The American Legion [Volume 166, No. 1 (January 2009)]

16 MB·English

by  American Legion. National Headquarters

Page CV1
Have You Or A Loved One Suffered From
MESOTHELIOMA
After Working Around
ASBESTOS?
Mesothelioma has been conclusively linked with
exposure to asbestos and asbestos-containing prod-
ucts. Millions of hardworking men and women in
the militarythat worked with and around asbestos
and asbestos-containing products may be affected.
If you or someone you know have been diagnosed
with mesothelioma or lung cancer, you may be able
to file a legal claim against the asbestos industry
and collect significant financial compensation.
CALL TOLL FREE 1-877-839-MESO
(1-877-839-6376)
YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO
MMOONNEEYY DDAAMMAAGGEESS
1330 Post Oak Blvd., Suite 3030
Houston, TX 77056-3019
www.VeteranMeso.com
Lawyers at Fleming & Associates are licensed in TX with principal offices in Houston, TX and associate with experienced lawyers throughout the U.S.
CALL NOW 1-877-839-MESO
TOLL FREE 1-877-839-6376
Page CV2
Page 01
contents
January 2009 • Vol. 166, No. 1
16 North Korea’s Nuclear Gamble
REVVED AND READY
A fl exible U.S. policy will not
convince Pyongyang to abandon its The American Legion Riders chapter of William M.
plans. By Taewoo Kim Randolph Post 593 in Converse, Texas, started with
nine members in March 2004. The group now has
more than 170 members and plays a key role in the
ON THE COVER
annual American Legion Legacy Run. Since 2006,
24 Smoke-Free or Freedom to Smoke? the Converse Legion family – including Auxiliary
Once widely acceptable, cigarette smoking and Sons of The American Legion – has raised
now borders on illegal. By Margaret Davidson $60,000 for the Legacy Scholarship fund. Members
also work with patients at Brooke Army Medical
Center at Fort Sam Houston, the Audie Murphy VA
32 The Battle to Train the Hospital, Heroes to Hometowns, Patriot Guard,
Enemies of Our Enemies Texas Honor Ride and Operation Wounded Warrior.
From left: Debbie Pierce, Candy Zavala, Christine
Peace activists sought to shut down
Reed, Bill Papa, Velma Smith, Terry Smith, Carrie
the School of the Americas. Now
Papa, Brown Zavala, and Brad Pierce.
they want to do the same for its Alicia Wagner Calzada
successor. By Matt Grills
40 Parallel Universes
More than three years after Katrina
lambasted their VA medical center,
New Orleans veterans fi nd
themselves poised to provide hope
in a city yearning for
recovery. By Jeff Stoff er
5 Vet Voice
8 Commander’s Message
10 Big Issues
12 Living Well
46 Rapid Fire
56 Comrades
60 Parting Shots
The American Legion Magazine, a leader among national general-interest publications, is published monthly by The American Legion for its 2.7 million members.
These wartime veterans, working through 15,000 community-level posts, dedicate themselves to God and Country and traditional American values; strong national
security; adequate and compassionate care for veterans, their widows and orphans; community service; and the wholesome development of our nation’s youth.
JANUARY 2009 | THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE 00
Page 02
ATTENTION VICTIMS OF ASBESTOS-RELATED
MESOTHELIOMA
TRUST
EARNED BY
Bud Coady Dave Fanikos
OUR SERVICE. Harvard, 1979 Harvard, 1985
USMC, 1979-89, 1991 USMC 1986-1989
Gulf War Veteran Attorney at Law
Attorney at Law
SUCCESS Like you, we served our country. And like you,
we believe in just compensation for those
diagnosed with Mesothelioma. For 20 years,
ACHIEVED Coady Law Firm Attorneys have successfully
represented veterans stricken by Asbestos-
THROUGH RESULTS.
related Mesothelioma, securing millions of
dollars to help pay for healthcare and support
their families.
Coady Law Firm offers free, no-obligation
consultation nationwide, and does not
expect compensation until your suit has
succeeded. Unlike other lawyers, we are
veterans who share your values and are
personally commited throughout your case.
Coady Law Firm. Fellow veterans and
trusted attorneys, who believe in defending
our shipmates.
