American Legion Department of Illinois
2014—2015 Department Commander Hank Robards
APRIL 2015
YOUTH PROGRAMS
Boy Scouts of America www.scouting.org
The National Council of the Boy Scouts of America supports more than 300 local councils that provide
quality youth programs promoting leadership and teaching decision-making and teamwork skills. The
national council provides programs and publications, promotes training, and houses a media center.
Campfire USA www.campfireusa.org
CampFire USA's mission is to build caring, confident youth and future leaders through national
development programs delivered to 120 local councils across the nation. Core programs include
leadership development, service learning, and mentoring opportunities.
As of
March 27, 2015
District
Commander
23
HARRIS
3
KELLEY
7
LAMPERT
12
ABDELNOUR
24
SANDUSKY
11
STIEG
21
NARGELENAS
8
MCNELLIS
17
MATHENY
18
DUDLEY
Division
Commander
5
JANCEK
2
GEESEY
4
BUSKE
1
GRAHAM, III
3
WALSTON
Youth Crime Watch of America www.ycwa.org
YCWA enables youth to become resources for preventing crime, drug use, and violence in their
schools and communities. Youth take ownership for their own programs in schools, neighborhoods,
public housing sites, recreational centers, or parks. Youth led programs encourage crime reporting,
mentoring and mediation.
Girl Scouts of the USA www.girlscouts.org
Girl Scouts of the USA provides research, programs, and resources that help young girls build
leadership, decision-making, and teamwork skills. Through advocacy efforts, Girl Scouts informs
and educates key representatives of the government about issues important to girls and scouting.
National 4-H Council www.fourhcouncil.edu
The National 4-H Council provides grants, establishes programs and initiatives, designs and publishes
curriculum and reference materials, and creates linkages fostering innovation and shared learning to
advance the 4-H youth development movement, building a world in which youth and adults lean,
grow, and work together as catalysts for positive change.
National Family Partnership www.nfp.org
The National Family Partnership shares tools, strategies, and resources to support families and
communities in their effort to promote safe, drug-free youth, NEP also sponsors Red Ribbon Week.
National Youth Leadership Council www.nylc.org
The National Youth Leadership Council's mission is to build vital, just communities through service
learning. NYLC is at the forefront of efforts to reform education and guide youth-oriented public
policy.
Street Law, Inc. www.streetlaw.org
Street Law, Inc. provides young people with information about law, democracy, and human rights and
provides youth leadership programs in communities and schools nationally and internationally.
Teens, Crime, and the Community www.ncpc.org/programs/teens-crime-and-the-community
TCC has brought more than half a million youth from more than 40 states into the world of crime
prevention through education and teen led and implemented action projects. TCC programs are
found in juvenile justice facilities, schools, and community-based sites and led by crime prevention
practitioners, law-related educators, school administrators, and victim practitioners. TCC offers free
program training and technical assistance to these adults.
Department of Illinois ~ Official Member of The National American Legion Press Association
M
arch has passed very
quickly. Some Districts
have reached over 100% membership.
Job well done.
It is great to have a busy month and
getting a lot accomplished. As a
matter of fact it is like that every
month. It seems like there is never
enough hours or days to get
everything accomplished.
Now that the weather is warming it is
definitely time to get out and knock on
doors to reach the membership goal
of 105%.
April 7 – 10 we will be doing a
revitalization in Mattoon.
Saturday, April the 11th will be
our Spring Meetings at Department
Headquarters. The Spring DEC will be
at the Doubletree Hotel at 1:00 p.m.
I will also be attending the Jr.
Conference at the Park Regency on the
12th of April.
April 22 – 25 we will be doing a
revitalization in Mt. Vernon.
April 25th, the Legion, Auxiliary and
Sons will have a benefit bowling
tournament at the Old Orchard Lanes,
901 N. Dunlap St. in Savoy, IL starting
at 11:00 a.m. We are looking forward
to seeing you there.
April 28th, I will be at the Awards
Night at Elgin Post 57, 820 Liberty,
Elgin at 7:00 p.m.
April 29 – May 2 we will be doing a
revitalization in Champaign.
As Americans, we need to remember amid the problems we face daily with the
environment, crime, unemployment and financial uncertainty, the one constant that will
make or break this nation is our young people. They are our FUTURE! Our hopes and
dreams for a better tomorrow rest in their hands.
In 1938, April was formally designated as Child Welfare Month (Now called Children &
Youth Month) and has continued on an annual basis.
During this special time, we urge each of you to show your community that The
American Legion family is committed to Children...Our Most Precious Natural Resource!
You Ask, What Can I Do? Get Involved! Each year at spring meetings, the National
Commission on Children and Youth selects several areas of concern, which directly affect
our nation’s young people. The 2015 National Spring Meetings will be held May 4-7.
