1. art and entertainment
2. shows and events
3. festival

American Legion Department of Illinois
2014—2015 Department Commander Hank Robards
MAY 2015
The American Legion 78th Annual High School
Oratorical Scholarship Program – “A Constitutional
Speech Contest.” brought together 52 contestants to
compete in the National Oratorical Finals in Indianapolis, IN the weekend of April 10-12.
As of
April 24, 2015
The American Legion Department of Illinois winner,
Rowan Macwan, a homeschooled, high school junior
from Naperville, finished second place earning him a
$16,000 college scholarship. This brings Macwan’s total
scholarship winnings, between Department and National,
to $18,000.
Macwan’s prepared Oration was titled, “The Flame of our
Liberty” and the assigned topic chosen the morning of
the Finals was on the 19th Amendment to the U.S.
Constitution, which granted American women the right to vote.
District
Commander
7
Lampert
3
Kelley
23
Harris
12
Abdelnour
11
Stieg
21
Nargelenas
24
Sandusky
10
Johnson
8
McNellis
15
Schlieper
Division
Commander
2
GEESEY
5
JANCEK
1
GRAHAM, III
4
BUSKE
3
WALSTON
Public Relations Committee Chairman Tom Marciciak along with committee Vice Chrm. Gary
Granberg visited with Rowan in Naperville and videotaped an interview. In that interview
Rowan attributed his involvement in the Oratorical Program by following in his older siblings
footsteps who competed in the Department of Illinois Oratorical Program in past years, as well
as the local speech team he is involved in. Rowan spoke on how he came to choose his Prepared
Oration title, to how being homeschooled affording him the opportunity to research the U.S.
Constitution in depth. Macwan stated he is very thankful to God and The American Legion for
this opportunity. At this time Rowan has not chosen a college, and his goals are not set in stone,
however he is interested in field of Economics.
The American Legion Department of Illinois in conjunction with, and sponsoring post,
Naperville American Legion Post 43 is very proud of Rowan and wishes him much success in
his future.
NATIONAL—Geeta Minocha, a senior from Vanguard High School in Ocala, Fla., won first
place earning her an $18,000 college scholarship with an all expense paid trip to the American
Legion’s National Convention in Baltimore. Emma Skahill, a senior from Earlham, Iowa,
finishing third. She earned a $14,000 scholarship.
The other department-level winners and semifinalists each earned scholarship money, bringing
the weekend total to more than $130,000 provided by The American Legion.
Department of Illinois ~ Official Member of The National American Legion Press Association
S
pring is upon us which means
outside projects are being
planned and completed, special events
are in full preparation, and kids are
finishing up their school year. Which
brings me to The American Legion
Youth (summer) programs. We are
ready, Are you?
Our Girls State, Premier Boys State,
Youth Police School applications are
arriving at HQ but numbers are down.
Has your post selected the students to
attend? Yes, that is fantastic, they will
enjoy the program. No? Then why not?
There is still time to get the applications
sent in.
These programs are worthwhile
A
s of this writing there are
52 days remaining until
close of books, (JUNE 19th).
It would appear that some Districts
have decided to retire or have just
given up. Others have accelerated their
efforts and with that hard work will
make themselves and their Districts
proud. They are leaders.
 Joe Lampert, 7th District, 1st Division is the first to reach the 105%
goal.
 David Harris, 23rd District, 5th Division is now over 103% and closing.
 Terry Abdelnour, 12th District 2nd
Division needs two (2) cards for
100%. He’s not satisfied with
100%.
 Gary Stieg, 11th District, 2nd Divi-
programs, I know this and you know
this. But does our Community and
Youth know it?
Our Legion programs they need OUR
support every year, WE always need
volunteers, but most of all these
programs need STUDENTS. If a student
doesn’t know anything about these
programs then we are failing our
communities youth, then we fail the
Preamble we speak with pride.
Talk to the kids with pride, educate and
encourage them to go. We are pretty
sure they won’t regret it.
My schedule has been busy and is
filling up fast for May.

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April 7 – 10: the Mattoon Revitalization
was a success. 108 members; expired,
new and 2910’s.
April 11: the Auxiliary Jr. Conference
was a success. The girls enjoyed their
pajama party. They also put on a skit
on what not to do with funds
sion needs less than 80 cards to
reach 100%. He and his officers will
achieve this and more.
 Laimutis, (Limey), Nargelenas, 21st
District, 4th Division is a mere 45
cards from 100%. Knowing him he
won’t stop there.
 Carole Sandusky, 24th District, 5th
Division is 59 cards away from
100%. From where she was and
where she is now, I can’t see her
not reaching at least 100%.
Those of you who are at 95% and
higher need less than 200 cards to
reach 100%. Reach that fast and keep
going; you can do it with the help
of
your Officers and your Division
Officers.
There are 13 Districts below 95%.
There is still time to make your mark
but you have to work not retire. Every
Officer from the Post Level up is
responsible for membership and even
though time is running out you still
have the opportunity to prove your
MAY 2015 American Legion Department of IL - Department News Page 2
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
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(excellent). It is great to see our
future leaders in action.