Call 1-888-802-MESO (6376), and we will
come to you for a free consultation.
Call 1-888-802-MESO (6376)
FOR A NO OBLIGATION CONSULTATION.
205 Portland Street • Boston, MA 02114 • E-Mail: [email protected]
Page 03
Once $350…
The POWER of gas...
the CONVENIENCE Now Only $39
of a battery!
FREE
Neuton®Mowers give you the power Shipping
of a gas mower with none of the hassles.
So convenientwith NO tune-ups or oil NATIONAL COMMANDER David K. Rehbein
changes. Instant-starting, every time. PUBLISHER The American Legion
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR William M. Justis
Super lightweight and easy
for anyoneto use . EDITOR Jeff Stoffer
MANAGING EDITOR Philip M. Callaghan
So quiet you can mow any ASSISTANT DIRECTOR/
time without disturbing OPERATIONS Brandy Ballenger
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Joyce Cole
your neighbors. The Legendary 1904-O Morgan SENIOR EDITOR Steve Brooks
Silver Dollar, Brilliant Uncirculated ASSOCIATE EDITOR Matt Grills
Includes bagger, ASSISTANT EDITOR James V. Carroll
mulcher, and side In 1962, the 1904-O (New Orleans Mint) CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Alan W. Dowd
discharge. Morgan silver dollar was one of the three
ART DIRECTOR Holly K. Soria
costliest rarities in the series, UNC’s listing
DESIGNER Matt Everett
for $350. Then the Treasury released the last
sealed bags of pristine 1904-O Morgans. PRODUCTION MANAGER Tony Heath
Get a FREE DVD and Catalog! Today no other Brilliant Uncirculated THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE COMMISSION
Morgan silver dollar costs so little compared CHAIRMAN Dennis J. Henkemeyer Bagley, MN
TOLL 1-800-716-1476 to its peak price. NEW CUSTOMERS VICE CHAIRMAN James H. Hall Hopewell, NJ
FREE ONLY: $39 (#18579) postpaid while RECPORMEMSEANNTDAETRIV’SE Terry D. Lewis Philadelphia
OR VISIT: neutonmowers.com supplies last. Limit 2 per household. CONSULTANT Rodger A. Bennett Thawville, IL
ABSOLUTELY NO UNORDERED Robert A. Corrigan Bronx, NY
We’ll send you complete details including COINS SENT. 30-Day No-Risk Home MEMBERS Roger H. Anderson South Windsor, CT
model specifications, low, factory-direct Examination: Money-Back Guarantee. James F. Angell Sedro Woolley, WA
Harold F. Arnold Statesboro, GA
prices, and our 6-Month Risk-Free International Coins & Currency Sam Barney Lancaster, OH
Trial guarantee! 62 Ridge St., Dept. 4942 Thomas L. Burns Ocean View, DE
Montpelier, VT 05602 Claude B. Carpenter Little Rock, AR
James W. Conway Charlestown, MA
Order at 1-800-451-4463 Philip B. Finley Colby, KS
63920X © 2008 CHP, Inc. www.iccoin.net (many more great deals) 4942 Richard A. Font Shalimar, FL
Dennis E. Fritz Columbus Junction, IA
Charles E. Hartman Eau Claire, PA
Theodore Hartmann Smithton, IL
Roy L. Kirkham Minden, LA
James J. Leyser Fresno, CA
Ease of use, peace of mind. John J. Michalski New Carlisle, IN
Silas M. Noel Frankfort, KY
Robert E. Vass Sr. Huntington, WV
David R. Walkup Oklahoma City
Frank C. Ward Greenville, SC
NEC LIAISON
COMMITTEE William W. Kile
Chairman, Petersburg, WV
Be able to bathe safely, without worry Andrew W. Johnson Honolulu
Salvatore Ruvolo Henderson, NV
with a Premier Walk-In Bath. Floyd W. Turner Birmingham, AL
ADVERTISING
Independence and security is only a phone call away. If you ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Diane Andretti
struggle taking your bath, talk to us at Premier about our ASSISTANT
extensive range of walk-in baths. ADVERTISING MANAGER Amanda A. Harpenau