Following the observance of Children and Youth Month, the C&Y Chairman need to turn
their attention to the annual reporting of expenditures and activities. Accurate records are
important on money spent for the benefit of children and youth by your post/unit. Shortly
after the first of the year, American Legion receives copies of the Consolidated Post Report
(CPR). This form provides much needed information about the Legion’s total program.
The CPR can be done online by the post adjutant, at myLegion.org.
T
ime is running out, there is
only 85 days left until Close of
Books (JUNE 19).
The target date to reach 95% was
March 31st. As of this writing 15
Districts are under that goal. And
3 Districts are still under 90%. In
APRIL 2015
addition, there are still many post
under 90%.
I’ve stressed the importance of
Membership all year—AND once again
I’m asking District and Division Officers
to contact posts to ensure they work
on remaining renewals and call on
their 2910 lists.
If you believe on our programs…
If you believe in yourselves as
leaders...If you believe in our charge
of Veterans Serving Veterans and
their families you can do this.
Membership is so important and I’m
sure the message gets monotonous,
but it is the thing that ultimately
makes our Department strong.
YOU CAN DO THIS!
American Legion Department of IL - Department News Page 2
H
ello everyone! March has
been a busy month, with
unit visits, Patriotic Conference, division meetings, and, I think, the Enclave
can drive I55 and I39 by itself!
Patriotic Conference went well, with
a wonderful attendance and full house
at The Parke Regency. National President Janet Jefford was our guest.
Thursday, March 12 we were treated
to a tour of Illiana VA at Danville by
our own Patti Williamson. It is a large,
wonderful facility with great volunteers. We even got to help with a service project, filling goody bags for veterans for Easter.
from the S.A.L. CommandG reetings
er. We thank you for your service.
Happy belated 96th birthday to the
American Legion.
It is with a saddened heart that I bring you
some not so good news. On Monday,
March 23rd, our own PNC and PDC JR
Stillwell was involved in an automobile
accident in Denver, Colorado. JR was in
Golden, Colorado the weekend before
representing the S.A.L. at National
Commander Mike Moss’s homecoming
along with National Chaplain Butch Ray.
He was airlifted to Swedish Medical
Hospital in critical condition after being
extricated out of his vehicle. As of this
writing he has had 2 surgeries on his
elbow, is off of the ventilator, and is now
alert. He remains in ICU in guarded
condition. Cards and Get well wish's can
be sent to:
Division meetings kept Bill and me
busy on Sundays. We got to visit
Quincy Veterans Home. What a
beautiful place. Bill and I weren’t
able to stay after the meeting for a
tour, but I am definitely planning on
returning in May.
Unit meetings were interesting and I
enjoyed sharing more information
with our members and meeting new
friends.
MEMBERSHIP is the lifeblood of
our organization. We lost our bets
with the American Legion and Sons at
Patriotic Conference, but our special
projects all won with the donations
made. On the national level, Illinois is
doing well with our renewals and rejoins. But we aren’t stopping. I’m
pushing much harder to get the last
25% (plus or minus) we need. I am
reminding units of the department
drawing and national drawing being
held for goal units. And, as always, I
thank our members for their hard
work. If you know of a member who
hasn’t sent in their dues yet, please
remind them.
A BET! At Patriotic Conference we
presented a competition that USAA is
sponsoring. The department that has
the greatest percentage increase of
members’ email addresses entered
into ALAMIS (American Legion Auxiliary
Management Information System) by
August 2nd will be the recipient of 500
USAA Poppy Bags. And these are awesome bags! National President Janet
decided to bet me that Connecticut
would win. I said otherwise! Illinois
will win. So, I need help to spread the
Swedish Medical Center
JR Stillwell
Cardiac Medical Intensive Care
Room 3-167
501 E. Hampton Ave.
Englewood, CO 80113
In late February, we met to go over the
budget, and I attended a Des Plaines Post
meeting to answer any questions about
starting a squadron. Our own Jr. Auxiliary
hosted a spaghetti dinner fundraiser for the
upcoming Jr. Conference in April.
In March, I visited the 4th and 5th
Divisions for their S.A.L. Division meetings,
while Sr. Vice Bill Geary attended the
Oratorical Conference in Peoria. I also was
invited to the Premier Boys State meeting
at headquarters on March 14th. A very
good meeting with a lot of lessons learned.
Look for the Sons to take a more active role
in recruiting membership. Training/
informational classes will be held at headquarters for those interested.
On March 21st, we held the Spring
D.E.C. meeting at the Elmhurst Post. I
would like to thank those that attended
and the Post family for their hospitality.
We had a few new faces at the meeting. At
the meeting, charter actions were voted
on, and I am unhappy to report that we
stand to lose a lot of members. We did
receive some cards at the meeting to
remove a couple of squadrons from the
list.
( No Phone Calls at this time)
***NOTE***
You can e-mail get well wish's to JR and
they will be delivered to him daily.
Go to the Hospital website
www.swedishhospital.com by clicking on
About Us, then click on Contact Us, then
click on Email a Patient.