April 22 – 25: a Revitalization was
held in Mt. Vernon.
April 29 – May 2: There was a Revitalization in Champaign.
May 6 – 9: I will attend the Truman
Pilgrimage in Independence, MO.
May 16: I will be at the Armed Forces
Day Dinner in the 1st Division.
May 19 and 20: is the Budget Meeting
at the Department Headquarters.
May 24: I will be at the Memorial Day
Parade in Teutopolis.
May 28: I will be at the Homegrown
By Heroes statewide gathering at the
Illinois Farm Bureau in Bloomington.
Everyone continue and keep up the
positive approach towards membership. The office staff once again has
done a very commendable job. They
are second to none. They made my 2
years go very smoothly. Thank you.
skills as leaders.
Are there only 11 Districts that
want to achieve out of 24? I think not.
I have said this before and I will
continue to repeat it…“Your work to
achieve 105% is not for me, it isn’t for
any other Officer at Department but it
is for what we stand for, VETERANS
SERVING VETERANS and THEIR FAMILIES. It is for our Programs and all the
other good works we do”.
I ask you not to give up. Continue to
work renewals and 2910’s. Phone calls
and maybe a few trips to visit
members that haven’t paid. It’s easy stuff
considering why you’re doing it, and
can be fun, but it has to be done to
reach goals.
I know, and I believe each of you
know that you can accomplish more.
Stand Together as 24 District
LEADERS! That will be your strength to
achieve.
(Dept. Sr. Vice Cmdr. continued on page 5)
G
oodness, the year has gone by
so quickly! It’s just a short
time until the department convention
in July at Springfield and I hope to see
many American Legion Family members
there. There is still much work to be
done, though, before then.
Membership is an ongoing project.
We are still working hard to get the
renewals/rejoins and new members
signed up in the American Legion Auxiliary. The national organization and our
department have offered several drawings this year as extra incentive for
units to reach goal. The ladies are
working hard to be able to get their
I
bring you greetings from the
Sons of the American Legion,
Detachment of Illinois. To all of you
that served this great country, we
thank you for your service.
Here is the latest update on JR Stillwell as of April 15th. JR has been moved
to room 4402 in the rehab section of
the hospital. The telephone number to
reach him is (308) 788-4502. He was
operated on Tuesday, April 14th to replace his elbow. This will likely extend
his stay for the rehab process. The address of the hospital is, Swedish Medical Center, 501 E Hampton, Englewood,
CO. 80113. Cards and letters are appreciated. Keep JR in your thoughts and
prayers. A big shout out and thank you
goes to the National S.A.L. Commander
Mike Moss and the Detachment of Colorado for their assistance to JR.
units in the drawings. Ladies and Gentlemen of the American Legion Family,
if you have a female family member
who is eligible to join the ALA, please
contact us to discuss their membership. Whether they attend meetings
regularly, or help with one or two special projects a year, or just pay their
dues annually, their membership in
our great organization helps in so
many ways. And, they have many
benefits: numerous Member Benefits,
like discounts on eye-glass and pharmacy prescriptions, travel discounts,
and many other options; a great national magazine they receive at no
charge; and the opportunity to help
our veterans, active military, their
families and communities through
their dues.
Our Centennial Plan is moving
along to help strengthen the organiza-
tion and, hopefully, increase our membership numbers. One big change is the
new, one-page year-end reports put
into use. In the years to come, we will
be working harder to improve communication between all the levels of the
Auxiliary, thus increasing the information given to the units and members.
I’ve been busy visiting with units and
members at different functions: unit
meetings, past president get-togethers,
district meetings. Sometimes Bill has
joined me on the trip, other times my
friends, Arlene or Tammie, have traveled with me. The friendship and warm
welcomes have been wonderful. I have
a lot of mementos to go through and
organize after July, and many fond
memories!
Patriotic Conference in March and
Junior Conference in April were well
April was once again a busy month.
I attended the Junior Auxiliary Conference on April 11 & 12. Congratulations
to the newly elected officers and to
Ciara Smith for her fine job as Jr.
President. It’s good to see a group of
young women who work towards
providing for our veterans, our communities and our children. On Sunday, I
slipped away from the conference to
watch the finals of the National
American Legion Oratorical Contest
which included a finalist from Illinois,
Rowan Macwan. I have never been to
the contest locally, but I was impressed
with all 3 finalists. In the end, Rowan
finished in second place. We all should
be proud of his accomplishment and
thank the Naperville American Legion
Post for their sponsorship. April 18th
had me attending the 1st Division
Legion training seminar on recruitment
for Premier Boys State. Look for the
S.A.L. to take on a more active role for
this great cause. Thanks to Barry Cicero
for putting the seminar on. After that,
later in the evening, I attended the 1st
Division S.A.L. fundraiser for the Child
Welfare Foundation at Marrs Meyer
Post #991 in Worth. Thank you to the
American Legion Family and especially
Squadron #991 for your support. A
special thanks to Eugene Gort our CWF
promoter, and to Bill Pillman, 1st
Division S.A.L. Commander. April 25th
has the S.A.L. travelling to Savoy for the
President and Commanders Special
Project Bowling Tournament. President
Ann, Commanders Hank and I have
chosen Fisher House as one of our
special projects. Proceeds are going to
the Fisher Houses at Jefferson Barracks
in St. Louis, and Hines VA Hospital in
Chicago. Thank you to those that
participated and/or donated. I would
like to thank Bruno “T” and Patti
Williamson, Tommie and Cathy Cisna
for their help in setting up and running
this event. It’s still not too late to bring
your donations to the convention in
June.