(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:115)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:37)(cid:78)(cid:74)(cid:79)(cid:89)(cid:0)(cid:65)(cid:0)(cid:82)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:65)(cid:88)(cid:73)(cid:78)(cid:71)(cid:0)(cid:66)(cid:65)(cid:84)(cid:72)(cid:0)(cid:65)(cid:71)(cid:65)(cid:73)(cid:78)(cid:12)(cid:0)(cid:87)(cid:73)(cid:84)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:85)(cid:84)(cid:0)(cid:84)(cid:72)(cid:69)(cid:0)(cid:70)(cid:69)(cid:65)(cid:82)(cid:0)(cid:79)(cid:70)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:83)(cid:76)(cid:73)(cid:80)(cid:80)(cid:73)(cid:78)(cid:71) ADVERTISING ASSISTANT Laura Edwards
or falling. CONTACT [phone]
[phone]
(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:115)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:52)(cid:72)(cid:69)(cid:0)(cid:87)(cid:65)(cid:76)(cid:75)(cid:13)(cid:73)(cid:78)(cid:0)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:0)(cid:70)(cid:69)(cid:65)(cid:84)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:69)(cid:0)(cid:65)(cid:76)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:87)(cid:83)(cid:0)(cid:69)(cid:65)(cid:83)(cid:89)(cid:0)(cid:65)(cid:67)(cid:67)(cid:69)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:0)(cid:65)(cid:78)(cid:68)(cid:0)(cid:69)(cid:88)(cid:73)(cid:84)(cid:73)(cid:78)(cid:71)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:65)(cid:84)(cid:0)(cid:65)(cid:76)(cid:76)(cid:0) The American
times when taking a bath. Legion Magazine
P.O. Box 7068
(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:115)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0) (cid:74)(cid:69)(cid:84)(cid:83)(cid:0)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:84)(cid:72)(cid:69)(cid:0)(cid:65)(cid:87)(cid:65)(cid:89)(cid:0)(cid:89)(cid:79)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:0)(cid:65)(cid:67)(cid:72)(cid:69)(cid:83)(cid:0)(cid:65)(cid:78)(cid:68)(cid:0)(cid:80)(cid:65)(cid:73)(cid:78)(cid:83)(cid:14) Indianapolis, IN 46207
ADVERTISING SALES James G. Elliott
Company, Inc.
❏✔ Yes! Please send me a FREE COLOR BROCHURE about NEW YORK [phone]
Premier Walk-In Baths. DETROIT [phone]
CHICAGO [phone]
Name LOS ANGELES [phone]
Telephone Copyright 2009 by The American Legion
Address The American Legion (ISSN 0886-1234) is published monthly
City by The American Legion, 5745 Lee Road, Indianapolis, IN 46216.
State Zip Periodicals postage paid at Indiana polis, IN 46204 and additional
mailing offices.
Send to: Premier Bathrooms Inc, 2330 South Nova Rd., South Daytona, Florida 32119 POST MASTER: Send address changes to The American Legion,
CODE 10019 Data Services, P.O. Box 1954, Indianapolis, IN 46206.
Canada Post International Publications Mall (Canadian Distribution)
Sales Agreement No. PM40063731. Return Undeliverable
Canadian Addresses to: Station A, P.O. Box, Windsor ON N9A 6J5.
Re-entered second-class mail matter at Manila Central Post Office
dated Dec. 22, 1991.
(cid:35)(cid:33)(cid:44)(cid:44)(cid:0)(cid:46)(cid:47)(cid:55)(cid:0)(cid:115)(cid:0)(cid:52)(cid:47)(cid:44)(cid:44)(cid:0)(cid:38)(cid:50)(cid:37)(cid:37)
Printed in USA
“Transform your 1-800-578-2899
bathroom and Member Audit Bureau of Circulations
Offfreorm su GbEje Mcto tnoe ayp Bparnokval t~r Kaanrsefno Grmras ysloeur life.” (cid:51)(cid:47)(cid:53)(cid:50)(cid:35)(cid:37)(cid:0)(cid:35)(cid:47)(cid:36)(cid:37)(cid:0)(cid:17)(cid:16)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:25)
Page 04
‘Rocky Mountain Runaround’
I read with great interest about
plans for a new VA hospital in
The Magazine for a Strong America Denver (November). I wish them
luck. We in Nevada have long
HOW TO CONTACT US awaited such a hospital to care for
For assistance with membership record verification,
our veterans. While it’s fi nally under
membership applications, change of address,
notification of member death or changes to magazine construction, it’s not expected to be
or Dispatch subscriptions, contact customer service.
