The annual Fall Meetings of The American Legion Department Commanders and Adjutants, National Commissions and National Executive Committee were held October 8-13, 2011 at the national headquarters city of Indianapolis. The Department of Colorado was represented by Department Commander Jim Gillis, Department Adjutant Pat Smith, National Executive Committeeman Ralph Bozella, Past National Commander Tom Bock, Department Historian Ellie Allen, National Cemetery Committee Chairman Doug Wooddell, and National Americanism Commission member Jim Gates. Alternate NEC Neal Thomas was excused.

Saturday night featured the Indianapolis Homecoming of National Commander Fang Wong from New York. Sunday was the Legion Insurance Trust banquet sponsored by LIT to celebrate the funds given back to American Legion departments through the sales of LIT policies. Colorado has received over $650,000 in LIT funds throughout the past several years as payment for the LIT policies purchased by Colorado Legionnaires. LIT also announced that the free accidental policies available to every legionnaire has increased to $5,000. All you have to do is sign up. Please contact department for more information.

Monday and Tuesday were spent in national commission meetings. Colorado legionnaires were active in Americanism, Convention, and VA & R, commission meetings. Commander Gillis and Adjutant Smith attend several meetings designed to provide training and sharing of information about membership and the programs which emanate from the four pillars of our great organization. NEC Bozella, PNC Bock, Commander Gillis and Adjutant Smith attended the very important NEC Subcommittee on Committees meeting on October 10. It is at this meeting that the NEC Bozella presented the list of recommended national appointments, which are carefully screened by the Subcommittee, then eventually presented to the NEC for ratification. The following Colorado legionnaires were recommended and ratified as national appointments for 2011-12: Jim Gates was reappointed to the Americanism Commission and Cliff Monette and Phil Morton were reappointed to the National Americanism Council. Darrell Myers was reappointed to the Economic Commission. Frank McCurdy was reappointed to the Foreign Relations Commission and Larry Decker was appointed to the Foreign Relations Council. Carol Kennedy, Gary Moody, Patrick Reinard, Dave Turley, Lee White, and Ken Willard were appointed to the Distinguished Guests Committee of the Convention Commission. Neal Thomas was reappointed to the Resolutions Assignment Committee of the Internal Affairs Commission. Charles Bogel, Lou Brackett, Gary Force, and J.R. Kent were appointed to the National and Homeland Security Council of the National Security Commission, Jim Stanko was reappointed to the Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission and Doug Wooddell was reappointed as Chairman for National Cemetery Committee of the VA&R Commission. American Legion National Executive Committeemen serve as liaisons to all of the national commissions. NEC Ralph Bozella was appointed to the Legislative Commission Liaison Committee. Bozella was also appointed by National Commander Fang Wong to serve on the Commander’s System Worth Saving Task Force which was established to review operations at the VA Medical Centers throughout the country.

Once a Colorado legionnaire receives a national appointment he or she is then eligible to be “called-in” to a national meeting. A call-in means that national will pay authorized expenses for that legionnaire to attend the national meeting. The national office determines how many call-ins Colorado may have at any national meeting. They may also tell us which legionnaires will be called-in to which meeting, based on which commissions, council or committees are meeting and the level of work that needs to be accomplished.

Evenings were spent at hospitality events for leading candidate for national commander Jim Koutz of Indiana, and second candidate Dan Dellinger of Virginia.

The two-day NEC meeting was chaired by National Commander Wong. Commander Wong’s theme for this year is, “We Serve with PRIDE”. His special membership pin is called the Super Eight and all you need to do to earn one is to bring eight new members to your post or to the department. You can use any combination of recruiting, transferring from Post 211, or renewing members to earn the pin.

The NEC heard reports from 12 national commissions and acted on 51 resolutions. Of note, is Resolution 1 which calls for Congress and the President to cease all efforts to reduce the defense budget from its current level. Commander Wong delivered a passionate statement to support this resolution. Resolution 18 from Colorado, American Legion Policy on Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, was rejected by the VA&R Commission and was not presented to the NEC. Another Colorado resolution on headstones for national veteran cemeteries is still held for further study and should be considered by the VA&R Commission at the spring meetings. Commander Wong established a special task force to study the issue of creating a place within the American Legion Family for spouses of female veterans.