Please pray for a speedy recovery.
(Aux. President continued on page 5
(SAL Detachment Cmdr continued on page 5)
American Legion Department of IL - Department News Page 3
APRIL 2015
That each year our Legion Service Officers from all of our State Departments meet in Washington D.C. for training? For three days they are furnished with a wealth of information from The National Veterans Legal Services
Program and Department of Veterans Affairs sections including the Veterans Benefits Administration, Veterans Health Administration and the National Cemetery Administration. This training is sponsored by the American Legion VA&R Washington
office. Here are some of the highlights:
Hepatitis C was first discovered in 1989 and is a blood born infection. Transfusions prior to 1992 were not screened for Hep. C
so if you received a blood transfusion in the military and now have this disease you should discuss filing a claim for serviceconnected compensation.
Hepatitis C now causes more deaths annually than HIV.
USAA financial services has partnered with the Legion to give separating military personnel free assessment tools and checklists to help them transition into civilian life. They can go to www.usaa.com to check this out.
All veterans enrolled in the VA hospital system have received their CHOICE cards by now. Do NOT use them until you first call
the number on the back (866-606-8198) for prior approval. Otherwise you may be stuck with a large private hospital bill.
The American Legion in partnership with “Hiring our Heroes” attended 170 job fairs last year. Veteran unemployment rates are
now down to 5.3% vs. 5.7% for the general public.
Fifteen percent of returning troops are female.
Illinois ranks 8th. in unemployed veterans.
Effective March 24th of this year the VA will require certain forms to be used for certain claims. Gone are the days where a veteran could simply write the VA a letter asking for an increase.
Certain military disability boards must now accept VA ratings before a service person is even discharged. This has helped reduce “lowballing” by the military just to get rid of a soldier.
Old rules, veteran died and any claims or appeals immediately ended. Now a surviving spouse can keep the claim or appeal
alive by asking to be substituted as the claimant.
There were 26,000 incidents of Military Sexual Trauma in the service but only 2,800 were reported. Even if not reported claims
can be filed for resulting depression or PTSD due to these attacks. Evidence like calls to rape crisis lines, civilian police reports
and statements from family members can be used for credible supporting evidence.
If you service-related injury or condition has gotten worse and you file within one year of that the VA can pay you retroactive
up to a year. If you wait over a year then they can only pay you back to the date you
file. Example; you are 10% for diabetes
th
controlledthby exercise and diet. Your private doctor puts you on medication
Jan.15
2014.
If you file for an increase anytime up
to Jan. 14 . 2015 the VA will go back a year. If you file on or after Jan. 15th. 2015 the VA will only go back to the date you filed.
That could be a lot of money lost.
TBI (traumatic brain injuries) are usually from IED’s (improvised explosive devices) but they can also result from vehicle accidents or head injuries from parachute jumps or PT.
New rules concerning non-service connected pension benefits are coming. Veterans will no longer be able to hide assets or
dispose of them to qualify. The VA will be able to look back several years through IRS records to see it this was done.
Certain Air Force personnel who were stationed in Thailand are now getting compensated for Agent Orange exposure. Especially those who did perimeter patrol.
National Guard and Reserves who suffer an injury while on Inactive Duty for Training (weekend drills) may qualify for VA compensation.
The VA Bd. of Veterans Appeals has granted 3,200 cases and they have yet to be paid. It is averaging 6-9 months from the time
of the grant to the retro check being issued.
These are just some of the highlights! As always if you have any questions about these items or any other VA benefit question
please contact our office as listed above.
APRIL 2015
American Legion Department of IL - Department News Page 4
ATTENTION LEGIONNAIRES
The Premier Boys State Committee held its spring meeting on March 14th at Department Headquarters. Plans are being finalized for the June program. A new logo has been approved and will be used for the first time during the program. Once
again we need the help of Legionnaires and posts in the recruitment of young men for the program. Applications are coming in
slowly. April is a crucial month for recruitment. We are well aware that there arm many summer opportunities for these
young men but Premier Boys State is an outstanding leadership program sponsored by The American Legion. We encourage
you to recruit a variety of young men. A misconception is that only the top Juniors can apply for the program. We want interested Juniors who want to learn and participate in the governmental process and be a leader. Also if you know of any civic organization, business or individual that wants to sponsor a young man please have them contact us. It is tax deductible.
(Aux. President continued from page 3)
(SAL Detachment Cmdr continued from page 3)
word about the challenge. Details are available on our
website, contact Headquarters or you can email me and I
will send you a copy of the flyer!
April will be a busy month with Jr. Conference April
11-12. We have a good reservation list so far.
April 18 is Department Training at DeLand. We also
have a good reservation list for it. We hope to have many
more for both.
Of course, you will get to see me bowl at Savoy on
April 25 at the joint fund raiser for Commander Hank,
Detachment Commander John and my special projects. It
will be fun and funny!