CUSTOMER [phone] completed before 2012. My question
SERVICE [email protected] is this: why does it take a decade or
The American Legion
Data Services more to complete a VA hospital, but
P.O. Box 1954
Indianapolis, IN 46206 we can put up a casino hotel in two
For change of address by mail, attach old address years?
label, provide new address and membership number.
– Jean Colby, Las Vegas
NATIONAL [phone]
HEADQUARTERS 700 N. Pennsylvania St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
AMERICAN LEGION P.O. Box 1055 ‘On Guard’ I just fi nished reading the
MAGAZINE Indianapolis, IN 46206
E-MAIL [email protected] Thank you so much for the article on the Patriot Guard
TELEPHONE [phone] article regarding the Patriot Riders. I am proud that the
WEB SITE www.legion.org
SUBSCRIPTIONS Free with membership Guard (November). I attended Guard owes its founding to my
NFoorne-igmne: m$2b1ers: $15 my fi rst military funeral when brothers in The American
Post-spon sored and widows: $6
Single copies: $3.50 my grandson’s brother-in-law Legion Riders. I live in South
MEMBERSHIP IN THE AMERICAN LEGION passed away suddenly while on Carolina and no longer have a
Veterans who served at least one day of active military duty
during wartime, or are serving now, are potentially eligible temporary duty in Fairbanks, bike. However, the Patriot
for membership in The American Legion. Members must
Alaska. I was so impressed. Five Guard still welcomes me to
have been honorably discharged or still serving honorably.
ELIGIBILITY Aug 2, 1990 – current Patriots and two motorcycle stand in fl ag lines and drive my
DATES OF Dec. 20,1989 – Jan. 31, 1990
MILITARY Aug. 24, 1982 – July 31, 1984 policemen came to Lumberton, Jeep in processions. We “cage”
SERVICE Feb. 28,1961 – May 7, 1975 Texas, to escort the family to drivers carry fl ags and provide
June 25, 1950 – Jan. 31, 1955
Dec. 7, 1941 – Dec. 31, 1946 the funeral home in Silsbee. food, water and fi rst-aid sup-
April 6, 1917 – Nov 11, 1918
(Merchant Marines who served When we arrived at the funeral plies for them.
from Dec. 7, 1941 to Dec. 31, 1946,
are also eligible.) home, Patriots lined the drive- The Patriot Guard welcomes
TO JOIN Membership Division
[email protected] way, the front porch and the anyone to its ranks who honors
[phone] sidewalk, and they continued to and supports our military and
www.legion.org
PROGRAM CONTACT INFORMATION remain at attention during a their families, as well as our
V&E RTEERHAANBSIL AITFAFTAIIORNS (v2a0r2@) l8e6g1io-2n7.o00rg hot, humid August day. police, fi refi ghters and fi rst
ECONOMICS 202.861.2700 After the service, the Guard responders. Thank you for an
[email protected]
FAMILY SUPPORT [phone] escorted the funeral procession article that clarifi es who we are
NETWORK [email protected]
CITIZENS FLAG [phone] to the cemetery and stood at and what we do.
ALLIANCE [email protected]
www.cfa-inc.org attention along the drive until As one of the patches on
LEGION RIDERS [phone]
www.legion.org/legionriders the end of the service. With the my vest says, “I will stand with
[email protected]
AMERICAN LEGION [phone] exception of the beautiful sound the PGR until the PGR stands
BASEBALL [email protected]
www.baseball.legion.org of their motorcycles, they came for me.” Come join us on the
BOYS NATION (jd31ru7)s [email protected] quietly and left quietly. fl ag line.
JUNIOR [phone] I was impressed with the mili- – Dave Jordan, Rock Hill, S.C.
