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Nearly 6,000 delegates unanimously re-affirmed The American Legion’s support for the war on terrorism during the organization’s 89th National Convention in Reno, Nevada.

“We must continue to stand by the president and advocate for adequate funding for our troops that is not contingent on a set date for troop withdrawal,” said National Commander Paul A. Morin. “Our support of Resolution 169 is unwavering.”

Resolution 169 was first passed at The American Legion’s 87th National Convention in Honolulu and re-affirmed last year in Salt Lake City. It resolves that The American Legion urges all Americans and freedom-loving people stand united in their support of the global war on terrorism and united in their support of the troops. It further resolves that national commander of The American Legion disseminate accurate information to ensure the united support of the American people.

The American Legion, which by its own constitution is nonpartisan, urges that the people support both the president who sent the troops to war and Congress, which authorized the action.

Several speakers at The American Legion National Convention pointed out that the current strategy in Iraq appears to be working. “Tired of the indiscriminate violence and turned off by al-Qaeda’s Taliban-like ideology, many shieks, tribes and local citizens are rejecting al-Qaeda,” said Gen. David Petraeus, who addressed the convention from a videotape produced in Iraq. He added that troops have been aided enormously by “the increasing assistance of everyday Iraqis.”

The American Legion, which includes 700,000 Vietnam War veterans as its members, is committed to making sure that America never again mistreats or disrespects its war veterans. Resolution 169 points out that “because of the very nature of war, the warrior can not be separated from the war itself.”

Resolution 169 also points out that the United States was “suddenly and without provocation, attacked by terrorists on September 11, 2001.” It adds, “The global war on terrorism is a just war, aimed at protecting the very foundations of freedom and freedom-loving people everywhere.”

The American Legion is producing a Resolution 169 booklet that explains the United States mission in Iraq and why it is a crucial front in the War on Terrorism. It includes a history of terrorist attacks against the United States that started long before the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The American Legion expects to release it by Sept. 11.

The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and patriotic youth programs. The Legion’s 2.7 million wartime veterans work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.

A career National Guard veteran from Champaign, Ill., has been elected national commander of the nation’s largest veterans organization.

Delegates to The American Legion’s 89th National Convention here chose Martin F. (Marty) Conatser to lead the 2.7 million-member organization of wartime veterans for a one-year term.

Conatser retired from the National Guard in 1996 as a sergeant major. He is a member of the Lincoln American Legion Post #102 in DeLand, Ill., and has served in many leadership roles during his 25-years as a member of The American Legion.

Conatser has served as District, Division and Department (State) Membership Director and Commander. At the national level, he was on the Membership and Post Activities Committee and became its chairman in 2003. During 2004 and 2005 he chaired the National Legislative Commission.

He also served as Chairman of the Piatt County Veterans Day Celebration for 12 years. He is a member of the Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans in Canada (ANAVICUS) - U.S. Unit, Past State Commanders Club, Masonic Lodge #812, AMVETS Post #4, Egyptian Past Commanders Club, Lincoln Challenge Academy Memorial Committee and the Dads Association of the University of Illinois.

Conatser resides in Champaign, Ill., with his wife, Sharon and is the father of three boys, Richard, Rick, and Bryan. Two daughters-in-law, a grandson, and two granddaughters are all members of the American Legion family.

Conatser took the oath of office long with five other national officers. Serving as national vice commanders are Thomas L. Burns, Jr. of Ocean View, Del.; Peggy G. Dettori of Kodiak, Alaska; Randall A. Fisher of Louisville, Ky.; Donald J. Hayden of Kilkenny, Minn.; and David A. Korth, of Marshfield, Wisc.

National Historian James M. Holmes of Speedway, Ind.; National Sergeant at Arms Denver Ray Phelps of Ogden, Ill.; and National Chaplain Rev. Elliott Laurence Foss, Jr. of Kingsland, Ga., were appointed to their positions by Conatser following the close of the national convention.

RENO, NEVADA (Aug. 28, 2007)  - Former major league baseball player Rick Monday, a member of the Board of the Citizens Flag Alliance, said he was grateful that President Bush voiced his support for a constitutional amendment to protect Old Glory during a speech before The American Legion today.