Of course, I can’t write without mentioning “The
Culture of Good Will.” Being respectful, civil, friendly and
willing to work together for the common good of our
American Legion Family should be in the forefront of our
thoughts and actions. Even though posts and units are
separate entities, we should be willing to work together in
a respectful and friendly way. We are here to help our
veterans, active military, their families and communities.
How can we do that if we don’t make an effort to get
along?
Take care and be safe in your travels.
Later that night was my Homecoming party, and once again I
thank those that attended. A good time was had by all! Now back to
work.
The S.A.L. 1st Division is hosting a CWF fundraiser at Marrs-Meyer
Post #991 in Worth on Saturday, April 18th at 6pm. Check our web
site for further information. A Legion family joint fundraiser is being
held on April 25th in Savoy, at Old Orchard Lanes. This bowling
fundraiser will raise funds for the Fisher House at Hines VA in Chicago
and Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis. Commander Hank and John as
well as President Ann have chosen Fisher House as one of their
fundraising projects.
I would also like to thank those that donated winter clothing and
apparel for the Chicago Homeless Sandwich Run, (my second
fundraising project), during the months of January and February at
Arlington Heights Post #208. I hit the 50/50 raffle at the 4th Division
Auxiliary meeting in Farmer City, but was on my way home when I
got the call, so I donated it to the President’s charity of here choice
($100).
Being good counts! Look for the Gift to the Yanks raffle tickets in
the mail soon. Most of us will be holding elections in the upcoming
months. Remember to complete your squadron certification forms
even if you do not change officers. Consolidated Report forms will be
sent out shortly. Now is the time to start tabulating your squadrons
2014-2015 accomplishments. Please check with your squadrons to
make sure they are completing these important tasks. Remember
May 29th is the close of books for delegate strength to the S.A.L.
state convention. Look for a flyer outlying a tentative schedule
of events for the convention. There is a lot to
do in a short amount of time. Please assist
your squadrons in any way you can.
Remember our membership is our life line to
the veterans, children, and community.
“When it MUST BE DONE, Call the SONS”
Communicate-Educate
Never Forget 9-11-01
American Legion Department of IL - Department News Page 5
APRIL 2015
The dangers of deep
defense cuts
T
he new defense secretary has an enormous task. To fulfill his
primary responsibility of fielding a military capable of keeping
the United States safe, he must convince his boss – and Congress – to
reverse six consecutive years of defense cuts and reject sequestration.
If we consider our nation’s avowed enemies and potential adversaries,
Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter has an easy case to make. On Jan.
23, China test-fired a new submarine-launched ballistic missile capable of nuclear strikes against all 50 states. Lest
you think China is simply an economic threat, take into account that in 2013 its state-run newspaper reported that
a nuclear JL-2 missile strike on the western United States would kill 5 million to 12 million people.
In addition to the threat of radical Islam, the world faces increased aggression from Russia, regimes in Iran and
North Korea that are developing nuclear weapons, and a revival of anti-Semitism in Europe.
A strong national defense is one of The American Legion’s pillars. Thus, we’re alarmed that the 2016 defense
budget is projected to be 31 percent less than it was in 2010. This is irresponsible and dangerous.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon has announced that unless Congress spares the military from another round of sequestration cuts, annual
training will again be slashed. While we cannot definitively blame sequestration for servicemembers’ deaths, I recall an accident at a
Nevada mortar range in 2013 caused by human error and inadequate training. Thirteen Marines died, and eight were wounded.
And don’t forget the personnel costs associated with these budget cuts. While a strong argument can be made that a draft would
lighten the burden of the small percentage of brave Americans who are defending our freedoms, a strong all-volunteer force is more cost
effective. Yet these troops are seeing their pay and benefits chipped away at an alarming rate. In 2009, a Military Times survey indicated
that 91 percent of military members rated their quality of life as “good” or “excellent.” In 2014, only 56 percent felt that way. Moreover,
70 percent now predict that the quality of life for servicemembers will decline.
Carter says that military service needs to be an attractive and viable option for this tech-savvy generation. He can help by shelving one
of the major recommendations of the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission. While it’s fashionable to compare
private-sector 401(k) plans to what our military retirees receive, let’s dispel the myth that the pension system is somehow overly generous.
Unlike private-sector careerists, those who spend 20 years or more in the military have been required to change duty stations every few
years, be separated from their families, risk life and limb in combat zones, uproot their children from schools and friends, and be subject to
a military justice system that can imprison them for disrespecting their boss.
Just as important, we should not allow our elected leaders to pit personnel costs and benefits against weapons modernization and
training. We can and must do both. We owe it to every man and woman in uniform that we will never send them in harm’s way without the
resources necessary to win.
Hy-Vee Food Store and
The American Bottling Co.
Donates to
“Operation Comfort Warriors”
On January 16th in Peoria, Illinois a donation in the amount of
$1,041 was presented to The American Legion for the Operation
Comfort Warriors Program.