SHOOTING SPORTS [email protected]
NATIONAL [phone] tary funeral but was equally as
ORATORICAL CONTEST [email protected]
HEROES TO [phone] impressed with the honor the I just received my November
HOMETOWNS [email protected]
Patriot Guard showed a depart- magazine and wish to clear up
SCHOLARSHIPS & CHARITABLE TRUSTS
AMERICAN LEGACY [phone] ed brother in arms and his a small error. The “On Guard”
SCHOLARSHIP [email protected]
AMERICAN LEGION [phone] family. What a wonderful group article refers to the Westboro,
ENDOWMENT FUND
CHILD WELFARE [phone] of men and women who chose Kan., Baptist Church. The name
FOUNDATION www.cwf-inc.org
NATIONAL [phone] to give of themselves on such a of the church is Westboro
EMERGENCY FUND [email protected]
day. Thanks to that Texas Baptist Church, and it is located
AMERICAN LEGION MERCHANDISE
ORDER PLACEMENT [phone] group, and thank you for a won- in Topeka, Kan. Westboro is a
AND CATALOG emblem.legion.org
REQUESTS [email protected] derful article and informative section of Topeka.
AMERICAN LEGION FAMILY
AMERICAN LEGION [phone] magazine. Most Topekans are embar-
AUXILIARY www.legion-aux.org – Mary Helen Iven, Santa Fe, Texas rassed by the actions of West-
SONS OF THE [phone]
AMERICAN LEGION www.sal.legion.org
JANUARY 2009 | THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE 5
Page 05
boro Baptist Church members. get an offshore rig on line. This ‘Who Should Give the Speech?’
Their actions degrade the is an argument Democrats The November magazine
actions and sacrifi ces made by have used against drilling for addressed numerous issues most
the many individuals who have oil, in favor of alternative forms helpful to American Legion
fought and died to ensure that of energy, they were saying members. One – “Who Should
church members have the 10 years. Give the Speech?” by Craig
freedom of speech they use Likewise, DeFazio gives a Niederriter – especially caught
during their protests. good argument against drilling my attention.
– Bob Lewis, Topeka, Kan. in favor of alternative energy Niederriter highlighted so
sources, but he says, “I support many important facts and
Off shore oil drilling expanded drilling for oil in considerations one should
In his opposition to lifting the National Petroleum include in giving a Veterans Day
the ban on offshore drilling Reserve-Alaska ....” So speech. No doubt his insights
(Big Issues, November), industry is not drilling come from fi rsthand experience
Rep. Peter A. DeFazio, D-Ore., enough. Go fi gure! in serving the country he loves.
never gives a reason why we I believe we can accomplish The contributions of U.S.
should not drill offshore. He considerable energy relief in one veterans are why our country is
claims that Congress could year. What happened at Pearl free today. They have a lot to
reduce the price of oil by up to Harbor when our navy was all offer in sharing their experiences
50 percent in 30 days, yet his but destroyed? American ingenu- in speeches, especially in
party has been in a majority in ity got us back operational in Veterans Day ceremonies.
Congress for the past two years, months, without the technology – Ronald L. Baker, Springfi eld, Va.
during which we have seen an we have today. We need to
unprecedented rise in oil prices. stop buying foreign oil from Give vets commissary access
DeFazio also says we have potential enemies when we have As a past district commander in
100 years of natural gas reserves. oil of our own. At the same time, The American Legion, questions
The U.S. Energy Information we need to develop alternative often come to my attention from
Administration estimates the energy sources to relieve the veterans who have a 10-percent or
reserves of natural gas at economy and provide for our more disability rating.
211 trillion cubic feet. In 2006, national security. Government They believe the Department
we used 21.6 trillion cubic feet should ease regulations and get of Defense should give them
of natural gas. That doesn’t out of the way. access to commissary and PX
sound like 100 years of re- – Eugene F. Conway, Riverdale, Ga. facilities. These veterans are
serves to me. heroes and served their country
– Thomas R. Slough Jr., Madison, Miss. Neither Rep. Michele Bach- honorably. The government is
mann nor Rep. Peter DeFazio unfair in denying them the same
Regarding lifting the ban on mention conservation as one access as active-duty service-
offshore drilling, it seems that solution to our energy prob- members or returning veterans.
both Rep. Michelle Bachmann, lems. Why are our government – Serafi n Mora, Sebastian, Fla.