Monday, a broadcaster for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and his wife, Barbaralee, sat just a few feet from the president, as he addressed the approximately 6,000 in attendance at The American Legion’s 89^th National Convention. Monday had a highly successful major league career but he will be forever linked with to an incident that occurred on April 25, 1976, while he was playing for the Chicago Cubs.  When two protestors attempted to burn the U.S. flag on the field at Dodger Stadium in the middle of a game, Monday swiped the flag before they were successful - an act that motivated the crowd of more than 30,000 to break into a spontaneous rendition of “God Bless America.” The scoreboard lit up with the message, “Rick Monday, you made a great play,” for the visiting player and future Dodger. It was ranked as one of the 100 greatest moments in baseball history by Baseball Hall of Fame voters.“The American flag means so much to our country, especially our veterans,” Monday said. “In my mind, what the protestors were trying to do was wrong. It was wrong 31 years ago and it is still wrong today. There is no place for it.”On this point, Monday has a strong ally in the Oval Office. “ I appreciate your efforts to honor the American flag,” Bush told The American Legion. “There are those who say the flag is just a piece of cloth. That's not the view of those who bled for it and saw it drape the caskets of some of our finest men and women. It was the American flag that we planted proudly on Iwo Jima, that first graced the silver surface of the moon. The country is careful to protect many things because of what they symbolize. Surely we can find a way to show equal respect for the symbol that our soldiers and sailors and airmen and Marines and Coast Guard's men and women have risked their lives for -- the flag of our nation. So today I join the Legion in calling on the United States Congress to make protection of the flag the law of our land.”Monday, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, and Barbaralee, a member of the American Legion's Women's Auxiliary, have spent hundreds of hours visiting wounded veterans recovering at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, and many others around the country. “We are both committed to honoring this symbol of our freedoms, and will continue to champion the efforts to protect it. Our nation's flag," continued Monday, "represents all the rights and freedoms protected by the sacrifices of our heroes. It’s gratifying to know that the president is also committed to this righteous cause.”Monday was just recently honored by The American Legion with a James V. Day Good Guy Award, which is named after a World War II veteran and prominent Legionnaire. Monday, a member of Woodward, Iowa American Legion Post 211, sometimes travels with the famous flag that he saved from desecration more than 30 years ago. While holding the flag during a recent visit by the Mondays, a wounded service member started to bleed from an earlier shrapnel injury to his hand. Monday recalled that the soldier started to panic and told Barbaralee to take the flag because he “refused to bleed on it. He was willing to die for it, but he was not willing to bleed on it. He vowed not to desecrate the flag.” During Monday’s Good Guy Award presentation, American Legion National Commander Paul A. Morin said “We're here today to honor an outstanding American. You just need to read Rick Monday’s bio to realize how much he truly represents what The American Legion is all about. You think to that day when he rescued the flag and you realize that he did it because of his upbringing and his belief in the American way of life.”

The American Legion, www.legion.org , was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and patriotic youth programs. The Legion’s 2.7 million wartime veterans work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.

Photo: Tom Strattman

It was 12-year-old Caitlin Keif’s first time ever marching in an American Legion National Convention parade. She doesn’t plan on it being her last.

Keif was one of dozens of American Legion Junior Auxiliary members marching in the 89th National Convention parade in Reno on Aug. 27. A member of the Junior Auxiliary since shortly after she was born, Keif enjoyed the experience.

“It was fun, but it was kind of embarrassing,” said Keif, a member of Unit 409 in Allen park, Mich. “It was just kind of different marching in front of all these people. But I’d definitely like to do it again. I like helping veterans, and it’s nice to hear their stories.”

Traveling down Virginia Street, with a backdrop of both old and new casinos, souvenir shops and motor lodges straight out of the 1950s, the national-champion Joliet, Ill., American Legion Band opened the parade with a stirring rendition of “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”

Temperatures had reached the mid-90s prior to the parade, but the shade provided by the historic and newer casinos along Virginia Avenue made conditions much better than expected. Heavy wind gusts in the final 20 minutes of the parade were Mother Nature’s only negative contribution to the event.

“We really got a good weather day, as far as temperatures go,” said Tom Buntin, a member of Post 1 in Reno and one of the marchers in the Department of Nevada delegations. “And Virginia Street is such a great venue for this parade.”

A procession of more than 50 American Legion Riders, revving their engines along the main strip, drew one of the loudest responses from the crowd. Jerick Johnson, the driver of Legion Racing’s No. 76 car, drew a similar response when hitting the gas pedal on his car in front of the reviewing stand.