The Hy-Vee Food store in Peoria and the District Distributors for
Dr. Pepper, Snapple and other beverages distributed by the
American Bottling Company. The co-sponsored a sale and the
proceeds were donated to The American Legion.
Top photo (l-r): NECman Larry Moore, Immediate Past National
Commander Dan Delinger, Peoria American Legion Post 2 Adjutant Billy Craig, Department Adjutant Marty Conatser, Dan Simon, and Paul Bersell.
Bottom photo (l-r): Billy Craig, Rev. James De Loatche, Marty
Conatser, Dan Delinger, Dan Simon, Paul Bersell, Larry Moore,
Charles Jones, Larry Frank, Alfred W. Burnett, Robert E. Culshaw.
APRIL 2015
American Legion Department of IL - Department News Page 6
Women’s History Month March 2015
The Illinois National Guard's first female Brig. Gen. Alicia Tate-Nadeau, of Chicago Illinois gave a presentation of the evolution of women in
the military in honor of Women's History Month at the Illinois State Military Museum in Springfield on Friday, March 13 at 2p.m.
Brig. Gen. Alicia Tate-Nadeau gave the presentation on the evolution of women in the military. She noted that women have been volunteering in helping positions since the first wars of our Nation and eventually being able to serve in the military.
Currently nineteen percent of today's military are female soldiers.
The panel consisted of three Illinois National Guard female Soldiers and five Israeli women who are guests of Springfield’s Commission
on International Visitors. They had been invited by the United States under the auspices of the Department of State’s International Visitor
Leadership Program.
The panel talked about the role of women as agents of peace and social change within their communities and how they can contribute
to conflict analysis, mediation, and negotiation. They mentioned how important it was to be able to listen and speak with men, to gain their
respect for their area of expertise, and to prove yourself and motivate them to aim high to achieve.
Military life is not a “one man show.” Women have many different life experiences from balancing home, and family, with a career in
the military. You have to be able to mentor both men and women and still have high standards. Everyone should have the opportunity to
achieve the goals they desire.
After the panel ended, a group picture was taken and a picture of Commander Sigal Bar Zvi giving Brig. General Tate-Nadeau a plaque
from the Israeli ladies.
Cheri Stanton was asked to attend this meeting in order to show The American Legion Support to all of our Veterans.
I received this message, from one of my shipmates daughter who
this past year has been on a special mission in Afghanistan.
And what she has to say about their missions and how they were
carried out , I thought was good timing to go with the article on
Women veteran month. - Gary Jenson
My teammate snapped a picture of us walking off the 47 after what
was probably our last mission on our rotation. This job has been an
eye opening experience that no amount of money could buy. I've
seen firsthand the willingness and professionalism of the women
and men that make our military the most powerful in the world.
Higher leadership makes final calls, but it's the efforts of the many
people below busting their butts, coordinating ideas, solving the
hard problems, facing rejection, and bouncing back that create and
carry out the plans that make shit happen. This job has taught me
there is no hidden room full of smart people working to solve the
problem. We are the smart people. So don't sit back or stay quiet.
We're the experts of our own capabilities, and we're the experts of
our jobs. So speak up and make it happen. ( This all quote from
Kristin Nelson, Air Force special forces)
American Legion Department of IL - Department News Page 7
APRIL 2015
Mark Your
Calendar
Spring D.E.C Gold Pin
Cut-Off (1:00 PM)
(95% Target)
April 3rd
~~~
Good Friday
Department Office Closed
April 3rd
~~~
Easter Sunday
April 5th
~~~
Spring D.E.C.
1:00 PM
DoubleTree (Bloomington)
April 11th
~~~
Gold Pin Award
April 11th
~~~
Top Recruiter, God and Silver
Brigade Award Deadline
April 25th
~~~
Housing for The American Legion Armed Forces Day Dinner.
COMFORT SUITES—Chicago Lansing
708-418-3337
Reservations must be made by May 1, 2015, in order to be eligible for the preferred
rate.
King Suite ($89); King Suite with Sofa Sleeper ($94); Two Queen Suite ($104); King
Suite with whirlpool ($119). All rooms are subject to current 12% city/state tax.
APRIL 2015
Top Recruiter, God and Silver
Brigade Award Forms due @
Department HQ
May 2nd
~~~
National Spring Committee &
Commission Meetings
(Indianapolis, IN)
May 4th—7th
~~~
Armed Forces Day
(100% Target)
May 8th
~~~
Mother’s Day
May 10th
~~~
Armed Forces Day Dinner
(Hosted by 1st Div.)