As your National Executive Committeeman, I would to thank you all for what you do for our communities, state and nation through your work in The American Legion. Our success is measured by those whose lives are forever changed because we took the time to listen, to extend the hand of friendship and offered a way of helping our fellow veteran, families and youth.

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your NEC. I never take this honor lightly or for granted. Because you have elected me, I am motivated to accept this privilege as a primary responsibility. When traveling to national meetings I attend all national functions and require those who travel with me to do the same. I am prepared to accept the responsibilities and perform the duties associated with representing Colorado as your NEC. It is a pleasure to work with Alternate NEC Neal Thomas who shares my commitment to represent you to the utmost of our abilities and with a positive attitude about our proud organization. Let’s continue to work together as we “Serve with PRIDE”.

The Colorado American Legion Family was well represented at the 2011American Legion National Legislative Conference held in our nation’s capitol, March 19-23, 2011. The American Legion Department of Colorado was represented by Department Commander Rick Friend, Alternate NEC Neal Thomas, Department Chaplain Richard Humphrey, District 5 DEC Steve Carter, National Cemetery Committee Chairman Doug Wooddell, and team leaders Past Department Commander Frank McCurdy and NEC Ralph Bozella. Department Auxiliary President Karen Wessling and Secretary Lynn Cody joined SAL Detachment Commander Pete Sierminski and SAL National Membership Chairman Mike Moss to complete the department team.

The weekend was productive with meetings and wreath placements at solemn national monuments like the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Vietnam Memorial by SAL and Auxiliary members from across the country. American Legion Family members were invited to meet the national commander candidates at their receptions held at American Legion Post 136 in Greenbelt Maryland.

Monday was a day of learning at meetings and seminars sponsored by various commissions and committees of the national organizations. Two highlights of these meetings included a seminar on a Veterans Treatment Court and a Women Veterans Panel, where Purple Heart recipient L. Tammy Duckworth, Assistant Secretary at the Department of Veterans Affairs, made a great impression. Monday evening was highlighted by a reception at the U.S. State Department attended by Past Department Commander McCurdy and NEC Bozella.

National Commander Jimmie Foster brought the conference to a highpoint Tuesday morning at the Commander’s Call where keynote speakers Assistant Secretary Department of Labor Ray Jefferson, and VA Secretary Eric Shinseki addressed the attendees. U.S. Representative Jason Altmire, D-Pa., received a Special Recognition Award from The American Legion in appreciation of his personal commitment to help homeless veterans and for his introduction of legislation aimed at improving the lives of those who have served in uniform. Following the Commander’s Call the two teams of Colorado American Legion Family members went to Capitol Hill for scheduled meetings with staff members of Colorado U.S. Representatives and Senators. Legislative talking points included the FY 2011 Continuing Resolution needed to fund the government which holds the appropriations for the new VA Medical Center at Fitzsimons. Other important items discussed included jobs for veterans, the Caregiver Act (PL 111-163), oversight of the VA healthcare and benefits systems, the Disabled Veterans Tax, the Flag Amendment, and the VA and Department of Defense budgets. The meetings lasted throughout the day and team members were able to meet for a group dinner Tuesday night to debrief.

The American Legion national office hosts this conference each year so that members of the American Legion Family can interact with government leaders in Washington D.C. and impress upon them the need to continue to support veterans health care and benefits through legislation and budgeting. Our organization is well respected in the Halls of Congress because of the work done by everyday legionnaires, auxiliary members and sons. It is truly an honor to represent the Department of Colorado at this event and you can rest assured that those of us in attendance worked hard to represent Colorado. Please feel free to contact NEC Bozella or Alternate NEC Thomas for more information about our national organization.

Through out the history of The American Legion we have advocated for veteran’s benefits and services. The American Legion believes that the VA Health Care system is the “Best Care Anywhere” and that it is a “System Worth Saving.” To this end, American Legion Resolution 206, Annual State of Veterans Affairs Medical Facilities Report, authorizes the National Commander to appoint a committee to conduct site visits and to publish an annual report on the capabilities and inequities at VA medical facilities.

The committee appointed by the National Commander is the System Worth Saving Task Force. From February 15 -16, 2011, Past National Vice Commander Todd White, Wyoming, and two American Legion national staff members Jacob Gadd and Warren Goldstein, represented the National Commander in Denver. The Task Force was joined by Colorado Legionnaires, National Executive Committeeman Ralph Bozella, Past Department Commander Frank McCurdy, and Service Officer Jeff Hewitt. Together we completed a comprehensive review of the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System (ECHCS).