In addition to delegates from every department, bands and color guards from Illinois, New Hampshire, Nevada, North Dakota, Vermont, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, New York and Missouri performed.

“It wasn’t as bad as I thought, but you still get a little pooped,” said Gene Borud, a tuba player in the Minnesota Ninth District Band and member of Post 21 in Moorhead, Minn. “It doesn’t help carrying (the tuba), but it’s still fun. We are a bunch of gray hairs, so we get tired a little easier.”

Brig. Gen. Bob Fitch served as grand marshal, while Capt. Michael H. Glaser was deputy grand marshal. Immediate Past National Commander Thomas L. Bock was honorary grand marshal.

“We love this,” Buntin said. “It’s a good chance to show people in Reno what a great organization The American Legion is.”

Monday, Aug. 27

7:00 a.m.        Veteran Business Training Seminar: Convention Center, Room A12 (until 5 p.m.)

Tuesday, Aug. 28

7:00 a.m.       Veteran Business Training Seminar: Convention Center, Room A12 (until 5 p.m.)

11:00 a.m.      Recruit Military Career Fair: Convention Center, Rooms A1, A2, A5, and A6 – Until 3:00 p.m.

General Session: Convention Center, Hall 4, 1^st Level

8:30 a.m.           Patriotic Opening with veteran actor James McEachin; Spirit of Service Awards to each branch of military service; Youth Champions

10:00 a.m.         President of the United States George W. Bush

11:15 a.m.         Country Artist Michael Peterson

11:30 a.m.         Gen. C. Campbell, Commander, U.S. Army Forces Command

12:25 p.m.         Honorable John Ensign, U.S. Senator

                        Honorable Jim Gibbons, Governor of the State of Nevada

                        Honorable Robert Cashell, Mayor of the City of Reno

                        Honorable Geno Martini, Mayor of the City of Sparks

1:25 p.m.            National Commander Paul A. Morin Report to Convention

1:45 p.m.            Lt. Gen. Jack C. Stultz, Chief, U.S. Army Reserve

2:05 p.m.            Brig. Gen. Michael C. Flowers, Commander, Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command

Wednesday, Aug. 29 – General Session: Convention Center, Hall 4, 1^st Level

9:05 a.m.          Gen. David H. Petraeus, Commander, Multi National Force – Iraq (via video)

9:35 a.m.          Honorable James Nicholson, Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs

9:55 a.m.          Honorable Bob Filner, Chairman, Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, U.S. House of Representatives

10:15 a.m.         Harry Walters, President, Veterans Coalition, inc., Commission on the Future for America’s Veterans

10:35 a.m.         Bruce A. Wilcox, President General, National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution

10:55 a.m.         Presentation of The American Legion Patriot Award to Kasiah Hancock, Manti, Utah and Michael Reagan, Edmonds, Washington

Thursday, Aug. 30 – General Session: Convention Center, Hall 4, 1^st Level

9:05 a.m.     Fourth Estate Award Presentation to News Channel 5, Nashville, Tenn.

Noon           Election of The American Legion National Commander for the 2007-2008 term

Media Credentials: Public Relations, Convention Center, Hall 5, Reno-Sparks Convention Center, (775) 335-7280; Fax: (775) 335-7291. Media Contacts: Ramona Joyce (Cellular) 202-445-1161 or Joe March (Cellular) 317-748-1926.

By Steve Brooks
Men and women leaving the military have the skills and training necessary to succeed in a variety of professions. Planning to find those jobs prior to leaving the military is the key to successfully transitioning to civilian life.

 That was one of the messages delivered to The American Legion’s National Economic Commission by U.S. Department of Labor Assistant Secretary Charles Ciccolella, who oversees Veterans’ Employment and Training. Ciccolella briefed the commission on Aug. 25 during the organization’s National Convention in Reno.

 “You work up until the day you leave the military, and then you begin looking for another job,” Ciccolella said. “Our mission is to help them build a plan for finding that new job. Many leave the military without a plan. Many of them are younger veterans who will take longer to find a job because it’s the first time they’re entering the workforce. Veterans are a full percentage point lower than non-veterans when it comes to unemployment numbers. Veterans do well in the workforce once they get in the workforce.”

 Ciccolella said through the DoL’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP), veterans are more likely to find jobs at a quicker pace than those who don’t advantage of the program. DoL conducts TAP Employment Workshops at military installations throughout the country. Workshop attendees learn about job searches, career decision-making, current occupational and labor market conditions, and resume and cover letter preparation and interviewing techniques. Participants also are provided with an evaluation of their employability relative to the job market and receive information on the most current veterans’ benefits.