May 16th
~~~
American Legion Department of IL - Department News Page 8
Memorial Day
Department Office Closed
May 25th
~~~
Special Olympics
(ISU—Normal, IL)
June 12th—13th
~~~
American Legion Premier Illinois
Boys State
(EIU—Charleston)
June 13th—19th
~~~
Flag Day
June 14th
~~~
Final Gold Pin-Cut Off
and Close Of Books
June 19th
~~~
Father’s Day
June 21st
~~~
Girls State
June 21st—27th
~~~
Department Commander
Henry “Hank” Robards Birthday
June 23rd
~~~
SAL Detachment Convention
June 26th—28th
~~~
Independence Day
July 4th
~~~
Department Convention
(Springfield, IL)
July 8th—11th
###
2015 Lincoln Funeral
Re-enactment
Activities are solidly coming together for the 2015 Lincoln
Funeral Re-enactment, May 2-3, 2015.
Don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to relive
history and to honor President Lincoln.
2015 will be an extraordinary year for Civil War history buffs. This year not only brings to a
close the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, it is the 150th anniversary that changed the
course of American History – the death of President Abraham Lincoln.
For the first time since 1865, thousands of re-enactors, period carriages, visitors and dignitaries will convene in Springfield, Illinois, on May 1-3, 2015, to pay tribute to our 16th
President with an unparalleled historic and solemn re-creation of the funeral procession to
Oak Ridge Cemetery. Although May 4, is the official anniversary date of President Lincoln’s
burial, the 3rd was selected to minimize business disruption, as this year the 4th is a Monday.
Veterans groups will be represented on May 3, 2015, during the procession. Each of these
Veteran groups will be stationed at varying locations along the processional route so they can
be honored for their service and so the veterans can show their respect to President Lincoln.
Veterans groups include the American Legion, Italian American War Veterans of the United
States of America, Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) and Inter-Veterans Burial Detail.
The mission of the 2015 Lincoln Funeral Coalition (1865-2015) is to educate, coordinate and
promote the accurate and dignified reenactment of the historic anniversary of Abraham
Lincoln’s funeral procession in Springfield, Illinois. Check out www.lincolnfuneralcoalition.org
for all the events. Veterans groups not mentioned above that would like to participate please
email [email protected] for more information about participating.
All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise mentioned. Here is a break
down of the weekend’s events:
Civil War encampments open: dawn to dusk May 1-3
*Visit the Benedictine University at Springfield campus for a
Civil War Encampment featuring band concerts on the lawn, in
the amphitheater and in the Sacred Heart Chapel, as well as a
Civil War artifact museum in the historic Brinkerhoff Home
and more. Venue: Benedictine University at Springfield, 1500
N. Fifth St., Springfield, IL 62702.
*Visit the 10th Illinois Volunteer Cavalry (Reactivated) Headquarters encampment on the south lawn Venue: Springfield
Art Association of Edwards Place, 700 N. 4th Street, Springfield IL 62702.
Day One - Saturday, May 2, 2015

Approximately 9:00 a.m.
*At the current Amtrak Station on Third Street, the reenactment begins with the replicated coffin of President
Lincoln and the replicated hearse.

Approximately 10:00 a.m.
*Procession steps-off from the Amtrak station
The procession will follow much of the historic route to Washington and 6th. Streets.
The funeral procession includes the recreation of the original
Lincoln hearse, horse-drawn carriages, military and civilian
Civil War re-enactors, along with numerous other period
groups. Only appropriately costumed registered participants
will be allowed to walk in the procession. Mourning scarves
for pallbearers were provided by Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, 1861-1865

Approximately 11:00 a.m.
*Opening commemorative ceremony
Location: Washington & 6th Streets. Dignitaries, color guard
and civil war re-enactors will participate in the opening commemorative ceremony. No reserved seating available.
*After the opening ceremony, an all-night vigil with the
hearse and coffin will take place at Washington and 6th
Streets.
American Legion Department of IL - Department News Page 9
Day two – Sunday, May 3, 2015

Approximately 6:00 a.m.
*The candlelight vigil at Washington & 6th Street ends.
*Local churches & Houses of Worship are encouraged to
use 1865 liturgy and ring the church bells throughout the
morning.

Approximately 11:00 a.m.
*Staging begins for the registered participants for the
historic procession to Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Approximately 12:00 noon
*Historic procession to oak ridge cemetery steps off from
Washington & 6th Streets.
With adjustments for safety and modern-day streets, the
funeral procession will follow much of the historic route to
Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Approximately 3:00 p.m.
*Oak ridge cemetery ceremony. As the funeral procession
arrives, it will enter through the recreated First Street
entrance. There will be no vehicle parking inside Oak Ridge
Cemetery on Sunday, May 3. Tour busses, Springfield Mass
Transit District and historic sites buses are to enter Oak
Ridge Cemetery via Monument Avenue. Volunteers will
guide visitors to the proper location of the ceremony.
*The funeral procession will proceed to the Old Public
Receiving Vault. To recreate the historic feel of this
event, no reserved seating will be available at the Oak
Ridge Cemetery ceremony. Clergy and Civil War re-enactors
present the appropriate eulogy, speeches and salutes at
the Old Public Receiving Vault. During the ceremony, a
special choral group and civil war era musicians perform
the music originally conducted during this ceremony.