For two full days we met with a variety of VA ECHCS staff to include Director Lynette Roff, Associate Director Peggy Kearns, and Assistant Director Rebecca Keough. We were presented with a wealth of information on the ECHCS extended care and Community Living Center, mental health issues to include Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and suicide prevention, women’s veterans issues, compensation and pension examinations, services for Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF) veterans, patient advocacy, voluntary services, fiscal services, physical plant and construction on the new medical center, and a complete briefing on the Polytrauma and Rehabilitation Center at the Jewell Clinic. The task force also toured both facilities.

The review ended with an initial briefing to the Director. This will be followed with a complete written report. The report will be published later this year and made available in book form to U.S. Congress, American Legion national officers, and the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System.

I found this experience to be thought-provoking and motivating. To participate in such an extensive review is to directly experience the intent of Resolution 206. This resolution defines part of who we are as American Legion members. We are here to support veterans and working closely with our regional VA health care system ensures that we are meeting our goals and objectives as veterans’ advocates. I want to recognize the Task Force members for their professionalism and courtesy. I want to recognize Director Roff and her staff for the excellent work they continue to do and for their hospitality and openness. Appreciation is extended to American Legion Post 23 and the local Elks lodge for providing lunch for the task force.

I look forward to the completed 2011 System Worth Saving Task Force Report and the section detailing the review of the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System.

Friday beginning at 6:30 pm until 8:30 pm we will be serving a chicken fried steak and the accomplishments for $ 10.00 per person.

Saturday, beginning at 5:30 P.M. until ?? We will be serving hamburgers, hotdogs, baked beans, potato salad for a price of $ 10.00 per person.

We could almost assure you that you won’t find the type of pricing and the camaraderie anyplace else in Colorado Springs.

Larry L. Johnson, Adjutant

Centennial Post 209

Post Telephone 719-599-8624

AmLegion209@base.comcastbiz.net

U.S. Marine Corporal Josh Bleill was in a military vehicle that just hit an IED and both his legs were blown off. His friend who had lost one leg was stopping Josh’s legs from bleeding and told him, we’ll get through this. Bleill, author of the book, One Step At A Time, was American Legion National Commander Jimmy Foster’s guest speaker at the commander’s banquet Wednesday night. He told us that American Legion is just like his Marine buddy, we tell veterans every day, we will help you, and, you will get through this. We can tell people this because we are here for veterans; this is what we do. He reminded us that success is not what makes things better for us, but success is what makes things better for those around us, those we touch; those we help. Josh’s motivating speech was the highlight for me at The American Legion Fall Meetings, October 9 – 14, 2010 in Indianapolis.

Seven Colorado Legionnaires attended the meetings: Department Commander Rick Friend and Adjutant Pat Smith attended the annual Commanders and Adjutants Conference. Sr. Vice Commander Jim Gillis and Past Department Commander Doug Wooddell were called in by the national office to attend the Foreign Relations Commission and VA & R Commission meetings respectively. Doug serves as Chairman for the National Cemetery Committee, a subcommittee of the VA& R Commission. Past National Commander Tom Bock, Alternate NEC Neal Thomas and NEC Ralph Bozella attended various commission meetings, the Western Caucus meeting, chaired by PNC Bock, and the NEC meetings held the last two days of the conference.

NEC Bozella, Alt. NEC Thomas, PNC Bock, Sr. Vice -Commander Gillis and Adjutant Smith attended the very important National Committee on Committees meeting on October 11. It is at the meeting that the Colorado NEC presents the list of recommended national appointments, which are carefully screened by the Committee, then eventually presented to the NEC for ratification. The following Colorado legionnaires were recommended and ratified as national appointments for 2010-1011: Cliff Monette and Phil Morton to the National Americanism Council; Paul Erickson to the Children & Youth Commission; Larry Decker, Tony DuMosch, Rudy Arguello, Lee White, Ken Willard and Ken Romero to the Distinguished Guests Committee; Frank McCurdy to the Foreign Relations Commission, Jim Gillis to the Foreign Relations Council; Charles Bogle, Lou Brackett, Steve Carter and James R. Kent to the National & Homeland Security Council; Richard Humphrey to the VA & R Commission; Doug Wooddell to the National Cemetery Committee whereby he was reappointed Chairman. The following legionnaires’ terms were not expired this year and their status will remain in effect for 2010-2011: Jim Gates on the Americanism Commission; Darrell Myers on the Economics Commission; Neal Thomas on the Resolutions Assignments Committee; Robb Smith on the National Security Commission; Jim Stanko on the VA&R Commission; and Jon Golley on the Public Relations Commission. Ralph Bozella was assigned as NEC liaison to the National Convention Commission.

