big wonderand how much RECEIVED
money you may have
spent.
such as who can
apply
and due dates. This is very important,
MEMBERSHIP
THROUGH
MARCH
10,
2016
your Auxiliary pin for identification. Make
our
One lady said, “I don’t want to brag.” This is not as applicants have been disqualified for not following the rules
Veterans proud.
about bragging. You are reporting your time and or not meeting the due dates.
The poppy Centerpiece Contest is held at
dollars to help our veterans by
letting Congress
2016
PERCEN
For your information
there is a spring program: National
District and Department levels. There has
know
how much is being done SR
at home. Without
for the Education
Children’s Week of
DISTRICT
2016 JRAssociation
2016
T of Young2016
been a change inDISTRICT
the rules from the DIST
ABC
each of you reporting they don’t know and the vet- the Young Child is April 12-18! This would be an excellent
Book — as followsPLACE
—
#
PRESIDENT
Paid time Members
GOAL
erans
are being shortchanged. Paid
to reach out to local %
preschools and
even kindergarten
The National American Legion has
Hint:
your hours and1334
$’s on a calendar,
run an activity1943
or read a story.
1st poppy program.
1
KarolWrite
Lockmon
235 classrooms!
1569Offer to80.751%
made changes to the
total monthly, then total the year to give to your www.NAEYC.org has wonderful ideas and activities to get
According to the changes
2ndthe poppies can 8be UnitSally
Johnson
1762
206
2439
President
by April 15. She
then can report
to involved1968
with young80.689%
children. You can
also Google the
made by non-veterans and can be made out of any
the Cheryl
Dept. Chairman
by May 1.2016
As we all know,
learning starts early!
3rdto produce the orig3
Schultz
873
147 phrase! 1020
79.254%
1287This is a great
PERCEN
materials. (Only Veterans get paid
The report form is found in the ABC Book or opportunity to have a large impact on the next generation; and
inal crepe paper poppies).DISTRICT
DIST
DISTRICT
SR
2016
2016
T
2016
4th
2
Karen
Ohlrich
1895
245JRwho knows,
2140you may78.909%
online
at www.nebraskalegionaux.net.
find a potential 2712
new member in the
At the 2015 Department Mid Year Conference
5th
Joyce Petersen
561
84 process!
645
78.659%
820
PLACE
#9
PRESIDENT
Paid
Paid
Members
%
GOAL
our standing rules VA&R #3
was amended to read:
Nebraska American Legion Auxiliary
promotes
only
6th
11
Judy Bespalec
1961
309
2270
78.601%
2888
1st
1
Karol
Lockmon
1334
235
1569
80.751%
1943
repe paper Handmade poppy 7th
for use in our Poppy
10
Diana
Aldrich
1260
197
1457
78.165%
1864
2nd
8
Sally Johnson
1762
206
1968
80.689%
2439
ram…
8th
Kay Ebeler
622
110
732
78.122%
937
3rd
3the
Cheryl
Schultz
873
147
1020
79.254%
1287
015 poppy centerpiece rules do
not mention that13
Send
to —
l be only crepe paper poppies.4th
It is preferred that 2
9th
6we
Vicki Cyboron
2290
287submissions
2577
78.067%
3301
Karen
Ohlrich
1895
245
2140
78.909%
2712
Luayne Weisgerber, 1119 Hudson Ave.
on and only use the crepe paper poppy in our center10th
Pat Heinemann
757
78 NE 69301-2761
835
77.819%
1073
5th“crepe paper poppy
95
Joyce
Petersen
561
84
645
78.659%
820
Alliance,
use the rules do not clearly state
s of poppies will be allowed. 6th
11th
12
Jody Bespalec
Schmale
1629
161 — or —2270
1790
75.944%
2357
11
Judy
1961
309
78.601%
2888
ALATheStarNE@yahoo.com (e-mail photos .jpg as attachments)
Star of David may be used in this year’s centerpieces
12th
7
Mary Contraras
1773
225
1998
75.339%
2652
7th Family.”
10
Diana
Aldrich
1260
197
1457
78.165%
1864
sident’s theme of “Freedom, Faith,
If
youEbeler
don’t
see your photos,
be patient. 110
I usually have 732
more
than space. I really
would rather
ete the annual Poppy program 13th
report at the end of13
the
4
Donna
Bratt
634
100
734 photos78.122%
70.239%
1045
8th
Kay
622
937
not run them too small to appreciate.
e ABC book. I must receive the report by May 1.