R-Minn., and Rep. Peter offi cials so reluctant to pro-
DeFazio, D-Ore., are talking mote conservation? Are they Editor’s Note: A Rapid Fire story
out of both sides of their afraid to ask the American in the November issue, about the
mouths. This typical “political public to sacrifi ce? There coast-to-coast highway project to
speak” is what gives politicians seems to be a compulsion to use honor Korean War veterans,
a bad name. up our fi nite energy reserves. overlooked the efforts of Missis-
Bachmann gives a good Why not save some for our sippi veteran Bill Clark, who died
argument for drilling, but she grandchildren? in 2006. But others continue to
says it would take seven years to – Frederick Harriman, Endicott, N.Y. make his dream a reality.
THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE WELCOMES YOUR OPINIONS
Include your hometown and a daytime phone number for verifi cation. All letters published are subject to editing.
Due to the volume of mail received, not every letter can be acknowledged.
The American Legion Magazine, P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206
[email protected]
6 THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2009
Page 06
(cid:60)(cid:68)(cid:71)(cid:70)(cid:78)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:64)(cid:69)(cid:62)(cid:23)(cid:80)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:73)(cid:74)(cid:60)(cid:67)(cid:61)
(cid:64)(cid:74)(cid:23)(cid:74)(cid:75)(cid:73)(cid:70)(cid:69)(cid:62)(cid:37)
(cid:60)(cid:68)(cid:71)(cid:70)(cid:78)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:64)(cid:69)(cid:62)(cid:23)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:63)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:74)
(cid:64)(cid:74)(cid:23)(cid:56)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:80)(cid:23)(cid:74)(cid:75)(cid:73)(cid:70)(cid:69)(cid:62)(cid:37)
(cid:60)(cid:56)(cid:73)(cid:69)(cid:23)(cid:27)(cid:41)(cid:35)(cid:39)(cid:39)(cid:39)(cid:23)(cid:78)(cid:63)(cid:60)(cid:69)(cid:23)(cid:74)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:60)(cid:70)(cid:69)(cid:60)(cid:23)(cid:80)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:23)(cid:73)(cid:60)(cid:61)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:23)
(cid:60)(cid:69)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:74)(cid:75)(cid:74)(cid:23)(cid:64)(cid:69)(cid:23)(cid:75)(cid:63)(cid:60)(cid:23)(cid:56)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:80)(cid:37)
(cid:61)(cid:102)(cid:105)(cid:23)(cid:56)(cid:105)(cid:100)(cid:112)(cid:23)(cid:88)(cid:101)(cid:91)(cid:23)(cid:56)(cid:105)(cid:100)(cid:112)(cid:23)(cid:73)(cid:92)(cid:106)(cid:92)(cid:105)(cid:109)(cid:92)(cid:23)(cid:105)(cid:92)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:105)(cid:105)(cid:88)(cid:99)(cid:106)(cid:49)(cid:23)
(cid:90)(cid:88)(cid:99)(cid:99)(cid:23)(cid:40)(cid:37)(cid:47)(cid:39)(cid:39)(cid:37)(cid:41)(cid:41)(cid:42)(cid:37)(cid:42)(cid:46)(cid:42)(cid:44)(cid:35)(cid:23)(cid:92)(cid:111)(cid:107)(cid:37)(cid:23)(cid:45)(cid:36)(cid:39)(cid:43)(cid:46)(cid:42)(cid:23)(cid:102)(cid:105)(cid:23)(cid:109)(cid:96)(cid:106)(cid:96)(cid:107)(cid:23)(cid:110)(cid:110)(cid:110)(cid:37)(cid:41)(cid:98)(cid:37)(cid:88)(cid:105)(cid:100)(cid:112)(cid:37)(cid:100)(cid:96)(cid:99)