Once a legionnaire receives a national appointment he or she is then eligible to be “called-in” to a national meeting. A call-in means that national will pay authorized expenses for that legionnaire to attend the national meeting. The national office determines how many call-ins Colorado may have at any national meeting. They may also tell us which legionnaires will be called-in to which meeting, based on, which commissions, council or committees are meeting and the level of work that needs to be accomplished.

Our National Commander Jimmy Foster from Alaska chaired the two-day NEC meeting. Commander Foster’s theme for the year is, “Serving America’s Veterans Every Day” (SAVED). He challenged us all to continue recruiting and renewing members. His “Lucky 7” pin will be sent to each legionnaire who recruits two new members and renews five current members. To receive the pin you need to document your membership work and send it to the national office. Adjutant Pat smith can help you document and apply for the Lucky 7 pin. Commander Foster is a very positive, motivated person. He cautioned us all to stay away from negativity stating that negativity creates negative results. He encouraged us to stay positive, and stay focused as we work hard for membership and treat our veterans and members of The American Legion Family with the respect they deserve as volunteers serving Veterans, Youth, National Defense, and Americanism – the Four Pillars of our organization.

As your National Executive Committeeman, I would to thank you all for what you do for our communities, state and nation through your work in The American Legion. Our success is measured by those whose lives are forever changed because we took the time to listen, to extend the hand of friendship and offered a way of helping our fellow veteran, or families or youth.

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your NEC. I never take this honor lightly or for granted. Because you have elected me, I am motivated to accept this privilege as a primary responsibility. When traveling to national meetings I attend all national functions and require those who travel with me to do the same. I am prepared to accept the responsibilities and perform the duties representing Colorado as your NEC. It is a pleasure to work with Alternate NEC Neal Thomas who shares my commitment to represent you to the utmost of our abilities and with a positive attitude about our proud organization. Let’s continue to work together to Serve America’s Veterans Every Day.

The American Legion – January 13, 2010

As National Blood Donor Month, January is a crucial time for raising awareness for the need to give blood. That makes it a crucial time for The American Legion and its members as well.

Legionnaires everywhere are encouraged to give blood and host blood drives at posts as part of the American Legion Blood Donor Program – an organizational effort that has existed since 1946 to help a life-saving cause that becomes even more important during the harsh winter season. Last year, the Legion’s program officially brought in more than 17,500 pints from over 6,700 donors nationwide.

As it does at the start of each year, the American Association of Blood Banks uses January to draw awareness to the need for blood. It’s estimated that 39,000 units of red blood cells are used at hospitals and emergency care centers each day. That number grows, as the weather gets colder.

Legionnaires who are interested in donating or coordinating donation efforts at posts are encouraged to contact their community blood center, hospital blood bank or local medical doctors. Donors must be 17 years old in most states, though some states will allow 16-year-olds to participate with written permission from a parent. You must also weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health (meaning without infection or fever), not on antibiotics and generally feeling well on the day of donation.

Posts and departments that donate the most blood are honored at the national convention each year. Departments are separated into five categories, according to size, and are recognized in two areas: for post participation and individual Legionnaire participation. Post participation awards are given to departments with the highest number of participating posts. Individual participation awards are given to departments with the highest percentage of individuals giving blood.

The national commander presents both awards at the national convention. Winning departments receive certificates signed by the national commander and national adjutant.

By Ralph Bozella, Department NEC

Arriving in Washington D.C. on February 28th and staying through March 4th, members of the Colorado American Legion Family attended the National Legislative Conference, at the Regency Hotel, with trips to the Nation’s Capitol, the U.S. Department of State, other and important sites. The conference agenda included commission meetings, the Commander’s Call, legislative briefings and the annual trip to Capitol Hill to visit the Colorado Congressional Delegation regarding important issues affecting veterans and our families.  The trip was a great success! 