Approximately 4:30 p.m.
*The 150th anniversary commemoration concludes with a
36 cannon salute. Prior to the conclusion of the funeral
ceremony, tour busses, Springfield Mass Transit District and
historic sites routes busses will be permitted to re-enter via
Monument Avenue.
APRIL 2015
APRIL 2015
American Legion Department of IL - Department News Page 10
American Legion Department of IL - Department News Page 11
APRIL 2015
Gifts To The
Yanks Who
Gave
Gifts To The Yanks Who Gave Fund
Send Donations To:
Gifts To The Yanks Who Gave
Department of Illinois
2720 E. Lincoln St.
Bloomington, IL 61704
NAME:__________________________________________________________________
The Gifts To The Yanks Commission ADDRESS:_______________________________________________________________
would like to thank everyone for
CITY:___________________________________STATE: _______ ZIP:_______________
your support to the program again
this year.
POST# ______________ DISTRICT#_______________ DIVISION#________________
With the help of the Division GTTY
Chairman we gave 8,338 gifts to
Disabled Veterans this past Christmas.
These veterans are in VA Hospitals, Illinois Veterans
We NEED YOUR HELP Post, Units, SAL, Legion Rider or Personal
Homes and local nursing homes. Some home bound
donations are needed so that the program will continue to be
veterans under doctor care also received gifts.
able to give good quality gifts.
I have received several thank you letters and cards from
“BRING YOUR CHECKS TO DEC APRIL 11, 2015”
veterans or their families. I still hear of Veterans getting
We will have Legion Riders Patches and Tee Shirts Available at
tears to their eyes and smiles on their faces as they
DEC.
received their gifts.
www.giftstotheyankswhogave.org
We are beginning to work on Christmas 2015, your
Thanks again for all your support.
donations will make this happen. Donations are coming
in slow this year, our goal is $160,000 by April 15, 2015.
Veterans usually only reveal their story to another Veteran—someone they feel will understand
what they have experienced.
The LCC Kare-9 Military Ministry is a ministry by veterans for veterans bridging compassionate
ministry. We strive to serve our military, veterans and their families. In order to do this to the best
of our ability we place a dog – named after a K-9 that gave its life in the service of our country – with
a veteran.
The transition from military life to home life is challenging. Many experience guilt related to
combat. An estimated 20% have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Half do not seek treatment.
The VA estimates there are 22 suicides a day. (Immediate help is available by calling the VA Crisis
Line at 1-800-273-8255, push 1, or texting 838255.)
The dogs begin training as puppies and are trained alongside their veteran. When entering the
program the dogs are known as recruits and move up in rank according to the military branch in
which the veteran served.
The Kare-9 military dogs visit many places, including VFWs, VA hospitals, Traumatic Brain Injury
(TBI) Care Centers, homes of veterans that are home bound, Expos, Vet Clinics, Yellow Ribbon
Ceremonies and various other activities to help spread the mercy and compassion of Christ Jesus.
LCC never charges those we serve, and in the Kare-9 Military Dog Ministry LCC picks up
the expenses of each of the Kare-9 dogs and does not charge the
veteran. We are able to do that with the support of donors to the
LCC KARE 9 Military Ministry Fund. If you would like to help
Support the LCC Kare-9 Military Ministry contact Tim Hetzner,
President of Lutheran Church Charities at 866-455-6466 or email
him at [email protected]
or [email protected] or visit our website at
www.LutheranChurchCharities.org.
APRIL 2015
American Legion Department of IL - Department News Page 12
American Legion Department of IL - Department News Page 13
APRIL 2015
Baltimore or Bust
Hello Department of Illinois members!
As the day of my installation draws closer, I want all of you to know how grateful I am for your continued support! Thank you for
everything. Hope some of you will consider the bus to Baltimore. We have tried to make it affordable for you! Here we go!! Thanks
again to the American Legion Family!
INTERESTED IN GOING TO BALTIMORE FOR SHARON’S INSTALLATION?
There will be a bus heading to Baltimore for Sharon’s Installation and you are invited to come along.
Bus info is as follows: $100/person. Bus will leave Champaign on Wednesday, September 2 at approximately 5 to 6 AM. You will
have two nights at a convention hotel. Instructions will follow on how to make those reservations after you sign up for the bus!
Sharon’s Installation will be Thursday, September 3rd at 8:00 AM. There are plans for a party that evening. The bus will leave for
the return trip earl Friday, September 4th for Champaign.
To reserve your seat on the bus, bus fare must be sent to Pam Ray, 6410 Wind Hill Drive, Springfield IL 62711, with one-half
(1/2) by April 1 and remainder by August 1st.
Pam will accept reservations until the bus is full.