Our membership year is coming to
an end. The final national renewal
American Legion Department of IL - Department News Page 3
(Aux. President continued on page 5
(SAL Detachment Cmdr continued on page 5)
MAY 2015
Did You Know?
(By: Raymond P. Toczek Legion Service Officer)
312-980-4264 [email protected]
That I thought for sure the old Rumor Mill was closed for business and that I could lock the door, bolt up the windows and
throw away the key. Much to my surprise when I got to the Mill the mailbox was full and the e-mail account was overflowing
with requests to check out the latest rumors out there. So without further ado here are some of the latest ones:
1. My spouse recently passed away and while she was alive we were getting a reduction in our property taxes here in Illinois.
She was a service-connected disabled vet. I heard that I will lose that reduction. FALSE. As long as the surviving spouse
doesn’t remarry and continues to live in the property the property tax reduction passes on to them.
2. I was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer and they had to remove my prostate gland. The aftereffects have affected
my entire lifestyle and I find myself going through bouts of depression. Although I am getting VA benefits for the residuals
of my prostate cancer (I was exposed to Agent Orange in Nam) I was told I can’t get additional benefits for the depression
since it didn’t start while I was in service. FALSE. If your VA or private doctor opines that the depression is a direct result of
your prostate condition the VA will grant you benefits for that depression as being secondary to the cancer.
3. My father passed away during the latter part of World War II and his remains are at the Normandy American Cemetery in
France. Now that I am retired I thought it would be a wonderful experience to visit that cemetery. I was told I could get a
Fee-Free Passport to visit there. TRUE. The American Battle Monuments Commission can furnish you the necessary paperwork to get one without charge.
4. I was denied enrollment in the VA hospital system a few years ago because I had too much money in the bank (over
$120,000). I was told that I can now reapply and the VA will not look at my bank account. TRUE. There was a recent change
in VA regulations and Net Worth is no longer a factor. The VA will now only ask for your monthly income flow and the interest you earn on that bank account. And we all know how low the yields currently are!
5. I lost track of my cousin. We were best of friends but when he got back from Iraq he fell off the radar and no one knows
where he is or even if he is alive. I was told the VA can’t tell me where he lives. PARTIALLY TRUE. Due to the Privacy Act the
VA can’t release the current address of a veteran. However they can forward a letter on to his last known location. As long
as the letter is not harmful (e.g. asking for back child support or to pay back a debt) the VA, if they can identify him or her
in their computer system, will forward these types of letters. To find out the procedure please contact the VA directly at 1800-827-1000.
Well that’s all for now. Guess I’ll have to keep the old Rumor Mill open for a few more years! And in closing………
Dear Internet: You are very good at spreading rumors. Truth is more valuable and much harder to come by.
Mark Frost
MAY 2015 American Legion Department of IL - Department News Page 4
Roger Powell of Fairdale, IL received a $1500 NEF (National Emergency Fund) check delivered by Department Sr. Vice Commander
Paul W. Gardner. Powell’s home was completely destroyed (pictured above right) by a deadly EF4 tornado that ripped through
the northwest suburban town on April 9th. Powell could only receive these benefits because he is paid member (Genoa Post 337).
(Dept. Sr. Vice Cmdr. continued from page 2)
(SAL Detachment Cmdr continued from page 3)
Division Commanders don’t sit back and leave it all to the District
Officers. Help and Lead!
There is a tight race for #1 between the 2nd Division and the 5th
Division. 5th Division Commander Dutch Jancek wants that number #1
Gold Pin.
There’s nothing stopping the rest of you Division Commanders from
working to gain ground.
Every Division Officer should be working membership. Districts
need your help, give it to them. Everyone needs to be involved now.
It’s not too late to make a move, the bigger the better.
notice is being sent out at the end of April. Let’s
help “Building Membership” and our Sr. Vice Bill
Geary attain that 100% membership goal! As of
April 17th our membership stands at 95.73%, just a
little over 600 cards short of 100%. We’re trying!!!!
It is getting to that time of the year to start
thanking all of the wonderful members of the
American Legion Family I have met these last two
years travelling the state. Commander Hank and the
officers of the Department of Illinois, thank you all
for your support. We are a program of yours, and I
hoped we lived up to your expectations! Good luck
Sr. Vice Paul in your bid for election to the office of
Commander. See you all at the state and national
conventions.