The Star
9th
6
Vicki Cyboron
10th
Pat Heinemann
30
DEPT. 500 paid5
11th
12
Jody Schmale
12th
7
Mary Contraras
DEPARTMENT GOAL
13th
4
Donna Bratt
2290
500
757
Goal
1629
1773
25373
634
287
55 78
161
225
100
DEPT. 500 paid
500
Goal
55
30
2577
78.067%
77.898%
19765
835
77.819%
1790
75.944%
1998
75.339%
New members
734
70.239%
19765 77.898% 25373
DATES TO REMEMBER
DEPARTMENT GOAL
25373
3301
25373
1073
2357
2652
698
1045
New members
698
Goal
APRIL
Children and Youth Month
10-16 National Volunteer Week
MAY
1
10
8
30 Postmark deadline for Unit Annual Reports to Department
Articles due for the June issue of “The Star”
Mothers’ Day
Memorial Day - Department Headquarters closed
FOR YOUR ADVANCED PLANING
June 5-11, 2016 - ALA Cornhusker Girls State, Lincoln
June 23-26, 2016 - Department Convention, Kearney, NE - Ramada Inn
August 26-September 1, 2016 - National Convention - Cincinnati, OH
Dixie D Shreves . . . . . . . Omaha1
Billie M Bienkowski . . . . Hastings11
Jewel Piper . . . . . . . . . . . Norfolk16
Mildred Coffendaffer . . . Wymore25
Glenda L Hopkins . . . . . . Omaha30
Kate McBride . . . . . . . . . Gering36
Beverly Janett Satur . . . . Gering36
Betty G Hoelting . . . . Lawremce45
Celine Bender . . . . . . . Humphrey80
Muriel French . . . . . . . . . Wahoo82
Marilyn Ziska . . . . . . . . Atkinson86
Earllaine M Krumm . . . . Atkinson86
Hazel A Clark . . . . . . Clay Center 87
Velda M Philbrick . . . Clay Center 87
Patricia Eisenhart . . . Clay Center 87
Maureen C Kuehler . . Clay Center 87
Twila M Mack . . . . . . Clay Center 87
2016 AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY
CORNHUSKER GIRLS STATE ORIENTATIONS
DISTRICT
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Lincoln
DATE
April 24, 2016
April 10 , 2016
April 17, 2016
May 1, 2016
April 17, 2016
April 10, 2016
April 24, 2016
April 10, 2016
April 3, 2016
April 10, 2016
April 17, 2016
April 10, 2016
May 1, 2016
May 1, 2016
TIME
1:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m.
1:30 p.m.
1:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m.
Mary Harig . . . . . . . . . . Superior103
LOCATION
Valentine - Legion Post 371
Neligh - Legion Post 172
Emerson Hubbard High School
Gering Legion Post 36
Hershey High School
St. Paul High School
Valparaiso Legion Post 371
Valley Legion Post 58
McCook Evangelical Church
Edgar Legion Post 248
Wilber Legion Post 101
Seward Community Center
Pawnee City Legion Post 168
Lancaster Extension Education Center
Barbara Greenway . . . . . Palmer120
Melva Fletcher . . . . . . . . Bassett123
Fern Oneill . . . . . . . . . . Jackson175
Margaret J James . . . . . Blue Hill 176
Mary J Votipka . . . . . Alexandria194
N Jeanette Whipple . . . . . Boelus201
Nola Ducker . . . . . . . . . . . Lynch228
Questions: Contact Renee Van Winkle at 308-650-3591 or momrenee@hotmail.com
Geraldine Spencer . . . . . . Lynch228
WHAT ARE VOLUNTEERS?
Wilma Woodruff . . . . . Stamford233
GIRLS STATE ORIENATION
Jo A Beach . . . . . Weeping Water 237
Volunteers are like Ford...
they have better ideas.
Volunteers are like Coke...
they’re the real thing.
Volunteers are like Pepsi...
they’ve got a lot to give.
Volunteers are like Dial...
they care more, don’t you wish everyone did.
Volunteers are like VO5 Hair Spray...
they hold in all kinds of weather.
Volunteers are like Hallmark...
they care enough to give the very best.
Volunteers are like Standard Oil...
you expect more and you get it.
But most of all, Volunteers are like Frosted Flakes...
THEY’RE GRRRRREAT!!!!!
Thank you, ALA Volunteers.
National Volunteer Week-April 10-16, 2016.
Dorothy M Parks . Weeping Water 237
Lillian Patzloff . . . . . . . . Ceresco244
Betty L Bittfield . . . . . . Kenesaw268
Vera Cumming . . . . . . . Danbury276
Bonnie E Ohmstede . Guide Rock 278
Jacqueline Gydesen . . . . Elwood290
Doris A Williams . . . . . . . Hallam294
Lareda Hoback . . . . . . . . Burwell298
Martha Stahlecker . . . . . Burwell298
Alyce Glaser . . . . . . . . . Spalding299
Janice Herink . . . . . . . . . . Leigh302
Tedd L Hathaway . . . . Stapleton324
Goal
2 District 1 Convention - Chadron 9am
Girls State/Boys State Orientations by District
(see article)
Notices received
Feb. 10, 2016 to March 10, 2016
Mary A Shunkwiler . . . . . . Sutton61
“ALWAYS REMEMBER” WITH MUSIC
MEYER
In Memoriam
BLACK ROBES
NEEDED
HEARTFELT
THANK YOU
Girls State is considering
replacing the old black robes
we use for the Supreme Court
appointees. They are aging and
very heavy. Do you have an
all-black graduation gown that
you are no longer using and can
donate to Girls State?
We are looking for at least 8
gowns. if you can help us with
this project, robes maybe taken
to Department Headquarters in
Lincoln or given to a Girls State
staff member at a Girls State
Orientation.
My heartfelt thanks to my
Auxiliary family for your cards
and words of sympathy during the
loss of my parents. Your kindness
and concern for me and my family
means a great deal. I appreciate
all the love and support my ALA
family has extended to me during
this period of sadness. God bless
you all.
Renee VanWinkle
Girls State Chairman
Vicki Ozenbaugh
Gertrude Thiem . . . . . Petersburg334
Georgia L Keim . . . . . . Davenport335
Mary E Wilson . . . . Crab Orchard 336
Shirleen Debuhr . . Crab Orchard 336
Isabelle WhitemoreMcCool Junction341
Charlotte M Hall McCool Junction 341
Irene Burda . . . . . . . . . . Primrose347
Margaret M Gulizia . . . Louisville353
Verona Scheer . . . . . . . . . . Cook360
Doris Bradley . . . . . . . . Naponee364
Ruby Meyer . . . . . . . . . . Wilcox377
The American Legion Auxiliary
Department of Nebraska
T