(cid:61)(cid:102)(cid:105)(cid:23)(cid:56)(cid:105)(cid:100)(cid:112)(cid:23)(cid:69)(cid:88)(cid:107)(cid:96)(cid:102)(cid:101)(cid:88)(cid:99)(cid:23)(cid:62)(cid:108)(cid:88)(cid:105)(cid:91)(cid:23)(cid:105)(cid:92)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:105)(cid:105)(cid:88)(cid:99)(cid:106)(cid:49)
(cid:90)(cid:88)(cid:99)(cid:99)(cid:23)(cid:40)(cid:37)(cid:47)(cid:39)(cid:39)(cid:37)(cid:43)(cid:45)(cid:43)(cid:37)(cid:47)(cid:41)(cid:46)(cid:42)(cid:23)(cid:102)(cid:105)(cid:23)(cid:109)(cid:96)(cid:106)(cid:96)(cid:107)(cid:23)(cid:40)(cid:47)(cid:39)(cid:39)(cid:94)(cid:102)(cid:94)(cid:108)(cid:88)(cid:105)(cid:91)(cid:37)(cid:90)(cid:102)(cid:100)(cid:38)(cid:92)(cid:106)(cid:88)(cid:105)
(cid:73)(cid:92)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:105)(cid:105)(cid:88)(cid:99)(cid:23)(cid:100)(cid:108)(cid:106)(cid:107)(cid:23)(cid:89)(cid:92)(cid:23)(cid:93)(cid:102)(cid:105)(cid:23)(cid:106)(cid:102)(cid:100)(cid:92)(cid:102)(cid:101)(cid:92)(cid:23)(cid:110)(cid:95)(cid:102)(cid:23)(cid:92)(cid:101)(cid:99)(cid:96)(cid:106)(cid:107)(cid:106)(cid:23)(cid:96)(cid:101)(cid:107)(cid:102)(cid:23)(cid:107)(cid:95)(cid:92)(cid:23)(cid:73)(cid:92)(cid:94)(cid:108)(cid:99)(cid:88)(cid:105)(cid:23)(cid:56)(cid:105)(cid:100)(cid:112)(cid:35)(cid:23)(cid:56)(cid:105)(cid:100)(cid:112)(cid:23)(cid:73)(cid:92)(cid:106)(cid:92)(cid:105)(cid:109)(cid:92)(cid:23)(cid:102)(cid:105)(cid:23)(cid:56)(cid:105)(cid:100)(cid:112)(cid:23)(cid:69)(cid:88)(cid:107)(cid:96)(cid:102)(cid:101)(cid:88)(cid:99)(cid:23)(cid:62)(cid:108)(cid:88)(cid:105)(cid:91)(cid:37)(cid:23)(cid:71)(cid:88)(cid:96)(cid:91)(cid:23)(cid:96)(cid:101)(cid:23)(cid:107)(cid:110)(cid:102)(cid:23)(cid:96)(cid:101)(cid:90)(cid:105)(cid:92)(cid:100)(cid:92)(cid:101)(cid:107)(cid:106)(cid:35)(cid:23)
(cid:102)(cid:101)(cid:92)(cid:23)(cid:88)(cid:93)(cid:107)(cid:92)(cid:105)(cid:23)(cid:57)(cid:88)(cid:106)(cid:96)(cid:90)(cid:23)(cid:75)(cid:105)(cid:88)(cid:96)(cid:101)(cid:96)(cid:101)(cid:94)(cid:23)(cid:89)(cid:92)(cid:94)(cid:96)(cid:101)(cid:106)(cid:23)(cid:88)(cid:101)(cid:91)(cid:23)(cid:107)(cid:95)(cid:92)(cid:23)(cid:102)(cid:107)(cid:95)(cid:92)(cid:105)(cid:23)(cid:88)(cid:93)(cid:107)(cid:92)(cid:105)(cid:23)(cid:56)(cid:64)(cid:75)(cid:38)(cid:70)(cid:74)(cid:76)(cid:75)(cid:23)(cid:94)(cid:105)(cid:88)(cid:91)(cid:108)(cid:88)(cid:107)(cid:96)(cid:102)(cid:101)(cid:37)(cid:23)(cid:159)(cid:41)(cid:39)(cid:39)(cid:47)(cid:37)(cid:23)(cid:71)(cid:88)(cid:96)(cid:91)(cid:23)(cid:93)(cid:102)(cid:105)(cid:23)(cid:89)(cid:112)(cid:23)(cid:107)(cid:95)(cid:92)(cid:23)(cid:76)(cid:101)(cid:96)(cid:107)(cid:92)(cid:91)(cid:23)(cid:74)(cid:107)(cid:88)(cid:107)(cid:92)(cid:106)(cid:23)(cid:56)(cid:105)(cid:100)(cid:112)(cid:37)(cid:23)(cid:56)(cid:99)(cid:99)(cid:23)(cid:105)(cid:96)(cid:94)(cid:95)(cid:107)(cid:106)(cid:23)(cid:105)(cid:92)(cid:106)(cid:92)(cid:105)(cid:109)(cid:92)(cid:91)(cid:37)(cid:23)
Page 07
Spirit of the GI Bill renewed
“Veterans were pouring back from the Pacifi c and Italian campaigns.