Last but not least is the upcoming 52nd Annual
Sons of the American Legion, Detachment of Illinois
Convention in Arlington Heights, June 26-28, 2015.
Reservations can be made at the convention hotel
Wingate by Wyndham, Arlington Heights. $85/
night plus tax. Call (847) 434-0300 and mention
Sons of the American Legion. THERE IS NOT A
BLOCK OF ROOMS RESERVED, SO CALL EARLY.
Flyers for our “unofficial” Golf Outing, Day at the
Races, and our “official” Bowling Tournament are in
this mailing. My American Legion Family looks
forward to your stay in our beautiful Village and we
hope you won’t be disappointed.
There is Strength Through Leadership!
I Believe in you. Believe in yourself.
(Aux. President continued from page 3)
attended, and there were many members at each attending for the first
time! This was great. It made me very happy. I hope that the effort
put into getting more information to our members this past year is paying off with more interest in attending meetings, etc. Department
Training on April 18 was very well attended. 123 members registered
and 103 attended. They came for the day to learn more about leading
our organization, handling discord and strengthening the Department
of Illinois American Legion Auxiliary and meet new friends. Coral Grout
of Massachusetts and Kathy Daudistel of Kentucky were the presenters
from the national organization and did a wonderful job. Everyone enjoyed themselves and, I think, learned much.
It has been an interesting and informative year. I’ve enjoyed working with Commander Hank and Detachment Commander John. The
American Legion Family is a wonderful, diverse family, and I’m glad to
be a part of it.
Take care and travel safe!
American Legion Department of IL - Department News Page 5
Remember “When it MUST BE DONE, Call the
SONS” Communicate-Educate.
Never Forget 9-11-01
MAY 2015
DISTRICT COMMANDER REMINDER:
The Religious Emphasis Committee wants to remind all District Commanders to please get your Outstanding
Chaplain nominee application in for your Chaplain Award. It needs to be send to Department Headquarters no
later than June 6, 2015 (sooner if possible). If you need an Outstanding Chaplains Cross form, contact the print
shop at Department Headquarters 309-663-0361 or go to the website: www.illegion.org/forms.
This will ensure us plenty of time to get in contact with your nominee and make arrangements with them or who
will be representing them at the Memorial Service on July 11th.
Please remember to keep our veterans, their families, and the United States in your prayers.
May God Bless our American Legion Family
VAOIG blasts Philly regional office
Evidence is found of mismanagement, employee mistrust, data manipulation and hiding mail.
WASHINGTON (April 15, 2015) A report issued today by the
Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General
(VAOIG) has substantiated gross mismanagement, negligence and misconduct at the VA Regional Office (VARO) in
Philadelphia.
Violations included the entering of false dates on veterans’
benefits claims, altering results on quality reviews, hiding
unprocessed mail, delaying the scanning and uploading of
documents, and failing to provide a safe work environment
for employees.
Michael D. Helm, national commander of The American
Legion said the report’s findings reinforced his serious concerns about the quality of operations at the Philadelphia
VARO. He sent a team of Legion experts there on March 20
to hold a town hall meeting with local veterans, and meet
with leadership from the regional office.
“The fact that VA’s own inspector general is finding significant instances of mismanagement at the VA Regional Office
in Philadelphia is extremely disturbing to say the least,”
Helm said.
“Like the previous scandals revealed last year, the serious
deficiencies in Philadelphia do not appear to be limited to
just one place. Complaints are coming in from VARO’s in
Oakland, Los Angeles, Little Rock, Baltimore, Houston and
Honolulu. It is far past the time for VA to restore in earnest
the trust that has been lost by the veterans, whom it was
intended to serve.”
Allison Hickey, VA’s under secretary for benefits, has characterized the OIG’s report as reflecting conditions that existed more than a year ago. “We disagree with that assessment,” the VAOIG report stated. Despite having concluded
its onsite investigation last August, the office continues to
receive “additional allegations of wrongdoing from VARO
staff.”
MAY 2015 American Legion Department of IL - Department News Page 6
Examples include a March 2015 complaint that reported a
scheme to credit VARO staff for training they did not complete, and a December 2014 complaint that the mail situation at the Philadelphia VARO had gotten worse and alleged
that VARO management continues to cover up the problem.
“It is unfortunate that VA leadership, when asked, failed to
describe more accurately the situation in Philadelphia,”
Helm said. “Such important work that means so much to the
quality of life for our veterans can’t be handled so incompetently.”
The Philadelphia VARO administers about $4 billion in benefits payments for about 825,000 veterans and family members.
On April 22, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs will
hold a hearing: “Philadelphia and Oakland: Systemic Failures
and Mismanagement.”
ESPN to expand coverage of Legion World Series
ESPN
will expand its live
coverage of The American
Legion World Series (ALWS) to
broadcast
two
semifinal
games, Aug. 17, on its ESPNU
channel in
addition to the
championship game on Aug.
18, the network announced
today.
The four days of “pool
play” leading up to the semifinals will continue to be aired
by ESPN through its webcasting service ESPN3.