 “Sixty-five to 70 percent of transitioning servicemembers participate in the workshops,” he said. “Our goal is 85 percent. Our surveys have shown that TAP participants find employment three times sooner than non-TAP participants.

 Ciccolella said his office also talks to employers about the benefits of hiring veterans. “We reach out to employers to help them develop a strategy for hiring veterans, sometimes by using veterans already in their own organizations,” he said. “We also educate employers why it is in their best interest to hire veterans. So many veterans have the experience they’re looking for.”

DoL’s ReaLifelines, established in 2004, is  DoL program that works with agencies at the federal, state and local levels to provide job assistance for wounded servicemembers exiting the military. The program helps wounded servicemembers find a new job, return to their pre-service employer, understand their rights and workplace laws, learn about federal employment and find assistance for their families.

Ciccolella praised The American Legion’s role in transition assistance and said the organization can continue to help by:
· Getting to know VETS state directors;
· Making frequent contact DoL’s Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program coordinators and Local  Veterans’ Employment Representative;
· Supporting the Legion’s Heroes to Hometowns program;
· Making the Legion’s Family Support Network continue to succeed; and
· Referring homeless veterans to DVOPs and Homeless Veterans Reintegration Programs.

He also praised the Legion for working in tandem with his office to promote veterans job fairs. One such fair, sponsored by RecruitMilitary and The American Legion, is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Aug. 28 in the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.

Photographs by COL T. Scott Lloyd, U.S. Army FreedomTeamSalute.com

                RENO, NEVADA (Aug. 24, 2007) - A free two-day seminar to assist military veteran business owners build and grow their businesses will be held in conjunction with the 89^th National Convention of The American Legion in Reno this month.

 

The event has been fully sponsored and is free to veterans, their spouses and business partners.  There are only 130 seats and early registration is strongly encouraged.

 

Strategies on obtaining government contracts, working with elected leaders, writing Requests for Proposal (RFPs), state and federal procurement, working with GSA and more will be addressed during the seminar.  A bonus session will be held the prior Saturday, Aug. 25, to registered participants.

The latest seminar in the Small Business Task Force Seminar series held by The American Legion will be held at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, Room A12 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 27 and Tuesday, Aug. 28.

For information or to register online go to:

http://www.nevbrc.com/Legion_Conference_Training_Schedule_Reno.pdf.

Military wartime veterans of all war eras are invited to stop by and join the nation’s largest veterans organization at the national headquarters office at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center beginning Tuesday, Aug. 21 through Aug. 30.

                The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and patriotic youth programs. The Legion’s 2.7 million wartime veterans work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.

By William H. Sloan

The American Legion Legacy Run picked up some more Riders and machines overnight, and 140 machines roared out of Coralville, Iowa, under very dark clouds. It was a race to the west to try to get out from under the weather, and many Riders risked a soaking by leaving their rain gear packed. As it happened, rain continued to threaten the Run until just before the first gas stop in Des Moines, but the beautiful Iowa sun finally broke through and rewarded us with a break from the rain. Special thanks to Tom Hitchcock and his fuel team and traffic crew for a job well done.

Back on the bikes at Uncle Dick's air horn. 88 miles before lunch at Walnut, Iowa. What a great town. Barbecue sandwiches, as long as they lasted, and for the lucky few in the back of the line one of the ladies made up some delicious potato chip sandwiches. (Hey! Don't laugh. They were good.) Somehow more meat appeared and everyone had time to eat and stroll the pretty streets and shops. The post, located on the main street of the town, was very obviously a center of importance in Walnut. Well done, Iowa and Walnut Legionnaires!

Off to Nebraska. 115 miles to go for the next rest and chance to relieve sore muscles. But all pain and suffering were completely forgotten as we caught sight of children and adults lining the interstate, with rows of U.S. flags, American Legion Riders flags, welcoming us to the Cornhusker State. Within minutes we passed beneath two Nebraska overpasses, filled to capacity with men and women, even ROTC students and others in full uniform saluting us as we passed. I was aware that Nebraska was planning it, but even I was touched by the tremendous show of popular support for our cause. There must have been more than a dozen overpasses packed with people cheering us on...with that kind of support I felt sure that we will accomplish our goal.