    Commander Gar Williams organized Colorado Legionnaires, Auxiliary, and Sons of The American Legion into three effective teams.  Thanks to Elaine Bock, our teams were able to meet with each Colorado Congressional Delegate in a timely manner and hold productive meetings.  The issues discussed included the proposed new VA Medical Center at Fitzsimons, Advanced Funding for the VA, the VA budget, the Global War on Terror, Support for our troops, the Disabled Veterans Tax, the Flag Amendment, and more.  The Colorado Delegation welcomed our American Legion Family and were pleased to offer support for our positions. As a result of our trip, we are assisting newly-elected Representative Betsy Markey to form a Veteran Advisory Council. NEC Ralph Bozella was able to meet privately with VA Secretary Eric Shinseki and hand him the White Paper Report stating Colorado veterans’ position of a stand-alone, full-service VA Medical Center that includes a VA Hospital, a Spinal Cord Injury/Disease Center, an Outpatient Center, and a VA Nursing Home. Immediately after our meeting with newly-appointed US Senator Michael Bennet, he sent a letter to Secretary Shinseki, asking him to support our position on the VA Medical Center.

    Other highlights included Sons of The American Legion National Chaplain Rick Baldaserri and National Assistant Sgt.-At Arms Pete Sierminski as they attended ceremonies and placed wreaths at several war memorials and monuments. NEC Ralph Bozella attended a reception at the U.S. State Department.  

    Your Department leadership is looking forward to following up with the foundation laid at this conference, as we continue to build lasting positive relationships with our Congressional Delegation.  Those attending the conference from Colorado were:  Gar and LuAnn Williams, Frank McCurdy, Doug and Julie Wooddell, Brandt, Diane and Dee-Dee Erickson, Dee Haley, Pat Seranka, Pete and Candy Sierminski, Jim and Jo Stanko, Adjutant Pat Smith and Ralph Bozella.

By Ralph Bozella, Department NEC

Arriving in Washington D.C. on February 28th and staying through March 4th, members of the Colorado American Legion Family attended the National Legislative Conference, at the Regency Hotel, with trips to the Nation’s Capitol, the U.S. Department of State, other and important sites. The conference agenda included commission meetings, the Commander’s Call, legislative briefings and the annual trip to Capitol Hill to visit the Colorado Congressional Delegation regarding important issues affecting veterans and our families.  The trip was a great success! 

    Commander Gar Williams organized Colorado Legionnaires, Auxiliary, and Sons of The American Legion into three effective teams.  Thanks to Elaine Bock, our teams were able to meet with each Colorado Congressional Delegate in a timely manner and hold productive meetings.  The issues discussed included the proposed new VA Medical Center at Fitzsimons, Advanced Funding for the VA, the VA budget, the Global War on Terror, Support for our troops, the Disabled Veterans Tax, the Flag Amendment, and more.  The Colorado Delegation welcomed our American Legion Family and were pleased to offer support for our positions. As a result of our trip, we are assisting newly-elected Representative Betsy Markey to form a Veteran Advisory Council. NEC Ralph Bozella was able to meet privately with VA Secretary Eric Shinseki and hand him the White Paper Report stating Colorado veterans’ position of a stand-alone, full-service VA Medical Center that includes a VA Hospital, a Spinal Cord Injury/Disease Center, an Outpatient Center, and a VA Nursing Home. Immediately after our meeting with newly-appointed US Senator Michael Bennet, he sent a letter to Secretary Shinseki, asking him to support our position on the VA Medical Center.

    Other highlights included Sons of The American Legion National Chaplain Rick Baldaserri and National Assistant Sgt.-At Arms Pete Sierminski as they attended ceremonies and placed wreaths at several war memorials and monuments. NEC Ralph Bozella attended a reception at the U.S. State Department.  

    Your Department leadership is looking forward to following up with the foundation laid at this conference, as we continue to build lasting positive relationships with our Congressional Delegation.  Those attending the conference from Colorado were:  Gar and LuAnn Williams, Frank McCurdy, Doug and Julie Wooddell, Brandt, Diane and Dee-Dee Erickson, Dee Haley, Pat Seranka, Pete and Candy Sierminski, Jim and Jo Stanko, Adjutant Pat Smith and Ralph Bozella.