The two semifinal games will be shown
on ESPNU at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. EDT on Aug.
17, and the championship airs at 7 p.m. the
following day on the same channel.
From Aug. 13-16, three games of "pool
play" - pitting each of the eight regional
champions against each other - will be
streamed live daily on ESPN3.com at
approximately noon, 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
ESPN’s announcement that it will air the semifinal games
of the 89th Annual American Legion Baseball World Series is
an expansion of the relationship between ESPN and The
American Legion. That relationship began in the summer of
2011, when the sports network streamed each of the series
games online. The American Legion and the Shelby (N.C.)
Baseball World Series Committee inked a five-year contract
last year with ESPN for the broadcasting giant to televise
the ALWS championship game
This year, ESPN will again
televise the ALWS championship game on ESPNU as part of
the channel's “Championship
Tuesday.” Last year's broadcast
was a major milestone; The
American Legion
Baseball
World Series championship
game had not been shown on
live TV in 35 years. ESPNU
reaches nearly 80 million viewers.
In all, the ALWS will feature 15 games this
year – 12 games of “pool play” between the
eight regional champions, two semifinal
contests and a championship. “Pool play” is
divided by two divisions, the “Stars division”
and the “Stripes division,” each of which
features four teams. The winner of one
division faces the runner-up of the other
division in a semifinal game, with the two
winners advancing to the championship.
Now in its 89th year, the American Legion Baseball World
Series is played annually at Keeter Stadium in host city
Shelby, N.C. The five-day event features entertainment,
competition and plenty of America's pastime.
Each year, thousands of Legion Baseball teams, sponsored
by American Legion posts, compete nationally for a chance
to be named ALWS champion.
Help us tell
'The Story of Our Flag'
NATIONAL - The American Legion is launching a multimedia tribute
to Old Glory that will explore the flag’s meaning, the price paid for
all it symbolizes, and the special place it occupies in our conscience
and culture.
“Indivisible: The Story of Our Flag,” will be a collectible American Legion Centennial bookazine. Through illustrations and succinct text, it will tell the story of the U.S. flag from the American Revolution to the Global War on Terrorism. Voices, unique
facts, historical anecdotes and more will team up with beautiful illustrations to tell that story.
Combining with the bookazine will be a web platform housed on
www.legion.org that will include videos, frequently asked questions, Flag
code standards, stories of interest and other valuable resources. A mobile
app also will be available as part of the campaign, and will feature information about the display of the flag, photos, videos and flag etiquette.
The American Legion wants the public to be a part of this tribute to our
flag. Social media users also are encouraged to post photos of Old Glory, or
share what the U.S. flag means to you, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
using the hashtag #MyUSFlag. Those who want to participate also can pin
photos of the flag to the Legion’s Pinterest page.
American Legion Department of IL - Department News Page 7
MAY 2015
Spending bill shields
commissaries from cuts
in 2015
WASHINGTON — Base commissaries are set to dodge budget cuts
next year that threatened to reduce shopper savings thanks to a
massive omnibus spending bill set for a vote in Congress this
week.
The bill would pump $90 million back into the global system of
supermarkets after lawmakers proposed trimming about $100
million from the commissary budget, according to Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., who helped craft it.
Commissary savings may be the only troop benefit on the chopping block to get a last-minute reprieve in the $1.1-trillion omnibus bill — Congress is still poised to reduce military pay raises,
housing allowances, and Tricare prescription coverage, as well as
eliminating on-base tobacco discounts in 2015.
The spending bill was likely to be approved during a House vote
Thursday and a Senate vote Friday, heading off the possible government shutdown as current funding legislation expires, Sen.
Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., who headed up the compromise, said
Wednesday afternoon.
It will ensure troops, families and military retirees can continue to
save what the commissary system says is an average of 30 percent
on grocery bills by shopping at the 243 supermarkets on bases in
the United States and abroad.
Durbin’s office said the funding was granted while Congress and
the Defense Department await a commission study on military
benefits expected to be finished in February and to become a
guidepost for future reforms.
The stores cost the DOD $1.4 billion per year. The Pentagon wants
to reduce that annual budget to just $400 million, closing some
locations and eventually bringing savings down to about 10 percent.
Top brass lobbied Capitol Hill earlier this year to start with a $200million reduction next year. Congress had met the Pentagon half
way by reducing commissary funding by $100 million in its National Defense Authorization Act, an annual bill that sets defense priorities and is also up for a final vote in the Senate this week. Lawmakers anticipated the supermarkets could suck up the cut by
being more efficient.
The omnibus bill restored enough money to keep operations at
current levels, according to Senate staff involved with creating the
legislation.
Meanwhile, the omnibus and the NDAA will push forward with
other cuts in troop benefits.
Pay raises will be capped at 1 percent, down from 1.8 percent
increases. Basic housing allowances will go from covering 100 percent to 99 percent of costs, while the military wants to eventually
bring that down to 95 percent.