More gas in Lincoln, Nebraska. Bob Swanson and his crew deserve accolades for successfully (and safely) getting us all gassed and watered. The sun was out in all its glory, and would remain out for the rest of they day. Then back on the bikes all too quickly for the last leg--a baking 103 mile trip to Grand Island, Neb., where police provide an escort for the six miles between the hotel and I-80. After checking in, we were escorted to the United Veterans Club for a great presentation and cold, cold water out of a semi-trailer provided by Affiliated Foods. They also invited National Commander Paul Morin to say a few words. He did, and in fact presented the company with a National Commander's certificate in exchange for $1,000 in donations. Then we rode a few blocks over to the Grand Island VA Center for a moving memorial dedication to Staff Sgt. Jeffery Hanson, who was killed in Iraq. The dedication was also attended by Gov. David Heinemann and Legionnaire Gary Wetzel, a Medal of Honor recipient and Vietnam War veteran.

One could sense a change in the Riders. They seemed more relaxed, but at the same time they were more focused on the tasks ahead. They were careful to check gear before rolling, or to assist nearby Riders with a loose strap or a misplaced pair of gloves or sunglasses. On Sunday they were a collection of individuals. Today they were forming into a team.

Editor’s Note: The American Legacy Run is a cross-country motorcycle ride to raise money for The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund. The scholarships help the children of U.S. servicemembers killed in the War on Terror attend college. The American Legacy Run is heading to Reno, Nevada, site of The American Legion’s 89th National Convention.

Photos of day two:

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By William H. Sloan

One hundred tired and road-weary Legacy Run riders were cheered tonight by a wonderful reception on arrival in Coralville, Iowa, after completing the first of six grueling days of intense motorcycle touring with The American Legion Legacy Run. Members and Riders from Coralville Post 721 had arranged for the Riders to meet and greet the staff, patients, and residents of the Coralville VAMC, where The American Legion Freedom Car had earlier arrived with driver Jerrick Johnson. Afterwards, National Commander Paul A. Morin led the Riders to the Coralville National Guard Armory to end the day with a great meal and a ceremony to honor local veterans.



And what a day it had been. More than 150 motorcycles with more than 200 operators and passengers, departed from Speedway, Indiana's Post 500 after a day of preliminary activity that included a lap of the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway.



Fair weather blessed the first leg of the Legacy Run, made quickly and safely in large part because of the professionalism of the Indiana State Highway Patrol, whose officers saluted us at the state line. Making the exit for the first gas stop inside Illinois reminded the Riders that they were making a very difficult and demanding journey. We were riding 2,100 miles to make certain that no child of a warrior who falls during the War on Terror need worry about funding for a college education.



The riders were stunned by the tremendous showing of support from motorists giving them "thumbs up!" and from the banners, flags. Rider vests and Legion caps visible at almost every overpass encountered during the day. What a grand organization we have!



Efficiently refueled in Oakwood (despite being the first gas stop experience for many riders) and rested after a very eventful morning, the Legacy Run set out in fine weather only to be met with a tremendous rain storm--nature's way of cooling things off. But it stopped, and by the time the Run reached Morton, Illinois the Riders were none the worse for a little drenching. The Morton American Legion turned out in force to welcome and refresh the Run with a friendly greeting and expertly prepared pork steaks during the lunch stop. This is a post to return to in the future!

The American Legion Riders of Chapter 154, Bettendorf, IL, led by chapter president Robert Chitwood, moved the riders expertly through the second fuel stop near Davenport, Iowa, and quickly refueled all the machines. This gave the riders a few more precious seconds to adjust straps, check weather gear, and make sure everything was properly stowed away for the last 53 miles into Coralville.

It was a busy day. It was a tiring day. It was, for many who have returned from last year's run, an emotional day meeting old friends. It was the first day of The American Legion Legacy Run to Reno, 2007.

Starting on Sunday, August 19, hundreds of veterans on a motorcycles will caravan across seven states, united by one common goal: to raise scholarship money for children of U.S. military personnel killed on duty since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

American Legion National Commander Paul A. Morin will lead the second annual “American Legacy Run” from The American Legion’s headquarters city of Indianapolis, Indiana to the 89th Annual American Legion National Convention in Reno, Nevada.

The Riders will depart Indianapolis and run through Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming and Idaho to raise $250,000 for the American Legacy Scholarship Fund.