Thousands were being discharged from hospitals without one cent in their
pockets ... There was no provision for their training or employment. In
view of the critical situation, I believed that Congress might make an
exception of an omnibus bill to aid the millions fi ghting for their country.”
Warren H. Atherton, American Legion national commander, 1943-1944
The American Legion’s greatest accomplishment, many say, is the GI
Bill. National offi cers, staff and blue-cap members in their local
communities had everything to do with the idea, the fi nal composition
of the bill and fi ghting for its passage. The rest is history.
baneTcdha, mefo Uer enbmiuteosdisnt ,Se tsvasit belresaa wndtea rhss o,s moteoean-co htwreanrnsi,sn fmgo ruAmsmiecediar. incCsao,n ldl efoagcmet-oeirldsie,u scp.a uTtbehldeic v GseIet reBvriaallnn sts Chase Studios
National Commander
launched a half-century of growth and prosperity.
David K. Rehbein
That half-century ended about nine years ago. By that time, the
education benefi t for those who’d served in uniform had been whittled MEMORANDA
down to the point where the stipend did not cover the true cost of
getting a degree. The GI Bill that put Henry Kissinger through Harvard
was no longer capable of covering public-transportation fares for some
students seeking community college degrees. VVIISSIITT WWWWWW.MMYYGGIIBBIILLLL.OORRGG
So it was with unabashed enthusiasm that The American Legion For clear answers, frequent
worked closely with Sen. James Webb, D-Va., in the drafting of a new updates and a little history, visit
and improved GI Bill last spring. The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational The American Legion’s new
Web site. The site brings together
Assistance Act had its detractors, and the Legion quickly supported
numerous resources meant to
Webb in arguing that a better GI Bill would promote military recruit-
help veterans decide how best
ment more than discharge. In the end, that logic won, and the bill
to use their GI Bill benefi ts.
passed. VA is now hard at work to implement its many features, and
www.mygibill.org
Legionnaires have a new challenge on their hands.
The new GI Bill, for instance, does not replace the Montgomery GI Bill.
CONSIDER GIVING TO NEF
It simply presents a different choice. VA soon will offer four prominent
In August, hurricanes Ike and
veteran education benefi ts: the Montgomery GI Bill, the Montgomery
Gustav devastated thousands of
GI Bill-Selected Reserve, the Reserve Education Assistance Program and, Americans, including many
coming Aug. 1, 2009, the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Each has its own set of Legionnaires and Sons of The
benefi ts, and some veterans qualify for more than one set. States also American Legion. In times of
have veteran-education programs, from scholarships to out-of-state disaster, the Legion’s National
tuition waivers. It can be confusing, and for many veterans, an educated Emergency Fund is there with
decision is necessary to get the most out of it. grants to help keep posts open
and enable Legion family
That is why The American Legion National Headquarters launched
members to start rebuilding their
www.mygibill.org in November. The Web site explains in clear terms
homes and their lives.
differences between the various benefi ts, answers to frequently asked
You can help assist fellow veterans
questions, updates and alerts from VA, a map with clickable state-by-
and their families by donating to
state benefi ts, and the story of The American Legion’s role in the
the NEF. All contributions are used
GI Bill’s history, complete with a 10-minute documentary fi lm.
to meet members’ most urgent
Soon, veterans will also be able to log on and share with each others
needs; not a single dollar given is
their experiences in the veteran-education process. The site is frequently
used for administrative costs or
updated, built for interaction and designed to grow and evolve with a fundraising.
new generation of veterans and Legionnaires alike, who are devoted, as The American Legion
the preamble of our constitution says, “to mutual helpfulness.” National Emergency Fund
P.O. Box 6141
Indianapolis, IN 46206
8 THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2009
Page 08