First come.........First serve!!!
SHARON CONASTER—300 CLUB WINNERS
MARCH WINNERS
(drawn at Patriotic Conference)
 $ 500—————————————–——–———————————Imogene Eilers
 $ 250—————————————————–————————Michael Edmonds
 $ 150——————————————–————————————Byron Unit #209
Drawings will be held every month throughout 2015
Tickets are still available. Contact Pam Ray at 217-741-6849 or call Auxiliary Headquarters Office at 309-663-9366.
APRIL 2015
American Legion Department of IL - Department News Page 14
2014-2015 DIVISION & DISTRICT MEETING DATES
DATE
DIST. / DIV.
TIME
POST
CITY
04/01/15
1ST DIVISION
6:00 PM
PARK FOREST POST 1198
CHICAGO HEIGHTS
04/08/15
2ND DISTRICT
7:30 PM
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT POST 923
CHICAGO
04/15/15
7TH DISTRICT
7:30 PM
EVANSTON POST 42
EVANSTON
04/16/15
5TH DISTRICT
7:30 PM
FOREST PARK POST 414
FOREST PARK
04/17/15
10TH DISTRICT
7:30 PM
04/18/15
1ST DISTRICT
11:00 AM
04/22/15
3RD DISTRICT
7:00 PM
SOUTH DEERING POST 1238
CHICAGO
04/23/15
8TH DISTRICT
8:00 PM
THORNTON POST 1070
THORNTON
04/29/15
9TH DISTRICT
7:30 PM
SCHILLER PARK POST 104
SCHILLER PARK
05/08/15
2ND DISTRICT
6:00 PM
KLAS RESTAURANT
CICERO
05/15/15
10TH DISTRICT
7:30 PM
05/16/15
1ST DISTRICT
11:00 AM
05/17/15
12TH DISTRICT
1:00 PM
GENOA POST 337 (CONVENTION)
GENOA
05/17/15
16TH DISTRICT
10:00 AM
BARTONVILLE POST 979 (CONVENTION)
BARTONVILLE
05/17/15
17TH DISTRICT
1:00 PM
ROANOKE POST 463 (CONVENTION)
ROANOKE
05/17/15
20TH DISTRICT
10:00 AM
WINCHESTER POST 442 (CONVENTION)
WINCHESTER
05/17/15
21ST DISTRICT
1:00 PM
STATE POLICE POST 1922 (CONVENTION)
SPRINGFIELD
05/17/15
23RD DISTRICT
UNKNOWN
RAMSEY POST 460
RAMSEY
05/17/15
25TH DISTRICT
1:00 PM
BENTON POST 280
BENTON
05/20/15
3RD DISTRICT
7:00 PM
FRED SCHWEITZER POST 272
CHICAGO
LIBERTYVILLE POST 329 (PAST DISTRICT
COMMANDERS NIGHT)
LIBERTYVILLE
MONTCLARE-LEYDEN VFW POST 1284
CHICAGO
(NOMINATIONS)
LAKE REGION POST 703 (CONVENTION & POST
FOX LAKE
EVERLASTING)
MONTCLARE-LEYDEN VFW POST 1284
CHICAGO
(ELECTIONS)

Boys State—June 13th—19th, 2015

Special Olympics—June 12th—13th, 2015

Illini Girls State—June 21st—27th, 2015
American Legion Department of IL - Department News Page 15
APRIL 2015
T HE A M E R I C A N L E GI ON
D E P A R T M E N T OF I L L I N OI S
P . O. B OX 2 9 1 0
B L OOM I N GT O N , I L L I N OI S 6 1 7 0 2
PRESORTED
FIRST-CLASS MAIL
US POSTAGE PAID
BLOOMINGTON, IL
PERMIT No. 18
PUBLISHED MONTHLY *
Department Commander
HANK ROBARDS
Department Editor
MARTY CONATSER
Newsletter articles must be at Department Headquarters by the
15th of each month for it to be in the next months issue.
Fax: 309-663-5783
Web: www.illegion.org
* One year Subscription to the Department News
$10.00 for 11 issues
Phone: 309-663-0361
Email: [email protected]
Department of Illinois ~ Official Member of The National American Legion Press Association
APRIL TRIVIA (ABE LINCOLN TRIVIA)
1.
The Lincoln Penny was first issued in what year and for what reason?
2.
Lincoln could quote many parts of the Bible, but his absolute favorite book was?
3.
His favorite poem was Mortality written by?
4.
Lincoln was the first president to be born beyond the boundaries of the original
13 states. What state was he born in?
5.
Lincoln, the 16th president, was the first president to be?
Visit our website!
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ANSWERS:
2.
3.
4.
5.
1.
1909 to commemorate Abraham Lincoln’s 100th
birthday.
Psalms.
William Knox.
He was the first president born in Kentucky.
Assassinated.
APRIL 2015
American Legion Department of IL - Department News Page 16