As an unfortunate consequence of America’s war on terror, many children of our active-duty military personnel are now members of single-parent families. In most cases, this also means their chances to attend college have greatly diminished. Children of military personnel who die on active duty are entitled to receive some money toward a college education, but it is not enough.

Providing for the children our military personnel left behind is our civic duty, and an education is a powerful way to show our thanks. Members of The American Legion Family are working together to make sure their children have the opportunity these parents were unable to provide.

According to American Legacy Run event planners, hundreds of motorcycle riders are expected to participate in the five-day journey from Indianapolis to the 2007 Annual American Legion National Convention in Reno. Hundreds more, from all over America, are expected to hook up at some point along the way. Legionnaires at posts along the route to Reno will conduct fundraising activities and events in support of the American Legacy Scholarship Fund.

Not all Riders can start the event in Indianapolis or join the Legacy Run enroute to Reno. Therefore the American Legacy Run event planners encourages American Legion Riders and friends from all points of the compass to travel directly to Reno to attend the National Convention and American Legion Rider Rally.

It is not necessary to ride with The Legacy Run from Indianapolis to participate in this national event—but we hope you can join us. In fact, this is something that all Americans can support.

Every citizen of America can contribute as a tangible way of saying ‘thank you.’ If you ride a motorcycle, join us. If you don’t, become a non-rider supporter.

Registration is $35 per rider and $15 per passenger, which pays for access to the run and associated activities. A commemorative packet will be given to all registrants. A "Supporter" option on the Registration Form is for the convenience of those who wish to contribute the registration fee of $35 to support The American Legion Legacy Run. They will receive the Run Patch and the full registration package with our compliments.

Riders will stop in every state along the route for promotional events and to collect donations from Riders, American Legion Family members and business communities along the way. Stops and events planned include:

August 18, 2007 Final Registration and Road Captain training at American Legion Post 500, Speedway, Indiana.

August 19, Early morning assembly and departure from Post 500.

August 19, Overnight stop in Iowa City, Iowa

August 20, Overnight stop in Grand Island, Nebraska

August 21 – Overnight stop in Cheyenne, Wyoming

August 22 – Overnight stop in Evanston, Wyoming

August 23 – Overnight stop in Elko, Nevada

August 24 – Early afternoon arrival in Reno, Nevada

August 25 – American Legion Riders National Rally

August 26 – American Legion National Convention Parade

Photo by James V. Carroll

More than 10,000 members of The American Legion family will converge on Reno, Nev. starting Aug. 24 for the 89th annual convention of the nation’s largest veterans service organization.

Delegates from every state, the District of Columbia and four overseas “departments,” along with members of The American Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of The American Legion will arrive with their families to conduct the business of their respective organizations and spend an estimated $17 million in the process.

In addition to bringing top national newsmakers to address the convention, military veterans, servicemembers on active duty, National Guard/Reserves and their spouses are invited to a free job fair on Aug. 28 at the Reno Sparks Convention Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The public will be treated to the nation’s most colorful, patriotic parade on Aug. 26 at 4 p.m.

“This is our first national convention in Reno and we’re absolutely delighted,” said Jeff Olson, chairman of the national convention commission. “We anticipate using nearly 20,000 room nights in Reno Hotels and look forward to an exciting and mutually beneficial event.”

Gov. Jim Gibbons, Sen. John Ensign, Rep. Dean Heller and Mayors Robert Cashell and Geno Martini will welcome Legionnaires on Tuesday, Aug. 28.

While the official sessions are held Aug. 28 to 30, a series of commission meetings will start the previous Saturday through Monday to consider resolutions to be brought before convention. Once voted on by delegates, resolutions become the official policy and legislative positions of The American Legion – the roadmap for lobbying the U.S. Congress for the next year. Some Legionnaires and staff will arrive as early as Aug. 20.

Military wartime veterans of all eras are invited to stop by and join the nation’s largest veterans organization at the national headquarters office at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center beginning Tuesday, Aug. 21.

The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and patriotic youth programs. The Legion’s 2.7 million wartime veterans work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.

SAL National Commander Earl Ruttkofsky, Precision National Champion Dempster Christsenson, Sporter National Champion Noel Maxwell, National Commander Paul A. Morin.