Troops also will be asked to pay $3 more out of pocket for Tricare
pharmacy copays and will no longer be able to buy cheaper cigarettes and smokeless tobacco on military bases, meaning troops
will have to pay about 5percent to 20 percent more, depending on
the location.
MAY 2015 American Legion Department of IL - Department News Page 8
Customers shop at the commissary on Ramstein Air Base, Germany. A
RAND study says raising prices in military commissaries to offset decreases in tax-payer dollars could be a bad idea.
DOD plan would ‘destroy’
commissaries, industry
representatives say
The Defense Department’s fiscal 2016 budget request
would slash taxpayer support of base grocery stores by
$322 million in 2016 and by $1 billion next year, enough
to “destroy” the shopping benefit, warns the American
Logistics Association.
The entrance to the commissary at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. The
American Logistics Association says that a fiscal 2016 budget request
would slash taxpayer support of base grocery stores enough to
“destroy” the shopping benefit.
Commissary hours, discount
cuts under consideration in
new proposal
The Defense Department is again considering cutting the
hours and days that commissaries are open, the Navy
Times reported on its website.
Online Tools,
Standardized
Forms, and More
Effective March 24th, 2015, VA is implementing improvements to make it easier
for you to apply for benefits.
Online application tools, standardized
forms, and a new intent to file process will
create faster and more accurate decisions
on your claims and appeals.
What does it all mean?
As part of the VA’s full-scale transformation in 2015, these new changes will:
 Streamline the benefits process, making it faster and easier

Use standardized forms to file disability claims and compensation appeals
Establish a new intent to file a claim process
Learn more about these
important changes:
American Legion Department of IL - Department News Page 9
MAY 2015
Durbin calls to expand program for
disabled veterans
ILLINOIS – More help could be on the way for veterans if a bill sponsored by Senator Dick
Durbin passes through Congress.
Senator Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) announced a new plan to expand a popular program for caregivers of veterans Thursday in Springfield.
“It isn't just a matter of dollars and cents, it's a matter of doing the right thing,” Durbin said.
Right now, caregivers of post 9-11 veterans can access benefits including a federal stipend,
nursing training, and respite care in an effort to keep former soldiers out of costly nursing
homes. Durbin said caregivers of all disable veterans deserve a chance at the program.
"These vets want to be home, they want to be with their families,” Durbin told veterans at
VFW Post 755. “They do better when they progress and have a life."
While some worry about costs, Durbin doesn't.
"It is going to cost money and it should, and we should pay it,” he said.
In the long term, Durbin thinks money could be saved. He said nursing home costs can range
from $45,000 to more than $300,000 a year. The maximum stipends offered to caregivers is
$36,000 each year.
Connie Sneyd's husband George is partially disabled after exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam. She said the program would be helpful if her husband became totally disabled from his
war injury.
"That's very important because you burn out very easily when you take care of people,”
Sneyd said.
Vietnam Veteran Gene
Walker also suffers debilitating injuries as result of
Agent Orange exposure. He's
glad to hear the bill will help
soldiers of his era.
"There's people out here
that are forgotten guys, we
are forgotten,” Walker said.
20,000 caregivers currently
participate in the program.
Durbin estimates an expansion would include up to
80,000 more eligible caregivers.
L-R: Ashley Davis (Rockford Post 1207), Senator Dick Durbin,
Dept. Sr. Vice Commander Paul W. Gardner
MAY 2015 American Legion Department of IL - Department News Page 10
Mark Your
Calendar
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
~~~
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
~~~
97th Department Convention
Springfield, IL
July 8th—11th
~~~
Boys Nation
Washington, D.C.
July 17th—25th
~~~
Jr. Sporting Sports
National Championship
Colorado Springs, CO
July 21st—25th
~~~
American Legion Baseball
Regional Tournaments
August 4th—9th
~~~
2015-2016
National Membership
Workshop and DSO School
August 6th-8th
~~~
American Legion Baseball
World Series
Shelby, NC
August 13th –18th
~~~
American Legion
LEGACY RUN
Indy to Baltimore
August 23rd—26th
~~~
97th Annual National Convention
Baltimore, MD
August 28th—September 2nd
~~~
44th Annual SAL National
Convention
Baltimore, MD
August 28th—30th
~~~
National ALA Convention
Baltimore, MD
August 31st—September 3rd
USS Illinois Commissioning Committee
The USS Illinois, SSN 786, America’s newest fast attack submarine is currently under
construction in Groton, CT. In keeping with naval tradition, the USS Illinois Commissioning Committee was formed to provide statewide awareness of our namesake
submarine and to solicit sponsorships and donations to provide a host of precommissioning activities not paid for by the U.S. Navy and to provide ongoing postcommissioning support to the crew and families as they deploy to defend our Freedom. The Committee is made up of persons from across the state, many of whom
represent the Navy League, United States Submarine Veterans, business leaders, and
former navy veterans.
The Committee has a goal of $800,000 to provide the goods and services as stated
above. We are seeking Corporate Sponsors and individual donations to assist in this
effort. Interested parties may sign on to our web site, www.ussillinois.org to get the
details of our Committee, our responsibilities, and a secure system for making online
donations.