USA SHOOTING RANGE, COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. – Noel Maxwell, a 13-year-old female shooter from Bowling Green, Kentucky preformed under intense pressure in the final shoot-off to capture the sporter crown at the 17th annual American Legion Junior Air Rifle National Championship, August 9-11. One record was broken as thirty junior air rifle competitors met at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.

Maxwell, the youngest National Champion in the 17 year history of the program, claimed the sporter championship firing a 2309.7/2509. She shoots for the Corvette City Shooting Team, which is sponsored by Post 23.

Dempster Christenson, 17, of Sioux Falls, S.D., won the overall Precision championship with a score of 2462.2/2509. Christenson is a member of the Humboldt Sharpshooters, sponsored William H. Crippen Post 62.

Also observing the competition was 1992 rifle Olympic Gold medalist Launi Meili. Meili, got her start as youth through a shooting program sponsored by the Cheney, Washington American Legion Post. She recently assumed the duties as the rifle coach for the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Kurt Hakola set the new sporter final shoot-off record of 96.4 out of possible 109, eclipsing the old record of 93.7 set in 2004. Hakola also finished fifth overall in the sporter category with a score of 2263.4. The Port Crane, New York native shoots for the Binghamton Rifle Club, sponsored by Post 1845.

Rounding out the top five in the two categories were:

Precision competition - Kyle Smith shot a 2459.9 to take second place honors. Smith is from DuBois, Pa., and shoots for the, DuBois Rifle and Pistol Club, sponsored by DuBois Post 17.
Abigail Stanic of Wadsworth, Ohio, fired a 2452.8 to capture third place. She is a member of the Ashland Eagles, sponsored by Fairview Park Post 738.

Joseph Walkowicz finished in fourth place with a 2457.0. He is from Nashville, Tenn., and shoots for Montgomery Bell Academy, sponsored by Brentwood Post 156.

Rounding out the top five was Matthew Pueppke of Amenia, N.D., who shot a 2448.0. Pueppke, a 2005 national championship finalist shoots for the Buffalo Sharpshooters, sponsored by Dokken & Schroeder Post 223.

Sporter competition - Second place went to Marco Aguayo of McAllen, Texas, with a score of 2308.3. He is a member of the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo H.S. JROTC marksmanship team, sponsored by Vermund G. Hanson Post 101.
Kaitlyn Martin of Peralta, N.M., fired a 2288.5 for third place. She shoots for the Valencia County 4-H Shooting Sports team sponsored by Post 85.

Taking fourth was Joe Montanez shooting a 2272.7. Montanez is also a member of the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo H.S. JROTC marksmanship team.

The tournament staff selected Kaitlyn Martin as the recipient of the annual Francis M. Redington Sportsmanship award. The Francis M. Redington Sportsmanship award was established in May 2005 in the memory of Redington, a long time tournament staff member, who passed away in 2003. Martin was selected as the athlete competing in the national championship who best exemplified good sportsmanship and fair play.

The American Legion’s Junior Shooting Sports program offers junior shooters the opportunity to participate in Olympic-style competition while also providing instruction on the safe handling of firearms.

Contact: Mike Buss: 317/630-1249 or 1210

Create the Event to Promote Programs of The American Legion

One thing I have noticed in my travels as national commander is that there is an increase in community support for American Legion programs wherever Legionnaires take the time and make the effort to create an event.

Take for instance the initiative by the members of American Legion Post 28 in Spartanburg, S.C. They are exploring ways to help wounded service members make the difficult transition home. It's not easy for these returning heroes who have lost limbs, sustained brain injuries or suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Their game plan is to match resources in the community to provide for their needs.  The assistance they may need can range from job search assistance, to fixing minor electrical or plumbing problems in their homes, to building wheelchair ramps at their houses, to providing financial assistance and counseling. 

Jack Crites, past commander of American Legion Post 28 in Spartanburg who is leading the “Heroes to Hometowns” effort, spoke to a reporter from the Spartanburg Herald Journal about the program and did a nice job.

“It seems the country has suddenly awakened and realized that we have a lot of wounded soldiers and they need help,” Crites said at the meeting last Monday. 
“We hope that we will have enough contacts in the community that we can get help for them in other ways, too,” Crites said.

The American Legion Auxiliary was also quoted in the article.

“Mary Jo Crites of the auxiliary unit of Spartanburg’s American Legion Post 28 stated that the auxiliary’s role in “Heroes to Hometowns” would be taking care of families of returning service members, providing baby-sitting or taking wives out to lunch, “just so the women