It is a rare honor to have a U. S. Navy Warship named after our state. Not since 1897
have we been so honored. The last ship to carry our name was USS Illinois BB7, a
WWI battleship and part of the Great White Fleet. We want to thank all Illinois Legionnaires, in advance, for your help with this worthy cause. Please contact the committee via the web site for questions and additional information.
***
SHARON CONATSER
To be Installed as
National ALA President
September 3rd
~~~
Purple Heart Day
September 7th
~~~
Labor Day
Department Office Closed
September 7th
###
American Legion Department of IL - Department News Page 11
MAY 2015
MAY 2015 American Legion Department of IL - Department News Page 12
American Legion Department of IL - Department News Page 13
MAY 2015
97th Annual Department Convention
July 7 – 12, 2015
Springfield, Illinois
FREEDOM FEST
Reservations
are
Requested
(however
walk-ins are
welcome)
Friday, July 10, 2015
6:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
700 Block of E. Adams
DOWNTOWN SPRINGFIELD IN THE ROADWAY
BETWEEN THE TWO CONVENTION HOTELS.
+++NO COVER CHARGE+++
BEER, SODA, FOOD & LIVE MUSIC
7:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
FEATURING THE BAND
“ OUT OF THE WOODS”
EVERYONE IS INVITED TO HELP
COMMANDER HANK AND PRESIDENT
ANN CELEBRATE THEIR CONVENTIONS
AND YEAR OF SERVICE.
MAY 2015 American Legion Department of IL - Department News Page 14
American Legion Department of IL - Department News Page 15
MAY 2015
$30.00 per golfer
Price includes Golf (9 hole
course), and Cart fee
1st Tee Off at 10:00 AM
QUESTIONS: Contact the
“Unofficial” Golf Chairman John
Finn at (224) 805-8901
Friday, June 26, 2015
Palatine Hills Golf Course
512 W. Northwest Highway
Palatine, IL 60067
(847) 359- 4020
Sons of The American Legion Invites You to a
Day at the Races Event at Arlington International Racetrack
WHEN: Friday, June 26, 2015
WHERE: Arlington Park Finish Line Canopy Track Level
EVENT DETAILS: Event Time: 2:00—7:00 PM; Buffet: 2:30—4:30 PM; Bar: 2:30—5:30 PM; Post Time: 3:15 PM
COST: $35.00 per person, only 48 tickets available.
INCLUDES: Admission, Program, Food, and Refreshments.
Make checks payable to: SAL 208
Mail to: John Jarosz, Jr. 121 N. Douglas Ave., Arlington, IL 60004 ——>By June 19th.
MAY 2015 American Legion Department of IL - Department News Page 16
Sharon Conatser for National President
Illinois
Team 2015
Campaign Shirts
Ladies V-Neck Polo:
ALF Logos on Left Breast
Sizes XS – 4XL
Prices: XS—XL= $30; 2XL- 4XL= $35
Men’s Polo with Pocket:
ALF Logos on Left Chest
Sizes S—4XL
Prices: S—XL= $30; 2XL—4XL= $35
Help us celebrate the election
of an Illinois Auxiliary member
to this high office. Order an
American Legion Family Illinois
“Team 2015” Shirt and show
our support for Sharon!
Order it today, wear it today. Most important
wear it when Sharon is elected in Baltimore at
the 2015 National Convention during her
installation. Show off our Illinois American
Legion Family Pride!
CHECKS PAYABLE TO: TEAM 2015
The deadline for shirt orders is August 1st.
Checks and order forms should be sent to:
Deb Lewis PO Box 152 Cisco, IL 61830-0152
Size Needed Ladies:________________
Size Needed Men’s:_______________
Quantity Ladies: ____________________
Quantity Men’s:___________________
Total # of Shirts Ordered: ____________
Amount of Check: _________________
Name: ________________________________________________________
Mailing Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________
E-Mail Address:_________________________________________________Phone #:_____________________________
SHARON CONATSER—300 CLUB WINNERS
APRIL WINNERS (drawn at April 13, 2015)
$ 500—————————————–——–——–—Deland Unit 102
$ 250————————————————————Robert Henderson
$ 150————————————————————Audrey Atteberry
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.
American Legion Department of IL - Department News Page 17
MAY 2015
City of LeRoy & Post 79 Set to Host Vietnam Memorial Traveling Wall
The City of LeRoy along with Ruel Neal American Legion Post
79 are privileged to host the Vietnam Memorial Traveling
Wall July 23-26, 2015. The Wall That Heals will be
displayed in and around the Kiwanis Park in downtown
LeRoy. It promises to attract large numbers of visitors to the
community. All are welcome to attend.
2015 marks the 40th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam
War.
There will be a motorcycle escort of the wall July 21, 2015.
If you would to participate in the escort please contact us
and provide your full contact information.
For more information go to: [email protected]
Oak Ridge Boys to receive Legion Patriot Award
The nation's largest organization of wartime veterans today announced the selection
of The Oak Ridge Boys as its 2015 recipients of
The American Legion Patriot Award.
“By using their considerable talents to
raise awareness and support for the needs of
veterans and their families, The Oak Ridge
Boys are an obvious choice for this prestigious
honor,” American Legion National Commander Michael D. Helm said. “Duane Allen, Richard Sterban, Joe Bonsall and William Lee Golden are great Americans who have entertained
people worldwide with their stirring hits and
amazing record of success. Their blend of gospel, country and rock make The Oak Ridge
Boys true American icons.”
The Patriot Award is just the latest honor for the band, which was recently selected as 2015 inductees to the Country
Music Hall of Fame. The Oak Ridge Boys were also named as celebrity “spokesband” for The American Legion and have
done several educational announcements about the services and programs offered by the Legion. Moreover, the band has
been active in Soldier’s Wish, a Legion-supported group that creates events to support military members.
The Patriot Award will be presented to The Oak Ridge Boys in Baltimore, Md., during The American Legion’s 97th Annual National Convention, Sept. 1-3.
MAY 2015 American Legion Department of IL - Department News Page 18
2014-2015 DIVISION & DISTRICT MEETING DATES
DATE
DIST. / DIV.
TIME
POST
CITY
05/08/15
2ND DISTRICT
6:00 PM
KLAS RESTAURANT
CICERO
05/15/15
10TH DISTRICT
7:30 PM
LAKE REGION POST 703 (CONVENTION & POST
EVERLASTING)
FOX LAKE
05/16/15
1ST DISTRICT
11:00 AM
MONTCLARE-LEYDEN VFW POST 1284
(ELECTIONS)
CHICAGO
05/17/15
11TH DISTRICT
1:00 PM
ELBURN POST 630 (CONVENTION)
ELBURN
05/17/15
12TH DISTRICT
1:00 PM
BAYARD BROWN POST 337 (CONVENTION)
GENOA
05/17/15
17TH DISTRICT
1:00 PM
BENSON POST 454 (CONVENTION)
BENSON
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
05/20/15
7TH DISTRICT
7:30 PM
MORTON GROVE POST 134
MORTON GROVE
05/21/15
5TH DISTRICT
7:30 PM
BELLWOOD POST 500
BELLWOOD
05/24/15
16TH DISTRICT
10:00 AM
LIMESTONE POST 979 (CONVENTION)
BARTONVILLE
05/27/15
9TH DISTRICT
7:30 PM
HOWARD H ROHDE POST 888
NORTHLAKE
05/28/15
8TH DISTRICT
8:00 PM
EVERGREEN PARK POST 854
EVERGREEN PARK
05/31/15
5TH DIVISION
TBA
ST. JACOB POST 665
ST. JACOB
05/31/15
15TH DISTRICT
10:00 AM
COLONA POST 1233
COLONA
06/07/15
2ND DIVISON
1:00 PM
LOCKPORT POST 18 (CONVENTION)
LOCKPORT
06/07/15
11TH DISTRICT
11:00 AM
LOCKPORT POST 18
LOCKPORT
06/07/15
3RD DIVISION
10:00 AM
PITTSFIELD POST152
PITTSFIELD
06/10/15
2ND DISTRICT
7:30 PM
WAYNE-WRIGHT POST 1052
CHICAGO
06/17/15
7TH DISTRICT
7:30 PM
HUERTER-WILMETTE POST 46
WILMETTE
06/18/15
5TH DISTRICT
7:30 PM
COMMODORE BARRY POST 256
BERWYN
06/19/15
10TH DISTRICT
7:00 PM
WAUCONDA POST 911
WAUCONDA
06/20/15
1ST DISTRICT
11:00 AM
MONTCLARE-LEYDEN VFW POST 1284
(PRE-CONVENTION)
CHICAGO
06/24/15
3RD DISTRICT
7:00 PM
ELVIN CAREY POST 236
CHICAGO
06/24/15
9TH DISTRICT
7:30 PM
MERLE-GUILD POST 208
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS
06/25/15
8TH DISTRICT
8:00 PM
MARRS-MEYER POST 991
WORTH

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 19
MAY 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
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]
PRESORTED
FIRST-CLASS MAIL
US POSTAGE PAID
BLOOMINGTON, IL
PERMIT No. 18
Department of Illinois ~ Official Member of The National American Legion Press Association
APRIL TRIVIA (ABE LINCOLN TRIVIA)
1.
Which two nations, constitutionally barred from military actions, send money to
support the Allied coalition against Iraq in “1991”?
2.
What Ohio city was the 1995 Bosnian peace accord signed in?
3.
What Civil War general graduated first in the West Point class of 1829?
4.
What was the B-17 long-range bomber nicknamed in World War II?
5.
What English King introduced death by boiling and legalized the killing of gypsies?
Visit our website!
Scan Here
ANSWERS:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Germany & Japan
Dayton
Robert E. Lee
The Flying Fortress
Henry VIII
MAY 2015 American Legion Department of IL - Department News Page 20